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

Pulitzer Prize Finalist, Obie Award-Winning
 and Tony Award finalist nominee
WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME
by Heidi Schreck is Dezart Performs’ second production of the season from January 19-28, 2024

11 December 2023 – Palm Springs, CA:  The acclaimed WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME by Heidi Schreck is Dezart Performs (www.dezartperforms.org) first production of 2024, running January 19 – 28. Part history lesson, part family drama, the Tony Award Nominee and Pulitzer Prize Finalist is a “boundary-breaking play that breathes new life into our Constitution and imagines how it will shape the next generation of Americans” (Forbes). When it opened on Broadway in 2019, The New York Times hailed it as “not just the best play to open so far this season, but also the most important.” “It would be hard to identify a work for theatre with its finger more on the pulse of America right now” (The Washington Post).

“In this unique and envelope-pushing play, it’s an uproariously funny, moving, critically challenging and politically charged play,” says Dezart Performs founding artistic director Michael Shaw. “It is a civics lesson, a cry from the heart and a feminist anthem that reminds us again and again that our country was shaped by founding fathers, not founding mothers.”

Profoundly intertwined with Schreck’s life, WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME chronicles the playwright’s maternal line from her great great grandmother onward, examining how the Constitution and its complexities helped shape and sometimes devastate their lives. Toggling back and forth from the present day to the past, the play starts with fifteen-year-old Heidi chronicling how she earned her college tuition by winning Constitutional debate competitions across the United States.  However, the “psychotically polite” young woman with a crush on Patrick Swayze quickly merges with hilarious – and enlightening – result in an exploration of the “penumbra” that is the “hot and sweaty document” of Heidi’s research.  As Heidi states throughout the play, the Constitution is a crucible in every way: for her family, and for the generations of families this document made by-and-for cisgender white men continues to guide.

As noted by The Guardian: “This funny, tragic and deeply unsettling tour de force shows who the US constitution serves — and who it lets down.”All performances take place at the Pearl McManus Theater (at the historic Palm Springs Woman’s Club) 314 S Cahuilla Road, Downtown Palm Springs. Ticket prices are $48 – $55 and may be purchased online at www.dezartperforms.org , or by calling (760) 322-0179. Showtimes are Fridays at 7:30pm; Saturdays at 2pm and 7:30pm; Sundays at 2pm and 7pm.

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.

16th Dezart Performs’ Season Listing

WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME 
A dramatic comedy written by Heidi Schreck
Directed by Craig Wells
January 19 – 21; 26 – 28

2019 Pulitzer Prize finalist
2019 Tony Award nominated, Best Play
2019 Obie award for Best New American Play
2019 Off-Broadway Alliance Award, Best New Play
2019 Drama Desk Award, Outstanding Play

Fifteen-year-old Heidi earned her college tuition by winning Constitutional debate competitions across the United States. In this hilarious, hopeful and achingly human new play, she resurrects her teenage self in order to trace the profound relationship between four generations of women and the founding document that shaped their lives.

“…brilliantly crafted show, harrowing and funny and humane, that accesses the political through the deeply personal.”
– New York Magazine

“A highly entertaining, deeply informative and ultimately hopeful examination of the document that impacts every single one of us, every single day of our lives.”
–Chicago Sun Times

“This funny, tragic and deeply unsettling one-woman tour de force shows who the US constitution serve — and who it lets down.”
– The Guardian

*    *    *

A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD 
A drama written by Samuel D. Hunter
Directed by Michael Shaw
March 1-3; 8-10

2022 Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Play

A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD unfolds in a cubicle where two seated people unexpectedly choose to bring one another into their fragile worlds. Keith, a mortgage broker, and Ryan, a yogurt plant worker seeking to buy a plot of land that belonged to his family many decades ago, realize they share a “specific kind of sadness.” At this desk in the middle of America, loan talk opens up into a discussion about the chokehold of financial insecurity and a bond over the precariousness of parenthood. With humor, empathy and wrenching honesty, Hunter commingles two lives and deftly bridges disparate experiences of marginality.

