Espied in SF

Wedding Bells

2006-07-31T10:59:00.000-07:00

As I announced over at the Painted Ground, I'm getting married this weekend.

The bad thing for you loyal readers is that Espied will not be updated for a couple weeks. The good thing is... well... I'm getting married.

A couple of weeks ago I had my bachelor party. As I was walking to the best man's house, I saw this at the corner:

As it was my custom I took a picture of it, thinking it was another rant from David Bradbury HǺning. As I walked away I thought to myself, "Why is my fiancee's name on there?" I walked back and noticed the references to myself and my dog.

By contrast, this is the template that my friends used:
Apparently they know me all too well. I have an unhealthy obsession with graffiti and they chose to express their tribute to me and my fiancee by copying David Bradbury HǺning.

They also know how obsessed I am with We Are Ravens, as evident in this stencil:

Although someone was a bit dyslexic, I chose to overlook it. I thought it was a nice gesture.

Was it a good evening? Well, all I can that as the limo drove down Market Street at 2:30 am I was shouting, "Embrace the vagina!" out the window. I'd say it was a good night.

See you in a couple of weeks!

Mildred

2006-07-27T10:43:00.000-07:00

************************************
[espied somewhere in the lower haight]

Know Your Neighbours: Carlos Romero

2006-07-26T13:37:00.000-07:00

BST
Originally uploaded by BigSloppyTags.

Well!

A little pricey, no?

Does Gav have a wild hair up his you-know-what?

Will it curb the graffiti or will this turn into a Chicago Turk-182-type war?

Don't Let the Door Hit Ya Where the Good Lord Split Ya

2006-07-20T12:01:00.000-07:00

*************************************
[espied at the site once known as kfc - valencia @ hill]

Know Your Neighbours Special Report: BNE

2006-07-18T14:12:00.000-07:00

We had no intentions of really concentrating on this grafitiosta for quite some time. Honestly, we were waiting for him to come up with something new. Then this appeared in the newspaper this morning.

Looks like Gavin is hellbent on catching BNE. Can't say that I don't blame him. The stickers are on every other parking meter downtown. A little over the top, we think.

Know Your Neighbours: We Can Save Each Other (pt. 4)

2006-07-17T19:49:00.000-07:00

As the war of the hopeful hipsters vs. the hopeful hipster haters heated up, a new stencil popped up:

But, unbeknownst to the hate-filled hipsters, our friends at We Can Save Each Other were plotting a revenge.

Ouch! Burn! That'll teach you, hopeful hipster haters!

2006-07-12T22:56:00.000-07:00

**************************
[espied on o'farrell street]

Know Your Neighbours: We Can Save Each Other (pt. 3)

2006-07-05T22:50:00.000-07:00

Not only did people fight back with new stencils, they fought back with Sharpies. The first of these to appear showed up on the Wall & actually preceded the "Honky" stencils. This is most likely done by the same author:

Next up, the people started fighting back on the sidewalks around Dolores Park:

The vegans also started fighting back. This one was spotted in front of Herbivore on Valencia Street:

Wow.

And we thought that the vegans were all nice and stuff.

Know Your Neighbours: We Can Save Each Other (pt. 2)

2006-06-28T08:29:00.000-07:00

The backlash started within two weeks of the appearance of the We Can Save Each Other stencils.

Little did we know that this wasn't the end of the story.

Know Your Neighbours: We Can Save Each Other (pt. 1)

2006-06-26T08:49:00.000-07:00

A few months ago the city of San Francisco was innundated with a series of stencils that started appearing on the sidewalks. Valencia Street was covered with them. Each side of the street one could find stencils such as this:

And this:
And this:

Other sayings included:

They also ventured out into the realm of stickerdom:

Other stickers included:

We slowly started to realize that not only did this group of stencil grafitiostas hit up the Mission, they hit Hayes Valley, the Castro, Dolores Park, and practically every inch of sidewalk in San Francisco.

While the Staff of the Painted Ground gushed over the beauty of their statements, the rest of San Francisco started to get annoyed.

The backlash tomorrow.

Hey! Where'd Bob Go?

2006-06-23T12:32:00.000-07:00

We giggle every time we see this picture.

Know Your Neighbours: Zefrey

2006-06-22T17:33:00.000-07:00

In Late 2005, the staff of the Painted Ground (namely, me and DDT) started noticing that a new stencil graffitiosta had moved to the neighbourhood. He called himself Zefrey. Little did we know that he was going to be prolific and hold the honor of the second NRG we've ever talked about.

At first we did not know what to make of Zefrey's statement of longing and self-importance. Was Zefrey a band? Was a new blockbuster movie we were not aware of? What kind of product was Zefrey selling?

