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

2024 Bay to Breakers Running to Revitalize San Francisco Downtown

New Membership with San Francisco Chamber of Commerce and Corporate Teams Program Builds Ties with Business Community

15 December 2023 — San Francisco, CA:  San Francisco’s oldest and most iconic event, Bay to Breakers (www.baytobreakers.com) is getting down to business — seriously. In addition to joining the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, the internationally known footrace is lacing up to help San Francisco rebound from the worst of the COVID years hangover by starting a Corporate Teams program aimed at helping bring attention to the City. Such civic boosting is in B2B’s DNA.

“In 1912, the first Bay to Breakers race was run in San Francisco as a way to show that San Francisco had recovered from the devastating 1906 Earthquake and Fire,” said Rodney Fong, President & CEO of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce (www.sfchamber.com). “In 2024, this most iconic of City experiences is once again hitting the ground running to celebrate San Francisco’s rebound from COVID and its aftermath. We’re delighted they have joined the Chamber and look forward to helping them with their Corporate Teams program.”

Last year, the Bay Area based production agency, Silverback (www.gosilverback.com) teamed up with Motiv Running (www.motivrunning.com), managing partner of Bay to Breakers, to highlight the event’s deep connections to San Francisco.

“As anyone who has participated or watched or experienced Bay to Breakers knows, this is much more than a race,” said Kyle Meyers, CEO of Silverback, the local company that also produces the SF Marathon and SailGP. “Bay to Breakers is about celebrating all the good things San Francisco. And, frankly, the past year has seen a lot of attention from outside media talking up our challenges. We’ve decided to make sure people see all sides of the picture.”

In October 2022 Motiv Sports acquired Bay to Breakers from Capstone Event Group and entered into a partnership with Silverback to grow and operate the San Francisco event.  This year, they’re expanding their team to include new outreach to the business community as a way to highlight the strength of the workers that keep San Francisco thriving.

“Our goal is to nurture high-impact collaborations and infuse new energy into San Francisco and this legendary race,” said Morgaine Jennings, Senior Manager of Partnerships, UNITE Partnerships. “We’re enthusiastic about shaping the future of Bay to Breakers and generating strong results for corporate partners with like-minded values and business goals.”

On January 31Bay to Breakers in conjunction with the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce – will launch a new Corporate Teams  Program to build and expand those relationships with the aim of highlighting the downtown business community, and fostering employee engagement. During the annual Bay to Breakers Race, participants of all ages and abilities, and oftentimes in costume, line up on Howard Street a few blocks from The Embarcadero on the third Sunday in May – in 2024, May 19. The course travels west through the City for 12 kilometers and finishes at the Great Highway, where the breakers crash into Ocean Beach. It truly is a time-honored tradition and the quintessential San Francisco experience.

To learn more about Bay to Breakers or sign up for the fun go to www.baytobreakers.com. To learn more about how businesses can participate as a sponsor or in the Corporate Teams program, email morgaine@unitepartnerships.com.  

Tuesday, December 12, 2023    

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

    

BOARD ADOPTS MAYOR’S LEGISLATION TO WAIVE FEES FOR OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT PERMITS    

The new legislation will waive permit fees to provide support for San Francisco nightlife and entertainment businesses using the City’s JAM permitting program  

The JAM program was created during the pandemic, and helps reduce bureaucracy and save applicants time and money   

San Francisco, CA – Today the Board of Supervisors approved a package of entertainment permit modernization reforms sponsored by Mayor London N. Breed. The legislation will provide important relief to San Francisco nightlife and entertainment businesses by waiving permit fees so that businesses may continue to offer outdoor music and entertainment activities they began during the pandemic using the City’s innovative “Just Add Music” (JAM) permitting program.  

With the sunsetting of the JAM program at the end of the pandemic, businesses seeking to offer entertainment or amplified sound in outdoor parklets and patios must acquire entertainment permits (or amend preexisting permits) to cover this activity. While a Limited Live Performance Permit or a Fixed Place Outdoor Amplified Sound Permit would normally require an application fee of $562 or $792, respectively, these fees will be waived through funding allocated by the Office of Economic and Workforce Development. Through this waiver, businesses will be able to continue hosting local musicians and entertainers to create dynamic outdoor experiences for patrons and passersby.  

