Planning for seismic safety and sea level rise

Saturday is for strolling along the Embarcadero Promenade, a market basket filled with farm-fresh treasures from the Ferry Market. Check! But what about the other S-factors: seismic safety along the Seawall? Sea level rise? They live here too.

Out of sight — though not out of mind for some — our City has been silently protected by our Seawall. At more than 3 miles long, 40 years in the making, and now a century old, it’s showing its age. We’re partnering with staff from the Port of San Francisco on Saturday, July 28th for a different kind of stroll to hear about — and see first-hand—the vulnerabilities that may cause our seawall to fail in our next big shake, and learn what’s the plan to ensure our City remains safe and resilient.

We’ll meet up at the Port’s offices at historic Pier One and amble with staff along the Promenade to Pier 14, seeing the bay’s edge with new eyes attuned to the emergency services the waterfront provides. In addition to our seawall primer, we’ll check out what’s already in progress in adapting our waterfront to rising water levels: we’ll hear details about the new ferry landing expansion and then walk on to the historic fireboat station at Pier 22 1/2 for an update on the new floating station that is in development. In an emergency, both these facilities will be vital.

Since the future stands on the shoulders of the past, we’ll circle back along the western side of the Embarcadero to visit and hear some tales about the restored Audiffred Building, a survivor of the 1906 quake, and then wrap up our time travel at the San Francisco Railway Museum for a briefing from the Market Street Railway President.

The 1989 Loma Prieta quake played a part in opening up our central waterfront to grow into what we treasure today. With sound scientific planning and targeted public investment, the Port and the City will show us their blueprint for a safe and resilient City into tomorrow.

The (not so shaky) details:

Saturday, July 28th, 10 am—1 pm

Universally accessible walk from Pier One, the Embarcadero, to The San Francisco Railway Museum, 77 Steuart St

RSVP on Eventbrite, space is limited.

This is a free Walk SF members-only walk. Become a member today and join us!