The Bells Are Still Ringing: RIP Carl Payne, San Fran’s Cable Car Legend
A San Francisco legend passed away earlier this month. Carl Payne was a cable car gripman for 29 years. One of his jobs was ringing a bell, a skill he polished to musical excellence. In the 80s, I worked for radio station KABL, which sponsored the annual Cable Car Bell Ringing Championship. Carl won it a record 10 times. I was there, in Union Square, to talk to the champ, witness his triumphal performance, and record his musical tribute to San Francisco.
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Carl retired from the cable car force at age 50 to realize his dream of joining the San Francisco police force. He was 81 when he passed away. Rest in Peace Carl Payne.