Relief came when we started seeing the hand written Zefrey stickers around town. We came to the conclusion that either the hype machine ran out of money or that Zefrey is a one-man graffiti-ing machine. We prefered to think of it as the latter.

We're still a bit uncertain as to why Zefrey loves us so damn much. We've personally never met the guy, but we think we know someone who knows someone who had a class with Zefrey's great aunt's daughter once removed. So, we kinda know him. We've never had a drink with him or anything. Although, I suppose it's possible that he was in line in front of us at Papalote once.

It's good to know that he believes in something, though.

God knows we need another person with another agenda in San Francisco.

Recently he started branching out into another medium, that of posters on the Wall. It came to a surprise when we saw the above poster. It's quite nice. Although, we are beginning to worry about him.

Does he need to get laid? Did someone break his heart so much that he has irrepairable damage? Y'know, there comes a point where you have to let go. Find someone else. There are so many fish in the sea and all tha crap. Craigslist is a great place to meet women. We know someone who met their future spouse on MySpace, too. Granted, he lives a continent away, but they seem to make things work.

Zefrey tends to make San Franciscans know that he is responsible for his own work.

There is one exception that we've come across, though.

If this wasn't written on the neon green sticker, then we would have overlooked it.

Is this a sign of confidence or sloppiness? What is he trying to accomplish? Why do we keep asking rhetorical questions?

Know Your Neighbours: Loverboy

2006-06-20T22:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the first of what I hope to be many posts about Non-Repeat Graffitiostas.

Non-Repeat Graffitiostas (NRGs) are those graffiti artists that tend to be varied in their numerous postings all over a certain city. Usually there is one thing that acts as the glue to connect the postings. Whether it be a symbol or the same signature or name. NRGs are quite often original with their statements.

Take Loverboy for, example.

Loverboy, unlike his (?) Canadian rock group counterpart, posts stickers all over the city with different comments. I've never come across a repeat, although I suppose it is possible.

The little heart after each of his statements caused me to dub him Loverboy. I guess I wasn't in an original mood then

Like many of the other NRGs, Loverboy's statements can be found in the nooks and crannies of San Francisco. Look close enough. I'm sure you can find something in your neighborhood. Check out the newspaper boxes and street signs. I found the following on a sticker in the middle of a median.

He tends to get around as well. I've seen his stickers in the Mission, the Lower Haight and the SOMA. Although I've yet to look in other neighborhoods, I'm sure he has hit several others.

Apples & Oranges, My Friend. Apples & Oranges!

2006-06-16T11:52:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I know. They're comparing two different things. I don't get it either.

It reminds me of the conversation I had with my mom. When Blockbuster started to convert to solely DVD's my parents took advantage of the VHS closeouts. They would buy three movies on VHS at a time for something like ten dollars.

Being the snooty movie snob son that I am, I chastised her for doing this. The VHS tape had gone the way of the dinosaur and here she was trying to preserve these fossils. I let her know that DVD's were so much better than tape. They look better, too.

She insisted that VHS looks a lot better than DVD. I couldn't convince her otherwise. Still, my dad knows that she's full of "balloon juice." After decades of being married you have to just ignore your spouse's idiosyncrasies. Otherwise it'll just drive you nuts.

At least my dad knows the power of the DVD.

All hail the DVD.

If anything better comes to replace the DVD I won't accept it, though. Damn kids and their new recording formats.

******************************
[espied right next to lost weekend]

We Are Espied: The Year We Make Contact

2006-06-12T23:38:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I made a comment about how much I love the grafitiostas named "We Are Ravens!"

A lot has happened since then. DDT has moved out of town to establish the second chapter for the Painted Ground and the following Saturday I got drunk lamenting the fact that he has left the neighborhood. What does an self-respecting drunk man do on a Saturday night? Why, surf the web of course!

An idea had been mulling around my brain for a few days. Alcohol was the culprit who let that beast out. With reckless abandon I decided to head on over to the best place in the net to communicate with complete strangers. You know it as Craigslist.

I posted the following:

"We Are Ravens!!

Where have you been?

We miss you.

Love,
Espied and the Painted Ground."

What did I have to lose? An anonymous post like this had an extremely large change of being ingnored. I knew that. I just wanted to see what would happen. I did not expect a damn thing.

A week passed. I nursed my hangover and life went on.

Then, last Friday night (6/9/06) I came across the following, posted at 24th and Guerrero, right across the street from the hallowed garbage can:

If I were a teenage girl I would have squealed with delight. Instead, I immediately ran home and grabbed my camera. I couldn't I was filled with glee the whole night long. In fact, I had trouble falling asleep. It's as if I just made contact with an alien race. I'm not positive that they were talking to me or not, but I'd like to think that they were.

