Amazing program, led by amazing people. And overseen by an amazing commission. Its truly been an honor to work sidebyside with such dedicated officials. And to serve the public in that capacity. Ill miss being here. Its been hard to let go. But this is my last commission meeting. And i appreciate the opportunity to let you know and to thank you for your support over 30s last 12 1 2 years. Oh, such big news. Well, congratulations, first of all. And thank you on behalf of the commission for all of your work these past 12 1 2 years. Its really been remarkable to see you lead the program and how successful its been and just want to express our deep, deep appreciation to you and our well wishes in your next venture. So thank you. And commissioners, would you like to say anything . Yeah. Youre the second head of this program thats gone to private sector. Julie being the first. You follow in julies footsteps was a real challenge. The support you have is not given, its earned. And part of earn
My name is phil ginsberg. I am the general manager of your San Francisco recreation and parks department. We want to welcome you to the 90 th, think about that. The 90th annual Tree Lighting. This started december 20th, 90 years ago on John Mclarens birthday and his spirit is here tonight because it is not raining. [laughter] this is truly one of our signature events of the year. Certainly one of my personal favourites. And if you see all the incredible stuff happening here down j. F. K. , if you havent walked down the street, there are rides and food and games and you get a goat of conservatory of flowers from night bloom or the outside of the building and the inside of the building are all lit up. It is super cool. The start of our show tonight is right next to me. Our mayor, london breed. Mayor, thank you for joining. We will have you wait just a second. The mayor is a magician and she will make the magic happen tonight with this tree. Before we make that happen, we need to acknowle
[cheers and applause] thank you. I am really, really excited to be here. Last year i was able to attend the grand opening of Natalie Graham commons and it was absolutely amazing. Some of you know the history of Natalie Grubb and the work that she did to help create the Tax Credit Program that allows for opportunity to invest in Affordable Housing like this one that we are standing in and her family was here. It was a great occasion. 120 families of low income are living in this property as we speak. And today, when we open this preschool, they will be prioritized for the slots in this location, which is absolutely exactly what we should be doing in San Francisco how incredible is that . [applause] so im joined here by number of great people and i like to see the young people already playing this place isnt opening until next week, but they decided they wanted to try the place out. That is why they are here today. This new transbay Child Development center is a welcome addition to this
You to do the right thing to shop local and shop in the castro or the haight or wherever your best neighborhood is. But i want to remind everybody why the best reason to shop local, to get out and get offline is because shopping is fun. And its social. You remember how it used to be when you would go with your best friend and you would go shopping and get that special thing for your mom or get that special thing for your boyfriend or girlfriend or whoever it was or your dad, shopping is fun. And thats why its important that you remember you go back to what it used to be like. And i want to encourage everyone to take a challenge this weekend and not shop online. To get out and shop in the castro instead, because, again, shopping is something that you do with your friends and family, and you can enjoy your relationships and build on that and have an experience that is really fun and interesting and unique. And we have some really great, unique stores in the castro, as a matter of fact. T
One organization. I want to thank our mayor of San Francisco, our leader for being a leader in the issue of gun violence. Give her a hand and welcome. Mattie scott, the mothers, Brady Campaign, all of the mothers who are part of this endeavor to end gun violence. Give it up for the mothers. [applause] i would be wrong if i didnt acknowledge jason and all of the gentlemen who came home after doing a life sentence in prison behind violence who are here to end senseless violence. Give them brothers a hand. [applause] i definitely have got to give a shout out to the sfpd who are partners of ours to end this gun violence. It is controversy with the community and cops. We are standing here in solidarity. Thank you guys for showing up, sfpd. [applause] all our Community Partners based in this together and or sponsors. Dispensary stores, barberry coast, green door, elevated, the shrine who helps us out. There are so many dispensary that help make this happen. My man, adam. He is a business one