Author: Alfredo Casuso

Union Square Vandalism Statement


“The ability to protest is a sacred American right. Sadly, because of the actions of a few, many will be denied the chance to enjoy the the beauty of Macy’s Great Tree in Union Square for the remainder of the holiday weekend. Thankfully, repairs will begin after the holiday, and if all goes well the damage will be repaired in time for New Year’s Eve.”
— David Perry, Union Square Alliance

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

21st Anniversary Benefit for
International Ocean Film Foundation
Thursday, March 14 at Golden Gate Club in San Francisco Presidio

Honoring Ocean Champions:
Daniela Fernandez, Founder & CEO of Sustainable Ocean Alliance and Jennifer Stock, Education & Outreach Coordinator Greater Farallones / Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries  

Franco Finn of Golden Gate Warriors Fame is Emcee / Auctioneer

Festival Runs April 12 – 14 at San Francisco’s Cowell Theatre Fort Mason
and the Smith Theatre San Rafael

www.intloceanfilmfest.org 

21 December 2023 —  San Francisco, CA:  Celebrating “21 years of saving the world’s oceans, one film at a time,” San Francisco’s International Ocean Film Festival (www.intloceanfilmfest.org) is honoring this year’s heroines of the sea at its annual benefit, Thursday evening March 14 at the Golden Gate Club in the San Francisco Presidio (135 Fisher Loop).  This year’s Ocean Champions are Daniela Fernandez, Founder & CEO of Sustainable Ocean Alliance and Jennifer Stock, Education & Outreach Coordinator Greater Farallones / Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries.  The evening will feature food, fine wine, a silent auction and a live auction spearheaded by “Warriors Hype Man” Franco Finn.  The evening’s schedule is 6pm – 7:30pm cocktail reception, silent auction and trailers of the upcoming Festival; 7:45pm-9:30pm sustainable dinner and awards program; 9:30pm ‘til 11pm music by DJ Lamont. Highlighted during the evening will be previews of the Festival’s upcoming films. Individual tickets are $ 225 and can be purchased at www.intloceanfilmfest.org (direct event link: https://intloceanfilmfest.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/21stAnnualIOFFOfftheReefBenefit/PurchaseTickets/tabid/1405314/Default.aspx). Also, sponsorships are available for full tables. Please find more info online at www.intloceanfilmfest.org/21st-Anniversary-Benefit.

“With a record number of film submissions, representing more than 36 countries thus far, the IOFF is giving the ocean a voice and a platform for audiences of all ages to experience the power of visual storytelling,” said Ana Blanco, Executive Director for the International Ocean Film Festival. “Inspired by the filmmakers and their important stories about our oceans, we are thrilled to be hosting our 21st annual film festival on April 12-14, 2024. It will truly be an event to protect, restore and celebrate our oceans!”

Award recipient Daniela Fernandez is the founder and CEO of Sustainable Ocean Alliance and an award-winning social entrepreneur, thought leader and international speaker on the entrepreneurial mindset, ocean innovation and technology, youth empowerment, and sustainability. At the age of 19, Daniela founded Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) as a college-room idea at Georgetown University. Over the following six years, she built SOA into a global organization that is cultivating and accelerating innovative solutions to protect and sustain the health of the ocean. With phenomenal speed, SOA created the world’s largest network of young ocean leaders — establishing a presence in over 165 countries and successfully launching the world’s first Ocean Solutions Accelerator to develop technological solutions that can address the greatest threats facing our planet.

How can we cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset in the next generation? What are the leading technologies that can be implemented to help address the challenges facing our environment? How can established companies harness the power of young people? What trends are we seeing in Gen Z and Millennials as consumers, employees, and future business leaders? Daniela is answering these critical questions that will influence the new wave of entrepreneurs and redefine the relationship between emerging technologies, mitigating climate change, restoring ocean health and social good.