“Must-see heartbreaker of a play!”
– The New York Times

“Another extraordinary play by Samuel D. Hunter!”
– New York Stage Review

“Easily one of the best of the year!”
–The Wall Street Journal

“…one of the most moving new plays of the year!”
– TheatreMania

“‘A Case for the Existence of God’ Finds What Connects Us All and Holiness in Humanity.”
–The Observer

*    *    *

MR. PARKER
A drama written by Michael McKeever

Directed by Randy Brenner
April 12 – 14; 19 — 21

At 54 years old, Terry Parker finds himself at a crossroads in his life. After the loss of his partner of 30 years, he finds himself suddenly single and unable to adjust to a world that has moved on without him. After a night of heavy drinking, he wakes up with a 28-year-old bartender-slash-Uber-driver. These two very different people begin a tentative relationship, and what starts out as a one-night stand becomes a journey of self-discovery for a man trying to let go of the past and move forward, while dealing with the pressures of being middle-aged, gay and alone in the ever-changing landscape of today’s America.

“A very intelligent, absorbing look at contemporary relationships and the conflicts that keep us all from aging with joy and peace of mind. This play is a real discovery!”

– Rex Reed

“The protagonist of this new play by Michael McKeever steps gingerly out of grief’s stasis and into the unknown.”
–The New York Times

Thursday, December 7, 2023   

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

SAN FRANCISCO PREPARED TO IMPLEMENT NEW CONSERVATORSHIP LAW TO HELP PEOPLE STRUGGING WITH SEVERE SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER  

Under Mayor Breed’s Executive Directive issued in October, City Departments are prepared to begin implementing SB 43 law changes at the beginning of January 2024  

 SB 43 expands the definition of “grave disability” to include those who live with severe substance use disorder and those who are unable to provide for their own personal safety or necessary medical care  

San Francisco, CA – Mayor London N. Breed today announced that San Francisco will be ready at the beginning of January to operationalize Senate Bill 43, a change in State mental health conservatorship laws that expands the eligibility requirements to compel people struggling with severe substance use disorder to get the care and support they need.  

Signed by Governor Newsom last October, SB 43 goes into effect on January 1, 2024. Immediately after the bill was signed into law, Mayor Breed issued an Executive Directive to City Departments to ensure that San Francisco was ready to implement this new policy at the beginning of January.  

Senate Bill 43 expands California’s Lanterman–Petris–Short (LPS) conservatorship law by updating the criteria for determining if a person is “gravely disabled,” the standard for LPS conservatorship eligibility.  

SB43 expands the definition of Grave Disability in two important ways:  

• The law provides a legal basis for conserving individuals who are Gravely Disabled due to the impacts of a severe substance use disorder alone. This adds to the current definition that only allows for conservatorships based on serious mental illness or chronic alcoholism.  

• The expanded definition adds inability to provide for necessary medical care, and/or personal safety to the current definition of food, clothing, and shelter that is related to their mental illness or substance use disorder.  

This will address a situation where psychiatric emergencies involve the use of multiple substances (e.g. methamphetamines and opioids including fentanyl).    

Mayor Breed’s Executive Directive coordinates and gives direction to departments, including the Department of Disability and Aging Services (DAS), the City Attorney’s Office, and the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) to implement SB 43. The Executive Order provides oversight and coordination, sets implementation timelines, and requires departments to train staff on the expanded definition of grave disability with an improved collaborative workflow.  

The Departments are prepared for the law to go into effect on January 1, 2024. At that time, the Public Conservator will begin to receive referrals under the newly established criteria set forth by SB 43. If deemed eligible after an assessment, the Public Conservator will file petitions with the court to conserve those individuals. For additional information on SB 43 and its implementation in San Francisco, visit this link.  

“People are struggling with severe substance use and mental health challenges in our City to the point where they cannot help themselves. When we have an opportunity to put a new solution into place, we must work quickly to do everything we can to implement it,” said Mayor Breed. “Conservatorship is a complex and long legal process, which is why moving quickly to put the pieces into place is imperative. I want to thank the staff at the various City agencies who have been working hard to ensure that, come January, we are ready to start helping people and changing lives.”  

