David Sjostedt

With the easing of mask mandates in San Francisco, some local merchants are celebrating a cautious return to normalcy after 20 months of restrictions. Still others are perplexed—even disillusioned—by what they see as inconsistencies in the city’s evolving regulations.&nbsp;

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With the easing of mask mandates in San Francisco, some local merchants are celebrating a cautious return to normalcy after 20 months of restrictions. Still others are perplexed—even disillusioned—by what they see as inconsistencies in the city’s evolving regulations.&nbsp;

The relaxed guidelines, which <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-to-ease-indoor-masking-rules-starting-oct-15/">took effect Oct. 15</a>, apply to controlled environments that can verify vaccination status: offices, gyms, and other settings where vaccinated people gather regularly in a ventilated setting. For venues included in the updated regulation, the change is bringing in more business and happier customers.&nbsp;

The relaxed guidelines, which <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-to-ease-indoor-masking-rules-starting-oct-15/">took effect Oct. 15</a>, apply to controlled environments that can verify vaccination status: offices, gyms, and other settings where vaccinated people gather regularly in a ventilated setting. For venues included in the updated regulation, the change is bringing in more business and happier customers.&nbsp;

“I think a lot of people just didn’t come back because of the masks,” said Erin Gilmore, a yoga instructor at Yoga Flow in Pacific Heights. “These last few classes have been the first ones that are even close to pre-pandemic times—which is so fun.”&nbsp;

“I think a lot of people just didn’t come back because of the masks,” said Erin Gilmore, a yoga instructor at Yoga Flow in Pacific Heights. “These last few classes have been the first ones that are even close to pre-pandemic times—which is so fun.”&nbsp;

Erin Gilmore, Yoga Instructor at Yoga Flow in the Marina District, winds down after a steamy class session on October 20, 2021. | Photo by Camille Cohen

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Yoga-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12508"/><figcaption>Erin Gilmore, Yoga Instructor at Yoga Flow in the Marina District, winds down after a steamy class session on October 20, 2021.</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Yoga-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12508"/><figcaption>Erin Gilmore, Yoga Instructor at Yoga Flow in the Marina District, winds down after a steamy class session on October 20, 2021.</figcaption></figure>

In conjunction with other Bay Area counties, San Francisco announced two weeks ago that it will lift indoor mask mandates when case rates fall into a “moderate” range, defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as between 15 and 50 new cases per 100,000 residents over the course of a week, and a positivity rate of 5% to 8%. San Francisco currently sits in the “substantial” risk category, with around 56 cases per week per 100,000 residents. In the interim, however, public health officials opted to ease mask restrictions in controlled environments.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In conjunction with other Bay Area counties, San Francisco announced two weeks ago that it will lift indoor mask mandates when case rates fall into a “moderate” range, defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as between 15 and 50 new cases per 100,000 residents over the course of a week, and a positivity rate of 5% to 8%. San Francisco currently sits in the “substantial” risk category, with around 56 cases per week per 100,000 residents. In the interim, however, public health officials opted to ease mask restrictions in controlled environments.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The perspiry smiles of over 40 yogis filled the waiting room after Gilmore’s class, causing the fire alarm to go off from the extra body heat.&nbsp;

The perspiry smiles of over 40 yogis filled the waiting room after Gilmore’s class, causing the fire alarm to go off from the extra body heat.&nbsp;

“It was just so hot, so steamy, and so humid…This was the first class we had where we packed it out to 40 people, so this was the first time I heard that,” said Cori Stephanie, the district manager for Yoga Flow.

“It was just so hot, so steamy, and so humid…This was the first class we had where we packed it out to 40 people, so this was the first time I heard that,” said Cori Stephanie, the district manager for Yoga Flow.

Sean Keighran, a participant in the class, echoed the excitement and said that working out at home can’t compare to a live yoga class.&nbsp;

Sean Keighran, a participant in the class, echoed the excitement and said that working out at home can’t compare to a live yoga class.&nbsp;

“Having more people builds a synergy and builds a great energy,” Keighran said. “Everything is relative in life. So relative to doing yoga at home, it was better to be in here with the mask. But the best thing is still being here without the mask.”&nbsp;

“Having more people builds a synergy and builds a great energy,” Keighran said. “Everything is relative in life. So relative to doing yoga at home, it was better to be in here with the mask. But the best thing is still being here without the mask.”&nbsp;

Corri Stepney, who works at at Yoga Flow in the Marina District, discusses the change of energy in the studio since the mask mandate was lifted for gyms, places of worship, and other spaces. | Photo by Camille Cohen

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Yoga-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12505"/><figcaption><meta charset="utf-8">Cori Stephanie, district manager at Yoga Flow in the Marina District, discusses the change of energy in the studio since the mask mandate was lifted. </figcaption></figure>

Likewise, some office-based professionals who have been largely working from home since March 2020 said that the new guidelines have spurred more confidence in a return to the office⁠—and a renewed appreciation for person-to-person contact.&nbsp;

Likewise, some office-based professionals who have been largely working from home since March 2020 said that the new guidelines have spurred more confidence in a return to the office⁠—and a renewed appreciation for person-to-person contact.&nbsp;

“There’s a lot to be gained from in-person development, and from our perspective it was something we wanted to get back to,” said Michael Yelverton, head of west coast operations at Tiedemann Advisors, a financial services firm.&nbsp;