The Sustainable Ocean Alliance (www.soalliance.org) activates young, develops and implements innovative solutions, and mobilizes the global movement to restore the health of the ocean in our lifetime. Founded in 2014, SOA has cultivated the world’s largest network of next-gen leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates, mentors, and partners— all working to create solutions for the largest challenges facing our ocean. One of its newest programs is the Ecopreneur Network assembles the world’s most ambitious ocean startups, and amplifies their efforts to achieve transformative planetary impact.

Jennifer Stock believes in working to inspire a more ocean literate society.Jenny is a veteran naturalist and environmental educator with her career working as an interpretive park ranger with the National Park Service, as an environmental educator with Nature Bridge and Catalina Island Marine Institute, and for the past 23 years an all-around educator/communicator for NOAA’s Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries. Jenny has created exhibits, teaching programs, hands on activities and curriculum, workshops, outreach events, and digital media to share and communicate about our coastal ocean treasures to increase appreciation and stewardship of them. 

Some of Jenny’s accomplishments include overseeing development of the Point Reyes National Seashore Lighthouse Visitor Center extension that is a portal to the underwater world in the sanctuaries just offshore, creating an exhibit about Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary in collaboration with the Oakland Museum of California in the Natural Sciences Gallery, directing a 360 virtual reality film (and narrating it) about Cordell Bank bringing an incredibly abundant, healthy and diverse underwater world to audiences globally. For 13 years Jenny hosted her own radio program called Ocean Currents on KWMR interviewing ocean experts to share ocean stories and information with coastal audiences (podcast online). She has led numerous teachers on coastal excursions and in classroom exercises to learn about the changing climate and the impacts climate change is having on our ocean environment. 

She has supported the International Ocean Film Festival since 2013 assisting with the student film competition as a reviewer, promoting the festival annually, assisting the production of the student film sessions where over 20,000 students have come through to see ocean films though the festival and she has worked with the film festival to bring smaller ocean film events to other areas (Point Arena Theatre and Oakland Museum of CA). 

Jenny is an avid water woman who for recreation frequently swims, boogie boards, rows, and does stand up paddling with her family. Jenny has a MS in Education from Dominican University and BS in Biology from University of Delaware. 

The Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary (www.farllones.noaa.gov) protects the wildlife, habitats, and cultural resources of one of the most diverse and bountiful marine environments in the world, an area of 3,295 square miles off the northern and central California coast. The waters within Greater Farallones National Marine Sanctuary are a nationally significant marine ecosystem, and support an abundance of life, including many threatened and endangered species.

The Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary (www.cordellbank.noaa.gov) is entirely offshore. Within its 1,286 square miles, the sanctuary protects soft seafloor habitat, a rocky bank, deep sea canyons, and communities of wildlife throughout. Its surface waters are feeding areas for local and migratory seabirds and marine mammals.

Past recipients of the Ocean Champion Award includelegendary oceanographer and marine activist Dr. Sylvia Earle, Kip Evans, director of Expeditions for Mission Blue, Academy-Award winning director Louie Psihoyos,  Cristina Mittermeier of Sea Legacy and Wallace J. Nichols of Blue Mind, Jeff Boehmn, Chief Engagement Officer of the Marine Mammal Center, Ashlan & Phillippe Cousteau and Swedish environmentalist and climate change activist Greta Thunberg.The Festival accepts films of all genres that focus on any of the varied aspects of our big, blue ocean. Subject matter ranges from, but is not limited to, marine wildlife, conservation efforts, ocean environments, coastal cultures, ocean sports and exploration, ocean heroes, and innovative technology designed to help protect the ocean. Films can be documentaries, narratives, shorts, animation, and full-length films from around the world. A number of finalists from the main film festival program will be selected to participate in the world-renowned International Ocean Film Festival Traveling Program. This year’s film categories include Environmental, Marine Sciences/Wildlife, Exploration & Ocean Sports, Coastal Island Culture. Animation, Conservation, Diversity Equity & Inclusion, Shorts and Female Directors.