As part of the conservatorship process, the Superior Court appoints a public conservator to authorize psychiatric treatment of a person who meets the legal definition of grave disability. If the Court determines a person meets the criteria, they can be placed under conservatorship for up to one year, and the conservatorship can be renewed annually if the individual continues to meet the criteria. Only psychiatrists and clinical psychologists may make referrals for conservatorship and only the Public Conservator may file petitions. After appointment, the Conservator works with other City departments to ensure conservatees are receiving proper treatment.    

“Conservatorship is the intervention of last resort. We hope that by working in close collaboration with our City partners to implement the expansion of SB 43, it will help people who need it most,” said Kelly Dearman, Executive Director of the Department of Disability and Aging Services. “Although SB 43 does not change the procedures of existing conservatorships, it will allow us to help people who are not able to provide for their basic needs for food, clothing, shelter, personal safety or necessary medical care due to a severe substance use disorder and/or mental health disorder.”  

“The Department of Public Health continues to expand our portfolio of treatment options for those in need while offering a range of services including early intervention, crisis response, as well as inpatient and outpatient care,” said Director of Health, Dr. Grant Colfax. “SB 43 provides us another opportunity in our larger system of care and support to help those with the most acute behavioral health needs.”  

“The previous definition of grave disability was written in the 1970s. Today’s societal challenges are different than they were 50 years ago,” said City Attorney David Chiu. “I am proud of the work our attorneys did to shape and advocate for this expansion of state law. We are ready to assist our clients in ensuring SB 43 is implemented effectively in San Francisco.”  

Over the last several years, Mayor Breed has advocated for a broad range of statewide conservatorship reform, working closely with State Senator Scott Wiener and other State and City leaders, including State Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman, to successfully pass and implement mental health conservatorship process improvements.  

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Protect Our Marilyn Statement 

“We want to thank the Palm Springs City Council for their serious consideration and for voting to adopt the initiative ordinance which amends the  Downtown Palm Springs Specific Plan to facilitate the vacation of a portion of Museum Way in order to provide permanent pedestrian access and the installation of the “Forever Marilyn” Statue at its present location which has become so cherished a part of downtown. We are hopeful, that after hearing the overwhelming support for keeping the statue in its current location, that those minority voices in opposition will cease from further attempts to block the will of the people at huge taxpayer expense.”

— David Perry, Protect Our Marilyn Campaign 

MEDIA CONTACT:

For Hilton Union Square San Francisco/Parc 55:
David Perry
+1 415 676-7007 news@davidperry.com

Ho! Ho! Hilton!

San Francisco’s Hilton Union Square and Parc 55
Have a Sleigh-Full of Holiday Offerings, Special Bevvies & Bargains

1 December 2023 – San Francisco, CA: This holiday season, the Hilton San Francisco Union Square and its sister property, Parc 55 San Francisco, a Hilton Hotelare set to dazzle guests and locals alike with a variety of festive offerings. From stunning decorations to exclusive events and dining experiences, these iconic hotels are at the heart of San Francisco’s holiday celebrations including a “Magical Meet-and-Greet With Santa” December 9 & 16 at Cityscape, the highest lounge in San Francisco with 360° views of the Bay, Golden Gate Bridge and glittering skyline: also the perfect spot for Hilton’s “Countdown with a View” on New Year’s Eve. 

“We wanted to make it easy for the Jolly Ole’ Elf to land, so what better place than our 46^th floor City Scape Lounge,” quipped Peter Hart, Hilton Complex General Manager. “Our Holiday schedule has something for the whole family: Santa for the kids, and signature cocktails and mocktails for the big kids to lift their spirits along with Selfie-ready backdrops, special skating packages with the Union Square Ice Rink, and the best views in town for ringing in 2024.”

Holiday Decorations Make for Festive Instagramable Moments:
Both hotels are fully adorned for the season, featuring 15-foot tall Christmas trees and grand garlands. Unique to Hilton San Francisco Union Square is a 7-foot-tallsnow globe in the main lobby, offering a creative selfie opportunity with a 3D model of the Golden Gate Bridge. Another highlight is the “Santa’s throne” set up in the Tower 3 lobby, surrounded by presents and lights for the perfect holiday photo.   Parc 55 also has a 9-foot-tall “selfie booth” that guests can walk inside of and pose for photos among piles of presents and a crackling fireplace.  

