Every few years, the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) likes to do some command staff rotations, and it seems that it's our turn here in Mission Terrace, for a switcheroo at the Balboa Park/Ingleside police station, effective Saturday, October 21, 2017.

Captain "Joe" McFadden is a 4th-generation San Franciscan who has had a wide breath of policing experience in everything from patrols, to SWAT, to Homeland Security, to CSI, to training at the police academy. He's often expressed how much he has loved to serve our neighborhood, and is known to be a very approachable, responsive, and active in our community. Cpt. McFadden will be moving on to a city-wide investigative unit. He will certainly be missed.

In his stead, we welcome Captain Jack Hart. The Captain also a native San Franciscan and USF law school graduate, who wears the same badge number that his great-grandfather had. He's reported to be intellectually curious, reflective, a good listener, and holds offers to a standard of fairness, looking for their "heart set" dedicated to service, justice, compassion, and accountability. His work with Blue Courage emphasizes these values. Please welcome Cpt. Hart when you see him! 

Please pay attention to the air quality index, as both humans and pets may be particular sensitive to the smoke coming over from the North Bay fires. It is recommended that those who are particularly sensitive, stay inside with the windows and doors closed, as much as possible. 

• For information to protect yourself from smoke, see this information.
• For more information about how to recognize and treat a pet who may be impacted, see this information.

On Saturday, September 30th, over 200 people gathered in Balboa Park, for our first Movie In The Park event. Disney's "Wreck It Ralph" was shown, and is a story about video game characters who are misunderstood, and the perceived villain ends up being the unlikely hero for this delightful family movie.

In addition to enjoying this hilarious movie, the event also included; popcorn, raffle prizes, and an all-around good time with the community.

Thanks to Sean and Andrea of the Dark Horse Inn and the Excelsior Outer Mission Merchants and the office of Supervisor Safai for making this event such a great success.

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​10/28/2017 - CORRECTION: Roxie's has been here since 1975 (far longer than the 20 years that was originally stated in this post.
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On the corner of San Jose and Santa Ynez, is a corner store and deli best known by locals as "Roxie's." Once you pass through the doors, your typical corner store items (food, beverages, household necessities) are packed in tight. There is minimal room to maneurver through the two aisles, as the place is also packed with people lining up for their popular sandwiches.

If you are in the mood for a large, yummy, and good ol' fashioned sandwich, come on by, and be prepared to wait as there is always a line. But it is worth it. Try the pastrami on dutch crunch, tri-tip, or Meatloaf Mafia. As one Yelper put it "Seriously, these things are effin' huge and a regular could feed two people and a supreme could feed a village and have enough leftovers for your dog. This place is local and legit."

In the neighborhood since 1975, Roxie Food Market has become an institution whose contributions go beyond filling our bellies with tasty food. They also serve a healthy does of generosity by sponsoring local Little League teams, several sports teams at Balboa High School & nearby City College, donating treats for annual celebrations such as the Easter Egg hunt, 4th of July picnic, Thanksgiving dinners, and countless other neighborhood activities.

Some articles about this neighborhood institution:

• SF's Top-Rated Cheap Eats
• Roxie Food Center serves sandwiches, community
• Between Two Slices

Lifelong Mission Terrace resident and longtime NMTIA member & officer Delia Kutches (known by friends & family as "Dee") has passed away.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 59 years, Andrew Philip Kutches and her eldest son, Andrew (Drew) Steven Kutches. Dee grew up in the same house in which she raised her family. 

Upon graduation from St. Mary’s College in 1947, Dee worked as an active RN for more than 30 years while raising her growing family. Dee was an avid flower arranger and always enjoyed corresponding with distant friends and relatives. Those who knew her well saw her devotion and dedication to friends and family, those unfortunate enough to be considered foes met her “Fighting Irish” spirit and determination. Dee and Andy spent their later years traveling together to such various places as Ireland, India and China.

Sunday, May 7th, 2017 your Mission Terrace neighbors opened their gardens for the first annual Mission Terrace Garden Tour.

We've got a whole lot of green thumbs in our hood; urban homesteads, drought-tolerant landscapes, glass-filled pathways, labyrinths, succulents, and blooms galore. There was something for everyone, and it was a fantastic way to spend a warm day and get to meet more of the neighbors.
Looking forward to next year's tour! ​