Frank Chu's signs are the best. They are creative, interesting and thought provoking. read more

Frank Chu - Frank Chu - Local Flavor Near Me

For Frank Chu fans, I've recently uploaded a couple of my radio interviews with him to the internet: This one was recorded in 2011 and is audio only: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/xo0PuhgwLLb This one was recorded in 2012 and includes some video shot in the studio: https://youtu.be/iqTXHPfyiWA This one was recorded in 2013 on the street in video: https://youtu.be/CNSB-qLCHgU I haven't seen him since 2013, but I hope he's doing well. read more

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I have a very complicated mental relationship with the idea of Frank Chu. I don't know him. I've seen him around a lot, like everyone else who has spent a significant amount of time in and around Downtown San Francisco since the mid-2000s. I don't remember the last time I saw him in person, although it was quite a few years ago. If you had asked me five years ago, I would have said he's just one of those harmless quintessentially San Francisco characters, like the Bushman (https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-bush-man-san-francisco?hrid=7k2NiAb9U1NkqhjMEAkmJA&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)), Diamond Dave Whitaker, Bubble Girl, the Tamale Lady (https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-tamale-lady-san-francisco?hrid=TZgh7J822QHdst6-iMF5dw&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) (RIP), and Broke-Ass Stuart. They're all characters and nobody takes them seriously, at least in their in-characterness. But then I think of other, more troubling quintessentially San Francisco characters, like Dan White and Jim Jones, and it gives me pause. No, I'm not comparing Frank Chu to a murderous assassin and a mass-murdering cult leader, but I do worry that we as a society have a way of glorifying and encouraging delusional behavior, especially in the ironic hipster way that was so edgy and popular when Frank Chu was at the height of his cultural relevance a decade ago. As a performance artist, he's amazing. I want to give him five stars. Yes, 12 GALAXIES. He's very committed. But that commitment is scary. I think I can ignore the sign sponsorship--although only a little bit, right, because if he really is delusional and/or has a serious mental illness, isn't paying the guy a pittance to continue his shtick kind of the equivalent of sponsoring and platforming a schizophrenic with delusions of grandeur? The entire faux obsession with the guy feels like a frat-party prank that is meant to belittle the person it supposedly glorifies, but then maybe that era of San Francisco and especially its Jedi-mind-trick economy were a kind of huge frat-party prank. Sorry to be so heavy, but seeing those idiots prancing around the US Capitol made me think that these guys must have followings and notoriety wherever they're from, and then I think about our very own characters, and I wonder. I like Frank Chu, but I worry about him. He's a human being. I hope he's doing what makes him truly happy. read more

Never disappointing. You need to appreciate anyone with that much passion. read more

I love Frank Chu. My friends who work in the Chinancial district say that they know it's gonna be a good day, when they see Frank Chu walking down the street. Five stars for this San Francisco icon! The frank chu tribute at bay to breakers was also a hit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pixiegrrle/151900347/in/set-1085284/ read more

