SFMTA Announces the Winners of the 50th Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA), which oversees all transportation in the city, including the Municipal Railway (Muni), today announced that Trini Whittaker was declared World Champion of the 50th Muni Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest, held today at noon in Union Square. The contest had two divisions, one for cable car Grips and Conductors and another for local community representatives.

The winners in the division for cable car crew members were: First Place, Trini Whittaker; Second Place, Ken Lunardi; and Third Place, Joseph Sue. Today’s win was the second in a row for Whittaker.

The winners in the amateur charity division were: First Place, Scotty Bastable of CBS Local Media; Second Place, Pilar Alvarez of El Mensajero; and Third Place, Kimmie Taylor of KBLX. Their prizes will be donated to the following charities: AIDS Research Institute at UCSF, SF Food Bank and Arriba Juntos, respectively.

For both portions of the contest, the winners received a trophy and cash prizes provided by Presenting Sponsor Ghirardelli Chocolates. Other prizes included hotel stays, dinners and other gift certificates donated by Union Square merchants.

The mistress of ceremony duties were once again graciously performed by comedienne Debi Durst. Entertainment was provided by The Slot Blades band comprised of Cable Car Grips and Conductors and a performance by the 49ers Gold Rush cheerleaders.

Muni's 50th Cable Car Bell Ringing Contest was presented by Ghirardelli Chocolates and the SFMTA with the generous support of its long-time partner the Union Square Business Improvement District.

The SFMTA also wishes to thank Uncle Vito’s Pizzeria, CBS Local Media, KBLX, El Mensajero, ParkNow, Westin St. Francis, Avital Tours, Theater Bay Area, SF Playhouse, Neiman Marcus, Where Magazine, Spritz SF, Society Cabaret, Ellen Newman & Associates and Map West.