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Author: Alfredo Casuso

“Union Square in Bloom”

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

Stacy Jed / Union Square Alliance / (415) 781-7880 x108 /stacy@unionsquarealliance.com

“Union Square in Bloom”

Enlivens The Heart of San Francisco This Spring & Summer
Area Hotels, Restaurants, Bars and Merchants Burst With Floral Décor
in 2nd Annual Event Celebrating District’s Floral History
with Wide Range of Events: Bloom + Bubbles Passport,
Family-Friendly Activity Passport, Room in Bloom Packages

Grand Blooming Unveiling on May 14th,
Featuring a Delightful Mother’s Day Salsa Dancing and Music Celebration

18 April 2023 – San Francisco, CA:   Like fresh spring bulbs bursting forth following a long, damp winter, Union Square in Bloom returns for its second year with spectacular oversized floral displays cascading from area hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops, along with special offerings highlighting Union Square’s rich floral history and blooming rebirth. This May, leading up to a grand Mother’s Day Celebration, you can take a curated passport through all the blooms & attractions. Union Square will be in “full bloom” with numerous vibrant floral displays, welcoming residents, workers, and visitors to the heart of San Francisco.

This event honors its rich floral roots while nurturing the growth of innovative traditions through a colorful floral display to welcome residents, workers, and visitors to the heart of San Francisco. The “Blooming,” a tribute and the seed of new traditions, will be completed and unveiled in a special event on May 14, from 1pm – 4pm, fittingly named The Roots of Creation: A Mother’s Day Celebration. Centered around the floral artistry of the Union Square stage, the event is sponsored by the Union Square Alliance (www.visitunionsquaresf.com). 

“Union Square in Bloom is about bringing bright color, beauty and positive energy to San Francisco’s iconic center,” said Marisa Rodriguez, CEO for the Union Square Alliance. “Dozens of vibrant floral displays and interactive programming will create a cohesive theme throughout the district. This is just the beginning of a strong tradition we hope to build on year after year.”

Rodriguez’s optimism is given proof by increased tourism, newly opened retail outlets in the district, and the popularity of last month’s American Tulip Day which brought over tens of thousands of people to the Square to take home free tulips.

“Union Square has a long history as a hub for floral art and engagement,” says Rodriguez. “For decades, flowers, particularly daffodils, were handed out to visitors walking through Maiden Lane. This year is truly the time to say that Union Square is back, and ready to show off its budding treasures.”

The Union Square district is embracing the season with a variety of vibrant and engaging events, programs, and promotions, including a Mother’s Day celebration, a Family-Friendly Activity Passport, a “Bloom + Bubbles” Passport, available on and Room in Bloom Hotel Packages. The passport books will be available to download from the Union Square Alliance website by May 11, 2023.

For the next several weeks, dozens of area businesses are planting the seeds for a floral explosion culminating Mother’s Day weekend. On Mother’s Day Sunday, May 14 (1pm–4pm) the Union Square stage will feature local Salsa music performers and dancers, plus opportunities for dancing in the plaza in a florally transformed space.

Also launching on Mother’s Day weekend is unique Union Square in Bloom passports, encouraging visitors to explore the floral displays, and visit shops and restaurants. The Activity Passport includes a family-friendly adventure of discovery, floral education, and interactive games. The “Bloom + Bubbles” Passport showcases floral-inspired beverages at local hotels, restaurants, and bars. 

Local businesses and community partners taking part in the Union Square in Bloom by installing floral décor at their entrances or interiors, along with blooms in public spaces include:  A.C.T ▪ Axiom Hotel ▪ Bus Stop by Macy’s ▪ Beacon Grand ▪ Canterbury Hotel ▪ Chancellor ▪ CK Contemporary ▪ Garden Party SF ▪ Grand Hyatt ▪ Handlery Hotel ▪ Herbert Hotel ▪ Hilton/Parc55 ▪ King George Hotel ▪ Maiden Lane ▪ Mastro’s Steakhouse ▪ Neiman Marcus Rotunda ▪ New Delhi Restaurant ▪ Union Square Inn ▪ Scheuer Linen ▪ SFO United Lounge ▪ Stratford Hotel ▪ TAJ Campton ▪ The Barnes ▪ The Donatello Hotel ▪ Westin St. Francis ▪ Union Square Alliance Building ▪ Union Square Plaza Stage

Participants in the “Bloom + Beverage” Program and other special offers are:  Beacon Grand ▪ E&O Kitchen and Bar ▪ Harlan Records ▪ Hawthorn ▪ Hilton – CityScape ▪ Iron Horse Cocktails ▪ Macy’s Wine Bar ▪ New Dehli Restaurant ▪ Parc 55 – Cable 55 ▪ Sam’s Cable Car Lounge ▪ Sool Bar & Lounge Food Program ▪ E&O Kitchen ▪ The Barnes ▪ The Westin St. Francis’ Clock Bar, and Zingari Restaurant and Bar.

