Mayor Edwin M. Lee today announced the return of the popular Sunday Streets program with a full schedule of car-free events starting Sunday, March 11th, along the Embarcadero. The eight-month Sunday Streets 2012 season opens streets to pedestrians, cyclists and people-powered wheels of all kinds by temporarily removing vehicular traffic on select Sundays, transforming street-space usually reserved for cars into recreational space for everyone to enjoy safely.

“Sunday Streets not only showcases San Francisco’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, it is a proven cost-effective way to better health for San Franciscans,” said Mayor Lee. “We’re committed to ensuring the program’s continued growth and success in 2012 and beyond. We look forward to returning to Chinatown, doing a more frequent Mission route, and adding a new route in the Southwest neighborhoods of our City to bring the benefits of Sunday Streets to more San Francisco neighborhoods.” Read more.

Today Mayor Edwin M. Lee joined with executives from the America’s Cup Event Authority to announce details of the Project Agreement for the 34thAmerica’s Cup to be held in San Francisco in 2013.

"This agreement represents an unprecedented investment into our waterfront, generating thousands of jobs and allowing for a major international sporting event to be held in our Bay's natural amphitheater," said Mayor Lee. "The agreement also accelerates key infrastructure improvements such as the James R. Herman Cruise Terminal and protects open water views from Rincon Park for the public." Read more.

America’s Cup Act of 2011 Creates Jobs & Boosts Local Economy

Mayor Edwin M. Lee today announced that the America’s Cup Act to facilitate hosting the 34th America’s Cup by authorizing certain eligible vesselsto participate in the events has passed the U.S. House of Representatives after passing the U.S. Senate earlier this month. The America’s Cup Act is currently on the way to President Barack Obama’s desk for signature.

“This is a major milestone in our efforts to host the 34th America’s Cup and bring the excitement of this world wide competitive event here to San Francisco,” said Mayor Lee. “I am thankful for the bipartisan support of this bill in Congress and for the strong stewardship of House Democratic Leader Pelosi and Senators Feinstein and Boxer in securing passage of the America’s Cup Act that will create jobs and boost our local economy at this critical time.”

As part of the America’s Cup Event Authority’s ongoing commitment to support local businesses, today Mayor Edwin M. Lee and the Event Authority announced a local business outreach initiative to ensure San Francisco businesses benefit from the anticipated economic impact generated by the 34th America’s Cup.  
 
The Event Authority is launching a web-based business portal that will serve as a one-stop shop for San Francisco’s small businesses to compete for America’s Cup business. The portal will act as the focal point for event organizers to announce business and contracting opportunities and for businesses to engage. Read more.

New September Sunday Streets Event Focused on Walking & Citywide Ping Pong Tournament.

Mayor Edwin M. Lee today announced the first Sunday Streets “Walking Street” on Grant Avenue through Chinatown and North Beach on Sunday, September 18th. The event will include a commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of Ping Pong Diplomacy with the first citywide Ping Pong Tournament.

“It’s great to have Sunday Streets back in Chinatown and North Beach after a three-year hiatus, and we’re especially excited to present an activity that symbolized the beginning of friendly relations between the United States and China,” said Mayor Lee. “As we remember the historic Ping Pong Diplomacy tournament that took place 40 years ago this year, we are celebrating community-building programs, such as Sunday Streets, that bring our communities together.” Read more.