sf.citi is committed to providing ongoing updates about the latest community news and resources from the San Francisco tech industry and beyond.
Learn about the future of social impact at sf.citi’s upcoming Scaling Social Impact event this Wednesday, October 21. Speaking to social impact leaders Amy LeBold of NextRoll, Tina Lee of Dropbox, and Amanda Lenaghan of Cruise, we’ll hear stories of how tech companies have successfully transitioned their social impact strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic and how to scale those efforts into an increasingly remote future.
Register for Scaling Social Impact
- 875,291 confirmed cases in California
- 16,968 confirmed deaths in California
- 111,314 confirmed cases in the Bay Area
*As of 9:00am PT on 10/19
COVID-19 Updates from the SF Tech Community
UPDATES FROM THE TECH COMMUNITY
We are sharing the latest COVID-19 resources from the San Francisco tech industry, as well other community-minded initiatives pioneered by sf.citi members.
- Comcast contributed $350,000 in cash and in-kind donations to local nonprofit Opportunity Fund to provide microloans and wraparound services for Black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) small business owners in the Bay Area.
- Cruise received a permit from the California DMV to remove the human backup drivers from its self-driving cars. That means that before the end of 2020, you’ll see Cruise’s fully electric cars navigating the streets of San Francisco—without anyone at the wheel!
- Verizon launched its 5G Ultra Wideband service in parts of San Francisco, marking a huge leap forward in broadband innovation and connectivity in our City.
UPDATES FROM THE CITY OF SAN FRANCISCO
- On October 15, Mayor Breed participated in the ceremonial groundbreaking of 137 affordable homes at 4840 Mission Street—one of the first 100 percent affordable housing developments in District 11. The 137-unit development at 4840 Mission is one of the first major projects in San Francisco’s Excelsior neighborhood in nearly 25 years and is expected to be completed in early 2023.
- On October 14, San Francisco Mayor London Breed and San Jose Mayor Sam Licardo released a statement about the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) Final Blueprint for Plan Bay Area. Aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion, the Blueprint included a strategy mandating all large office-based employers (25 or more employees) to have at least 60 percent of their employees telecommute on any given day. Both Mayor Breed and Mayor Licardo expressed concern about the telecommute mandate, saying they “cannot support it as currently drafted.”
- On October 14, Mayor Breed announced the reopening of San Francisco playgrounds. The City’s more than 180 playgrounds will have signs reminding families of their capacity limits and guidelines on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Additionally, Recreation and Park Department monitors will be stationed at the City’s busiest playgrounds for the first two weekends to help educate families about the new rules and ensure health guidelines are followed. On a related note, Mayor Breed also announced the opening of six newly renovated playgrounds.
To stay up to date with all City of San Francisco updates, follow the Mayor’s updates here.
UPDATES FROM THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
- On October 16, Governor Newsom announced the release of $30.7 million in the fifth round of awards for Homekey. Homekey is California’s program to purchase, rehabilitate, and convert properties into permanent, long-term housing for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. This most recent round of awards went to the Yurok Tribe in Eureka, the City of Los Angeles, and the City of San Luis Obispo for three projects totaling 210 units.
- On October 16, Governor Newsom announced that the President has approved California’s request for a Major Disaster Declaration to bolster the state’s emergency response to wildfires. The Major Disaster Declaration will provide federal assistance to help state, tribal, and local governments fund emergency response, recovery, and protective measures. It will also help people in impacted counties become eligible for crisis counseling, housing and unemployment assistance, and legal services.
- On October 13, Governor Newsom released recommendations for improving police response to protests and demonstrations. In response to the recommendations, Governor Newsom has directed the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) to modernize training and guidance for law enforcement. Other recommendations encourage police officers to wear and activate body cameras when interacting with demonstrators and restrict the types of weapons and tactics that should be used during protests and demonstrations.
To stay up to date with all State of California updates, follow the California Department of Health’s updates here.
SUPPORT OUR SAN FRANCISCO COMMUNITY
Every week, sf.citi will feature a different San Francisco nonprofit and share ways you can support its mission and work.
- The 10th annual Bay Area Science Festival (BASF), northern California’s largest free educational event, is going virtual with more than 125 all-ages experiences from October 21–25. BASF is produced by the Science and Health Education Partnership (SEP) at UCSF in collaboration with Bay Area universities, museums, cultural institutions, corporations, after-school groups, research labs, government agencies, and more. As in years past, the 2020 edition of BASF will include activities to boost interest in STEM careers and develop real-world problem solving and critical-thinking skills. Support STEM education and sign up for the 10th annual Bay Area Science Festival from October 21–25. It’s virtual and free!
Would you like to be featured in a future sf.citi community update? Tell us about your work in San Francisco by emailing jacqueline@sfciti.org.
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