Art Spaces Feeling Scrutiny In Wake Of Oakland Ghost Ship Fire
SAN LEANDRO (CBS SF) -- In the wake of the deadly Oakland Ghost Ship fire, new scrutiny is being brought on the work spaces of other artists around the Bay Area.
San Leandro warehouse space Gate 510 received a visit from the fire marshal earlier this week.
Cheryl Edison gave KPIX 5 cameras a tour through the art collective's work space. But instead of working on bringing in more art, on Wednesday they were working on tearing it down.
• Continuing Coverage: Deadly Oakland Warehouse Fire
An entire room of neon lights which is no longer considered to be safe was also being dismantled.
"Wood on the wall and it will be coming down," said Edison.
Edison said after the fire that tore through the makeshift art space in Oakland and killed dozens the fire marshal paid this art space a visit.
"First thing Monday morning, and ever since then, it's just been threats and threats and threats!" exclaimed Edison.
The Alameda County Fire Department confirms they have an ongoing inspection at the property -- formally a factory -- that now includes several businesses.
"This property is a concrete and steel building with sprinklers throughout," said Edison. "That property was a warehouse that was not up to code in any minimal way."
The City of San Leandro did not respond to calls, but Alameda County Fire says their inspection has nothing to do with the Oakland warehouse fire.
Edison -- who works for the building developer to bring in new tenants -- disagreed.
"As a result there has been a backlash from the fire department and the city to shut down what has become a vibrant community," said Edison through tears.
No one lives in the San Leandro building and the property owner SKB said they aren't kicking anyone out.
But an official with the company told KPIX 5 they are taking down the art installations as a preemptive response to the city and county's scrutiny.
