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As October 17th approaches...
we are reminded of the damage our city suffered 26 years ago. The 6.9 magnitude Loma Prieta earthquake struck at 5:04 PM during the 1989 World Series. The Marina District suffered tremendous damage and a portion of the Bay Bridge collapsed. Tragically, many lives were lost and many more were left homeless.
On October 16th 1989, the day before the earthquake, was the day I began my career with the City and County of San Francisco.
At the time, I was with the Public Utilities Commission's Engineering Bureau. I could have never imagined what was in store for me and the damage that San Francisco would endure in the following weeks. I spent my first few days serving the City inspecting earthquake damaged properties, some that had been rendered uninhabitable and were structurally unsafe. After seeing the destruction a natural disaster can inflict, I knew that enforcing the safety of our buildings must be a priority in our city. San Francisco is built on three seismic faults, so it is not a matter of "if" but "when" the next seismic event will occur. That is why as the Director of the Department of Building Inspection I have put the utmost importance in seismic safety and the enforcement of retrofitting vulnerable properties through the Mandatory Soft Story Program.
For this issue, we will be highlighting the importance of seismic safety and getting prepared. Please take the necessary steps in preparing yourself, your loved ones and your home or business today.
Sincerely,
Department of Building Inspection
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