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Commission advances legacy business nominations for Red and White Fleet and Ruby Sailing; recusal noted
Summary
The commission recommended the Red and White Fleet and Ruby Sailing for listing on the legacy business registry after staff reported both met eligibility criteria; Commissioner Jahnke recused himself from the Pier 43 item and the nominations passed with a recusal on one item.
The Historic Preservation Commission on March 15 recommended two San Francisco businesses, Red and White Fleet and Ruby Sailing, for the city’s legacy business registry.
Desiree Smith of the Planning Department presented draft resolutions and said both businesses met the registry criteria: Red and White Fleet, whose maritime history dates to the 1890s, and Ruby Sailing, operating since the 1970s from the southern waterfront and with an office at 1129 Folsom Street.
Tom Escher, speaking for Red and White Fleet ownership, highlighted the company’s maritime history and efforts to reduce emissions, saying the fleet is pursuing cleaner propulsion technology, including “a hydrogen fuel cell boat” and a new 600‑passenger hybrid‑electric vessel with lithium‑ion batteries expected in about a year. Escher also asked for help organizing the company’s historical archives for public access.
Commissioner Jahnke recused himself from the Pier 43 item because of a contract with Red and White Fleet; the recusal motion passed. With the recusal noted, the commission moved to approve both legacy nominations and recorded approval among participating commissioners (vote recorded 6–0 with one recusal).
Next steps: staff will finalize draft resolutions and the nominations will proceed through the city’s legacy business listing process.
