San Francisco Stories Page 8
San Francisco, California Lee Houskeeper, Press Agent Updated: November 16, 2007
Continued from Page 1
Maltese Falcon Returns!

Today, November 16th, 2007, San Francisco will celebrate the return of the Maltese Falcon at a private, celebrity filled luncheon celebration scheduled for 1:30 PM, at John's Grill.

In a daring daylight heist on Monday, February 12, burglars made off with one of San Francisco's most venerated icons, "The Maltese Falcon."

John Koopman of The Chronicle reported in February 2007:

It's been nearly 80 years since Sam Spade wandered the streets of San Francisco in search of the Maltese Falcon. Now, the statue is missing again.

Police have been summoned to the scene of the broken cabinet on the second floor of the restaurant, and Konstin has offered a $25,000 reward for return of the statue and books.

Despite a reward of $25,000 and a massive effort by the SFPD, the ingus was never recovered.

John's Grill owner John Konstin commissioned the San Francisco Academy of Art University's director of sculpture, Peter Schifrin, and his students to create a new Maltese Falcon. On Friday, the 150-pound bronze and lead sculp ture (1/3 larger than the original) will be unveiled at a luncheon in the 100-year-old restaurant made famous by Dashiell Hammett in his 1930 novel The Maltese Falcon as well as the movie of the same name that made Humphrey Bogart a star.

Hammett's granddaughter, Julie M. Rivett, and Academy of Art University President Elisa Stephens, will present the unique San Franciscan statue at the luncheon with the mayor, former mayors, politicians, and other well-known San Franciscans.

This installation is the prelude to John's Grill's 100-birthday celebration in 2008.

WHO:
Dashiell Hammett's granddaughter, Julie Rivett; San Francisco Academy of Art President Elisa Stephens; Academy Director of Sculpture Peter Schifrin; John's Grill owner John Konstin; Mayor Gavin Newsom; ex-mayors and politicians; 100 well-known San Franciscans, detectives and Maltese Falcon fans.

WHAT:
The Return of the Maltese Falcon -- A 150-pound bronze and lead Maltese Falcon sculpture

WHERE:
John's Grill, 63 Ellis Street (between Stockton & Powell streets)

WHEN:
The unveiling will follow the luncheon promptly at 1:30 PM Friday, November 16, 2007.