Author: Alfredo Casuso

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Wednesday, October 18, 2023 

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

***PRESS RELEASE*** 

MAYOR LONDON BREED RECOGNIZES SUTTER HEALTH AS A MAJOR DONOR TO APEC LEADERS’ CONFERENCE IN SAN FRANCISCO

Sutter Health’s sponsorship highlights its commitment to San Francisco’s future and helps pave the way for a successful global forum in November 

San Francisco, CA – Today, Mayor London N. Breed recognized Sutter Health as a major sponsor to support San Francisco as the host City for the 2023 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting in November. This year, Sutter Health, a leading healthcare system dedicated to enhancing the wellbeing of communities across Northern California, donated $1 million to the San Francisco Special Events Committee, which is responsible for all the APEC-related fundraising efforts, and now exceeds $20 million, the fundraising goal set for San Francisco.  

Sutter Health’s generosity marks a significant contribution to APEC’s success and demonstrates the organization’s commitment to making a positive impact in and outside the Bay Area.  

 “Sutter Health’s support inspires confidence in San Francisco’s future and demonstrates the spirit of collaboration that APEC embodies,” said Mayor London Breed. “This contribution will enhance the City’s readiness and strengthen our ability to host a successful and memorable global conference.” 

“APEC will bring thousands of the world’s leading business and political leaders to our backyard,” said Warner Thomas, President and CEO of Sutter Health. “Sutter Health is proud to do our part to help the amazing community we serve shine on the world’s stage. For more than 100 years, we have been investing in San Francisco and are deeply committed to the city and the health of its people.” 

Sutter Health’s contribution will help enhance the experience for attendees and cover essential expenses that showcase what San Francisco has to offer to the world. Additionally, Sutter leaders will share with attendees insights and expertise about the future of healthcare and how technology advancements and other innovations are changing the way care is delivered.  Sutter just announced the launch of a new innovation center that will be located in San Francisco. This new, dedicated space will foster partners and solutions to tackle some of today’s biggest healthcare challenges.  

Sutter Health and APEC 

Sutter Health and APEC both embrace shared values rooted in interconnectivity, innovation, and inclusivity. These principles are in harmony with Sutter’s dedication to embracing pioneering research and groundbreaking advancements, while also ensuring everyone has access to high-quality, equitable healthcare services.  

Sutter Health’s  integrated, not-for-profit system of associated clinicians, employees and volunteers support more than 3 million patients in diverse communities across two dozen counties. Headquartered in Northern California, Sutter provides access to high quality, affordable care through its hospitals, medical foundations, ambulatory surgery centers, urgent and walk-in care centers, telehealth, home health and hospice services.  

APEC in San Francisco    

APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) is the premier platform for the United States to advance economic policies in the Asia-Pacific region to promote free, fair, and open trade and investment and advance inclusive and sustainable growth. As part of our enduring commitment to the region and broad-based economic growth, San Francisco is excited to serve as host of the APEC Leaders’ Meeting taking place in San Francisco, November 11-17, 2023.   

APEC will be the largest convening of world leaders in San Francisco since the UN Charter was signed in 1945 during the UN Conference on International Organization, also called the San Francisco Conference.   

This November, the United States will chair the 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting in iconic San Francisco, California. The 21 APEC Member Economies account for nearly 40 percent of the global population and nearly 50 percent of global trade.  APEC’s themes this year are sustainability, inclusivity, innovation and resilience.   

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

Chef Joe Sasto Joins the Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival Lineup

November 11 & 12 Culinary Showcase Also Features
Celebrity Chefs Martin Yan, Susan Feniger, Tanya Holland,
Michael Chung and Andre Carthen Headline
Alongside 40 Restaurants, 80 Boutique Wineries

Special Guest Emcee Liam Mayclem of “Foodie Chap” Fame

Event Benefits the Fellows Program of the Culinary Institute of America, Les Dames D’Escoffier and DAP Health.

18 October 2023 – Palm Springs, CA:  The Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival (www.palmspringsfoodandwine.org)  is proud to welcome renowned chef Joe Sasto to the roster.  You may recognize Chef Joe Sasto from his win on The Food Network’s “Chopped”, and his time competing on NBC’s Top Chef and Top Chef All-Stars. He was recently recognized by The Food Network for their first ever “Hot List” of 2022.  Recently, Sasto has become very popular via the social media landscape, with over 20-million “likes” and countless viral videos. Sasto is a reoccurring judge, host, and chef personality across Food Network, and an All-Star competitor for shows such as Guy Fieri’s Tournament of Champions, and Guy’s Grocery Games. Chef Joe has also developed a high-end customizable pasta and pizza tool line with well-known knife maker and blacksmith Doghouse Forge. Sasto recently launched a puffed pasta snack, entitled TANTOS, which is set to hit the market in 2023. Chef Sasto is also currently writing his first cookbook.

