Once the land of the Ohlone tribe, Merced Heights has had many incarnations, since those early days.  Originally, the land was low grasses, pansies, lupin and California poppies on gracious, rolling hills.  Early in the 20th Century, small farms and homesteads were built and soon, developers saw a great opportunity to build a neighborhood for families.  The area included many outlets for recreation, including the SF Zoo, Ocean Beach, Playland, Lake Merced and nearby Westwood Park Racetrack.  There was always something to do, on this west end of town.
In 1936, Jesse and Helen Brooks bought the entire peak (14 lots to be exact), “because it was out in the country.”• The “city farmers,” enjoyed chickens, ducks, even a deer and of course, dogs, as pets.  They gardened daily on the fertile land, had a bee hive and recycled and composted, long before anyone knew what those things were.  In the 1960’s, the couple retired to the Peninsula and the City made the 14 lots a public park, after purchasing the land for $70,000, in 1966.••  
Known as “Kite Hill” to the locals, the land and the Brooks’ house went uncared for and suffered through the 1970’s and 80’s until falling into disrepair.  In the early 1970’s, the original home was destroyed by fire and the city bulldozed the remains.  But the neighbors banded together and in the late 1980’s took control over drug dealers and riff raff that prohibited friendly use of the park.  In May 1978, Mayor Moscone and other delegates, had an official “Brooks Park” naming ceremony.

409 Shields
Built in 1940, Shields became a darling street of charming homes with spacious yards.  The street crests the hill, allowing all its homes to have views, overlooking Stonestown, Lakeside, Mount Davidson Manor, Ingleside, Ingleside Terrace and Westwood Park districts.  The yard faces south, for all-day light and cool breezes off the ocean.
The house is a perfect layout with entertaining spaces in front: formal living room with fireplace, dining room and kitchen aside the dining.  The hallway leads to the full bath, with shower stall and a tub, plus a skylight.  Also off the hall is the interior-access door, from the garage.  Don't miss the charming, original softwood floors, beautifully preserved after hiding under carpet for 50 years.  Two spacious bedrooms are tucked away in the back, both with nice-sized closets and views of the yard.  In the basement, is an unwarranted “man cave,” half bath, tons of storage and room for two cars.  The yard has been terraced and the new fence gives you privacy and peace of mind if kids or dogs are at play in the back.  
Today, the park is a natural environment that allows children to learn about local plants and adults to relax in a natural setting.  Because of its location, 409 Shields has the special added benefit of using Brooks Park as an extended back yard, while enjoying the land that so many before us, have loved.

•Margot Patterson Doss, “The View from Kite Hill,”  SF Chronicle, November 1970, Page 7
••JH Brooks, “Procedure Followed in SF’s Acquisition of the Brooks Home…”, Winifred Desch collection, private four page, n.d. via Streetwise: Brooks Park, www.outsidelands.org/sw/23.php

Ingleside Heights

Ingleside Heights, Ingleside and Oceanview are part of the several micro neighborhoods located in this southern part of San Francisco. The Annual Sundial Park Picnic, with its bicycle, chariot and wagon race, takes place in the lovely oval called Ingleside Terrace. Oceanview (which has some lovely views though not necessarily of the ocean-a slight misnomer) has the Oceanview Playground and the Minnie and Lovie Ward Recreation Center at its center. Ingleside Heights offers a variety of local restaurants on Ocean Avenue. Most homes in these neighborhoods were built between 1900 and 1940. There's sure to be something for everyone in this corner of San Francisco.

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