“Sunset Buzz” is a recurring column on changes, tidbits and other news from the Sunset. Got news? Send us tips at tips@missionlocal.com.
A new program, launched this Wednesday, is offering grants to new and existing storefronts located in the Inner Sunset (more precisely: between 5th and 19th Avenues, and Lincoln Way and Kirkham Street).
Dubbed the “Neighborhood Vibrancy Fund,” it promises to shell out up to $10,000 to qualified candidates for storefront beautification, up to $5,000 for technical assistance, and up to $20,000 to businesses that take over a vacant storefront.
The fund is a new project from SF New Deal, a nonprofit that formed during the pandemic to support the city’s small businesses.
The Inner Sunset was chosen for the pilot project, said SF New Deal executive director Simon Bertrang, because of a funder’s interest in the neighborhood. Since then, Bertrang added, New Deal has gotten calls from other residents interested in adding to the Inner Sunset fund.
According to Bertrang, applications will be reviewed by a community advisory group of fellow Inner Sunset neighbors.
Applications are now open, and applying before Aug. 28 is strongly encouraged. SF New Deal will begin distributing grants in late summer.
A few businesses in the area are taking a summer vacation, so hopefully you’re on one, too.
Here’s who’s on a temporary break: New Eritrea Restaurant & Bar at 907 Irving St is closed until July 6. Arizmendi Bakery’s location at 1331 Ninth Ave. is closed until July 6. Finally, Twisted Donuts and Coffee at 1234 Noriega St. is closed from July 1 to 7.
Want something to fill your time before watching the fireworks show over the Golden Gate Bridge? Friends of Sunset Dunes is hosting a July 4th community parade and celebration.
The parade will take place along Sunset Dunes Park from Noriega to Judah, gathering at 11:30 a.m. and marching at noon. At the end of the parade, a bouncy house awaits, along with face painting, live music, bubbles, and pie.
On July 11, San Francisco is hosting a city-wide service day — dubbed One City Day — that will include volunteer opportunities across the Sunset, including an Inner Sunset trash pickup and native species planting at the Sunset Learning Lab. Check out this map for more.
Also on July 11: the Sunset Branch Library plant swap. Interested parties are invited to “Bring a plant, take a plant” between 10:30 and 11:30 a.m., but make sure to label them.
Correction: A previous version of this article mischaracterized an aspect of the “Neighborhood Vibrancy Fund.”
Apologies for my failure to notice that this is a nonprofit funded program but I think my point stands.
I’d prefer that the city address perverse behaviors of vacant storefront landlords rather than doling out money on the other end. But maybe prop 13 etc makes that impossible…? That pharmacy would be open today if not for the inexplicable “pharmacy benefit manager” scam.
Looks like SF New Deal use over $7 million in public money (our taxes) to do what I thought the City did. And they only spend around $2.5 million in payroll to do what I thought the City did. But then maybe I don’t understand their financial report. Thank god we have non-profits to spend our tax money.