Sweet Spirits and Festive Holiday Meals:
The lobby bar at Hilton San Francisco Union Square is adding the “In Sweet Spirits” cocktail menu, featuring delights such as the ‘Be Merry Cosmopolitan’ and ‘Festive Fizz’. Parc 55’s Cable 55 restaurant has beentransformed into a ‘Cozy Cabin Holiday Pop-Up’, complete with over-the-top decorations, and special holiday menus for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Some of the seasonal elixirs at the Hilton are: 

• The Drink That Stole Christmas 
(Bacardi, Midori, St. Germain, lime juice, kiw and basil)

• Chai Moose Nog
(Ron Zacapa rum, kahlua, eggnog, chai, and served in a moose mug)

• Abuelita’s Mexican Hot Chocolate
(Don Julio Blanco, hot chocolate, cinnamon whip

• Pumpkin Spice Latte Martini
(Ketel One, pumpkin puree, espresso, pumpkin spice)

• Santa’s Sangria
(red wine, brandy, apple cider, apples, oranges,blackberries, cinnamon, cloves, star anise)

• Cozy Cabin Sour
(Johnny Walker Red Label, lime juice, activated charcoal, egg white)

• Maple Bacon Old Fashioned
(bacon-infused Woodenville, maple syrup, walnut bitters)

• Festive Fizz
(Tanqueray gin, Moët & Chandon, lemon juice

The Parc55’s iconic CABLE55 overlooking the Cable Car Turn-around also features some zero-proof “mocktails” to life your spirits:

• Holiday Mule 15
(cranberry juice, ginger beer, lime juice)

• Peppermint Espresso Martini 16
(seedlip spice, cold brew, peppermint)

• Blackberry Smash
(blackberry, lime, mint)

Plus, the Parc 55’s “Cozy Bites” selection includes:

• Moose Muchies
(roasted sweet & spicy bar nuts & seeds)

• Reindeer Flight Mix
(cereal mix, white chocolate, coconut & almonds)

• Cozy Cabin’s Cheese Ball
(creamy mix of cheese, bacon, pecan & chives)

• Polar Bear Turkey Slider
(roasted turkey, cranberry, horseradish)

In addition to special seasonal cocktails, guests will enjoy all their familiar favorites on the cocktail menu including Buzz Sparkle Pop, Cityscape’s photo-worthy signature libation featuring Buzz Bar alcoholic popsicles submerged in a glass of sparkling white wine. Other drinks include neighborhood-inspired creations such as Golden Gate, featuring Bozal EnsambleMezcal; Pacific Heights, made with Nolet’s gin and Riondo prosecco; and Cole Valley, a floral blend with a base of Ketel One Botanical Vodka and Yellow Chartreuse. The menu also includes small plates, Bay Area craft beer and wine, top-shelf liquors, and a private reserve collection featuring rare vintages from prominent wineries such as California-based Stag’s Leap, Duckhorn, and Raymond Vineyard.

“These holiday specials at Hilton San Francisco Union Square and Parc 55 are the perfect complement to the vibrant holiday events happening in Union Square,” said Marisa Rodriguez, CEO of the Union Square Alliance. “Union Square has always been the heart of the City, and a long-cherished tradition during the Festive Season. Guests at both hotels are a snowball’s throw away from San Francisco’s only outdoor ice-skating rink next to the towering Macy’s Great Tree, and from December 15th-24th, our special Union Square Winter Walk featuring music, food, holiday market, and fun activations for the whole family.”

Opened in 1964, Hilton San Francisco Union Square is the largest hotel in California and an architectural landmark known for dramatic lighting and signature events.  Both the Hilton and Parc 55 are at the very heart of  San Francisco’s world-class Union Square with its internationally recognized retails brands, restaurants and Broadway style theatre. Also nearby are such offerings as the Asian Art and steps away are the world-famous landmark Cable Cars, carrying visitors ‘halfway to the stars’ and to such iconic destinations as Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Nob Hill, North Beach and the famous Alcatraz Island Tours. 

