14 posts categorized "News"

11/20/2009

Mayor Newsom Announces Shop SF, Incentive Program For All Bay Area Residents

Shop SF get more logo 11/19/09 – Today, Mayor Gavin Newsom announced that the City is bringing back the Shop SF, Get More incentive program this winter for San Francisco and Bay Area residents.  Shop SF, Get More is a city-wide program that offers special discounts and promotions exclusively for residents of the nine Bay Area counties through January, 2010.

Shop SF, Get More was a great shot in the arm for our small businesses last year,” said Mayor Gavin Newsom. “This year, we are bringing it back to showcase our world-class dining, museums, events, attractions, and hotels. Whether it’s shopping in Union Square or touring our diverse neighborhoods, there’s something for everyone.” Read more

08/19/2009

Mayor Newsom Announces New Open Data Initiative

DataSF_logoDataSF is a central clearinghouse for datasets published by the City & County of San Francisco. The site allows you to find datasets in several ways: general search, tags/keywords, categories, and rating. The goal is to improve access to city data through open machine-readable formats. While the number and quality of datasets is increasing, we recognize there is much more that we can do. You can help by rating and commenting on existing datasets or by telling us what datasets we should make available to the public.

Visit the DataSF website.
View the DataSF - Livestream Press Conference.
Read the Mayor's Press Release.

Update: The Obama Administration recognizes Mayor Newsom's initiative to improve transparency and access to city data.    Read more on the White House blog.


08/17/2009

BART and ATU Reach Tentative Agreement on Four Year Contract

Bart logo Hours before BART's Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1555 (ATU) employees were scheduled to walk off their jobs, BART management and the union resolved their differences on Sunday afternoon and reached a tentative agreement for a new four-year contract. Read more

07/06/2009

Mayor Newsom Launches New Online Resource for San Franciscans in Need of Medi-Cal and Food Stamps

Mayor Newsom launches new online resource for San Franciscans in need of Medi-Care and Food Stamps 07/02/09 - Today Mayor Gavin Newsom launched an innovative new online resource, www.BenefitsSF.org that allows San Francisco residents to use an online application, electronic signature, and webcam to see if they’re eligible for Medi-Cal and Food Stamps. The resource allows applicants to apply for assistance from the comfort of their home or at community center, without having to setup an office interview.

"With the technology that exists today, there is no reason that people should still have to dedicate an entire day and suffer through long lines just to access government services," said Mayor Newsom. "This is a way to streamline government by eliminating waste, becoming more efficient, and making it easier for those in need to get help." Read more

06/11/2009

Digital Television (DTV) Transition Program

Digital Television transition image

On June 12, 2009, all full-power television stations will switch from the analog method of transmitting TV signals to only broadcasting a digital signal that cannot be received by analog TV sets. If you currently use "rabbit ears" or a rooftop antenna to get reception on your television, then you need to take some action to continue receiving television broadcasts once the switch to digital is complete. You will need to do one of the following:

  • Buy a digital TV converter box
  • Buy a TV with a digital tuner or
  • Purchase pay TV service (cable or satellite TV) for your analog TV(s)
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and National Telecommunications Information Agency (NTIA) have been directed to provide information to consumers about the DTV transition. The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) also has developed helpful materials to guide consumers through this transition.

How to set up your digital converter box

If you have having trouble setting up your box, please contact your converter box manufacturer’s technical support line. The City and County of San Francisco does not provide technical support.

Local Digital TV Assistance Centers

The following local nonprofits are offering assistance in the DTV transition:

  • Self-Help for the Elderly
    407 Sansome Street, San Francisco
    415-677-7600
  • Southeast Asian Community Center (SEACC)
  • Media Alliance: Oakland Digital TV Assistance Center
    1431 23rd Avenue
    Oakland, CA
    510-533-7266

For more information

The FCC provides the following flyers with information about what you can do to prepare for the switch to Digital TV:

The following websites also have useful information about the DTV transition
By phone: Call 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009) (voice) or 1-877-530-2634 (TTY) (in English and Spanish only). For other languages, San Francisco residents can call 3-1-1 [http://www.sfgov.org/311] for basic information about the Digital TV transition or contact the local assistance centers above.