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Wednesday, May 27, 2020

THE PIER 45 FIRE - WAS A TIME BOMB WAITING TO EXPLODE - THREE YEARS AGO - SPRINKLERS WERE IN ORDER FOR THE PIER 45 WARE HOUSE - WHAT HAPPENED ?










Historia Pier 45 -
I have visited this location many times -
well versed with the area and the operations -
since 1988 to now.



Three years ago the San Francisco Port Authority had grandiose plans to refit the Pier 45 ware house with sprinklers ? What happened?

The 7.5 mile area from Lower Fort Mason to Pier 98 closer to the very contaminated Heron's Head Park  - comes under the jurisdiction of the San Francisco Port Authority - an Enterprise Department - that must be self sufficient - has never been financially sound - always looking for money.

The many who rent - are forced to pay their rent - while very little is done to accommodate to upgrade their businesses.

Some  have been tenants for over 35 years - and now as this pandemic such hit them hard - are forced to pay their rent. What is happening?

There is some plan in the off - linked to forbearance - or even attempting the tenants to write off what they owe - however, the matter has to be taken to the SF Board of Supervisors.

As it is thousands of small businesses are suffering today - the Mayor's Office of Economic Development - and the clown that heads it - does not know anything about Economics - he is B movie star actor - and all he does is smile - Joaquin Torres.

Non-profits that have a track record - can apply for grants and loans - and wait and wait and wait - Waiting For Godot !

This NOVEL COVID-19 virus that has created this pandemic - has exposed the liars, the cheater, the ones that hoodwink the public is plain sight and in broad daylight.

Even as millions of dollars are sent our way by the Federal Government - little if no money - is given to those that most need it.

Fisherman's Wharf has been in place much before the SF Port Authority was created in the 1960s - once State Property - the State of California.

The 7.5 mile jurisdiction from Lower Fort Mason to Pier 98 - it was transferred to the SF Port Authority.

The SF Port Authority  - that does not dip into the City and County of San Francisco's General Fund - accumulates its own money - and since its creation - has always been scouring and looking for money - to stay afloat.

The SF Port Authority according to its recent Commission meeting - wants the City and County of San Francisco to come to its rescue. 

Well the City and County of San Francisco is in deep " shit " - it will face a $2 Billion deficit and will have to reduce its present workforce of 33,000 to half - and will face many hurdles - one that will adverse it fundamentally - the City and County of San Francisco's - pension.

Recently  the SF Port Authority - embarked on building a sea wall - estimated to cost in access of $10 billion at a minimum - the Corps of Engineers and other have been working on the baseline needs - having made a " needs assessment " - there is no money - that the SF Port Authority can fork up -  no money - NO honey.

Again and again the SF Port Authority is giving no holistic consideration to sound abatement and mitigation - Pier 70 that has on its location - one million tons of coal tar - residue and left over pollution and contamination - from the power plant operations - that once used coal - now defunct - where today stand the stacks.

Two huge hotspots of ammonia spill - that impacted the water shed at Pier 70 - and no one cares about this contamination and pollution.

It is the same with Mission Rock - the land is contaminated - and on both Mission Rock and Pier 70 - high density housing is planned.

Grandiose plans are afoot - to build mix-housing - more dense housing - something the pandemic loves to prey upon. Forest Hill has stepped down and another Developer is now at his wits end - that has been the saga of the SF Port Authority - trying to make ado with little - and always begging and begging for money.

This pandemic should have opened the eyes of the Greedy ones.

This pandemic embraces high density - " community congregation ".

The idiots do not get it - they are so greedy - the power has gone up their ass - and they are insane.

Greed - messes it all - and the SF Port Authority - needs a total revamping of its sordid policies and Commission - who rubber stamp and at the many meeting - pat their behinds.

I have been monitoring the SF Port since 1985.

The 7.5 mile is SF Port Authority property - has a special designation. As I mentioned it comes under the California Public Trust Act.

However most people in California must be aware - it is Public Trust Act and the Property that entities control that give - every Californian  a right to know - about  thePublic Trust Property - there must be full transparency and accountability.

Again and again we see decisions made - and the actions revealed to the public at large - after the fact.

I have been involved in the Inter-modal bridge by Cargo Way.

This project when completed was built narrow - with two lanes - where vehicles side by side - find it difficult to move.

The collapse of the Main Force by Main Street - and the destruction of the Muwekma Ohlone Park and Sanctuary - went 
hand in hand with the construction of the Inter-Modal Bridge -few know its sordid history - and even few know where it is located.

ATT Park - aka Oracle Park - special legislation passed - in Sacramento to accommodate the base-ball field and the Giants.

The Public Trust land is mandated to use the land for Maritime uses.

Those that are greedy  - come out with all sorts of ploys, machinations and shenanigans.

All  sorts of reasons are concocted - the project move far way from Maritime uses - and as I said  - all sorts of ploys, machinations and shenanigans - are used to make money - at the expense of the tax payers.

This utter nonsense has been going on for the last 30 years.

