The 2010 Great California ShakeOut is occurring statewide on October 21st at 10:21 a.m. Register today!
 
The California ShakeOut drill is held on the third Thursday of October each year. Other states are also holding ShakeOut drills.
 
More than 6.9 million Californians participated in 2009, practicing Drop, Cover, and Hold On and other aspects of family, school, and organizational emergency plans.
 
For 2010, Californians are also encouraged to "Secure Your Space" to reduce potential damage and injuries.
 
For more information visit: http://www.shakeout.org/

Mayor Newsom announced today that San Francisco has again taken the honors as the number one city in the United States, as ranked by Condé Nast Traveler magazine, considered one of the world’s top travel and destination guides. More than 25,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers participated in the 2010 Readers’ Choice Survey and chose San Francisco as their top travel destination.

“Being voted #1 U.S. city by Condé Nast Traveler readers once again is an exceptional honor that reflects San Francisco’s natural beauty, vibrant neighborhoods and international appeal,” said Mayor Newsom. “Tourism and the hospitality industry are pillars of our local economy and, despite the recession, visitors are choosing to return to San Francisco year after year.” Read more.

Strategic deployment of law enforcement resources, COMPSTAT, community policing all contributing to continued historic drop in overall, violent crime rates since 2008

From January through September of 2010, there has been a 9% reduction in overall crime between 2009 and 2010 and a 13% reduction between 2008 and 2010.  Total violent crimes saw an overall reduction of 4% from 2009 to 2010 and a 13% reduction from 2008 to 2010.  In addition, there has been an overall reduction of property crimes of 9% from 2009 to 2010 and 13% reduction from 2008 to 2010. Read more.

Mayor issues Executive Directive to create Inter-Agency Restaurant Consultation Team to streamline process, support local restaurant industry

Mayor Newsom announced a new initiative within the San Francisco Office of Economic & Workforce Development (OEWD) charged with streamlining and simplifying the process of opening a restaurant in San Francisco, as well as developing recommendations to support the restaurant industry in San Francisco overall. The restaurant industry in San Francisco – with more than 3,000 restaurants and more than 46,000 employees – is one of the City’s largest employers, revitalizing neighborhood corridors and stimulating tourism.

“From our neighborhood bistros and taquerias to our finest white tablecloth establishments, restaurants are a cornerstone of San Francisco’s economy and quality of life,” said Mayor Newsom. “San Francisco restaurants have stepped up to support their employees’ health and economic well-being, and the City in turn can provide greater certainty and support to entrepreneurs going through the process of opening a restaurant. By proactively engaging the industry through a more targeted business assistance and relationship-building effort, we can become a more effective problem-solver, partner and advocate.” Read more.

Ships from the U.S. Naval Third Fleet and the eco-friendly amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island arrive in San Francisco Bay

Mayor Gavin Newsom today welcomed the arrival of the USS Makin Island, the U.S. Navy’s Hybrid Ship, into San Francisco Bay and announced the lineup for San Francisco Fleet Week 2010 kicking off October 7 – 12, 2010. Fleet Week 2010 will be the largest Fleet Week celebration in more than twenty years based on the number of ships and servicemen and women participating and the extensive lineup of events.

“Fleet Week is a San Francisco tradition where we celebrate our City’s rich naval history and maritime traditions and salute the men and women of our Armed Forces for their devotion and service to the defense of our country,” said Mayor Newsom. “This year, we are looking forward to welcoming the USS Makin Island, representing the next generation of environmentally friendly ships, and the skilled naval aviators of The Blue Angels, with their extraordinary airborne maneuvers.”