Author: Alfredo Casuso

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

Contact: San Francisco Joint Information Center, dempress@sfgov.org  

*** PRESS RELEASE ***

SAN FRANCISCO CONTINUES REOPENING WITH EXPANDED BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND ACTIVITIES

Now that San Francisco is assigned to the State’s Yellow tier, the City will move forward on reopening offices and expanding capacity at business, including fitness, dining, places of worship, personal services, recreation, and more

San Francisco, CA — Mayor London N. Breed and Director of Public Health Dr. Grant Colfax today announced San Francisco is continuing its measured reopening of the economy. Beginning Tuesday, October 27, the City will reopen “non-essential” offices at limited capacity. San Francisco will also reopen indoor climbing walls and will move forward on expanding other businesses and activities. In addition, San Francisco updated its timeline for opening additional activities over the coming weeks.

These next steps come as the State assigned San Francisco to Yellow on its tiered reopening system, based on San Francisco’s COVID-19 case and infection rates and equity metric. Since the State introduced the tiered system on August 28^th, San Francisco has had a deliberate approach to reopening that has resulted in San Francisco being the only county in the Bay Area placed in the Yellow tier and the only urban area to be at Yellow.

“San Franciscans have taken COVID-19 seriously from the very beginning, and thanks to everyone’s commitment to wearing face coverings and following public health guidance, we are able to keep moving forward with reopening. Today really is a sign of hope for our city and for our economic recovery,” said Mayor Breed. “Every step of the way we’ve made decisions through the lens of public health, and we will continue to do so going forward. We know new cases of COVID are rising in other parts of the country, so we cannot relax. We must remain vigilant. But I have faith in the people of San Francisco and in our approach to this virus. It won’t be easy and there are still tough months ahead, but I’m proud of the way this City has come together to fight this virus.”

“Working together, we have slowed the spread of COVID-19 in San Francisco. Our residents have been tremendous partners and have taken the necessary precautions. We have had robust partnerships across the City and the infrastructure that we have built in our COVID-19 response has been critical to beating back the virus,” said Dr. Grant Colfax, Director of Health. “We will continue to monitor our health indicators and impacts of reopening, which will help guide us in future planning.” 

San Francisco’s deliberate and measured reopening has resulted in San Francisco steadily reducing the rate of infection that has resulted in Yellow tier status. As such, on Tuesday, October 27^th the San Francisco Department of Public Health will issue final health and safety guidelines to reopen non-essential offices at limited capacity and with specific requirements. Indoor climbing gyms will also be able to resume with the same capacity as fitness centers, and personal services can allow limited mask removal for services such as those provided by estheticians. Additionally, fitness centers and institutes of higher education will be able to increase capacity.

San Francisco has also set a timeline for opening new activities and expanding previously reopened businesses and activities over the following weeks. San Francisco expects to reopen indoor pools and bowling alleys, with required safety protocols, on November 3^rd. Additionally, the City plans to increase capacity allowances to 50% for indoor dining, places of worship, theaters, museums, zoos, and aquariums. Schools will continue to reopen and some high schools are on track to return to in-person learning in November. 

“We’re making great progress towards San Francisco’s economic recovery because of the hard work of residents and businesses alike,” said Joaquín Torres Director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development. “Through our measured and thoughtful approach, we’ll continue to reopen safely and see the positive cultural and economic impacts necessary for our city to thrive. We look forward to expanding more activity for businesses especially as we prepare and head into the holiday season.”

“San Francisco has once again led the state with our deliberate yet collaborative approach to safe re-opening. Over the last few months, the Economic Recovery Task Force has worked hard with industry leaders to plan a path forward,” said Assessor Carmen Chu, Co-Chair of Economic Recovery Task Force. “Today, we are witnessing the great results of teamwork and cooperation from everybody. As a dense city, getting to yellow is a huge accomplishment, I am excited to see more businesses come back and let’s keep it going!”

San Franciscans’ commitment to preventative measures such as wearing face coverings, social distancing, hand washing, and avoiding gatherings has placed San Francisco in the unique position of effectively managing the virus as the nation faces a third wave of outbreaks. Additionally, San Francisco’s COVID-19 response infrastructure that includes testing, contact tracing, and support services have been key to the City’s successful management of the virus to date.