“San Francisco’s nightlife and vibrant entertainment scene are part of what makes San Francisco so unique, and we are committed to making it as easy and affordable as possible for businesses to host local musicians and entertainers,” said Mayor London Breed. “This legislation will deliver important fee relief so that our parklets can remain full of music, along with important improvements to help our nightlife sector continue to thrive and more entertainment options for our residents and visitors to enjoy.”  

In addition to this waiver, this legislation will also adopt numerous reforms to streamline the bureaucracy around entertainment permitting, saving business owners time and money by removing unnecessary referrals and hearings.  

This legislation will:  

• Waive entertainment permit application fees for any business that held a Just Add Music (JAM) permit during the pandemic and now seeks to continue that outdoor entertainment or amplified sound on an ongoing basis. Businesses that are getting an entertainment permit for the first time will also have their initial license fees waived. 
• Waive application fees for short-term permits for any business that held a JAM permit and is seeking to continue entertainment and/or amplified sound activities while awaiting approval of an application for a legislated Shared Spaces parklet or sidewalk tables and chairs permit.  
• Waive entertainment permit application and initial license fees for existing businesses that are newly able to apply for entertainment permits due to zoning changes. Recent SoMa zoning changes now enable some longtime businesses to acquire entertainment permits. This change will support these businesses and seeks to encourage policymakers to further reform entertainment zoning to allow more arts and culture uses citywide.  
• Remove the requirement that applications for Place of Entertainment permits be referred to the Department of Building Inspection where a premise has held a Place of Entertainment permit within the past year. This reform would save time and money for operators seeking to acquire an existing Place of Entertainment, reducing the barriers to the retention of existing venues.  
• Remove the requirement that applications for Fixed Place Amplified Sound permits be referred to the Department of Public Health. This reform would save time and money for operators seeking to establish outdoor amplified sound, including businesses seeking to continue activity they began during the pandemic.  
• Remove outdated operating standards for arcades that require unnecessary staffing and infrastructure to receive a permit to operate an arcade.  
• Remove the hearing requirement for a billiard parlor permit to save time for businesses seeking to install pool tables. The Entertainment Commission would still be able to require a hearing in cases involving operators that have received complaints within the past year.  
• Expand where businesses may acquire Limited Live Performance (LLP) permits to include outdoor patios that are not surrounded by enclosed buildings, such as rooftops and open-air lots. While some businesses in these spaces have received LLP permits to-date, this reform will clarify the ability of businesses to receive LLP permits for such spaces.  
• Exempt a school from the requirement to obtain an entertainment or amplified sound permit in order to conduct activities that occur on school premises in the regular course of school operations.
• Clarify various technical elements of Entertainment Commission application process.  

“Music and entertainment are vital to our city’s recovery, not just because they are important contributors to jobs and our economy, but because they bring San Franciscans together.  Building on successful programs launched during the pandemic, this legislation will make it easier for artists, performers and entertainers to enliven outdoor spaces. Most importantly, along with other efforts underway to bolster arts and entertainment, it will help keep San Francisco fun!” said Sarah Dennis Phillips, Executive Director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development.   

Now that the Board of Supervisors has approved this legislation, it will now go before the Mayor later this week to sign it into law. Once it takes effect in January, the Entertainment Commission will begin waiving fees covered by this legislation and issuing refunds to eligible businesses that have already paid these fees since January 2023.  

“With the goal of encouraging and sustaining entertainment and cultural activity across all neighborhoods, this legislation comes at a critical moment as our businesses and artists continue to recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic,” said Maggie Weiland, Entertainment Commission Executive Director. “We are grateful to Mayor Breed for her ongoing commitment to support our industry’s revitalization through financial relief and reducing red tape.”   

“When the city offered a JAM permit to play music outside, I couldn’t install speakers fast enough. What better way to enhance my customer experience with soft background music and complement my newest outdoor addition. Furthermore, it’s no secret the alarming impact Covid has had on restaurants and I was more than grateful when the city waived the fee. This is another indication what the city is doing to support small businesses,” said Jennifer Corwin, owner of Tia Margarita Restaurant.  

“Music plays a pivotal role in the success of our business, enabling us to cultivate a warm and welcoming atmosphere that would be otherwise unattainable,” said Ryen Motzek, owner of City Station. “The entertainment permit fee being waived is undoubtedly an added advantage, particularly in light of the ongoing impact of the pandemic.”  

