“Richmond Buzz” is a recurring column on changes, tidbits and other news from the Richmond. Got news? Send us tips at tips@missionlocal.com.
October is upon us — the sunniest time of year on our side of town, as Richmond residents well know.
That also means another weekend of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass — the free festival founded by Warren Hellman in 2001 — this year featuring My Morning Jacket, Rilo Kiley, Mavis Staples and the singer with the raspy voice from Instagram Reels (whose name is Jesse Welles). Plan accordingly.
Don’t miss Mission Local’s own Joe Rivano Barros — who is, for the record, my boss — at the Internet Archive Oct. 8, as the opening speaker for “Money in San Francisco politics: Who’s spending big on the election?” A panel discussion will follow.
The event is free to attend at the Archive’s headquarters in the neoclassical building (and former Christian Science church) at 300 Funston Ave. at Clement Street.
In other news, after 34 years, Mai’s Vietnamese at 316 Clement St., shut its doors Wednesday. Your correspondent had the pleasure of speaking with Becky and Ricky, the couple behind Mai’s, back in January when they reopened after a six-month closure while Ricky recovered from knee surgery.
Now, the restaurant has closed for good. This hungry reporter will miss its imperial rolls dearly.
“It has been a joy to serve you and be part of this neighborhood,” a sign in the window reads.
On Oct. 3 and Oct. 11, the 4 Star Theater will host preview screenings and fundraisers for “Roll Fog,” a documentary on the west side’s own San Francisco City FC, “the oldest community-owned fútbol club in the U.S.”
Amazing things are happening at the Cinema SF theaters. Your correspondent recently saw John Wilson’s “History of Concrete” show to a packed house on a weeknight at the Balboa Theater. Find tickets for “Roll Fog” and other screenings at the 4 Star, Vogue and Balboa theaters here.
Two storefronts — both behind scaffolding at the southeast corner of Sixth Avenue and Clement Street — appear to be closing.
One, a clothing store called Chococo at 455 Clement St., has had a fitful recent history: Signs went up earlier this year announcing the store’s temporary closure due to staffing issues. Now, the closure appears permanent.
“Store closing,” a big sign in the window at Chococo reads.
Meanwhile, just around the corner, a store identified on Google Maps as China Jingdezhen Ceramic Jade Mahogany Furniture Wholesale And Retail at 304 6th Ave., has announced its closing with several handwritten signs in English and Chinese.
“Big clearance,” one sign there reads.
Fear not: Aroma Tea Shop, at 302 Sixth Ave. in between the two storefronts, seems here to stay.
October also means a taste of Bavaria in the Inner Richmond can be yours for $40. Head to Steins bar at 731 Clement St on Oct. 17 for the 15th annual Steinfest.
The price of admission will get you a beer, all the German sausage you can eat, and, perhaps less Germanically, a “champagne toast.” Buy your tickets ahead of time, lest you pay five extra dollars day-of.
At 4142 Geary Blvd., near Sixth Avenue, a recent sign in the window at LH Restaurant — a “Hong Kong Style B.B.Q” — announced a one-month hiatus. It is unclear exactly when the sign went up, or exactly when the restaurant will return, but we will keep our buzz eyes peeled.
On Oct. 3, a handful of city agencies including the Public Works Department have partnered to put on “neighborhood beautification day” in the Richmond. The tasks will include picking up litter, planting trees, and covering up graffiti — the kinds of things SF Public Works employees do year round.
The city has scheduled beautification days for other neighborhoods across town as well. Willing volunteers can find more information here.
Purveyor of Russian, English and other world literature Globus Books at 332 Balboa St. near Fifth Avenue recently celebrated its 55th anniversary. Make sure to congratulate them the next time you’re there perusing the shelves.
