ABOUT US
Sunset Boulevard Conservatory, formerly known as Friends of Sunset Boulevard, is a grassroots neighborhood organization co-founded by neighbors who have been advocating for improvements along the boulevard since 2018. We are a coalition of residents united by a shared vision: to support San Francisco’s urban ecosystem and ensure Sunset Boulevard remains a safe, green space for the community to enjoy.
OUR VISION & WORK
Mission Statement:
Install climate resilient infrastructure along Sunset Boulevard and create a green corridor for native plant habitats.
Our Vision:
We are working to connect recycled water to the irrigation system, ensuring Sunset Boulevard can withstand future droughts. While funding has been secured for part of this project, more work remains. Our goal is to restore the Boulevard for current San Franciscans and future generations.
Our Work:
Since 2018, neighbors have been advocating for improvements along the Boulevard. We’ve worked closely with City officials, the Department of Public Works, and most recently gained the attention of the mayor, who has pledged to support and revitalize Sunset Boulevard.
Positive steps have already been taken — community tree plantings and new habitats have brought life back to the Boulevard. Since 2022, the City has committed approximately $5.7 million toward recycled water infrastructure, irrigation system repairs, and the hiring of additional gardeners.
Why Our Work Matters:
Irrigating Sunset Boulevard isn’t just about green grass — it’s about creating an inviting greenspace for the community that will withstand climate change. The trees, shrubs, and plants we already have provide real benefits when they’re properly maintained:
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Cleaner air: Vegetation helps filter dust, smoke, and other particles that contribute to smog.
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Pollinator support: Native plants attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, which are essential for keeping landscapes vibrant and balanced.
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Wildlife habitat: Birds and small mammals rely on the Boulevard’s greenery for food and shelter, adding life and diversity to our community.
By restoring Sunset Boulevard’s irrigation system, we’re not just reviving a local landmark — we’re ensuring that the greenery continues to flourish, benefiting residents, wildlife, and future generations.
Call to Action:
Contact Sunset Boulevard Conservatory (SBC) below, and volunteer in any way you can. To fully convert Sunset Boulevard to recycled water and sustain these efforts, additional funding and community support will be essential. With the next City Budget on the horizon, SBC will continue to rely on the involvement and advocacy of caring neighbors and friends to bring attention to these issues.
Together, we can ensure Sunset Boulevard remains green, beautiful, and resilient for generations to come!
HISTORY
Historically, Sunset Boulevard was renowned for hosting summer soap box derby races during the 1950s. However, the greenway faced severe challenges during the 2008 Great Recession and subsequent California drought as the city implemented budget cuts and reduced irrigation schedules. Notably, Sunset Boulevard’s irrigation budget was entirely eliminated, leaving the area without water for over a decade. This prolonged neglect resulted in a widespread die-off of trees and the displacement of local wildlife and bird populations that had inhabited the greenway for more than fifty years.
By 2018, the community reached a breaking point due to years of deferred maintenance. In response, neighbors initiated a grassroots effort and co-founded Friends of Sunset Boulevard (FOSB). By mid- 2026, neighbors relaunched the same work under a new name Sunset Boulevard Conservatory with the support of community, who have remained dedicated to advocating for these vital improvements since 2018.
CO-FOUNDER & ADVISOR
Lorraine Patterson: Sunset Boulevard Conservatory Co-Founder
Lorraine is a San Francisco native who grew up on the West Side of the city and permanently resides in the Sunset District with her young family. She co-founded Friends of Sunset Blvd in 2018 and established a new group in 2026 named Sunset Boulevard Conservatory with its original co-founders to continue advocating for the boulevard. In her spare time, she enjoys planting natives in her garden, visiting playgrounds around the city, and binge-watching Netflix shows.
Natalie Gee: Sunset Boulevard Conservatory Advisor
Natalie is a proud San Francisco native, born and raised in the city. A graduate of Lowell High School and SF State, she has over 25 years of experience in community service and organizing. Currently, she lives in the Sunset with her husband and cat and is deeply involve in neighborhood life from working on city policy to hosting community Pokémon GO events that bring neighbors together.
Join Us Now
Your information is never shared with third parties (it's unneighborly....) and we will only contact you on topics related to Sunset Boulevard.