media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com
Kimpton Alton Hotel Unveils Dynamic Spring and Summer Events in Fisherman’s Wharf
10 May 2024 San Francisco, CA: 1000 California Sea Lions can’t be wrong. As witnessed by the unprecedented convergence of the beloved maritime mammals to Fisherman’s Wharf this month, San Francisco’s waterfront hospitality center is swimming in vacation time activities and attractions. Question: where do savvy visitors stay? Answer: The award-winning Kimpton Alton Hotel (www.altonhotelsf.com) located in the heart of San Francisco’s vibrant Fisherman’s Wharf area. The acclaimed boutique property has a wave of exciting events and collaborations for the upcoming spring and summer seasons. In partnership with the Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District (FWCBD), the Alton Hotel is committed to enhancing the cultural landscape and fostering community engagement.
“San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf is the place to be this summer,” says Emily Nichols, General Manager of the Kimpton Alton Hotel. “This season’s diverse programming shows off the best of what San Francisco is famous for and why The Alton is the perfect base for leisure activities for locals and out-of-town visitors alike.”
Adjacent to the iconic Fisherman’s Wharf, the Kimpton Alton Hotel invites guests to explore the waterfront including PIER39, the Hyde Street Pier National Maritime Park, Alcatraz National Park Cruises, plus enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline from the newly installed SkyStar Wheel, San Francisco’s answer to “The London Eye.”
“Mother’s Day Brunch on May 12 at our Michelin Star Recommended AbacáRestaurant is the perfect kick-off to the season,” said Nichols, noting Abacá’s monthly Chef Collaboration Dinners. “Guests can indulge in exquisite cuisine curated by renowned chefs, including a special upcoming meal with Monique Feybess, as seen on Top Chef.” Abacá’ contemporary Filipino-Californian restaurant, showcases Filipino culture and cuisine while using some of Northern California’s best seasonal ingredients.
Kicking off Memorial Day Weekend on Saturday, May 25, the Kimpton Alton Hotel is proud to support the Fisherman’s Wharf CBD’s Pier Party Concert Series. This series will feature 20 concerts in the Crab Wheel Plaza every Saturday from 3pm – 7pm, showcasing local talent and fostering community spirit. On Monday, June 17, The Alton hosts a Juneteenth Poetry Night, featuring readings in partnership with The Living Room to commemorate Juneteenth, honoring African American heritage. This free event, held in the Kimpton Hotel Studio, invites the public to join in a celebration of resilience and cultural expression. The SF Wine Society will be curating special vintages for the occasion.
Throughout June, the Alton celebrates SF’s diversity and inclusion, with a wide array of LGBTQ Pride Festivities featuring Drag Bingo Brunch on “Pink Saturday”, June 27 with performances by the fabulous Katya Smirnoff-Skyy and Wine Hour celebrations.
Located in the heart of San Francisco’s historic Fisherman’s Wharf, the Kimpton Alton Hotel offers a blend of modern luxury and coastal charm. With thoughtfully designed accommodations, exceptional dining experiences, and unparalleled hospitality, the Alton invites guests to discover the essence of San Francisco. Whether exploring the vibrant local arts scene or indulging in culinary delights, the Alton Hotel promises an unforgettable stay in the City by the Bay.
Media Contact: DP&A, Inc. / David Perry (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com
MEDIA ADVISORY / REQUEST FOR ONSITE COVERAGE: FRIDAY, MAY 10 – SUNDAY, MAY 12
Marisa Rodriguez, Union Square Alliance CEO Available for in-person onsite interviews
Union Square is for Moms!
This Weekend, Numerous Brunch, Lunch and High Tea Options to Make Your Mother Feel Special
WHO: The Union Square Alliance Presents
WHAT: Mother’s Day Specials in Union Square WHEN: Friday, May 10 – Sunday, May 12 (Details Below) WHERE: Throughout the Union Square District (Details Below) WEB: www.visitunionsquaresf.com
Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea & Buffet at Beacon Grand’s Post Room
Saturday, May 11 – Sunday, May 12
May 11 – Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea: Treat the special mother in your life to an elegant afternoon tea.
