Bernal Yoga is stepping up to the plate with an extended class on Monday, Jan. 18 from 12-1:30, at which all money donated will go to help Haiti's young earthquake victims. Cash and checks are accepted. See here for more details. Suggested donation is $10-15, any amount is welcome.

I'm also happy to report that according to its website, Bernal Yoga has been voted Best Unpretentious Yoga Studio in San Francisco! The source is SF Weekly, known for its sharp reporting and fairly loathsome business practices--go Bruce Brugmann! But having participated (i.e. worked my ass off) on SF Weekly's "Best of" editions when I worked there as a proofreader, I know what hard work goes into them.

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Wanted to briefly mention two new businesses that opened in the past year and that I've only recently been able to check out. First, Sandbox: Pastry chef Mutsumi Takehara opened her playful little Japanese-style bakery at Cortland and Gates, and it's been getting a lot of press. You have to get there early, though. On a recent Saturday, the bakery was sold out by 1pm and had closed its doors. The delicious-sounding menu is reasonably priced, the coffee is high-quality, and it's exciting to see a new and dynamic venture taking off in Bernal.

Another newish business is fit Bernal fit. Located at 701 Cortland Ave., this gym used to be a dilapidated old law office. Owners Dean and Jeanne Eriksen have done wonders with the space, opening the ceilings up and making it a modern--but not sterile--environment. Jeanne Eriksen is a sweetheart, and her open, friendly energy is infectious. They now have over 300 members, who can enter using their own key cards to exercise at the time of their choice...as early as 5am.

The unique aspect of it all is that Jeanne Eriksen will dog-sit your dogs in the "dog lounge" at pre-arranged times while you work out. Dogs are grouped by size so that bullying is unlikely and Eriksen is a dog-lover who seems super-competent to prevent any problems. As the promotional material attests, the gym promotes "everlasting dog friendships." Prices are reasonable, and I'm pleased to report this business is doing well. If your New Year's resolution is to join a gym, why not try a community-based one you can walk to? Call (415) 874-9401 for more info.