Frank Chu - Frank Chu look alikes at B2B 2006 - Local Flavor Near Me

I never thought I'd Yelp a person, but if anyone deserves one, quirky (a major understatement) Frank Chu certainly fits the bill. Born March 24, 1960 is one of San Francisco's best-known eccentrics, protesting against US Presidents, corporations, individuals, & most importantly to him, the 12 Galaxies, since the mid-nineties. Most of his rants & signs appear completely nonsensical to the average person, but then again, Frank claims he's not from this planet. Regardless of how one finds him, he's garnered quite a sizable following that includes a restaurant being named after his signs (the now defunct 12 Galaxies on Mission Street), his getting free drinks & food at various establishments, a Wikipedia entry, maintaining MySpace & Facebook pages (w/ over 1,000 friends!), a Frank Chu Sign Party at 111 Minna Gallery, two female roommates (including aspiring local fashion designer & former Matt Gonzalez campaign worker Kristina Hoerler), & various media interviews. Not to mention a Frank Chu Protest Sign Maker page. (http://acme.com/chumaker/) Always carrying his trademark picket sign & usually dressed in slightly distressed business wear & shades, Frank's near daily routine is to take BART from his Lake Merrit home & prowls Market Street, usually between the Montgomery Powell Street stations, unless there is a more crowd/media-drawing event elsewhere. In which case he'll pop up there, regardless of the event. While generally polite & coherent, if one asks him about his protest of the day or anything 12 galaxies-related, you'll be inundated w/ gibberish that will hurt your head. Seriously. Typical signs include ones that highlight the benefits of "Cotsgrogrenigul Coverage", decry the "perils of Nexsrojrenikol", or bemoan "Qwintrozenikulled Suppression". And drawing attention to the 12 Galaxies, of course. The backside of Frank's signs have been sponsored by the likes of Blondies Pizza, Rasputin Records, Laughing Squid, Barbary Coast Consulting, Harputs adidas, Learn iT!, Quiznos Sub, Rasputin Music, Chris Daly's 2006 San Francisco Supervisor campaign, & Phil Angelides's 2006 California gubernatorial campaign for about $100.00 per week. Although he started w/ & stayed w/ ranting against the 12 galaxies, in mid 2007, he began to increase the number of galaxies he has a beef w/ & is up to over 8,685,000,000 galaxies. Frank has even had a legal dispute w/ the Zegna Group over the term & website zegnatronic.com. http://www.wipo.int/amc/en/domains/decisions/html/2004/d2004-0416.html On the more serious side, Frank suffers from a history of mental problems & had been prescribed medication. In early 1985, Frank took 11 members of his family hostage in his home in Oakland & fired a .38 pistol at a police officer who came to investigate, but missed. Police cordoned off a ten-block area for three hours. Chu eventually released his hostages & surrendered to the police. Santa's Yelper sez: "I hear Frank's looking for another roomie, preferably female that are willing to go on double dates. Any takers?...Heh." Really funny, SY, really funny. But true. And scary. read more

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This guy is the truth! I love Frank Chu:) When the whole thing blows up and it's about to end, I'm riding shotgun in Frank Chu's mothership! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9s4onLnxEw&feature=iv&annotation_id=event_752942 read more

I just happened to look away from the gay pride festivities for a second and spotted that multicolored, Impact font-covered sign in the sea of rainbows and stoned teenagers, making its way up Market. My heart stopped. I started excitedly patting the boyfriend's shoulder and excused us from our friends' sides as we ran after Frank, the Laughing Squid logo emblazoned on the back of his sign. After tapping on his shoulder and asking for a picture, which he posed for (photo: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/2tbN_rppko8MbwCj_v_APQ?select=sPlVT6m9H4hHugK31VD29g#D6unnXkbIPfeJOra1G44eA), we returned to our friends who looked at us bewildered. "It was like a chance meeting with a unicorn," I began. My best explanation a moment later was that seeing Frank is like encountering Rorschach, his "The End is Nigh" sign in tow, during one of his patrols through the city as his alter-ego. And while that fits (though I don't know how well Frank could be charged with upholding Kant's concept of categorical imperative), I later amended that Frank is pretty much a San Francisco institution much like His Imperial Highness, Joshua Norton I. He's just one of these so-called harmlessly crazy personages to which the city had just opened up its lovin' arms and embraced. And with good reason. Now ... when's Frank Chu going to start printing his own money? read more

Frank Chu - Spotted walking down Market during the gay pride parade 6/24/12. We excitedly asked if we could take a picture of him. - Local Flavor Near Me

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One crazy ass Asian mutha! How the hell could one person be everywhere all at the same time? It reminds me of the movie titled Cookie's Fortune, where Charles S. Dutton plays a character that seems to be everywhere at the same time when witnesses were being interviewed. It's hilarious; but this man, Frank Chu, takes his craft very seriously. I gotta tip my hat to him since he is a fascinating character, and have personally witnessed him getting FREE lunches while being interviewed by local print media. Dude got his 12 Galaxies sign and spreading his message...whatever that may be. Do your thing, Frank Chu. Just don't bother me. read more

