Inside Walter Wong's Mystery House

Today from Mission Local

Presented by: San Francisco Department of Public Health

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Good afternoon!

Wow—just wow. You’ve really got to read Joe Eskenazi‘s report from ‘Uncle Walter’s Mystery House‘, the former inner sanctum of San Francisco’s notorious permit fixer Walter Wong. Tour his abandoned secret stairs, secret passageway, secret floor—and see what else was left behind after the Feds raided the place. With amazing photos by Zoe Malen.

And for back story—well, there’s so much. But start here to grasp the astonishing infratructure of corruption Wong built at the Department of Building Inspection and among city officials.

Don’t throw out that busted blender! Andrea Jiménez visits the Mission’s first Repair Cafe to see all the things volunteers can save from the landfill.

The campaigns of Scott Wiener and Connie Chan are gearing up to address voters’ concerns about AI safety, writes Brandon Pho. See their differences on how to regulate the industry, and what safeguards are needed.

You can hear more about it from Chan and Wiener at Mission Local‘s upcoming live forum with the candidates, co-presented by the New York Times and City Arts & Lectures. Buy your tickets now, before the event sells out.

More soon,

Sara

Abstract painting of colorful flowers with text overlay: “SF Open Studios ArtLaunch, September 18, 7-10PM.”.

Latest News

Uncle Walter’s Mystery House: Mission Local’s exclusive tour

“Hey, did you find the safe?”

Two people in blazers speak at separate events, each gesturing with their hands while addressing an audience.

Scott Wiener and Connie Chan both want to rein in AI. They disagree on how to do that.

“A lot of people haven’t worked out how they feel, while some folks are telling us it’s going to kill us all.”

Several people gather around a man repairing an espresso machine on a table, with others observing and taking photos indoors.

Mission District’s first repair cafe: 59 fixes, 212 pounds kept out of a landfill

“I felt like I shouldn’t give up on it.”

Back Story

No settlement can undo the damage Walter Wong did to this city — and is still doing

“Walter is one person. But he has rings around him like Saturn.”

SNAP

Cars are stopped at a red light on a city street at dusk, with buildings and trees lining both sides and a large antenna visible in the distance against the evening sky.

Sunset from 22nd & Guerrero

By Ben Armington

Events

Tomorrow: Fall Equinox: A Vegetarian Feast, 18 Reasons, Sept. 22, 6-9:30 p.m.

All Events

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