April 12, 2022
A Message From The Supervisor:
I would first like to call attention that the final redistricting meeting is taking place tomorrow. You can find out more information about the meeting and the redistricting process by clicking HERE.
Last week I was able to join AT&T, the Mayor and other elected officials at the Visitation Valley Community Center for the grand opening of their connected hub. AT&T created a center with highspeed internet and computers in partnership with the City of San Francisco. This is a great setup for students to learn, research and play. This is extremely important to our communities as we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and the learning loss that came from it. The pandemic really exposed how many families are still without internet connectivity and learning hubs like the one opened last week solve for this. I am hoping to work with AT&T to bring similar programs to our District in the near future.
Last Thursday, we hosted a community healing and call for peace at Alice Chalmers playground. This community healing allowed neighbors, families of the victims, and community leaders to share their thoughts around the isolated tragedy. There was a resounding call for justice and a heartfelt commitment to reclaiming our parks for families and children. I am continuing to work with the families, SFPD, Recreation and Parks Department, and other city agencies to provide preventative measures to ensure that this never happens again. The investigation is still ongoing.
As we move toward Easter, I would like to highlight the activities planned for this weekend in the OMI, Mission Terrace and Excelsior. There are a number of family friendly events that can be found as you scroll further into the newsletter.
Our office remains accessible to the public through telephone, email, virtual meeting or in person via appointment. We are available by email: safaistaff@sfgov.org or by phone 415-554-6976 (leave a message and we will call you back). You can also check for updates on my Twitter
, Instagram, and Facebook. Stay safe and healthy.
Please note - if you miss my weekly newsletter, you may find it later on the Board of Supervisor’s website. Click HERE to read past newsletters.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to my staff at Safaistaff@sfgov.org.
Sincerely,
Supervisor Ahsha Safai |
COVID-19 Updates from San Francisco Department of Public Health
Although we have seen an increase in COVID-19 cases in SF, they are not rising at the rapid rate we saw at the beginning of the Omicron wave. Hospitalizations are low and at pre-Omicron levels, and we urge all San Franciscans to get vaccinated, boosted, tested, and to keep masks handy. As the COVID-19 virus continues to change, we are urging San Franciscans to be “COVID Ready” as we move forward and prepare for the virus and its variants. You can think of being “COVID Ready” like being ready for changes in the weather, or ready for even bigger events like an earthquake or a storm. Be ready and have the right supplies on hand when you need them.
San Francisco continues to help communities hardest hit by COVID-19 be "COVID Ready" by making sure they have the resources on hand such as vaccines, masking, and testing – to protect themselves.
Here’s how you can be COVID Ready:
-
Most important: stay up to date on your COVID-19 vaccinations (vaccination plus booster, if eligible). This is your first layer of defense against the virus, preventing serious illness and hospitalization.
-
Keep rapid COVID-19 test kits on hand. There are options to receive free test kits from the federal program, through health systems and community organizations, or be reimbursed by insurance.
-
Keep masks handy – you may need them during times of high community spread, or when the situation requires. N95s/KN95s or double mask, cloth over surgical, are best.
-
Plan ahead in case you or a loved one becomes infected. For example, you may need a care plan for a child, or a work plan to cover your work duties.
-
Know how to reach a doctor. If you are at high risk for serious illness, you may be eligible for COVID-19 medicine, but you must take it within days of onset of symptoms.
-
Stay informed. Follow COVID news updates and health guidance through reliable and trusted sources of information, such as your local health department (SFDPH) and other government websites
The Latest on COVID-19 Case Data
As of March 31, the 7-day average of COVID cases was 110. As of April 7, 83% of San Franciscans have been vaccinated and 66% of vaccinated residents have been boosted. Although masks are no longer required, Bay Area health officers strongly recommend they be used as an effective tool to prevent the spread of the virus when case rates are high, in settings where they are required, or when additional personal protection is needed. As evidence continues to show, vaccinations and boosters
remain the best defense against the virus.
Read the latest data about COVID-19 cases on our dashboard.
