Author: Alfredo Casuso

Contact: Mayor’s Press Office, mayorspressoffice@sfgov.org

San Francisco Mayor London Breed and Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng Sign Memorandum of Understanding Renewing Sister City Relationship

Yesterday’s signing renews a strong Sister City relationship between the U.S. and China that was established 45 years ago  

22 May 2024 San Francisco, CA: Mayor London N. Breed yesterday welcomed Mayor Gong Zheng and a Shanghai delegation to City Hall to celebrate the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding between both cities as part of the 45th anniversary of the San Francisco Shanghai Sister City Relationship. Dating back to 1979, San Francisco led the nation by establishing the first-ever diplomatic relationship between the United States and the People’s Republic of China, ushered by then Mayor Dianne Feinstein.  

During yesterday’s visit, both Mayors signed the Sister City agreement to reemphasize the commitments between San Francisco and Shanghai, and to advance mutually beneficial economic opportunities and cultural exchange efforts, including exploring possibilities for student exchange programs and tourism promotion.  

Shanghai Mayor Gong and his delegation’s visit to San Francisco comes on the heels of Mayor Breeds’ trip to China in April, when she led a San Francisco delegation on a multi-city visit throughout China, including Shanghai. The purpose of the Mayor’s trip focused on cultivating tourism and economic growth opportunities and bolstering diplomatic relations to strengthen cultural ties across the region in China.

“As the gateway to the Asia-Pacific region, San Francisco has a rich history with deeply rooted cultural ties to Chinese and Chinese American cultures. By signing this agreement, we are honoring the heritage of many in our City and reemphasizing the importance of cultural exchanges that San Francisco remains committed to as we advance partnerships from around the world,” said Mayor London Breed. “When our San Francisco delegation visited Shanghai, Mayor Gong, residents, and leaders extended genuine hospitality and we look forward to having the opportunity to extend the same in return as we work together to strengthen the ties between the two cities.”

“Shanghai and San Francisco have jointly signed a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) on friendly exchange and cooperation,” said Mayor Gong Zheng. “Heralding a new phase of practical collaboration between the two cities. We see this as an opportunity to further strengthen cooperation with San Francisco in areas such as technology, innovation, mutual investment, and urban governance. Additionally, we aim to advance youth exchanges between the two cities, fostering a higher level of mutually beneficial development.”

Over the years, the San Francisco Shanghai Sister City partnership has seen more than 200 collaborative projects across various sectors. Notable events include “Shanghai Week in SF” and “SF Week in Shanghai.” The relationship has also facilitated interactions with future Chinese leaders and played a key role in San Francisco’s participation in the Shanghai Expo 2010.

In addition to the Shanghai delegation, among those present at yesterday’s event were members of the recent San Francisco delegation to China, and San Francisco’s Chinese community leaders who seized the opportunity to welcome and greet one another at a reception hosted by Mayor Breed and Chief of Protocol Maryam Muduroglu.

“The signing of this momentous Memorandum of Understanding further strengthens the two sister cities’ future of mutual growth, cultural exchange, and business collaboration,” said Daphne Fang, Chair of the San Francisco Sister City Committee. “The participation of San Francisco high school youth in Friendship summer camps in Shanghai will enhance cultural understanding and friendship, echoing across borders and generations. The San Francisco – Shanghai Sister City Committee will continue our dedication and unwavering commitment to fostering the enduring relationship between our two greatest cities.”

“Shanghai and San Francisco are pivotal cities in establishing Sister City relations between China and the United States,” said Zhang Jianmin, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in San Francisco. “Effective cooperation across various fields has consistently placed them at the forefront of efforts to develop China-U.S relations. The mutual visits of the two mayors within a span of less than two months are a concrete implementation of the important consensus reached during the China-U.S. leaders’ meeting in San Francisco, advancing the “San Francisco Vision” into tangible actions. It is believed that this visit will further promote local exchanges and cooperation, making positive contributions to the stable, healthy, and sustainable development of China-US relations.”

This Sister City relationship, founded during Mayor Diane Feinstein’s tenure, followed the normalization of U.S.- China diplomatic relations in the late 1970s. Feinstein led a delegation to Beijing and Shanghai, where she and then Shanghai Mayor, Wang Daohan, agreed on the establishment of this long-lasting relationship. The formal agreement was signed in early 1980, following U.S. President Carter’s announcement of official diplomatic ties.

In July, 10 high school students from across San Francisco will participate in summer educational exchanges in Shanghai to promote friendship and foster cross-cultural understanding between the two cities.

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

MEDIA ADVISORY / REQUEST FOR ONSITE COVERAGE:THURSDAY, MAY 23: 12pm – 2pm

WHAT:
Union Square Alliance CEO Marisa Rodriguez is being inducted onto the Wall of Fame at Historic John’s Grill. Luncheon, celebration, and photo hanging.

