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Elon Musk’s Strobing ‘X’ Emblem Atop Twitter San Francisco HQ Irks Neighbors And Sparks Native Probe

Daily SF News — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 09:38:49 +0000

July 31, 2023 3:55 AM | 2 min read

Twitter owner Elon Musk installed a massive “X” logo atop Twitter’s San Francisco headquarters, sparking an investigation by local authorities and stirring public debate. The incident was captured and shared by journalist Christopher J. Beale on his Twitter account.

What Happened: Musk’s decision to install the “X” logo on Twitter’s headquarters, now known as X Corp, has been met with mixed reactions. The city officials have initiated an investigation into the installation, citing that it was not done with proper permission.

Beale took to Twitter to show short clips of the X logo with a strobing effect.

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“Imagine no more. This is my life now,” wrote Beale.

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See Also: Is Elon Musk’s Success a Result of Deception? Facebook Co-Founder Challenges True Impact of Tesla, SpaceX

Why It Matters: The installation of the “X” logo is part of Musk’s rebranding of Twitter to X Corp. This move has led to mixed reactions from users and analysts alike.

Over the weekend, Musk reacted to the controversy by posting a video of the X headquarters with the new logo on top of the building, while saying that San Francisco was in a “doom spiral.” He reiterated X’s commitment to Golden Gate City and said that the company would not be moving out.

Read Next: Elon Musk Unconcerned by Falling Tesla Values, Could Drive Buyers to Ford and GM: “It Will Affect Them”

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The post Elon Musk’s Strobing ‘X’ Emblem Atop Twitter San Francisco HQ Irks Neighbors And Sparks Native Probe appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

De La Cruz flashes velocity, sparks Reds over Cardinals 4-3 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Daily SF News — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 03:39:24 +0000

ST. LOUIS (AP) – A day after Elly De La Cruz jokingly called himself “the fastest man alive,” the rookie backed that up with St. Louis in the series finale.

De La Cruz showed his pace, scoring two hits, hitting base four times and getting the go-ahead with a headfirst sliding grounder in the eighth inning that led the Cincinnati Reds 4-3 over the Cardinals on Sunday.

“Yeah, I’m faster,” De La Cruz said with a smile through a translator. “Anytime they don’t approach me, I have an opportunity to contribute when I’m on base. Whenever I’m on base, I can score.”

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De La Cruz hit an infield single in the first inning at a sprint speed of 31.2 feet per second, with the 21-year-old reaching base ahead of 41-year-old pitcher Adam Wainwright.

“I knew I could do it,” De La Cruz said. “We’re hectic every time.”

De La Cryz equalized the score with an RBI single in the third round to make it 2-2. He De La Cruz went in the sixth, stealing second place and scoring after a single from Tyler Stephenson to equalize 3-3.

Then, in the eighth, De La Cruz took the lead on a full-count push from Jordan Hicks (1-4), advanced through Spencer Steer’s groundout and finished third through Willson Contreras’ passball.

With the infield in, Stephenson hit a two-hopper at Paul DeJong, and the shortstop’s throw landed slightly over first baseline and in the dirt. The ball bounced off Contreras’ mitt as the catcher attempted to score a swipe tag, and De La Cruz slammed the plate with his left hand.

“Right here, I was just trying to get a run for the team and help the team win,” De La Cruz said. “I’m glad I was able to score this run.”

Stephenson said: “I was just as shocked when I turned around and saw it was safe. He’s an incredible talent. Exactly what he can achieve with his speed.”

Cincinnati manager David Bell was impressed.

“That run there was full speed,” Bell said. “It’s a different speed to be able to beat this game. It was a solid batter for a shortstop with a really good arm. He just escaped the throw. It’s pretty incredible.”

De La Cruz is .364 (8 for 22) with five walks, three stolen bases, a .481 on-base percentage and a 1.117 OPS in six games since his debut Tuesday. He has a double, triple, home run and four RBIs.

“He’s a good player and he uses his speed appropriately and in different ways,” said St. Louis coach Oliver Marmol. “He beat us.”

Ian Gibaut (6-1) allowed a hit in 1 2/3 scoreless innings for relief. Alexis Díaz threw a 1-2-3 ninth to keep 15 save chances perfect while the Reds held off the Cardinals two of three.

“It was a great show,” Bell said. “It’s always difficult to play against this team here. All three were hard fought matches. We felt we had to play really well to get two wins here.”

St. Louis went 1-for-11 with runners in goal position and is 9-for-70 (.129) in its last 12 games. The bottom-ranked Cardinals are 7-15 in one-run games and are eight games behind NL Central leaders Pittsburgh. St. Louis has lost seven of its last nine games.

“We are all very upset with the way things are going. “We keep showing up and expecting it to be different, and it doesn’t stay that way,” Wainwright said. “The only common denominator we had is that we found ways to lose. We lose every game in different ways.”

Jonathan India hit a home run in the first round, but in the second the Cardinals went 2-1 through a runs-scoring single from Jordan Walker and an RBI grounder from Tommy Edman.

Nolan Arenado hit an RBI triple in the third set.

Wainwright gave up three runs and a right run in 5 2/3 innings and is 0-1 in his last three outings. He made his 397th start for Wainwright, third for St. Louis behind Bob Gibson and Bob Forsch…. Cincinnati’s Hunter Greene made his first start since June 1, allowing three runs and six hits in 5 1/3 innings. His fastball averaged 98 mph, 0.6 mph slower than his season average. Due to a stiffness in his right hip, he canceled his scheduled start.