COVID Medicines Now Available to Those Eligible
San Franciscans can be prepared for COVID-19 by knowing if they, or someone they love, are at high risk for severe illness and how to get COVID-19 medicines.
With COVID-19 medicines now more readily available and many people eligible for treatment, the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) is urging people to be prepared by knowing if they are at high risk for severe illness from the virus and how to get timely access to medical care should they test positive.
Most San Franciscans who are eligible for COVID-19 medicines and test positive should access treatment by going to their health care providers. SFDPH is also helping link people at high risk to health care providers, including those who are uninsured or otherwise disconnected from medical care, regardless of immigration status.
COVID-19 medicines, including oral medicines like Paxlovid, and injectable or intravenous infusion treatments are free to the patient and are proven to reduce the risk of severe illness. Time is of the essence, as some of the medicines, namely those taken by mouth, must be taken within five days of the onset of symptoms.
Currently, under federal and state guidance, a person is eligible for treatment if they test positive for COVID-19 and meet at least one of the following criteria:
• Immunocompromised, as they may not have mounted a full response to vaccines
• Over age 65
• Under age 65 and at high risk for a serious illness if they contract COVID-19 because of other medical conditions (see below)
• Unvaccinated, or not up to date on vaccinations (initial two doses and booster, if eligible)
• Pregnant
Read more about COVID medicines and resources available here.
Second Booster for Ages 50 and Older
On April 1, SFDPH will begin administering second COVID-19 booster doses for people ages 50 and over, and other individuals who are immunocompromised at its affiliated sites, as recommended by federal, regional, and state authorities. As of March 31, additional providers within San Francisco have begun administering these doses as well.
San Francisco’s robust network of nearly 100 vaccination sites, include vaccine access points at larger health systems and school sites. Many of these sites were thoughtfully established to enable a large proportion of San Franciscans to access a vaccination site within a 10 to15 minute walk.
Eligible individuals should access booster doses through their health care provider if they have one. Those who need to get a booster at SFDPH-affiliated sites, can visit this link for information on where to get one.
To address health inequities, SFDPH in partnership with community organizations is targeting COVID-19 resources toward highly impacted communities and where test positivity rates are higher, including vaccination and testing sites and distribution of masks and over-the-counter test kits, among other efforts.
For information on who is currently eligible to receive a booster in San Francisco, visit this link. For data on boosters in San Francisco, visit this link.
New Pop-up, Drop-in SFUSD Vaccination Sites Added
The San Francisco Department of Public Health is adding even more “pop-up” clinics at school sites in collaboration with the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD). Three new schools have been added to our list of pop-up, drop-in vaccination clinics, including: El Dorado Elementary School in Visitacion Valley, Sheridan Elementary School in the Lakeview/OMI, and Redding Elementary School in the Tenderloin.
In addition, our pop-up, drop-in vaccination sites that have been running since late February at Bret Harte Elementary School in the Bayview and Rosa Parks Elementary School in Western Addition, will continue to operate until late April.
We continue to redouble our vaccination efforts in SF’s highly impacted communities, and will continue to partner with SFUSD and our local community organizations in an effort to find other creative and meaningful ways to reach families in the coming weeks and months.
Current SFUSD drop-in, pop-up vaccination sites:
📍 El Dorado Elementary School
70 Delta Street
1st Dose: April 5
2nd dose: April 26
2pm to 5pm
📍 Sheridan Elementary School
431 Capital Ave
1st Dose: April 6
2nd dose: April 27
12:30pm to 3:30pm
📍 Paul Revere Elementary School
555 Tompkins Ave
1st Dose: April 13
2nd Dose: May 4
2:30pm to 5:30pm
📍Redding Elementary School
1429 Pine Street
1st Dose: April 27
2nd dose: May 18
1:30pm to 4:30pm
📍 Bret Harte Elementary School (Bayview) –
1035 Gilman Ave
Fridays / 2pm to 6pm
📍 Rosa Parks Elementary School (Western Addition) –
1501 O'Farrell St
Mondays / 2pm to 6pm
Where to get a vaccine or booster:
Here are the following locations in San Francisco where people ages 12 and up can drop in to receive a booster, Monday to Friday, while supplies last each day:
-
ZSFG (1001 Potrero Ave, Bldg 30)
-
Southeast Health Center (2401 Keith Street)
-
Chinese Hospital (845 Jackson Street)
-
Kaiser Tent (2350 Geary Blvd)
-
Mission Wellness Pharmacy (2424 Mission St.)
