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

Palm Springs Sister City Board of Directors to Visit San Miguel de Allende
August 3 – 6, 2023

Delegation from Palm Springs Led by Mayor Grace Garner
and City Cultural and Business Leaders
www.sistercitiesps.org

22 May 2023 – Palm Springs, CA:  The Palm Springs Sister City Board of Directors (www.sistercitiesps.org) will embark on a four-day trip to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, from August 3 to 6, 2023, to celebrate the second official signing of the sister city agreement between the two cities. The trip will also include cultural and educational activities, as well as opportunities to strengthen the ties of friendship and cooperation between the two municipalities.  An initial signing ceremony was held this past February in Palm Springs when San Miguel Mayor Mauricio Trejo led a delegation north.

The delegation to San Miguel will be led by Palm Springs Mayor Grace Garner, members of the Palm Springs Sister City Board of Directors and area community, business, hospitality and cultural representatives.  Highlights of the trip will include a visit to the historic Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel, a neo-Gothic church that dominates the city skyline, as well as business-to-business meetings to build economic ties as well as cultural, culinary and educational exchanges.  The culmination of the trip will be an official signing ceremony in the San Miguel de Allende City Hall.

A definitive schedule of events, and a full delegation list, will be forthcoming in the next several weeks. While the City of San Miguel and affiliated businesses will host the delegation while there, all costs for transportation and incidentals for Mayor Garner, and the Palm Springs Delegation, will be paid for privately by monies raised by the Sister City Delegation and its supporters.

“This is a momentous occasion for both of our cities, as we formalize our relationship and commit to working together on issues of mutual interest and benefit,” said Mayor Garner. “San Miguel de Allende is a beautiful and vibrant city with a rich history and culture, and we are honored to be its first sister city in California. As someone whose family has deep Mexican roots, to lead this delegation is especially moving for me.”

Mayor Mauricio Trejo echoed the sentiments of his counterpart and expressed his enthusiasm for the exchange. “We are delighted to host our friends from Palm Springs and show them the best of our city and our people,” he said. “We share many similarities with Palm Springs, such as our artistic and creative spirit, our tourism industry, and our respect for diversity and inclusion. We look forward to learning from each other and collaborating on projects that will enhance the quality of life in both of our communities.”

The trip will also feature visits to some of San Miguel de Allende’s most iconic attractions, such as the Instituto Allende, an art school founded by American veterans in 1950; the Escuela de Bellas Artes, a cultural center housed in a former convent; and the Sanctuary of Atotonilco, a World Heritage Site known for its elaborate murals depicting  Biblical scenes. The delegation will also enjoy local cuisine, music, and crafts, as well as interact with students, artists, and business leaders.

San Miguel de Allende is a city of about 140,000 people located in the state of Guanajuato in central Mexico. Founded in the 16th century by Spanish explores, it became a hub of the Mexican War of Independence in the early 19th century. Today, it is a popular destination for tourists and expatriates who are drawn to its colonial architecture, artistic scene, and mild climate. It’s historic and impeccably preserved center city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.

Palm Springs is a city of about 45,000 people located in Riverside County in southern California. It is situated in the Coachella Valley at the base of the San Jacinto Mountains. It was originally inhabited by the Cahuilla Indians who called it Séc-he (boiling water). It became a fashionable resort for Hollywood celebrities and wealthy visitors in the mid-20th century. Today, it is known for its mid-century modern architecture, design elements, arts and cultural scene, and recreational activities.

The genesis for the Palm Springs Sister City Committee came from Destination PSP owner (and now City Councilmember) Jeffrey Bernstein who first presented his idea at a meeting of the Palm Springs City Council in 2019 just before the outbreak of COVID.   Soon thereafter, Bernstein drew in the participation of other local business and community leaders who have spent the last year as an all-volunteer effort, organizing the group and joining Sister Cities International, the governing body for such civic partnerships.  The board is now comprised of Al Jones (President), Hugo Loyola (Vice President), Andrea Davis (Treasurer), Ellen Goodman (Secretary), Gary Armstrong, Marlene V. Coulis, Sid Craig, John Miraglia, Scott Nevins, David Eugene Perry and Deb Pierrel.

“It thrills me to see this take shape,” said Bernstein who resigned from the Sister City Board upon his election to City Council. “I’ve always been a believer in tourism as a way to boost economic and cultural ties. I know I share this enthusiasm with my fellow council members and we look forward to soon visiting San Miguel.”