It seemed that We Are Ravens! was busy that weekend. PG staffer Vigilant_Josh also found this a few steps away from his apartment:

I would love to take this one home with me, but I'm afraid of this cushion. I'm almost positive it smells of dog pee-pee by now. If I wash it I'd be afraid that the ink would be washed away.

*sigh*

We Are Ravens! Thanks for making our weekend a little happier over here in the Mission and up in the Pac NW. It's true. We did miss you! Now that you're back, won't you visit more often?

The Wall

2006-06-09T11:10:00.000-07:00

I realized in my last post I mentioned a wall. I then realized that I have not given you fair readers a proper introduction to The Wall.

The Wall is part of a building that was once the Mission Police Station before the new, state-of-the-art station was built on Valencia and 17th. It's situated on Valencia Street between 23rd and 24th Streets. Once the boys in blue evacuated the premises someone converted it into condos. Or so I'm told. I never see anyone entering or exiting this little building. For all I know it could be still vacant.

The Wall is one of the many places on Valencia Street where street artists can express themselves through the many posters, stickers, and stencils. The ever-changing wall is a sight to see. Come by and visit when you get a chance.

I'd Vote for Him

2006-06-07T11:08:00.000-07:00

In cased you missed it...

********************
[espied on the wall on valencia btwn. 24th and 23rd]

Well... Off to Vote!

2006-06-06T10:27:00.000-07:00

*********************
[espied in clarion alley]

DBH Returns... ?

2006-06-05T10:52:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought all that was left of David Bradbury HÅning was a shadow...

I recieved an e-mail.

More DBH can be found here:
DBH Flickr set.
Someone else blogged about DBH. I'm starting to think my ideas aren't so original.

Thanks Tellumo.

***********************
[espied on Mission between 3rd & 4th]

Psst! Lookee Here!

2006-06-02T10:29:00.001-07:00

Fridays are nice, aren't they? You have the whole weekend to look forward to. A weekend full of sunny days and warm evenings where sitting on the back patio and drinking beer is almost required.

Try as you might, you know that Monday is coming. Just like this sinister looking character, Monday hides behind the corner, ready to pounce when you least expect it.

I'm just saying, is all.

*********************
[espied on Guerrero @ 22nd Street]

Strange, Sad Air

2006-06-01T10:50:00.000-07:00

A quiet day over here at Espied.

The Painted Ground is taking a small respite, too.

See you tomorrow.

Overheardables Goes to the Movies

2006-05-31T11:16:00.000-07:00

Woman: So, I saw X3...

Man: "Wait! Don't say anything if you didn't like it! In fact, don't say anything if you did like it!"

[espied @ Celias Mexican Restaurant in Palo Alto]

***************************************

Man working in ticket booth at Fifth and Mission Garage is reading The DaVinci Code. A customer walks up to booth to pay ticket.

Customer: I can wait until you're done.

Booth Guy: It's okay.

Customer: I've never seen anyone so close to the end of the book. Did you see the movie yet?

Booth Guy: No. I'm gonna wait until it's on TV.

Customer: Hey! That's pretty smart.

Booth Guy: No, I'm just cheap.

[espied @ Fifth and Mission Garage]

Advice for the Wicked

2006-05-31T09:33:00.000-07:00

****************
[espied on clarion alley]

P.S.A. Tuesday

2006-05-30T10:30:00.000-07:00

Well!

I have to admit that I haven't been taking care of myself lately, but I didn't know that the grafitiostas were taking notice as well.

I suppose this tag has a ring of truth to it. I have to look good in my swimming suit this summer. Plus, I can't let that big jerk kick sand in my eye again. I'll never retain a best girl if that keeps happening.

************************
[espied on valencia st.]

Day Late, Dollar Short

2006-05-26T16:18:00.000-07:00

Anybody know what happened there yesterday? I couldn't make it. I had a final.

*******************
[espied on valencia st. near new ccsf campus construction site]

Can't Think, Brain Hurts!

2006-05-25T18:48:00.000-07:00

Sound advice to those of you who choose to celebrate Memorial Day, Graduation, or anything else this weekend.

Just draw the line when you start putting things in your drinks that shouldn't belong. I'm looking at you, PBR and Tobasco!

*********************
[espied on Drumm Street]

Sleep on the Left Side

2006-05-23T11:08:00.000-07:00

*****************
[espied on cunningham place]

Overheardables: The South Bay Edition

2006-05-22T10:24:00.000-07:00

Dude #1: Dude, I learned something today.

Dude #2: Oh? What is it?

Dude #1: Taking notes makes class go by faster.

[espied by domestic_valerie's english teacher @ sjsu]

*************************

Good luck on finals.

Overheardables: Nicotine Stains on My Fingers

2006-05-19T10:35:00.000-07:00

A presumed homeless man stands at the counter. The small Asian woman behind the counter does not seem to be happy to help him. He asks for a pack of really cheap cigarettes.

