I built a public database using California’s elevator permit records and found that over 66,000 elevators have expired inspection permits, including some in state-run buildings.
I shared the project across relevant subreddits and launched a petition asking for basic reforms: more funding for inspectors, better pay to attract talent, and the ability for certified third-party inspection firms (not maintenance companies) to help clear the backlog.
The posts have received over 1 million combined views. Early responses were positive. Lately, though, it’s been mostly pushback — people accusing me of spamming, saying this issue doesn’t matter, or that I’m wasting my time.
I’m not trying to make people angry. I’m just trying to fix something I believe is broken. Just like politicians or advocates pick issues that matter to them — roads, education, air quality — this is the one that matters to me.
But I’ve done all of this alone. It’s taken a toll. And now I’m asking myself honestly:
Do I keep going, or do I walk away?
I’m not looking for validation — just perspective. If you’ve ever pushed for something that wasn’t landing how you hoped, what helped you decide?
Comments
You didn’t want to upset people, but you kicked a hornet’s nest.
It absolutely worth continuing.
The squeaky wheel gets the grease.
Where I live, there are apparently a lot of bridges that need to be maintained/reinforced. Know how we found out? One collapsed, injuring a lot of people. Fortunately, it was not during rush hour.
Now, everyone is concerned with bridge safety. Imagine if someone had brought this up years before the collapse?
That’s what you’re doing. Bringing up an issue before anyone gets hurt. Keep up the good work and you might prevent a catastrophe
Yeah, just imagine what they’ll be saying after the first elevator cable snaps. Keep on doing what you’re doing, fuck the haters man.
california is the sort of place that lets its reservoirs go dry in fire season!
Do you think they care about a piece of paper in an elevator?
OMG Y R U STILL SPAMMUN MUH?
Jk, you’re doing the right thing. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
yes, its worth it.
You just pushed it out on Reddit? Not like to your local and state agencies?
, it is impossible for me not to feel both terrified and concerned at my own inadequacy to such a task.
But when I reflect, however, on the encouragement which I have had, through the whole course of a long and laborious examination of this question, and how much candour I have experienced, and how conviction has increased within my own mind, in proportion as I have advanced in my labours;
;-when I turn myself to these thoughts, I take courage-I determine to forget all my other fears, and I march forward with a firmer step in the full assurance that my cause will bear me out, and that I shall be able to justify upon the clearest principles, every resolution in my hand,
I’ve seen your posts, as I live in the sf Bay Area.
I think the question is, while yes the permits are expired, what damage has it caused? Yes it’s a problem for you, but is it really a problem as a whole.
For what? To petition them to do something?
Dude you just print it out. Send digital copies to all of the law makers and governors offices.
You don’t need the petition anyone for that.