Alvarado–San Bruno stairway mosaics complete; public opening awaits inspector sign-off

The Public Art Advisory Committee reported Monday that mosaic artist Angelina Duckett has completed her installation on the Alvarado–San Bruno stairway, but the stairway will remain closed to the public until a city inspector confirms lighting and safety systems are complete.

Committee members described the completed riser mosaics as well received by residents and visitors. Committee discussion noted several lights were not working during a recent walk-through, and staff said they left a message for the city inspector, Greg, who must sign off before the committee announces the stairway is open for public use.

The committee also discussed on-site acknowledgements and public communications. A change order from McGrath Arts will extend the base handrail and incorporate acknowledgement text listing project partners, and staff said forthcoming city announcements will explicitly name the contributing artists. Remaining McGrath Arts work includes the handrail extension, installation of lighting elements at the top and bottom of the stairs, and hanging decorative elements; staff said they expect that remaining work will finish within a few weeks.

Committee members discussed holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony once staff confirm the artist and mayor’s availability. After considering weeknight and weekend options, the committee settled on Saturday, April 25, as the preferred date for a short, community-oriented event at the bottom of the stairway by the McGrath Arts area; the date is subject to artist confirmation and the inspector’s safety sign-off.

Next steps: staff will notify neighbors in advance of the event, confirm trash/collection logistics for the area, finalize plaques/acknowledgement text on site, and announce the opening publicly once the inspector signs off on safety systems.