Counter lady: "That'll be $2.79."

He plunks down $2.79 in change on the counter.

PHM: "I'm so glad Walgreens sells cigarettes. I love nicotine. It's very medicinal, y'know?"

Counter Lady: "Mmm hmm."

PHM: "I really should own a picture of Mr. Walgreens. I really love nicotine. It's medicinal."

Counter Lady: "Okay. Bye-bye!"

********************
[espied @ the walgreens on Castro @ 24th]

I Am a Shameless Whore

2006-05-18T00:18:00.000-07:00

The PG has a policy against shameless stencil promotion.

Hence, no Tartufi or these guys.

I, on the other hand, have no such policy. While I don't know anything about these people or their music I recognize a beautiful stencil when I see one. Way to go TeeEllEcksEnners! I gotta hand it to you. This is one of your best so far.

Keep up the good work.

I want a Me and My Arrow stencil.
*********************

[espied up and down valencia st.]

2006-05-17T00:27:00.000-07:00

Perhaps I drank too much wine last night celebrating my addition to the Painted Ground. Perhaps it's the fact that I have to present a final project in class this morning.

Either way I know how he feels.

Happy Humpday!

******************

[espied on Fair Oaks Street]

We are Espied!!

2006-05-16T16:17:00.000-07:00

Big news over here ate Espied in SF. The Espied Staff (namely, me) has joined the Painted Ground of San Jose Avenue!

To celebrate, I'm going to gush about how much I love the "We Are Ravens!!" crew, the most creative and prolific of the Mission grafitiostas.

The painting up above was found on the corner of 23rd and San Jose a couple of Saturdays ago. I was so excited to see it that I almost forgot to take a picture. Thankfully I did because it disappeared the next day. We Are Ravens!! is a hot commodity over here in the Mission.

Talk about disappearing acts. This sweet little one barely lasted a day at the corner of 24th and Guerrero. While their previous posts were either stickers, posters, or paintings, this was the first three-dimensional We Are Ravens!!

I couldn't help myself. I had to preserve it. I didn't want it to share the same fate as one of its brethren.

But, don't worry, We Are Ravens!! people. He's safe at my home and wants you to know that everything is kosher. He gets three square meals and loves to watch Robot Chicken. You can rest now that you know one of your creations is safe and sound.

[please visit The Painted Ground for more fun]

Our Lady of the Holy Waste

2006-05-16T14:50:00.000-07:00

This little trashcan at the corner of 24th and Guerrero has been a focus of a posting before. I believe that I have now uncovered some shocking truth about this waste disposal unit.

Something is in there.

Not just something, but a minor diety. My theory is that someone is leaving sacrifices to the god of the trashcan. First nitrous, now bread.

It all makes sense now.

**************
[big things happening over here... announcement soon.]

Overheardables: Those Wacky Kids!

2006-05-15T15:15:00.000-07:00

Little Girl: Mom... mom... mom!

Father: I'm dad.

Little Girl: Dad...!

*************

Little girl hoists up a giant box containing a board game.

Girl: (shouting) Mom! I wish you could afford this.

*************

Another little girl shows a farting keychain to her mother.

Girl: Mom! This is just like you!

*************
[espied in noe valley]

Eveningland

2006-05-15T00:35:00.000-07:00

**********************************
[espied @ the great american music hall 5/11/06]

Filipino Friday!

2006-05-12T10:04:00.000-07:00

Things I Have Found on the Street Week concludes with the highly anticipated Filipino Friday! Feel the excitement!

The language exercise above involves Susan and Peter talking about their friend Rupert. Rupert? Odd name, you might ask? Ask a Filipino. Every Filipino knows at least one Rupert. It's kinda like the John of the Phillipines.

I digress...

I translated this for you:

Susan: We are invited to Rupert's wedding.

Peter: Where?

Susan: At Pamela's house, in Quezon City.

Peter: When?

Susan: On July 26th.

Peter: How old is Rupert?

Susan: Twenty-six.

Peter: What year was Rupert born?

Susan: In 1977. Okay, can you go?

Peter: What day is it?

Susan: Saturday. At four in the afternoon.

Peter: Okay, I'm going!

Pretty exciting stuff, huh? I translated that all by my lonesome. Not bad for a white boy from the MidWest! Of course, I had a little help from this book. I took a Tagalog class a few years back. I still can't hold a conversation with my fiancé's family in Tagalog, but I can say some really dirty things! Things that I will never say to my fiancé's family.

By the way, is it just me or is Peter a bit slow? Do the math Peter!

This here is the Santo Niño. At least that's what I was told by my fiancé and her cousins. I'm still not too sure about this. He looks a little like the Buddha. Plus, the flag on the left looks suspiciously like the South Vietnamese flag, albeit a little faded.