Frank Chu looks like the same guy who wandered around oaktown's downtown and chinatown area years ago. he then carried hand written signs about jesus christ haven't seen him for awhile. seems frank has gone on to greener pastures in s.f. his messages about the 12 galaxies now has paid advertising on the opposite side.. looks like he's clean up his act (semi neat clothes) wikipedia mentions he lives in oakland, or is Frank the other guy's brutha? not saying these preacher types look alike but there is a resemblence. read more

I was at a Carnaval party this past carnaval Sunday. A kind of underground houseparty by one of the main D.J. organizers behind Come-Unity. It was a pretty small party, not a ton of people yet. The D.J. was spinning skillfully, the urban-techno-hippie-hipsters were beating out good rhythms on the drums, and people were blissfully dancing. And in walks Frank Chu. He strolls into the kitchen, sets down his sign, and proceeds to serve himself food from the counter, go through the fridge looking for drinks. He sits down by the soundset, eats, gets up, serves himself again, eats some more. Leaves, comes back, bobs his head to the music once, eats some more. And then he leaves. Soon afterwards, loads of people started streaming in and the party really picked up. House party blessing by Frank Chu. Priceless. read more

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You've probably seen Frank Chu walking around downtown holding his 12 Galaxies sign. Sometimes he gets paid to advertise on his sign. Once he advertised for 111 Minna Gallery, and another time he advertised for Y3! To some he's just plain freaky but not me. I've seen Frank a lot over the years. Most recently he can be seen dancing with his picket sign on stage at Qool on Wednesdays which is nice. Qool welcomes anyone because they're good like that. But this is about Frank Chu... Today I was walking down Montgomery Street to catch Muni home. There was a big protest between California and Sacramento. A lot of people were screaming and chanting, "Free Palestine! End The Occupation!". I'm chanting along as I walk through the protest which is really crowded on the sidewalk. I'm having a time getting through and then I spy Frank Chu ahead. I see him and smile and yell, "Hey Frank!". He sees me and waves at me and smiles back. In the craziness of that scenario, my "home base" was Frank Chu, the "crazy" guy with the 12 Galaxies sign. If you think someone is crazy or strange because they tread a different path away from the pack, think again. Give people the benefit of the doubt, don't judge...you just might get a smile and wave back when you could use it. Okay yeah, Frank Chu is definitely marching to the beat of his own drum but I admire him for that. If you treat someone like they're crazy they react to that energy...yes, I said energy. Show people the way you want to be treated by the way you treat others, crazy people and all. Rock On Frank Chu! http://12galaxies.20m.com/ read more

Frank Chu - Frank Chu Rockin Qool! - Local Flavor Near Me

Yep I have to say those comments nailed it. That Frank and it's about time he receive recognition for all the fine work he's done with the representation he's giving the xenomorphs no small task considering the history they've had and then taking into account the 12 galaxies, what more can one say he definitely knows Frank and and what he speaks bringing the community to the Forefront. I sincerely hope that bring some clarification read more

Frank Chu....is the MAN. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Chu I wish I had a wikipedia entry. I see his man EVERYWHERE. I finally got a picture with him at the Yelp party last night. I would have taken one with him at the Folsom street fair...but let's just say I couldn't. Man, he's even sponsored! read more

He's often at my work. Yes, I'm a factory lineman for multicolored DIY vocab picket signs. And Laughing Squid and Adidas. I've had to break his slumber. But he mostly just hangs out, chills. I've seen him writing; writing what, who knows. His gun x hostages x police incident is cautiously perched in the back of my mind in case he reprises his role. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Chu#Before_his_protests http://www.yelp.com/biz/frank-chu-san-francisco#hrid:9WETS1rOGTns-_SUEuQf4A read more

Frank is the MAN... Thanks for picking the Hall of Justice and announcing my retirement. read more

Frank Chu - Frank at 850 Bryant St.. - Local Flavor Near Me

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Frank Chu/Chiu is my homeboy. My friends and I saw him at 111 Minna and chatted with him for a bit. His beer of choice is Budweiser. He had an extra "12 Galaxies" sign in his bag and gave it to me. I felt like I won the friggin' lottery! Unfortunately, my drunk ass forgot it at the bar. The sign would have looked SO cool in my living room (beat *that* in the kitsch department, Urban Outfitters!). I even got my picture taken with him. I should've asked him to sign my boobs. http://www.topramen.net/krista_frank_me.jpg read more

