NEWS AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Coyotes in the ‘Hood

By Steve Roditti, Brentwood Ave.

Many MHHA residents have noted increased coyote sightings on our streets and in our yards. Dens are created each spring to rear new pups, as the pup rearing season is April through August. In the past years there have been two confirmed dens in the neighborhood, and based on the recently increased sightings, it’s likely a den might be created again in our neighborhood.

Below are basic tips that apply at all times, along with special precautions during the pup rearing (pupping) season.

Outside of pupping season:Coyotes generally avoid human interaction. However, they are wild animals and can be unpredictable. Coyotes are generally looking for food when we see them.  So be alert, especially when walking your dogs; keep them on a leash and once you see a coyote, pick up small dogs, and walk away. Animal Care and Control (ACC) still recommends hazing – which means being loud, large, and persistent, such as shouting, waving arms, or throwing projectiles near (not at) the animal. However, the best practice is to walk away. Do not run.

During Pupping season:Coyotes will be very protective of their den and pups, and they view dogs as predators. Coyotes will often follow humans – with dogs – near den sites. This is called ‘escorting’. This behavior is not aggression, just the coyote making sure people and dogs move away from their den and pups. They may show their teeth, snarl, and nip at dogs to keep them away from the den area.  An important note: During pupping season, hazing will not be effective.

For more info, use the link for San Francisco Animal Care and Control (ACC) https://www.sfanimalcare.org/living-with-urban-wildlife/coyote-sightings/.

The website explains our current reality: “SFACC receives many inquiries about options for removing the coyotes. Relocation is not an option under CA State law. Lethal removal is ineffective since other coyotes will simply take the place of the ones removed, often within weeks. SFACC and coyote experts have learned that the local coyotes are here to stay and their hope is that the community learns to peacefully coexist with them.”

In summary, whether or not a den is created, stay alert and leash your dogs while walking them. Walk away if you see a coyote. If you see coyotes aggressively approaching dogs and their walkers, please contact Animal Care and Control. They will then monitor any den created and work to keep dog walkers away from the area.

Got Rats?

By Georgina Rice, Yerba Buena Ave.

Did you know that a Great Horned Owl with fledglings can predate up to seven rodents per day — and who doesn’t enjoy hearing an owl’s soft “coo” at night?

I was in Carmel recently and saw that they have a campaign to place owl platforms, and they have reduced the rat population significantly! Here’s a link with some information (and check out their cute video with the owl’s “coo”): https://carmelowls.org/.  If anyone is interested in pursuing this let me know! georgina@georginarice.com

Spangler’s West Portal Community Market Deserves Our Support

By David Wiseblood, Yerba Buena Ave.

West Portal now has a new gem, a full-service market, Spangler’s, in the old Ambassador Toys location at 186 West Portal.    It is a unique place that hopefully will serve us for decades, if we support the effort.

Dan Spangler, the proprietor, lives in the west side of the City with his wife and triplets.   He opened the West Portal market to complement the successful Spangler’s that has served Half Moon Bay for several years.  Dan’s love of food and how it supports family, friends, and community is obvious from everything Spangler’s Market offers.  The Market is the product of his two decades in fine dining at among others, Farallon and Parc 55 Hotel, where he was lead chef, after he moved from Lincoln, Nebraska twenty years ago.

Spangler’s sources the freshest fish from Exclusive Fresh, Inc., in Half Moon Bay.   My wife and I enjoy the sushi-grade Ahi, petrale sole, halibut, and several types of salmon.  The butcher shop features fine Midwest beef with professional butchers who love what they do.   The full-service delicatessen is famous for its tri-tip sandwich, an import from the Half Moon Bay location, and offers fresh, prepared salads and sandwiches and meats and cheeses by the pound.   The groceries range from fresh organic produce to pet food to Lay’s potato chips to frozen pizzas from Delfina.   Prices are more than fair and compare favorably to the chain supermarkets many of us frequent.

Dan emphasizes that Spangler’s is a community resource.  If you want something that isn’t there, he can and will source it.  Help carrying out groceries is part of the service-oriented business model.   Spangler’s is here for us, and I hope that we will be there for them.  Check out the store.  You won’t leave disappointed.

A Little More Clay Is Coming to West Portal

By Julie So Ivers, Rosewood Dr.

This April 2026, West Portal will welcome a new kind of gathering place; one where the coffee is optional, the conversations are unhurried, and the main agenda is getting your hands delightfully dirty. Kasama, a new community clay studio, has just opened and is bringing a fresh dose of creativity to the neighborhood.

Kasama is all about the joy of making. Inside the studio, you’ll find pottery wheels humming, clay-covered hands at work, and shelves slowly filling with bowls, mugs, and one-of-a-kind experiments. It’s a space designed for both first-timers curious about clay and longtime makers looking for a creative home. No pressure, no perfection; just the simple pleasure of shaping something real with your hands.

This new addition to West Portal has just opened at 79 West Portal Avenue, next to the old theater. Whether you’re ready to try a pottery class or just love seeing small, soulful businesses take root locally, Kasama is shaping up to be a beautiful part of the neighborhood; one handmade piece at a time.

https://www.kasamaclaysf.com/

A Nod to a Nearby Neighborhood

By Georgina Rice, Yerba Buena Ave.

Yes, we love Monterey Heights and West Portal and Ocean Avenues, but then there’s Glen Park! So close and so small - but mighty.

I have a few favorites, but there are many things to explore.

First on my list is Bird and Beckett Books and Records, where you can not only buy books and records but also experience wonderfully eclectic live music and poetry readings.

I also regularly shop at Cheese Boutique. Owners Rick and Nada pack a lot of goodness into a small shop. Cheese, pasta, deli meats, dolmas, etc. etc.! Nada’s garlic spread is delectable.

East-West Integrative Medicine is a true gem of a place, where you can get a fabulous massage, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine from highly skilled practitioners.

For pet people there’s no place like Critter Fritters. Chewy is easy, but there’s nothing like getting to know local merchants, and as they say on their sandwich board: “Buy Local or Bye-Bye Local”. So true!

Then there’s Higher Grounds Coffee, La Corneta, Glen Park Station, Pebbles Café, Gialina, the new La Cigale (which I haven’t yet tried), and that’s not all – so much in a three-block stretch!