Ross Mirkarimi as well as leaders throughout the Hayes Valley neighborhood came to a great event for John Muir ES at Nickies, 466 Haight Street.

We had great music with Deborah Crook and Alex Walsch (musicians from the neighborhood), great food donated by Nickie’s (great space for benefits) and lots of laughter

Attendees included public school parents from other such schools as McKinley and Balboa (Alan Giest and Shellie Weiner).

But for me, a highlight was when Alex Walsch, one of our performers, says, “I know John Muir ES well. I had my wedding reception there.”

It turned out that his wife, Lisa Alley taught the second grade bilingual class for seven years-and is now the IRF at Starr King Elementary School.

I had one of those moments that took me back to childhood. Alex said to me, “Is Debbie Estell coming tonight?” “Debbie Estell? I don’t know her,” I said. “But we do have a Miss Estell (one of our outstanding counselors).” And then I laughed at myself-realizing that Miss Estell obviously had a first name.

It was a grand night for a great school. There are a lot of wonderful events that benefit our schools. Do yourself a favor-attend one. You’ll not only have lots of fun-but you will be helping one of City’s public schools.