Third Street Stroll …

by Rochelle Metcalfe

APRIL in Paris! My heart yearns to return to Paris, France. Will always remember a dream come true in 2008 – the Eiffel Tower, and other fond scenic memories!

Supervisors-London-Breed-Malia-Cohen-Black-History-Month-celebration-screenshot-by-Rochelle-Metcalfe-300x225, Third Street Stroll ..., Culture Currents
Glamorous and pretty S.F. Supervisors President London Breed and Malia Cohen captured at Black History celebration at City Hall – Photo: Rochelle Metcalfe

HEY, let me get back on 3-street! Spring and Baseball. World Champion San Francisco GIANTS Home opener, Monday, April 13 – never miss one! Always try to seek out the SAY HEY KID, WILLIE MAYS, and WILLIE “Stretch” McCovey in particular – lot of history that harkens back to a time when the GIANTS had many African American players.

I’ve been following the Giants, as a fan and reporter, since the team moved to San Francisco in 1958; DISAPPOINTED over the lack of Black players these past two seasons.

To make it clear, I have loved the sport of baseball since my young days growing up in New Jersey. From a BLACK perspective. Today, young African American youth who participate in school sports seem more interested in basketball and football, therefore a lack of interest shown in the game of softball and baseball. Plus, slow process to climb in the profession, once drafted. MONEY to survive – most African Americans lucky to make it to the minor leagues, do not have money to pay a lot of their expenses because of low bonus pay and financial support from families; many come from single family homes – often, mother head of household. It’s tough!

Major League Commisioner (MLB) BUD SELIG recognized the problem. 2013, announced the creation of an ON-FIELD Diversity Task Force to address the talent pipeline that impacts the representation and development of diverse players and on-field personnel in Major League Baseball, PARTICULARLY AFRICAN AMERICANS, and a need for REVIVING Baseball in INNER Cities. A task force was formed that included FRANK ROBINSON, Hall of Famer and MLB Executive Vice President of Baseball Development.

Spring and Baseball. World Champion San Francisco GIANTS Home opener, Monday, April 13 – never miss one!

This year marks the 70th anniversary of JACKIE ROBINSON signing the first professional contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers organization in 1945, which was the first step toward his eventually breaking the color barrier on April 15, 1947.

Major League Baseball 2015 CIVIL RIGHTS GAME on Jackie Robinson Day, Wednesday, April 15. L.A. DODGERS will host the Seattle Mariners. The Civil Rights Game was developed by MLB to pay tribute to the spirit of the civil rights movement and to honor those who embodied the struggle for equal rights for all Americans. The annual event began in Memphis in 2007.

Many years a 49ers season ticket holder (1975- 2010) at Candlestick Park. SADLY, as I look from my Third Street fifth floor apartment window to Candlestick stadium, at this writing, partially torn down by bulldozers and other equipment, crushing rocks and other structural debris of steel and particles.

There’s concern among activists and residents of the community about the removal of debris and DUST during the demolition of the stadium. You can believe they are on a DAILY watch!

SF-Port-Commission-Pres-Leslie-Katz-Port-publicist-Renee-Martin-by-Rochelle-Metcalfe-300x225, Third Street Stroll ..., Culture Currents
S.F. Port Commissioner President Leslie Katz and Port publicist Renee Martin – Photo: Rochelle Metcalfe

LIFE moves on – By now, sure you are aware of THE YARD, a retail and beer garden space across AT&T Park, Third and Terry Francois Blvd, the NEW destination spot, whether you attend a GIANTS game or not, will add to the excitement of the area. You can see the scoreboard, and will hear the roar of the crowd! The T-MUNI Train lets you off two blocks away.

Attended the Press Preview called by GIANTS President LARRY BAER, mid morning, before opening March 20, to introduce The Yard, a POP-UP Shipping Container Village open to the public seven days a week, year round. The village constructed out of recycled shipping containers that house local food and drink establishments. A waterfront park, surrounded by a diverse mixed-use neighborhood that includes hundreds of new rental apartments, offices and homegrown retailers grouped along a network of green streets, public plazas and promenades. The San Francisco GIANTS built and will operate and manage the Yard, on PORT PROPERTY and part of Lot A parking space.

There in the gathering of several speakers representing the pop-up vendors, included Monique Moyer, Executive Director, Port of San Francisco, LESLIE KATZ, President, San Francisco Port Commission (former San Francisco Supervisor ), S.F. Port Publicist RENEE MARTIN.

Percussionist-Pete-Escovedo-Maestro-Curtis-checking-playlist-by-Rochelle-Metcalfe-300x225, Third Street Stroll ..., Culture Currents
Legendary percussionist Pete Escovedo and Maestro Curtis check the playlist. – Photo: Rochelle Metcalfe

MOVING ON – The annual BLACK CUISINE, benefit Bayview Hunters Point Multipurpose Senior Services, Inc., was very successful and the LAST to be held on Yosemite – next year at the NEW senior campus on Carroll and Third. Legendary percussionist and band leader PETE ESCOVEDO was the headliner joined by JUAN ESCOVEDO and MAESTRO CURTIS and band – ACTION WAS HOT! Pete was to see limited participation BUT FELT SOOO GOOD he performed the entire set, much to the joy of entertainment coordinator SUZY TYNER.

HEARTWARMING to see and hear talented musician and band leader JAY’E (RICHARDSON) on stage blowing beautifully on his horn. JAY’E, employed with the Adult Day Health Care Center until illness forced him to be out from his job as Activities Director over a year, and a long health struggle. It was not sure if he would perform, BUT he did! There in the hot sunlight, joined his band on stage; he was AWESOME – WHAT PRECIOUS MOMENTS to hear his SWEET sound! WE love you, JAY’E!

Missed a lot of the music, due to assisting videographer KEN JOHNSON, capturing the scene, interviewing SAVVY SUIT MAN KEN WILLIAMS – (AD seen on this page) – and covered some of the acts, for one, CI CI (CAROLYN CLARY BROWN) and her LINE DANCERS!

In closing, want to note, APRIL IS JAZZ APPRECIATION MONTH – SUPPORT THE MUSIC!

HEY, IT’S NICE TO BE NICE AND TO ALL OF YOU OUT THERE … LOOK FOR ME … I’LL BE THERE …

E-mail Rochelle at iheard@earthlink.net.