May 12 – Mother’s Day Brunch: Treat your mother to an unforgettable Brunch Buffet featuring decadent favorites, including seafood cocktail, live omelet station, waffle and pasta station, alongside carving stations of rib roast and ham plus wine bar and more. Live piano music creates a charming background for an unforgettable afternoon.
Morton’s Steakhouse Mother’s Day Feature
Friday, May 10 – Sunday, May 12
Experience the perfection of a perfectly aged Wagyu filet using the Yukimuro (‘snow storage’) method, paired with a luscious lobster tail. This rare offering redefines the art of fine dining.
Mother’s Day Exclusive Cocktail: Lavender Bouquet: Savor a unique blend of Hendrick’s Gin, Grand Marnier, lavender, and fresh lemon juice.
Ferragamo Perfume Engravings
Sunday, May 12 12pm – 5pm
New fragrance Signorina Unica with complimentary engravings. Schedule appointment. Prosecco service and chocolates. Call them to reserve your spot but walk-ins allowed also.
Mother’s Day Tea at the Westin St. Francis Sunday, May 12, 1pm – 3pm
Reserve your seats for a favorite Union Square Mother’s Day tradition! The Westin St. Francis is hosting their traditional tea service high above the city. Enjoy traditional tea service, champagne, and a create-your-own-bouquet experience with Diosa Blooms!
Children’s menu available upon request. Ticket price includes service charge. Children under 2 do not need a ticket.
Hotel Nikko will be hosting a special combined presentation of Motown & Mimosas followed by Brunch at Anzu. Indulge in Restaurant Anzu’s lavish brunch buffet and then enjoy an exciting show in Feinstein’s.
Choose your preferred performance and brunch seating time from three separate options: Each brunch seating lasts for 1 hour, and the show is 45 minutes long.
Free Salsa Concert & Fashion Show at Union Square Plaza
Sunday, May 12, 2pm – 5pm
Lively salsa concert featuring Los Kimberos, accompanied by free dance lessons. The first 220 moms will receive a gift. Enjoy Nucha Empanadas and a spritz bar from Tyler Florence’s Miller & Lux Provisions. Adding to the excitement will be a couture fashion show, showcasing local designer Colleen Quen’s exquisite Bloom 2024 Couture Gown inspired by the Dahlias, San Francisco’s official flower, representing the city’s grace and allure with hair styling sponsored JROLAND Salon, fashion show directed by Pande Production’s Eddie Cotillon, a special appearance by former Miss California, Catherine Liang, and Fabric sponsored by Britex Fabrics.
Afternoon Tea at the Rotunda
Friday, May 10 – Sunday, May 12, beginning at 2:30pm
Experience Afternoon Tea at the Rotunda in Neiman Marcus on Friday and Saturday beginning at 2:30pm and on Sunday beginning at 1:30 pm.
The afternoon tea menu includes finger sandwiches, scones with jams, and delightful petite sweets. Enjoy your choice of freshly brewed Dammann Frères teas.
Coastal Italian Mother’s Day at Corzetti
Sunday, May 12, Evening
Celebrate Mother’s Day at Corzetti with coastal Italian cuisine, natural wines, cocktails, and impeccable vibes. Plus, mothers receive a free gift to add extra sweetness to their day.
Iconic Mother’s Day at Historic John’s Grill
Sunday, May 12, Evening
Enjoy cascading blooms by Zaddy Blooms and celebrate Mother’s Day at John’s Grill, a San Francisco tradition since 1908. This historic restaurant, frequented by celebrities, offers expertly prepared steaks, fresh seafood, excellent service, and a unique atmosphere. *Moms get a free rose!
San Francisco Leaders Support Business Tax Reform Proposal to Strengthen City Economy
Controller and Treasurer release final business tax reform proposal in response to call from Mayor Breed, Board President Peskin, and Supervisor Mandelman
7 May 2024, San Francisco, CA: Today City leaders responded to the final business tax reform proposal issued by the Controller and the Treasurer, saying that the measure is the right proposal to support San Francisco’s long-term economic success in a post-COVID world.
