The Standard Staff

Large-scale plywood murals from boarded up storefronts are on display during a media preview day of “The City Canvas: A Paint the Void Retrospective" at Pier 70's historic Building 12 in San Francisco on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022. | Ekevara Kitpowsong

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Shannon Riley Executive Director and co-founder of Paint the Void, poses for a portrait in front of a mural created by Nora Bruhn, at “The City Canvas: A Paint the Void Retrospective. | Ekevara Kitpowsong

"Thank you" mural by Crystal Vielula is on display during a media preview day of “The City Canvas: A Paint the Void Retrospective." | Ekevara Kitpowsong

Meredith Winner, a co-founder and managing director of Paint the Void and a co-founder, COO of Building 180, poses for a portrait at “The City Canvas: A Paint the Void Retrospective." | Ekevara Kitpowsong

Artist Jen Bloomer poses for a portrait with her "How We Care Shapes Who We Are" mural. | Ekevara Kitpowsong

A mural by Jordan Herren is on display at “The City Canvas: A Paint the Void Retrospective." | Ekevara Kitpowsong

Jose Jimenez a worker of Floor Seal, sands the floor with a machine, in front of "Essential" mural by Mel Waters at “The City Canvas: A Paint the Void Retrospective." | Ekevara Kitpowsong

A mural created by Matley Hurd is on display at “The City Canvas: A Paint the Void Retrospective." | Ekevara Kitpowsong

Large-scale plywood murals from boarded up storefronts on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022. | Ekevara Kitpowsong

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Since the start of the pandemic, brilliant murals on boarded-up storefronts across San Francisco have served as both stark reminders of the pandemic’s economic toll on local businesses and colorful signs of hope.

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Since the start of the pandemic, brilliant murals on boarded-up storefronts across San Francisco have served as both stark reminders of the pandemic’s economic toll on local businesses and colorful signs of hope.

Now 49 of those murals—many commissioned by the visual arts nonprofit Paint the Void and painted by local artists to beautify largely shuttered commercial corridors during the pandemic—will be on display as part of a retrospective by the organization, called “The City Canvas,” opening this weekend.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Now 49 of those murals—many commissioned by the visual arts nonprofit Paint the Void and painted by local artists to beautify largely shuttered commercial corridors during the pandemic—will be on display as part of a retrospective by the organization, called “The City Canvas,” opening this weekend.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Billed as the “nation’s largest exhibit of pandemic mural art,” the exhibit at Pier 70’s Building 12 looks back on this array of public art created between San Francisco’s initial lockdown in March 2020 and the subsequent ebbs and flows of the Covid-19 pandemic over the last two years.&nbsp;

Billed as the “nation’s largest exhibit of pandemic mural art,” the exhibit at Pier 70’s Building 12 looks back on this array of public art created between San Francisco’s initial lockdown in March 2020 and the subsequent ebbs and flows of the Covid-19 pandemic over the last two years.&nbsp;

The exhibition features massive artworks ranging in size from four to 43 feet long and towering as tall as 11.5 feet. Pier 70’s football field-size Building 12, which once served as a World War II ship-building site, provides an expansive and industrial-scale backdrop for the works, which lean and hang upon the building’s gray columns like paintings in a giant’s warehouse-style live/work loft.

The exhibition features massive artworks ranging in size from four to 43 feet long and towering as tall as 11.5 feet. Pier 70’s football field-size Building 12, which once served as a World War II ship-building site, provides an expansive and industrial-scale backdrop for the works, which lean and hang upon the building’s gray columns like paintings in a giant’s warehouse-style live/work loft.

“I really hope that this exhibition provides people both an opportunity to celebrate sort of where we are,” says exhibit curator Heather Whitmore Jain. “And then I also really want this to be an opportunity for people to come and reflect and remember.” (CC)

“I really hope that this exhibition provides people both an opportunity to celebrate sort of where we are,” says exhibit curator Heather Whitmore Jain. “And then I also really want this to be an opportunity for people to come and reflect and remember.” (CC)

<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-city-canvas-a-paint-the-void-retrospective-tickets-221710240297?aff=ebdssbcitybrowse" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The City Canvas: A Paint the Void Retrospective</a>

<h4 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-city-canvas-a-paint-the-void-retrospective-tickets-221710240297?aff=ebdssbcitybrowse" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The City Canvas: A Paint the Void Retrospective</a></h4>

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<h4 class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-city-canvas-a-paint-the-void-retrospective-tickets-221710240297?aff=ebdssbcitybrowse" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The City Canvas: A Paint the Void Retrospective</a></h4>

Pier 70, 588 22nd St. Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 22-23&nbsp;

Pier 70, 588 22nd St. Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 22-23&nbsp;

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/012_S1_02094.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-27251"/><figcaption>The FOG Design + Art fair returns to the Fort Mason Festival Pavilion. | Courtesy Photo</figcaption></figure>