“There’s a lot to be gained from in-person development, and from our perspective it was something we wanted to get back to,” said Michael Yelverton, head of west coast operations at Tiedemann Advisors, a financial services firm.&nbsp;

Yelverton said that the firm plans to call workers back to its San Francisco office starting in November, having pushed that date back three times due to the Delta variant and ensuing changes in health guidance. The firm also acknowledged that for many of its employees⁠—particularly those with families⁠—it didn&#8217;t make sense to require in-person work before certain milestones like the reopening of schools.&nbsp;

Yelverton said that the firm plans to call workers back to its San Francisco office starting in November, having pushed that date back three times due to the Delta variant and ensuing changes in health guidance. The firm also acknowledged that for many of its employees⁠—particularly those with families⁠—it didn't make sense to require in-person work before certain milestones like the reopening of schools.&nbsp;

Yelverton said that the firm plans to call workers back to its San Francisco office starting in November, having pushed that date back three times due to the Delta variant and ensuing changes in health guidance. The firm also acknowledged that for many of its employees⁠—particularly those with families⁠—it didn&#8217;t make sense to require in-person work before certain milestones like the reopening of schools.&nbsp;

“People have been hearing lately, especially in San Francisco: It’s been good to get the band back together.” Yelverton added.&nbsp;

“People have been hearing lately, especially in San Francisco: It’s been good to get the band back together.” Yelverton added.&nbsp;

Outside the relative security of an office⁠—or the tranquility of a yoga studio⁠—other businesses fear punishment for not complying with the continually changing health codes: Last week, for example, the Department of Public Health closed the In-N-Out at Fisherman’s Wharf for not checking vaccine cards.&nbsp;

Outside the relative security of an office⁠—or the tranquility of a yoga studio⁠—other businesses fear punishment for not complying with the continually changing health codes: Last week, for example, the Department of Public Health closed the In-N-Out at Fisherman’s Wharf for not checking vaccine cards.&nbsp;

Some restaurant workers expressed confusion about why the loosened mask mandates don’t include them, despite an earlier mandate by the city that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-to-mandate-vaccines-for-bar-restaurant-patrons-starting-august-20/">bars and restaurants verify that customers</a> are vaccinated prior to entry.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Some restaurant workers expressed confusion about why the loosened mask mandates don’t include them, despite an earlier mandate by the city that <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-to-mandate-vaccines-for-bar-restaurant-patrons-starting-august-20/">bars and restaurants verify that customers</a> are vaccinated prior to entry.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“When we hired staff to check vaccines at the door, it was so we could get rid of the masks. We thought it would be a give and take,” said Milo Salehi, lead bartender at The Beehive in the Mission.&nbsp;

“When we hired staff to check vaccines at the door, it was so we could get rid of the masks. We thought it would be a give and take,” said Milo Salehi, lead bartender at The Beehive in the Mission.&nbsp;

Milo Salehi, the lead bartender at The Beehive, poses in the establishment on Valencia Street in the Mission District on October 20, 2021. | Photo by Camille Cohen

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Beehive-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12496"/><figcaption>Milo Salehi, lead bartender at The Beehive, poses in the establishment on Valencia Street in the Mission District on October 20, 2021.</figcaption></figure>

Salehi said that The Beehive is willingly compliant and was checking for vaccines before the city required it, but pointed to recent actions by Mayor London Breed as an example of misalignment in mask requirements. In September, a viral video of Breed dancing maskless in a bar against her health guidance sparked a furor, along with a measure of skepticism around the logic of mask mandates. Breed defended her actions, calling the masking rules for bar patrons not “realistic” and telling residents to “do [their best]” with the mandates.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Salehi said that The Beehive is willingly compliant and was checking for vaccines before the city required it, but pointed to recent actions by Mayor London Breed as an example of misalignment in mask requirements. In September, a viral video of Breed dancing maskless in a bar against her health guidance sparked a furor, along with a measure of skepticism around the logic of mask mandates. Breed defended her actions, calling the masking rules for bar patrons not “realistic” and telling residents to “do [their best]” with the mandates.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We can recognize when some rules are just for optics,” Salehi said. “Although the rule is that you’re supposed to wear a mask if you’re not actively eating or drinking, we all know, including mayor London Breed, that’s not really how it goes in a bar environment…It’s a game we’re all playing.”&nbsp;

“We can recognize when some rules are just for optics,” Salehi said. “Although the rule is that you’re supposed to wear a mask if you’re not actively eating or drinking, we all know, including mayor London Breed, that’s not really how it goes in a bar environment…It’s a game we’re all playing.”&nbsp;

Milo Salehi, the lead bartender at The Beehive, poses outside  the establishment on Valencia Street in the Mission District on October 20, 2021. | Photo by Camille Cohen

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Beehive-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-12493"/><figcaption>Milo Salehi, the lead bartender at The Beehive, poses outside the establishment on Valencia Street in the Mission District on October 20, 2021.</figcaption></figure>

Lingering in the background are ongoing anxieties around the virus, even among those who stand to benefit from relaxed guidelines for businesses. Wednesday’s 40-person class at Yoga Flow marked one of Gilmore’s first sessions back from maternity leave. Despite excitement about sharing her practice with more people, she expressed hesitation about whether it’s the right thing to do.&nbsp;