The reopening of businesses and activities will increase travel and interaction throughout the city, which risks increasing community spread of the virus and an increase in cases. Public health officials will regularly assess the Key Public Health Indicators, particularly new positive case counts and hospitalizations to ensure San Francisco has the necessary resources available for those who contract COVID-19. The phasing of additional activities is structured to maximize the City’s ability to track these local health indicators and ensure that San Francisco continues to manage its risk and to protect public health.

While San Francisco recognizes the State’s thresholds, the City will continue on a reopening path based on its local health indicators and unique challenges and successes of our local reopening. Reopening is dependent upon San Francisco’s Key Public Health Indicators remaining stable or improving, and the plan is subject to change. Following the reopening activities below, and pursuant to the health indicators remaining stable or improving, San Francisco will assess the possibility of further expanding office, retail, and other lower-risk activities. 

San Francisco’s reopening plan is outlined below and is available online at sf.gov/reopening. All sectors that will be reopened or expanded should check San Francisco’s Reopening page for updated requirements and guidelines that pertain to them.

Non-essential Offices

Starting on Tuesday, October 27^th, non-essential offices can reopen at 25% capacity. Offices with fewer than 20 employees can reopen beyond 25%, to the extent that space allows employees to maintain social distancing. Specific ventilation guidelines must be met to the greatest extent possible. Under the new health guidance, employers must conduct a health check of employees each day that they report to the office. If San Francisco’s case rates remain stable or continue to improve for at least 30 days following reopening on October 27, the City will consider further expanding office capacity to 50%.

Climbing Gyms

Starting on Tuesday, October 27^th, indoor climbing gyms and climbing walls within fitness centers can reopen at 25% capacity with specific sanitation and staffing protocols in place. All individuals must wear face coverings at all times. 

Expanded Activities Resuming October 27^th

In addition to non-essential offices and climbing gyms, San Francisco is moving forward on expanding the following activities on Tuesday, October 27^th:

• Indoor fitness centers can increase their indoor capacity to 25%, without cardio or aerobic classes.
• Some indoor personal services that require limited face covering removal including services provided by estheticians, waxing, and skin treatments.
• Institutes of higher education can increase capacity of outdoor classes to 25 people (including instructors) and can request an exception to the 2-hour limit on indoor classes.

New Activities on November 3^rd 

• Indoor pools.

• Indoor bowling alleys.
• Indoor fitness centers, including those in hotels, can open their locker rooms and showers.

Expanded Activities on November 3^rd

• Dining establishments, including those within hotels, shopping centers and museums, can increase their indoor capacity to 50% up to 200 people, and with a maximum time limit per table seating of 3 hours.
• Indoor worship can expand their capacity to 50%, up to 200 people.
• Outdoor worship or political protests can expand to 300 people, with face coverings and distancing.
• Indoor museums, zoos, and aquariums can increase their capacity to 50%.
• Movie theaters can increase their capacity to 50% up to 200 people, without food or beverage concessions.
• Allow some types of live performances with up to six performers to take place in a drive-in setting.
• Film productions can expand indoor activities and allow for removal of face coverings under specific guidelines and can expand outdoor activities to up to 50 people.

GOAL: mid-November

• Bars not serving food can re-open for outdoor operations, with specific health and safety protocols that will be forthcoming.

Reopening of Schools – Ongoing

As state and local COVID-19 indicators permit, San Francisco schools may now resume in-person learning with approved safety plans in place. San Francisco’s approach to the reopening process for San Francisco TK-12 schools (transitional kindergarten through 12th grade) prioritizes the reopening of younger grades for in-person learning. As many as 114 private, parochial or charters schools have requested applications for in-person learning this fall. Almost 92 schools have submitted applications and 56 schools have been approved for reopening. The applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis.

All San Francisco schools must meet minimum standards required by the state and DPH before resuming in-person learning. This includes providing detailed plans on how they will ensure adequate testing and contact tracing for their staff and students. Schools will work with DPH to meet all the requirements for the safest reopening. The school reopening dashboard identifies the schools that have begun this process by sending an initial letter of interest to DPH to reopen, and shows where each school is in the approval process, including completion of an on-site assessment.

