Wharf Spiffs Up Image
By Alessandro Baccari
Published: November, 2001
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.
