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Happy 2023! Lots of great Civic Center CBD events and activities wrapped up 2022, see what happened in Quarter 3 below, and keep an eye on our site and social media accounts for what's coming up in 2023!
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Our annual Civic Center Plaza Holiday Tree Lighting brought its festive merriment to Civic Center Plaza on December 7, featuring a stellar lineup of performances: the Tap Dancing Christmas Trees, acapella group Business Casual and soloist Doris Bumpus, all led by emcee and Boxcar Theatre artistic director Nick Olivero. While holiday characters and event sponsor Redwood Credit Union's "Reddy" the redwood tree mingled with rosy-cheeked children, Another Planet Entertainment and the San Francisco Police Foundation marked another successful year of bringing more joy to the holiday season with a giveaway of 600 toys to those 12-and-under. At the Makers Village, San Francisco Public Library gave away hundreds of free children's books and SF Etsy led holiday crafting and interactive play. The event was capped off with "snow" flurries as the Grinch's heart grew three sizes and Santa greeted the cheering crowd. Civic Center Plaza's very own Assembly Cafe & Beer Garden served seasonal drinks and hot chocolate at a reduced price for youth in attendance. Special thanks to event production lead Off the Grid; and the Recreation and Parks Department, Mayor's Office, Marina Security; and SFGovTV for logistical and promotional support and live coverage of the event. If you're interested in sponsoring or participating in next year's event please let us know.
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The festive fun in Civic Center Plaza continued the two weekends following the Tree Lighting as the Mayor's Office hosted free, family events featuring photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, face painting, balloon artists, holiday train rides and festive entertainers in holiday costumes.
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Civic Center CBD's Holiday Fanfare Concerts popped up on Van Ness Avenue again this year. Brass trios and quintets from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music wowed theater patrons of all ages as they made their way to and from various Civic Center performances.
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The fun continued at San FranDISCO Roller Rink brought to the District by the Mayor's Office, Civic Center CBD and the Church of 8 Wheels. The 5,000-square feet covered rink with its groovy music, lights and disco balls has turned Fulton Plaza into a fun and festive place for skaters of all ages. And good news, you haven't missed your chance to skate a few laps: rink hours have been extended through January 31! Buy your discounted tickets here.
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CCCBD Sponsored Lunchtime Concerts Returned to Civic Center Plaza During September and October
Live music curated by Music City took place in the afternoons of the City's best weather months, featuring a rotation of blues, jazz, folk, and more; to delight playground goers, local residents, area workers, and even some newlyweds for their first dance!
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Civic Star Awarded to Heart of the City Farmers' Market's Steve Pulliam
CCCBD's 2022 Civic Star Award (presented to individuals and organizations who have supported the mission of the CCCBD by instituting projects, policies and programs that enhance the District) was awarded to Heart of the City Farmers' Market manager Steve Pulliam for his continued dedication to the Market, its customers and UN Plaza. Board Member and owner of Hayes Street Grill Patricia Unterman (image, left) presented the award to Pulliam (center), against the backdrop of City Hall with other CCCBD board members and supporters in attendance, including CCCBD Executive Director Tracy Everwine (right).
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World Cup Viewing Party at Civic Center Plaza
The World Cup viewing parties from SF Rec & Park and Street Soccer USA rolled up to Civic Center Plaza on December 9 for a fun viewing party of a pretty terrific game between Argentina and the Netherlands. The fans also enjoyed food and soccer activities. And congratulations to Argentina, winners of the FIFA 2022 World Cup!
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Development & Streetscape News |
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Better Market Street Construction Begins |
With many changes still to come for the project post-pandemic, Phase 1 (between 5th and 8th streets) has commenced. Thanks to CCCBD stakeholder input, Phase 1 work has been prioritized and streamlined to cause the least amount of disruption possible during downtown's recovery. Esquivel Construction is in charge of the work under the direction of Public Works and SFMTA, and CCCBD staff continues to work with the Project's management team to address Civic Center stakeholder needs and to help shape future phases given our post-pandemic priorities.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns about the project. You can reach the Project's management team here.
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Van Ness BRT Leads to "Ridership Boom" |
At the end of the year, Muni numbers showed ridership of Muni's 49-Van Ness/Mission surpassing pre-pandemic levels, and that the line is seeing a "ridership boom," due to the BRT Van Ness project that was completed in late March 2022. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, "Ridership on the 49 line shot up 60% since January [2022], and its ridership recovery has far outpaced Muni’s other bus and rail lines with the highest ridership."
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Adding Building Height and Affordable Housing Units |
Related is seeking to add extra height to its planned building at 98 Franklin in exchange for purchasing 600 Van Ness (the former McDonald's site) for the City to develop affordable housing and $1 million for the city to develop Parcel K in Hayes Valley, a deal it sought in an effort to make the development more feasible in the post-pandemic landscape. The agreement allows for 98 Franklin to "increase from 365 feet to 400 feet, which would allow the developer to increase the number of units by 40 — from 345 to 385." The lower floors of 98 Franklin will be inhabited by the French-American School, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Socketsite also shared a new rendering, visualizing the proposed — and currently under construction —building skyline.
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New Parking Meters on District Streets |
Part of a citywide effort to update the parking meters across San Francisco, the new, multi-space pay stations featuring pay-by-license-plate have started to pop up on District streets.
This is how they work:
When you pull into a parking space, head to the nearest pay station on the block, or use the PayByPhone app, key in your license plate number and pay. Since the PayByPhone app stores your license plate number, you won’t have to remember or type it in every time when using the app. New overhead signage and decals on the pay stations will let you know that the pay-by-plate system is in effect.
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Proposed Wellness Hubs: Will They Be Successful? |
The Tenderloin 'Linkage' Center closed at the end of 2022, and focus has shifted to new ways to address open-air drug use and connect drug users to services. Mayor Breed has proposed "Wellness Hubs," smaller locations spread out across the City. Whether or not these hubs will turn into a success story, according to Beyond Chron, relies heavily on meeting with neighborhood residents before any Wellness Center is planned for a given area, and the observation: "The successful sites show a respect for their neighbors. They do not view nearby drug use and sales as acceptable..."
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Discover Civic Center History with Historian James Haas |
Historian and CCCBD Board Member James Haas delves into the history of the War Memorial Building on its 90th anniversary during his lecture presented by the San Francisco Historical Society; this Tuesday, January 10, 5:45pm, noting: "Building a municipal 'opera house' was the goal of many San Francisco leaders. It took twenty years, was proposed at several locations, had funding problems, morphed into a War Memorial and a Veterans Building, and generated much controversy—your typical San Francisco story." Tickets and more info here.
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Clean & Safe Services - Q 4 |
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Shared Space Permit Applications due January 15th |
All current pandemic permit holders (parklet, tables and chairs, roadway closures and private lot) will need to submit an application by January 15th.
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District newcomer, Rad Radish, on Hayes at Franklin, has delightful murals throughout its space with fun colors that brighten up those overcast winter days.
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