Mission Buzz is a regular update on changes, tidbits and other news from the Mission’s commercial corridors. Got news? Send to tips@missionlocal.com.
It’s Mexican Independence Day today! If you’re wondering why there have been so many fireworks in the neighborhood, that’s your answer. There was also a community festival with music and Mexican snacks at Civic Center Plaza yesterday to kick off the celebration.
Corey’s Pizza is finally open!
The long awaited business took over the space at 3505 17th St., near Guerrero Street that housed Turner’s Kitchen until March, 2025.
Corey’s Pizza opened its doors last Thursday and is currently in its “soft opening” phase, meaning limited hours and limited menu.
On a recent Tuesday, this reporter witnessed an excited Corey write “thank you for being the first delivery” on a pizza box.
“Look, my first delivery,” he said smiling.
Corey’s Pizza is open seven days a week from 4 to 10 p.m.
The 45th edition of King of the Streets returns to the Mission District on Saturday Sep. 19.
Hundreds of lowriders will cruise down Mission Street in celebration of Hispanic Heritage month and lowrider culture.
The day starts at 12:30 p.m. at 24th and Mission streets with a bendicion from Danza Azteca Xiuhcoatl. The event will continue with a car parade and car show between Cesar Chavez and 18th streets.
There will also be a hopping competition at 24th and Mission streets starting at 5 p.m.
This year’s event also marks the reopening of the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, which will host a lowrider art exhibit from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., the first since it closed its doors earlier this year.
A full schedule of Kings Streets can be found here.
District 9 Supervisor Jackie Fielder has a new legislative aide.
Li Lovett joined the District 9 office earlier this month in replacement of Sheila Chung-Hagen, who had been appointed to her position in May.
Lovett previously worked as a legislative aide to former supervisors Dean Preston and Gordon Mar. She’s also worked at Council of Community Housing Organizations, Eviction Defense Collaborative and American Community Media.
Lovett will focus on public health, good governance and will handle requests from Portola residents.
“Li Lovett brings experience to the D9 office,” said Fielder via text.“I am very pleased and honored to have her serve in my office.”
The opening of the Mission library branch is now slated for late fall instead of October, according to a spokesperson for the Department of Public Works. This timeline is just the latest delay on a project that began in August 2023 and was initially scheduled to be completed in 18 to 24 months.
Andrew Sohn, the renovation project’s director, told this publication last year that the library’s opening was then slated for sometime last spring.
As for the latest delay, Rachel Gordon, a spokesperson for the Department of Public Works said they are wrapping up final construction and accommodating the move-in phase.
Mark your calendars if you’d like to start your weekend early: there’s a block party celebrating Latino heritage month on Treat Avenue between 22nd and 23rd St. on Thursday Sep. 17.
The event, organized by Monkey Brains, is part of the monthly third Thursday activations the company has organized since December. Four DJs (Juan Love, Jae Coca, BB Cora and West Kraven) and four live acts (Bululú, Adelante, Fogo Na Roupa and Danza Azteca) will participate in this month’s event.
There will also be food trucks and over 50 vendors at the free event that will run from 5 to 9 p.m.
A Guadalajara-inspired tequila and mezcal lounge just opened on Aug. 22 in the Mission District at the corner of Mariposa Street and Potrero Avenue.
GDL Reserve describes itself as a tribute to the traditions of Jalisco, the Mexican state widely known for being the birthplace of both Mariachi music and tequila. Aside from tequila and mezcal, GDL Reserve also offers wine, beer and has pool tables and live sports. The business is already hosting a variety of events that include mezcal and tequila tastings, pool tournaments and mariachi and tequila nights.
GDL Reserve is open Monday through Friday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. and Saturday and Sundays from 10 to 2 a.m.
Mission residents can now call the block of Bartlett Street between 21st and 22nd streets, Carlota Texidor del Portillo Way.
Supervisors Jackie Fielder, Chyanne Chen, Rafael Mandelman and members of the city college board of trustees attended a ceremony for the street’s renaming on Saturday, celebrating Dr. del Portillo who served for decades as the dean of the city college’s Mission Campus, where she started as a counselor in 1972. In 2010, she founded Friends of the Mission Campus, an organization that’s awarded thousands in scholarships.
Del Portillo helped found the Mexican American Political Association in the 60’s and the Latino Democratic Club in the 80’s and has a long history of education, job training and political activism across the city. That is especially true in the Mission District where she co-founded the Hiring Hall, a nonprofit offering job training, counseling and placement for low and moderate income job seekers.
A resolution by the Board of Supervisors adopted on July 28 recognized del Portillo’s leadership.
“Throughout her life, Dr. del Portillo has exemplified the very best of civic leadership-serving as an advocate, mentor, and volunteer whose enduring impact continues to strengthen communities across San Francisco,” read the resolution.
