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Cable car bell ringing contest set for July 9
I’ve long admired this fun event. Sadly, though, the modern urban NIMBYs have largely succeeded in muzzling the grips’ bronze bells as signalling and warning devices. Compared the delightful clangor before the system was rebuilt in the 1970s, the current lines are virtually silent, especially the Powell-Mason and Powell-Hyde streets lines. God forbid the ringing should disturb residents! It’s a rare gripman that gets going on the bell (gong) when he can be reported for “disturbing the peace.”