Room in Bloom Hotel Packages – Select district hotels, including the historic Westin St. Francis and the newly renovated Barnes Hotel, offer ‘Room in Bloom’ packages featuring a seasonal bouquet upon arrival.
Sponsors for the 2nd Annual Union Square in Bloom include Macys and United Airlines.

“Union Square is bursting in beauty and excitement,” said Rodriguez. “Whether it’s a bloom trail guide for youth, floral fashion shows for the adults, or special ‘staycation’ hotel packages for the whole family, Union Square will be the place to celebrate the beauty and diversity of San Francisco this spring and summer.”

As Union Square in Bloom specific events, additional sponsors and programs are added, updated information will be available online at www.visitunionsquaresf.com

About the Union Square Alliance:
The Union Square Alliance serves members and creates a high-quality visitor experience by managing and activating public spaces, attracting new investment, and advocating for the District’s future success. Union Square is the vibrant heart of San Francisco and an international destination where visitors come to enjoy exceptional retail experiences, luxury hotels, world-class cultural institutions, and great public spaces found only in the City by the Bay. A lively 27-block community surrounding Union Square Park in the heart of San Francisco makes up the Union Square Alliance. It is generally bordered on the north by Bush Street, on the east by Kearny Street, on the south by Market Street and on the west Taylor Street. For more information on the Alliance, go to www.visitunionsquaresf.com 

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San Francisco City Hall “Lit Up Blue”to Salute 20th Annual International Ocean Film Festival

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

REVISED / DATE CHANGE

This SATURDAY, April 15
San Francisco City Hall “Lit Up Blue”
to Salute 20th Annual International Ocean Film Festival

Festival Runs April 13 – 16
at San Francisco’s Cowell Theatre Fort Mason
and the Smith Theatre San Rafael

www.intloceanfilmfest.org
 

Updated 11 April — 10 April 2023  – San Francisco, CA:  This SATURDAY, April 15San Francisco City Hall will be “lit blue” to salute the 20th Annual International Ocean Film Festival (www.intloceanfilmfest.org). The Festival runs April 13 – 16 at San Francisco’s Cowell Theatre at Fort Mason and San Rafael’s Smith Theatre. 

“Thank you San Francisco,” said Ana Blanco, Executive Director for the Festival. “We are greatly honored to have San Francisco’s iconic City Hall lit blue in honor of our 20th anniversary. This Friday, we encourage everyone to capture the moment, and post your photos online, using the hashtags #ioff20 and #oceanfilmfest. This Friday, remember to ‘look up’ at the SF City Hall dome!”

This year’s 20th Annual International Ocean Film Festival is marked with four days of ocean-focused, independent films. In addition, the Festival will host lively Q&A panels with film directors, marine scientists, and industry experts, as they discuss the films and share insights into ocean conservation, preservation, and legislation.   

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 CultureAnimation, Conservation, Diversity Equity & Inclusion, Shorts and Female Directors.

Sponsors for this year’s festival include RingCentral, Jenga Ocean, Hapag Lloyd, RBC Wealth Management, PADI, PADI Club, The Philippine Office of Tourism, Thor Hope Foundation, Dynamico Space and the Consul General of Canada in San Francisco. 

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.

Below is the full list (in alphabetical order by title, followed by director, country of origin and running time) for this year’s 20th Anniversary Festival. 

