Love Letters to Marina and Cow Hollow

Thanks for inviting my kite photo -- here are some words for it The kite man on Marina Green doesn't say very much as he tugs against a dozen tightly linked rend and blue and yellow triangles tearing across the the sky. He tugs to the left and they swoop, obediently followed by their free-spirited streamers. There is joy in flying kites across a blue noon sky, but the kite man doesn't show it. Tug here pull there and the kites swoop and dodge and linger: He grunts and he pulls, fighting back as they try to pull him up with them into the sky. Swoop and splay and furl and unfurl, nymphs and sprites of the sky. The kite man pays no attention as a child scampers in, unable to resist the call of fluttering streamers. The lithe plastic strips dangle and the boy lunges, but they are gone. Back and forth the kites soar and five children follow, dancing among the dandelions. The kites and the children race back and fourth. But the kite man of Marina Green pays no attention.

I Love My Marina! I define the Marina as a tranquil and festive area of the city where boats are not required, fantastic restaurants are in abundance, shopping is never dull and even the leashed dogs seem to be overly polite. Mixing New England charm with modern sustainability, The Marina has something for everyone, and all within walking distance. Chestnut Street is like a one-stop-shop for all your needs, including Two Skirts for adorable women’s wear and Catnip & Bones for organic pet treats. Crissy Field is perfect for outdoor activities like soccer, volleyball, or just a lovely stroll to the Golden Gate Bridge. Walking along Marina Ave. provides fantastic views of Alcatraz, Ghirardelli Square and the Palace of Fine Arts. Fort Mason always has an event. My personal favorite is scoring finds at the American Craft Council show (www.craftcouncil.org). The largest juried craft show in the West, the event is a rare opportunity to shop a diverse array of limited- edition pieces crafted from found objects (i.e., clay, fiber, glass, metal, etc.) and sustainable materials. I’m really excited about this year’s show because it will feature ‘green’ crafts made with eco-friendly materials and an expanded selection of ‘AltCraft’ featuring emerging indie artists! Aside from shopping and events, The Marina’s selection of diverse and “top chef” restaurants could keep you busy for weeks. I frequent A16 (the petite fillet is incredible), Greens (the mesquite grilled brochettes are unavoidable) and the Tipsy Pig (the soft pretzel appetizer is a MUST) for delicious wine and small plates featuring local, organic creations. So the next time you are in the area, take a stroll along the water, stop for a bite to eat and take in all that this northern district has to offer. I guarantee you will be making a repeat appearance.

I am 22 years old and I live in Cow Hollow. All stereotypes aside, I do not currently cart any offspring around in $800 baby cruisers, or even personally possess a space in a bay-viewing building, but I have been a loyal local for 22 years. Having lived here since my diaper days of 1986, I have since chased basketballs from their fate under the 22 Fillmore, tied jump ropes to (now undergrounded) telephone poles, and expectantly plugged my ears for the 5PM Presidio cannon, all in the name of neighborhood fun. Where the area’s earliest residents once filled their four stomachs, I have filled mine: alongside hungry day workers seeking salami from the sub shop, amongst wacky memorabilia and historical mementos in Perry’s back room, and in the frozen yogurt/ice cream/liquor stores du jour, serving up extra sprinkles for snack seeking students. I have run to Fredericksen’s for every pail of paint, I have patronized Capezio for all tutus and tap shoes, and I continue to seek the Bud Stop for blossoms for all occasions. As my playground, Cow Hollow has housed my passions: from skateboarding, to lemonade stands, to sidewalk chalk, to Friday morning runs, all penchants and pastimes have taken place from my yard, to the Marina Boulevard. Cow Hollow, I love thee dearly, and not just because the Golden Gate I can see clearly; with kind shopkeepers, charismatic sidewalk clientele, and sunshine during the city’s foggiest days, you continue to present a pleasant past and present full of fond memories. Forever just a guppy, living in a neighborhood full of [you get the picture], I still manage to learn and love more about my area every day, come rain, come shine, or come [God forbid] young professionals.

WILDERNESS OUTPOST....Leaves have their time to fall, flowers to wither and stars to set - but there are always seasons for looking back at the neighborhood where my love runs deep. My stunning Marina District was once called "the Wilderness Outpost of the Pacific". While touring the landmarks one can still see original adobe walls proclaiming Spanish influence. Russian, Italian, English and French flavors have also fascinated our neighborhood with a patchwork quilt of eclectic beauty. Strolling with my family through the green hills of the Presidio and concluding at Fort Point beneath the magnificence of the Golden Gate is still an experience unequaled in time. Rain, fog or golden sunsets always enhance the mood. The area where my father built our family home was an historical section called "Marina-Cow Hollow". It is gloriously situated on the boulevard directly opposite St. Francis Yacht Harbor overlooking the spectacular view of San Francisco Bay. After the dismantiling of the Panama Pacific Exposition in the late 1920's, Marina property was sold to realtors. My father took this opportunity to buy and build. Through a period of over 60 years he owned an epicurean fine food and wine establishment on Union Street that he purchased with a handful of gold coins. He became know as the "Pioneer of Cow Hollow" serving society with champagne and oysters for three decades. He was a sturdy example of the European immigrant who like so many others strengthened this Marina community with ambition and integrity. He survived the stock crash of 1929, the depression of the thirties, the period of wars that required sacrifice and recovery, and the landfill sandcastles that created tremors and earthquakes. The people of our community were all of sound stock. Now there is an influx of young residents adding new energey to the neighborhood. The neighborhood was made memorable by people like my parents who chanced to cross the seas to find new hope...they will always be a large part of my life and the life of this thriving neighborhood.