<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/o/knight-vision-productions-llc-37952016393">FOG Design + Art</a>

<h4 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fog-design-art"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/o/knight-vision-productions-llc-37952016393">FOG Design + Art</a></h4>

<h4 id="h-fog-design-art"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/o/knight-vision-productions-llc-37952016393">FOG Design + Art</a></h4>

Fort Mason, 2 Marina Blvd. Thursday-Sunday, Jan. 20-23

Fort Mason, 2 Marina Blvd. Thursday-Sunday, Jan. 20-23

Returning to the Fort Mason Festival Pavilion for its eighth iteration (and first since taking 2021 off), FOG Fair boasts a slate of 45 fine art and design galleries from around the world, many local to the Bay Area. The fair also hosts a broad lineup of events, including a performance by photographer Martine Gutierrez, a panel discussion examining the influence of NFTs on visual art, and a screening of the documentary “Welcome to the Neighborhood,” about the effects of gentrification in Berkeley through the story of artist and activist Mildred Howard. (MB)

Returning to the Fort Mason Festival Pavilion for its eighth iteration (and first since taking 2021 off), FOG Fair boasts a slate of 45 fine art and design galleries from around the world, many local to the Bay Area. The fair also hosts a broad lineup of events, including a performance by photographer Martine Gutierrez, a panel discussion examining the influence of NFTs on visual art, and a screening of the documentary “Welcome to the Neighborhood,” about the effects of gentrification in Berkeley through the story of artist and activist Mildred Howard. (MB)

<a href="https://www.dusermania.com/">Duser</a>

<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.dusermania.com/">Duser</a></h4>

<h4><a href="https://www.dusermania.com/">Duser</a></h4>

Madrone Art Bar, 500 Divisadero Blvd. Thursday, Jan. 20 Opening Night

Madrone Art Bar, 500 Divisadero Blvd. Thursday, Jan. 20 Opening Night

This Thursday, San Francisco visual artist Duser is bringing his latest series of psychedelic paintings to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/madroneartbar/">this NoPa watering hole</a>. The series is entitled “Movements” and finds Duser departing from depictions of human and animal figures—opting instead for abstract forms that recall the works of Sadamitsu “S. Neil” Fujita, who many will recognize by the cover art of Dave Brubeck’s cool jazz masterpiece, Time Out. (HL)

This Thursday, San Francisco visual artist Duser is bringing his latest series of psychedelic paintings to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/madroneartbar/">this NoPa watering hole</a>. The series is entitled “Movements” and finds Duser departing from depictions of human and animal figures—opting instead for abstract forms that recall the works of Sadamitsu “S. Neil” Fujita, who many will recognize by the cover art of Dave Brubeck’s cool jazz masterpiece, Time Out. (HL)

<a href="https://www.greenapplebooks.com/event/9th-ave-zara-stone-and-ariel-henley">Author Talk: Zara Stone &amp; Ariel Henley</a>

<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.greenapplebooks.com/event/9th-ave-zara-stone-and-ariel-henley">Author Talk: Zara Stone &amp; Ariel Henley</a></h4>

<h4><a href="https://www.greenapplebooks.com/event/9th-ave-zara-stone-and-ariel-henley">Author Talk: Zara Stone &amp; Ariel Henley</a></h4>

Green Apple Books, 1231 9th Ave. Friday, Jan. 21

Green Apple Books, 1231 9th Ave. Friday, Jan. 21

From the 1920s through the 1990s, around half a million imprisoned Americans underwent taxpayer-funded cosmetic surgeries. One of the key drivers behind this controversial program was the idea that “fixing” someone’s looks would help them reintegrate into society. San Francisco author Zara Stone explores the practice—and what it reveals about standards of beauty and the prison-industrial complex—in her book, Killer Looks. Ariel Henley’s book, A Face for Picasso, details her experience growing up with a rare physical condition that caused her and her twin sister to develop physical deformities in their faces. Green Apple Books hosts both authors for a discussion. (PB)

From the 1920s through the 1990s, around half a million imprisoned Americans underwent taxpayer-funded cosmetic surgeries. One of the key drivers behind this controversial program was the idea that “fixing” someone’s looks would help them reintegrate into society. San Francisco author Zara Stone explores the practice—and what it reveals about standards of beauty and the prison-industrial complex—in her book, Killer Looks. Ariel Henley’s book, A Face for Picasso, details her experience growing up with a rare physical condition that caused her and her twin sister to develop physical deformities in their faces. Green Apple Books hosts both authors for a discussion. (PB)

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Citron-2016-by-Elise-Ferguson.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-27263"/><figcaption>Citron, 2016 by Elise Ferguson. | Courtesy Photo</figcaption></figure>

<a href="https://www.romeryounggallery.com/elise-ferguson">Elise Ferguson: Sequence</a>

<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.romeryounggallery.com/elise-ferguson">Elise Ferguson: Sequence</a></h4>