Sponsors for this year’s festival include RingCentral, Jenga Ocean, and the Consul General of Canada in San Francisco. Note: Additional sponsorship opportunities are available through March 1^st. www.intloceanfilmfest.org/sponsors.Since its launch in 2004, the San Francisco-based International Ocean Film Festival has attracted thousands of spectators of all ages from around the world, including film enthusiasts, sea athletes, educators, and environmental supporters. Since then, the Festival has presented over 815 films from 40 different countries and featured post-film Q&A sessions with visiting filmmakers, special panel discussions with content experts, and the Annual Free Student Education Program. It was the first event of its kind in North America, inspired by the well-established ocean festival in Toulon, France, which has continued to draw large audiences for more than 40 years.

The full list of films will be released early in the New Year.

The 21st International Ocean Film Festival runs April 12 – 14, 2024 at San Francisco’s Fort Mason Center. The International Ocean Film Foundation is a 501(c) 3 non-profit. 

• www.intloceanfilmfest.org 
• https://www.facebook.com/intloceanfilmfest
• Twitter @oceanfilmfest
• Instagram @intloceanfilmfest

Friday, December 15, 2023  

Contact: Mayor’s Press Office, mayorspressoff

VISITORS IN UNION SQUARE AND DOWNTOWN AREAS INCREASING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON   

Demand for holiday experiences and events, restaurants, and shopping in the Union Square and Downtown areas continue to yield positive results, indicating a stronger holiday season than years past  

San Francisco, CA – As the holiday shopping season enters its final week, Union Square is seeing an increase in visitors compared to previous years and safety patrols are continuing to contribute to lower incidents of crime.   

San Francisco continues to see an increase in foot traffic, public transportation ridership, hotel and restaurant reservations, and event attendance. Last month, the Mayor and City leaders kicked off the holiday season to encourage residents and visitors to explore San Francisco’s vibrant offerings including shopping, dining, and experiences.  

On Friday the latest Union Square holiday activity will launch, with the opening of Winter Walk on Stockton Street, a pedestrian plaza that creates a space for food, drinks, and entertainment.   

“We are seeing more people come to Union Square than we have in recent years, whether they are coming on Muni or driving and using our parking garages,” said Mayor London Breed. “With only a little over a week left in the holiday shopping season, we are inviting everyone down to Union Square – not just for the shopping but for the holiday experiences that create lasting memories. Our work around public safety is continuing to make this a safer holiday season than we’ve seen in a long time, and we want everyone to join in experiencing what San Francisco has to offer.”   

Transit Ridership Up 

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) and the Union Square Alliance have reported an increase in transit activity in both the Downtown and Union Square areas relative to the same time last year, as well as parking garages in the area:  

• A 64% increase in passengers departing Muni Metro at both Downtown and Union Square/Powell Muni Metro stations on weekdays during November compared to the same time last year.  
• A 43% increase in passengers departing those same stations on weekends during November compared to the same time last year.  
• Union Square reported parking garages were at capacity over the Black Friday weekend and continue to be well-used.   

Public Safety Patrols Keep Area Safe  

San Francisco’s Safe Shopper Initiative is in full operation with police officers patrolling Union Square, as well as extra patrols in parking garages by SFPD, Park Rangers, and other security personnel. More SFPD Community Ambassadors have been deployed to Union Square as well.   

Larceny theft, car break-ins, car theft, and burglaries remain down during the holiday shopping season Citywide, including in Union Square.  

Businesses and Neighborhoods Benefitting from Increased Visitors  

As the City works to build on the Mayor’s Roadmap to San Francisco’s Future, Mayor Breed continues to prioritize key investments to incentivize economic growth. Currently, hotel and restaurant bookings remain strong in Union Square – with businesses both new and old benefitting from increasing number of visitors. Examples include:  

• The Westin St. Francis reported 100% occupancy for this last weekend (December 9-10), and for this next weekend (December 16-17).   
• Miller & Lux Provisions have reported the two new restaurants in Union Square Plaza continue to sell out of pastries daily.  
• The renowned Chotto Matte Japanese Peruvian fusion restaurant, which opened in Union Square in October, has remained strong with approximately 10,000 reservations already booked.   