-
HealthRight 360 (1563 Mission St.)
-
All DPH neighborhood sites
Information & Guidance Updates
Sign up to receive alerts from the Information & Guidance team for updates to San Francisco’s Health Order, guidance, and directives here.
COVID-19 Resources
SFDPH COVID-19 vaccine call center
Call 628-652-2700 to book an appointment, find a drop-in site, or if you have questions about the vaccine. You can also email sfvaxnow@sfdph.org.
Please check the following sites for regular COVID-19 updates: |
Coming up: San Francisco Small Business Week – May 2-6
Hosted by the SF Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Week will focus on meaningful resources and information for small business owners at every point in their small business journey. Filled with networking opportunities, business-building workshops, and inspiring content, the week-long event serves to educate and empower entrepreneurs who are getting started, growing businesses, and staying in San Francisco.
See the calendar of events
Shared Spaces compliance deadline extended by April 2023
Valid pandemic permits for sidewalk tables & chairs, sidewalk merchandizing, parklets, roadways and private lots that are in good standing will be extended to March 30, 2023. At that point they will need to comply with new compliance guidelines. Many Shared Spaces are not compliant and we encourage you to check with the City to assess your Shared Space before April 2023.
Full details here
Minimum Compensation Rate Updates
The Minimum Compensation Ordinance (MCO) covers most City service contractors as well as tenants at the SF International Airport. Effective July 1, 2022, the For-Profit Rate increases to $19.15 per hour. Updated posters and forms will be available in June online. The non-profit and public entities rates are contingent on the City's Budget and will stay the same until further notice.
For questions contact mco@sfgov.org or (415) 554-7903.
San Francisco Health Care Security Ordinance and/or the Fair Chance Ordinance - Employer Annual Reporting Form (ARF) – Due May 2, 2022
After waiving the forms for calendar years 2019 and 2020, San Francisco employers must submit a form for calendar year 2021. There is a penalty of $500 per quarter for businesses who don’t submit.
Read instructions and download the form
Business Property Statement (Form 571-L) - Due May 7, 2022
This required annual filing details the acquisition cost of all supplies, equipment, fixtures, and improvements owned at each business location within the City and County of San Francisco.
Read instructions and download the form
Coming soon: 2022-23 Business Registration Renewal – Due May 31, 2022
An updated online form will be available here on May 1, 2022. New this year: Most businesses that have previously reported under $50,000 in Gross Receipts and zero employees will receive a bill and will not be required to file a return/renewal. Businesses that receive instructions from the San Francisco Office of the Treasurer and Tax Collector to complete the 2022-23 Business Registration Renewal should do so.
This month, we're announcing two new grant programs to help San Francisco small businesses get resources for their storefronts.
SF Shines Design Services Grant
SF Shines is San Francisco’s storefront improvement grant program for small businesses and nonprofits.
Design Services grants aim to assist businesses in getting permit drawings for improvements to their storefronts to help with compliance, safety, and business operations.
Grantees will get access to a licensed architect who can ensure that a project will comply with applicable with local, state, and federal laws and codes.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, until funds are exhausted.
Click here to learn more and apply
Send questions to sfshines@sfgov.org
ADA Inspection Grants
This grant will pay for an inspection of your storefront from a Certified Access Specialist, licensed architect, or licensed engineer and help small businesses required by landlords to comply with accessibility projects.
Businesses can receive:
• Up to $1,000 for inspections of the front entrance only
• Up to $3,000 for full inspection of place of business
Apply anytime through June 30, 2022.