<h4><a href="https://www.romeryounggallery.com/elise-ferguson">Elise Ferguson: Sequence</a></h4>

Romer Young Gallery, 1240 22nd St. Saturday, Jan. 22 Opening Night

Romer Young Gallery, 1240 22nd St. Saturday, Jan. 22 Opening Night

“Sequence,” Elise Ferguson’s latest solo show at Romer Young (her fifth with the San Francisco gallery), doesn’t aim to reinvent the artist’s wheel but further perfect on her unique craft. The New York-based artist employs painting, sculpture, and printmaking techniques in the production of her wall-hanging, geometric abstractions, which are often mathematically inspired. Looking at them, one can imagine impossible road maps and enlarged sine waves or, more obviously, the raked patterns in a Zen garden. Ferguson’s choices of color and form are intriguing and delightful; once you engage them, it’s easy to get lost in the maze-like designs. (MB)

“Sequence,” Elise Ferguson’s latest solo show at Romer Young (her fifth with the San Francisco gallery), doesn’t aim to reinvent the artist’s wheel but further perfect on her unique craft. The New York-based artist employs painting, sculpture, and printmaking techniques in the production of her wall-hanging, geometric abstractions, which are often mathematically inspired. Looking at them, one can imagine impossible road maps and enlarged sine waves or, more obviously, the raked patterns in a Zen garden. Ferguson’s choices of color and form are intriguing and delightful; once you engage them, it’s easy to get lost in the maze-like designs. (MB)

<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blankets-wine-comedy-tickets-241493984007?aff=ebdssbcitybrowse">Blankets &amp; Wine Comedy Show</a>

<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blankets-wine-comedy-tickets-241493984007?aff=ebdssbcitybrowse">Blankets &amp; Wine Comedy Show</a></h4>

<h4><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blankets-wine-comedy-tickets-241493984007?aff=ebdssbcitybrowse">Blankets &amp; Wine Comedy Show</a></h4>

Golden Gate Park, 1232 John F. Kennedy Drive Saturday, Jan. 22

Golden Gate Park, 1232 John F. Kennedy Drive Saturday, Jan. 22

Nervous about the latest surge, but not willing to give up on your social life? The organizers of the Blankets &amp; Wine comedy show know the feeling. Join local standup comics <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chalaboycomics/">Jide Chala</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hardlywholesome/">Chloe Matones</a>—hosts of&nbsp; the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/blanketsandwinecomedy/">Jide and Chloe Comedy Shows</a>, as they bring the yuks to the bleachers of the Golden Gate Park polo field. The show starts at 3 p.m. and attendees are encouraged to bring their own bevvies. (PB)

Nervous about the latest surge, but not willing to give up on your social life? The organizers of the Blankets &amp; Wine comedy show know the feeling. Join local standup comics <a href="https://www.instagram.com/chalaboycomics/">Jide Chala</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hardlywholesome/">Chloe Matones</a>—hosts of&nbsp; the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/blanketsandwinecomedy/">Jide and Chloe Comedy Shows</a>, as they bring the yuks to the bleachers of the Golden Gate Park polo field. The show starts at 3 p.m. and attendees are encouraged to bring their own bevvies. (PB)

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/High-Princx-Pageant-1536x944-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-27275"/><figcaption>The High Princx Pageant contestants and hosts. | Photo by Chantel Beam</figcaption></figure>

<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/princess-presents-the-high-princx-pageant-tickets-229844901287?aff=ebdsoporgprofile">The High Princx Pageant</a>

<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/princess-presents-the-high-princx-pageant-tickets-229844901287?aff=ebdsoporgprofile">The High Princx Pageant</a></h4>

<h4><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/princess-presents-the-high-princx-pageant-tickets-229844901287?aff=ebdsoporgprofile">The High Princx Pageant</a></h4>

Oasis, 298 11th Street Saturday, Jan. 22

Oasis, 298 11th Street Saturday, Jan. 22

San Francisco’s drag scene was abuzz last month <a href="https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/movies-tv/s-f-s-lady-camden-twirls-from-smuin-ballet-to-rupauls-drag-race-season-14">after word got out</a> that Lady Camden had nabbed a spot on the latest season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. But for the organizers of “The High Princx Pageant” the question of who will win the 14th season of America’s favorite gender-bending reality TV show is secondary. Of primary concern is which San Francisco queen will take the top spot—and the $2,022 cash prize—at this locals-only competition. The contest kicks off this Saturday and concludes next Saturday, Jan. 29. Guest judges, including Honey Mahogany, Nikki Jizz and Peaches Christ, will decide the fate of the nine contenders. (PB)