Edman made his tenth appearance at the center this season. He also appeared as shortstop (27 games), second (21), and right (eight). The only other Cardinal in franchise history to appear at second base, shortstop and centerfield in more than 10 games was Dave Brain for the 1904 Cardinals.

Paul Goldschmidt was caught stealing in the seventh inning. This ended a streak of 30 consecutive stolen bases without being caught since 2019.

Reds: Option for RHP Kevin Herget after Triple-A Louisville. Herget pitched 1 1/3 innings Saturday after being called off earlier that day. He allowed three runs and four hits.

Reds: RHP Casey Legumina (bruised right ankle) returned from rehabilitation and was reinstated on Sunday from the 15-day injury list. He is 1-0 with a 4.35 ERA in eight assists this season. … 3B Nick Senzel (right knee injury) is on course to join the Houston team and be activated on Friday.

Cardinals: OF Tyler O’Neill (low back strain) received two injections in his back on June 1 in Los Angeles: a cortisone and lidocaine injection and an epidural for nerve block. He is scheduled to meet with the doctor who administered the injections on Thursday and may be able to resume his baseball activities the next day.

Reds: RHP Luke Weaver (1-2, 6.27) will be making his second career appearance and will face the Royals on Monday, who will play with RHP Zack Greinke (1-6, 4.59). On opening day, Weaver was on the 15-injured list with a right elbow flexor strain and made his season and Reds debut on April 20. Greinke is 8-2 with a 2.38 ERA in 14 career starts against Cincinnati.

Cardinals: LHP Matthew Liberatore (1-2, 6.00) meets San Francisco’s RHP Logan Webb (4-6, 3.09) on Monday. In his last start, Liberatore only lasted four innings and allowed five runs and his first home run of the year.

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The post De La Cruz flashes velocity, sparks Reds over Cardinals 4-3 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

De La Cruz flashes velocity, sparks Reds over Cardinals 4-3

Daily SF News — Sun, 11 Jun 2023 22:37:52 +0000

WARREN MAYES and Associated Press

26 minutes ago

Willson Contreras of the St. Louis Cardinals throws his bat after coming up in foul territory during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Sunday, June 11, 2023 in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Rookie Elly De La Cruz showed his pace, scoring two hits, hitting base four times and getting the go-ahead with a headfirst sliding grounder in the eighth inning that gave the Cincinnati Reds the win over the St. Louis Cardinals 4: 3 on Sunday.

De La Cruz hit an infield single in the first inning with a sprint speed of 31.2 feet per second, and the 21-year-old tied the score 2-2 with an RBI single in the third inning against 41-year-old Adam Wainwright .

De La Cruz went into the sixth, stealing second place and scoring after a single from Tyler Stephenson to equalize 3-3. Then, in the eighth, De La Cruz took the lead on a full-count push from Jordan Hicks (1-4), advanced through Spencer Steer’s groundout and finished third through Willson Contreras’ passball.

Vandals damage LGBTQ door display at church in southern St. Louis County

De La Cruz is .364 (8 for 22) with five walks, three stolen bases, a .481 on-base percentage and a 1.117 OPS in six games since his debut Tuesday. He has a double, triple, home run and four RBIs.

Ian Gibaut (6-1) allowed a hit in 1 2/3 scoreless innings for relief. Alexis Díaz threw a 1-2-3 ninth to keep 15 save chances perfect while the Reds held off the Cardinals two of three.

Jonathan India hit a home run in the first round, but in the second the Cardinals went 2-1 through a runs-scoring single from Jordan Walker and an RBI grounder from Tommy Edman.

Nolan Arenado hit an RBI triple in the third set.

NO DECISIONS TO START

SWISS ARMY KNIFE

squad change

Reds: Option for RHP Kevin Herget after Triple-A Louisville. Herget pitched 1 1/3 innings Saturday after being called off earlier that day. He allowed three runs and four hits.

TRAINING ROOM

NEXT

The post De La Cruz flashes velocity, sparks Reds over Cardinals 4-3 appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

San Francisco’s Pop’s sparks debate on the time period ‘dive bar’

Daily SF News — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 10:11:40 +0000

„Ich weiß, das ist Haarspalterei, aber wenn du Pop’s eine Kneipe nennst, ist das eine Art Beleidigung für Kneipen“, sagt mir Tom Tierney am Telefon. Wir sprechen über die Kneipe, deren Miteigentümer er seit 2014 ist, ein Ort mit einem langen Erbe, das bis ins Jahr 1937 zurückreicht. „Weil Kneipen ihren eigenen Platz in San Francisco und in Amerika haben“, fährt er fort, „ Ich betrachte uns als Nachbarschaftsbar.“

Was genau ist eine Kneipe? Als jemand, der einen guten Teil seiner 20-jährigen Karriere damit verbracht hat, über sie zu schreiben, glaube ich nicht, dass ich es Ihnen genau sagen kann. Sogar die Wikipedia-Definition davon ist Wischiwaschi. Genauso wie man die Bedeutung von „cool“ erklärt, ist es unmöglich, eindeutig zu definieren, was eine Spelunke ist. Man erkennt nur einen, wenn man ihn sieht.

Was ist also der Unterschied zwischen einer Kneipe und einer Nachbarschaftsbar? Nun, ich denke, das hängt einfach von der Nachbarschaft ab. Und in San Francisco kann das alles bedeuten.

