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The New Cable Car Bell Ringing World Champion Is. . .

Thursday, July 7, 2016

The word has gone out that Leonard Oats has once again claimed the title of World Champion of the Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest. The hotly contested demonstration of skill and rhythm also included the tradition's first woman participant in the pro category: Cable Car Conductor Cassandra Griffin. 

Before we get to the rest of the details, we have some words of thanks. We are grateful for the tremendous support of our sponsors, who are listed below. The team of 15 judges did the impossible again — we appreciate their time and finely tuned listening skills. The amateur bell ringers who participated on behalf of their favorite charities brought humor, musicality and a whole lot of cuteness to the proceedings. The music provided by our favorite local blues band, featuring Cable Car Division employees, Abel Sanchez & The Frisco Project kept the Square humming. The show is made fun, lively and engaging by the super mistress of ceremonies, local comedienne Debi Durst. And, of course, it wouldn't be much of a show without the hard working, talented men and women of San Francisco's Cable Cars. Many thanks to you all!

Muni Cable Car Operator Leonard Oats holds up his first place trophy in Union Square with the motorized cable car and palm trees in the background.
The reigning Cable Car Bell Ringing World Champion Leonard Oats holds up his trophy in Union Square.

Today's Press Release

SFMTA Announces the Winners of the 53rd Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest

Thursday, July 7, 2016

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), which manages all transportation in the city, including the Municipal Railway (Muni), today announced that Leonard Oats was declared World Champion of the 53rd Muni Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest, held today in Union Square. The contest had two divisions, one for cable car grips and conductors and another for amateur bell-ringers competing on behalf of the charity of their choice.

“On behalf of the SFMTA Board of Directors, I want to offer our well-earned congratulations to Leonard Oats,” said Tom Nolan, SFMTA’s Chairman of the Board of Directors. “The competition showcased seasoned bell-ringing talent and welcomed newcomers we can't wait to see more of in the coming years.”

The winners in the division for cable car crew members were: First Place, Leonard Oats; Second Place, Byron Cobb; and Third Place, Trini Whittaker.

Cable Car conductor, Cassandra Griffin became the first woman finalist to compete.

“We are so proud of Ms. Griffin and her incredible performance. As she stepped into her role as the first woman to compete as a finalist, she has made herself a model for others who will follow in her footsteps. We look forward to what she has in store for us in future competitions,” said Ed Reiskin, SFMTA Director of Transportation.

The amateur winners competing for charity were: First Place, Freska, representing 96.5 KOIT; Second Place: Brandon Mudd of Comcast Spotlight; and Third Place, St. John/Producer and Bay Area personality at Movin’ 99.7 Now. Their prizes will be donated to the following charities: victims of the last month’s Orlando tragedy, United Way, and AIDS Walk, respectively. 

The Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest was presented by Ghirardelli Chocolate Company and the SFMTA. The event was supported by the merchants and members of San Francisco Travel, the Union Square Business Improvement DistrictSan Francisco Recreation and Park and the Cable Car Museum.

Special thanks to our Gold level sponsors: Omni San Francisco HotelSam's Cable Car LoungeNew Delhi RestaurantThe San Francisco Dungeon and SFMOMA.

“San Francisco is truly a global village. It is also a wonder of this world and Cable Car actually represents one of these wonders, because it brings everyone together for a celeberation for something authentic and something that is very, very characteristic of the beauty of San Francisco. I am really proud to be a sponsor and a participant in this celebration,” said Ranjan Dey, President of New Delhi Restaurant.

Additional generous sponsors include 7D ExperienceAardvark BooksAlcatraz Cruises, Argonaut Hotel, Axiom Hotel, Bay Aquarium, Beach Blanket BabylonBurritt Room + TavernCityPASSCobb's Comedy ClubElectric Tour CompanyFirst Crush Restaurant & BarFog Harbor Fish HouseGoCar ToursHornblower CruisesHotel GraceHotel Zelos, Marker Hotel, Mystic Hotel by Charlie PalmerPier 2620 Hotel Fisherman's WharfPuccini & Pinetti Italian Grill, Punchline, Red & White FleetSan Francisco Fire Engine Tours & AdventuresSan Francisco GiantsSan Francisco Marriott MarquisSan Francisco SymphonySenza Hotel, Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf, Sports BasementTaj Campton PlaceThe Contemporary Jewish MuseumWild SF Tours and Winery Collective

For more information on contestants, rules and judges please visit the event page