Aside from the Hilton’s special New Year’s “Countdown with a View” package, usual Cityscape Lounge hours are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 5pm to 11pm. Premium corner seating areas are available for reservation. All other seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Corner reservations may be made by emailing SFOFH-F&B_Management@hilton.com.   For guest room reservations please visit Hilton.com or call (415) 771-1400.  

About Hilton San Francisco Union Square
Opened in 1964 and instantly a landmark on the City’s storied skyline, Hilton San Francisco Union Square is the largest hotel in San Francisco and the largest on the West Coast, featuring 1,921 rooms and more than 135,000 square feet of meeting space. The property is located in San Francisco’s theater district, two blocks from Union Square. Amenities include an outdoor pool, four on-site dining outlets, a 24-hour fitness center and the acclaimed City Scape Lounge atop the 46^th floor: highest in the City.  

About Parc 55, a Hilton Hotel Parc 55, a Hilton Hotel is adjacent to the Hilton Towerand features city and Bay views from all of its windows. At the lobby drive in entrance, guests are greeted by the giant iconic sculpture “San Francisco Yesterday and Today” by famed local artist Ruth Asawa. These seven sculpted panels present a cavalcade of San Francisco sights and scenes – both historical and modern. Cast in glass-fiber-reinforced concrete, the one-of-a-kind artwork was made with old-world craft techniques rarely duplicated today.

About Hilton  
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 22 world-class brands comprising nearly 7,400 properties and more than 1.1 million rooms, in 124 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed more than 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, earned a top spot on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For list and been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for six consecutive years. Hilton has introduced several industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 173 million members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can’t buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook,Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube. 

About Hilton Hotels & Resorts 
For over a century, Hilton Hotels & Resorts has set the benchmark for hospitality around the world, providing new product innovations and services to meet guests’ evolving needs. With more than 600 hotels across six continents, Hilton Hotels & Resorts properties are located in the world’s most sought-after destinations for guests who know that where they stay matters. Experience a positive stay at Hilton Hotels & Resorts by booking at hiltonhotels.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Hilton Hotels & Resorts at stories.hilton.com/hhr, and follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

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

Winter Walk in Union Square, a Cherished Tradition, Makes a Triumphant Return to San Francisco’s Heart
www.visitunionsquaresf.com

21 November 2023, San Francisco, CA: Winter Walk, a tradition beloved by both San Francisco locals and Bay Area visitors, is poised for a triumphant return to the City’s heart. Presented by Amazon and the Union Square Alliance (www.visitunionsquaresf.com) and sponsored by the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development and the Office of Mayor London N. Breed, this highly anticipated event pledges an enchanting fusion of contemporary arctic wonderland aesthetics, captivating performances, and festive offerings of food, drink, activities and shops.

“Winter Walk holds a special place in the heart of our city, a timeless tradition that brings joy to all who experience it,” said Marisa Rodriguez, CEO of the Union Square Alliance. “As the Union Square Alliance eagerly anticipates its return, let us embrace the enchanting blend of a modern arctic wonderland, the warmth of community, and the holiday spirit that makes Winter Walk a celebration of life’s beautiful moments. It’s not just an event; it’s a cherished tradition that unites us all in the heart of Union Square.”

“Union Square attracts residents and visitors from all over the world who want to enjoy our exceptional retail, art, and cultural experiences,” said San Francisco Mayor London N. Breed. “The Winter Walk is a wonderful experience that celebrates Union Square as an amazing holiday destination for the whole family.  The City will continue to bring forward programs and initiatives to support Union Square and boost Downtown’s economy.”  

“Amazon is proud to be the presenting sponsor of Winter Walk 2023. This festive event in the heart of the city is one of the ways valuable organizations like Union Square Alliance work to create magic in San Francisco,” said Sally Kay, Regional Head of Public Policy and External Affairs for Amazon. “We look forward to seeing city residents and visitors alike experience the joy that Winter Walk brings to Union Square as we come together to celebrate the season.”

