Community Profile: Vicky Rideout
Steering Committee Member & Volunteer, Tompkins Stairway Garden
When Vicky Rideout moved to Bernal Heights, she noticed something troubling right away: a neglected staircase that had become a real concern for her new neighbors. Instead of chalking it up to city life, she dug in. What she found was a classic bureaucratic gap — the city owned the property but claimed no responsibility for maintaining it. The staircase had fallen through the cracks, literally and figuratively.
Vicky saw an opportunity where others saw only frustration. She contacted the mayor’s office, researched who actually owned the land, and started organizing her neighbors. Progress wasn’t instant, but she kept at it, turning informal front-porch conversations into real meetings with neighbors and city officials alike. Eventually, Vicky and a committed group of neighbors formed a street park and took on the staircase’s upkeep themselves, securing support for supplies and trash removal from city agencies along the way — a model of community stewardship built to last.
The results exceeded even Vicky’s hopes. A modest cleanup grew into a full neighborhood improvement project, backed by grants and sustained by volunteers. The once-troubled space is now a community asset — safer, greener, and full of neighborhood spirit. Today, residents use the stairway daily, and it’s become a true gathering point for the community.
“Greening Projects helped us plan and execute the first fundraising campaign for the Tompkins Stairs, and it was a huge success. They generated a lot of community support and involvement!” — Vicky Rideout, Tompkins Stairway Garden
More Than Just Soil: Finding My People in the Garden
We talk a lot about greening infrastructure and the technical side of what we do, but the real secret behind our community projects is something far more organic. When we set out to build gardens, we’re really building a support network.
The work can feel solitary at times, but I’ve learned I’m never truly alone in this mission. My trips across the city to visit our various sites have become the highlight of my week — proof that this garden-steward life comes with some pretty incredible built-in mentorship.
Upcoming Events
🌱 Community Meeting: Garden & Art
Join us for a Community Meeting focused on Garden + Art! Come get an update on all the exciting projects happening at the Good Prospect Community Garden.
When: Saturday, August 29, 2026 · 10:00–11:30 AM
Where: Baukunst, 433 Cortland
Perks: Light refreshments will be served!
RSVP: Email bernalbeautiful@gmail.com to save your spot
We look forward to seeing you there and sharing ideas for our community space.
🚶 The Green Density Tour Returns — August 30
Join the Action Network for our popular Green Density Walking Tour on Sunday, August 30, from 3–5 PM. Co-hosted by the Sierra Club’s SF Bay Chapter and Greening Projects, this walk explores Bernal Heights’ ecology — from its hidden hydrological features to the unique geology that shapes how we experience the neighborhood. Along the way, we’ll discuss opportunities to further green the area and create a safer, more welcoming environment for pedestrians and new neighbors.
As always, we’ll stick around afterward for optional drinks, snacks, and conversation.
RSVP soon — this tour always fills up!
About Greening Projects
Greening Projects empowers communities to transform urban landscapes into vibrant, sustainable environments where people and nature thrive together. We partner with community groups and individuals who envision greener neighborhoods and cities, offering expert consulting in planning, design, development, and project management. Through collaborative engagement and professional guidance, we help turn environmental aspirations into tangible green spaces that strengthen community bonds, enhance ecological health, and create lasting positive change in the urban fabric.
Upcoming Events
Aug 29 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Community Meeting: Garden & Art
Aug 29 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Holladay Street Clean Up Day
Aug 30 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Green Density Walking Tour
Sep 5 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Bernal Heights: Tompkins Stairway Garden Work Day
Sep 12 10:00 am - 12:00 pm