Divisadero and the walk

I have often wondered what the name Divisadero means. I Googled it and found an article in the Post and Courier about a book by the same name. This article says, "'Divisadero,' has two meanings, both pertinent to the plot shift. The first comes from the Spanish word for 'division.' The second derives from divisar, meaning 'to gaze from a distance.'"

Now, I know that this comes from a book review and that I didn't really take the time to search further for any meaning here but this is likely the best set of definitions. Starting in the Marina District in the north of The City and ending in the Castro where it connects with Castro Street, Divisadero the street offers a great of example of both definitions. However, after looking at these definitions I wondered about the prescience of early city planners who annexed the "Western Addition" in the first place.

Encompassing the opulence of Pacific Heights, the rustic beauty of Alamo Square and the often times seedy run down qualities of many things in between, "The Addition" as I like to call it, was really envisioned as a way to solve many of the cities growth problems. The act offered residents a way out of the inner city, which we have come to see as downtown. Looking at it this way makes one realize that Divisadero was not so much derivative of the concept of "division" as much as it does "divisar" judging from the wide variety of views available from its highest points Near the Presidio and Buena Vista park.

Today Divisadero really has become The City's great divider though since crossing it in an easternly direction at Lombard, Geary, Haight and Market streets indicates that you have left the broadly residential areas of San Francisco and have entered its more commercial heart.

Divisadero Art Walk
Thursday April 14th 2011
5-10pm
Haight to Geary Street

Hope to see you this afternoon to evening out there!!