Pop ist in der Luft

Das erste Mal, dass ich zu Pop’s ging, war wahrscheinlich 2004 oder 2005. Ein paar von uns gingen durch Valencia und versuchten herauszufinden, in welcher Missionsbar wir unsere erbärmlichen Einnahmen ausgeben sollten, als mein Freund sagte: „Ich weiß! Lass uns zu Pops gehen! Es ist wirklich schick und wirklich billig, und sie geben sich irgendwie keine Gedanken über irgendetwas.“ Zu diesem Zeitpunkt hatten wir anderen noch nichts davon gehört, aber es klang genau nach der Art von Ort, den wir liebten, also stapften wir die 24th Street hinunter, vorbei an Panaderías, Waschsalons, Kirchen, Juweliergeschäften und Nagelstudios.

Anita Ellis von Bernal Heights schneidet am Donnerstagabend, dem 2. Februar 2023, eine Orangenschale in Scheiben, um einen Negroni in der Pop’s Bar im Mission District abzurunden.

Kevin Kelleher & Emily Trinh/ Special für SFGATE

Zweite Kopien von Fotostreifen säumen die Wände in Pop’s Bar im Mission District von San Francisco, 2. Februar 2023.

Kevin Kelleher & Emily Trinh/ Special für SFGATE

Die Pop’s Bar im Mission District von San Francisco zieht an jedem Abend der Woche ein buntes Publikum an. 5. Februar 2023.

Kevin Kelleher & Emily Trinh/ Special für SFGATE

DJ Matty Holt (@sterling45s) legt am Donnerstagabend, den 2. Februar 2023, klassischen Soul für ein besonderes Set in der Pop’s Bar auf. Sehen Sie sich seine Residency-Oldies-Sets jeden Dienstag von 18 bis 21 Uhr in der Bar Mission District in der 24th Street an.

Kevin Kelleher & Emily Trinh/ Special für SFGATE

Im Uhrzeigersinn von oben links: Barkeeperin Anita Ellis schneidet eine Orangenschale in Scheiben, um einen Negroni zu krönen; zusätzliche Fotokabinenbilder; DJ Matty Holt (@sterling45s) spielt an einem Donnerstagabend klassischen Soul für ein besonderes Set in der Pop’s Bar; Kunden an der Bar. (Kevin Kelleher & Emily Trinh/Special für SFGATE)
Im Uhrzeigersinn von oben links: Barkeeperin Anita Ellis schneidet eine Orangenschale in Scheiben, um einen Negroni zu krönen; zusätzliche Fotokabinenbilder; DJ Matty Holt (@sterling45s) spielt an einem Donnerstagabend klassischen Soul für ein besonderes Set in der Pop’s Bar; Kunden an der Bar. (Kevin Kelleher & Emily Trinh/Special für SFGATE)

Wir waren ein Haufen College-Kids und frischgebackene Absolventen, hauptsächlich Weiße, manche Schwarze, manche Asiaten. Die Mission war billig, zentral, warm (für San Francisco) und voller Bars und Taquerias. Und obwohl es größtenteils noch ein Latino-Viertel war, war es auch unser neues Viertel. Und wir haben es geliebt. Für uns fühlte es sich so an, als würde an einem Ort eine wunderbare Mischung von Kulturen passieren.

Damals waren wir zu jung oder zu naiv, oder wir hatten einfach nicht die Rahmenbedingungen, um zu erkennen, dass wir etwas vorantreiben, das die Mission für immer verändern würde. Wir waren die Vorboten der Gentrifizierung. Das Wort war noch nicht Teil unseres Lexikons – das sollte ein paar Jahre später passieren. Aber als kleine Kinder, die sich oft etwas mehr leisten konnten, haben wir die Mieten in die Höhe getrieben und damit begonnen, was letztendlich dazu führte, dass sich die Mission sehr schnell änderte, wobei der Anteil der Latino-Bewohner zwischen 2000 und 2020 von 50,1 % auf 34,7 % sank.

Aber all das hatten wir nicht im Entferntesten im Sinn, als wir an diesem Abend zum ersten Mal das Pop’s betraten. Es war genau so, wie mein Freund es beschrieben hat: schick und super billig, und niemand schien tatsächlich einen Scheiß darauf zu geben. Es war auch laut und roch schlecht, und es war voller Skater, Graffiti-Writer und Menschen, die in der Gegend aufgewachsen waren. Es war eine typische Kneipe. Und aus der Nachbarschaft, schätze ich. Es war perfekt.

Graffiti an den Wänden der Toiletten in Pop’s Bar in der 24th Street im Mission District, gesehen am Donnerstag, 2. Februar 2023.

Kevin Kelleher & Emily Trinh/ Special für SFGATE

An diesem Abend gingen meine damalige Freundin und ich in die Fotokabine und fanden eine Brieftasche mit 1.000 Dollar darin. Wir gingen um die Bar herum und versuchten, den Führerschein einem Gesicht in der Menge zuzuordnen. Als wir ihn gefunden hatten, war er so erleichtert, wie man sich fühlt, wenn man feststellt, dass man eine ernsthafte Katastrophe nur knapp abgewendet hat. Anscheinend war es sein ganzes Geld für Miete und Rechnungen für den Monat – damals hätte es locker die Miete für mein riesiges 700-Dollar-Zimmer gedeckt – und so kaufte er uns einen Drink, um sich zu bedanken, und hieß uns in seiner Lieblingsbar willkommen.