Perhaps the only good act that happened - was the upgrading of the Ferry Building - a good job that serves the SF Port Authority and the millions that pass through the Ferry Building.

Even the Ferry Tower and Clock was upgraded and with all the upgrades the toilets and of course the modern elevators.

The large logo - symbol of California - made from colored titles - was touched and now stands for all to view - as if it is brand new.

The SF Port Authority has a Commission - some Commissioners have been in place for over 24 years.

24 years of the same - mundane thinking and a mentality that begs the question - pandering to Willie L. Brown who has his dirty finger in every pie in San Francisco.

This is a crying shame. 

Term limits must be mandated - two terms at the most - after that the sitting Commission must  step down and let others do a better job.

The nonchalant manner is which business is conducted - at the San Francisco Port Authority Commission - is pathetic and those who cannot lead - with their heart in the right place - must step down - NOW.

Did I say Fisherman's Wharf has been there for a long, long time. 

I know the area well - since my days working at the Presidio of San Francisco.

I worked with the Alioto Lazio family way back in 2002 - about some fuel tanks leaking - that adversely impacting a large area.

All along the Piers - there were storage tanks - I have a map - that shows it all.

When - I showed the map to one of the representatives from the Oil Company - at one of the meetings - he wanted to have a copy of the map - I told him it is mine and mine only - and proprietary.

Sixth Army and Presidio of San Francisco - is where I worked - and as the Congressional Liaison for Sixth Army and Presidio of San Francisco - I had access to documents and more to the Senators and Congresspersons. 

I learned a lot - having access to powerful people some of them living just outside the SF Presidio Gate. George Shultz the former Secretary of State  - was one of them.

At that time the SF Port Authority had NO real clue - did not do a needs assessments - on the many pressing issues. There really was no leadership and less vision.

It was interesting when at a meeting the higher ups from some oil companies met. The oil managers - treated those present with disdain - there were environmental issues that needed to be addressed - and the oil magnets thought they could buy us.

At this meeting - where I was present - these petroleum officials - were trying to hoodwink us - thinking - we knew nothing much about environmental issues.

Once some of us started talking - they learned for the first time - may be - they could not pull wool over our eyes - and hoodwink us in broad daylight.

The Fishermen and women - linked to Fisherman's Wharf - and more in and around Pier 45 have served San Francisco very well.

We appreciate their service - are aware of the hard work that goes with crabbing and other fishing endeavors.

We acknowledge  - the risk one must take with Mother Nature -  on the high seas - and the times - when many return with a poor catch. It is hard work - and the return at good at time - luck plays a big role - and the fishermen and women - take it all in stride.

Having to deal with the many laws - paying huge money up front to go fishing - and other rules and regulations - that makes one puke.

I have been talking to the fishermen and women from all over our Nation. 

From Alaska too - and the more I listen - the more I admire our fishermen and women.

Our San Francisco fishermen and women have always done what they do best fish - but also take tourists for a boat ride - and act as great Ambassadors.

 We have a Captain who is a woman pass her 70s if not 80s and was honored at City Hall. A jovial and feisty Captain - who brought photographs and many fans that joined her in the August Chamber - Room 250 - where she and her family were honored.

We have others who were honored at City Hall - some of the SF Broad of Supervisors know some, personally  - but there is more - and it is not very pretty to what happened - with the Pier 45 fire.

We need action and we need it on a War Footing.

Those adverse impacted need help and as I said the need it now.







Saturday, May 23, 2020 - 
in the wee hours I was shocked to see and hear 
about the fire at Pier 45 - my first thoughts -
zeroed on the World War II Liberty Ship -
SS Jeremiah O'Brien - towed from Pier 45 to Pier 35.


I worked at the SF Presidio of San Francisco and very familiar with Pier 45 and the many sheds or ware houses - in this case Shed C was destroyed the walls collapsed.

Shed B and Shed D house fish processing companies -  are now being evaluated and apparently did not suffer much damage.

The World War II Liberty Ship - was saved - SS Jeremiah O'Brien has been towed to Pier 35.

We expect and should get a detail report - about the situation at hand.

As time goes by - today is the 5th day - the hot spots are still being put out.

For some of us - who need a clear picture - we do not see any light at the end of the tunnel.

I spoke to an investigator today - the works for the SF Fire Department - he is still figuring out - where the fire started - and I wish him good luck.

We all need to know what is happening - Public Trust Act.

There was also a submarine in close proximity - we may get detail reports about that too. 

We know that millions of dollars worth of crab pots, nets, and other paraphernalia were destroyed by the fire.

There are still has some hot spots - the San Francisco Fire Department doing what they do best. 

We also know - there is more to the situation - the Department of Building Inspection - who failed, others - that I can name - and will name at the appropriate - time.







I know the Fishermen and women in and around Fishermen's Wharf and know sufficient that most work very hard to make a living.

I also know that those who rent the sheds within the large ware house - pay huge rents. 

I also know 4 years ago and even before that - the need for sprinklers at all the Sheds and Ware Houses came up - again and again - with little or NO - action.

 I have been following this issue - since the year 1998.

