KARL CLEARS UP A FEW THINGS ABOUT FOG
IN HIS FIRST BOOK, KARL THE FOG PLAYS IT COOL
Karl the Fog is branching out. In addition to his day (and night) job of providing natural air conditioning to the Bay Area, and entertaining and informing his 360,000 followers on Twitter, San Francisco’s coolest citizen has also written his first book.
Released last month, “Karl the Fog: San Francisco’s Most Mysterious Resident” (Chronicle Books, $14.95) succeeds in breaking down some of that mystery referred to in the book’s subtitle. Through the first-time author’s witty observations and dozens of photos — some dating back decades — we are exposed to an almost human side of Karl that we never knew existed.
For example, did you know that Karl is an only child? And that he took over the family business of fogging from his mom, who in September 2006 decided to retire after thousands of years of watching over San Francisco?
We recently caught up with Karl on, of course, a cold, gray day for a quick Q&A session.
What is the true story behind your name? Is Karl a family name? I did a Google search and there were a number of theories, but no clear answer. Please clear things up for us.
My parents really liked the sound of Karl. It’s short, and was easy to yell when I was a kid and drifted far out into the Pacific.
In his foreword to your book, Sutro Tower mentions the tourists who visit the city during the summer wearing only T-shirts and shorts. Because of you they end up dropping some serious coin for fleece hoodies. Do you get a cut from the Fisherman’s Wharf vendors?
No, but I probably should. Forty percent of San Francisco’s GDP comes from those fleeces. And those fleeces only sell because I’m around. Therefore, I’m one of the largest money-making industries in San Francisco.
Sutro also took a shot at you for making him irrelevant by obscuring him even though he’s the highest structure in city. Yet last year I visited Tiburon and looked toward the city and saw you shrouding everything except for the top of the Salesforce Tower. Why the preferential treatment? Could it be you’re getting some kickback from a certain Mr. Benioff?
I try to give most tall structures a six-month grace period. I did the same with Sutro Tower in 1973. Let them get settled and make them think they’re on the top of the world. Then I return and guess who’s actually on top? It’s always me.
A number of pages of the book are devoted to pictures of you and your best friend, Golden Gate Bridge. In terms of San Francisco icons, where do
you and GGB rank? I ask because with the Golden State Warriors, there was always the debate if it was Stephen Curry’s or Kevin Durant’s team. Is San Francisco Karl’s or GGB’S team?
I’d been around for thousands of years before the Golden Gate Bridge was built, and I’m really happy it’s having this century to shine. I don’t think the city has to pick between us. Some people like giant orange art deco structures, others love my chilly embrace. Everyone can have their own team.
In the book you mentioned that your mom saw it all — from the Ohlones to the hippies of the Summer of Love. You yourself have seen a big change in the last decade. Do you have an opinion on the tech companies that have changed the face of San Francisco?
I’ve seen people and industries come and go over the last few centuries — from tech to finance to literal gold-digging. My opinion for anyone who comes to SF: embrace the weirdness of the city, and see what tiny thing you can do to leave it better than you found it.
A lot of the tech workers are coming in from different parts of the world. As a native, do you have any advice for the newcomers?
My advice is simple: Geek out over the history of your new city, eat garlic fries at Giants games, and always carry a light sweater.
You, of course, are the ultimate photobomber. I’ve had family come in from around the country only to be disappointed because they couldn’t get a clear picture of GGB, Alcatraz or Golden Gate Park with you hovering around. Do you have anything to say to them and other visitors with similar stories?
I do have something to say to them: Visit in October.
Our publication will be offering tips on how to stay cool during the summer months. We’re guessing you know the best spots in San Francisco and the rest of the Bay Area on days that you’re around. Would you care to share them with our readers?
If you don’t have the good fortune of being surrounded by me all summer, I suggest heading to San Francisco and going straight to Sutro Baths — for partially obstructed views of the ocean — and Mount Davidson. For partially obstructed views of San Francisco.
What’s next for Karl? A Netflix special? An album? A follow-up book?
I’m back at work for the next few months, then taking some time off in late September. After that? We’ll see where the wind takes me.