Claire DeLeon Not for profit genius

What event will we find you at this week? Definitely at the pop-up dinner at Dear Mom on Sunday night - it’s always different and always delicious. 

Who's your favorite quintessential local character? The guy who plays accordion outside of Gypsy Honeymoon and Arizmendi on Sundays. I think he’s in love with the owner of Gypsy Honeymoon, so I like to imagine he’s our Valencia version of John Cusack in Say Anything. 

Where's your secret spot?  I don’t know if it’s a secret, but the art at the 3300 Club is to die for. A regular at the bar, Firenze, paints it all. When my boyfriend and best friend moved in together, I purchased one for them as a housewarming present, we call it the Cheagle. It’s either a really majestic chicken or a plump eagle. I love that it’s from our neighborhood, and that we got to know who painted it.

What's your favorite under-the-radar SF restaurant? Basa Seafood market on 24th has a grilled salmon sandwich that, if you’re really friendly, they’ll walk over to Blind Cat and bring to you so you can have a beer while you wait. So. Good.

Where do you go to relax and get away from it all? The SF Botanical Gardens! I love going on quiet sunny days, laying out a blanket and reading. Walking through the gardens there are so many great smells! The flora is organized geographically, so walking through it feels like travelling.

What do you get obsessive about here in SF? The politics! SF is incredibly progressive, it melts my heart. Working in the non-profit field I’m constantly impressed by how caring, people based and smart SF programs are. Healthy SF? Yes please! We’re models for the nation in so many ways. It makes me proud to live somewhere where health-holistically-is a public priority.

What local merchant have you been meaning to check out? Mission Bowling Club! For the longest time I was missing a movie theatre and bowling alley in the mission- and now we’re getting both! I can’t wait to be a regular.