Lingering in the background are ongoing anxieties around the virus, even among those who stand to benefit from relaxed guidelines for businesses. Wednesday’s 40-person class at Yoga Flow marked one of Gilmore’s first sessions back from maternity leave. Despite excitement about sharing her practice with more people, she expressed hesitation about whether it’s the right thing to do.&nbsp;

“The last thing I want to do is bring COVID home to my baby,” Gilmore said. “Hopefully, we’re making the right choice because you don’t know, right? We’ve tried so many different things.”&nbsp;

“The last thing I want to do is bring COVID home to my baby,” Gilmore said. “Hopefully, we’re making the right choice because you don’t know, right? We’ve tried so many different things.”&nbsp;

For SF businesses, relaxed masking rules fuel both relief and anxiety

Annie Gaus

David Chiu (D-San Francisco), who represents the eastern half of San Francisco in the California State Assembly, has been appointed by Mayor London Breed to serve as City Attorney.

David Chiu (D-San Francisco), who represents the eastern half of San Francisco in the California State Assembly, has been appointed by Mayor London Breed to serve as City Attorney.

Chiu, a longtime political fixture who served three terms as President of the Board of Supervisors before winning his current seat, will assume the position now occupied by City Attorney Dennis Herrera. Herrera, who has served as City Attorney since 2001, was nominated by Breed to lead the Public Utilities Commision and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-attorney-dennis-herrera-approved-to-lead-public-utilities-commission/">approved for that position</a> on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Chiu, a longtime political fixture who served three terms as President of the Board of Supervisors before winning his current seat, will assume the position now occupied by City Attorney Dennis Herrera. Herrera, who has served as City Attorney since 2001, was nominated by Breed to lead the Public Utilities Commision and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-attorney-dennis-herrera-approved-to-lead-public-utilities-commission/">approved for that position</a> on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Chiu’s appointment opens up a coveted and rarely-available seat in the state assembly, setting the stage for a high-stakes campaign sprint and political shakeup in the legislature and City Hall.&nbsp; David Campos, chief of staff to District Attorney Chesa Boudin and a former two-term city supervisor, announced a campaign for state assembly last month in advance of Chiu&#8217;s appointment. Campos ran unsuccessfully against Chiu for state assembly in 2013.&nbsp;

Chiu’s appointment opens up a coveted and rarely-available seat in the state assembly, setting the stage for a high-stakes campaign sprint and political shakeup in the legislature and City Hall.&nbsp; David Campos, chief of staff to District Attorney Chesa Boudin and a former two-term city supervisor, announced a campaign for state assembly last month in advance of Chiu's appointment. Campos ran unsuccessfully against Chiu for state assembly in 2013.&nbsp;

Chiu’s appointment opens up a coveted and rarely-available seat in the state assembly, setting the stage for a high-stakes campaign sprint and political shakeup in the legislature and City Hall.&nbsp; David Campos, chief of staff to District Attorney Chesa Boudin and a former two-term city supervisor, announced a campaign for state assembly last month in advance of Chiu&#8217;s appointment. Campos ran unsuccessfully against Chiu for state assembly in 2013.&nbsp;

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Matt Haney, who represents District 6 on the Board of Supervisors, also announced a run for Chiu’s seat. Other candidates include Bilal Mahmood, a technology entrepreneur and former policy analyst at the U.S. Department of Commerce, and Thea Selby, a member of the City College Board of Trustees.&nbsp;

Matt Haney, who represents District 6 on the Board of Supervisors, also announced a run for Chiu’s seat. Other candidates include Bilal Mahmood, a technology entrepreneur and former policy analyst at the U.S. Department of Commerce, and Thea Selby, a member of the City College Board of Trustees.&nbsp;

As City Attorney, Chiu will serve as the top legal counsel for the City and County of San Francisco until at least 2023, when he will have to run for re-election.&nbsp;

As City Attorney, Chiu will serve as the top legal counsel for the City and County of San Francisco until at least 2023, when he will have to run for re-election.&nbsp;

Chiu will be responsible for a wide range of litigation on behalf of the city, including claims, code enforcement, public contracts, drafting of legislation, and general legal advice for departments and policymakers. The City Attorney is also responsible for enforcing good government principles, and launched a local corruption probe in February 2020 stemming from the indictment of Mohammed Nuru, former head of Public Works, and a number of other public officials and city contractors.&nbsp;

Chiu will be responsible for a wide range of litigation on behalf of the city, including claims, code enforcement, public contracts, drafting of legislation, and general legal advice for departments and policymakers. The City Attorney is also responsible for enforcing good government principles, and launched a local corruption probe in February 2020 stemming from the indictment of Mohammed Nuru, former head of Public Works, and a number of other public officials and city contractors.&nbsp;

&#8220;I cant think of anyone better to serve as the next City Attorney of San Francisco than Assemblymember David Chiu,&#8221; said Breed on Wednesday.

"I cant think of anyone better to serve as the next City Attorney of San Francisco than Assemblymember David Chiu," said Breed on Wednesday.

&#8220;I cant think of anyone better to serve as the next City Attorney of San Francisco than Assemblymember David Chiu,&#8221; said Breed on Wednesday.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/20210929-DSC_4737.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-11050"/><figcaption>Mayor London Breed, David Chiu and Dennis Herrera approach the podium on Sept. 29, 2021. | Photo by Sophie Bearman</figcaption></figure>

Herrera, who will start at the Public Utilities Commission on Nov. 1, told reporters that the City Attorney&#8217;s investigations will continue. In conjunction with the Controller&#8217;s Office, the City Attorney plans to publish a public integrity assessment of the PUC in December 2021 and issued more than 20 subpoenas of various city contractors and nonprofits.

