By Ellen Eason

The Inner Sunset is about to become even more attractive thanks to a number of beautification and improvement initiatives. The nonprofit SF New Deal launched the Inner Sunset Neighborhood Vibrancy Fund, a program that supports new and existing small businesses in the commercial corridor. Made possible with generous support from Inner Sunset neighbors, the fund will provide grants in three categories: up to $10,000 for storefront beautification, up to $5,000 for technical assistance and up to $20,000 for businesses taking over a vacant storefront. Applications will be reviewed by a central team and a community advisory group of Inner Sunset neighbors, the Inner Sunset Merchants Association and Inner Sunset Park Neighbors (ISPN). The grant is open to small businesses located between Fifth Avenue and 19th Avenue, bounded by Lincoln Way and Kirkham Street. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with priority given to applications submitted by Aug. 28. Learn more and apply at sfnewdeal.org/inner-sunset.

Community enhancements are on the horizon for the Inner Sunset. As part of District 7’s Participatory Budgeting Process, two projects cleared the 400-vote threshold. Residents voted on improvements to the Fifth Avenue and Lincoln Way entrance to Golden Gate Park, adding separated pedestrian and cyclist paths, new safety features and a colorful crosswalk. The other winner is 16th Avenue Pedestrian Safety Improvements, with upgrades to the intersection near the Hidden Garden Steps. Supervisor Myrna Melgar’s office will begin legislation to authorize funding in the coming weeks, with funds released this fall.

During One City Day, a citywide day of service on Saturday, July 11 championed by San Francisco First Lady Becca Prowda and Mayor Daniel Lurie, Inner Sunset neighbors pitched in to pull weeds, remove litter and graffiti and paint the wall in the parking lot between Eighth and Ninth avenues in bright cheerful hues. More than 4,000 San Franciscans participated. A special thanks to Annie Tahtinen, the Inner Sunset cleanup captain, and to Sunset Mercantile Emporium for providing a local gathering spot for volunteers.

Pure Cane’s Naturally Sweetened Juices are a Refreshing Treat

Need a refreshing pick-me-up as you stroll in the Inner Sunset or the park? Head to Pure Cane Juice Co. at 839 Irving St., near 10th Avenue, for all-natural fruit-based sugar cane juices and unique treats.

“We use imported Vietnamese sugar cane, which is a natural sweetener, and no artificial flavors,” owner Cory Sullivan said. The menu features a variety of cold press sugar cane juices, and every beverage is freshly pressed and blended to order. The juices provide a caffeine-free energy boost along with antioxidants, minerals and vitamins.

“Sugar cane’s flavor is nostalgic for many people from Southeast Asia,” Sullivan said. “We have customers from across Asia, the Middle East and other areas near the equator who enjoy its distinctive taste.”

Flavors include tangy golden lime (calamansi) nojito with mint and lime, passion fruit, strawberry lemon cane, purple dragon fruit, lychee, pineapple, coconut water and rotating seasonal blends. Customers can choose add-ons such as ginger, chia seeds, basil seeds, aloe and boba. Brown sugar boba milk tea, Thai iced tea and hot or iced Hong Kong milk tea are also on the menu. The family-owned Irving Street location opened in December 2025, following its success as a pop-up at the Outer Sunset Farmers Market & Mercantile. Cory Sullivan and his Indonesian wife, Susan Efendi-Sullivan, work in the business along with daughters Ellie and Kaya. Susan’s mother bakes the delectable pandan sponge cake, an airy cake made with leaves from pandan, a tropical plant. Pandan, often called “Asian vanilla,” has a mild flavor described as a blend of vanilla, toasted coconut and almond. Other Asian-inspired treats include vanilla and pandan bubble waffles and Baby & Boy almond chocolate buttercrunch candies. Pure Cane participates in festivals and night markets, including a recent Chinatown market. The company also caters special events and weddings, pressing juices on-site for mocktails or signature cocktails inspired by each couple’s favorite flavors. Stop by soon for a fruitful experience!

Celebrations and Events

Flower Piano returns for its 11th year with 11 days of music from Sept. 10-20. Experience live music in a dozen intimate settings woven throughout the San Francisco Botanical Gardens, from the Moon Viewing Garden to the Great Meadow. Admission is free for San Francisco residents and included in general admission fees for others. The Celebration Garden will be transformed into the Flower Piano Lounge, featuring priority entry to the festival, special performances from local headliners, access to premium bars, food from local makers, lounge seating and dedicated restrooms (special pass required for the celebration garden). Learn more at gggp.org/flowerpiano.

SIP Tea Room at 721 Lincoln Way celebrates its ninth anniversary on Aug. 15 with a full day of food, fun and festivities.

“It’s been an amazing journey, and we can’t wait to share this special moment with the community that’s been with us every step of the way,” said owner Shannon de Leon. The tea room offers full afternoon tea service as well as a lighter fare menu with freshly baked scones, shortbread, pork sausage rolls and other treats. Make a visit to the park extra special with SIP’s takeaway picnic tea basket, with delicious treats, hot tea and a comfy blanket. Learn more at siptearoom.com.

Aug. 2 marks the first anniversary for Sunset Commons, a DIY crafts venue and café at 1600 Irving St. Congratulations to Carmen and Steven Lee and their team as they continue to offer workshops, gatherings and special events. Over the past year, they hosted 130 events including arts and crafts classes, mahjong socials, movie nights, a clothing swap, private events and monthly crafts and mingles.

Sign up for a class or gathering at sunsetcommons.store.

The Inner Sunset Merchants’ Association is the voice of our neighborhood’s business community. We are committed to supporting, promoting and advocating for the needs of our local business community. Learn more at innersunsetmerchants.org.

Ellen Eason is a writer and Inner Sunset resident.