Es war im Laufe der Jahre die Lieblingsbar vieler Leute, und obwohl sie es seit den reißenden Tagen der 2000er Jahre ein wenig aufgeräumt haben – hauptsächlich nur, um coole historische Sachen aufzuhängen und diesen schrecklichen Geruch loszuwerden – ist Pop’s immer noch eine fantastische Bar in einem der besten Viertel der Welt. Und ich behaupte, es ist auch immer noch ein Tauchgang.

Jahrzehntelange Getränke

Heute gehört die Bar Tom Tierney und Michael Kraus. (Vielleicht erinnern Sie sich an sie aus meinem Artikel über Madrone.) Aber im Laufe der Jahre gab es viele verschiedene Besitzer, und jeder brachte seine eigene Persönlichkeit in die Bar ein.

„Mein Lieblingsbesitzer ist Jack O’Connor“, erklärt Tierney. Ich kann ihn fast durch das Telefon lächeln hören. „Er war Teil der Beatnik-Szene. Und was ich wirklich an ihm mochte, war, dass er ein Spieler war. Er war ein Trinker. Er war ein Weltkriegsveteran. Und er war eine angesehene Katze in dieser Umgebung, und deshalb rede ich wirklich gerne über ihn.“

Der Besitzer der Pop’s Bar, Tom Tierney, hängt am Donnerstag, den 2. Februar 2023, mit dem Publikum am Donnerstagabend an seinem historischen Ort in der 24th Street im Mission District ab.

Kevin Kelleher & Emily Trinh/ Special für SFGATE

Als Tierney und Krouse anfingen, sich mit der Geschichte der Bar zu beschäftigen, schien es zunächst so, als ob Pop’s Bar 1947 von Jack O’Connor, Kanonier aus dem Zweiten Weltkrieg, eröffnet wurde, der aus dem Südpazifik nach Hause zurückkehrte. Die Geschichte war, dass sein Vater ihm half, die Bar zu eröffnen, daher der Name Pop’s. Aber sie wurden schließlich als falsch erwiesen.

Eines Tages schlenderte ein Mann namens Brian Saxsenmeier in die Bar und erzählte den Leuten dort, dass sein Großvater, Carl Joseph Saxsenmeier, alias Pops, der wahre Pops sei. Nach einer Suche in Aufzeichnungen stellte sich heraus, dass diese Geschichte wahr war, sodass die Zeitachse der Bar um ein Jahrzehnt zurückgeschoben wurde. In diesem Moment scheint die Bar 1937 von Saxsenmeier eröffnet worden zu sein. Gerüchten zufolge führte er vor 1937 ein Geschäft namens Clubhouse und war während der Prohibition Schmuggler.

Der Grund, warum ich „in diesem Moment“ sage, ist, dass es anscheinend immer mehr über die Vergangenheit der Bar zu erfahren gibt. Wie Tierney sagt: „Jemand könnte morgen in meinen Laden kommen und mir viel mehr Geschichte erzählen.“ So wie es aussieht, ist dies das, was sie über die Geschichte des Besitzes und der Standorte der Bar wissen. Viele dieser Informationen stammen aus der Legacy Business-Anwendung, die im September 2022 genehmigt wurde:

1937: Pop’s Club House öffnete um 2820 oder 2830 24th St. Carl Joseph Saxsenmeier, auch bekannt als Pops, war der Gründer der Bar.

1941: Pop’s Club House wurde an Jack Pryal verkauft.

1947-1951: Jerry O’Connor (das zweite „Pops“) und Jack O’Connor (sein Sohn) gehörten der Bar. Jack heiratete und verkaufte die Bar; Dann ließ er sich scheiden und eröffnete das New Hearth (eine Bar, die jetzt The Hearth heißt) am 4701 Geary Blvd.

Ein Porträt des einzigen Pops (ca. Anfang der 1940er Jahre) hängt hoch oben an der Wand neben dem Eingang der historischen Bar und ist eine Hommage an den ursprünglichen Besitzer, wie am Donnerstag, dem 2. Februar 2023, zu sehen war.

Kevin Kelleher & Emily Trinh/ Special für SFGATE

1951-1957: Charlie Leahy war der Besitzer von Pop’s Club House. Er verkaufte die Bar, als er die Tochter der Besitzer des St. Francis Fountain heiratete.

1958-1967: Während dieser Zeit gab es drei Besitzer von Pop’s Club House: Buff „Red“ Volkmeir, Walt Brennan (Großonkel von Gavin Newsom) und Albert Beurgelson. Brennan war Gastgeber für Baseballfans vor und nach den Spielen der SF Seals, die in der 16th Street und im Potrero-Stadion stattfanden, wo jetzt ein Safeway steht.

1967: Bob und Connie Griffin wurden zusammen mit Jacqueline Griffin die Eigentümer.

1970: Die Griffins verlegten Pop’s Club House den Block hinunter an seinen jetzigen Standort in der 24th St. 2800 und benannten es in “Pop’s Bar” um. Sie brachten die klassische Leuchtreklame mit.

1982-1985: Die Familie Castillo übernahm den Besitz von Pop’s Bar.

1985-1994: Bradlee J. Fitzgerald war der Eigentümer des Unternehmens. Er war Motorradfahrer, und es wird gemunkelt, dass sie innen einen Schießstand hatten und früher auf Heuballen geschossen haben.

