The Aftermath of Godzilla: Exploring the Destruction and Resilience of San Francisco In 2014, San Francisco experienced utter devastation in the epic battle between Godzilla and other monstrous creatures on the big screen. The city served as the backdrop for the climactic showdown in the American reboot of the beloved Japanese franchise. Little did we know that this would be the beginning of an entire cinematic universe known as “The Monsterverse.” Over the past nine years, this cinematic universe has expanded, introducing classic “Kaiju” creatures like Mothra, Ghidora, and King Kong. With the latest project, “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters,” we have the opportunity to delve deeper into the aftermath left by these colossal beasts. In the upcoming episode, we catch a glimpse of the decimation as the camera pans over San Francisco’s Marin Headlands. The once majestic Golden Gate Bridge now lies in ruins, a disconnected tower of twisted metal. The city’s skyline is a shattered reflection of its former self, with one notable exception – Salesforce Tower still stands amidst the wreckage. The episode takes us back to 2015, one year after the cataclysmic event known as “G-Day,” the day Godzilla first made landfall. Flashbacks reveal the chaos that enveloped San Francisco as the monsters descended upon the city. Godzilla crashes through the Golden Gate Bridge, while two massive unidentified terrestrial organisms, known as M.U.T.O., await in Chinatown to protect their nest. Amidst the chaos, we meet one of the show’s main characters, a teacher desperately trying to evacuate students from the city. Buses become a lifeline as educators frantically shuttle students to safety, either out of the city or into BART stations transformed into makeshift shelters. In the year following Godzilla’s rampage, the city remains nearly deserted and heavily guarded by the government. A map hanging in one character’s home reveals the extent of the destruction. The Financial District, Chinatown, Tenderloin, and the Mission are among the areas devastated and referred to as the ominous “Red Zone.” On the other hand, North Beach, Russian Hill, Nob Hills, Pacific Heights, and Japantown find themselves in the “Blue Zone.” Everything west of Divisadero is classified as the “Green Zone.” While the show primarily focuses on the Red Zone, there are glimpses of other areas, such as a meeting spot that may be located in the Presidio. Two scenes take place at this location, one in the darkness of night and another in the hopeful light of morning. The view of the Golden Gate Bridge resembles what one might see from Fort Point, although the building the car is parked behind resembles one of the old military structures near Crissy Field. It’s worth noting that this project was not actually filmed in San Francisco, so the accuracy of the scenery may not be exact. However, there is one puzzling addition – Salesforce Tower. In the show, Salesforce Tower is partially destroyed after “G-Day,” but in reality, it was still under construction during the events of 2014. The tower was not completed until 2018. Despite these discrepancies, the show does capture certain aspects of San Francisco accurately. The housing crisis is portrayed, with people blaming the “tech bros” for exacerbating the issue. An advertisement at Oakland Airport promotes an underground luxury living space for uncertain times, a refuge only the wealthy can afford. For those who cannot afford such luxury, Alameda Point becomes a bustling neighborhood housing community established by FEMA. In the midst of the chaos, some individuals cannot bear to leave the City by the Bay. Our main character encounters a makeshift colony at Powell Street BART station in the Red Zone. However, even this sanctuary is disrupted as police clear the encampment, a familiar sight to anyone familiar with the ongoing struggles of homelessness in the city. As personal injury bloggers, we may specialize in legal matters, but we understand the impact that catastrophic events can have on individuals and communities. “Monarch: Legacy of Monsters” offers a fictional portrayal of the aftermath of a monster attack, highlighting the resilience and determination of those affected. While it may be pure entertainment, it serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and community support in times of crisis. Tag: Disaster Recovery Featured Image: City in Ruins