Overheard in Fog City

Luke Thomas
FCJ Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
Photo by Adam Aufdencamp

By Luke Thomas

January 29, 2008

City Hall legend passes

Affectionately known by his colleagues and many friends as the "Mayor of City Hall," custodian Linus Black died January 26 from post-operative complications related to a recent illness.

Linus, 60, worked at San Francisco City Hall for 29 years and is best known for his loquacious upbeat nature.

Linus Black
Photo courtesy Brother Jaye Studios

Linus was born in San Francisco November 15, 1947 to Nevis and Courtney Black. He was the 4th of ten children and is survived by his daughter, Angelina.

Linus' illustrious career began with the City of San Francisco on September 28, 1978. He worked for the Department of Public Works and the Hall of Justice before transitioning to City Hall. He was also the shop steward for SEIU 1021.

Linus' father, Nevis Black was also a custodian at City Hall and retired after 27 years of service. Linus was proud to note that between his father and himself, the Black family had served at City Hall for six mayors over a span of fifty years.

Linus founded the "Dream Team" softball team and was a player-manager for 25 years. He was actively involved with charitable organizations and teams, and regularly participated in citywide charity softball events.

"Linus was a funny, wonderful guy and many people who work in City Hall are going to miss him. I know I will," Sheriff Michael Hennessey wrote in an email to Fog City Journal today.

Photo courtesy Jennifer Low Photography

Funeral services:

Quiet hour
Sunday, February 3, 2008
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Thompson Funeral Home
9900 E. 14th Street (International Blvd.) btw. 98th and 100th St
Oakland 94603
510-568-9666

Funeral Service
Monday, February 4, 2008
10:00 a.m.
Elmhurst Presbyterian Church
1322 98th Avenue @ International Blvd.
Oakland 94603

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