SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Lunar New Year celebrations kicked off on San Francisco's Commercial Street Saturday with the launch of new market supporting Chinatown businesses. "After the pandemic this block, in particular, what we call Commercial Street has been half dead. We see more than 50 percent of vacancies in this block," said Francis Christian Chan, with San Francisco's Office of Economic & Workforce Development. "We think this community event will bring more new customers, existing customers back to this corridor, and enjoy the life in here."
I would say that I've thought about what that moment might look like after the midterm elections, sure. But I also, whenever I think about that, I try to put it out of my head and remind myself the American people elected me to do a job right now and my job is to do it. And if you start getting distracted and focused on what comes next, I think it actually makes you worse at the job you have.
The plan includes significantly increasing police patrols and enforcing misdemeanor ordinances, investing in infrastructure and new community events, and taking a more business-friendly brush to permits and fees. Officials also plan to be more aggressive in making sure property owners maintain unused properties. The blueprint tackles many "quality of life" issues that critics say have contributed to lower foot traffic in the city's tourist districts since the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a former member of the City Council, I had the distinct honor of representing Coney Island, working alongside Mayor Mike Bloomberg to secure the 2010 rezoning of the community. From the very beginning, our vision was clear: Coney Island should be more than just a seasonal attraction. We envisioned a year-round destination, a vibrant hub with hotels, entertainment venues, and abundant economic opportunities for the community it serves.
A group of dozens of companies pledged Monday to invest at least 631 billion euros ($733 billion) in Germany over the next three years, sending a signal of confidence in Europe's biggest economy as the new government tries to breathe new life into it.