Mayor Newsom today announced the City’s plans to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake through a series of events called The Big Rumble (www.thebigrumble.org). Newsom was joined by California Emergency Management Agency Secretary Matt Bettenhausen, who also highlighted September as National Preparedness Month.

"While the events of October 17, 1989 serve as a stark reminder of our region’s vulnerability to earthquakes, they also provide an opportunity to reinvigorate our commitment to making emergency preparedness an everyday part of our lives," said Mayor Newsom. "The Big Rumble community events give us an opportunity to honor the heroism of 1989 while sharing our commitment to preparedness with our friends and neighbors."

From October 13-17, The Big Rumble events will take place at large City venues and at smaller venues in various neighborhoods. Read full release for list of scheduled events.

Mayor Gavin Newsom announced a critical milestone in the renovation of Terminal 2 at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). In just 18 months, the project is "topping off" by installing its last significant piece of structural steel.

"The renovation of Terminal 2 breathes new life into an old terminal," said Mayor Newsom. "This project allows the Bay Area to meet the growing the needs of travelers throughout the world, and ensures that SFO remains a significant economic engine in the region by creating and maintaining jobs." Read more

Mayor Newsom today announced that the City will be piloting several strategies to improve public transit, and the pedestrian experience along Market Street. "The new and improved Market Street will rival main streets around the world," said Mayor Newsom. "With input from the community, and the leadership of the five key agencies, we will identify specific solutions that work best for our main corridor."

Beginning Tuesday, September 29th, private motorists travelling eastbound on Market Street will be encouraged to turn right on 10th Street before being diverted south at 8th Street. Motorists coming onto Market Street from Seventh Street will be diverted off at 6th Street. Traffic flowing north and south across Market Street will be unaffected, as will cars travelling west. Public transit, bicycle, emergency vehicles and delivery vehicles will continue to fully access Market Street. Read more

Days before the final 2009 Sunday Streets event on September 6, Mayor Gavin Newsom today announced the continuation of this popular event as a permanent program in San Francisco.

"This Sunday’s event is the finale for 2009, but Sunday Streets will be back in 2010 with more routes, longer hours, more San Francisco neighborhoods and more programs at each event," said Mayor Gavin Newsom. "We have created a new tradition in San Francisco that will improve our quality of life for years to come."  Read more

Mayor Gavin Newsom announced that San Francisco will be organizing free H1N1 (swine) flu clinics throughout the City and County of San Francisco, utilizing a combination of public schools, private schools and community centers.

"We anticipate receiving our first shipment of 100,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine sometime in late October to begin distributing free of charge," said Mayor Newsom. "This initial shipment will be available first to those in groups who are at highest risk for more severe disease. But eventually, everyone who wants protection from H1N1 will be able to get it."  Read more