WHEN:

Thursday, May 23: 12pm – 2pm
Accredited press can schedule an interview with Alliance CEO Marisa Rodriguez between 11:45am – 12:30pm

WHERE:

Historic John’s Grill, 63 Ellis Street

WHO: 


Special guests include former Mayor Willie Brown, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, President of Union Square Alliance Board and Grosvenor Americas Mark Purdy, CEO of the San Francisco Hotel Council Alex Bastian, Rodney Fong, CEO & President of San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, and San Francisco Travel Association’s Lori Lincoln.

WHY:

Marisa Rodriguez is the Chief Executive Officer of Union Square Alliance, a downtown association, and has dedicated her career to public service and most recently the downtown recovery, specifically in Union Square and the greater hospitality zone.

Rodriguez, a visionary and solutions-driven leader, was brought in to help catalyze a turnaround in the district and meet the challenges of the post-pandemic era. She has crafted a forward-thinking strategy that reimagines the crucial role of zoning, safety, campaigns spurring visitors, and other key elements for the long-term health and vitality of the district. 

One of her many contributions is the “Union Square in Bloom” campaign, developed in 2022, which puts a modern twist on the district’s rich floral history. John’s Grill is one of 43 businesses participating in this initiative with all three floors of the restaurant (inside and outside) bursting with purple flowers. 

Often quoted as saying, “Union Square is where we come to celebrate life’s greatest moments,” Rodriguez’s mission is to uplift and preserve Union Square as San Francisco’s vibrant nexus where hospitality, culture, and regional transportation converge for generations to come.

Rodriguez’s photo will join the likes of prominent historic and influential figures such as Hillary Clinton, Willie Brown, former police chiefs and Herb Caen. This distinction symbolizes Rodriguez’s remarkable contribution to the Union Square community and her commitment to a better San Francisco. 

Her photo will be a lasting testament to her impact, remaining on the Wall of Fame for years to come at John’s Grill, a legacy business serving the community for 115 years, and for another one hundred. Marisa will be styled by Banana Republic’s senior wardrobe consultant of the West, Antonio Contreras, representing a prominent Union Square business.

Quotes:

“I love our beautiful City by the Bay. This honor is very special to me. I remember as a child coming to John’s Grill with my family. I stared at the photos on the wall in awe, curious about who the people were and the impact they had on San Francisco. And now to be counted among many inspiring leaders is truly humbling. Our downtown is so critically important to the health of our city as a whole and I am proud to be a part of the effort to bring it back. I want to thank John’s Grill and the entire Konstin family for this recognition and all they do to support our community for over 115 years!” – Marisa Rodriguez, CEO Union Square Alliance

Johnny Konstin, Owner of John’s Grill:

Marisa Rodriguez represents the future of this city. She is the first civic leader we have honored in this way since the pandemic. We appreciate her efforts on the downtown recovery as she works tirelessly to bring our city back. John’s Grill couldn’t be happier to acknowledge her efforts for our city. This honor is a thank you for all she’s done and will continue to do. It’s special for us too, as her photo will greet guests who come to dine with us, and we can share her hard work and commitment to San Francisco. Marisa is a dear friend to John’s Grill and the Konstin family, making this recognition even more meaningful.”

Mark Purdy, Alliance Board President and President of Grosvenor Americas: “Marisa came to us during a difficult time, and this honor is well-deserved. Her achievement is a testament to her strong leadership when we needed it most, and it shows that our community also sees and values her contributions. While we know we aren’t out of the woods yet, her presence has brought major changes, strategic vision, light, and green shoots of hope.”

MEDIA ADVISORY

Major San Francisco Event Sunday 2024 Bay to Breakers

Some 20,000 participants, many in costumes, are expected to take part in Bay Area’s most historic and beloved events on Sunday; Residents are advised to plan and expect delays; alternate routes are available; more information at www.BaytoBreakers.com.  

What:	The 113th running of the iconic Bay to Breakers road race returns this weekend. City of San Francisco residents and visitors can expect road closures and delays on Sunday from the waterfront from the San Francisco Bay in downtown all the way to Ocean Beach. The streets will reopen on a rolling basis as soon as the last participant has passed and all course support materials have been removed.
When:	Sunday, May 19  6:00 am – Citywide Road Closures begin  8:00 am – Official Race Start Time  2:00 pm – Majority of Course Reopens
Where:	Start: Main and Howard St. Finish: 21291 Pacific Coast Highway San Francisco, California
More:	Bay to Breakers features a challenging USA Track and Field-certified 12-K (7.46 miles) course.  Starting at the base of the San Francisco Bay, the course rises steeply along the City’s famous Hayes Street Hill.  Around the 2.5-mile mark runners climb an 11.15 percent grade between Fillmore and Steiner streets, bringing them to the highest point in the race, approximately 215 feet above sea level. The remainder of the course gradually flows alongside the Panhandle and through Golden Gate Park and ends at the Pacific Ocean.
Contact:	David Perry, 415-676-7007 news@davidperry.com

Contact: Mayor’s Press Office, mayorspressoffice@sfgov.org   

New Data: San Francisco Street Homelessness Hits 10-Year Low

Biennial homeless count finds 13% decrease in people living in tents and on the streets from 2022, hitting the lowest level since before 2015   

16 May 2024 – San Francisco, CA: New data released as part of the City’s biennial homeless count shows that the number of people living on the streets of San Francisco has reached the lowest level in at least 10 years. This comes as San Francisco has expanded access to shelter and housing, and increased enforcement of local laws when offers of shelter and service are refused.  

