I’m currently working on revisions to my next book for Harlequin American Romance—Firefighter Daddy—and of course that leads to a little extra research. The story was inspired by William R. de Avila Elementary School on Haight Street, just a few blocks from the famous Haight-Ashbury intersection, in San Francisco. As far as I know, it’s no longer an elementary school and has most recently served as a satellite campus for a community college.
When I first saw the school, my initial thought was, what would it have been like to to be a student (and the product of hippie parents) at that school back in the ’60s and ’70s?
The answer to that question became Rory and Mitch’s story in Firefighter Daddy.
I loved a couple of things about the school, including the absolutely gorgeous tile mosaic on the front of the building facing Haight Street, and the hopscotch courts and other play areas painted on the paved schoolyard. Believe it or not, hopscotch plays a significant role in the storyline. The playground is visible from the sidewalk on Waller Street and can also be seen in this satellite image from Google.
Although I don’t live anywhere near San Francisco, it sure is fun to zoom in and check out the neighborhood where Firefighter Daddy is set.
Click on “View Larger Map” to see the entire schoolyard. Can you recognize any of the other painted game courts in this playground?
Until next time,
Lee