On
Friday, the company erected an "X" logo on the roof of its
Market Street headquarters, to the chagrin of neighbors who
complained about intrusive lights, and San Francisco's
Department of Building Inspection which said it is investigating
the structure.
The move followed a post from Musk, the enigmatic billionaire
who acquired the company in October for $44 billion, announcing
the newly named firm would remain in San Francisco despite what
he termed the city's recent "doom spiral, with one company after
another left or leaving."
Musk, who also is CEO of electric car maker Tesla, moved that
company's headquarters from California to Texas in 2021. Keeping
X in San Francisco could be a good sign for a city that has
struggled to bounce back from tourism and business losses
sustained during the pandemic.
Its downtown region is struggling with job cuts in the tech
sector, the departure of major retailers, and reduced tourism.
Traffic has fallen as more people work from home, while
high-profile crime and homelessness have tarnished the city's
image.
"Beautiful San Francisco, though others forsake you, we will
always be your friend," Musk wrote.
Yet not all San Franciscans are keen for Musk's friendship.
Locals over the weekend recorded video of the giant X glowing,
pulsing and strobing, with some criticizing its intrusive
lights.
X user @itsmefrenchy123 said they would be "LIVID" over the
bright logo, imagining it "right across from your bedroom."
"I'm just astounded at the flagrant lack of consideration for
anyone ever," wrote X user @DollyMarlowe.
San Francisco's Department of Building Inspection, meanwhile,
opened an investigation into the structure, saying it might be
in violation of permitting rules.
A BID inspector said in a written report that company
representatives denied roof access, twice, to BID officials
seeking to inspect the logo. The inspector noted one
representative said the sign was temporary.
A BID spokesperson could not immediately be reached on Sunday.
(Reporting by Nicholas P. Brown; editing by Peter Henderson and
Chris Reese)
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