Does anyone have input on this one? Don't leave me hanging, leave a comment.

This concludes Things I Have Found on the Street Week! Perhaps I will have a sequel. I need to start looking for more things...

Hello, My Name is...

2006-05-11T12:17:00.000-07:00

Things I Have Found on the Street Week continues with the penultimate posting! Just one more day until Filipino Friday occurs!

Can you feel the excitement?

This little piece of paper was found one morning while I was walking the dog. I wasn't sure if I should post this, because I was afraid that I might be violating someone's privacy. Therefore, the big black Freedom of Information Act streaks across the page.

For those of you who aren't as internet-savvy as I would hope (you know who you are!), you have to click the pictures to see a larger image.

A Cup of Joe and a Smile

2006-05-10T16:01:00.000-07:00

Things I Have Found on the Street Week continues!

This unusual set of photos was found on the ground a few weeks ago.

The man in these photos is, what I can assume, homeless. I see him quite often wandering around the Mission/Noe Valley area, yet I've never seen him this happy. It's good to know that he has some sort of joy in his life. Regardless of his mood in these pics, I find them to be quite sad. To me, it's as if he just stopped by for a cup of coffee and some conversation. Afterwards, he just wandered back into his own world.

From what I can ascertain from the photos, he also hangs around the Castro area. Using my noggin' I realized that the pictures were taken on Church Street, between 15th and Market. The first photo is at Muddy Water's on Church Street.

Warm and Sunny Days

2006-05-09T10:58:00.000-07:00

Things I Have Found on the Street Week continues here at Espied in SF!

This little gem was found last week. I'm not sure if this was the intentional outcome or a work of accident art. Either way, it's quickly becoming one of my favorite found objects.

One man's trash... ?

Plus, it sparkles in the sunlight. Shiny things are good.

The Last DBH Posting

2006-05-08T15:58:00.000-07:00

The final David Bradbury Haning posting on this site (for a while at least) kicks off Things I Have Found on the Street Week. My fiance and friends may think that I am a crazy man, but it will pay off!

Okay... maybe it will not pay off financially, but just in case I become a crazy homeless person who picks up strange things off the ground I can claim previous work experience.

During Things I Have Found on the Street Week you will see some amazing, earth shattering pictures and letters, all culiminating with the first-ever Filipino Friday!

So, sit back and relax! It's gonna be fun.

¡Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

2006-05-05T10:56:00.000-07:00

If you start seeing double, stop drinking.

Me? I'm staying as far away from the Mission bars as possible. The bridge and tunnel faction will be out and about.

**********************
<-- [espied at the stud with a little help from the night setting on my camera]

That's it! I'm moving back to the MidWest!

2006-05-04T09:57:00.000-07:00

********************
[espied on the 29 bus, 19th avenue and holloway]

The Door of Doom!

2006-05-03T23:28:00.000-07:00

**************************
[espied on clarion alley]

Espied Went to the De Young...

2006-05-03T11:11:00.000-07:00

Mercury glass
Originally uploaded by squidish.

...and witnessed a grandmother with her eleven-year-old granddaughter. They paused in front of this painting (titled "The Boxer").

Grandmother: "Remind me to put this above my bed so I can have nightmares all night long."

Ingleside Adventure, last part

2006-05-02T12:52:00.000-07:00

The final thing that has alway intrigued my while riding on the M line is this wall that sits roughly at the corner of San Jose Avenue and Mt. Vernon. I love this graffiti.

"Waka" shimmers a silver color if the sunlight hit it right. "Deat" is not as breathtaking, yet the words "I'm back" written in the letter D fascinates me. It's as if the writer thought he was missed and wanted to announce to the world of his triumphant return.

Both tags are surrounded by Jack Kirby-esque energy that makes my inner-comic-book-reading child excited.

A View from the Top

2006-05-01T20:38:00.000-07:00

Market Street, looking west
Originally uploaded by Telstar Logistics.

The corner of Market and Fremont Streets. Look really close. I think you can see me.

Next time I'll remember to bring my camera.

Un Día sin Inmigrantes

2006-05-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

Signs at the Day Without Immigrants rally in downtown San Francisco Monday afternoon (besides the obligatory anti-HR4437 and anti-war/Bush signs):

"My Irish Ancestors were Illegal!"

"You Like Our Food, Why Not Us?"

"Lou Dobbs/CNN: RACIST!"

"Hi Dad!"

All in all, it was a peaceful protest. It took almost two hours for the parade to pass by Market and Fremont. It really shows you what grassroots organizing can do.

Next time I'll remember to bring my camera.

******************

The final DBH Monday, next week.

Bleat!

2006-04-28T00:26:00.000-07:00

************
[spotted @ sfsu, fine arts building, 4th floor]

Ingleside Adventure, part two

2006-04-27T23:44:00.000-07:00

At the corner of Broad Street and Plymouth Avenue sits this empty house.