San Francisco’s drag scene was abuzz last month <a href="https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/movies-tv/s-f-s-lady-camden-twirls-from-smuin-ballet-to-rupauls-drag-race-season-14">after word got out</a> that Lady Camden had nabbed a spot on the latest season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. But for the organizers of “The High Princx Pageant” the question of who will win the 14th season of America’s favorite gender-bending reality TV show is secondary. Of primary concern is which San Francisco queen will take the top spot—and the $2,022 cash prize—at this locals-only competition. The contest kicks off this Saturday and concludes next Saturday, Jan. 29. Guest judges, including Honey Mahogany, Nikki Jizz and Peaches Christ, will decide the fate of the nine contenders. (PB)

<a href="https://sf.funcheap.com/saturday-sounds-rooftop-folk-concert-at-salesforce-park-sf-2/">Saturday Sounds Rooftop Concert</a>

<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://sf.funcheap.com/saturday-sounds-rooftop-folk-concert-at-salesforce-park-sf-2/">Saturday Sounds Rooftop Concert</a></h4>

<h4><a href="https://sf.funcheap.com/saturday-sounds-rooftop-folk-concert-at-salesforce-park-sf-2/">Saturday Sounds Rooftop Concert</a></h4>

Salesforce Park, 425 Mission St. Saturday, Jan. 22

Salesforce Park, 425 Mission St. Saturday, Jan. 22

<a href="https://www.sfweekly.com/culture/what-to-do-when-your-citys-tallest-building-looks-like-a-penis/">Say what you will about the Salesforce Tower</a>, the skyscraper’s lower-slung cousin, Salesforc Park, is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon—especially when a talented live band is giving a free concert. The year’s slate of shows just kicked off on Jan. 8 with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JodyandtheRoadies/?ref=page_internal">Jody and the Roadies</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jubileenewblue/">Jubilee</a> played last week. It’s hard to know which local artists will pop up on any given Saturday, as the series, but the all-ages environment and open air makes this event a safe bet for a safe family excursion. (PB)

<a href="https://www.sfweekly.com/culture/what-to-do-when-your-citys-tallest-building-looks-like-a-penis/">Say what you will about the Salesforce Tower</a>, the skyscraper’s lower-slung cousin, Salesforc Park, is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon—especially when a talented live band is giving a free concert. The year’s slate of shows just kicked off on Jan. 8 with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JodyandtheRoadies/?ref=page_internal">Jody and the Roadies</a>, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jubileenewblue/">Jubilee</a> played last week. It’s hard to know which local artists will pop up on any given Saturday, as the series, but the all-ages environment and open air makes this event a safe bet for a safe family excursion. (PB)

<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ica-san-francisco-presents-chris-martin-ancient-as-time-tickets-237852070947">Chris Martin: Ancient as Time</a>

<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ica-san-francisco-presents-chris-martin-ancient-as-time-tickets-237852070947">Chris Martin: Ancient as Time</a></h4>

<h4><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ica-san-francisco-presents-chris-martin-ancient-as-time-tickets-237852070947">Chris Martin: Ancient as Time</a></h4>

ICA SF, 315 Fair Oaks St. Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 22-23

ICA SF, 315 Fair Oaks St. Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 22-23

Between now and its official launch in September, the <a href="https://www.icasanfrancisco.org/">Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco</a> will host a program titled “Meantime,” a series of popup exhibitions and performances in the front half of the Institute’s 901 Minnesota Street location. Oakland-based tattoo and textile artist Chris Martin kicks off the calendar with “Ancient as Time,” a show of fabric sculptures incorporating elements of word art and traditional tattoo flash. “P.S. DON’T LOOK BACK,” 2021, is a massive cloth and aluminum structure, printed with the eponymous phrase, encapsulating the significance of the ICA’s opening and offering visitors an enigmatic proverb. (MB)

Between now and its official launch in September, the <a href="https://www.icasanfrancisco.org/">Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco</a> will host a program titled “Meantime,” a series of popup exhibitions and performances in the front half of the Institute’s 901 Minnesota Street location. Oakland-based tattoo and textile artist Chris Martin kicks off the calendar with “Ancient as Time,” a show of fabric sculptures incorporating elements of word art and traditional tattoo flash. “P.S. DON’T LOOK BACK,” 2021, is a massive cloth and aluminum structure, printed with the eponymous phrase, encapsulating the significance of the ICA’s opening and offering visitors an enigmatic proverb. (MB)

This weekend: Pandemic murals, plastic surgery in prison, an epic drag contest and more

Noah Baustin

Broken glass from high-rise windows rained down on Downtown San Francisco during wind storms last March. But rather than buckling under the pressure of powerful gusts, the vast majority of the window failures were likely caused by issues that predated the storm, some of which were known to the buildings’ management, investigators hired by the city have concluded.&nbsp;

Broken glass from high-rise windows rained down on Downtown San Francisco during wind storms last March. But rather than buckling under the pressure of powerful gusts, the vast majority of the window failures were likely caused by issues that predated the storm, some of which were known to the buildings’ management, investigators hired by the city have concluded.&nbsp;

The winds, which topped 77 mph during the March storms, exacerbated the existing issues and threw debris from seven Downtown buildings onto the streets, according to an investigator’s report presented at the San Francisco Building Inspection Commission Wednesday.