Although additional indoor activities are being allowed, it is important to remember that generally outdoor options remain safer because the COVID-19 virus travels in the air and collects indoors. Older adults and those with COVID-19 risk factors should avoid indoor crowds. All San Franciscans must do their part to limit the spread of COVID-19, including face coverings, social distancing, hand washing, and avoiding gatherings.

Media Contact: DP&A, Inc. / David Perry / news@davidperry.com / (415) 676-7007

LYRIC Names Toni Newman Interim Executive Director

LYRIC President Jodi Schwartz Oversees Expansion & Capital Campaign

19 October 2020 – San Francisco, CA: Heading into a momentous election with direct impact on the lives and livelihoods of LGBTQI+ youth, San Francisco’s esteemed nonprofit LYRIC (www.lyric.org) has named Toni Newman as Interim Executive Director while Jodi L. Schwartz continues as President to oversee the ongoing capital campaign to expand LYRIC’s landmark home in San Francisco’s Castro District, allowing for expanded program opportunities for youth.

“After an extensive interview process with the Board of Directors, LYRIC staff, and LYRIC youth, it became clear that Toni is the leader for LYRIC at this moment,” said LYRIC Board Co-Chairs Adam Leonard and Phil Kim in a statement. “The Board’s unanimous decision to welcome Toni to LYRIC speaks to our confidence in her leadership and experience. We are grateful for Jodi’s commitment to our shared mission and look forward to our partnership with staff and youth to ensure LYRIC thrives for generations to come.”

LYRIC is the San Francisco Bay Area’s leading organization offering expertise in youth workforce development, healthcare navigation, individual counseling, and group-based community building to marginalized low-income LGBTQQ+ youth.  In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, LYRIC has continued its vital work for LGBTQQ youth in our community.

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to join the dedicated and devoted LYRIC staff, board, volunteers, and donors. I accept the mission of LYRIC to build community and inspire positive social change through education enhancement, career training, health promotion, and leadership development with LGBTQQ youth, their families, and allies of all races, classes, genders, and abilities,” said Newman. “I am humbled at what has been accomplished and achieved by the current Executive Director, Jodi Schwartz, and this exceptional organization. I am excited at the opportunities and possibilities of who we can become as we seek to continue our legacy of a diverse society where LGBTQQ youth are embraced for who they are and encouraged to be who they want to be. I am a living example of LYRIC’s mission and vision.”

Having served for 15 years as LYRIC Executive Director, half of LYRIC’s 30-year history, Schwartz transitions to the role of President to oversee the nonprofits’ capital campaign to expand and renovate its landmark “Purple House” facilities. The renovation will provide more functional, safe spaces to meet growing demand. 

“I could not be happier to welcome Toni. Her experience and expertise make her an incredible fit for this role,” said Schwartz. “After serving LYRIC as its Executive Director and President for the past 15 years, I’m excited to serve solely as the President so I can focus on setting LYRIC up for the future. Our capital campaign is all about giving us more space so we can do more work to satisfy this growing need.”

Under Schwartz’s leadership, LYRIC has grown its budget by 100% and doubled the size of its staff team to meet increasing demand for supports in our LGBTQQ+ youth community.

“For over three decades, and especially for the last 15 years under Jodi’s leadership, LYRIC has made a formative impact in the lives of LGBTQQ+ youth in the San Francisco Bay Area.” Leonard and Kim continued. “In the wake of COVID-19, which brings more isolation and economic insecurity for our youth, LYRIC’s services and leadership are needed more than ever. In addition to continuing to offer our critical services virtually, LYRIC is leading the COVID-19 response for San Francisco’s LGBTQQ youth.”

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About Toni Newman: Toni is the former Interim Director for Employment Services at the San Francisco LGBT Center and a consultant for the Transgender Strategy Center. Toni is a graduate of Wake Forest University and current candidate for her Juris of Doctorate (JD). Toni served as the Executive Director for St. James Infirmary and the Director of Development for Maitri Compassionate Care, and previously served as the Interim Director of Development & Communications at To Help Everyone Health and Wellness Centers and as a Strategic Fundraiser, Volunteer Recruiter, and Legislative Aide for Equality California. Additionally, Toni is a best selling author, noted for her memoir I Rise – The Transformation of Toni Newman released in 2011, which is based on the poem I Rise by Wake Forest University Reynolds Professor, Dr. Maya Angelou. 