1994-2003: Frances Prieto war die Besitzerin, und die Bar diente hauptsächlich der Latino-Community.

2003-2014: Malia Spanyol und Harmony Urmston besaßen Pop’s Bar. Es richtete sich unter anderem an Lesben, Skater, Graffiti-Writer und Punks.

2014: Eigentümer wurden Tom Tierney und Michael Krouse.

Die Pops von heute

„Aber an wen richtet sich Pop’s heute?“ Ich habe Tierney gefragt.

„Wir haben alles, jeden Lebensbereich. Es hängt wirklich davon ab, zu welcher Tageszeit man auftaucht“, erklärt er. „Wir haben um 6 Uhr morgens Ärzte und Krankenschwestern und Arbeiter. Dasselbe gilt für die Happy Hour. Wir haben Elektriker, Klempner, Anwälte, Graffiti-Künstler, Leute aus der Dienstleistungsbranche. Du kannst einen Dartpfeil werfen und fast jede Karriere treffen, und ich wette, sie tauchen in meiner Bar auf.“

Es gibt einen guten Grund, warum so viele Ärzte und Krankenschwestern um 6 Uhr morgens bei Pop’s landen. Das San Francisco General Hospital ist nur ein paar Blocks entfernt, und diejenigen, die von der Friedhofsschicht kommen, wollen oft einen Drink. Als das Pop’s-Team dies erkannte, entschied es sich ziemlich clever, im Jahr 2015 im Morgengrauen mit der Eröffnung zu beginnen. Die Änderung hat erheblich zum finanziellen Erfolg des Unternehmens beigetragen.

Die Michelada des Pops, gesehen am 2. Februar 2023.

Kevin Kelleher & Emily Trinh/ Special für SFGATE

Als jemand, der seit einem Jahrzehnt in SF als Barkeeper tätig ist, klingt das für mich nach einer höllischen Veränderung, aber für jeden Juckreiz gibt es einen Kratzer. „Der Barkeeper am frühen Morgen ist eine besondere Art von Barkeeper“, erläutert Tierney. „Die Leute, die in den Frühschichten arbeiten, sind Leute, die sie arbeiten wollen. Sie mögen die Morgenzeit. Sie mögen die Atmosphäre.“

Aber selbst diese absurd frühe Schicht war von der Pandemie betroffen. Glücklicherweise hat Pop’s seine morgendliche Kundschaft langsam wieder aufgebaut. Und wie so viele andere Barbesitzer, mit denen ich in dieser Kolumne gesprochen habe, schreibt Tierney seinen Kunden das Überleben der Bar bis zum Schlimmsten zu.

„Ohne unseren treuen Kundenstamm wären wir nichts“, stellt er klar. „Da es Pop schon so lange gibt, hat Pop’s für viele Menschen eine besondere Bedeutung. Und ich denke, deshalb haben uns die Leute wirklich unterstützt, als wir unsere Outdoor-Drinks und ein Getränkefenster gemacht haben.“

Pop’s Bar steht am 2. Februar 2023 an der Ecke 24th Street und York Street im Mission District von San Francisco.

Kevin Kelleher & Emily Trinh/ Special für SFGATE

Tierney hat jedoch eine Meinung zur Pandemie, von der ich noch nichts gehört habe – „Ich werde Folgendes sagen: Die Pandemie war schrecklich, aber ich hatte eine wirklich gute Zeit bei dem Versuch, das Geschäft zu retten. Alles, was Sie wirklich tun könnten, ist, Dinge gegen die Wand zu werfen, um zu sehen, ob sie funktionieren. Es war irgendwie befreiend.“

Ich denke, jede Leuchtreklame hat einen Silberstreif am Horizont.

Weitere Kneipen in San Francisco

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Stalled San Francisco grocery retailer sparks questions

Daily SF News — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 19:13:23 +0000

Outside the 555 Fulton Street apartment complex. Photo: Liz Hafalia/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

The bottom floor of a Hayes Valley condo complex slated to house Trader Joe’s grocery store remains empty, and city officials are beginning to wonder why.

What’s up: Supervisor Dean Preston this week called on the board to investigate the stalled project at 555 Fulton Street, which was due to be completed earlier this year.

Why it matters: The inclusion of an affordable grocery store was one of the top demands from neighbors when the 139-unit condominium building received approval some 15 years ago, reports the Chronicle.

The addition also allowed the developers to expand the scope of the project and build more units.

What you say: “If there are legitimate reasons not to move forward, let’s hear them. But a delay without a public explanation is unacceptable,” Preston said in a written statement. “This slot has been empty for too long and we want it activated.”

Flashback: Portland-based grocer New Seasons was originally scheduled to occupy the 29,000-square-foot space, but canceled its lease in 2018.

Remarkable: The local neighborhood association has accused the project’s developer, Z&L Properties, of dragging out costly updates that need to be completed before Trader Joe’s can move in, reports the SF Standard.

The Intrigue: Z&L Properties is partially owned by real estate billionaire Zhang Li, who was arrested last year on a warrant accusing him of bribing San Francisco officials to get building permits.

Mission Local reported that Zhang and the 555 Fulton Street project were at the center of the corruption case that led to the seven-year sentence of former public works director Mohammed Nuru.
Z&L also owns a 109-unit condominium complex in Hayes Valley on Oak Street that was completed over two years ago but is mysteriously vacant.

What’s next: Preston said he wants a hearing on the stalled Trader Joes next month.

