My City: Outdoors, arts and acts, Mexican hot chocolate

SAN FRANCISCO — Faves and raves by Juliana Mojica

Personal stats
AGE: 48
YEARS IN THE CITY: 24
NEIGHBORHOOD: Bayview
OCCUPATION: Promotes independent artists, arts organizations and the cultural arts primarily in the Latino community. Her Web site is www.mojicaarts.com.

SELF-DESCRIPTION: Cherishes her alone time yet often spends it with other people, proud to have passed along the torch to the next two generations: her daughter and granddaughter, who are carrying on the love for the arts and community.\

FAVORITE PLACE TO LISTEN TO MUSIC
Stern Grove
WHERE: 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard
WHAT: Listen to music, surrounded by huge eucalyptus and redwood trees, and still be in the city
INFO: (415) 252-6252 or www.sterngrove.org

Where else can you go to an outdoor, free concert with diverse, world-class acts, sit in the beautiful groves surrounded by huge eucalyptus and redwood trees and still be in The City?


FAVORITE PLACE TO SEE LIVE THEATER
Intersection for the Arts
WHERE: 446 Valencia St., between 15th and 16th streets
WHAT: Theater performances, art gallery, literary program, jazz series, and classes for all ages
INFO: (415) 626-2787 or www.theintersection.org

I have seen some of my favorite theater productions at the Intersection for the Arts, in particular by their resident theater company, Campo Santo. It’s a small space but filled with tremendous creativity and energy.


FAVORITE ART GALLERY
Galería de la Raza
WHERE: 2857 24th St., between Bryant and Florida streets
WHAT: Bilingual performances every full moon
INFO: (415) 826-8009 or www.galeriadelaraza.org

The name says it all. Another long-time institution in the community. While living in Bernal Heights, and often working in the Mission, I have spent the years often walking by the Galeria, feeling a sense of pride of the incredible work our artists continue to create.

FAVORITE CAFE
L’s Caffe
WHERE: 2871 24th St., between Bryant and Florida streets
WHAT: Healthy food, Mexican hot chocolate, friendly owners and musicians and artists’ displays
INFO: (415) 206-0274 or www.lscaffe.com

It’s just a great spot where you (or at least I) always run into someone you know. It’s just very much a neighborhood café that also features local and international musicians and artists’ displays where you can enjoy healthy food, a nice cup of coffee/tea or Mexican hot chocolate, and a pastry, of course. It has a wine bar and free Wi-Fi.


FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD
The Mission
WHAT: Endless activity, music blaring, murals on every block

Although I lived in Bernal Heights for nine years, and it is where my daughter spent most of her youth, I love my walks through the Mission. Although the neighborhood is rapidly changing, you still can find the crowded streets filled with endless activity, energy and creativity, keeping the neighborhood alive and vibrant.

FAVORITE NATURAL FOOD STORE
Rainbow Grocery
WHERE: 1745 Folsom St., at Erie Street
WHAT: Herbal remedies, natural skin products, bulk products and knowledgeable employees
INFO: (415) 863-0621 or www.rainbow.coop

I remember Rainbow Grocery when it was at Mission and 15th streets, but I enjoy the newer location as well, and I can find non-dairy items at Rainbow that I can’t find at other natural food stores.


FAVORITE NATURE SPOT
Ocean Beach, Great Highway
WHAT: The waves, the sand, watching the sunset, looking for sand dollars
INFO: www.parksconservancy.org/visit/park.asp?park=68

For years I have taken walks along Ocean Beach starting at Sloat and working my way up to the Cliff House. I used to take my daughter to the beach, and now I take my granddaughter. I feel a close connection to Ocean Beach.


FAVORITE BOOKSTORE
Bird & Beckett Books & Records
WHERE: 653 Chenery St., between Carrie and Diamond streets
WHAT: Old jazz records, new and used books, music events and book/poetry readings
INFO: (415) 586-3733 or www.bird-beckett.com

I learned of Bird & Beckett Books when I moved to Glen Park. There I met Eric Whittington, who owns the store, and at the time it was a small bookstore on Diamond Street, with a great collection of old jazz records, and new and used books.