Coming Soon: Mandatory Seismic Retrofits

There may be more layers to this rotten onion than you think.

The first layer: Yes, it is in the interest of human safety. Maybe not.

The second layer: Yes, it is probably motivated by the City's need to get more money coming in during the recession.

The third layer, and the smelly layer: It is a part of that detestably comfortable relationship between the Mayor, the Building Department and the Planning Department, (one side,) with the corrupt developers in the City, (actually, the same side, as well,) who are itching to have easier access to the land on which historic old buildings are unfortunately located. The City's increasing total disregard for historical structures, coupled with the developers who find them a total nuisance, is going to take full advantage of his opportunity to implement earthquake requirements like this in the future for purposes other than human safety.

This possible legislation to require earthquaking of residential structures with soft stories will lead to many owners not being able to afford the cost-- to eventual condemnation-- and a competitive group of developers waiting around the corner to move in with "City authorization" to demolish for reasons of safety.

I watch in amazement, as San Francisco looks more and more like Columbus, Ohio everyday.

Gavin, please, please, please run for governor. It is inevitable you will lose, but at least your ass will be out of San Francisco.