The post Stalled San Francisco grocery retailer sparks questions appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Bay Space plan to bar pure fuel units sparks fierce pushback

Daily SF News — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 23:12:36 +0000

The rules would essentially require all new housing developments to have electric water heaters by 2027 and heat pumps instead of stoves by 2029. More controversial would be that homeowners whose old gas stoves or water heaters break should also need to replace them with electric ones according to the schedule.

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District, the regional air pollution agency, will vote on the mandate on March 15. He was responsible for Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties and southern portions of Solano and Sonoma counties.

About 90% of the nitrogen oxides emitted by the Bay Area’s 1.8 million homes are produced by stoves and water heaters, which is why the district is focusing on those appliances, said Greg Nudd, the district’s assistant air pollution control officer. The rules don’t actually ban any specific device, but the district’s proposal would require that water heaters and stoves emit no nitrogen oxides or NOx by those deadlines — effectively a requirement to go electric.

Nitrogen oxides are gases that can contribute to the formation of smog and particulate matter and are linked to health problems such as asthma and cardiovascular disease. The Air District estimated that the new home rules would reduce nitrogen oxides enough to prevent 89 deaths a year in the Bay Area.

Daniel Jacobo, employee of Henry Mechanical, installs a ventilation system for a heat pump in a residential building in Windsor. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District has proposed that all new construction must use electric water heaters by 2027 and heat pumps in place of stoves by 2029.

Brian Feulner/Special for The Chronicle

Public comment was closed on February 6th. County officials said they received 530 letters or emails from people, businesses and organizations that offered feedback on the proposal. Of these, 160 opposed the proposal, 170 supported the proposal, and a further 200 letters of support were submitted by the Sierra Club. Out of the 96 letters available online for public inspection, the most common complaint came from local residents, who raised strong concerns about the cost and feasibility of the plan. “Do you really think it’s fair to tell someone whose water heater has blown they can’t have hot water until an electrician replaces the breaker box?” Mike Thompson of Palo Alto wrote.

“I’d have to gut my house and live somewhere else while contractors worked,” said Jennifer Huber of El Sobrante. “If I could even find a contractor.”

“Slower,” wrote Belmont’s Tom Tilden. “Start the new construction.”

Among the big concerns: A heat pump, an electrical device that extracts warm or cool outside air to heat or cool indoor spaces, can cost twice as much as a gas stove, according to several contractors who submitted public comments. The devices are more energy-efficient than gas-powered devices because they use the warmth of the air, which is also available in cold winters. But electrical systems in older homes will likely need to be upgraded to handle higher amperage — costing extra money and time.

“These proposed rule changes will devastate the lives of ordinary people (the rich will have no problem adapting, they never have),” said Oakland’s Lawrence Jensen.

The comments reflect the frustration of a population reeling from high electricity bills and inflation – and concerned about increasing reliance on electricity amid the risk of blackouts from storms and other extreme events such as heat waves or fires. Power disruption has become an important tool used by utilities to prevent power line-started wildfires during hazardous weather.

San Francisco’s Malcolm Post described a fictional scene from the future without a gas water heater: A person asks their spouse, “Can we have hot water tonight?” I want to bathe the children.”

“No, not tonight, honey. Power outages because it was too windy,” he wrote.

The rules do not apply to gas stoves.

Nudd said he understands residents’ concerns about the cost of upgrading, which is why the district has set the deadline several years into the future. Nudd said his colleagues have seen the technology improve significantly in recent years, and they believe it will be even more efficient and affordable in the years to come. Nonetheless, after consultation with an advisory group made up of affordable housing advocates, manufacturers and environmental groups, the district will be willing to consider extending the deadline for households.

Henry Mechanical employee Daniel Jacobo installs new plumbing for a heat pump at a home in Windsor on Friday. Heat pumps would proliferate in the Bay Area under the new rules proposed by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

Brian Feulner/Special for The Chronicle

“While your single stove or water heater might not be a huge polluter, when you multiply that across 1.8 million households, it’s a big deal,” Nudd said.

He added that federal and state grants are available to help homeowners modernize.

Some commenters wrote to welcome the proposed rules as a precursor to Bay Area electrification. With renewable energy accounting for an ever-increasing share of California’s electricity generation, migrating devices to the grid should reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which pose a major threat to life in California and everywhere else.

“That’s the right thing,” said Richard Probst of Los Altos.

Lafayette resident Brenna Shafizadeh, who said she works on her city’s environmental task force, said that “buildings are the second largest source of emissions in our city.”

Oakland’s father, Brendan Moriarty, urged the district to take the plunge and “take every opportunity to curb emissions.”

“As a father of two young children, this will have a major impact on the quality of her life for decades to come,” Moriarty said.

Contractors, plumbers and home heating contractors wrote with concerns that the industry is not ready for a large influx of customers seeking these electrical systems.

Thor Electrical employees Thor Cary (left) and Clint Petker work at the electrical panel and help install a heat pump at a home in Windsor. Heat pumps can cost twice as much as gas stoves, several contractors said.

Brian Feulner/Special for The Chronicle

About 90% of home water heaters are replaced due to emergencies, said Eric Truskoski, senior director of government and regulatory affairs at Bradford White Corp., a national appliance manufacturer headquartered in Pennsylvania.

Truskoski called the six-year timeline to ban these natural gas systems “overly optimistic” because the supply chain for these products is not ready to meet significantly higher demand.

Writing on behalf of the Associated General Contractors of California, Brian Mello said members of his group were wary of the idea given the power outages that can hit Californians.

