our projects

This site is managed by BHPflex, a non-governmental, privately supported and community-based,  project-directed effort.

After an introduction to Bayview in 1976, while working during a college semester-break, many visits were made to the industrial areas near Yosemite Slough, with other stops along Third Street.  There were not many places thriving along the corridor then, as many storefronts were boarded up.  A seafood place or two, sandwich shops, liquor stores and banks were open for business. The 15/Kearny bus would take a rider up from Third Street, across Market to Columbus Avenue, to the Cannery location at NorthPoint for twenty-five cents.  Islais Creek was not a pleasant backdrop at the time, but the Copra Crane and Nishkian Bridge were attractions.  A subsequent move into the neighborhood followed, as a full-time resident in the early 1980's.  The wood smoke rising from the brick oven at Everett and Jones BBQ enlivened the air between Revere and Shafter Avenues, and those perfect ribs are retained in palate memory.  Things were relatively quiet in the neighborhood unless it was game-day at Candlestick.  You could tell that a sporting event was on, as hundreds of unusual cars would descend upon the community, driving through the various neighborhoods  with the windows rolled up, people inside wearing red jerseys and searching for places to park.  The 49ers were in town.  BHP flex (originally just the name on a file folder) was initially formed in 1985 during a street-tree planting operation organized by my (now) wife, in conjunction with Friends of the Urban Forest.  Five hundred sidewalk trees were planted in Bayview during this period.  On Third Street, The Club Long Island, Sam Jordans and later, the Monte Carlo,  defined the nightlife.  Out at the Shipyard,  the bar at Dago Mary's  was active and the three-bean antipasti prepared one for lunch or dinner.  We then  relocated a business from South of Market to the Bayview neighborhood in 1987, where BERKELEY FARMS, SLUG, SFWD and the JACK HORNER PIE company were neighbors on Oakdale Avenue. The Old Clam House was wobbling on its original foundation, prior to the late 80's re-build.   There were stressors.  The crack scourge hit Bayview-Hunterspoint hard; gun and gang violence turned deadly; elder financial abuse was on the rise.  But the strength and resolve of the families endured, guiding the children and grandchildren to respect the community, to fight for better schools and services and to contribute to the dialog for the future.   Many trusted  community connections and lasting friendships have developed over the decades, with other valued associations following our participation in neighborhood safety, long-term planning and zoning, community events, etc.  Other actions have included economic development planning; small-business alliances; land-use review; art and cultural activities;  historic preservation;  legislative-related work with three District 10 supervisors spanning more than twenty years; a newsletter, etc. We don't do this by ourselves, and have joined with many individuals in the various neighborhoods over the years. We've learned to pay attention, to respect, and to speak (at times, ad nauseam) in support and advocacy of many things; and in opposition to a few items. Through-out, the process has been one of looking forward while reflecting back.                                                                                                        

In the larger context, as relatively new to this community, our work has just begun. We simply follow the example set by the many dedicated and relentless elders, residents, business operators and other advocates with whom we've worked and befriended.  Yet we also know some background - a community built by those with a pioneering and courageous spirit that continues to this day.  We honor the history of the area: the Ohlone; the Mexican Rancheros; the Scandinavian boat-builders;  the Chinese shrimpers;  the Maltese and Italian farmers; the French tanners;  those who labored in Butchertown and at the Shipyard;  the African-American families from the Gulf Coast; the Asian-Pacific Islanders; the newer immigrants, etc.  We recognize and learn when honoring the history of labor, both maritime and land-based in Bayview-Hunterspoint; and the history of job loss, disinvestment and marginalization; the question of Redevelopment; the significant environmental challenges, past and present; the sub-standard public education realities; the families who live in poverty.  We are informed by the work of historians; of the Big Five; of those who worked on plans. Plans upon plans, from Model Cities to the Bayshore Plan to the Redevelopment Plans to Retail Studies to the many Visionary musings.  There are many positive stories that should be reflected in the press and other media, but that often get lost in tension-focused reporting.  Stories of  thousands of families and tens of thousands of descendants who contribute to the authenticity and genuine kindness displayed by this community. And of countless hundreds of businesses that thrive, quietly and without  much recognition.  We've seen some boom, a lot of bust, and a new and emerging optimism and willingness to invest time, backbone and money.  We look forward to working with  the new arrivals participating in the civic life here; to encourage and witness their support of their neighbors and the local businesses; to reinforce the necessity of respecting the history and people of this place - the people who came before us with their own ideas  and visions, work and creativity; and to see them write the next positive chapter of Bayview-HuntersPoint. 

Enjoy the information, opinions and content and send us your comments on how to improve the site and expand the reach.  We live here. We work here. 

Daniel  Dodt / BHPflex  

pictured above L to R:  Bayview Northern Gateway Park; Bayview Library interior court; Candlestick Point Park.   pictured right:  Wayfinding during Sunday Strees event: Third Street/Cargo Way.