Herrera, who will start at the Public Utilities Commission on Nov. 1, told reporters that the City Attorney's investigations will continue. In conjunction with the Controller's Office, the City Attorney plans to publish a public integrity assessment of the PUC in December 2021 and issued more than 20 subpoenas of various city contractors and nonprofits.

Herrera, who will start at the Public Utilities Commission on Nov. 1, told reporters that the City Attorney&#8217;s investigations will continue. In conjunction with the Controller&#8217;s Office, the City Attorney plans to publish a public integrity assessment of the PUC in December 2021 and issued more than 20 subpoenas of various city contractors and nonprofits.

&#8220;We have been working diligently over the past year and a half, both with the Controller&#8217;s office and other law enforcement agencies, to make sure our departments live up to the highest ethical standards,&#8221; said Herrera. &#8220;We have some of the most dedicated legal professionals anywhere&#8230;[who] will guide and advise Assemblymember Chiu as the investigations continue. And they will continue.&#8221;

"We have been working diligently over the past year and a half, both with the Controller's office and other law enforcement agencies, to make sure our departments live up to the highest ethical standards," said Herrera. "We have some of the most dedicated legal professionals anywhere...[who] will guide and advise Assemblymember Chiu as the investigations continue. And they will continue."

&#8220;We have been working diligently over the past year and a half, both with the Controller&#8217;s office and other law enforcement agencies, to make sure our departments live up to the highest ethical standards,&#8221; said Herrera. &#8220;We have some of the most dedicated legal professionals anywhere&#8230;[who] will guide and advise Assemblymember Chiu as the investigations continue. And they will continue.&#8221;

Chiu&#8217;s appointment triggers a special election for his Assembly seat that will take place sometime in the coming months.  

Chiu's appointment triggers a special election for his Assembly seat that will take place sometime in the coming months.

Chiu&#8217;s appointment triggers a special election for his Assembly seat that will take place sometime in the coming months.

Governor Gavin Newsom has up to 14 days to set a special election date, according to <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=ELEC&amp;division=10.&amp;title=&amp;part=6.&amp;chapter=1.&amp;article=">California election rules</a>. The election could happen between 126 and 140 days after the declaration, with a primary election calculated backwards from that date by nine or ten weeks. An election can be scheduled up to 200 days from the declaration if it can consolidated with another race.

Governor Gavin Newsom has up to 14 days to set a special election date, according to <a href="https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayText.xhtml?lawCode=ELEC&amp;division=10.&amp;title=&amp;part=6.&amp;chapter=1.&amp;article=">California election rules</a>. The election could happen between 126 and 140 days after the declaration, with a primary election calculated backwards from that date by nine or ten weeks. An election can be scheduled up to 200 days from the declaration if it can consolidated with another race.

Whoever wins the assembly race could occupy the seat for up to 12 years, the maximum allowed under the state constitution. That person will represent California’s Assembly District 17 (AD-17), which spans the eastern neighborhoods of San Francisco and is one of two assembly districts in the city. The other is AD-19, which spans the western half of San Francisco, Daly City and Colma.&nbsp;

Whoever wins the assembly race could occupy the seat for up to 12 years, the maximum allowed under the state constitution. That person will represent California’s Assembly District 17 (AD-17), which spans the eastern neighborhoods of San Francisco and is one of two assembly districts in the city. The other is AD-19, which spans the western half of San Francisco, Daly City and Colma.&nbsp;

Candidates will have to rapidly raise money and capture the attention of voters in a short window of time—a tall order even for well-known figures like Campos and Haney. Looming in the background is the eventual retirement of 81-year-old House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco). Whoever wins Chiu’s assembly seat could wind up a contender for that congressional seat, added Ross. 

Candidates will have to rapidly raise money and capture the attention of voters in a short window of time—a tall order even for well-known figures like Campos and Haney. Looming in the background is the eventual retirement of 81-year-old House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco). Whoever wins Chiu’s assembly seat could wind up a contender for that congressional seat, added Ross.

Under California election rules, an assembly election could potentially be consolidated with any local elections coming up. There are two potential recall elections in the works, with a recall petition of three members of the San Francisco Board of Education expected to qualify for the ballot. Another campaign to recall District Attorney Chesa Boudin has until Oct. 25 to collect 52,000 valid signatures.

Under California election rules, an assembly election could potentially be consolidated with any local elections coming up. There are two potential recall elections in the works, with a recall petition of three members of the San Francisco Board of Education expected to qualify for the ballot. Another campaign to recall District Attorney Chesa Boudin has until Oct. 25 to collect 52,000 valid signatures.

The Department of Elections is due to certify the Board of Education recall petitions by Oct. 19. If it is consolidated with an Assembly election, “that could change the dynamics of the race,” said Ross.

The Department of Elections is due to certify the Board of Education recall petitions by Oct. 19. If it is consolidated with an Assembly election, “that could change the dynamics of the race,” said Ross.

“Since it’s a state race, and so much school policy comes out of the state, it could be an election on schools in San Francisco,” he said.

“Since it’s a state race, and so much school policy comes out of the state, it could be an election on schools in San Francisco,” he said.