But San Francisco resident Adam Buck believes the mandate would create just enough spark to prime the industry. It would, he wrote, “send a clear signal to the market that we are committed to this transition and can accelerate the development and deployment of clean energy alternatives.”

Details of the district’s proposal and March 15 vote can be found here.

Reach Julie Johnson: julie.johnson@sfchronicle.com; Twitter: @juliejohnson

Correction: A previous version of this article reported incorrect statistics for pollutants emitted by stoves and water heaters. About 90% of the nitrogen oxides emitted by the 1.8 million homes in the Bay Area are produced by stoves and water heaters, according to BAAQMD’s Greg Nudd.

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Crash sparks chimney sweeping enterprise with some earnings going to firefighters’ welfare

Sat, 31 Dec 2022 01:08:35 +0000

JOHN BISSET/Stuff

Sonya Lane of Waimate, and has started a chimney sweep business, and aims to donate 10% of her profit to firefighters.

Sonya Lane is hoping her new chimney-sweeping business has a thank-you element will reduce fire call-outs and also raise money for the fire service.

More than five years after firefighters used the jaws of life to get Lane out of a crashed car, the Waimate woman has launched Sootless Chimney Sweep to try to reduce fire call-outs, and as a way to raise money for the fire service.

The idea of donating 10% of the profits from her businesses to the firefighters through the New Zealand Firefighters Welfare Society was to give back to the organization of people that “saved my life”.

“I can’t stop fires but what I can do is stop some from happening.

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“Prevention is better than cure.

“I don’t want anyone suffering from something that can be preventable.”

Lane launched the business two months ago but is not the one climbing the ladder because of ongoing health issues, instead employing someone “who knows what they are doing”.

JOHN BISSET/Stuff

Sonya Lane said the reason behind the Sootless Chimney Sweep slogan, get it swept, is that prevention is better than cure.

“I have hired a staff member who is great, he learned how to clean chimneys from his father who learned to clean chimneys from his father,” Lane said.

Although she does not get up to do the sweeping, she has been able to see “some interesting things,” on job sites.

JOHN BISSET/Stuff

Sonya Lane has a goal of having Sootless Chimney Sweep all over New Zealand.

“I have seen many charcoaled birds,” she said.

“That’s why it is really important to get bird netting, as birds easily get into the chimney, in summer and winter, so we include bird netting in our chimney sweeping.”

Lane said the businesses had an amazing two months with word of mouth taking them all over South Canterbury, and she hopes one day, Sootless Chimney Sweep will be all over New Zealand.

JOHN BISSET/Stuff

Ten per cent of Sonya Lane’s profits are being donated to firefighters through the New Zealand Fire Fighters Welfare Society.

“I am also in the beginning of working with Work and Income to become a provider, so people will be able to get help to afford it if they need it,” she said

“People should be able to have the help to prevent chimney fires, and I think being able to do this will make it more accessible to more people.”

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Chimney sweep job sparks inspiration for all times

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 01:25:11 +0000

Sally McKnight, 65, owns the Irish Sweep Inc. in Alameda. She’s been a sweep for 29 years and enjoys her work too much to retire, even though she’s the grandmother of seven, an art-loving traveler and a creative cook.

When I graduated from high school, I wasn’t prepared at all to go to college. Emotionally, I wasn’t ready for that, and education wasn’t my thing at all. I was alarmingly dyslexic, but I learned to compensate.

I wanted to be a flight attendant. My mother discouraged that. I came from an entrepreneurial family, my grandfather was an inventor, and I needed to find something to do. My family was pretty traditional in their thinking, so after high school I went to Warren-Dickinson Secretarial School. My first job, I worked at Herrick Hospital and was promoted in three months to a job that was typically done by RNs.

I got married Nov. 22, 1963, the day John F. Kennedy was assassinated. We had children, a boy and a girl, in 1966 and 1968, and I got to be a stay-at-home mom. When separation and divorce came, I responded to an ad in the East Bay Express for a part-time office job at the Irish Sweep Inc. My boss there started in 1979, and I joined in 1982.

I went out with him and with that first chimney, I realized that there were things I could learn, and that I could push the parameters of my life. It was a huge awakening.

I learned by the seat of my pants. That’s how everybody learned it. In 1988, I purchased the entire company.

I have a contractor’s license, and I have a C29 masonry license. I also have a C61-D34 metalworking license. I’m certified by the National Fireplace Institute to work on gas hearth appliances.

On our van, we have at least three different systems for cleaning a chimney. Two can be used from down in the house, the other from the roof or chimney top.

There’s not one customer in the world that wants you to come in their house and make a mess. We put down clean white drop cloths. The deal is to keep it all contained.

Most residential chimneys, there’s no way out at the bottom. The thing to me that is still so consummately interesting about fireplaces and chimneys, especially masonry or brick chimneys, is that each one is constructed by hand. There are infinite differences in these fireplaces.

I am looking for any clue the chimney can tell me about its history and why it is the way it is. You’re using your brain, your vision, your smell, your touch. You can fix a chimney, but if you don’t find out what caused the problem, if you don’t mitigate, you’re just setting it up to happen over and over again.

How do I stay clean? Protective clothing. It can be very sophisticated or not, depending on the job. I have a $400 head mask with a battery pack. We’re talking about carcinogenics.

I sculpt inside fireplaces in places nobody will ever see. I can work with one leg around the back of my neck, laying brick.