Frank Chu - My friend and I with Frank @ 111 Minna - Local Flavor Near Me

I worked in the financial district for many years. If you were having a lousy day, running into Frank always made my day! He was alwayys polite and had the time to bring you up to speed on current issues!!! read more

Frank gets invited to ALL the parties and gets his drinks for free... hmm... I have a great photo from Love Parade 2004. I'll have to dig it up and post it here. read more

Frank Chu - Frank Chu at Love Parade 04 - Local Flavor Near Me

Frank Chu is a legend and THE MAN!!! When I'm walking around the city I'm always on the look out for Frank. He's like Asian Waldo,except he really stands out because of his sign. He is either the craziest guy to currently grace SF or a marketing genius. He's capable of infiltrating everything, from public protests to news broadcasts to private parties. He even has people pay him to advertise on the backside of his banner. GENIUS!!! I bet it's all a front. I bet he secretly works for some machiavellian, marketing conglomerate and ear spies on everyone to learn what people are into, but if you ever talk to him the "crazy" front comes out. Maybe he works for YELP....oooo conspiracies abound. Ok, ok. Maybe I'm making a myth of the man, but seriously folks, for a complete nutjob he sure is market savvy. My favorite memory of him is watching Gavin Newsom on tv smarming about something or another and slowly, but surely, Frank starts creeping into the camera view. I bet he plants a gps transponder on all the politicians in this city. Wait, is Frank the Batman? Oh, and for those who "don't get" Frank, what the hell is there to get? He's crazy! Anyone who actually tries to have a frank (pardon the pun) discussion to try to "get" him should either stop taking life too seriously or get themselves checked out. Have fun with him. He's harmless. Rock the Universe Frank!!! One day those aliens will come back for you. Kepsphrenicalled Hypnosystenic!!! read more

Frank Chu - Looking a bit worn out from a hard day's work. - Local Flavor Near Me

Frank was in full effect at the Love Parade yesterday and quite popular with the ladies I might add. Have a look: http://flickr.com/photos/larryrubin/46324365/in/set-1011823/ And of course, no cultural icon is complete without an official t-shirt: http://www.cafepress.com/thongwriter.36857185 read more

Frank Chu was protesting before it was cool like it is now (Thanks Trump! ) As an OG protestor I think it's time we send Frank to Washington to take care of business. read more

We love our Characters in San Francisco. In a tradition dating back to Emperor Norton these beloved kooks have been the heart of the city. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emperor_Norton When I first moved here there were lots of characters. I remember the elderly twins, the silver guy, the mouse man, etc. At the time SF was more artsy and more affordable. Until some more come forward Frank Chu carries on the tradition alone. http://media4.px.yelpcdn.com/photo/8N2fAhprz19PQV4WwDquiA/l That's a lot to ask of one man but Frank is determined; Frank has a message. Frank wants to be paid for the reality show they are secretly filming of his family and he wants you to know that the other galaxies aren't very happy with our presidents. I personally prefer vintage Frank Chu back when he had only heard from 12 galaxies. I guess word has spread in space that there's a man willing to lobby for them because couple years ago the number of galaxies that Frank Chu is advocating for jumped exponentially, I don't even know what the current count is. I love Frank Chu because I love San Francisco and whenever I see him I buy him a beer; Bud light is his favorite. I've seen him smile and I've seen him get upset; I've tried to understand him but it all goes right over my head. I hope he lives to be 100. read more

Sure, there are plenty of local weirdos in every city whose intrigue has captured thousands, but the mystique of Frank Chu might put him in an elite class of his own. What would Union Square be without him? Perhaps outside of Leslie, the cross-dressing transvestite in Austin, Texas... Frank Chu is my favorite nomad in the United States. I mean, there was even a music venue in town named after him at one time (12 Galaxies)! If that doesn't speak volumes, I don't know what else will! read more