And yet, I remain, Rick Wall (South Africa) 8 min
The Arctic Halocline, Amy Lauren (USA) 21 min
Big Wave Guardians, Luke Stirtz (USA) 90 min
Blue Carbon, Paul Nicklen (USA) 3 min
Bottle Cap, Marie Hyon & Marco Spier (USA) 5 min
Changing Seas: Vanishing Whales, Alexa Elliott (USA) 27 min
Cold Refuge, Judy Irving (USA) 79 min
Collision, Philip Hamilton (London, UK) 80 min
Deep Look: Barnacles Go to Unbelievable Lengths to Hook Up, Josh Cassidy (USA) 4 min
Deep Look: Skeleton Shrimp Use 18 Appendages to Feed, Fight and… Frolic, Mike Seely (USA) 5 min
Deep Rising, Matthieu Rytz (USA) 98 min
Fishing Into the Future: A San Diego Story, Lindsay Bauman & Andrea Sanchez Davidson (USA) 5 min
Gender Outlaw, A Bodysurfing Story, Peter Williams (USA) 16 min
The Gift of Bathsheba, Zach Hellmuth (USA) 4 min
Havana Libre, Corey McLean (USA) 85 min
Horseshoe Crabs: Survival of a Living Dinosaur, Andrea Kramar (USA) 6 min
Huff, David Mangum (USA) 7 min
Hypnotise, Ste Everington (Australia) 4 min
I Want Sun, Manlio David Martinez (Honduras) 30 min
The Impossible Wave, Jessica Frankovelgia Johnson & Jay Johnson (USA) 40 min 2023 Female Filmmaker Award
Inseparable: Ava, Andrew Harrison Brown (USA) 11 min
Mediterranean LIFE UNDER SIEGE, Fred Fougea (France) 91 min
Molokai and the Frog, José Gerardo Flores Ruiz (Mexico) 19 min
New Boats, Lansana Mansaray (Sierra Leone) 50 min
Patrick and the Whale, Mark Fletcher (Austria) 72 min
Planting Coral Forests, Johann Vorster (Kenya) 27 min
PLSTC, Laen Sanches (France) 2 min
Restoring the Farallon Islands: A Critical Conservation Opportunity, Brandon Schilling (USA) 4 min
Rise of the Clambassador, Alexander Davidowski (USA) 8 min
Robots in the Deep, Leo Richards (UK) 13 min
SAGRES, José Eduardo Zuzarte (Portugal) 44 min
SB2508: A Death Threat to Everglades Restoration, Noah Alexander Miller (USA) 30 min
Seagrass for Sea Change, Whitney Beer-Kerr (Australia) 12 min
The Shark with a Thousand Names, Hendrik Sebastian Schmitt (Germany) 18 min
The Storm Chaser, Jack Pirie (UK) 7 min
Tangled in the Tides, Henk Ekermans & Barend van der Watt (South Africa) 50 min
Truluck, Matt Cannon & Jake Smallwood (UK) 20 min
Washed Ashore, Ley Heimgartner & Cameron Nielsen (USA) 16 min
Windshipped, Jon Bowermaster (USA) 39 min
VR Film: 360 Sea Plastic, Narrated by Tim Robbins (USA) 7 min
VR FIlm: Dive into Sipidan (Malaysia) 7 min
VR Film: Roots to Reef 360 (Singapore) 16 mi

The Castro Merchants Association votes to fully support Another Planet Entertainment

The Castro Merchants Association votes to fully support
Another Planet Entertainment

6 April 2023 – San Francisco: Today the Castro Merchants Association votes to fully support Another Planet Entertainment in their plans to renovate, restore and revitalize the Castro Theatre including their plan for adaptable seating. Another Planet commits to continue its good faith efforts to work with Supervisor Rafael Mandelman’s office including offering details of the economic impact of their operation of the theatre.

The vote was unanimous except for one nay and one abstention.

“Thank you to all the small businesses in the Castro and the Castro Merchants. We are honored by your faith and look forward to restoring the Castro Theatre to its historic architectural glory and its historic place within the cultural life of the city including vibrant offerings for the film and LBGTQ+ communities.”
— David Perry, spokesman for Another Planet Entertainment 

The Hotel Council of San Francisco’s 18th Annual “Hotel Hero Awards” Finalists Are Announced

Media Contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc/David Perry
( 415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

The Hotel Council of San Francisco’s
18th Annual “Hotel Hero Awards” Finalists Are Announced.

Annual Awards are Thursday, April 27
Hilton San Francisco Union Square
www.hotelcouncilsf.org 

5 April 2023 – San Francisco, CA: “And the envelope please…..” The Hotel Council of San Francisco (www.hotelcouncilsf.org) has announced the list of finalists for this year’s annual Hotel Hero Awards Gala celebrating the City’s hospitality industry. The finalists were selected from a wide list of nominees submitted by members of the City’s hospitality industry. The event takes place ThursdayApril 27th (6pm reception; 7pm dinner and awards) at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square (333 O’Farrell Street).

“Everyone working in hospitality in San Francisco is a hero for their role in helping our city bounce back,” said Alex Bastian, Hotel Council President and CEO. “Hospitality has gone above and beyond in their frontline efforts to welcome back the world to everyone’s favorite city. Our community celebrates not only the finalists, but each and every worker.”