When I first became a sweep, the National Chimney Sweep Guild had just come forward with a certification. I took that test three times before I passed it. While I was on the board of directors, I served as a treasurer and I served as the ethics chair. I have been president of the Golden State Chimney Sweep Guild and treasurer of the organization. I’ve tried to make my contribution to my industry.

My mother used to shake her head and ask why couldn’t I have been a nurse or a teacher. I told her that being a chimney sweep has been my way of being of service. I love doing what I do. I’m so impressed. I’m fed daily. I go into houses with absolutely amazing artwork, and I’ve been known to cry. It just doesn’t get much better.

The post Chimney sweep job sparks inspiration for all times appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

Chimney sweep job sparks inspiration for all times

Thu, 05 May 2022 19:35:39 +0000

I went out with him and with that first chimney, I realized that there were things I could learn, and that I could push the parameters of my life. It was a huge awakening.

I learned by the seat of my pants. That’s how everybody learned it. In 1988, I purchased the entire company.

I have a contractor’s license, and I have a C29 masonry license. I also have a C61-D34 metalworking license. I’m certified by the National Fireplace Institute to work on gas hearth appliances.

On our van, we have at least three different systems for cleaning a chimney. Two can be used from down in the house, the other from the roof or chimney top.

There’s not one customer in the world that wants you to come in their house and make a mess. We put down clean white drop cloths. The deal is to keep it all contained.

How do I stay clean? Protective clothing. It can be very sophisticated or not, depending on the job. I have a $400 head mask with a battery pack. We’re talking about carcinogenics.

I sculpt inside fireplaces in places nobody will ever see. I can work with one leg around the back of my neck, laying brick.

The post Chimney sweep job sparks inspiration for all times appeared first on DAILY SAN FRANCISCO BAY NEWS.

‘Good Storm’ Sparks Bidding Wars As Bay Space Housing Market Heats Up 1 Yr Into Pandemic – CBS San Francisco

Fri, 16 Apr 2021 09:52:17 +0000

KENSINGTON (KPIX 5) – In the Bay Area real estate market, bidding wars are back with a vengeance. Despite a global pandemic, 2020 is expected to beat 2019 when it comes to the number of homes sold.

“I’m very surprised at the numbers we’re seeing,” said Michael Delehanty, a real estate agent for Compass.

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Delehanty has been a broker for 16 years. He says he talks to customers about overbids on a daily basis.

You go something like that. “I have good news and bad news. The good news is I know what it takes to maintain this property. The bad news? The number is so fancy that it is difficult to say it out loud, ”he explained.

Delehanty recently sold a three-bedroom home in Kensington, a neighborhood in the Berkeley Hills, for $ 400,000 above the asking price. That overbid is more money than the house that was sold for in 2001.

“We’re talking about Kensington and these areas. But to be honest, it continues in Concord, Oakley and Brentwood, and all of the East Bay, ”said Delehanty.

A variety of factors contributed to the creation of this glowing real estate market. For the first time, a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage hit a record low of 2.65% in January. In addition, more than 3 million millennials have just reached the age of buying.

The pandemic and working from home changed what people wanted, most want space now, but many sellers are concerned about moving during a pandemic.

The analysts at Zillow like to say: “Low stocks + high demand = intense competition”.

Homes in 2020 spent an average of 16 days on the market, up from just 12 in October, compared with an average of 42 days in 2019.

“It’s this scramble for space where there’s not enough inventory, especially in suburbs and single-family homes,” said Jeff Tucker, Zillow’s senior economist.

Tucker points out that the record-low interest rates we’re seeing mean even more in extremely expensive real estate markets, “because they know they can secure that for 30 years, which makes such a big difference in such a sizeable mortgage.”

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Many people with white-collar jobs who did not lose jobs during the pandemic have saved money by staying at home. It has been difficult for first-time buyers who helped with a down payment and low interest rates to resist buying. Now it is expected that the economy will improve in the years to come and these interest rates will rise slightly.

“I think this is actually creating another mess as this may be your last chance to set an interest rate below 3% and people think I want to do that now,” Tucker said.

“It really is the perfect storm for the real estate market that we are seeing,” says Alexander Fromm Lurie, Real Estate Advisor at Compass.

Lurie said he saw interest in San Francisco dwindled during COVID, but it was coming back, especially for unique homes like 2454 Bush Street. It’s two cottages combined by a glass ceiling, offering a lot of rare outdoor space for the city.

“We are expecting an offer today that will be on the market in just a few days,” said Fromm Lurie.

The broker continued, “People want a sanctuary in the city, gardens on either side, not a cookie cutter. People want to feel like they are in a special room. “

Luxury real estate in San Francisco is also breaking records. 150 Glenbrook Avenue broke a neighborhood record of $ 17.5 million in 2020.

“The people in good positions and profitable businesses are buying luxury homes and maybe second homes,” says Laura Adams, a former real estate agent who now works for Aceable, a real estate licensing training school.

Adams says she worries about how the other half is doing, those who keep their homes but have lost their jobs and are only seeing relief because of indulgence.

“When we get to the mortgage forbearance end, which is expected in late June, we may see a lot more foreclosures that could change the momentum a bit,” said Adams.

As for how long the bidding wars will last, Delehanty says it doesn’t look like it’s going to wear off anytime in the next three to six months.

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“The quirky aspect is not feeling like this is a bubble, not feeling like this is an unsustainable launch in the market,” Delehanty said.

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