Assemblymember David Chiu named San Francisco city attorney

Nick Veronin

From a second-story fire escape in Building 101, Marti McKee trains her eyes on the massive pile of dirt and debris looming over the gaping hole in the ground. The mound, which is surrounded by a chain-link fence and adjacent to a puddle of stagnant water, is both a familiar and unwelcome sight. McKee and the rest of the 173 tenants in Building 101—who together comprise the bulk of the <a href="https://www.shipyardartists.com/">Hunters Point Shipyard Artists</a> creative community—have been confronted by the eyesore for nearly four years.

From a second-story fire escape in Building 101, Marti McKee trains her eyes on the massive pile of dirt and debris looming over the gaping hole in the ground. The mound, which is surrounded by a chain-link fence and adjacent to a puddle of stagnant water, is both a familiar and unwelcome sight. McKee and the rest of the 173 tenants in Building 101—who together comprise the bulk of the <a href="https://www.shipyardartists.com/">Hunters Point Shipyard Artists</a> creative community—have been confronted by the eyesore for nearly four years.

Since first moving into a cluster of buildings on this site in the early 1980s, the Shipyard Artists have gotten used to a certain amount of neglect; rundown warehouses and drafty lofts are de rigueur for working creatives, after all. Still, McKee and her peers say the weed-choked berm and pool of “green slime” are daily reminders of a promise that has gone unfulfilled for 13 years.

Since first moving into a cluster of buildings on this site in the early 1980s, the Shipyard Artists have gotten used to a certain amount of neglect; rundown warehouses and drafty lofts are de rigueur for working creatives, after all. Still, McKee and her peers say the weed-choked berm and pool of “green slime” are daily reminders of a promise that has gone unfulfilled for 13 years.

The artists thought they had carried the day back in 2010, when a <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/15B3RLkgvS7kzXSXNCVcnhdmd0nfw2YJI/view?ts=61c118a7">community benefit agreement</a> between the San Francisco Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure (OCII) and developer Five Point Holdings LLC was finalized. The deal was part of a massive plan to turn the decommissioned Naval Shipyard and some surrounding land into thousands of homes and commercial space.

The artists thought they had carried the day back in 2010, when a <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/15B3RLkgvS7kzXSXNCVcnhdmd0nfw2YJI/view?ts=61c118a7">community benefit agreement</a> between the San Francisco Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure (OCII) and developer Five Point Holdings LLC was finalized. The deal was part of a massive plan to turn the decommissioned Naval Shipyard and some surrounding land into thousands of homes and commercial space.

FivePoint promised a brand new building of art studios, a lot for the construction of an art center where the Shipyard Artists might host exhibitions and performances, and various other upgrades to the artists’ facilities.

FivePoint promised a brand new building of art studios, a lot for the construction of an art center where the Shipyard Artists might host exhibitions and performances, and various other upgrades to the artists’ facilities.

“It seemed like a huge victory,” Barbara Ockel, who joined the Shipyard Artists community in 1984, said. “That cemented the artists’ existence out here, which up to that point had been in question.”

“It seemed like a huge victory,” Barbara Ockel, who joined the Shipyard Artists community in 1984, said. “That cemented the artists’ existence out here, which up to that point had been in question.”

But as the years dragged on and the first cluster of 88 condos on the hill overlooking Building 101 were <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/feature/structures/2014/lennar-urban-selling-at-san-francisco-shipyard.html">completed and sold in 2014</a>, the artists didn’t see much movement on their promised slice of the development. Now, with the entire project mostly stalled due to a botched clean-up of radioactive waste, they are still waiting.

But as the years dragged on and the first cluster of 88 condos on the hill overlooking Building 101 were <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/feature/structures/2014/lennar-urban-selling-at-san-francisco-shipyard.html">completed and sold in 2014</a>, the artists didn’t see much movement on their promised slice of the development. Now, with the entire project mostly stalled due to a botched clean-up of radioactive waste, they are still waiting.

“I think that we’ve been very patient,” said McKee.

“I think that we’ve been very patient,” said McKee.

A lake filled with glowing green substance and water, falling fences, and large mounds of dirt are among the complaints of artists who work in the Hunter’s Point shipyard studios. | Camille Cohen

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ShupyardStudios-10.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-29045"/><figcaption>A stagnant pool filled with &#8216;green slime,&#8217; crooked fences obstructing access to Building 101 and a large mound of dirt are among the complaints of artists who work in the Hunters Point shipyard studios. | Photo by Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ShupyardStudios-10.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-29045"/><figcaption>A stagnant pool filled with 'green slime,' crooked fences obstructing access to Building 101 and a large mound of dirt are among the complaints of artists who work in the Hunters Point shipyard studios. | Photo by Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ShupyardStudios-10.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-29045"/><figcaption>A stagnant pool filled with &#8216;green slime,&#8217; crooked fences obstructing access to Building 101 and a large mound of dirt are among the complaints of artists who work in the Hunters Point shipyard studios. | Photo by Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

Some of the promised upgrades have been made and others are underway, but the most crucial part of the project—the new studios building—is on hold indefinitely as the developer and government agencies wrangle with lawsuits and the challenge of ensuring the site is clean. No one—from FivePoint, to OCII, to the Navy—seems to be able to tell the artists when work might resume.

