Latest news with #SanFranciscoDepartmentofBuildingInspection
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Prediction of ‘major earthquake' on anniversary of Great San Francisco Earthquake not credible, experts say
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) — A social media account claiming to have the ability to predict earthquakes received more than 70,000 views on a post stating that the Bay Area has a very high chance of a major earthquake striking the San Francisco Bay Area on April 18 — the anniversary of the 1906 Great San Francisco Earthquake. Officials reject that claim. '48 HOUR WARNING – Major earthquake is likely in the San Francisco Bay Area, most likely within 75 miles of Santa Cruz, CA,' the social media post reads. 'You could save lives by warning everyone you know in the San Francisco Bay Area. Don't stay silent — share the warning now.' San Jose fire captain arrested for burglary, drug charges, officials say The account went viral earlier this month after posting a similar message stating that a large earthquake would occur in Southern California between April 14 and 16. A 5.2 magnitude earthquake hit the San Diego area on April 14 at approximately 10:08 a.m. Although a Southern California earthquake aligned with the timing of the prophecy, there is no known way to predict a major earthquake with any immediate accuracy, U.S. Geological Survey spokesperson Steve Sobie told KRON4. 'Neither the USGS nor any other scientists have ever predicted a major earthquake,' Sobie said. 'We can calculate the probability that one will occur in a specific area within a certain number of years.' The date and time The location The magnitude Loose tire kills driver on I-680 near Alamo The social media account claiming to predict earthquakes, meanwhile, has posted general earthquake prophecies for years, with overwhelmingly false results. X has provided additional context to the social media account. 'There is no scientific basis for this or any earthquake prediction,' the reader-submitted context added by X reads. 'Quakes are always possible in places like California, but specific forecasts perform no better than random when tested. This user has posted similar claims every few days since 2009.' Seismologists warn that Bay Area residents should always be prepared for a big earthquake, which can occur at any time. The San Francisco Department of Building Inspection warns residents to prepare for the next earthquake today. 'Earthquakes are unpredictable natural disasters with just as terrible aftereffects,' the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection website states. 'Take the necessary steps today to get your property and family ready for the next emergency. We cannot predict when the next natural disaster will hit, but together we can take the next steps in being prepared.' Make an emergency plan so you know who to find and where to find them when a crisis occurs. Make sure you know where and how to shut off the utility services in your home or building. Anchor bookshelves and other heavy furniture to wall studs. If you are indoors when an earthquake occurs: drop, cover and hold on. Do not try to run outside or stand in a doorway or near windows. Whether you are at home or at work, make sure you have an emergency kit with supplies lasting for at least 72 hours. 'Earthquake preparedness should be part of everyday life for people living in California,' Sobe said. 'The Earthquake Country Alliance has good resources to help people prepare, including their Seven Steps to Earthquake Safety.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
SF luxury Millennium Tower penthouse sells for $9M, millions less than original asking price
The Brief A penthouse in the Millennium Tower has sold for $9M. The sale marked the highest resale of a downtown condo since 2018. The condo was listed for $14M back when it initially went on the market in 2023. SAN FRANCISCO - A lavish penthouse in the once-sinking Millennium Tower in San Francisco recently sold for $9 million, the highest resale of a downtown condo since 2018, according to the selling agent. But the sale was also significantly lower than the initial $14 million asking price when it went on the market in 2023. What we know The impressive 5,000-square-foot, 2-bedroom, 2.5 bathroom unit known as the "Grand Penthouse" sits on the 60th floor of the luxury high-rise located at 301 Mission Street. "People that are in the know, know what the building is," selling agent Gregg Lynn with Sotheby's International Realty told KTVU. "It's one of the most dramatic condominiums in all of downtown San Francisco with the best views." The backstory The beleaguered, luxury skyscraper received a lot of publicity after major concerns arose in 2016 when engineers deemed the skyscraper was tilting and sinking. It dropped roughly a foot-and-a-half and tilted 14 inches. At one point, the building reportedly sank one inch in one week. Millennium Tower said that as of July 2023, the structural issues had been resolved. A spokesperson told KTVU the voluntary seismic upgrade and foundation stabilization were found to be code-compliant and approved by the San Francisco Department of Building Inspection. What they're saying Speculation that the property sold for millions less than the original asking price due to its past structural problems was strongly disputed by Lynn. "This sale at $9 million is the highest resale of a condo since 2018," he said. "How could anybody hear that and not be impressed by that?" The realtor said the sale is actually a harbinger of good news for the area, representing a remarkable turnaround in downtown San Francisco, from a decline triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic. "It's a reflection of the downtown revitalization actually coming to fruition," Lynn said. "It's all happening. Try and get lunch anywhere downtown right now on weekdays between 12 and 1:00. Every restaurant is packed. There's a line at every sushi store." Dig deeper Lynn said that the property was purchased in 2016 for $13 million. It was listed in May 2023 and remained on the market through part of last year. "There was a lot of interest, but no offers," Lynn said. "So it was taken off the market for a period of time before it sold privately last fall. It just closed escrow on the 15th. Multiple offers were received." The luxury real estate expert also stressed another indicator signaling a rebound. "As the buyers secured a $5 million loan, it marks the return of mortgages to Millennium Tower, which have not been available for many years," Lynn explained. In recent years, the downtown area has been plagued with vacant storefronts with many businesses closing shop and leaving. Retailers have pointed to theft and other crime as a driving factor. SEE ALSO:Bloomingdale's closing flagship San Francisco store Residential property values have also declined. Lynn attributed that largely to the pandemic. "Since 2016, most condos downtown decreased in value because of Covid. That should be no surprise," he said. What's next Millennium noted that the tower would continue to undergo ten years of monitoring. Findings from its ongoing surveys showed that the building's tilt has been stabilized and begun to reverse. The correction was expected to continue over the next 40 years, property officials said. Lynn said currently there are seven publicly listed homes for sale at Millennium Tower. The listings show they range from $650K for a 3-bedroom, 3-bath unit to about $5 million for another penthouse. Lynn expressed excitement over a resurgence of the downtown area. "It's extraordinary," he said. "We're coming back!"