“It’s been an exciting first year for us,” said Palm Springs Sister Board Chair Jones. “During COVID, we explored a number of options for Palm Springs first contemporary sister city, and San Miguel quickly became an obvious choice. We are delighted and honored that they accepted our invitation, and look forward to years of rich and growing exchanges and relationships.”

The Palm Springs Sister City Committee is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt public charity and receives no public funds. The work of the Committee is completely self-funded through donations from the Committee members and interested members of the public.  Palm Springs Sister Cities was created with the purpose of enhancing world peace by promoting and servicing relationships between the City of Palm Springs and other similar government units in foreign countries with the object of developing closer understanding and cooperation between people of those respective governmental units.  The group hopes to ensure a world of peace through goodwill, compassion, and helping other cultures.

At the heart of all Sister City programs is an agreement, signed by the mayors of each Sister City, confirming the commitment of each community to the Sister City program. Sister Cities agree to send and receive delegations of various types, including political and business leaders, arts and cultural representatives, educators, and technical experts because these exchanges promote cross-cultural understanding, municipal and technical cooperation, and business opportunities. Each Sister City is supported by a committee of volunteers who are committed to the goals and objectives of the program.

​Palm Springs had a sister city relationship not only with Victoria, B.C. Canada in the late 1960s and early 1970s, but also with Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and Nikki, Japan. 

The 112th Running of Bay to Breakers will kick off this Sunday, May 21st at 8:00 a.m.  

Runners, walkers and revelers alike will once again line up at Howard and Main Street for San Francisco’s greatest running tradition.

From the starting line, participants will head west through the City on Howard Street, up the Hayes Street Hill, along the Panhandle, through Golden Gate Park to Ocean Beach

Visit www.baytobreakers.com for more participant information

Bay to Breakers Race Day Hotline # 415-684-7458

A full list of closures and public transportation options are detailed below

• Bernice Rodgers Way from JFK to MLK (in Golden Gate Park) closed from 3 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Chain of Lakes Street from Fulton to Lincoln (in Golden Gate Park) closed from 3 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• JFK Drive from Stanyan to Great Highway (in Golden Gate Park) closed from 3 a.m. to 4 p.m.Friday, May 19

Ocean Beach parking lot closed through 6 p.m. Monday

Saturday, May 20

• Howard Street from Embarcadero to Beale closed from 7 p.m. through 11 a.m. Sunday

• Spear Street from Mission to Folsom closed from 7 p.m. through 11 a.m. Sunday

• Steuart Street from Mission to Southerly Terminus closed from 7 p.m. through 11 a.m. Sunday

• La Playa Street from Cabrillo to Fulton closed from 9 p.m. through 4:30 p.m. Sunday

• Eastbound Fulton Street from Great Highway to 48th closed from 9 p.m. through 4:30 p.m. Sunday

• Westbound Fulton Street from 46th to Great Highway closed from 9 p.m. through 4:30 p.m. Sunday

• Eastbound Lincoln Way from Great Highway to La Playa closed from 9 p.m. through 4:30 p.m. Sunday

• Westbound Lincoln Way from 48th to Great Highway closed from 9 p.m. through 4:30 p.m. Sunday

• Great Highway from Sloat to JFK Drive closed from 9 p.m. through 4:30 p.m. Sunday

• 47th from Fulton to JFK (in Golden Gate Park) closed from 9 p.m. through 2 p.m. Sunday 

• MLK Drive from Bernice Rodgers Way to Lincoln (in Golden Gate Park) closed from 9 p.m. through 4 p.m. Sunday

Sunday, May 21 – Race Day!

• Great Highway from JFK Drive to Balboa closed from midnight Saturday through 4 p.m. Sunday

• Balboa parking lot closed from midnight Saturday through 4 p.m. Sunday

• Howard Street from Beale to Third closed from 3 a.m. to 10 a.m.

• Beale Street from Mission to Folsom closed from 3 a.m. to 10 a.m.

• Fremont Street from Mission to Folsom closed from 3 a.m. to 10 a.m.

• First Street from Mission to Folsom closed from 3 a.m. to 10 a.m.

• Second Street from Mission to Folsom closed from 3 a.m. to 10 a.m.

• New Montgomery Street from Mission to Howard closed from 3 a.m. to 10 a.m.