Some of the promised upgrades have been made and others are underway, but the most crucial part of the project—the new studios building—is on hold indefinitely as the developer and government agencies wrangle with lawsuits and the challenge of ensuring the site is clean. No one—from FivePoint, to OCII, to the Navy—seems to be able to tell the artists when work might resume.

The pile and the fence have made Building 101 cumbersome to access for both the artists and their would-be customers. Musicians with heavy gear and painters with massive canvases often have no easy path when moving things from their studios to their vehicles.

The pile and the fence have made Building 101 cumbersome to access for both the artists and their would-be customers. Musicians with heavy gear and painters with massive canvases often have no easy path when moving things from their studios to their vehicles.

And then there’s the dust. “When the wind blows, dirt and dust blow right into artists’ studios,” Ockel said. “Artists cannot open their windows for fresh air or ventilation.”

And then there’s the dust. “When the wind blows, dirt and dust blow right into artists’ studios,” Ockel said. “Artists cannot open their windows for fresh air or ventilation.”

Ockel, who currently serves as board president for Shipyard Trust for the Arts—or STAR, which advocates for Hunters Point Shipyard Artists and supports other community causes—has been working to get the pile of debris moved since 2019.&nbsp;She says she’s been shrugged off by city officials and that her letters to FivePoint have garnered little more than <a href="https://www.shipyardartists.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Five-Point-Response-Letter-marked-by-STAR.pdf">buck-passing</a> responses. FivePoint declined to comment on this story.

Ockel, who currently serves as board president for Shipyard Trust for the Arts—or STAR, which advocates for Hunters Point Shipyard Artists and supports other community causes—has been working to get the pile of debris moved since 2019.&nbsp;She says she’s been shrugged off by city officials and that her letters to FivePoint have garnered little more than <a href="https://www.shipyardartists.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Five-Point-Response-Letter-marked-by-STAR.pdf">buck-passing</a> responses. FivePoint declined to comment on this story.

Sally Oerth, interim executive director of the Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure—the successor agency to the former San Francisco Redevelopment Agency—said she understands Ockel and McKee’s vexation.

Sally Oerth, interim executive director of the Office of Community Investment and Infrastructure—the successor agency to the former San Francisco Redevelopment Agency—said she understands Ockel and McKee’s vexation.

“All parties are frustrated,” Oerth said, before placing the blame for all the delays squarely on the <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Report-Navy-altered-Hunters-Point-cleanup-to-14302320.php">Navy and Tetra Tech EC</a>—the contractor hired by the Navy to clean up the Hunters Point Shipyard. In 2017, a whistleblower report revealed that Tetra Tech EC employees had falsified reports and doctored dirt samples. “All development is going to be paused until the Navy testing can be completed,” she said.

“All parties are frustrated,” Oerth said, before placing the blame for all the delays squarely on the <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Report-Navy-altered-Hunters-Point-cleanup-to-14302320.php">Navy and Tetra Tech EC</a>—the contractor hired by the Navy to clean up the Hunters Point Shipyard. In 2017, a whistleblower report revealed that Tetra Tech EC employees had falsified reports and doctored dirt samples. “All development is going to be paused until the Navy testing can be completed,” she said.

Derek Robinson, the Navy&#8217;s environmental coordinator for Hunters Point, said in a statement that the land underneath Building 101 and the dirt pile are clean.

Derek Robinson, the Navy's environmental coordinator for Hunters Point, said in a statement that the land underneath Building 101 and the dirt pile are clean.

Derek Robinson, the Navy&#8217;s environmental coordinator for Hunters Point, said in a statement that the land underneath Building 101 and the dirt pile are clean.

A Creative Community Disrupted

<h5 class="wp-block-heading">A Creative Community Disrupted</h5>

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<h5>A Creative Community Disrupted</h5>

For the Hunters Point Shipyard Artists, the site has been a communal hub, home office and storefront for going on 40 years.

For the Hunters Point Shipyard Artists, the site has been a communal hub, home office and storefront for going on 40 years.

Originally built by the Hunters family in 1870, the shipyard was acquired by the Navy in 1941 and served as an active base until Congress ordered it decommissioned in 1974. The Navy then leased the property to a commercial ship repair company, which in turn subleased a warehouse space to an artist named Jacques Terzian. In the early ’80s, the late Terzian began subleasing his own space to other artists, and the site has remained an affordable haven for creatives ever since. According to the Shipyard Artists’ website, the community has around 300 members and is the largest of its kind in the country.

Originally built by the Hunters family in 1870, the shipyard was acquired by the Navy in 1941 and served as an active base until Congress ordered it decommissioned in 1974. The Navy then leased the property to a commercial ship repair company, which in turn subleased a warehouse space to an artist named Jacques Terzian. In the early ’80s, the late Terzian began subleasing his own space to other artists, and the site has remained an affordable haven for creatives ever since. According to the Shipyard Artists’ website, the community has around 300 members and is the largest of its kind in the country.

But the shipyard, and nearby Candlestick Point, also represent a final frontier of sorts for San Francisco real estate. It is one of the few places in the city with enough open land for a massive development, and San Francisco politicians, urbanists and developers have been eyeing the area since the ’90s.

But the shipyard, and nearby Candlestick Point, also represent a final frontier of sorts for San Francisco real estate. It is one of the few places in the city with enough open land for a massive development, and San Francisco politicians, urbanists and developers have been eyeing the area since the ’90s.

