

Outside Lands San Francisco
Western Neighborhoods Project
Nicole Meldahl and a rotating cast of hosts from the Western Neighborhoods Project (outsidelands.org / OpenSFHistory.org) share San Francisco west side neighborhood history with humor, a real fact or two, and much-better-informed occasional guests.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 13, 2021 • 49min
417: Sutro the Collector
 Adolph Sutro's vast wealth enabled his passion for collecting. Dr. Lissette Jimenez, Egyptologist at SF State University joins the Nicole, David, and John to describe the breadth and depth of Sutro's acquisitions. From mummies to books to amusement rides, there were virtually no limits to Sutro's eclectic collection. 

Feb 6, 2021 • 43min
416: Levin Family Theatres
 The neighborhoods of the West Side would not be the same without their local movie theatre and we have the Levin Family to thank for them, from the Alexandria to the Coliseum to the beloved Balboa and many more... Nicole, Arnold & David tell the story of this arts-devoted family. Plus an all-star live audience Listener Mail. 

Jan 30, 2021 • 45min
415: Sand Dunes of the Outside Lands
 That the west side of San Francisco was covered in sand dunes will come as no surprise to regular listeners. Michael Lange joins Nicole and David to tell us how the City transformed the expanse of sandy, wind swept land into the Richmond and Sunset we know today. 

Jan 23, 2021 • 51min
414: Tales of Ocean Beach
 Ocean Beach in the 60s & 70s was a time like no other. Special guest, and native West-sider, Paul Judge joins co-host John Martini to regale us with their first-hand recollections of the places, people, and events of the beach, Playland, and environs. 

Jan 16, 2021 • 33min
413: Terry Francois
 Civil rights activist and lawyer, Terry Francois had a prominent role in challenging racial covenants throughout the West Side. New co-host, Arnold Woods tells us how Francois worked to help desegregate housing in San Francisco. 

Jan 9, 2021 • 48min
412: Evolution of Point Lobos Road and Merrie Way
 As if Playland, the Cliff House, and Sutro Baths was not enough of an entertainment selection, nearby Merrie Way provided even more thrills. New recurring co-host, John Martini helps us understand how the area around Point Lobos Road evolved. 

Dec 27, 2020 • 48min
411: Woody's Farewell Podcast
 As 2020 comes to a close, we bid a fond farewell to podcast co-host, Woody LaBounty. After 8 years and over 400 episodes, Woody regales us with a few more stories of growing up on the West Side of San Francisco. 

Dec 19, 2020 • 43min
410: Historic Moments in 2020
 In a year like no other in our lifetimes, Nicole, David, and Woody take a look back at the historical highlights of 2020. 

Dec 12, 2020 • 39min
409: Catholic Churches in the Richmond
 The oldest Catholic church in the Richmond dates back to the 1880s. As the population of San Francisco spread west, so did the churches. Today's pod gives us a historical glimpse on the many Catholic churches in the Richmond. 

Dec 5, 2020 • 35min
408: Uncle John McLaren
 Incredulously, after 400+ podcasts, we are only now devoting one to John McLaren, the Superintendent of San Francisco parks - for life. The pod looks at McLaren's lasting legacy throughout the City and beyond. 