The winds, which topped 77 mph during the March storms, exacerbated the existing issues and threw debris from seven Downtown buildings onto the streets, according to an investigator’s report presented at the San Francisco Building Inspection Commission Wednesday.

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/14/glass-falling-from-downtown-san-francisco-high-rise/">Glass Falling From Downtown San Francisco High-Rise</a>

Glass falling from downtown San Francisco high-rise

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/14/glass-falling-from-downtown-san-francisco-high-rise/">Glass Falling From Downtown San Francisco High-Rise</a>

One high-rise had a history of glass breakages caused by building-material contamination, while managers at another tower had known about a window hardware issue for three years but failed to fix it, investigators found.

One high-rise had a history of glass breakages caused by building-material contamination, while managers at another tower had known about a window hardware issue for three years but failed to fix it, investigators found.

“The report indicates that the glass failures were largely preventable and were primarily caused by existing broken windows that had not been repaired,” a San Francisco Department of Building Inspection spokesperson said in a written statement. “It is critical that building managers identify, secure and fix broken windows immediately so they don’t endanger the public or cause additional property damage, especially before a large storm.”

“The report indicates that the glass failures were largely preventable and were primarily caused by existing broken windows that had not been repaired,” a San Francisco Department of Building Inspection spokesperson said in a written statement. “It is critical that building managers identify, secure and fix broken windows immediately so they don’t endanger the public or cause additional property damage, especially before a large storm.”

The broken window on the 43rd floor of 555 California St. after high winds battered the Bay Area.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/555.Cal_.WindowBreak.Window.2-rotated.jpg?w=640" alt="" class="wp-image-139275"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A window was broken on the 43rd floor of 555 California St. after high winds battered the Bay Area.</figcaption></figure>

In light of the findings, the department plans to inspect all 15-story-or-more buildings constructed since 1998 to identify window issues, the spokesperson said. Down the road, the department may consider asking for a local law change to update its facade-inspection program, Deputy Director of Permit Services Neville Pereira said during a presentation Wednesday.

In light of the findings, the department plans to inspect all 15-story-or-more buildings constructed since 1998 to identify window issues, the spokesperson said. Down the road, the department may consider asking for a local law change to update its facade-inspection program, Deputy Director of Permit Services Neville Pereira said during a presentation Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the department has issued citations for each of the seven buildings over the broken windows. The department confirmed that fixes were made at 580 California St. and 1390 Market St., according to its public complaint system. The violation cases for 555 California St., 301 Mission St., 350 Mission St. and 1400 Mission St. are still making their way through the city&#8217;s complaint process, with several set to have hearings related to the broken windows in the coming months.

Meanwhile, the department has issued citations for each of the seven buildings over the broken windows. The department confirmed that fixes were made at 580 California St. and 1390 Market St., according to its public complaint system. The violation cases for 555 California St., 301 Mission St., 350 Mission St. and 1400 Mission St. are still making their way through the city's complaint process, with several set to have hearings related to the broken windows in the coming months.

Meanwhile, the department has issued citations for each of the seven buildings over the broken windows. The department confirmed that fixes were made at 580 California St. and 1390 Market St., according to its public complaint system. The violation cases for 555 California St., 301 Mission St., 350 Mission St. and 1400 Mission St. are still making their way through the city&#8217;s complaint process, with several set to have hearings related to the broken windows in the coming months.

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/04/sf-imposes-inspections-on-new-high-rises-after-intense-storms/">SF Orders Inspections of New High-Rise Windows After Storms</a>

SF orders inspections of new high-rise windows after storms

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/04/sf-imposes-inspections-on-new-high-rises-after-intense-storms/">SF Orders Inspections of New High-Rise Windows After Storms</a>

In August, the department held a hearing regarding 50 California St., then fined the building and ordered the owner to fix the windows.

In August, the department held a hearing regarding 50 California St., then fined the building and ordered the owner to fix the windows.

All of the buildings’ owners or managers declined to comment or did not reply to requests for comment.

All of the buildings’ owners or managers declined to comment or did not reply to requests for comment.

Investigators with Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Inc. conducted the investigation presented to the San Francisco Building Inspection Commission Wednesday.

Investigators with Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Inc. conducted the investigation presented to the San Francisco Building Inspection Commission Wednesday.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-glass-broke">How the Glass Broke</h2>

The first reported incident of tumbling glass in San Francisco’s Downtown during the early spring storms came on March 14, when a large windowpane came dislodged from the 43rd floor of 555 California St., formerly known as the Bank of America Center. The window <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/16/glass-fell-from-the-sky-in-downtown-san-francisco-officials-say-no-cause-for-alarm/">careened down to the street</a>, prompting the San Francisco Fire Department to order nearby residents to hunker down.