Click here to learn more and apply
Send questions to sfosb@sfgov.org
|
|
SFMTA Service Changes as of April 2022
The SFMTA is restoring the 8AX Bayshore Express and 8BX Bayshore Express buses on weekdays mornings and evenings, starting April 18, 2022, to provide quicker trips from Visitacion Valley to downtown and stronger connections between Visitacion Valley, Outer Mission, Ingleside, City College and Chinatown. Additional Muni service changes, beginning Saturday, April 16, 2022, include:
-
Extending the 56 Rutland to provide a more direct connection to Burton High School
-
Supplementing the 30 Stockton, with additional buses on a 30 Stockton “short” route to reduce crowding and wait times from about 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and about 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends
-
Changing the frequency of the 9R San Bruno Rapid from 10 to 12 minutes
These April service changes mark the second phase of implementation of the 2022 Muni Service Network plan.
In summer we expect to bring back additional routes that have been temporarily suspended since 2020 like the 2 Sutter (previously the 2 Clement), 10 Townsend and 21 Hayes, and modify existing routes like the 23 Monterey and 57 Parkmerced. See 2022 Muni Service Network for information. We will provide a more detailed description of the schedule as soon as it’s available.
Public feedback helped us prioritize bringing back routes and connections many communities rely on. Read more about what we heard from the public and how we incorporated feedback into the 2022 service plan.
What is keeping SFMTA from restoring more Muni service?
We want to restore Muni service as soon as possible. The key obstacle to restoring more Muni service is staff availability. Since fall 2021 the SFMTA has been hiring and training new cohorts of Muni operators to fill our staffing needs, and we continue to restore service at the pace of hiring.
We were short-staffed going into the pandemic and had to pause all hiring for 18 months. During that time some operators and key operations staff also left or retired, and more staff than usual have had to take time off to care for themselves or family members and loved ones impacted by the pandemic. We are also facing more retirements than previously anticipated.
Our hiring and training staff were also impacted and had to repeatedly postpone hiring and training activities. As a result of these and the related impacts of the Omicron surge, we’ve been bringing on new operators slower than we hoped, but we are still working to fill staffing gaps as quickly as possible.
We are committed to restoring pre-pandemic Muni service and are seeking new resources to help us restore, increase and improve service in 2023.
What do I need to know about riding Muni and COVID-19?
We’re excited to welcome you back to Muni, where the health of SFMTA employees and customers is a top priority. Since COVID-19 is primarily spread through the air, we understand the importance good air ventilation for protecting people’s health. The Muni fleet HVAC systems turn the air over once every minute. Fresh air is constantly being pulled in from the outside, and the air inside trains and buses is continuously filtered and recirculated. In addition, physical distancing is no longer required on Muni. On-vehicle capacity limits were officially lifted in June 2021.
When you ride Muni, there’s a high probability the person sitting next to you is vaccinated: 87% of San Francisco residents aged 5 and above are fully vaccinated. 68% of residents who are eligible for boosters (anyone age 12 and above) are boosted. Those are some of the highest vaccination rates in the U.S.
Even so, face masks are still required by federal law in Muni stations and vehicles, and Muni has a high mask compliance rate. Whenever the mask mandate on public transit is lifted, you can still wear a mask to protect yourself. One-way masking does work, especially when the mask is a surgical mask like the N95, KN95, KF94, FFP2, double mask or a cloth mask with a filter inside.
Looking Ahead
We expect to make our next round of service changes in the summer, when we continue implementing the approved 2022 Muni Service Network, restoring additional bus routes and increasing bus frequencies as we bring more operators onboard. Read more about the complete 2022 Muni Service Network plan. |
Dream Keeper Initiative Economic Power Showcase
On behalf of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission, we invite you to join us for an Economic Power Showcase on Thursday, April 14, 2022, 3:30pm-7pm at City Hall – North Light Court. The purpose of this public showcase is to highlight and celebrate community and departmental partners, within the Dream Keeper Initiative ecosystem. We want to recognize the efforts of those who supported San Francisco toward recovery as well as celebrate their contribution to maintaining the City’s economy through arts and culture, health and healing, education and enrichment, workforce development, small business stabilization, and entrepreneur incubation.