I saw Frank today and said "Hey Frank!", gave him a high-five, and asked him what the good word was. He told me, "They were filming me, so I told them I was a movie star. And then I told them about the populations in other galaxies." I told him to keep up the good work and rode off on my bike. Frank knows his shit. He's good people. read more

Do not underestimate Frank Chu. In fact. I would advise against estimating him at all. Frank Chu has an insight unique to him because Frank Chu is not one of us. How, you ask, would this man know so much about the 12 Galaxies? Where does his original take on the language come from? How can he be in so many places, possibly at once? Frank Chu is clearly no mere mortal. He is not the only one among us, but he is the most visible. We are very lucky that Frank Chu is on our side. He has been protecting us from the evils of the 12 Galaxies and the offices of the American Presidents for many years. And he has the dedication and the perseverance to go on. We all owe Frank Chu a debt of gratitude. Rate him appropriately. read more

Frank Chu is my pal Alex's friend. She just got invited to his birthday party in March by his personal assistant Cliff (I think that's his name). Frank yelled at me once down in the financial for a cigarette, and sort of freaked me out, but deep down i was touched that he would single me out. read more

Most unusual Frank Chu sighting the other day: I was on the 31 heading home after work, and saw a man seated in the front most seat opposite the driver. I was perplexed... sure, it looked like Frank, but no sunglasses, no sign above his head touting whatever randomness he chose to broadcast/protest that day... Is it him? I wondered. I didn't see the sign, just a jacket behind him. He just looked like a slightly weary businessman headed home after a day at work, staring out the front of the bus so he could see where we were going. To see him so out of his element made me feel like I had caught an A-list actor at Target. A stolen glance as he got off the bus confirmed that it was indeed him. His sign had been tucked upside down and had been resting between the seats and the stairwell, the stick hidden under his jacket. So, he had been a weary businessman after all. read more

My friend and I were crossing the intersection at New Montgomery and Market, and there he was standing there with his 12 Galaxies/Y-3 advertisement-sign. me: "Look! It's Frank Chiu!" confused friend: "Who??" (looks around for a hot guy) me: "Over there, holding that sign!" confused friend: "Oh. Oookaaay" me: "Nevermind." Thanks Yelp. If it weren't for you guys, I wouldn't have known his name or gotten excited when I had a sighting of him. read more

Lost? Looking for something? Ask Frank. He gives the best directions in the City. His specialty is, of course, downtown. He knows the grid inside and out, having walked the streets like a million times. I bet he knows where every single Starbucks and Walgreen's locations. read more

Frank Chu, the man, is an institution. I've had an opportunity to talk to Frank at the 12 Galaxies (the bar where he gets free beer, not the far away universe where his family's life was broadcast as a hit television show, for which the CIA still owes Frank several billion dollars) and I have to say that he is hard to follow, but sweet-natured and passionate. I have never met another person who was more compelling in the belief that they were due a ridiculous sum of money as the result of an interplanetary conspiracy. We are blessed that San Francisco has been given Frank Chu, and I hope that people would not mock him, but greet him with compassion and acceptance. Frank's aesthetic sensibility, conviction, and unique spirit have played a substantial role in making our city the gem that it is, and we should thank him. read more

THIS DUDE IS EVERYWHERE IN SF and i bet you he's walked on every street!!! (gazillion to infintiy stars) I swear, i love playing "where's waldo" with Frank Chu at any event in SF. He is in the crowd. he will be there limping, wearing his shades, and carrying his 12 Galaxies (creepy) sign around. Infamous in SF and only locals know about him. Let me tell you, IMAGINE gay pride pink party with thousands of gays partying on the street half naked and here's Frank Chu carrying his sign in the middle of dancing gays. IMAGINE these political protest and everyone holding up political signs and here's Frank Chu in the middle with his weird ass sign, of all signs... his political sign stands out! haha IMAGINE SF's city pillow fight with thousands of people holding up their pillows ready to bash each other and here's Frank Chu in the middle with no pillow just holding up his sign. IMAGINE a busy shopping center and frank chu passed out sleeping in the food court still holding up his 12 galaxies sign in hand. IMAGINE the outrage of the SF Giants worldseries breakout and there's Frank Chu walking the streets with his sign. IMAGINE the busy business streets of the financial district (rain or shine/day or night) and here's Frank Chu standing in on the corner like a prostitue holding up his sign. Why he carries that sign, I have yet to bother asking him. But i've taken pictures with him and i've said hi to him multiple times. I even heard him get up on his cell phone and chat it up with someone (he's NOT mute). But overall, he's a humbled man in a weird way. I give him mad props for walking around SF streets the way he does and being so famous for who he is. If i can do something for this man... i'd give him new shoes. I know its his job to do what he does and if someone could tell me the size of his feet, i'd buy him some fly ass nike's to sport around the hood. Hats off to you my friend!!!!! FYI, i just saw him a few hours ago in the Financial District. read more