“Participating in the Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival is an honor,” says Sasto. “I look forward to sharing my passion for food with festival-goers.”

From a young age, Sasto’s love for cooking was evident. Learning alongside his mother, he developed a talent that would lead him to prestigious kitchens across the country. After training under respected chefs in the Bay Area, Sasto’s journey took him to Quince Restaurant in San Francisco, where his passion for pasta flourished. Under the guidance of Chef Michael Tusk, he mastered the art of handmade pasta and Italian culinary traditions.

“Having Chef Joe Sasto join our lineup is a true privilege,” said Festival Producer Jeff Hocker, known for his long expertise in event production and the culinary arts. “His culinary expertise and dedication to quality make him a standout addition to this year’s festival, and the diversity of his experience will make for a crowd pleasing occasion. “

As Executive Sous Chef at Lazy Bear, Sasto continued to build strong relationships with local farmers, showcasing California’s beautiful produce. His contributions helped elevate restaurants like the two-Michelin-starred Lazy Bear and three-Michelin-starred Quince.

During the pandemic, Sasto adapted by hosting virtual pasta lessons, curating food content, and connecting with a growing social media audience. His recent ventures include the highly sought-after focaccia popup Luna Focacceria and a customizable pasta and pizza tool line developed with Doghouse Forge. Additionally, Sasto is working on his first cookbook and launching the puffed pasta snack line TANTOS. (read Sasto’s full bio here www.davidperry.com/newsroom/chef-joe-sasto.html)

The Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival will take place on November 11& 12 featuring world-class chefs, winemakers, and food enthusiasts.  Attendees will engage with celebrity chef demonstrations from Sasto, plus colleagues such as Martin Yan of “Yan Can Cook,” Susan Feniger of “Two Hot Tamales” and her new Palm Springs restaurant Alice B’s, Tanya Holland of “Tanya’s Kitchen Table” on the OWN Network, and chefs Michael Chung and Andre Carthen of Kathy Ireland Worldwide and many more to be added.  Additionally, expert panels will be led by Shelley Lindgren, founder of San Francisco’s acclaimed restaurant A16, award winning sommelier Katie Finn of the Desert Wine Shop, and astronaut-turned-vintner José M. Hernández.

The Palm Springs Food and Wine Festival would not be possible without the support of The Palm Springs Food and Wine Festival Presented by The City of Palm Springs, Stellar Artois, Sotheby’s International Realty, Maker’s Mark Prime Time Produce, Stolzle Lausitz, Chill Bar Palm Springs, Kevin
Crockett Law Group, Town Real Estate and Stars Travel, Sun Community Federal Credit Union, AAA, Costco Wholesale, Palm Springs Disposal, Team McTavish, Gravitas Wine Company, Hotel Zoso, 420 Bank Dispensary and Lounge, Bright Event Rentals, Mike Thompson RV Super Stores Phyllis Eisenberg and Kerry Hendrix and Eric Flora of Capstone Partners.

Media Partners for the Palm Springs Food and Wine Festival include: Los Angeles Magazine, KCBS Radio, KESQ News Channel 3, Spectrum News, Grape Encounters, MeTV Radio 103.1 FM, KGAY 106.5 FMD, Gay Desert Guide, David Perry & Associates, Inc, Kathleen Bennett, Desert Charities News, CV Independent, Desert Sun, Market Broadcasting System, Alpha Media, The Standard Magazine, Desert Business Association and The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce. 

For more information and tickets, visit www.palmspringsfoodandwine.org

Chef Joe Sasto

From a very young age, Joe Sasto knew that he wanted to be a Chef. Sasto’s mother had always recognized his talent, passion, and love of the culinary arts. Learning to cook by his mother’s side, Joe became ignited when in the kitchen. After earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Davis, Sasto dove headfirst into the culinary and restaurant industry, training under some of the Bay Area’s most respected and honorable Chefs. After traveling through Europe, Sasto brought his inspiration to Quince Restaurant. It was at Quince in San Francisco where Sasto’s passion for pasta truly began. Under Chef Michael Tusk, Sasto was trusted to manage the handmade pasta program, learning the traditions and roots from one of the world’s most celebrated, Italian-influenced chefs. Later, during his time as Executive Sous Chef at Lazy Bear in San Francisco, Sasto maintained his strong, cultivated relationships with local farmers, showcasing the beautiful produce of California. A natural leader, Sasto quickly became recognized for his abilities, respectfully contributing to the rise of restaurants such as two-Michelin starred Lazy Bear, and three-Michelin starred Quince. A very driven Chef, Sasto has opened restaurants as Executive Chef in San Francisco and Los Angeles, California.