The first phase of the development—helmed by FivePoint sibling company the Lennar Corporation—<a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2005/06/27/focus7.html">kicked off in 2005</a>. FivePoint has been in charge of the second phase of the project, which began in earnest around 2010. Upon completion, the two phases promise to bring thousands of new homes and hundreds of thousands of square feet of commercial space to the south-eastern corner of San Francisco.

The first phase of the development—helmed by FivePoint sibling company the Lennar Corporation—<a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2005/06/27/focus7.html">kicked off in 2005</a>. FivePoint has been in charge of the second phase of the project, which began in earnest around 2010. Upon completion, the two phases promise to bring thousands of new homes and hundreds of thousands of square feet of commercial space to the south-eastern corner of San Francisco.

Though they’ve grown increasingly upset with the way they’ve been treated during the planning and development, Ockel and McKee said they do not see the Hunters Point development as incompatible with their community.&nbsp;

Though they’ve grown increasingly upset with the way they’ve been treated during the planning and development, Ockel and McKee said they do not see the Hunters Point development as incompatible with their community.&nbsp;

Not all the artists agree. Jack Hain, a lawyer now living in Santa Cruz and a member of the Shipyard Artists from about 2008 to 2014, said he never believed FivePoint had the best interests of the artists in mind. By way of example, Hain recalled, the cluster of buildings where he worked had no heat or running water for the entirety of his tenure at the shipyard. According to Ockel and McKee, those buildings are still without both basic amenities.

Not all the artists agree. Jack Hain, a lawyer now living in Santa Cruz and a member of the Shipyard Artists from about 2008 to 2014, said he never believed FivePoint had the best interests of the artists in mind. By way of example, Hain recalled, the cluster of buildings where he worked had no heat or running water for the entirety of his tenure at the shipyard. According to Ockel and McKee, those buildings are still without both basic amenities.

<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-no-accountability">No Accountability</h5>

<h5 id="h-no-accountability">No Accountability</h5>

In the wake of the Tetra Tech scandal, the shipyard development came to a halt in June of 2018. Construction crews walked away from the giant pile of dirt out front of Building 101, which they had created just two months prior while carving out a footprint for the promised new studio building.

In the wake of the Tetra Tech scandal, the shipyard development came to a halt in June of 2018. Construction crews walked away from the giant pile of dirt out front of Building 101, which they had created just two months prior while carving out a footprint for the promised new studio building.

The building is intended to accommodate a group of Shipyard Artists currently working out of a dilapidated set of structures on a plot of land known as “Parcel B,” located about half a mile northwest of Building 101. That’s where Hain worked during his time with the Shipyard Artists and where McKee currently rents her space.

The building is intended to accommodate a group of Shipyard Artists currently working out of a dilapidated set of structures on a plot of land known as “Parcel B,” located about half a mile northwest of Building 101. That’s where Hain worked during his time with the Shipyard Artists and where McKee currently rents her space.

In the limited correspondence that Ockel and McKee have had with representatives from FivePoint, the developer has frequently blamed the Navy and the botched Tetra Tech cleanup for delays. At one point, FivePoint even suggested that it couldn’t move the dirt out front of Building 101 because it was potentially contaminated with radioactive material.

In the limited correspondence that Ockel and McKee have had with representatives from FivePoint, the developer has frequently blamed the Navy and the botched Tetra Tech cleanup for delays. At one point, FivePoint even suggested that it couldn’t move the dirt out front of Building 101 because it was potentially contaminated with radioactive material.

“We were quite alarmed to learn that, because if the dirt was contaminated and blowing dirt into artists’ windows, well that’s just not good,” Ockel said.

“We were quite alarmed to learn that, because if the dirt was contaminated and blowing dirt into artists’ windows, well that’s just not good,” Ockel said.

Large mounds of dirt at the entrance of building 101 of the shipyard studios are a large part of the complaints made by resident artists. | Camille Cohen

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ShupyardStudios-39.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-29054"/><figcaption>A large mound of dirt at the entrance of Building 101 of the Hunters Point Shipyard Artists community. | Photo by Camille Cohen</figcaption></figure>

Robinson, the Navy spokesman, said in a statement that the Navy will only transfer ownership of a parcel of land to the city when it has been deemed safe and both Parcel A—where Building 101 is located—and Parcel B have been handed off to the city. “The Navy cannot comment on non-Navy activities,” he said.

Robinson, the Navy spokesman, said in a statement that the Navy will only transfer ownership of a parcel of land to the city when it has been deemed safe and both Parcel A—where Building 101 is located—and Parcel B have been handed off to the city. “The Navy cannot comment on non-Navy activities,” he said.

Ockel and McKee say they take the Navy at its word.

Ockel and McKee say they take the Navy at its word.

“FivePoint really has no excuse to not move the dirt or not construct the new artist building,” Ockel said.

“FivePoint really has no excuse to not move the dirt or not construct the new artist building,” Ockel said.

In February of 2021, <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/After-years-of-delay-concern-about-toxic-15919739.php">building resumed</a> on a cluster of condos on the hill overlooking Building 101, part of the first phase of the project. The dirt outside of Building 101, though, is part of the second phase of the project, and there’s no set date for that to resume. Oerth said the dirt pile, in a way, is proof that the artists will eventually get what they have been promised. After all, she noted, it was created carving out a footprint for the new studio building, and other upgrades at Building 101 have been completed or are underway.