About Jodi L. Schwartz: Jodi had the honor of becoming LYRIC’s Executive Director in 2005. During Jodi’s tenure at LYRIC, she developed San Francisco’s first LGBTQQ youth-specific case management program and facilitated the formation of the Community Partnership for LGBTQQ Youth – a seven-agency continuum of services for LGBTQQ transition age youth (ages 16-24). She led the launch of capacity building initiatives to promote LGBTQQ youth inclusion in San Francisco’s behavioral health and workforce development systems, in San Francisco’s public schools, and in youth organizations citywide. Jodi has been an invited participant in the prestigious Gap Inc. Leadership Initiative and Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builder’s Leadership Program and was named a 2013 LGBT Local Hero by KQED/Union Bank.

About LYRIC: LYRIC’s mission is to build community and inspire positive social change through education enhancement, career trainings, health promotion, and leadership development with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQQ) youth, their families, and allies of all races, classes, genders, and abilities. For more information and to make a donation, go to www.lyric.org  

Media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc. (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com 

Thursday, October 22: 6pm – 8pm (PST)
San Francisco’s First Ever “Drive in Presidential Debate Watch Party”

Presented by Manny’s in collaboration with Fort Mason Flix

www.welcometomannys.com

18 October 2020 – San Francisco, CA:  In a first-of-its-kind special event, Manny’s (www.welcometomannys.com)is producing a 100-car drive in Presidential Debate watch party, Thursday, October 22 (6pm – 8pm PST) at Fort Mason (2 Marina Boulevard. San Francisco).  Tickets are $35-$55 per vehicle and available only in advance by online order at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mannys-drive-in-presidential-debate-watch-party-tickets-125430103817?aff= .  In order to ensure all patrons have an enjoyable experience, attendees are asked to arrive early. Any late arrivals, 20 minutes after the showing has begun, will not be permitted into the event. Tickets are non-refundable or exchangeable.

“We’re not going to let the pandemic stop us from finding creative ways to safely bring together the community to participate in civic life.” said Manny Yekutiel, 31, who founded and runs the eponymous Mission District community engagement space and café dubbed “the New Hampshire of California” (KCBS Radio) for its hosting of myriad political events including hosting 17 Democratic presidential candidates. “I’m excited to be able to host the next Presidential debate in this novel way. San Francisco stays informed no matter what!”

Thursday’s “Drive In Debate” is believed to be the first ever such happening in San Francisco and the latest COVID-19 era happening produced by FORT MASON FLIX, a pop-up drive-in theater showing hit movies six days a week, from family favorites and cult classics to blockbusters and arthouse cinema. For Thursday’s event, all tickets are general admission and there is no assigned parking. Staff will do their best to accommodate all vehicles. For sightline reasons, taller vehicles such as SUVs will be parked towards the rear of the venue so as not to block the views of smaller cars. Hatchback viewing will be allowed on a first-come-first-served basis but placed in spots that will not block other vehicle’s viewing. Mandatory mask wearing will be enforced if people leave their vehicles to use restrooms or socially distant onsite concessions.

Since opening its doors on Election Night 2018, Manny’s has become an epicenter of community involvement, dialogue and civic engagement having served over 50,000 people, staged over 500 events, donated space to more than 150 area nonprofits and charities, and hosted 17 presidential candidates in his first year alone. Also, in addition to receiving much media and public attention, Manny’s was recognized for his above-and-beyond achievements by the California State Senate as “Small Business of the Year.” 

Manny’s is a people powered, community focused meeting and learning place in the heart of San Francisco that combines a restaurant, political bookshop, and civic events space. Manny’s goal: to create a central and affordable place to become a better informed and more involved citizen. Manny’s offers its events space to nonprofits, activists and civic organizations to spread their message and do their work as well as hosting its own civic and arts related programming. Manny’s kitchen is run by the non-profit, Farming Hope, which hires formerly homeless and formerly incarcerated individuals and trains them in the food skills needed to work in the restaurant industry.