In 2017, Sasto began focusing on pursing the goal of opening his own restaurant, traveling the country hosting private events, fine-dining dinner parties, pasta classes, and pop-up feasts. When the global pandemic began in March 2020, Sasto ceased travel and pivoted. Chef Joe started to virtually teach both public and private livestream pasta lessons weekly, consulting with brands, curating food-focused content, and developing recipes, all while garnering a strong social media following. Sasto excelled due to his passion for food, as well as his ability to connect with others through music, his personality, and an approachable culinary lens.

Recently, Sasto launched his limited production and highly coveted focaccia popup, Luna Focacceria. Chef Joe also developed a high-end customizable pasta and pizza tool line with well-known knife maker and blacksmith Doghouse Forge. Sasto is currently set to release a puffed pasta snack line, entitled TANTOS, and is working on his first cookbook. You may recognize Chef Joe from networks such as The Food Network and Bravo, have seen his win on The Food Network’s “Chopped”, and has seen him compete on NBC’s Top Chef and Top Chef All-Stars. Joe was recently featured in Food Network’s inaugural “Hot List” 2022. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Friday, October 6, 2023 

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

*** PRESS RELEASE*** 

SAN FRANCISCO SURPASSES $20 MILLION FUNDING GOAL FOR NEXT MONTH’S APEC CONFERENCE   

City reaches goal ahead of time with support from local corporate partners, philanthropists, and will continue to work to raise more support for international meeting  
  

San Francisco  – Mayor London N. Breed announced today the City of San Francisco has already eclipsed its committed fundraising goal of $20,0000,000 to host the 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, or APEC. The City will continue to work to raise more funds beyond this goal in preparation for the week-long conference that will be held November 11-17 and host leaders and delegates from 21 APEC Member Economies, 1,200 global CEOS, hundreds of journalists, and more than 20,000 in total attendance.   

The theme of the event, “Creating a Resilient and Sustainable Future for All,” will promote free, fair, and open trade investment, and advance sustainable and inclusive international economic growth. President Joe Biden is expected to attend along with the leaders of China, Japan, Australia, Canada and Indonesia. The APEC region represents more than $60 trillion in nominal GDP, accounting for 62% of the global total output.   

Major sponsors that contributed include:   

• Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria: $4.65M  
• Ripple: $2M  
• Apple: $1M  
• Emerson Collective: $1M  
• Kaiser Permanente: $1M  
• MEBO International: $1M  
• Prologis: $1M  
• Salesforce: $1M  
• Sutter Health: $1M  
• Visa: $1M  
• Bloomberg Philanthropies: $500K  
• Airbnb: $500K   
• Autodesk: $500K  
• DoorDash: $500K  
• Jean-Pierre Conte: $500K  

“The San Francisco community has stepped up, like it always does,” said Mayor London Breed. “The support and enthusiasm building across our City is inspiring. Reaching our fundraising goal this early is a recognition of how strong and resilient we are, and we are going to keep going to raise even more. APEC is going to again put us on the world stage, and we are ready to put on a tremendous event, reminding the world that San Francisco is one of the world’s truly great cities.”   

To learn more, visit apec2023sf.org.   

APEC in San Francisco     

APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) is the premier platform for the United States to advance economic policies in the Asia-Pacific region to promote free, fair, and open trade and investment and advance inclusive and sustainable growth. As part of our enduring commitment to the region and broad-based economic growth, San Francisco is excited to serve as host of the APEC Leaders’ Meeting taking place in San Francisco, November 11-17, 2023.    

APEC will be the largest convening of world leaders in San Francisco since the UN Charter was signed in 1945 during the UN Conference on International Organization, also called the San Francisco Conference.    

This November, the United States will chair the 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting in iconic San Francisco, California. The 21 APEC Member Economies account for nearly 40 percent of the global population and nearly 50 percent of global trade.  APEC’s themes this year are sustainability, inclusivity, innovation, and resilience.    
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