By now many have seen (or read about) the "artist" that rented the warehouse, and turned it into a deathtrap. He is a piece of work, no doubt.
But every citation by the city was against the building's owner. Mrs. Ng. If she claims to "not know" it is NOT a defense.
Supposedly she owns 11 properties. Presumably society will view her as "rich," and the "deep pocketed" target for liability lawsuits.
As a real estate broker, I would like to read the lease contract between her and her artist tenant. Even the most simple contracts stipulate responsibilities to follow local laws and regulations. Annd stipulates who pays for various categories of repairs, etc.
The place was likely using dangerous, old electrical wiring, as one example. The fire department apparently went there repeatedly to perform mandatory annual (or semi-annual) fire safety inspections. But nobody answered the door. The artist-tenant was essentially "avoiding" the inspection.
Fire safety inspections center on stairs, exits, generally dangerous conditions, etc.
Apparently many similar situations are located in Oakland. Warehouse stands vacant, when businesses fail or move elsewhere. Building owner takes whatever tenant he/she can get--and turns away from whatever questionable uses the place is put to.