
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

May 30, 2020 • 32min
381: Thomas Starr King Monument
Reverend Thomas Starr King was a pivotal figure in San Francisco and California history. We resume our celebration of Golden Gate Park's 150th year and examine the Starr King monument and the man.

May 23, 2020 • 37min
380: The Farallon Islands
On clear days, the rocky contours of the Farallon Islands can be seen emerging from the horizon. This week, we venture 27 miles off shore to learn about the islands' past and present.

May 16, 2020 • 33min
379: US Public Health Service Hospital
A hospital located off of Lake Street provided health care to US service members for over a hundred years. Former Park Ranger, historian, and author, John Martini tells us about the origins through the decommissioning of the USPHS Hospital.

May 9, 2020 • 35min
378: Goethe-Schiller Monument
Why are two German writers memorialized in Golden Gate Park? As part of our series of podcasts commemorating the Park's 150th Anniversary, we uncover the statue's origins as a cultural landmark.

May 2, 2020 • 33min
377: Ray Bandar - The Bone Collector
Ray Bandar had a passion for bones. It was his collection featured at the 2014 CalAcademy exhibit "Skulls". Special guest, Lindsay Palaima worked with Ray, and visits the pod to share some stories about this unique San Francisco teacher and scientist.

Apr 25, 2020 • 27min
376: First Home in Sea Cliff
Today's tony Sea Cliff neighborhood originated as a result of the 1906 Earthquake and Fire. The very first house in Sea Cliff, located on 25th Avenue, fortunately still exists. Learn how this home came about and its first and subsequent occupants.

Apr 18, 2020 • 33min
375: Earthquake Refugee Shacks
Following the devastation of the 1906 Earthquake and Fire, thousands of refugee shacks were constructed and located at several locations of west side San Francisco. We mark the 114th anniversary of this pivotal event 2020-style.

Apr 11, 2020 • 24min
374: Ray Galli and Galli homes
Since the 1930s, Galli Construction has been a prominent builder of San Francisco residences. Galli built dozens of housing tracts and thousands of homes throughout the west side and is still in business to this day.

Apr 4, 2020 • 29min
373: Golden Gate Park 150th Anniversary Celebration
Founded in 1870, San Francisco celebrates Golden Gate Park's 150th birthday. Join Nicole, David, and Woody as they mark this historic occasion in their first remote recording session.

Apr 3, 2020 • 18min
372: Speedway Meadow and the Polo Fields (Classic Episode)
If you've been to the Outside Lands Music Festival, then you know the Polo Fields and Speedway Meadow. These open spaces both have storied histories. This classic episode continues our celebration of the Park's 150th Anniversary.