Claim OwnershipOutside Lands San Francisco
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© 2013-2026 Western Neighborhoods Project
Description
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, footnoted facts, and occasional guests.
634 Episodes
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Inspired by Rae Alexandra's recently released book, Unsung Heroines, Drew and Nicole share the harrowing story of Mary Kelly, aka Lucretia Henkel. This relatively unknown powerhouse was an advocate for refugee rights after the 1906 earthquake and fire, and dedicated a grove in Golden Gate Park to war mothers that is now lost to time.
Nicole and Drew discuss the Big Art Loop - the reason you may have seen some new public art around Golden Gate Park and the waterfront - and how the way it is backed may affect other installations moving forward. And to round it out we jump back in time to read articles from the news 25, 50, 75 and 100 years ago the day this episode airs.
Nicole and author Marta Lindsey discuss her new guide to Golden Gate Park, and spill the tea on rival recreation groups, her history boyfriend John McLaren, and their mutual love for this magical place that is bigger than Central Park. Plus, they enjoy authentic Golden Gate fortune cookies with Drew!
Nicole and Rebekah look back on the recent Spirits of San Francisco event at Slake Bottle Shop, and discuss what WNP book club is into right now, before we hop back in time to read some news from 25, 50, 75 and 100 years ago on the day this episode airs.
In this classic episode of Outside Lands, Nicole welcomes Nancy Botkin - who tells us about the remarkable Bernice Rodgers. Bernice was a ground-breaking Rec and Park employee whose was later honored with street named after her in Golden Gate Park.
Nicole, Rebekah and Drew talk through recent efforts by the AASLH and others to resist censorship in historical scholarship and exhibitions, and what it means for WNP. Plus, jello shots come up again! And we breeze through news from 25, 50, 70 and 100 years ago on the day this episode airs.
Nicole and Drew take you to the northeast corner of the western neighborhoods to explore the long history of businesses at 2701 Lombard Street at Baker, which has been home to Phil's Electric Co. since the 1980s just outside the Presidio.
Nicole shares an exciting event coming up, and Rebekah talks about her recent work trip to Sweden, before the two jump into articles from this day 25, 50, 75, and 100 years ago.
Nicole and Drew introduce you to the women behind Auguste Rodin's sculpture of Miss Eve Fairfax on display at the Legion of Honor, from its mysterious subject to the inimitable women who gave her a home in San Francisco.
Rebekah reflects on her takeaways from Claude the Alligator’s recent funeral, and Nicole shares her excitement about a potential step into publishing. Together, they round out the episode by exploring local “On This Day” articles from 25, 50, 75, and 100 years ago.
Nicole and Drew explore the important history of West Portal’s Empire Theater, reflecting on the role it played in the neighborhood and the generations it touched before closing its doors.
Nicole and Rebekah return for the first Short Stack of 2026! They catch up on their recent breaks, discuss the closure of California College for the Arts (CCA), and explore “On This Day” articles from 25, 50, 75, and 100 years ago.
Elizabeth Larke Blodgett, mother and passionate supporter of returning Great War soldiers, took her doll house making hobby to incredible levels. One masterpiece miniature house has been featured at the Emporium downtown and at the Cliff House, Nicole and Michael are joined by a very special guest and Elizabeth's granddaughter, Janet Dyer in this classic episode rebroadcast.
To close out 2025, Nicole and Drew explore the history of the Partingtons, a family with a huge impact on San Francisco’s art scene.
Unlike today's SantaCon, Mabel Hawkin's Santa Claus Association does not involve scores of drunken Kris Kringles. Instead, the Association was a charity group that distributed thousands of gifts to San Francisco's children. This week, we’re rerunning this classic episode where Nicole and Michael provide the inspiring story behind this groundbreaking endeavor.
Nicole and Rebekah are back with another Short Stack, live at Tennessee Grill! Tune in as they chat about what brought them to this beloved neighborhood spot—and why they love it—before diving into “On This Day” stories from 25, 50, 75, and 100 years ago.
Nicole and Rebekah explore the remarkable life of botanist Alice Eastwood and the lasting impact she left on the California Academy of Sciences and San Francisco.
Nicole and Rebekah return for another Short Stack to break down the big news about the Cliff House donation and revisit some moments from the recent WNP Family Dinner at Celia’s by the Beach.
Nicole and Rebekah return for another Short Stack! Nicole shares her thoughts and hopes for the preservation of the historic Mother’s Building — formerly part of Fleishhacker Pool — before the pair dive into “On This Day” articles from 25, 50, 75, and 100 years ago.
Nicole and Drew explore how a few of Market Street’s iconic “Path of Gold” lamps found their way to Lands End, and uncover the fascinating history behind these glittering symbols of San Francisco’s past.
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rip Arnold 😢