During this showcase you will have an opportunity to learn more about services offered, DKI resources, as well as purchase products from local entrepreneurs. Please register to attend at: https://bit.ly/ECONOMICSHOWCASE.
|
Digital Essentials (for justice-involved adults)
The San Francisco Goodwill and Code Tenderloin are offering a FREE in-person basic computer training for previously incarcerated adults who are looking to transition back into society through education, entrepreneurship, empowerment, and advocacy.
This course is designed for complete beginners that are looking to learn how to use a computer correctly. No confusing advanced lessons here - instead step by step instructions that will guide you each step of the way.
Location
Goodwill CJC + CASC (Specialize Job Center)
Address: 564 6th St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Click HERE to register! |
OMI Easter Celebration & Egg Hunt
Date: Saturday, April 16th, 2022
Time: 12pm-3pm
Location: Minnie & Lovie Ward Rec Center.
Address: 650 Capitol Avenue, San Francisco, CA.
Free to the Public.
|
Eggstravaganza
After 2 years on hold, SF Recreation and Park Department’s Spring Eggstravaganza is returning on Saturday, April 16 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., this year it will be at Crocker Amazon Park (799 Moscow Street). It will be a day of free family fun, including egg hunts for kids, live entertainment, games, activities, City & County of San Francisco cars and trucks for the little ones to explore, and more. |
A Community Farewell - Henry's Hunan
Join us for a Community Farewell and thank you in appreciation for Henry's Hunan has done in serving the Excelsior these past years
Friday, April 22, 2022
4:00-6:00pm
4753 Mission St
Light Appetizers Provided |
Best Buddies Friendship Walk
The Best Buddies Friendship Walk is the leading walk in the country supporting inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (also known as IDD).
Join 40,000 walkers across the country to support the Best Buddies programs in your schools, workplaces and communities. You’ll be making the world more welcoming to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities – one friendship, one job, and one life-changing connection at a time.
Schedule: Saturday, April 23, 2022
Check-in: 8:00 AM
Opening Ceremonies: 8:30 AM
Walk: 9:00 AM
Celebrate: Until 12:00 PM
Location
Golden Gate Park
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive
San Francisco, CA 94118
|
Join us as we #WalkForChange at this year’s Best Buddies Friendship Walk! Once registered, you’ll gain access to your personal fundraising page that you can personalize and keep track of your fundraising efforts. Raise just $50 and you’ll earn our exclusive 2022 participant t-shirt, which you’ll receive on walk day. Wear it like a badge of honor!
Registering for the Friendship Walk is the first step toward creating a more inclusive community, and we’ll be right beside you every step of the way. LET’S GO!
Click HERE to register! |
Excelsior Bus Tour
Date: 04/25/20222
Time: From 10:30am to 12:30pm
Pick up & Drop off Location:
78 Ocean Ave SF, CA 94112
Sign-up: Call 415-550-1151 |
Smart Device Free Basic Training Course Available in Englsh
Date: 04/26/20222
Time: From 10:30am to 12:30pm
Location: Excelsior Public Library
Community Program Room
4400 Mission St, SF, CA 94112
Sign-up: Call 415-988-2263 |
CASC: Career Fair
What: Career Fair hosted by SF Goodwill
Date: 04/27/2022
Time: 11:00am to 1:00pm
Location: CASC (564 6th Street)
RSVP: bit.ly/CASCCareerFair |
STEM Frenzy Festival
The STEM Frenzy Festival is a family-friendly event exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math through hands-on activities and demonstrations. Join us to bring the community together and inspire the next generation's passion for stem-based careers.
Date: Saturday, April 30th, 2022
Time: 10am-2pm
Location: City College of San Francisco.
