Author: Alfredo Casuso

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. 

ANZU Mother’s Day Brunch: Buffet & Concert 

Sunday, May 12, Brunch Seatings: 9:30am, 11am, & 12:30pm,
Concert Performances: 10:30am, 12pm, & 1:30pm      

• 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

Contact: mayorspressoffice@sfgov.org  

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 

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

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.  

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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

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

San Francisco Mayor Breed Proposes Creation of First Downtown Entertainment Zone and Announces Grants to Support Downtown Events

Proposed legislation will enable local restaurants and bars to participate in beverage sales during outdoor events and activations 

New grant program will fund entertainment and other revitalization projects  

3 May 2024 – San Francisco, CA: Today, San Francisco Mayor London N. Breed joined Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), the Office of Economic Workforce and Development (OEWD), business and community leaders to announce new legislation that will create San Francisco’s first “entertainment zone” in Downtown, which will allow restaurants and bars to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption during outdoor events and activations.  

The legislation establishes a framework for the designation of future entertainment zones, revises local open container laws to permit the operation of these zones, and designates Front Street, between California Street and Sacramento Street, as the City’s first entertainment zone. San Francisco was authorized to create entertainment zones under SB 76, authored by Senator Wiener. If approved, this zone will allow local bars and restaurants to operate and sell alcoholic beverages as part of organized outdoor events that take place on this block.  

To support activations in entertainment zones and throughout Downtown, Mayor Breed has also directed the Office of Economic and Workforce Development to partner with San Francisco New Deal to launch the Downtown ENRG (Entertainment & Nightlife Revitalization Grant) Program, a program that will offer up to $50,000 to fund new economic revitalization projects to support new activities, events, and campaigns to attract patrons and increase downtown activity. 

“San Francisco’s Downtown is seeing a new surge of excitement, and we are thrilled to be the first city in California to take advantage of this new law to bring opportunities that foster joy for our residents, workers and visitors,” said Mayor London Breed. “I want to thank Senator Wiener for creating opportunities to bring more energy to our Downtown and his unwavering commitment to bettering our City. As we continue to do the work, our goal is to encourage more fun and accessible outdoor community events. Our message is clear: San Francisco is having fun, thriving and open for business.”

“Activating our streets with fun, community events is a powerful tool to accelerate downtown recovery,” said Senator Wiener, author of SB 76. “I authored SB 76 to empower San Francisco to create street vibrancy, particularly downtown. This new entertainment zone does exactly that, in addition to dovetailing with the rest of Mayor Breed’s comprehensive plan to give people more reasons to come downtown.”

“Creating spaces where residents and visitors can come together and enjoy art, culture, and outdoor entertainment is a critical part of our work to revitalize and transform our Downtown,” said Sarah Dennis Phillips, Executive Director of the Office of the Economic and Workforce Development. “I am excited about the future of Downtown, including the Entertainment and Nightlife Revitalization Grant Program, which will help our local bars and restaurants thrive and be successful in new ways. It’s time we get more creative with how we bring fun, excitement, and vibrancy to our neighborhoods, this legislation and grant program are steps in the right direction.”

San Francisco’s First Entertainment Zone

San Francisco’s proposed Entertainment Zones build off of Senate Bill (SB) 76, introduced by Senator Wiener and passed at the California Legislature last year. The Entertainment Zone Act paved the way for San Francisco – the only city in California currently – to designate entertainment zones to operate during special events permitted by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). Under the bill, San Francisco could establish entertainment zones through the adoption of a local ordinance by the Mayor and the Board of Supervisors.  

Mayor Breed’s legislation would enable three bars along Front Street (Schroeder’s, Harrington’s, and Royal Exchange) to sell open beverages for consumption during special events in the zone. These bars, along with the Downtown SF Partnership and BOMA, are working to launch a new recurring street closure on this block that could involve live entertainment and other activities during the zone’s operation. Similar programs have been successful in supporting small businesses and commercial districts in a number of other states, including Michigan, Ohio, and North Carolina.  

“San Francisco’s local bars and restaurants are an important part of what makes this city unique, fun, and captivating,” said Ben Bleiman, Owner of Harrington’s Bar & Grill and President of the Entertainment Commission. “Seeing small businesses like ours working together on our block to organize new activities and events that will attract people to our local spots is a major milestone. We are telling residents, visitors, and businesses that we are ready to see Downtown San Francisco activated with exciting public spaces because when people have fun it benefits local businesses, Downtown, and the entire city.”

“Downtown San Francisco needs a nightlife renaissance post-pandemic. Launching California’s first ever entertainment zone on Front Street is significant and will catalyze more reasons to come downtown,” said Robbie Silver, Executive Director of the Downtown SF Partnership. “Rethinking the use of public space by opening streets for pedestrians is a proven economic strategy to reinvigorate downtown. The Downtown SF Partnership will optimize Front Street with fun programming, building off its signature activations like Let’s Glow SF, Drag Me Downtown, and Landing at Leidesdorff.”

Mayor Breed’s legislation will be introduced at the next Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, May 7th.  

Downtown ENRG (Entertainment & Nightlife Revitalization Grant)

The arts, culture, nightlife and entertainment sectors play critical roles in the transformation of San Francisco downtown and in commercial corridors citywide by delivering unique experiences that attract residents, workers, and visitors.  

Qualifying projects for the grant program could include unique and expanded live performance programming at downtown venues, outdoor events connected to adjacent businesses, the establishment or operation of “entertainment zones”, and new festivals that occur across multiple venues, among other ideas.  Eligible program expenses include permitting costs, planning expenses, marketing material and design, event coordination, food & beverage, artists stipends, equipment, and on-site staff.  

To maximize impact, priority will be given to projects involving collaboration between multiple existing businesses to attract patrons to a corridor and projects or campaigns in Mid-Market, Civic Center, Tenderloin, SoMa, the Financial District, Union Square, or Yerba Buena.

“Nightlife and entertainment venues are vital businesses that contribute immensely to the culture and identity of San Francisco. Investing in their success is critical to fostering vibrancy in our city. Downtown ENRG is set to redefine the future of our downtown district as a diverse, creative, and vibrant destination,” said Simon Bertrang, Executive Director of SF New Deal.

The application for the Downtown ENRG grant is now open. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with priority given to applications submitted before June 15, 2024. To learn more, please visit www.sfnewdeal.org/ENRG.

Entertainment Drives Revitalization

The creation of entertainment zones and grants program are components of the Mayor’s Roadmap to San Francisco’s Future, and build on a series of recently announced entertainment initiatives designed to showcase and support the San Francisco music and entertainment sector, boost neighborhood vitality, activate open spaces and enhance the City’s economic revitalization through arts and culture. Combined, the goal is to secure an important new source of revenue to boost San Francisco restaurants and bars while transforming Downtown as a 24/7 destination.  

Last month, Mayor Breed announced the City’s new SF Live Concert Series, which debuts on May 4 at the Golden Gate Park Bandshell. Additional events will take place across May and June at Fulton Plaza, Union Square, and the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, and at locations citywide through November. More information about all upcoming SF Live events may be found at www.sflivefest.com. Other economic activations, including Vacant to Vibrant which will announce its second cohort later this month, and Bhangra and Beats, will soon kickoff its second series of outdoor events.