Sunnyside Gets Greener: 43 New Trees planted in Sunnyside

Our neighborhood got a little greener recently. The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association, in collaboration with Friends of the Urban Forest (FUF), organized a tree planting day on Saturday, May 31st, and it was a resounding success!

Volunteers of all ages participated, showing a real commitment to enhancing our local environment. In total, 43 beautiful new trees were planted in tree basins throughout the neighborhood.

Volunteers planting a tree in a neighborhood, smiling and engaging in community service.

The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association and FUF have been actively working to bring more greenery to our streets. In April, homeowners had the opportunity to request a free street tree, with options for concrete removal and stump grinding available at no additional cost. FUF and the city are also committed to the crucial work of watering and caring for these young trees for the first three years.

SNA Quarterly Meeting – Monday, August 5th

Sunnyside Neighborhood AssociationQuarterly Meeting

Monday, August 5, 2024

St. Finn Barr Auditorium, 415 Edna Street (at Hearst)
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm – General Meeting

The agenda includes:

SFPD, Ingleside Station: Amy Hurwitz
District 7 Updates from Supervisor Melgar‘s office
SF Community Living Campaign: Patti Spaniak
Mission Housing: Update from Sam Moss on planned senior housing at 250 Laguna Honda

Committee updates:

Detroit Steps Project – Rosaura Valle
Slow Hearst – Sara Barz 
West of Twin Peaks Central Council (WTPCC) – Steve Martin-Pinto
SNA Greening Committee – Ken Hollenbeck

Keren Abra

This morning we bring you the sad news of the passing of our neighbor, Keren Abra. Keren came to Sunnyside from her birthplace in Wellington, New Zealand in 1979. She was accompanied by her husband, Bob whom she met while attending college in Glasgow, Scotland.

Together with Bob, she raised two boys, Graham and Lewis here and became an elementary school teacher at Sacred Heart. During that time she became an active member of the community as she co-chaired with Bob the Greening Committee. She worked to beautify Monterey Boulevard and the Circular Ribbon Garden and she worked on regular Sunnyside Conservatory volunteer clean-ups. Keren also led the New Zealand/Australia plant docent tours at the SF Botanical Gardens including one just for the Sunnyside Garden Club. In 2012 Keren was awarded an SNA volunteer award for that work.

Keren left a positive legacy in our neighborhood and we will miss her very much. The SNA board sends our heartfelt condolences and best wishes to Bob as he endures this difficult time.

New San Francisco Parking Rules Enhance Safety and Accessibility in Sunnyside

San Francisco’s streets are getting a major makeover with the implementation of new parking rules aimed at improving safety and accessibility for both pedestrians and drivers. The latest regulations cover a range of crucial aspects, including sidewalk parking, daylighting, and the installation of speed cameras on Monterey Boulevard.

Sidewalk Parking Ban to be Enforced

One of the significant changes taking effect is the renewed enforcement of the ban on sidewalk parking. This move is poised to create clearer pathways for pedestrians and ensure that sidewalks are utilized for their intended purpose. This includes that part of your driveway that traverses the sidewalk. Tickets will run you $110.00.

Daylighting

In addition to the sidewalk parking ban, the concept of daylighting is being prioritized in the city’s efforts to revamp its streets. Daylighting involves keeping the area within twenty feet (or one car length) from the corner free from parked cars, thereby improving visibility for both pedestrians and drivers. By implementing this strategy, San Francisco is taking proactive steps to reduce the risk of collisions and enhance overall safety at street crossings. Violators will get a warning this year and fines will begin in 2025.

Speed Enforcement Cameras

Watch your speed! The introduction of speed cameras on Monterey Boulevard near Edna and Ocean Ave near Frida Kahlo Ave marks a significant step towards promoting responsible driving behavior. These cameras are designed to monitor vehicle speeds, encouraging compliance with designated speed limits and ultimately fostering a safer environment for all road users.

While these new parking rules add to the mounting inconveniences that drivers face every day, they create a more secure and navigable urban landscape. It’s all about prioritizing the well-being of our residents and visitors.