“Sunset Buzz” will be a recurring column on changes, tidbits and other news from the Sunset. Got news? Send us tips at tips@missionlocal.com.
This Sunday, celebrate the life of Claude, the albino alligator, who died in December at age of 30, at Golden Gate Park.
If you voted in the Mission Local poll to choose the street to rename as “Claude the Albino Alligator Way,” this is the time to see it happen. A new street sign at Music Concourse Drive between JFK Promenade and MLK Drive, will be unveiled. Fittingly, it will be right in front of Claude’s home for 17 years.
Claude fans are invited to add memorial notes to a 16-foot alligator silhouette, where people can tell Claude (and his care team) about their memories.
From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the celebration at Golden Gate Bandshell will feature a brass band second line parade — a performance in a nod of Claude’s Louisiana roots — with poetry, speeches, and drag story time.
Also, get ready for a costume contest for both adults, kids and pets. The prizes include a one year Academy family membership (!) and limited-edition Claude merch. The San Francisco Public Library will also be giving out special edition Claude library cards.
Check the schedule here.
If you’re in the mood for lunch after the celebration, stop by Grégoire at 1300 9th Ave. near Irving Street. Since last summer, the Inner Sunset neighborhood has been waiting for the Berkeley sandwich shop to open.
It’s happening (soft opening) this Friday.
For the past few months, owners of the franchise have been renovating the old Jamba Juice space, finishing with an orange awning — a signature color from Grégoire’s patent takeout box.
Now, park goers at 9th Avenue and Irving Street will get to enjoy its famed ping-pong-ball-sized potato puffs — golden and crispy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside.
Near the beach, Ruby’s opened in late October at the corner of Judah and 48th Avenue. It takes up the space at 4300 Judah St. previously occupied by Beach’n, a vegan restaurant that closed last May.
Ruby’s offers the classic beach takeouts such as ceviche verde, fish tacos and poke bowls. The store is painted green with yellow accents, decorated by dark wooden shelves and plants. The window looks out to the view of N-Judah training passing by every 10 minutes (give or take).
On a sunny Thursday morning, Nick Osborne, co-owner of the Ruby’s, was busy in the kitchen, grilling tortillas and making soup. Growing up in the Outer Sunset, he spent his childhood going to Ocean Beach — now, his three kids do the same.
When the opportunity for this space came up, he couldn’t pass it on. “There’s a lot of fun energy in the neighborhood these days,” he said.