07/08/09 - San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom today issued the first ever comprehensive food policy for San Francisco, and a sweeping action plan to make improvements to food that is available in the region. The plan, which Mayor Newsom issued through Executive Directive, aims to ensure that all regional residents have access to healthy food, and will have far reaching impact throughout Northern California by increasing support for area farms.

"The stark reality is that hunger, food insecurity, and poor nutrition are pressing health issues, even in a city as rich and vibrant as San Francisco," said Mayor Newsom. "From the alleviation of hunger, to the need to support local and sustainable agricultural practices, these recommendations form a comprehensive and strategic approach to addressing pressing needs in all sectors of the food system."

Mayor Newsom, joined at the announcement by California Food and Agriculture Secretary A.G. Kawamura and representatives of the United State Department of Agriculture, explained that the food policy calls for a range of actions to be completed in 180 days. Read More

San Francisco's Shopping Incentive Program, Shop SF, Get More, Continues with January Offers For All Bay Area Residents

01/07/09 - Today Mayor Gavin Newsom announced that Shop SF, Get More, a city-wide incentive program to encourage local and Bay Area residents to visit, shop, and stay in San Francisco, will continue to offer special discounts and promotions through January. The program’s special discounts and promotions are exclusively for residents of the nine Bay Area counties.

"During these tough economic times, San Francisco is working to ensure that its small businesses remain strong and tourism thrives," said Mayor Newsom. "Shop SF will continue to showcase our world-class dining, museums, events, attractions, and hotels with new great offers. It’s an opportunity to experience all the beauty and excitement of one of the greatest cities in the world."

In order to encourage local and Bay Area residents to shop and buy in San Francisco in January, Shop SF, Get More includes the following special discounts and promotions:

Show Your Zip Program: Families can enjoy special promotions on hotel accommodations, shopping, meals and other great deals offered by over 170 local merchants, simply by proving residence in one of the nine Bay Area counties.

Restaurants: Through Dine About Town, over 100 of San Francisco's most popular restaurants will offer three course prix-fixe lunches for $21.95 and/or dinners for $34.95. The offer runs January 15 – 31, 2009. Diners can take advantage of the Sunday FunDay Pass and/or carpool validation as they explore the city’s culinary options.

Hotels: San Francisco hotels are offering reduced rates, complimentary parking and breakfast, and a variety of discounted holiday packages. In January, select San Francisco hotels will offer, "3 Nights for the Price of 2."

Shop Local: Special promotions and shopping events are occurring in unique neighborhood commercial districts across the city, including late night shopping and weekend sidewalk sales.

Events: Hundreds of events are happening all over San Francisco, including the Chinese New Year’s Parade, the MLK March, and public screening of the Presidential Inauguration.

Available discounts will be compiled on the Convention & Visitors Bureau website, www.onlyinSanFrancisco.com. Shop SF will also be linked on the SF Chamber of Commerce website, and other websites throughout the Bay Area. Promotions run through January 2009.