Mayor Lee Breaks Ground on New Public Safety Building and Outlines Decade of Infrastructure Improvements New Bond Funded Facility Ensures the City is Prepared to Respond to Emergencies.

Mayor Edwin M. Lee today broke ground on the new San Francisco Public Safety Building located on 3rd Street at Mission Rock in the Mission Bay Redevelopment Area. The state of the art building will house the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) Police Command Center, the Southern District Police Station and a neighborhood San Francisco Fire Department (SFFD) Fire Station.

“The timing of the start of this construction has special significance for us as we approach the tenth anniversary of the tragedy of 9/11,” said Mayor Lee. “We are reminded of our commitment to preparedness and have demonstrated that we will be ready in the event of a large scale emergency.” Read more.

Community-driven Project Partners Residents with San Francisco Parks Trust and Public Works to Create New Public Garden with Sweeping City View

Mayor Ed Lee announced the completion this morning of a brand new community-driven Street Park project on Bernal Heights, which is the culmination of a two-year public space greening effort that partnered the Department of Public Works (DPW), San Francisco Parks Trust (SFPT), and community leaders and neighborhood beautification advocates. The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the opening of the newly created, vibrant Vista Pointe Street Park and invited residents and visitors to utilize the transformed public space with its unique, sweeping views of the city skyline.

“The Community Challenge Grant Program exemplifies what is possible when the City cultivates meaningful partnerships to build a stronger community, and I congratulate the Bernal Heights community for building the Vista Pointe Street Park,” said Mayor Ed Lee. “I commend the stewards for their commitment and resourcefulness to create a more livable neighborhood and City.” Read more.

The Park Branch Library is the 16th branch to be completed under the Branch Library Improvement Program, which is funded by a $105.9 million bond measure passed by voters in November 2000. The program is supporting the renovation of 16 branch libraries and the construction of eight new library buildings around the City. Project costs for the Park Library totaled about $2.9 million. A separate fundraising campaign by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library provided new furniture and equipment for the branch. The 101-year-old Park Branch Library, which first opened its doors in 1909, has been returned to its neo-classical glory with a sensitive renovation that was also designed and built to meet the latest green standards.

Mayor Edwin M. Lee today announced that San Francisco is adding an innovative first-in-the-nation application to the City’s Facebook page, which would allow the public to report basic service issues such as graffiti removal or pothole repairs to the 311 Customer Service Center. Developed through a joint project between the Department of Technology and the 311 Customer Service Center, this Facebook application brings basic City services to the public in an easy and innovative way.

“With nearly 260,000 fans of the City and County of San Francisco, it was necessary to create a better tool to enhance the public experience to connect with our City and report issues through our 311 system so we can take action,” said Mayor Lee. “Social media like Facebook and Twitter have enhanced the public experience for our residents, connected communities, and transformed neighborhoods and businesses.” Read more.

City Departments and Agencies on Stand-By as San Francisco Prepares for Storms

Mayor Edwin M. Lee and City Officials are encouraging residents and businesses to prepare for a cold weather system expected to last for the next several days with colder temperatures, precipitation and possible freezing conditions. The National Weather Service reports that snow accumulation is expected down to 1,000 feet, and snow may be seen in San Francisco down to 500 feet, but is not expected to accumulate. Beware of icy road conditions, drive slowly and stay off the roadway during the peak of storm for public safety. City departments and agencies are currently working to clear debris away from catch basins and sewers to prevent flooding in low-lying areas. The City will monitor shelters and increase capacity, if necessary, and increase outreach to homeless individuals to ensure they know where to find shelter and services.

“City agencies are working together to ensure that homes and businesses are protected and the public is safe during these severe weather storms,” said Mayor Lee. “Crews are on stand-by and will monitor roads for potential flooding and other hazardous conditions and respond to any emergencies throughout the duration of the storms.” Read more.