• Divisadero from Grove to Oak closed from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Steiner Street from Grove to Hayes closed from 5 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

• Baker Street from Oak to Fell closed from 5 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

• Great Highway from Balboa to Point Lobos closed from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Cabrillo Street from 46th to La Playa closed from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Balboa Street from 46th to Great Highway closed from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Point Lobos Avenue from 48th to Great Highway closed from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Howard Street from Third to Ninth closed from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.

• Ninth Street from Howard to Market closed from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.

• Hayes Street from Market to Divisadero closed from 6 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• Fell Street from Divisadero to Stanyan closed from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Transverse Drive from MLK to Crossover (in Golden Gate Park) closed from 3 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• 39th Avenue from Fulton to JFK (in Golden Gate Park) closed from 3 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• 36th Avenue from Fulton to JFK (in Golden Gate Park) closed from 3 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Public transportation on Race Day

• BART will run four special early service trains that will get runners to the Embarcadero station near the starting line around 7am on Sunday from the Mission, the Peninsula and the East Bay.

• A BART train will leave Millbrae at 6:31 a.m. and will stop at Daly City at 6:44 a.m, 16th Street Mission at 6:54 a.m. and then Embarcadero at 7 a.m. No other stops will be made along the line.

• A BART train will leave Pleasant Hill at 6:25 a.m. and will stop at MacArthur at 6:45 a.m., West Oakland at 6:53 a.m. and then Embarcadero at 7 a.m. No other stops will be made along the line.

• A BART train will leave Dublin at 6:20 a.m. and will stop at Bay Fair at 6:37 a.m., West Oakland at 6:56 a.m., and then Embarcadero at 7:03 a.m. No other stops will be made along the line.

• A BART train will leave El Cerrito del Norte at 6:37 a.m. and will stop at MacArthur at 6:51 a.m., West Oakland at 6:59 a.m. and then Embarcadero at 7:06 a.m. No other stops will be made along the line.

Caltrain will run two special service trains that will arrive at the San Francisco station by 7:30 a.m. From the station, runners can walk about a mile and a half to the start or take the N-Judah Muni train to the Embarcadero Station. Those planning to take either train can purchase a Bay-to-Breakers Day Pass on the Caltrain mobile app ahead of time. 

• The first Caltrain will pick up at the Palo Alto station at 6:24 a.m., then Menlo Park at 6:27, Redwood City at 6:33, San Carlos at 6:37, Belmont at 6:40, Hillsdale at 6:43, Hayward Park at 6:46, San Mateo at 6:50, Millbrae at 6:57 and drop off in San Francisco at 7:17 a.m.

• The second Caltrain will make more stops, starting at 6:02 a.m. at the San Jose Diridon station, then Lawrence at 6:14, Sunnyvale at 6:18, Mountain View at 6:23, San Antonio at 6:26, California Avenue at 6:30, Menlo Park at 6:37,  Redwood City at 6:43, San Carlos at 6:47, Belmont at 6:50, Hillsdale at 6:53, Hayward Park at 6:56, San Mateo at 6:59, Burlingame at 7:02, Broadway at 7:05, Millbrae at 7:09, San Bruno at 7:14, South San Francisco at 7:18 and drop off in San Francisco at 7:30.

Muni will also be running pre- and post-race express service buses and trains. 

• N-Judah to Caltrain will serve regular stops starting at 19th Avenue between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m., and there will be extra trains starting at 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• 5R-Fulton Rapid to downtown will serve regular 5R stops from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m.

• 28 19th Avenue will provide extra service between Geary Boulevard and Daly City from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Several Muni lines will also be disrupted by the race. The 12 and 18 lines will be disrupted starting at 7 p.m. on Saturday, and service on the 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 14R, 15, 18, 19, 21, 22, 24, 25, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 33, 38, 38R, 43, 44, 45, 49, F, J-Bus, K-Bus, NBus and T-Bus lines will all be affected on Sunday during the race.