It's been empty for quite some time. I would say at least a year. You can't see from this picture, but the backyard is filled with discarded wood and sheet rock. It's piled quite high, almost reaching the second floor.

If you look at the windows you can see what is left of the plastic that used to cover the holes. It's been shredded and worn away by the weather. During late last year the plastic was starting to come loose. It would flap in the wind,extending far out of the portholes. I've always thought that the noise of plastic tarp flapping in the winter wind was a bit depressing and eerie. While I did not get the chance to hear this noise it made during the winter months I can only assume that the house's emptiness added to the eeriness of the flapping.

What strikes me as being odd is that this house is an anomaly in the city of San Francisco. San Francisco is one of the most expensive places to live in the United States. It's hard to find an affordable house to live in. Yet, here lies this empty house. The owners could easily sell the house for some sort of profit at this point.

There's a story somewhere behind its abandonment.

Ingleside Adventure, part one

2006-04-25T08:35:00.000-07:00

Oh, MUNI, how I love you.

The other day the M street car broke down at the intersection of Byxbee, 19th Avenue and Randolph. It's not the first time this has happened.

I had three choices:

Wait until it was fixed
Wait until the M shows up in the opposite direction and take it.
Walk to the Balboa Station.

I chose to walk the first two choices were not really an option. At that point I was not willing to be friends with MUNI. Besides, it was a beautiful day. Everyone else was sharing my sentiment, so I had some company.

My journey took me through the Ingleside Neighborhood. The Ingleside is a low income neighborhood where ads for Kool and Salem cigarettes are ubiquitous. There is a lot of neglect going on here, but that's what happens when there is not a lot of money to go around.

Amongst the neglect there has to be many stories. Take the Cardinal Electric Company, for example. I love this sign. All the letters are there, you just can't see it at this angle. I don't know any info on the Cardinal Electric Company, except for that this building has been this way for years. There are websites that list contact info for this electrical contractor. However, I sincerely doubt that there is anything in this store front except for mice.

More on Ingleside tomorrow.

Turkish Okra?

2006-04-24T15:05:00.000-07:00

Here is the second-to-last David Bradbury Haning rant I am in possession of. Perhaps I should take a trip downtown to see if there are more around. I've always been a sort of completist when it comes to collecting things. Of course, that usually refers to my Radiohead and X-Men comics collections. Of course, that also applied when I was 18 years old and not a starving student.

*sigh* Those were the days.

I've never been a big fan of King Crimson like DBH is. Someone needs to buy him Ege Bamyasi by Can. Maybe he can obsess over the okra on the cover. I've been doing that for years.

The Lonely Streetcar

2006-04-21T10:39:00.000-07:00

Sometimes a picture just comes to you.

I was taking the M Balboa MUNI streetcar from San Francisco State to the Balboa Station the other day. Since the Balboa Station is the M line's terminal it needs to turn around at some point. What the driver usually does is lets everyone off and then goes into the yard to turn around. On this occasion, however, the many lucky passengers on board got to stay in the car while the driver turned around. Thus, we got to see what was in the yard.

The streetcar on the the left is part of the fleet manufactured by Italy's Ansaldobreda S.P.A. that currently runs through town. The car on the right is part of MUNI's historic "F" line. The 'F" line is made up of streetcars that were once used in places such as St. Louis, Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Kansas City, and Blackpool, England.

What I am interested in, though, is the car in the middle. From what I gather, this car predates the original U.S. Standard Light Rail Vehicles that were used by the MUNI system from the 1970s until as late as 2001.

Therefore, I can only assume that this is a leftover from the 1940s or 1950s. If that is true, then why is it out here exposed to the elements? I know that MUNI has some historic busses and trolleys on hand should they be needed in film productions (for example, when they recently filmed the Will Smith movie in the Financial District).

Is this car used for such purposes? Why is this being exposed to the elements so that it could just rust away? Shouldn't this be in a museum somewhere? Why is MUNI always late and keeps increasing fares?

So many unanswered questions.

Have a wonderful weekend.

*************
More info on the history of San Francisco's Municipal Railway can be found here.

Nitrous: It's Not Just for Breakfast Anymore

2006-04-20T10:45:00.000-07:00

Mysteries are abound as to why a pile of nitrous oxide cartridges were laying at the foot of this trashcan at 24th and Guerrero last Saturday night. At first I thought they were bullet casings, but I realized that had I been a few blocks east of Mission Street that may have been true. To my dismay/relief, it was just a pile of nitrous cartridges.

I can only guess that someone -- or a group of someones -- was having a happy time while waiting for the 48 to show up. With the frequency that MUNI operates it is quite possible that the above-mentioned people had plenty of time to partake in the brain-cell-killing gas.