Glass fell from the sky in downtown San Francisco—officials say no cause for alarm

The first reported incident of tumbling glass in San Francisco’s Downtown during the early spring storms came on March 14, when a large windowpane came dislodged from the 43rd floor of 555 California St., formerly known as the Bank of America Center. The window <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/16/glass-fell-from-the-sky-in-downtown-san-francisco-officials-say-no-cause-for-alarm/">careened down to the street</a>, prompting the San Francisco Fire Department to order nearby residents to hunker down.

Photo of broken glass on Pine Street (south) side of building, where arrows indicate break location, taken on February 22, 2023. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Screenshot-2023-09-20-at-3.48.19-PM.png?w=996" alt="" class="wp-image-202860"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">This photo, provided by 555 California St. building management to investigators, shows that window glass was broken before the March 2023 storms struck San Francisco.</figcaption></figure>

Photos uncovered during the investigation show that the windows were broken as early as Feb. 21, 2023—weeks before the storms buffeted the building. That means the wind dislodged already-weakened windows on March 16 but didn’t break them, Pereira said.&nbsp;

Photos uncovered during the investigation show that the windows were broken as early as Feb. 21, 2023—weeks before the storms buffeted the building. That means the wind dislodged already-weakened windows on March 16 but didn’t break them, Pereira said.&nbsp;

The broken glass from 555 California St. was hurled into its neighbor, 580 California St., during the storm, according to investigators, who say the impact broke six panes at 580 California St.

The broken glass from 555 California St. was hurled into its neighbor, 580 California St., during the storm, according to investigators, who say the impact broke six panes at 580 California St.

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/22/salesforce-millennium-tower-windows-fail-in-high-winds/">Salesforce East, Millennium Tower Windows Fail in High Winds</a>

Salesforce East, Millennium Tower windows fail in high winds

READ MORE: <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/22/salesforce-millennium-tower-windows-fail-in-high-winds/">Salesforce East, Millennium Tower Windows Fail in High Winds</a>

A similar situation unfolded at 301 Mission St., also known as Millennium Tower. There, a window hardware issue had led to glass breakage in February 2020. But building management didn’t fix the issue, which was related to the stay arms that hold the windows in place, prior to the March 2023 storm, according to the report. When the March windstorm hit, a stay arm failed on the 49th floor, which caused the window to blow out, Pereira said.

A similar situation unfolded at 301 Mission St., also known as Millennium Tower. There, a window hardware issue had led to glass breakage in February 2020. But building management didn’t fix the issue, which was related to the stay arms that hold the windows in place, prior to the March 2023 storm, according to the report. When the March windstorm hit, a stay arm failed on the 49th floor, which caused the window to blow out, Pereira said.

Damaged stay arm still attached to jamb shortly after failure at Unit 49A of 301 Mission Street. Arrow points to sash-side mounting flange which appears to have pulled away from the sash by pull-though or breaking of fasteners. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Screenshot-2023-09-20-at-3.49.13-PM-1.png?w=1988" alt="" class="wp-image-202862"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">An arrow points out a damaged stay arm still attached to a window jamb after the glass broke on the 49th floor of 301 Mission St.</figcaption></figure>

Millennium Tower’s neighbor suffered at the expense of the deficiency. Debris from that broken Millennium Tower window likely smashed into at least some of the 17 panes of glass that broke at 350 Mission St., located across the street and known as Salesforce East.

Millennium Tower’s neighbor suffered at the expense of the deficiency. Debris from that broken Millennium Tower window likely smashed into at least some of the 17 panes of glass that broke at 350 Mission St., located across the street and known as Salesforce East.

The breakage at 50 California St. also likely occurred before the storm. While investigators were less sure of the cause, they concluded that heat stress brought on by insulation pressing up against the glass likely weakened the glass.

The breakage at 50 California St. also likely occurred before the storm. While investigators were less sure of the cause, they concluded that heat stress brought on by insulation pressing up against the glass likely weakened the glass.

The building at 1400 Mission St. has had a history of glass breakages, Pereira said. Its facade glazing was contaminated with nickel sulfate, which can cause the pane to break. In fact, there had been previous spontaneous window breaks at the building due to the contamination dating back to 2015, the report stated. Investigators concluded that the building’s window that crashed down broke before the March storms.

The building at 1400 Mission St. has had a history of glass breakages, Pereira said. Its facade glazing was contaminated with nickel sulfate, which can cause the pane to break. In fact, there had been previous spontaneous window breaks at the building due to the contamination dating back to 2015, the report stated. Investigators concluded that the building’s window that crashed down broke before the March storms.

As the number of falling glass incidents piled up throughout March 2023, local officials <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/23/falling-glass-from-downtown-sf-skyscrapers-could-prompt-changes-to-building-codes/">became increasingly alarmed</a>. By the end of the month, Mayor London Breed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/04/sf-imposes-inspections-on-new-high-rises-after-intense-storms/">signed an emergency declaration</a>, spurring the investigation into the broken windows.

