On
the Waterfront
HAPPENINGS AT FISHERMAN’S WHARF
Wharf Spiffs Up Image
By Alessandro Baccari
San Francisco’s
Fisherman’s Wharf has a spruced-up, new look thanks to the success of
a pilot project to clean and beautify 32 blocks of the Wharf’s
commercial area. Over 100 city workers representing the Department of
Public Works, the Port of San Francisco, Department of Parking &
Traffic, Department of Public Health, MUNI, San Francisco Clean City
Coalition, San Francisco League of Gardeners, and Golden Gate Disposal
& Recycling (from the private sector) were dispatched to steam clean
sidewalks, remove graffiti, and trim trees. In addition, 144 litter
receptacles received a new design and fresh coat of paint. Over 100
damaged or faded traffic signs were replaced, and curbsides and
crosswalks were repainted. There are now full-time block cleaners in
uniform from SLUG patrolling and monitoring the area.
The program began as a
concept conceived by the Fisherman’s Wharf Merchants Association and
developed as a public-private partnership between merchants and city
departments. To oversee the clean-up and beautification of the area, and
to see that it is maintained, the association established a Citizens
Advisory Clean-Up Committee. It is chaired by Walter Brindell, general
manager of the Hyatt Hotel at Fisherman’s Wharf. Serving on the
committee are: Kris Kremers, marketing director at The Cannery; Yair
Eldar, general manager of the Radisson Hotel at Fisherman’s Wharf; and
Pat Sorber, general manager of the Hilton Fisherman’s Wharf.
This committee has done an
excellent job in making sure the various city departments perform their
duties regularly, that their fellow merchants commit to keeping clean
the sidewalk and curb area adjacent to their storefront, and that they
do not obstruct sidewalk traffic with signs or merchandise.
The Fisherman’s Wharf
community was most fortunate that the Department of Public Works bought
into the idea immediately, and that in a very short time, other city
departments joined in. Over the past few weeks, most noticeable has been
a wonderful spirit of cooperation, commitment, and team effort amongst
all these agencies to keep the area clean and beautiful.
What is remarkable about
this project is that it has brought out the best in San Francisco. Here
are people working together as a cohesive unit in the face of recent
tragic events and a slowdown in the economy to bring business back to
the city and the Fisherman’s Wharf community.
Fisherman’s Wharf has
shown that this project model works and that this effort should be
repeated next in the North Beach and Chinatown communities, and then
throughout the city. "The city needs and deserves no less, "
stated San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin.
To celebrate its new look,
Fisherman’s Wharf will be presenting on Sunday, December 2nd a
Wharf-wide holiday party throughout the day, culminating with a Tree
Lighting Ceremony at 5:30 p.m. at the landmark sign on the corner of
Jefferson and Taylor Streets. Throughout Fisherman’s Wharf, there will
be festivities and entertainment. The waterfront will be filled with
twinkling lights and the sounds of strolling carolers.
The day will start with a
"Breakfast with Santa" at Pier 39 to benefit Toys for Tots
(9:30-11:30 a.m.). Lori and RJ, personalities from the Bay Area’s
top-rated WB20 television station, will bring their dynamic stage show
to the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf with special guest appearances by
some of Warner Brothers beloved costumed characters (12 noon- 4 p.m.).
Pet owners are invited to bring their pets to Ghirardelli Square for
"Santa PAWS" and have their photos taken in holiday costumes
to benefit Pets are Wonderful Support (12 noon-4 p.m.). At the Anchorage
Shopping Center, children will get to meet Annabelle of "Annabelle’s
Wish (12 noon-5 p.m.). Over at The Cannery, there will be a live holiday
performance by the California Revels, a theatrical group celebrating the
winter solstice with Celtic music and dance (2 p.m.-3 p.m.). And for the
first time, the Wax Museum will un-chain its classic movie monster to
play Santa for the kiddies. Children will be encouraged to climb onto
"Franken-Santa’s" lap for a complimentary photo as a unique
souvenir of the 2001 Holiday Season (1 p.m.-4 p.m.).
Down at the historical
Hyde Street Pier, celebrate "Christmas at Sea," the Maritime
Park’s annual family holiday event, which includes caroling with sea
chantey performers, storytelling, ornament making, holiday cookies and
hot apple cider.
Last by not least, the
annual Fisherman’s Wharf Tree Lighting Ceremony with Santa will cap
off the day’s festivities (5:30-6:00 p.m.).
During your next visit to
Fisherman’s Wharf, the Port of San Francisco invites you to the real
heart of this neighborhood — the people and boats that give the Wharf
its name. The Port has created an interpretive signage program to
enhance visitors’ enjoyment of Fisherman’s Wharf by explaining the
history and current workings of the fishing industry, and identifying
the Wharf district and providing orientation to pedestrians in the area.
Thirty-one historical panel signs have been set up along the Fisherman’s
Wharf Portwalk, providing clarity and direction for visitors to find the
historic working waterfront they came to see.
Much is happening along
the waterfront at Fisherman’s Wharf. It is certainly worthy of a
visit.