Of course, it is possible that these were used to make whipped cream or some other fluffy edibles. But, who am I kidding?

Had these fictional-people-in-my-mind rode the 48 after inhaling tons of nitrous I'd like to think that it made the whole experience enjoyable. God knows that I've needed something to drink after riding many of MUNI's lines. Perhaps it was just a bit of preventive medicine?

Garage Door Mural

2006-04-19T09:18:00.000-07:00

San Francisco's Mission District is known for many things. One thing that has given it its notoriety is the number of murals all over the place. Walls, schools, even entire buildings have been covered by murals.

In this rare case, someone has gotten into the spirit and painted their garage door.

More on the Earthquake/Fire

2006-04-18T11:27:00.000-07:00

The black lines show the area affected by the fire that followed the earthquake of 1906. The red dot on the map above shows the location of the fire hydrant I mentioned in the last post.

**************
Map taken from the book Historic San Francisco: A Concise History and Guide by Rand Richards.

Buy here.

One Hundred Years and Still Strong

2006-04-18T10:41:00.000-07:00

At the corner of 20th and Church Streets in San Francisco stands a lone fire hydrant that has been painted gold. It's nondescript other than that. Many walk by this hydrant on a daily basis without acknowledging its presence.

The story has it that this lone fire hydrant helped save the city.

When the earthquake struck the city on 5:12 am on April 18th, 1906 it caused enormous damage. It also ruptured the water mains that fed the city from the peninsula reservoirs. As the San Francisco Fire Department scrambled to find a hydrant that worked, the Mission District and the rest of the city burned.

Finally, a lone hydrant was found that was able to pump water. As the plaque above shows, it saved the Mission and Noe Valley Districts.

It's not the sole, inanimate hero of the Great Earthquake. The army's hastily assembled fire breaks and the winds both helped save the city that many consider to be the best in the world.

For those of you who live in San Francisco, be grateful for this little fire hydrant. Stop by and say "hi" every once in a while. If it wasn't for that little guy, then you'd most likely still be living in the suburban sprawl that you grew up in.

If you haven't visited this city yet, make some time in your life to stop by. Say "hi" to the fire hydrant that sits like a sentinel, watching over the city it once helped save.

Please Lord, Let Me Sleep Through This

2006-04-17T16:35:00.000-07:00

In case you hear a ruckus at around 5:12 a.m. tomorrow morning, don't panic.

If you are one of the brave souls who is planning on being at the Kearny/Market/Geary intersection at 4:30, then take some pictures. The rest of us plan to sleep in for another 42 minutes.

At least they'll be running free trains all day. Cool.

I'm Not Touching This One

2006-04-17T16:33:00.000-07:00

Blind Guy on Cell: "... So I was looking at this going, 'I don't know how to do this.' "

DBH Monday: David Quotes Prince

2006-04-17T12:24:00.000-07:00

Emptiness

2006-04-14T09:11:00.000-07:00

On 19th Street, Between Dolores and Guerrero Streets, lies an empty space that used to be an automotive repair shop. All that is left is the façade.

The space that cars once drove through is blocked off by a chain link fence. This is what you see on the other side.

I find it incredibly odd that there is large, blank space in the middle of the Mission District. It is an unusual sight to San Franciscans who are used to seeing houses crammed next to each other and every available space used. During yesterday's surprisingly warm and sunny afternoon I wandered over to this space where I had taken pictures a few days before. There were others there as well, just staring.

First One Who Blinks, Loses.

2006-04-13T10:32:00.000-07:00

Thanks to The Painted Ground for letting me have this one. I promise I won't step on your feet.

Can They See Us Through All Those Clouds?

2006-04-12T16:27:00.000-07:00

I was walking my dog this afternoon in the rain.

Guy #1: "You're a trooper."

Guy #2: "Y'know, I wonder if aliens are watching us. I'll bet they're confused. If someone picks up your poop, you have to be the one in charge."

Leftover Bathroom Humor

2006-04-12T09:10:00.000-07:00

Old, cantankerous woman:

"Tell your manager that I don't like being forced into a unisex situation."

I'll bet she's fun at parties.

[previous]

Omar, Omar, Omar!

2006-04-11T15:14:00.000-07:00

Omar was hanging out underneath the entrance to Yoruba at 21st and Valencia last night. This was around 9:30. As I walked by he pointed his guitar at me and sang:

"But, Batman's busy in el Missioné!"

For the uninitiated, Omar hangs out on Valencia Street and plays the guitar, rain or shine. Sometimes he sings standards, while other times he seems to make the song up as he goes along. I know that he cut a record once. I used to have a link to where you could find more info on Omar, but I lost it. Probably when I transitioned over to Firefox.

