Good morning everyone,

We highly recommend those who have begun and are planning to start curbside pick up to attend the “Best practices for curbside pickup” webinar. See info below.

As a reminder starting this Friday and throughout the Memorial Day weekend the Steiner Bridge will be demolished.

Save the Date
The Heart of Jtown Town Hall meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 27th from 3pm - 5pm. Many have expressed concern about how the COVID-19 pandemic is going to impact the future of Japantown.  Representatives from Japantown groups have come together to organize a response to the current crisis and learn more about how you can help sustain our Japantown.  There will be opportunities to ask questions as well as hear more about the efforts underway to mobilize support for community groups, cultural institutions and small businesses.
More info to follow.

Coming Soon
The JCBD in partnership with the Japantown Merchants Association will be hosting a Webinar (ZOOM) meeting for restaurants as soon as City guidelines becomes available. This invitation will be emailed to you directly.

Please continue to stay safe!
JCBD Staff

As we reopen San Francisco, and begin the recovery process the City invites businesses to a ZOOM webinar on Best Practices for Curbside Pickup. You will need to register.

TODAY - Thursday, May 21, 2020 11:00 am to 12:00 pm

Opening Remarks
Joaquin Torres, Director of Office of Economic and Workforce Development

Overview of the Ordinance
Peter Keith, Deputy San Francisco City Attorney

Rational of the Ordinance
Stephanie K.J. Cushing, MSPH, CHMM, REHS

Education and Support 
Maggie Weiland, Director, San Francisco Entertainment Commission

Retail stores not already open the public can open for curbside pickup if the location:

• Has clear access to a sidewalk, street, parking lot, or alley to use for pickup

• Has no more than 10 employees on site at once, to handle curbside pickup

• Is not in an enclosed shopping center, unless the business has its own exterior door

• Implements a Health and Safety Plan for curbside businesses (fillable MS Word)

The City estimates this will include more than 90% of retailers in San Francisco. These businesses can have a table set up on the sidewalk for items to be picked up. 

Businesses can request a free temporary loading zone for their business from SFMTA. Business can also temporarily use part of the sidewalk for curbside pickup. You don’t need a permit. See details at Public Works.

Important documents for businesses starting curbside pickup:
Health Officer Directive for Businesses with Curbside Pickup
Health and Safety Plan for Curbside Pick Up Fillable Form

Also make sure to mark your entry way so that customers stay 6 feet apart. It can be as simple as taping colored tape on the ground/floor.

Updated list on the 46 Essential Businesses that are Open (or soon to open) in Japantown. Please help us spread the word and share on your social media/website.

Please note the changes in operating hours for the Japan Center Garage. Please share this information with your staff and customers.