About San Francisco's West Portal

A Dog Friendly House in the City

What makes for a dog friendly house in the City? I have a little experience in this, since I have 3 Chows. Keep in mind lots here in San Francisco aren't all that large - it's how you access them that's important. So here's my current list - I'd love to hear from more dog lovers, so feel free to add to my list!

1. You don't want a long flight of steps to your front door or out your back door. Rover's life span is shorter than yours, and when he becomes a senior citizen those steps could be troublesome.

2. There are a lot of things to occupy Spark's mind during the day, but he wants to know what's going on outside. He likes to watch you come and go too. There must be a window he can look out of and survey his kingdom. Even if it's from the back of your sofa.

3. The two most favorite things in Sasha's life are food and going for walks. For the food, there has to be an out of the way place in the kitchen or near it for the food and water bowls.

4. For the walk, well first of all remember the stairs. A quiet residential street is better than a busy thoroughfare. And it's handy to have a park nearby too. My dogs look forward to their 1 mile walk every day - in fact they literally can't concentrate on anything else until the walk happens.

5. A back yard is really a plus. And easy access to it is VERY important. My office is in a spare bedroom at the rear of the house, and it has a glass door leading to the backyard at grade. Ponche lays in front of the door keeping an eye on his domain. And when he sees a squirrel or a cat in HIS yard, he's got to get out there right away! I just get up and walk to the door and open it - it would be even better if It was next to my desk so I could just swivel over there.

6. Hardwood floors! Easier to keep clean. But you need plenty of area carpets or throw rugs too. Rico senior has a hard time getting up on those darn slippery wood floors. Rugs give him the needed traction.

I know there are more, so bring 'em on, dog lovers! If you're looking for a dog friendly Realtor, this San Francisco Realtor can help!

I've been spending some time in the West Portal neighborhood the past couple of weeks...well, a little more time than I usually do, that is. Our Zephyr office at 215 West Portal Avenue has been undergoing a "medium" remodeling project: New Paint, carpet, kitchen, desk chairs, furnishings and electronic media for the conference rooms, and of course new artwork. Tara Donahue (manager of the WP Office) asked me to consult on the remodel, (how could I resist), and we've made some wonderful improvements. I'll save the "before and afters" for another post.

West Portal, like many neighborhoods within the Twin Peaks (District 4) area of San Francisco, is primarily residential with a cozy commercial strip along the "main drag"...and in this case, that would be West Portal Avenue. Some of the architectural facades along this street remind me of that "town and country" look (on the left) you'll find in many areas of California (Westwood area of L.A., Burlingame and San Mateo, for example).

One of my favorite Sunday morning haunts in the neighborhood is The Village Grill. I wish there were more places like this still left in the City, but they seem to be fewer and far between these days. It's a homey, American style diner with good 'ole "regular", delicious food. Not fancy. Eggs, bacon, sandwiches...you get the picture. Even their website gets right to the point! And if the plate decor along the interior walls doesn't grab you, then you're obviously looking for somewhere else to eat. I wish I had time to go there this coming Sunday for their Irish Breakfast plate, but I can't. Maybe next week ;)

Vintage photo and film footage...

Tibetan Gift Corner - West Portal

There is a storefront just a short distance from our Century 21 Scott Keys office (we're at 101 Vicente St., right behind Starbucks) in San Francisco's West Portal village. The storefront at West Portal Avenue and Vicente St. used to be a video rental store. Then it was vacant for a long time, and was most recently a location for a number of pop up stores, including a 49er shop and a temporary location for one of the candidates in the recent mayoral campaign.

Walking home this week, I noticed a new occupant in the space: The Tibetan Gift Corner. I don't know if this is a pop up or a whole new store. But it gives the Avenue an exotic flavor and I'm all for that. There is another Tibetan Gift Corner in the Haight. Probably related?

Check it out. West Portal Avenue has a lot to offer.

Welcome Jason Mai to Century 21 Scott Keys!

We are always looking for talented new agents to join with Century 21 Scott Keys Properties here in San Francisco's West Portal.

Jason is a brand new agent - he has spark and a determination to succeed. He also just joined Active Rain! I am very happy to have him onboard. While he undergoes intensive training the first month, he has also teamed up with another experienced agent, Maggy Frias. Maggy has a buyer client who is Chinese, and Jason is just the one to work with her - he speaks both Mandarin and Cantonese.

Teamwork, and new blood in the office - it makes me very happy!

Welcome Jason!

Welcome Maggy Frias to Century 21 Scott Keys!

We are always looking for talented new agents to join with Century 21 Scott Keys Properties here in San Francisco's West Portal.

Maggy is a Go Getter and had been working with another company a block away. Changes in that company led her to us, and I am very happy to have her onboard. In her first week she got a new listing in San Francisco. Maggy speaks fluent Spanish - she also has another client who is Chinese. We just hired a brand new agent, Jason Mai, who speaks both Mandarin and Cantonese. Jason and Maggy are teaming up to work with her buyer client.

Teamwork, and new blood in the office - it makes me very happy!

Welcome Maggy!