Good morning everyone,

We are happy to report that 2 more essential businesses have reopened: Tenroku Sushi in the Kinokuniya Mall and Izumi Kaiten Sushi in the Japan Center West Mall. The JapantownSF.org website will be updated. If you have not provided JCBD staff with hours of operation and types of delivery services you are using, please contact us so that we can include on the website.

The SF Department of Health has been checking in with merchants to make sure they are in compliance as well as have the necessary signages posted. If you do not have the posters/flyers, please contact JCBD staff at info@jtowncbd.org.

Geary BRT / Steiner Bridge Demolition
Demolition for the pedestrian bridge at Geary and Steiner has already begun. It will continue through tomorrow, Monday, May 25th. The area around Geary and Steiner will be closed to through traffic while crews work to remove the bridge. During that time, vehicles in the area will be rerouted and bus stops will be relocated. Please allow extra travel time to get to your destination. More information can be found here.

In Preparation for Dine-In Service to Resume
The Golden Gate Restaurant Association (GGA) has requested to the City for clearer language in new health-related rules, and for advance notice that allows dine-in service to resume.

GGA is also requesting that the City provide an industry-specific “tool kit” of resources that will help restaurants prepare for reopening.

Once the “took kit” is available the JCBD along with the Japantown Merchants Association will hold a ZOOM meeting for restaurants to go over the information and will have available a representative from SF Department of Health to answer your questions and concerns.

Sneeze Guards and Hand Santiziers
Many of you have been inquiring about where to purchase sneeze guards (plastic shields for countertops) and bulk hand sanitizers/touchless dispensers. We are actively looking into this and are working with other Community Benefit Districts to find the best resources. We will keep you posted.

Please continue to stay safe!
JCBD Staff

The Heart of Jtown Community Town Hall Meeting on ZOOM
A reminder that the first Heart of Jtown Community Town Hall Meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 27th from 3pm - 5pm. This meeting will focus on relief efforts of the Japantown community and will have a representative of the SF Dept. of Health to provide updates. Please register here or click the button above.

As mentioned, a restaurant specific ZOOM meeting will be scheduled once more information comes in.

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)

More information and requirements can be found in the Directive and you can find a summary here.

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.

In order to reopen for curbside/storefront pickup, retailers must: 1) have a location with clear access to a sidewalk, street, parking lot, or alley to use for pickup, and 2) fill out and post a Health and Safety Plan and a Social Distancing Protocol.

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 49 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.