An all-Amercian birthday celebration is happening today. But not just for what you think.
One of the lesser landmarks in this nations most beautiful city is celebrating its birthday on the same day as our nation.
It’s both a sentry, and a beacon at the city’s highest point. In one of the world’s biggest tourist cities, it will never become a San Francisco cliche. It’s a symbol of function, durability and yes beauty. It is the inextinguishable candle atop the delicious cake that is the Bay Area.
Happy 40th birthday, Sutro Tower!
More photos & iconic idolatry below.
All photos by the diarist
Still standing after 40 years
www.sutrotower.com
Sutro Tower is the Bay Area’s most visible icon. Antennas on the 977-foot-high steel tower safely deliver clear signals throughout the San Francisco Bay Area for television and radio stations; essential communication services for public safety, transportation and other agencies or private providers; and unique, non-stop transmission opportunities for emerging technologies.
Those who know SF well will point out that Sutro Tower is often
the only landmark visible when looking at The City on a
typically foggy day.
I grew up a short walk away from Sutro Tower in the fog belt of the Sunset District. It was the most SF of all SF landmarks for me.
The SF skyline would hardly be the same without it.
http://sutrotower.com/...
Q. What does Sutro Tower do?
Eleven television stations, four FM radio stations and 20 wireless and mobile communications users (i.e. law enforcement agencies, taxi cabs, school buses, wireless internet, etc.) rely on Sutro Tower™ antennas to transmit signals over the air to the entire Bay Area.
Just this week I walked from Noe Valley to the Sunset (and back) and was treated to some nice views from Twin Peaks including this typically foggy photo of the Tower.
In the embedded video below, you hear someone call it "the candle of the birthday cake that is San Francisco." What does one do when the candle has a birthday of its own?
Those wishing to show some respect for this generally disrespected landmark can do some beautification along with others in the area.
Volunteers meet on the first Saturday of every month to maintain and improve the existing trail network; remove and prune invasive blackberry, ivy and weeds; and help sustain native plants in the summit garden and demonstration area. Those interested in volunteering should check the Nature in the City Volunteer Workday Calendar.
Take a moment a enjoy the views of and from the highest point in the hilliest city in the nation celebrating its birthday today.
It is tough living in the shadows of greatness.