Media contacts
Eric Young / SF County Transportation Authority (415) 522-4800 / communications@sfcta.org

David Perry / David Perry & Associates, Inc. (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com 

MEDIA ADVISORY / REQUEST FOR COVERAGE: MONDAY, OCTOBER 12

WHO: San Francisco County Transportation Authority 

WHAT / WHERE: Announces Important changes for bicycle/pedestrian access to Yerba Buena and Treasure islands

WHEN: RESTRICTED ACCESS October 13, 2020 through April 2021

WEB: www.511.org/biking/bay-bridge-trail

WHY: The Southgate Road Realignment Project will realign Southgate Road, the critical local connection between the I-80 westbound and eastbound on- and off-ramps, and reconstruct/ reopen the I-80 eastbound off-ramp to Yerba Buena Island. This project is part of a larger effort to replace and retrofit key roads and on- and off-ramps that connect the I-80 (the highway on the Bay Bridge) and Yerba Buena Island. The San Francisco Transportation Authority (SFCTA) is working jointly with Caltrans, the Bay Area Toll Authority (BATA) and the Treasure Island Development Authority (TIDA) on this effort.

During weekdays there will be NO BICYCLE ACCESS between the Bay Bridge and Treasure Island along Macalla Road. (Visa Point will be OPEN for use from sunrise to sunset during weekdays for bicyclists.) During weekends and holidays, bicycle access between the SFOBB bike path and Treasure Island will be provided via a temporary bike path between the SFOBB bike path landing at Yerba Buena Island and Macalla Road. Bicycles will be able to travel between Yerba Buena and Treasure Islands via Macalla Road and the temporary bike path. Please note that Macalla Road is VERY STEEP AND NARROW, and there are no separated bicycle facilities along this road. Therefore, bicycles will need to share the lane with motorists. For these reasons, bicycles on Macalla Road are discouraged. The Vista Point facilities will be OPEN for use from sunrise to sunset on weekends and holidays for bicyclists.

Media Contact:  David Perry & Associates, Inc/David Perry  (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

October 15: 10am – 12pm (PST) Hotel Council of San Francisco presents “The Future of Hospitality” Webinar 

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4XTiLWcGTv2WdPPZq4er9Q

9 October 2020 — San Francisco, CA: With San Francisco hotels recently allowed to re-open and signs of a pent-up demand for travel, the Hotel Council of San Francisco (www.hotelcouncilsf.org) presents the next in its series of educational webinars for hospitality professionals on Thursday, October 15, 10am – 12pm. “The Future of Hospitality” will featured industry professionals, travel experts, journalists and hoteliers in a wide-ranging discussion with specific tools and technologies for reopening San Francisco tourism economy. Sponsored by the Expedia Group the webinar is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4XTiLWcGTv2WdPPZq4er9Q.  Additional major support has been provided by Comcast Business, Recology, the Hotel and Lodging Association of California, I.A.T.S.I Local 16, San Francisco Travel and United Airlines.

“Tourism is the number one economic multiplier of San Francisco,” said Kevin Carroll, Hotel Council President and CEO. “Now that our hotels are allowed to open, we must be prepared for the new normal of the living-with-COVID era.  Our ongoing series of educational webinars are designed to prepare out hospitality professionals as we welcome back travelers to San Francisco.”

Special guest speakers include Caroline Beteta of Visit California on “Calling all Californians: Looking at a Road to Recovery”; Vik Krishnan of McKinsey and Company with “Hospitality in the New Normal”; Howard Pickett of San Francisco Travel with “A Look Forward” and Danny Borelis of I.A.T.S.E. Local 16 discussing “How to Leverage Technology to Optimize Your Self-contained Meetings.” There will be two expert panels. First “Working Together to Restore the Hospitality and Travel Industry” moderated by Sally Smith of the Expedia Group with participants Kelly Reehoorn of the Expedia Group; Jaqueline Volkart of the St. Regis Hotel; Melinda Franklin with United Airlines; and Dana Cariss of Coral Tree Hospitality. The event’s final presentation will be moderated by nationally-syndicated “Techish” columnist for USA Today and CNN contributor Jennifer Jolly entitled “Embracing Technology in an Everchanging World.” Participants are Kristee Cominiello of Comcast Business, Mark Beevor of Hotel Zetta, David Lewin with the Grand Hyatt San Francisco and Gwen Purtell of Deep Blue.

The Hotel Council of San Francisco is a non-profit membership-based organization advocating for the economic and social vitality of the hospitality industry in San Francisco. Their membership roster includes over 200 hotels, allied members, and partner organizations. The Hotel Council is dedicated to protecting the San Francisco hospitality industry and connecting its members to support the growth and success of the industry.