I regularly attended the SF Port Authority meeting - and have known the last four Director pretty well - Directors Wong, Monique Moyer, and now Elaine Forbes - well enough to approach them and have a frank discussion on any topic.

I am repeating myself and stating again - the Fishermen's Wharf was there a long time ago - a rail line run all the way through the SF Presidio by Crissy Field - all the way to the Cliff House.

There were the Sutro Baths at the end of the rail line.

Families  packed some nice sandwiches - dressed for summer, looked forward to the long ride -  when they reached their destination - there was cries and shouts of joy and rejoicing.

San Franciscans looked forward to the ride  and away they went to enjoy some sound recreation - make belief - they were going to the Bahamas.

There is a Museum at 3rd and Mission - you could at one time - spend time - looking at the thousands of black and white photographs.

 You signed the register after presenting yourself  - were given gloves.

All -  the help you needed - to zero in on the thousands of historical mostly black and white photographs - one of a kind.

I loved going to this museum at 3rd and Mission in San Francisco - opposite the St Regency hotel -  from time to time - and learned a lot.

Historians have done a good job - relating us some - however - few know about the Coast Guard and how San Francisco played a key role - to the far stretches of Alaska and beyond. 

The history of whale catching - the Coast Guard and the revenue they brought to San Francisco and more.

How the whale blubber was used to fuel lamps - the many oil tanks that were found at Crissy Field - that help light the lamps - at the SF Presidio of San Francisco.

The famous Cutter Bear and the famous Coast Guard Captain - Alex Healy.

I  wrote about him - and got hundreds of email - and still get some - from children all over the world.

I have written several articles - much before the SF Port Authority - decided to have a small exhibit on Captain Alex Healy - and the Coast Guard Cutter - Bear. 

The exhibit can be seen - at Pier One - as you enter to the far end - closer to the bay.






Captain Alex Healy 
well known Captain who saved lives -
brought hope to the Alaskan First People -
read my article.




Coast Guard Cutter -
Healy -
named after Captain Alex Healy -
who lived and died in San Francisco 






Coast Guard Cutter  -
named after Captain Healey




Here is my article - written a long time ago - when few chose to know more about the maritime history of San Francisco - Captain Alex Healy - his father White Irish and his mother a Black slave.

At that time if you had an iota of Black blood - you were discriminated.

Captain Alex Healey  trials and tribulations - did not deter him from becoming a Captain.

Charged for being an alcoholic  - dereliction of duty - losing the title - regaining it - and the rest is history.

 Long live the memory and legacy of Captain Alex Healy - a great hero and a compassionate man. 


The man was a hard worker - hard on himself - a heart of gold and there is more - read my article :

http://www.franciscodacosta.com/articles/healy.html


In recent time - we have Mayors and Commissioners - who are not educated on issues - and less care about the history of San Francisco.

Every time I talk about history - be it the Coast Guard - the early settlers.

The all Black Buffalo Soldiers, the early Blacks who settled in San Francisco and contributed to what San Francisco is today. 

If we do not know about our past, live our present well - and have a sound vision for the future - we have no one else to blame but ourselves. 





Muwekma Ohlone Warrior 
the First People of San Francisco.
















This is Muwekma Ohlone land and I represent the Muwekma Ohlone in San Francisco - more when it comes to planning, land use, transportation, safety, education in short Quality of Life issues.

The present SF Port Commissioners - have NO clue about the history of San Francisco.

At the many meeting they sit on - they are all over the place - including the last SF Port Authority Commission meeting.

Our fishermen and women - have contributed to the history of San Francisco -  can stand tall and represent. 

The SF Port Authority - better contact the insurance companies - and under all rights in place - those impacted at Pier 45 need help right now. 

More on an emergency basis. 

I will follow up on this - as only I can.

I will go straight to the Insurance Companies - I have empirical data - that may interest them.

Stop the BS - we are looking into this and that - just do it!

As I said I am watching this situation very closely - left three messages for the Mayor London Breed - no one has returned my calls.

I sent an email linked to the Pier 45 fire - to some in authority including Director Elaine Forbes - just in case she said she knew nothing  about what was happening. 

Elaine Forbes knows now - and she knows some days ago I copied her on the email I sent the SF Controller and the Mayor of San Francisco - London Breed - who has NOT said a word.

We know our Mayor is a liar.

Recently -  some texts reveal - what a hypocrite she is  - ordering the SF Police Chief  Scott Williams - to clear the homeless - from Market Street - remote control - sending him text messages.

Keeping hotel rooms vacant that we tax payers pay for - some $80 a day - thousands of room vacant - while the poor and indigent - slowly die on the streets of San Francisco.


London Breed  can be charged - crimes against humanity - heartless and a hypocrite.

Where is the Mayor London Breed since Friday May 22, 2020  - on the Pier 45 fire -  no one knows - well, let us see how this situation - plays.

Again our fishermen and women - many of them Captains - professional - men and women in their own right.

They all need the help now - a needs assessment that is through - with goals and timelines - stop messing with those that know more .

This situation - could blow up in your faces. Aho.

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