Address: 50 Frida Kahlo Way, San Francisco, CA 94112. |
YCD DKI Non-Profit Leadership Development Program
Young Community Developers (YCD) is launching its Non-Profit Leadership Development Program on May 4, 2022, in partnership with the Dream Keeper Initiative. We encourage members of the DKI community – especially those of Black-Led Community Based Organizations – to submit an application to be considered for this well-designed program and associated services. You can count on being supported around the following areas:
• Leadership and Organizational Development
• Fiscal Management
• Program Management
• Fundraising
• Legal Establishment
• Personal Development
• Operations Management
• Marketing
• Data and Information Collection and Analysis
For more information, click this link to see the landing page and the application located on the landing page. The deadline for the application is April 8th and the decisions will be made by April 22nd. Class will begin on May 4th. YCD looks forward to your submissions!
|
Earthquake Preparedness Training
Earthquake Preparedness Training session will be an hour workshop. Anyone interested can call 415-550-1151 to signup.
Location
Excelsior Public Library Community Program Room
Address: 4400 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94112
|
OMI PET EXPO
Date: Saturday, May 14th, 2022
Time: 11am-3pm
Address: On Faxon Ave from Ocean Ave to De Montfort Ave, San Francisco, CA. |
Ocean Avenue Classic & Exotic Car Show
Date: Saturday, May 21st, 2022
Time: 12pm-3pm
Address: 1051 Ocean Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94112.
Free to the Public.
|
CommunityGrows is hiring for two positions!
A part-time, Garden Educator and full-time, Finance and Development Coordinator. Feel free to share the flyers attached to this email with your community and networks. To learn more about the work we do, visit www.communitygrows.org |
San Francisco Superior Court Seeks Applicants for the 2022-23 Civil Grand Jury
The San Francisco Superior Court is currently recruiting members for the 2022-23 Civil Grand Jury. The application deadline is May 13, 2022. The link to the application and more information are available on the Civil Grand Jury website,
https://civilgrandjury.sfgov.org/.
|
Need Legal Assistance with Renting? Tenancy Advocacy Project Can Help
Are you struggling with a rental dispute? Need your landlord to make repairs? Need help applying for Covid-related rental assistance? The Tenancy Advocacy Project's (TAP) lawyers can help with those issues, as well as subsidy terminations, disability accommodations, income recertification, and other disputes with landlords or property managers. If you rent your home in San Francisco, you may be eligible for TAP's help. To contact us, please email us at tap@sfbar.org
, or call (415) 989-1616. Please mention the Tenant Advocacy Project in your message, and make sure to include your name, phone number, best times to reach you, and a brief description of the tenancy-related issue(s) you are dealing with.
TAP is part of the Justice & Diversity Center of the Bar Association of San Francisco. TAP does not assist with eviction lawsuits. If your landlord has filed an eviction lawsuit against you, please contact the Eviction Defense Collaborative: evictiondefense.org
.
Bay Area Minority Law Scholarship 2022 Applications Are Open - Apply by May 27
Do you know someone interested in going to law school who could use financial assistance? The Bar Association of San Francisco and the Justice & Diversity Center are excited to announce that the 2022 Bay Area Minority Law Student Scholarship applications are now open.
In 21 years, the program has awarded more than $2 million to 110 students with scholarships that are generally $10,000 per year. Applications are due by May 27. Click here for more information or to start an application now.
|
| Great visit to Sheridan Elementary School's vaccine event last week for youth and families! I'm committed to supporting SFUSD's efforts to vaccinate all their students. Access to vaccines is an equity issue and I'm happy to see SF Department of Public Health supporting SFUSD with vaccine events. |
|
Last week, along with AT&T, we opened an amazing learning center in the Visitacion Valley Neighborhood. Access to internet is key to making sure our students get back on track and combatting learning loss. |
I was honored to speak at the 80th Anniversary Event in remembrance of the Fall of Bataan during WWII. We remember the sacrifices and valor of the Filipino soldiers and civilians who fought bravely. This history must never be forgotten and I want to thank all the curators of this event for inviting me and sharing your history with me.
Thank you to Hon. Consul General Neil Frank Ferrer, Vice Consul Adrian Baccay of Philippine Consulate General in SF, Edgar DeLeon, Filipino American Arts Exposition, Cecilia Gaerlan of Bataan Legacy Historical Society, Al Perez of Filipino American Arts Exposition and Soleil Tropicales of Philippine Department of Tourism and all who made this exhibition possible. |
|
|