The Office of Economic and Workforce Development also launched an application portal for San Francisco music and entertainment venues to curate concerts as part of the SF Live Initiative, which will produce a new series of live performances presented at outdoor parks and plazas in 2024. Participating venues will be matched with nonprofit production partners to produce these concerts, with all of the event costs, as well as stipends of up to $3,000 to participating venues, underwritten by SF Live. Venue operators can learn more about this opportunity and apply to participate at oewd.org/SFLive.  

The goals of the SF Live initiative are to showcase and support the San Francisco music and entertainment sector, boost neighborhood vitality and enhance the City’s economic recovery through arts and culture. SF Live is being funded through a $2.5 million allocation from the California State Legislature led by City Attorney David Chiu, when he was an Assemblymember. SF Live is also funding the development of coordinated marketing and branding for San Francisco’s music and entertainment industry that will also launch next year.  

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

Award Winning Dezart Performs Announces
Campaign for Permanent Home

Now in its 16^th Season of “Fearless, Provocative & Inspiring Theatre” Company Announces Plans for A Flexible Venue

Details Announced at Special December 5^th Event at Hotel Zoso in Palm Springs

www.dezartperforms.org

12 December 2023 – Palm Springs, CA:  For the last 13 years, the multi-award winning Dezart Performs (www.dezartperforms.org) has called the Pearl McManus Theater home. But with the limited stage space, along with inflexible scheduling, they have outgrown the venue. “I fell in love with the theatre and the topics, and the way they were presented,” said Beatrice Keats, founding donor and patron. “And they’re operating in the tiniest little space, they have no space backstage, so I think it’s time for them to have their own theater!”

After a long strategic planning process, Dezart Performs identified a new 4,400 square foot space in Cathedral City’s Canyon Plaza South. The campaign, called the NEXT STAGE CAMPAIGN, is headed by Co-Chairs and founding donors Ann Sheffer and Nancy Bleiweiss-Nevil. This new home will be called the Dezart Playhouse. “The productions that Dezart Performs puts on are not only extraordinary, but they are compelling,” said Cathedral City Mayor Rita Lamb. “I believe the introduction of Dezart Performs to Cathedral City is going to be transformative. It will add vibrancy and intensity, making that area of the community completely compelling.” 

On December 5^th, in a special event at Hotel Zoso Hotel in Palm Springs, details of the campaign were unveiled to a packed and supportive crowd of 150, emceed by “Eye on the Desert” host Patrick Evans and Desert Theatre League award-winning actor, Joel Bryant. Campaign Co-Chair Nancy Bleiweiss-Nevil, founding Artistic Director Michael Shaw, Board President Clark Dugger and several Board members were in attendance, along with other founding donors.

The campaign has been in the silent phase for over a year, with the goal to raise $ 2,200,000 to convert the former retail space into a state-of-the-art Equity Theater.  In addition, the campaign seeks another $200,000 per year over five years to help sustain program and operation costs. “We have had many people make generous pledges and gifts to our campaign. But we have a ways to go to reach our goal,” said Gailya Brown, Director of Development for Dezart Performs.“ “I think it’s important for people to know that this is isn’t just about Dezart Performs. It’s going to be a community resource.” 

“We have been gratified by the enthusiasm and generosity demonstrated by our supporters over the past months. But our work is not yet done,” says Michael Shaw, Dezart Performs’ founding Artistic Director. “Please join us to make this a reality. We can’t do it without the support of the community.”

The new Dezart Playhouse will have versatile, movable seating for up to 125, including the flexibility for proscenium, thrust, theatre in-the-round, or cabaret-style formats. A modern, warm and inviting lobby with a full bar and patio area will be available for use both during performances, and for other non-theatrical events. Full expanded dressings rooms, backstage areas and a designated box office are all part of the design. Besides use by Dezart Performs, the venue will also welcome other businesses and non-profit organizations in the community to make use of the space. Based on the current plan, the Dezart Playhouse will be ready for the 2025 / 2026 Season.

To inquire about how to help support Dezart Performs’ NEXT STAGE CAMPAIGN, contact Gailya Brown at gailya.brown@dezartperforms.org.

Dezart Performs, one of the Coachella Valley’s preeminent theatre companies recognizes that the performing arts enrich the life and culture of a community, promote greater understanding and provoke insightful discussion. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit theatre company, its mission is to provide an artistic home for bold and cutting–edge plays, creating an atmosphere of artistic growth for actors, writers, and directors who uniquely contribute to the diverse theatrical environment in the Coachella Valley.

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