In July 2023, Mayor London Breed, Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, and Supervisor Rafael Mandelman asked then City Controller Ben Rosenfield and Treasurer José Cisneros to initiate a comprehensive process to propose reform of the City’s business tax structure. The goal was to convene the business community and other stakeholders to develop specific reform recommendations that could lead to a measure on the November 2024 ballot.
After months of engagement, deliberation, and analysis, Controller Greg Wagner, former Controller Rosenfield, Chief Economist Ted Egan, and Treasurer Cisneros have issued their final proposal that advances key economic goals for the City while remaining revenue neutral. With support from the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, they held 30 group meetings and three large group round tables with small and large businesses, organized labor partners, and other stakeholders to inform the work.
Key elements of the proposal include:
Exempting more than 2,500 small businesses from the tax by expanding the Small Business Exemption to $5 million dollars
Lowering taxes for hotels, arts, entertainment, and recreation
Reducing volatility by ensuring taxes are not overconcentrated
Reducing disincentives for bringing workers back or locating in San Francisco
Simplifying the overall tax structure to be more predictable
The proposal has earned the support of Mayor Breed, President Peskin, and Supervisor Mandelman. Now, a group led by small business leaders is initiating an effort to bring this measure to voters.
“We are working every day to support our economic revitalization and create a more vibrant future for Downtown and our City,” said Mayor London Breed. “San Francisco is a center of innovation and opportunity, but the world has changed after COVID. We need a business tax structure that reflects our new reality, and that supports and encourages businesses large and small to thrive. This proposal is the result of a collaborative approach that will deliver a tax system that will help San Francisco grow and fund critical City services throughout our neighborhoods. I want to thank both our current and former Controller and our Treasurer for their work and all those who stepped up to participate to get this right.”
“San Francisco’s economic recovery is a top priority, and that has meant taking a hard look at business tax reform,” said Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin. “I’m happy to see small business advocates pushing this important change forward today. This measure cuts taxes for restaurants and small businesses while protecting important sources of tax revenue for essential city services that benefit everyone. This is another example of what we can accomplish when we work together collaboratively, and I hope the voters will embrace this important policy.”
“The pandemic changed everything, including especially our economic condition,” said Supervisor Mandelman. “San Francisco must adapt, and this business tax reform proposal will position the city for economic recovery, job growth, and a sustainable and resilient city budget. It encourages job creation in San Francisco, supports our small businesses, and protects critical city services. Getting to this point was no easy task, and we owe an enormous debt of gratitude to Controllers Wagner and Rosenfield, Treasurer Cisneros, and their respective staffs for all their great work.”
“I’m very pleased that we’ve landed on a proposal with clear and implementable changes that feel balanced,” said Controller Wagner. “And I’m so appreciative of all the work of my predecessor and the stakeholders who’ve participated in the many thoughtful, and not always easy, discussions that got us a plan to aid the City’s post-pandemic recovery and benefit San Franciscans.”
“It’s no secret that our current taxes are complicated. These proposed changes to our Business Tax laws reflect months of careful analysis and feedback from stakeholders to reduce the complexity and volatility of our taxes, all while preserving critical revenue for the City’s ongoing needs,” said Treasurer José Cisneros. “Many of these changes are simple, but impactful: cutting the number of tax categories in half, exempting thousands of small businesses from taxes, and aligning our filing deadlines with the IRS. Taxes may not be fun to pay, but I’m encouraged by these proposed reforms that will make it easier for businesses to comply with the law.”
“Our report last year highlighted serious risks to the City’s tax base and downtown economy because of remote work,” said Chief Economist Ted Egan. “This measure will protect the tax base, provide relief for hard-hit small businesses, and reduce the tax consequences of growing jobs and leasing office space in San Francisco.”
San Francisco Kicks Off Small Business Week Marking 20th Anniversary
This year’s theme, “Make it here,” focuses on the small businesses that create products in San Francisco, as well as encouraging residents and visitors to shop and dine locally to support small businesses
6 May 2024, San Francisco, CA: Mayor London N. Breed today kicked off Small Business Week highlighting resources and citywide events in support of San Francisco’s small businesses and entrepreneurs. This year’s annual celebration will showcase events, popups, and networking opportunities across the City between May 6 – May 10 and is presented by the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Office of Small Business.