Having been an annual gathering place for people to jingle, shop, and mingle between 2015 and 2018, Winter Walk reached its peak 2018 with an impressive turnout of 2.2 million attendees. Serving as a holiday respite during the Central Subway construction hiatus, Stockton Street in Union Square, which symbolizes a lively link between Chinatown and Market Street, was activated annually during the festive season. Transforming it into a welcoming public space adorned with artificial grass, illuminated seating, and a festive ambiance, Winter Walk became an enduring tradition.

Even with the Central Subway officially opening its doors in January 2023, seamlessly linking communities from Chinatown to the newly revealed Chase Center and fully reopening Stockton Street to traffic, the triumphant return of Winter Walk is a testament to the enduring spirit of community enthusiasm for this event. This revival is the result of collaborative efforts by City and community partners, including Mayor London Breed, SFMTA, Office of Economic and Workforce Development, Chinatown, SFPD, SFFP, and the Union Square Alliance. The event is poised to continue bringing joy and fostering a sense of togetherness, encapsulating the spirit of the holidays in San Francisco.

“Winter Walk has been such a strong joyous program in a moment when we need this as a city,” said Malcolm Yeung, Executive Director of Chinatown Community Development Center. “I am grateful to Union Square Alliance for continuing to forward this program – and in particular, doing so in way that values the partnership of neighboring communities like Chinatown.”

“There’s nowhere more magical during the holidays than Union Square’s Winter Walk,” said Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin. “It’s not just the shopping, although many of us have fond childhood memories of visiting Macy’s gift displays wide-eyed and giddy with anticipation. There’s something nostalgic and new for everyone, including performances curated by District 3’s own BoxCar Theatre, ice-skating for all ages, and my personal favorite, the return of the SFSPCA window displays of kittens & puppies in need of good homes. Bring your family to Union Square this holiday season and get ready to make some new memories together.”

The Union Square Alliance has worked closely with SFMTA to ensure minimal traffic interruptions during this 10-day activation.

In addition, Safety continues to be a top priority. 24/7 private security by Legion will be in place within Winter Walk, in addition to the popular retired Police Officers Program, augmented by active-duty members of the SFPD, SF Travel Welcome Ambassadors, and Union Square Ambassadors throughout the district team-up to support a welcoming outdoor environment for all to enjoy. 

“The San Francisco Police Department will have officers out in force to ensure this holiday season is fun and safe for everyone,” said Police Chief Bill Scott. “We’re collaborating closely with our city partners so we’re able to deter crime and respond quickly when necessary. I want to thank our officers who have been working hard and will continue to keep people safe as we begin this holiday shopping season.” 

Winter Walk has long been associated with its most recognizable feature – the vibrant green faux grass. This year, however, get ready for a fresh and bold statement as the Union Square Alliance introduces a new color palette. Brace yourself for a spectacle filled with glaciers, penguins, and polar bears (oh my) as you step into a wonderland designed to captivate audiences of all ages (kids from 1 to 92). Enjoy Instagrammable moments in a modern arctic adventure brought to you by some of the best decorators in the District.

“Gump’s is delighted to be a sponsor of Winter Walk in downtown San Francisco’s beautiful Union Square. We invite you to visit our legendary holiday shop while enjoying all that Union Square and Winter Walk have to offer,” said Marc Capalbo, Gump’s – Vice President of Retail Operations. “Gump’s, like Union Square, has been a holiday destination for generations of Bay Area families. Happy Holidays – we look forward to seeing you.”

“We are delighted to be a proud sponsor of Winter Walk, contributing to the festive spirit of the holiday season in Union Square,” said Clif Clark, General Manager of Westin St. Francis and Area General Manager of San Francisco. “Our seasonal immersive lobby decor has become a hallmark, and Winter Walk provides the perfect platform for us to extend that experience beyond our hotel walls. We invite everyone to stop by our holiday windows at 100 Stockton and to visit our lobby to share in the holiday magic that we bring to the heart of San Francisco.”

The Union Square Alliance continues its newer tradition of the great Ornament Trail. Giant, larger than life Ornaments designed by local artists. Download or pick up an Ornament Trail coloring sheet at our Winter Walk Info booth and wander the neighborhood for a fun activity for the whole family.  Find them all and redeem for a prize on the Winter Walk on select days.

