From the category archives:

Notorious SF

The Glass Bolt Bridge

by Mister SF on 09/03/2013

>> In with the New!,Notorious SF


Dateline: Oakland, where Mister SF celebrates the opening of the new Eastern Span of the Bay Bridge during its inaugural commute! The bridge replaces the 1930s cantilever section which was damaged during the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake and later deemed seismically unsafe.

The Bay Area’s own “Big Dig,” the bridge was completed at a cost of $6.4 billion – 400% higher than Caltrans’ original, 1997 estimate. But do we always get what we pay for, as the old adage would have it? In March 2013, 32 bolts essential to the span’s seismic infrastructure broke when they were tightened. Not to be daunted from making opening day – nor from collecting on-time bonuses – builders and officials decided to shim the sucker until the defective areas of the span can be braced with steel saddle components. Because, after all, if something expensive doesn’t work properly it’s best to ram it and rig it, right? As Mister SF so often says, we’ll find out together.

A movement is underway in the California Legistlature to name the western, SF-Yerba Buena Island span for former Mayor Willie Brown, though the idea leaves San Franciscans cold according to my own informal survey. Some say a fitting honoree is the 19th Century eccentric Emperor Norton, whose proclamation ordering the construction of a bridge between the City and Oakland was printed in City newspapers of the day. We chose the name “Glass Bolt Bridge” for the new eastern span because it’s descriptive, and because its initials create a reverse bookend with those of “Golden Gate Bridge.”

More About the New Eastern Span
Bay Bridge Official Site

[Comments]

San Francisco, Casual or Casualty?

by Mister SF on 08/07/2013

>> Notorious SF


Dateline: Walgreens, 3601 California Street, where Mister SF observes the phenomenon known as San Francisco Casual.

What a Dump!

by Mister SF on 04/21/2013

>> High on a Hill,Notorious SF

Here’s a pile of garbage that’s sure to hit the fan. Until then, what’s Mister SF to do in order to bring a touch of lovely?

Bay to Breakers

by Mister SF on 05/20/2012

>> In with the New!,Notorious SF

With a candy parade of sorts, Mister SF ensconces the drinking holiday Bay to Breakers in his gallery of San Francisco institutions.

So Long, Sam Wo

by Mister SF on 04/20/2012

>> Farewell Favorites,Notorious SF

Mister SF visits Sam Wo Restaurant as the so-called “jook joint” jumps one last time.

Firehouse Hissy

by Mister SF on 01/22/2009

>> Notorious SF

One year since Firehouse Hissy made headlines.

Jerry Tang

by Mister SF on 12/16/2008

>> Notorious SF

Still no sign of Jerry Tang.

Octavia Blvd. Hazard

by Mister SF on 10/17/2008

>> Notorious SF

Good luck crossing Octavia Blvd….

Panhandle Bandshell

by Mister SF on 09/03/2008

>> Notorious SF

Bandshell one year on.

Classic Notorious

by Mister SF on 07/07/2008

>> Notorious SF

The Book… Guy. Ever since I was called a Nazi by a nervous browser at the Green Apple Bookstore on Clement Street – something I owe to an extreme haircut I got along the Prinzengracht while in Amsterdam for Queen’s Day – I have to refer to the Forever After Books (1475 Haight, pictured above) as The Book… Guy. If you come here you’d better be prepared to check even your smallest bag, and don’t loiter, take photos, remove books from top shelves without assistance, or ask any questions about the signs. Also, no roller skates, bicycles, strollers, bare feet, or guitars. Heart of the City acknowledges all levels of infamy in San Francisco’s catalog of notoriety. Continue to Classic Galleries…