I haven't seen Frank Chu in a while, but I always liked reading his crazy "12 Galaxies" signs and seeing which former president he wanted impeached that week. There was a while where he had signage for his sponsors (Quiznos, etc.) on the reverse of his picket. Bring back Frank Chu! read more

Frank Chu - photo from http://frankchu.tribe.net/ - Local Flavor Near Me

I have had the lucky fortune to witness probably one of the finest moments in San Francisco pop culture...The infamous (?) Frank Chu (seriously, he held 11 people hostage) was joining us at the 100 Years of Struggle event at the Palace Hotel....We had a barbecue for the hotel workers outside, and Frank joined us in the celebration. While waiting for a cheeseburger, I saw Mr. Chu walk up to the grill, look down and grab a hotdog right off the grill and walk away just eating the grilled meatstick. And off he went to the picket line with his 12 galaxies sign (currently sponsored by Laughing Squid for just $100/week!). And there he went to fight the CEOS, the 12 galaxies and Bill Clinton while eating several plain hot dogs through out the evening. With people like this in the world, and especially more so in San Francisco- these are the reasons I stay here. Isn't life quirky? read more

You know, I'll bet this guy's achieved some level of unsung stardom, his ever-changing protest sign is practically an instant VIP pass to just about every venue and event in SF... and anywhere in the 12 galaxies for that matter. Almost. His eccentricity aside, public fascination in his personality and his message represent something about Northern California living that I've always liked: curiosity that's unafraid to get up close and personal to actually learn something about one whom too many other people would instantly dismiss as a worthless freak. Look around the web and print: there's a lot of respectfully inquisitive stuff that's been written about him. A lot of people sing his praises as "SF local flavor". S'cool, but you know he LIVES in Oakland. That's right: MY town. read more

Frankly, (hardy har)...I must give Frank 5 stars. Frank's out of this world. Frank....... chu dont even know until you've seen him! He's a legend in San Francisco. An asian man, sometimes with shades, sometimes not...always dressed in a collared shirt strutting along his picket sign promoting and standing ground for his "12 Galaxies" theory. He makes his way out to the city daily, dedicated to spreading his beliefs through his sign. He'll quietly walk around with his sign on the streets or at events, but he is also known to voice his opinion if you start something with him. 12 Galaxies? Ask him, he'll tell you. Word on the street is some bars are required to give him a beer. Read about him in wikipedia. Ahhh....Just another well known legend in SF. And, if you live in this city, you're eventually bound to run into him! See ya around Frank! read more

Professional Protester. Socialist. My lover. He'll take you to the 13th Galaxy. OK. Not really. He's a capitalist. read more

Frank got naked at my party. He looks like a normal guy without his sunglasses. If you see him, invite him to a bar for a regular beer (Budwiser) and he'll tell you all about himself and the 12 Galaxies. read more

Frank. Oh Frank! Damn Frank, I'M TALKIN TO YOU! Okay now that I have your attention! I remember seeing Frank from my retail days on market, way back when! I once followed Frank about 3 steps behind, just to see what his route was. He gets a movin pretty fast and is rarly ever distracted. I wonder how much Frank would charge for shameless self promotion on the back of his sign? Things that make you go hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm. read more

The greatest thing about Frank Chu is that if you say hi, he'll say hi back. It's good that the 12 Galaxies are getting some friendly representation here. Apparently, he's sponsored by Laughing Squid now. read more