The theme of Small Business Week 2024 is “Make it here,” which focuses on the manufacturing and production sectors that create San Francisco-made products. The sector generates $833 million in revenue each year in San Francisco across 550 unique manufacturers. According to a 2023 survey led by SF Made with support from the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD), the manufacturing sector provides 3,800 well-paying jobs in the City averaging $25/hour, outpacing state and national averages.
“Small businesses are the heart of our communities and, every time we shop or dine locally, we are supporting the entrepreneurs who are greatly contributing to the vitality of our neighborhoods,”said Mayor London Breed. “I want to thank the Chamber of Commerce, our Office of Small Business, merchant leaders, and sponsors for ensuring that Small Business Week is a great success, and for helping make San Francisco a great city to do business.”
Small Business Week features trainings and networking events for entrepreneurs, along with pop-ups and celebrations for the public. For more information about San Francisco’s Small Business Week and other events happening around the City, visit www.sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
“Thanks to several key legislative changes and initiatives to support small businesses beginning in 2021, we have seen over $2.58 million in fees waived for businesses and nearly 5,000 businesses that have been able to get their permits over the counter within 1-2 business days,” said Katy Tang, Executive Director of the Office of Small Business. “In the last fiscal year, our office provided services in over 4,800 cases, ranging from individuals needing help understanding local regulations, lease review, and referrals to legal and financial experts.”
Making it easier to start and grow a business is one of nine core strategies within Mayor Breed’s,Roadmap to San Francisco’s Future and small businesses are an essential component of that plan. Accounting for approximately 95% of businesses and employing nearly 1 million Bay Area residents, the small business sector is a vital contributor to the City’s economy and vibrancy. In the past year, the City has focused on facilitating leases both Downtown and throughout neighborhood corridors.
A good example of how the City is working with public-private partnerships to reimagine Downtown is the Vacant to Vibrant program. The City-funded initiative transforms unused spaces Downtown into pop-ups and short-term activations in partnership with SF New Deal. To date, seven participating entrepreneurs have transitioned from pop-up to permanent, long-term leases, and the successful program is set to expand later this month.
Additionally, through the Storefront Opportunity Grant, OEWD infused commercial corridors with $2.1 million in grants to 71 entrepreneurs opening a business or expanding into a new location. Altogether, the investment in San Francisco’s small businesses has resulted in an average of 200 new business registrations every month in 2023.
“For the 20th Annual Small Business Week, the Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to highlight San Francisco’s makers, merchants, and manufacturers,” says Rodney Fong, President and CEO of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. “Small businesses are our economic and cultural engines, and we could not be more excited to celebrate their successes this year. A special thanks to Mayor London Breed, a longtime champion of San Francisco’s small businesses, and all those who join us in uplifting our local economy this week and year-round.”
Through legislative action, San Francisco is making it simpler and less costly to start a business. The First Year Free Program is now extended for a fourth year, through June 30, 2025, waiving first-year permit, license, and business registration fees for new and expanding small businesses. Since January, over 100 changes to the Planning Code allow the City to ease restrictions, to bring more types of business into commercial corridors. Most recently, a pair of legislation introduced in April will encourage small outdoor community events through the waiving of certain fees and a simpler, annual special event food vending permit.
“When I applied for the permits for my new photo studio through the Prop H, none of my friends thought I’d get them within the promised 30 days,” says Olga Polovaya, owner of MirrorMe, a portrait studio opening at 207 Berry St. “With the help of the Permit Specialists at the Office of Small Business, I did! Between Prop H speeding up the process and First Year Free saving me money, I’m closer than ever to opening up my dream business.”