In February of 2021, <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/After-years-of-delay-concern-about-toxic-15919739.php">building resumed</a> on a cluster of condos on the hill overlooking Building 101, part of the first phase of the project. The dirt outside of Building 101, though, is part of the second phase of the project, and there’s no set date for that to resume. Oerth said the dirt pile, in a way, is proof that the artists will eventually get what they have been promised. After all, she noted, it was created carving out a footprint for the new studio building, and other upgrades at Building 101 have been completed or are underway.

“We did listen to the artists,” Oerth said. “We worked really hard to understand their concerns.

“We did listen to the artists,” Oerth said. “We worked really hard to understand their concerns.

But for McKee and Ockel, after years of delays and setbacks, the reassurances don’t go far.

But for McKee and Ockel, after years of delays and setbacks, the reassurances don’t go far.

“No one will assume responsibility and do something about it,” Ockel said of the mess out front of Building 101. “You feel this active neglect from the Navy, the city and FivePoint. And in the meantime, you’re sitting on a pile of dirt.”

“No one will assume responsibility and do something about it,” Ockel said of the mess out front of Building 101. “You feel this active neglect from the Navy, the city and FivePoint. And in the meantime, you’re sitting on a pile of dirt.”

core/separator

A previous version of this story stated that Marti McKee keeps a space in Building 101. She actually rents a studio in Building 116, which is located on Parcel B.

A previous version of this story stated that Marti McKee keeps a space in Building 101. She actually rents a studio in Building 116, which is located on Parcel B.

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/author/meaghan-mitchell/">Meaghan Mitchell</a> (meaghan@sfstandard.com) contributed to this story.

Meaghan Mitchell

<a href="https://sfstandard.com/author/meaghan-mitchell/">Meaghan Mitchell</a> (meaghan@sfstandard.com) contributed to this story.

Hunters Point Shipyard artists were promised a new building. They got a pile of dirt instead

Kevin Truong

Maurizio Florese has owned the Mona Lisa restaurant in North Beach since 1979, serving up hearty Italian-American favorites in a space replete with Italian flags, snapshots of city luminaries and the subtle smile on the face of the eponymous da Vinci masterpiece.

Maurizio Florese has owned the Mona Lisa restaurant in North Beach since 1979, serving up hearty Italian-American favorites in a space replete with Italian flags, snapshots of city luminaries and the subtle smile on the face of the eponymous da Vinci masterpiece.

Florese, like many other restaurant owners, has cited the outdoor parklets enabled by San Francisco’s Shared Spaces program as critical to keeping his business afloat during pandemic-related shutdowns.&nbsp;

Florese, like many other restaurant owners, has cited the outdoor parklets enabled by San Francisco’s Shared Spaces program as critical to keeping his business afloat during pandemic-related shutdowns.&nbsp;

More recently, however, Florese said he has received notices from city inspectors that he would likely have to chop the outdoor parklet he spent $30,000 erecting nearly in half by the end of the year to meet Fire Department and Department of Public Works guidelines.&nbsp;

More recently, however, Florese said he has received notices from city inspectors that he would likely have to chop the outdoor parklet he spent $30,000 erecting nearly in half by the end of the year to meet Fire Department and Department of Public Works guidelines.&nbsp;

“What am I supposed to do with five tables [outside]? They tell us close, open, close again, it’s ridiculous. If they shut us down again I’m going to retire and close permanently,” Florese said about the prospects of turning the lights off on a 40-year-old business that employs around 25 people.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“What am I supposed to do with five tables [outside]? They tell us close, open, close again, it’s ridiculous. If they shut us down again I’m going to retire and close permanently,” Florese said about the prospects of turning the lights off on a 40-year-old business that employs around 25 people.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It’s crazy, it’s like they want to close us down,” a nearby waiter chimed in.&nbsp;

“It’s crazy, it’s like they want to close us down,” a nearby waiter chimed in.&nbsp;

As the Shared Spaces program makes the jump from a temporary emergency measure to a permanent fixture of the city&#8217;s landscape, a key question is facing business owners: how does the city plan to continue its support of one of the most visible outgrowths of the pandemic?

As the Shared Spaces program makes the jump from a temporary emergency measure to a permanent fixture of the city's landscape, a key question is facing business owners: how does the city plan to continue its support of one of the most visible outgrowths of the pandemic?

As the Shared Spaces program makes the jump from a temporary emergency measure to a permanent fixture of the city&#8217;s landscape, a key question is facing business owners: how does the city plan to continue its support of one of the most visible outgrowths of the pandemic?

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-safety-first">Safety First</h2>

<h2 id="h-safety-first">Safety First</h2>

For SF businesses, relaxed masking rules fuel both relief and anxiety

Assemblymember David Chiu named San Francisco city attorney

Hunters Point Shipyard artists were promised a new building. They got a pile of dirt instead

Parklets on the brink: Regulations discourage restaurateurs from making outdoor dining permanent

City’s plan to reopen Great Highway to cars met with pushback

Search Results for: winds

For SF businesses, relaxed masking rules fuel both relief and anxiety

Assemblymember David Chiu named San Francisco city attorney

Hunters Point Shipyard artists were promised a new building. They got a pile of dirt instead

Parklets on the brink: Regulations discourage restaurateurs from making outdoor dining permanent

City’s plan to reopen Great Highway to cars met with pushback