There are three bars on Cortland Street, but also several bars/clubs on the west edge of Bernal, on Mission St. For many of us in Bernal, that stretch of Mission is closer than Cortland. We go to two bars on Cortland and three bars/clubs on Mission St. (Anyone know what's up with the latest incarnation of what was the Chaise Lounge?) There are several restaurants on Mission St open late-- but coffeehouses shut down early in SF, compared to LA at least.

"Noe Valley, it's like a roller coaster. Up and down, left and right. I've always wondered why Muni decided on that route for the 24."

Having been involved as a volunteer in several Muni route planning meetings, I can say that their priorities are (1) serviing the largest number of people possible, with a given route (2) connecting with other lines, and (3) getting elderly folks on board (the Muni gets special federal urban mass transit funds for providing service to the elderly and disabled).

There is also the grandfathering factor inherent in any organization. Once it's planned, it's unlikely to be changed. Some Muni lines haven't been re-done since 1912.

I've been on the 24 when the bus turned a corner going up a hill, lost its power pole, and the bus lurched backward about 50 feet. Scared the hell out of me, even though I know about the various emergency brakes they have, and the top-notch brake maintenance they do. Still, it scared me. It's not easy to get over those hills.

But things have been worse. The line used to be diesel, and they had to use special buses for the 24 and the old 55 Sacramento lines because most recent vintage buses couldn't make it up the steep hills (most bus systems nationally do not go up and down such steep hills). At times a bus would simply be overloaded, so the driver would have to ask the passengers to get out and walk to the top of a hill and get back on. Seriously. This is why you still see a few old GM coaches circa 1965 with the streamline windows. Those coaches can take anything. The Muni keeps a few on hand just in case.

Thanks all for your replies - very helpful info. B.F. is in his 5th hour of 8 hour interviews, so I'm crossing my fingers all goes well.

From everything you guys say, I am still psyched most about living in Bernal Heights - just seems like it has such a cool vibe - I love the local-bent - almost no chains - the whole sustained community thing is awesomness defined. The bars everyone mentioned - are any live music? djs?

I also read that Bernal Heights has a lot of dogs - any cat lovers? I used to walk my siamese when I lived in South Florida, but haven't since moving North. He loves big parks!

David, regarding your event, if I come to any, will you let me call the city San Fran - at least one more time??? ;-)