Reversing course, city now says falling glass may require action

As the number of falling glass incidents piled up throughout March 2023, local officials <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/03/23/falling-glass-from-downtown-sf-skyscrapers-could-prompt-changes-to-building-codes/">became increasingly alarmed</a>. By the end of the month, Mayor London Breed <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/04/sf-imposes-inspections-on-new-high-rises-after-intense-storms/">signed an emergency declaration</a>, spurring the investigation into the broken windows.

San Francisco high-rise window failures preventable, report finds

Julie Zigoris

Manny Yekutiel has vibrant memories of Second Street in downtown San Francisco. It was 2012, and he was working as an executive assistant for a political advocacy organization that had its office on the street. Each weekday, crowds would stream down the sidewalk to and from the Montgomery Street BART.

Manny Yekutiel has vibrant memories of Second Street in downtown San Francisco. It was 2012, and he was working as an executive assistant for a political advocacy organization that had its office on the street. Each weekday, crowds would stream down the sidewalk to and from the Montgomery Street BART.

On Monday, the street was eerily empty, a scene he called sad and scary.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Monday, the street was eerily empty, a scene he called sad and scary.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“It’s an emergency what’s happening downtown,” he said. “And we need to treat it like it’s an emergency.”&nbsp;

“It’s an emergency what’s happening downtown,” he said. “And we need to treat it like it’s an emergency.”&nbsp;

So Yekutiel has decided to do something about it, and that something begins with a giant 6-foot-diameter disco ball set to dangle from a crane on Minna Street for an open-air dance party.&nbsp;

So Yekutiel has decided to do something about it, and that something begins with a giant 6-foot-diameter disco ball set to dangle from a crane on Minna Street for an open-air dance party.&nbsp;

Manny Yekutiel, co-founder of the Civic Joy Fund, and Katy Birnbaum, founder of Into the Streets, stand alongside the Second Street corridor where they will be hosting a free series of monthly street parties, Downtown First Thursdays. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/img_0168-1.jpg?w=2016" alt="A smiling man and woman on a sunny street; colorful mural in the background." class="wp-image-265958"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Manny Yekutiel, co-founder of the Civic Joy Fund, and Katy Birnbaum, founder of Into the Streets, stand alongside the Second Street corridor where they will be hosting a free series of monthly street parties, Downtown First Thursdays. </figcaption></figure>

But that’s not all. The owner of Manny’s community gathering space in the Mission and co-founder of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/08/san-francisco-civic-joy-fund-aims-to-fix-doom-loop/">Civic Joy Fund</a> also plans to bring food vendors, drag performances and kids’ activities to a desolate part of downtown for a new monthly cultural series called Downtown First Thursdays (DFT).

What doom loop? ‘Civic Joy Fund’ aims to bring music, murals and good vibes to SF streets

But that’s not all. The owner of Manny’s community gathering space in the Mission and co-founder of the <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/05/08/san-francisco-civic-joy-fund-aims-to-fix-doom-loop/">Civic Joy Fund</a> also plans to bring food vendors, drag performances and kids’ activities to a desolate part of downtown for a new monthly cultural series called Downtown First Thursdays (DFT).

The 12-month-long, $1 million series kicks off May 2 on Second between Market and Howard streets and will tap into the disco revival that Yekutiel said the city is experiencing. It’s a party he wants to appeal to all kinds of San Franciscans—seniors and kids, those new to the city and old-timers.&nbsp;

The 12-month-long, $1 million series kicks off May 2 on Second between Market and Howard streets and will tap into the disco revival that Yekutiel said the city is experiencing. It’s a party he wants to appeal to all kinds of San Franciscans—seniors and kids, those new to the city and old-timers.&nbsp;

There will be plenty to entertain them: two open-air beer gardens, an outdoor dance hall, drag courtesy of <a href="https://www.gracetowers.com/">Grace Towers</a> and a performance stage. The English electronic artist Aluna, who has a new album out as well as a new record label, Noir Fever, will be taking to the stage for the street party’s first incarnation.&nbsp;

There will be plenty to entertain them: two open-air beer gardens, an outdoor dance hall, drag courtesy of <a href="https://www.gracetowers.com/">Grace Towers</a> and a performance stage. The English electronic artist Aluna, who has a new album out as well as a new record label, Noir Fever, will be taking to the stage for the street party’s first incarnation.&nbsp;