Established in 2003, the Hotel Hero awards were created to pay tribute to the people who dedicate their lives to the hospitality industry. As the largest industry in San Francisco, hotels and tourism directly impact the success of many businesses throughout San Francisco, supporting over 86,000 jobs.Prices for the 18th Annual Hotel Hero Gala are: Table of 10: $3000; Half Table $1500. Individual Member Ticket, $ 350; Individual Non-Member Ticket, $425: available at www.hotelcouncilsf.org/events/


Following are this year’s finalists:

Beyond the Call of Duty (300 Rooms or Less)
Binh Thai, Taj Campton Place
Yuko Okumoto, Four Seasons San Francisco
Araceli Alvarado, Harbor Court Hotel
Pilar Hernandez, Galleria Park Hotel
Ryan Koecke, Argonaut Hotel

Beyond the Call of Duty (301 Rooms or More)
Salvador Sorro, InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco
Ken Murray, Handlery Union Square Hotel
William “Bill” Sutton, InterContinental San Francisco
Luis Enriquez, Hotel Nikko
Elton (Hung) Thanh, Hilton San Francisco Union Square

Unsung Hero (300 Rooms or Less)
Alex Molina, Taj Campton Place
Jeffry Suarez, Presidio Lodging
Chen-Chih Lin, St. Regis
Lin Zhu, Axiom Hotel
Haroldo Lopez, Galleria Park Hotel

Unsung Hero (301 Rooms or More)
Johnathan Ngo, Hotel Nikko
Michael Wilson, Parc 55
Eddy Monge, Hilton San Francisco Union Square
Leif Abram, Beacon Grand
JoJo Capuchino, The Ritz-Carlton San Francisco

Rising Star
Tiffany Wu, Fairmont San Francisco
Joshua Gutierrez, W San Francisco
Deysa Salinas, Argonaut Hotel
Bryan Paige, Hotel Nikko
Joey Tran, Galleria Park Hotel

Werner Lewin Lifetime Achievement, Operations
Rosario Bonilla, Hotel Zoe
Mario Ruano, InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco
Brigido “Briggy” Alegre, The Westin St. Francis
Oscar Cruz, Hilton San Francisco Union Square
Simon Hu, Parc 55 San Francisco

Lifetime Achievement, Department Manager
Naushad Alam, The Westin St Francis
Leon Demmon, Parc 55
Jeremy Tanaka, Hotel Kabuki
Edelvia Salic, Galleria Park Hotel
Daniela Puccinelli, The Westin St. Francis

Bob Begley Lifetime Achievement, Hotel Executive
Clifton Clark, Marriott Regional based out of the Westin St. Francis
Roger Huldi, St Regis
Terry Lewis, Hilton San Francisco Union Square and Parc 55

Sustainability
Hotel Nikko
Hotel Spero
Hotel Zoe
InterContinental San Francisco
Presidio Lodging

Community Spirit
Argonaut Hotel
Axiom Hotel
Hotel Nikko
Hyatt Hotels of San Francisco
InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco

Sponsors for this year’s Hotel Hero Awards include: United Airlines, Big Bus, Visit California, SF Travel, San Francisco Parks & Rec, HD Supply and RNDC. 

About the Hotel Council of San Francisco:
The Hotel Council of San Francisco is a non-profit membership-based organization advocating for the economic and social vitality of the hospitality industry in San Francisco. Their membership roster includes over 200 hotels, allied members, and partner organizations. The Hotel Council is dedicated to protecting the San Francisco hospitality industry and connecting its members to support the growth and success of the industry.

Grand Central Palm Springs Unveils
New “History of Grand Central” Mural
by Local Artist Aaron Hansen

Media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc. (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com 

Grand Central Palm Springs Unveils
New “History of Grand Central” Mural
by Local Artist Aaron Hansen 

Artist Reception and Party Thursday, March 30: 5pm ‘til 7:30pm

Art Gallery Setting also features work by
Spanish-Brazilian Artist Maria Eugenia Casuso
along with works by local artists Georgeanne Papac and Gary Paterson

29 March 2023 – Palm Springs, CA: EST? PST? What time is it? The answer is #GCT-PS — “Grand Central Time” — at the iconic Grand Central Palm Springs (www.grandcentralpalmsprings.om) for breakfast, brunch, munch, lunch, “nibbles and bites”, creative cocktails and casually elegant dinner.  On Thursday, March 30 (5pm – 7:30pmm) Grand Central hosts a special reception to highlight not only their artfully delicious menu,  but unveil a new “History of Grand Central” mural by local artist Aaron Hansen. In addition, the reception will feature work by the late Spanish Brazilian artist Maria Eugenia Casuso in Grand Central’s gallery and special event space along with work by Georgeanne Papac and Gary Paterson.