Holiday Activations Expanding  

San Francisco offers a range of holiday activations as part of the work being done to reinvigorate key tourist areas such as Downtown and Union Square to support businesses and hotels in the area. 

Just this week:  

• Winter Walk 2023: Union Square’s signature holiday event that offers three blocks of holiday food and beverages, shopping, performances, and activities, opens this Friday, December 15 and will run through Christmas Eve. This year’s event will be the largest since the event began in 2015.  
• Beginning this Saturday, Dec. 16, a 150-year-old cable car will be stationed at Powell Plaza every Tuesday and Saturday from 7 a.m.-7 p.m., weather permitting. Visitors and residents can climb aboard history, take photos, and explore this mobile museum up close.  
• Mayor Breed joined the Jewish community to light the Bill Graham Menorah in Union Square, which will be lit through the final night of Hanukkah on Friday night.  
• Union Square’s Safeway Ice Rink: Last week, the crowd favorite Drag Queens on Ice sold out and upcoming performances continue to sell out, indicating a strong return to Union Square’s holiday offerings.   

Outside of Union Square, there are other holiday activities, including:  

• Circus Bella’s “Kaleidoscope“: This newperformance will take place at The Crossing at the East Cut beginning December 15 through December 31. 
• San Francisco Ballet’s Nutcracker: Back again this year, experience the magical winter wonderland of toy soldiers, King of the Mice, Sugar Plum Fairy, and so much more.   

Over the last year, Mayor Breed has met with community members, small business owners, and other stakeholders to highlight supporting retailers locally as a critical component to the City’s economic recovery. Small businesses account for approximately 95% of all businesses in San Francisco and employ nearly one million Bay Area residents.  

Shopping Local This Holiday Season  

• Kultivate Labs presents “Republika Holiday Pop up Market”: Shop Filipino brands curated to support Filipino entrepreneurs this holiday season now through Tuesday, December 26th at the Metreon.  
• Support black-owned SF Businesses: Visit In the Black marketplace in the Fillmore or shop online and support black-owned businesses.  
• Visit San Francisco’s Historic Chinatown: The largest Chinatown in the United States, find holiday gifts and enjoy world-class cuisine.  
• Explore San Francisco’s Union Square: Residents and visitors are encouraged to come shop, dine and experience in person.    
• ShopDineSF: has over two dozen neighborhood guides for “Perfect San Francisco Days.” Visit your own neighborhood shops, restaurants, and bars, or explore a part of San Francisco you’re less familiar with.   
• Purchase San Francisco-made productsas holiday gifts: From specialty food to jewelry and customizable items, San Francisco makers are creating a range of beautiful and unique items.    
• Pop over to a Pop-up:Vacant to Vibrant, an innovative program to activate Downtown, features 17 local activators including small businesses in the culinary, arts, and retail sectors.    

“The holidays are upon us, and that creates the perfect opportunity to invest in our local San Francisco businesses,” said Sarah Dennis Phillips, Executive Director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development. “I encourage you to experience all the joy and magic our beautiful City has to offer this holiday season and help us continue to build upon this momentum by dining at our world-class restaurants, taking in a show, and most importantly shopping at our local retailers.”  

“We are thrilled to see tourists and San Franciscans alike take Muni to partake in the festivities near Union Square this holiday season,” said Jeffrey Tumlin, SFMTA Director of Transportation. “Public transit is the most economical and dependable way to reach the City’s iconic holiday destinations.”  

“Union Square sparkles with holiday magic as it dons its festive attire, welcoming a vibrant tapestry of both familiar and new traditions,” said Marisa Rodriguez, Chief Executive Officer, Union Square Alliance “Among the timeless allure of Macy’s SFSPCA windows, a decorated John’s Grill, Gump’s holiday shop, the modern charm of the Pop! Lounge at the Westin St. Francis, ‘Miracle at PCH,’ and the return of Winter Walk, stands Jeffrey’s Toys—the oldest toy store in San Francisco. Union Square invites visitors and locals alike to embrace the spirit of the season and support our local businesses.”  

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