The Natoma Cabana at 90 Natoma St. abuts Salesforce Park and will be the site of an open-air dance party as part of Manny Yekutiel's new monthly series, Downtown First Thursdays. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/img_0187.jpg?w=2016" alt="A building's facade is adorned with a large, intricate black and white mural with abstract figures and patterns." class="wp-image-265961"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Natoma Cabana at 90 Natoma St. abuts Salesforce Park and will be the site of an open-air dance party as part of Manny Yekutiel&#8217;s new monthly series, Downtown First Thursdays. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/img_0187.jpg?w=2016" alt="A building's facade is adorned with a large, intricate black and white mural with abstract figures and patterns." class="wp-image-265961"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Natoma Cabana at 90 Natoma St. abuts Salesforce Park and will be the site of an open-air dance party as part of Manny Yekutiel's new monthly series, Downtown First Thursdays. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/img_0187.jpg?w=2016" alt="A building's facade is adorned with a large, intricate black and white mural with abstract figures and patterns." class="wp-image-265961"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Natoma Cabana at 90 Natoma St. abuts Salesforce Park and will be the site of an open-air dance party as part of Manny Yekutiel&#8217;s new monthly series, Downtown First Thursdays. </figcaption></figure>

The project includes a who’s-who of some of the biggest players in San Francisco’s cultural scene: Noise Pop, Another Planet Entertainment, SF Oasis, the radio station KALW and the Midway. “It’s a grab bag of San Francisco entertainment,” Yekutiel said.&nbsp;

The project includes a who’s-who of some of the biggest players in San Francisco’s cultural scene: Noise Pop, Another Planet Entertainment, SF Oasis, the radio station KALW and the Midway. “It’s a grab bag of San Francisco entertainment,” Yekutiel said.&nbsp;

To mount the series, Yekutiel knew straightaway he wanted to partner with Katy Birnbaum, the brains behind the for-profit cultural production company Into the Streets.&nbsp;

To mount the series, Yekutiel knew straightaway he wanted to partner with Katy Birnbaum, the brains behind the for-profit cultural production company Into the Streets.&nbsp;

“She did what no one else has been able to do,” Yekutiel said. “Which is bring 10,000 people downtown,” referring to the wildly successful <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/09/san-franciscos-newest-plan-to-resurrect-downtown-involves-indian-dancing/">Bhangra and Beats Night Market</a> that Birnbaum organized last year. The series drew more than 30,000 people over three sessions, Birnbaum said, despite doing very little advertising.&nbsp;

San Francisco’s newest plan to resurrect downtown involves Indian dancing

“She did what no one else has been able to do,” Yekutiel said. “Which is bring 10,000 people downtown,” referring to the wildly successful <a href="https://sfstandard.com/2023/04/09/san-franciscos-newest-plan-to-resurrect-downtown-involves-indian-dancing/">Bhangra and Beats Night Market</a> that Birnbaum organized last year. The series drew more than 30,000 people over three sessions, Birnbaum said, despite doing very little advertising.&nbsp;

It didn’t take too much convincing on Yekutiel’s part to bring her on board.&nbsp;

It didn’t take too much convincing on Yekutiel’s part to bring her on board.&nbsp;

“It was the dream phone call,” Birnbaum said. “It’s incredible to be part of history in this way,” she continued, noting she believes DFT will become a new mainstay on the San Francisco cultural scene.&nbsp;

“It was the dream phone call,” Birnbaum said. “It’s incredible to be part of history in this way,” she continued, noting she believes DFT will become a new mainstay on the San Francisco cultural scene.&nbsp;

Natoma Street, which will be activated as part of Manny Yekutiel's Downtown First Thursdays series, abuts SFMOMA and Yekutiel plans to coordinate with the museum in drawing crowds to the open-air street party. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/img_0177.jpg?w=2016" alt="Urban street with parked cars, scooters, pedestrians, flag, and a restaurant sign." class="wp-image-265959"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Natoma Street, which will be enlivened during Manny Yekutiel&#8217;s Downtown First Thursdays series, abuts SFMOMA, and Yekutiel plans to coordinate with the museum in drawing crowds to the open-air street party. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/img_0177.jpg?w=2016" alt="Urban street with parked cars, scooters, pedestrians, flag, and a restaurant sign." class="wp-image-265959"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Natoma Street, which will be enlivened during Manny Yekutiel's Downtown First Thursdays series, abuts SFMOMA, and Yekutiel plans to coordinate with the museum in drawing crowds to the open-air street party. </figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/img_0177.jpg?w=2016" alt="Urban street with parked cars, scooters, pedestrians, flag, and a restaurant sign." class="wp-image-265959"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Natoma Street, which will be enlivened during Manny Yekutiel&#8217;s Downtown First Thursdays series, abuts SFMOMA, and Yekutiel plans to coordinate with the museum in drawing crowds to the open-air street party. </figcaption></figure>

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Search Results for: salesforce tower

This weekend: Pandemic murals, plastic surgery in prison, an epic drag contest and more

San Francisco high-rise window failures preventable, report finds

New series to bring free music, two beer gardens and a giant disco ball to downtown

A fixer-upper Victorian with everything you could want — and one thing you might not

Turning downtown offices into housing isn’t the solution you think it is