Author: Alfredo Casuso

Union Square SF Nintento Statement

“Nintendo’s decision to launch its second U.S. store in San Francisco’s iconic Union Square is a powerful testament to the district’s resurgence and strategic significance,” said Marisa Rodriguez, CEO of the Union Square Alliance. “This exciting addition heralds a new era in retail experiences, blending family-friendly fun with the cutting-edge spirit of San Francisco’s renowned gaming and technology sectors. By choosing Union Square, Nintendo reaffirms the district’s status as a premier destination, joining 32 other businesses, including Breitling, Miller & Lux Provisions, and Chotto Matte, that have also chosen to establish themselves in Union Square since 2022.”

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