Mayor London Breed’s 2024 Small Business Week Awards:
This Small Business Week, the Mayor honors six small businesses that make and manufacture their products in San Francisco. The 2024 recipients are:
Z Cioccolato – 474 Columbus Ave. (North Beach)
Venezia Upholstery – 332 West Portal Ave. (West Portal)
San Franpsycho – 1256 9th Ave.(Inner Sunset)
Dianda’s Bakery – 2883 Mission St. (Mission)
American Industrial Center – 2345 3rd St(Potrero Hill)
SF Market (SF Wholesale Produce Market) – 2095 Jerrold Ave(Bayview)
“Over the past 50 years my family and I have supported and nurtured small businesses in San Francisco, creating spaces for makers of every variety,” said Greg Markoulis owner of American Industrial Canter. “Valuing community over commodity and guiding the growth of the American Industrial Center more like a family than a commercial building. We are the champions of small businesses, making a community space that is clean, affordable and safe.”
“We are blessed to design and create our products in the best City in the world,” said Christian Routzen, owner of San Franpsycho. “There is a vibe here that you cannot get anywhere else, especially next to Golden Gate Park, in the heart of the Sunset.”
“The Small Business Commission is honored to commemorate the 20th Small Business Week,” says Cynthia Huie, President of the Small Business Commission. “Owning a business is never easy, and this week is an opportunity to promote ways that the city helps entrepreneurs succeed.”
The Commission promotes policy and legislative solutions to mitigate challenges and support the economic health for San Francisco small businesses. Their comprehensive annual surveying of business owners is the backbone of the Commission’s focus – to support business retention and growth; make it easier and faster to open; and to strengthen economic vibrancy.
Comprehensive support for small businesses is available year-round and free to the public from the Office of Small Business along with the Office of Economic and Workforce Development. These services include one-on-one business counseling, help with permits or leases, and connection to workforce recruitment services, among others.
Make Goebbels Mansion a World Center Combat Hate Propaganda
European Jewish Association Makes an Urgent Appeal to Berlin’s Minister of Finance:
Make Goebbels Mansion a World Center Combat Hate Propaganda
5 May 2024: The chairman of the European Jewish Association , EJA, Rabbi Menachem Margolin: “Turning the mansion of the worst of all consciousness engineers in human history into a center for political psychology, communication, and combating hate speech would be an important moral victory. EJA is ready to examine the possibility of promoting the idea and realizing it.”
The chairman of the European Jewish Association ,EJA, Rabbi Menachem Margolin, wrote an official letter to Berlin’s Minister of Finance, Stefan Evers, expressing willingness to examine the possibility to take responsibility for the estate of Nazi Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels, which the Berlin government is having trouble maintaining.
Addressing Berlin’s finance minister, Rabbi Margolin noted: “91 years since the Nazis came to power and the free world is once again facing waves of hatred that are motivated by consciousness engineering of poisonous propaganda, mass enframement and the creation of virtual reality with the sole purpose of sowing destruction and violence. It is precisely these days that Dr. Goebbels’ estate should not be demolished, but rather that it should be turned into a center of combating hate speech that will protect the free world from the dangerous trends that are repeating themselves in the entire Western world and in Germany in particular.”
The chairman of the European Jewish Association, EJA, Rabbi Menachem Margolin, writes to Minister Evers that the EJA is interested in exploring the possibility of turning the estate of the most terrible consciousness engineer in human history into a center for the study of political psychology, communication and the fight against hate speech.
“We are interested in implement the matter together with the Berlin government” notes Rabbi Margolin in his urgent letter to the minister. “In a chilling resemblance to what is happening now in another place where the Jewish people are being sought to be destroyed, this week marked exactly 79 years since Goebbels poisoned his six children and committed suicide in his tunnel. Let us make the estate of spreading absolute evil a source of spreading good. It would be an important moral victory.”
The European Jewish Association, EJA, founded by Rabbi Menachem Margolin in 2007, operates in hundreds of Jewish communities across the continent, initiates and coordinates the activities of dozens of Jewish organizations to combat anti-Semitism and for freedom of religion and worship in Europe.
The organization, which has become the “Jewish voice of Europe” in the eyes of many, holds conferences to raise awareness of the Holocaust and its lessons for EU leaders and leaders of countries, hosts delegations to extermination camps and promotes legislation against hate speech and the trade in Nazi memorabilia. For more details and a conversation with Rabbi Margolin – Tal Rabina +972505331027