Frank Chu and DBH have Wikipedia entries... why not Omar? There seems to be no justice in this world.

Perpetual Rain and Its Repercussions

2006-04-11T11:56:00.000-07:00

Guy #1: So, have you guys heard of this lotion that you put on and it gives you a tan in a week?

Guys #2 and 3: "No."

Guy #1: "Yeah, so I've been putting it on all over my body. But I think I'm
allergic to it cause I have this rash all over my face."

Guy #2: "But you didn't put it on your face?"

Guy #1: "No."

***24 Hour Fitness @ 2nd & Folsom
[overheard by genderpretender]

¡Espied in SF Ahora en Español!

2006-04-10T15:45:00.000-07:00

Tween boy looking at greeting card in store.

Tween: "Dad, what are ca-hones?"

Dad: "Umm... Well... They're kind of like... Um... Juevos."

Tween: "What?"

Dad: "Juevos."

Tween: "What's that?"

Dad: "Never mind."

Tween: "Okay."

DBH Monday

2006-04-10T12:54:00.000-07:00

Wasn't Existed a metal band in the 80's?

[previous]

Apocalyptic Friday

2006-04-07T10:20:00.000-07:00

Teen girl talking to bible thumper at 24th and Mission:

Teen: "But, I don't want the world to end. Why can't it just go on forever and ever?

The image on the right was mailed to everyone and their mother here in San Francisco. It warns of our impending doom and tells us that there are ways to change. It's not too late.

I'll tell you, it's quite an interesting read.

Aw... Who am I kidding? I had to dig it out of the recycling bin this morning in order to scan it. I was surprised that it was still there.

I Don't Feel Like Cooking. We're Having Leftovers.

2006-04-06T11:12:00.000-07:00

Woman: "It's so sad that the only person that is hitting on me tonight is your father's friend."

Man: "You mean [Frank]? He's a good guy."

Woman: "Yeah. It's not sad, but, well... You know what I mean.

[previous]

Neither Am I, But You Don't Hear Me Complain, Do You?

2006-04-05T15:37:00.000-07:00

Woman shouting at the top of her lungs.

"I'm not learning anything!"

Woman #2: "What'd she say? She's not hearing anything?"

Man: "No, she said she's not learning anything."

Woman #2: "Oh. Okay..."

Man: "At first I thought she said she wasn't wearing anything, but I guess that was just wishful thinking."

***Overheard at 24th & Noe

I'd Say that Was a Fair Price

2006-04-05T12:04:00.000-07:00

A homeless man crosses Valencia at 23rd Street while pulling a shopping cart. I think it goes without saying that he was talking to no one in particular.

homeless guy: "My fiancé! My fiancé! Then, she gave him a handjob for $80! I later arranged for him to get his ass beat."

David Bradbury Haning Has a Posse

2006-04-04T17:41:00.000-07:00

Just when I thought I had a brilliant idea.

Looks like the SFist is talking about the man that helped launch this blog yesterday. He even has his own Wikipedia entry. We now sort of have a face to go with the odd rantings.

I just hope I don't get smacked, 'cuz... Well, that would hurt.

More from DBH next Monday.

Street Carving

2006-04-04T10:28:00.000-07:00

I'm impressed that someone was able to do this. I'll bet their index finger smarted for weeks after.

Hello Fellow Android & Welcome to Espied in SF

2006-04-03T11:58:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the inaugural posting of Espied in SF!

The idea for this blog has been running around in my head for the past few months. Its inspiration comes from such sites as Overheard in New York and Overheard in Dublin as well as Found Magazine. Additionally, local blogger and friend DDeThomas and his Painted Ground of San Jose Avenue blog has been an inspiration. I'm also intrigued by blogs such as Overheard Lines and In Passing... which actually deal with the Bay Area.

Since the demise of Confessions of a Restroom Attendant has arrived I feel that I should be continuing chronicling odd goings-on.

The main idea of this blog is to post overheard conversations, graffiti, strange sightings, leftovers from CoaRA, and other unusual, perhaps overlooked, parts of San Francisco. Yes, it is a mish-mash of things, but my hopes for this blog is to keep it from being too confusing. I plan on doing a lot of work myself, but I am trying to get contibutors as well. By contributors I mean I'm trying to cajole my friends into giving me some stuff to post.

Without further ado, let's get started, shall we?

The above picture was found on Drumm St., between Embarcadero Centers 3 and 4. From what I understand is this has been written by a fella named "King Crimson." He seems to be posting these odd essays all around the Financial District. I've seen a few on Battery Street, too. I couldn't pass these up when I saw them. I picked them up on Friday night in order to save them from the rain and record them for posterity. Anything that starts off with, "Hello Fellow Android" cannot be ignored.

I have more of these. Number two will be posted next Monday.

Thanks for stopping by!

Mark