Moreover, Union Square stands out as a premier destination for seasonal shopping, and The Alliance is introducing an indoor holiday marketplace at 100 Stockton, curated by Sunset Mercantile which will showcase a rotating selection of over 60 local vendors daily, representing the rich diversity of both the City and the Bay Area. This includes a vibrant mix of vendors from nearby Chinatown and the Tenderloin district. Attendees will have the chance to discover unique stocking stuffers while actively supporting small, local businesses. Sunset Mercantile has also planned family-friendly arts and crafts activities, along with optional indoor activities for an additional fee, ensuring a festive and engaging experience for all.

Additionally, the Union Square Alliance announces its collaboration with Off the Grid, offering an array of fantastic food trucks on themed days. Make it a daily tradition to explore diverse cultures and flavors, ranging from Noodle Night and Breakfast All Day to Football Fever (*subject to change). Alongside these delectable offerings, Winter Walk will host multiple Bars serving an extensive variety of festive specialty cocktails and beverages, ensuring there’s something for every palate to savor.

“Off the Grid is delighted to be a key partner in the return of Winter Walk, an event close to our hearts,” said Matt Cohen, Founder & CEO. “At Off the Grid, we believe food is the center of community, fostering connections between neighbors, friends, and families. Infused with our passion for diverse culinary experiences, we are excited to bring an array of flavors to Winter Walk at Union Square, a central and welcoming gathering place where people come together to commemorate cherished holiday moments in an iconic San Francisco setting.”

This event wouldn’t be complete without a visit from Santa. So, in conjunction with Boswick the Clown, We Are the Kind and Dottie Lux, Winter Walk will have a complete schedule of performances on stage, sit-downs with Santa and a variety of roaming performers, with something to entertain and delight every audience. *Performance schedule to come*

Winter Walk is delighted to highlight two esteemed charities as our community non-profit partners: The Salvation Army and the San Francisco SPCA. The iconic sound of Salvation Army bells will resonate, urging guests to contribute to holiday meals for families, provide food for the unhoused, and support a range of crucial services throughout the entire year. Adding to the festive spirit, the San Francisco SPCA, known for their charming Macy’s windows, will bring their lovable furry friends onto the turf for attendees to interact with, donate to, and even adopt. It truly embodies the spirit of the Season of Giving.

“The San Francisco SPCA is honored to join the enchanting return of Winter Walk festivities, bringing warmth and joy to Union Square. The San Francisco SPCA is excited to host a Shelter Animal Toy Drive in partnership with KTVU FOX 2, offer personalized animal themed key chains, and have our amazing Animal Assisted Therapy Dogs spreading cheer,” said Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, CEO of San Francisco SPCA. “Don’t miss the chance to meet our adoptable animals at Macy’s Union Square windows from November 17 to December 31, Thursday to Sunday, noon to 5 pm. It’s a season of compassion, and we can’t wait to share it with the community.”

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Union Square Alliance and standing kettles at Winter Walk!,” said Major Matthew Madsen, Divisional Secretary for The Salvation Army in San Francisco. “As one of our most successful and longest standing efforts, the Red Kettle Campaign started at the San Francisco Ferry Building in 1891. Donations to the kettles at Christmas time support holiday meals for families, food for the unhoused, as well as a myriad of other critical services all year long. And donations made to a Salvation Army kettle, stay in the community.”

Ribbon Cutting & Press Conference: Friday, December 15  from 5pm – 5:30pm Kick-Off Party with VIP Area: Friday, December 15 from 5:30pm – 9pm

Winter Walk is a pedestrian only event and will be held on Stockton Street from Post – Geary Street and Geary – O’Farrell Street and Maiden Lane between Stockton – Grant. Driving lanes will be affected – please review the street closure map on our website for more information. It will feature ten days of activations starting from Friday, December 15 to Sunday, December 24. The Winter Walk will be open from Monday to Wednesday from 12pm to 7pm and Thursday to Sunday from 10am to 9pm. Entry is free. Food, drinks, and activities are an additional cost. For more information and updated schedules, go online to www.visitunionsquaresf.com