The 2024 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count conducted in January 2024 found that fewer than 3,000 people are living in tents, structures, or on the streets, a 13% drop since the 2022 PIT Count and the lowest level since before the 2015 PIT Count.  

This decline matches recent declines in the City’s quarterly tent count. Based on the April tent count, there are 41% fewer tents than since July 2023, the lowest rate that San Francisco has seen in five years.  

“We are working every day to move people off our streets and into shelter, housing, and care,” said Mayor London Breed. “This is safer and healthier for people on our streets, and it is better for all of us that want a cleaner and safer San Francisco. Our City workforce is dedicated to making a difference, and we will keep working to get tents off our streets, bring people indoors, and change the conditions in our neighborhoods.”    

Lowest Street Homelessness Level in 10 Years  

In the 2024 PIT Count, 2,912 people were found to be sleeping unsheltered on San Francisco’s streets, either in tents, structures, or on the street. This is a 13% decrease from 2022 when the number was 3,347. This is the lowest this count has been since before 2015, when 3,791 people were found sleeping on the streets.  

Since coming into office, Mayor Breed has prioritized moving people indoors, by expanding shelter and housing to new historic highs, directing consistent encampment outreach efforts, and launching innovative programs like Street to Home, which has bypassed bureaucratic barriers to more quickly place people into vacant housing. She has also successfully worked with state legislators to expand mental health laws at the state level, allowing San Francisco to compel more people unwilling or unable to accept help into treatment and care.    

Progress on Street Encampments  

San Francisco’s encampment teams, organized under the Healthy Street Outreach Center (HSOC), have been conducting operations to offer people shelter and services, enforce local laws to prevent camping when people refuse services, and clean up encampments.   

Since the last Point-in-Time Count in 2022, HSOC encampment teams have conducted over 900 operations, moving over 2,800 people directly from encampments into shelter. This is in addition to the thousands of others who accessed shelter during that time through other access points.     

HSOC encampment teams have continued this work in 2024, exceeding their previous year’s pace with over 250 operations so far this year. This work has followed the clarification by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in the fall of 2023 that stated that people who refuse offers of shelter do not meet the definition of “involuntarily homeless,” and thus, the federal preliminary injunction order does not apply to them. Prior to that clarification, the City had been constrained in what laws could be enforced due to the federal injunction.  

Expanding Shelter and Housing  

San Francisco has expanded shelter capacity by over 60% since 2018, with more shelter beds coming online soon that will reach a 66% expansion. As part of the PIT Count, the sheltered population now accounts for 48% of the overall homeless count, up from 2019 when it only accounted for 36% of the overall homeless count.  

San Francisco has also increased housing slots by over 50% since 2018, giving San Francisco the most housing for the formerly homeless of any city in the Bay Area and the second most per-capita in the country.    

San Francisco has helped over 15,000 people exit homelessness into housing since 2018 and has dramatically increased the rate at which people are exiting homelessness in the last two years. In 2022 and 2023, San Francisco helped an average of 3,300 people per year exit homelessness, a nearly 80% increase from the previous average between 2019 and 2021. This includes people moving into permanent supportive housing, accessing rental subsidies, or receiving travel relocation assistance. 

Mayor Breed’s work to move people off the street and into shelter, housing or back home with family has resulted in a 41% decrease in tents. 

Inflow Increase 

Despite these significant investments, service improvements, and positive outcomes, our community is still seeing a high rate of people becoming homeless. More than 22,000 entered the homelessness response system since our latest PIT Count in 2022. The Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) estimates that for every one person HSH resolves homelessness for annually, three people become homeless. Though San Francisco’s unsheltered population decreased again in 2024 from 2022 and remains down significantly from 2019, due to Mayor Breed’s significant expansion of shelter, the overall count that includes sheltered and unsheltered individuals increased.  

This can be seen in the increase in the rise in family homelessness and vehicular homelessness between 2022 and 2024. The overall unsheltered population as defined in the PIT Count, which includes both people living on the streets and in vehicles, dropped by 1%, and remains down 16% since 2019. But there was a rise in vehicular homelessness between 2022 and 2024, though the number of people living in vehicles remains below 2019 levels.  

This rise in vehicular homelessness is driven in particular by an increase in family homelessness that has occurred in the last year, resulting from post-COVID economic hardships and by new families arriving in San Francisco without access to housing. Specifically, the 2024 PIT Count saw a 94% increase in families from 2022, which aligns with other City data. 67% of these families are sheltered. Of the families living unsheltered, 90% are residing in vehicles. Mayor Breed’s Safer Families proposes to address this immediate need.  

About the Point-in-Time Count  

Today the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing released the preliminary results of the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, a biennial census of people experiencing sheltered and unsheltered homelessness in a single night. This count provides information that helps the City and County of San Francisco better understand homelessness in the community and guides the way the City and its partners respond to the crisis. The PIT Count helps identify trends and changes in demographics over time and informs future data modeling and planning. 

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