
Outside Lands San Francisco
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.
Latest episodes

Aug 8, 2020 • 31min
391: Parkside Branch Library
The Parkside Branch Library's mid-century architecture stands out among the nearby buildings on Taraval Street. Unlike most Outside Lands San Francisco podcasts, there are no dark secrets or scandal in this one.

Aug 1, 2020 • 33min
390: Zakheim Murals at UCSF
New-Deal era, Bernard Zakheim murals at UC San Francisco are in imminent danger of being destroyed.
Portraying the history of medicine, ten frescoes displayed in UC Hall, which will soon be demolished as plans for a new hospital take shape

Jul 25, 2020 • 28min
389: Louis' Restaurant
We mourn the permanent closing of Louis' Restaurant due to the pandemic, but celebrate its history and the thousands of meals served overlooking the Sutro Baths Ruins, Seal Rocks, and the Pacific Ocean.

Jul 18, 2020 • 30min
388: 4-Star Theatre
We miss theatre popcorn! Continuing our long-running series about West Side movie theatres, this week's we recall the history of the still extant, 4-Star Theatre.

Jul 11, 2020 • 34min
387: Mel's Drive-In: The Sit In
As you enjoy a burger and shake at Mel's Drive-In on Geary Boulevard, in those very booths nearly 60 years ago, there was a protest against Mel's owners for their discriminatory hiring processes. Learn what happened in 1963 and how it resonates today.

Jul 4, 2020 • 33min
386: The Cliff House Project
Special guest, Gary Stark of the Cliff House Project joins the pod this week to talk about his organization and share some fascinating facts about the ever evolving, west side landmark. To see more Cliff House photos, visit https://opensfhistory.org/

Jun 27, 2020 • 39min
385: Toppling Monuments
In San Francisco, statues have been toppled in reaction to the subjects' past history of racism, oppression, or enslavement. We examine the context during which they were raised, their subjects' history, and discuss their planned, and unplanned removal.

Jun 20, 2020 • 30min
384: Favorite Point
Favorite Point in Golden Gate Park is aptly named, but few know of its location today. We return to the celebration of Golden Gate Park's 150th Anniversary and rediscover this formerly prominent spot in the park. To learn more, visit www.outsidelands.org.

Jun 13, 2020 • 31min
383: Bernzweig Framing and Design
Steve Bernzweig, second generation owner of Bernzweig Framing and Design, joins the Pod to share the 50-plus year history and some interesting stories of this west side San Francisco gem.

Jun 6, 2020 • 32min
382: Guerrilla Historian
Coming to a SF street corner near you! Historic photos from OpenSFHistory.org are being taped to utility poles around the City. Joey Yee joins us to talk about being a proud participant in WNP's grass roots Guerrilla Historian initiative.