“The theme for the Grand Central Mural was inspired by 1930s history of the building itself,” said Hansen. “Rita had expressed that she envisioned a joyous gathering of people from that era like a snapshot of a moment. That started the conversations and possibilities in regards to the direction that the mural would take.”

The “Rita” in question is Rita Capponi, founder and co-owner of Grand Central.

“For me, art and fine food go hand in hand, or should I say brush and fork,” said Rita noting that Grand Central has been named one of Yelp’s Top 100 Brunch Spots in California. “Palm Springs has a unique, casual but sophisticated clientele, and that’s the sort of experience we offer at Grand Central, including a dining room and special event space filled with art.”

As Aaron and Rita considered references and color swatches the dialogue continued and it was decided to add in some historically important people from this time period.

“That’s how we got to the four main characters of the piece, starting left with Amelia Earhart and Eleanor Roosevelt,” said Aaron. “The center was reserved for a longtime patron of the building, Howard Hughes.”

Hughes was known to shop at Grand Central’s location when it was the Desmond’s Department Store, one of the toniest fashion brands from Los Angeles of the Era, and a “first” for the then sleepy desert town of Palm Springs.

“To the right of Howard Hughes is none other than the genius mind of the times Albert Einstein,” adds Aaron. “It was a lot of fun adding the floor lamps and playing with the way they would light the curtains and characters in the room. I knew the mural was a hit when people on the sidewalk would get my attention by knocking on the window and giving me thumbs up and take photos. I’m glad it could add so much dimension and character to the restaurant and can’t wait to do some more with Grand Central!”

Aaron Hansen’s new mural, joins the work of three other artists currently on display at Grand Central: The Mid Century Modernist colorful geographic work of the late Maria Eugenia Casuso, who died from pancreatic cancer and two local artists, Georgeanne Papac and Gary Paterson. 

“As they used to say at our namesake Grand Central Station in New York City, ‘meet us under the clock’,” said co-owner and founder John Diskin. “After three years of COVID enforced restrictions, people are ready to mix, mingle and make up for lost time. We’re seeing a real bounce in requests for special events, including weddings and parties, for which our art gallery space is perfectly suited.”

With a patio, dining room and bar long known as the place “to see and be seen” by Palm Springs and Hollywood’s weekend glitterati, Grand Central also boasts a true “hidden gem”: its spacious special event space, complete with separate entrance, for the perfect Instagram-able wedding, bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, birthday or business gathering.  In addition to its artistic backdrop, the spacious “Art Gallery” special event space can comfortably accommodate 150 for a seated dinner or over 200 for standing cocktail reception. Additionally, Grand Central is open for a full buyout of the restaurant with the “Art Gallery” room set up for dancing either with live music or a DJ. 

What makes Grand Central Café Palm Springs unique?

“Our brunch is very much based on California cuisine with influences of the coffee cafe culture of Auckland, New Zealand, Dublin, Ireland and Melbourne, Australia,” John explains. “Our goal and our mission are to bring those flavors to Palm Springs.”

“For dinner, we expand our offerings to bring a fine dining experience in a more casual and relaxed environment,” says Rita, known for her personalized touch as hostess and creator of Grand Central’s iconic and seasonally changing “Book Holiday Tree” in the main dining room. “Good food doesn’t have to be overly complicated, and lovely surroundings don’t have to be stuffy. At Grand Central, we stand for approachable elegance.”

Why the name Grand Central?

“In cities and train stations throughout the years, people have been meeting ‘under the clock’,” explains John. “Grand Central’s iconic clock is a reminder to take a breath. Take some time to relax and enjoy innovative food and drink at our table.”

“Most importantly,” reiterates Rita. “Take some time to be with family and friends.”

Grand Central opened in May of 2018 after extensive renovations to the previous Palm Springs Institution, Desmond’s Department Store. After sitting vacant for over a decade, owners and husband and wife, John and Rita, revitalized and reimagined the space as a place for friends to gather and share good conversation, great cocktails, and a wonderful meal. The space was updated to a modern open concept with a large opening to the kitchen that helps bring the restaurant to life and ensures a one-of-a-kind experience, voted “Best of the Valley” 2020 by the Desert Sun.

Grand Central is open seven days a week for breakfast, brunch and lunch: 7:30am ‘til 3pm. Wednesday through Sundays, “Nibbles & Bites” is served at the bar 3pm ‘til 5pm and dinner 5pm ‘til 9pm including the popular new “Tasting Menu” featuring three appetizers, three entrée selections, dessert and a special wine pairing. For more information or for special events call (760) 699-7185. Reservations at OpenTable.com. www.GrandCentralPalmSprings.com 
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