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

Coachella Valley Workplace Wellness Luncheon Takes Place
Thursday, June 22 (11:30am – 1:30pm)

Registration Now Open Online 

www.harcdata.org

19 May 2023 – Palm Desert, CA: HARC, Inc. (www.harcdata.org). the Coachella Valley’s premier source for community health and wellness data, announces that the 2023 Coachella Valley Workplace Wellness Luncheon will take place on Thursday, June 22 (11:30am – 1:30pm) at the Westin Desert Willow Resort (38-995 Desert Willow Dr, Palm Desert). The event’s  Symposium will consist of a keynote from HARC’s CEO Dr. Jenna LeComte-Hinely and a panel discussion with local leaders who prioritize employee mental health and well-being.  Event tickets are now available on EventBrite. Register by visiting the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-workplace-wellness-luncheon-tickets-617198797217  Tickets are $ 45.

“The COVID-19 pandemic brought unique issues and struggles to the lives of many people and organizations in the past year,” Casey Leier, HARC Director of Research and Evaluation. “The World Health Organization reports that in the first year of the pandemic there was a 25% increase in depression and anxiety worldwide. Additionally, a survey by Mind Share Partners revealed that 84% of workers said their workplace contributed to at least one mental health challenge.”

As a response to the heavy weight of the pandemic on worker mental health, the U.S. Surgeon General released a new model of Workplace Well-Being to support workers and employers in creating healthy work environments. With the U.S. government now making workplace well-being a priority, join is in discussing how we can integrate the workplace well-being model into the fabric of our community.

“All types of organizations are encouraged to attend this event including for-profits, nonprofits, schools, and governmental organizations,” note Jenna LeComte-Hinely. “Business owners, managers, and anyone who cares about employee health and wellness will explore ideas of how to support employee mental health and ultimately give way for an organization that thrives.”

Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Sponsorship levels range from $500 to $10,000 with perks such as free event tickets, press features on our website, social media, and e-blasts. For more information contact Bernardo Lino at BLino@HARCdata.org.

HARC wishes to thank their current sponsors: 

Titanium Sponsor

• Desert Oasis Healthcare 

Gold Sponsor

• College of the Desert

About HARC

HARC is a nonprofit organization based in Palm Desert, CA. HARC advances the quality of life by helping community leaders use objective research and analysis to turn data into action, with a special focus on the Coachella Valley. To learn more about HARC, visit www.HARCdata.org

MEDIA ADVISORY

Major San Francisco Event Sunday 2023 Zappos Bay to Breakers

Some 20,000 participants, many in costumes, are expected to take part in Bay Area’s most historic and beloved events on Sunday; Residents are advised to plan and expect delays; alternate routes are available; more information at www.BaytoBreakers.com.  

What:	The 112th running of the iconic Zappos Bay to Breakers road race returns this weekend. City of San Francisco residents and visitors can expect road closures and delays on Sunday from the waterfront from the San Francisco Bay in downtown all the way to Ocean Beach. The streets will reopen on a rolling basis as soon as the last participant has passed and all course support materials have been removed.
When:	Sunday, May 21  6:00 am – Citywide Road Closures begin  8:00 am – Official Race Start Time  2:00 pm – Majority of Course Reopens
Where:	Start: Main and Howard St. Finish: 21291 Pacific Coast Highway San Francisco, California
More:	Zappos Bay to Breakers features a challenging USA Track and Field-certified 12-K (7.46 miles) course.  Starting at the base of the San Francisco Bay, the course rises steeply along the City’s famous Hayes Street Hill.  Around the 2.5-mile mark runners climb an 11.15 percent grade between Fillmore and Steiner streets, bringing them to the highest point in the race, approximately 215 feet above sea level. The remainder of the course gradually flows alongside the Panhandle and through Golden Gate Park and ends at the Pacific Ocean.
Contact:	David Perry, 415-676-7007 news@davidperry.com  Dan Cruz, 619.925.7671 dcruz@motivsports.com

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

MEDIA ADVISORY / COVERAGE REQUEST
TODAY / SUNDAY, MAY 14 (1pm – 4pm)

WHAT:
“Union Square in Bloom” Kickoff

WHERE:
The Stage at Union Square

WHEN:
Sunday, May 14 (1pm – 4pm)
* 1pm – 2pm: Food, salsa music and dance instruction
* 2pm: One-of-a-kind couture “Union Square in Bloom” Dress by Ukrainian designer Vasily Vein unveiled in fashion show
* 2:30pm – music, dancing and food vendors continues

WHY:
Enlivens The Heart of San Francisco This Spring & Summer
Area Hotels, Restaurants, Bars and Merchants Burst With Floral Décor
in 2^nd 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 2^nd 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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