Ocean rescue of 2 people at Ocean Beach. SFFD crews stabilized 2 people and carried them up 300 feet to 2 SFFD ambulances awaiting for transport. #SFFD pic.twitter.com/ORnd082kPy

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• A battle over a gray plywood wall on Clement Street highlights a broader San Francisco issue, with absentee property owners' neglect stifling urban vibrancy and fueling the city's ongoing crisis of blighted spaces. [SFGate]
• Video: In a harrowing scene, a man was recently spotted lounging on the safety net of the Golden Gate Bridge. [Tenderloin Activities]

Image: Sutro Baths, 2020; Leanne Maxwell/SFist

Last week, a 2-alarm fire struck the Outer Sunset haunt the Riptide, a bar frequently highlighted by SFist for its equally warm fireplace and atmosphere. Fire damage has now been estimated at a devastating $600,000, with CBS SF writing that half of the space's interior was entirely gutted.

But patrons with a special place for their favorite bar have found a way to support the Riptide and owners David Quinby and Les James. Now, Riptide manager Jean Fontana, has started a GoFundMe page (naturally), and that's already raised more than $12,000 in the effort to support the employees of the beloved dive.

From the GoFundMe page:

"The Riptide has been a staple in the Outer Sunset and a frequented meeting spot for the community. Many locals know The Riptide as the spot to enjoy some of the best touring and local music acts including bluegrass, rock, jazz, blues, solo acoustic, country, and American roots music. Members of the SF Symphony have even performed there in quartets! The Riptide is the only live music venue in the Outer Sunset, and they have never charged a cover fee to a single person - welcoming all to enjoy great music. Many have also discovered their voice through open mic and karaoke nights at The Riptide, and enjoyed bingo and burlesque nights."

"The loss is devastating not only to residents and patrons, but for owners David Quinby and Les James, who sustained roughly $600,000 in damage due to the fire, according to a preliminary estimate by the Fire Department. David and Les took over The Riptide 11 years ago, and turned a bar that previously experienced frequent troubles with the police into a safe, vibrant community hub in the Outer Sunset."

Another local bar, the Cat Club, is paying homage to its Riptide brethren and fundraising on their behalf with an event to be held this week. A silent auction for items like a Guerneville retreat and a Kink.com tour (plus jello shots all night) is planned for this Thursday.

the Riptide via Facebook

Previously: [Updated] Fire In Outer Sunset Closes Riptide Bar, Disrupts Muni Service

While swimming in the water at Montara State Beach on Monday afternoon, a mother and daughter were yanked in by a riptide. Several people, in fact, got caught up in the rip current. Acccording to CBS 5, "four adults were treated at the scene and two childen were taken bby helicopter to Stanford Hospital." An unidentified mother and daughter team, however, were later pronounced dead. Yikes. Also, here's a riptide reminder: Rip currents can be recogzined by “unusually calm waters, caused by the channel of water flowing out." The water color might also appear different from the surrounding water next to it. You should ALWAYS check for any possible rip currents before dashing off into the warter. If you find yourself caught in a rip current, you should fight it by swimming sideways, parallel to the beach, until you have reached safer, calmer waters . Read more about riptides at Wikipedia. UPDATE: The mother and daughter have been identified as Romila Higgins, 41, and Indali Higgins, 5, of Walnut Creek.