Medjool Rooftop Granted Two Months to Play Nice

Nearly a year after the issue of its illegal rooftop bar was first brought to light (oh politics), Medjool finally had its day in court yesterday, though a definitive ruling still wasn't handed down yet. The upshot of yesterday's two-hour hearing before the Board of Appeals was that the Board voted four to one in favor of granting Medjool "the benefit of the doubt" and giving owner Gus Murad until February 10 to get the proper conditional use permits. Furthermore, they suggested that Medjool try to act in good faith towards its main detractor—the Buddhist temple next door—by immediately limiting rooftop noise and music.

But the best excerpt from the story: "Hala Hijazi, who formerly worked for the Economic Development Agency under mayor Willy [sic] Brown said she drives all the way from the Marina just to eat at Medjools [sic]. 'It is like the Nordstroms of restaurants,' she said." A-mazing.
· Board of Appeals Gives Medjool Two Months [SFGate]
· Medjool's Illegal Rooftop Bar May or May Not Be Illegal [~ESF~]