**PRESS RELEASE** Sunday Streets SoMa Pop-Up Extended Through December 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Eugene Lau, Communications Associate
eugene@livablecity.org
San Francisco — Livable City is excited to announce the extension of the Sunday Streets SoMa Pop-Up through the end of 2020. Residents of SoMa and patrons of the local eateries, beverage shops, and pop-up retail can continue to enjoy car-free Folsom Street between 6th and 8th Street every Sunday* between 11:00 am – 4:00 pm starting November 1st through December 20, 2020.
“The Folsom Street activation is exactly the kind of collaborative and safe community space we need for businesses and residents alike to heal during this pandemic,” says District 6 Supervisor, Matt Haney. “I hope the partnership between Livable City and the SoMa West CBD and other community stakeholders can continue to be replicated across the City,” he relays.
The SoMA neighborhood is home to a rich diversity of residents and businesses, but is lacking in open space and has some of the most dangerous streets for pedestrians and cyclists in the City. Given the public health directives, the Sunday Streets Pop-Up in SoMA is providing an important opportunity for the community to get outside, interact with their neighbors and alleviate the stresses of being more isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
SoMa West CBD Executive Director Christian Martin appreciates the extension stating, “The Sunday Streets SoMa Pop-Up has brought life back to the neighborhood and made the difficult situation we find ourselves in much more manageable. We are thrilled to extend our efforts with Livable City to support resident and small business needs in a healthy and inclusive way through the end of the year.”
The partnership with merchants and businesses in SoMa has been a critical component in extending the program. Since launching the Pop-Up at the beginning of October, neighborhood mainstays like Deli Board, Cat Club, Rocco’s Cafe, Thai Basil, and others have been able to expand their seating areas into the street to welcome residents and visitors. They’ve also been enthusiastic about supporting small retail vendors joining the festivities, which to date have included a certified farmer’s market stand, artists stalls, apparel and jewelry makers, plant peddlers, and more. Future Sunday Streets SoMa Pop-Up sessions will welcome an eclectic mix of neighborhood-based businesses and local art and retail vendors. Sellers interested to participate should contact vendors@livablecity.org to find out more.
Deliboard owner Adam Mesnick shares how SoMa businesses and community have benefitted from the Sunday Streets Pop-Up, “Sunday Streets have made a remarkable difference in the neighborhood and have helped residents and business owners reconnect in a big way, especially by giving people and families an opportunity to be safe outside. Personally, I’m heartened every Sunday to see not just the positive impact on my business but how other vendors in the neighborhood are getting more exposure and foot traffic which will help with long-term recovery for small businesses in SoMa.”
Safety and health will continue to be of top priority for every Sunday Streets SoMa Pop-Up. COVID-19 safety measures include sanitation stations at every entrance, supervised and sanitized open seating, enforcement of mask wearing and social distancing, and basic health screenings provided by SFSU’s School of Nursing.
The Sunday Streets SoMa Pop-Up is made possible through San Francisco’s Shared Spaces program, with critical support provided by Department of Public Health, SFMTA, San Francisco Public Works SF, Bay Area Air Quality Management District, Listos California, and the San Francisco Park Alliance.
*No session on 11/29 holiday weekend.
For the weekly schedule of happenings at the Sunday Streets SoMa Pop-Up, visit livablecity.org.
ABOUT LIVABLE CITY
Livable City is a San Francisco-based 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to increasing affordable housing, improving transportation, land use, open space, and environmental policies, and supporting grassroots initiatives to make San Francisco a safer, healthier, and more accessible city.