Chinatown Spruce-Up Underway to Usher in the Year of the Tiger

For immediate release: Jan 14, 2022

Contact: Rachel Gordon, San Francisco Public Works, rachel.gordon@sfdpw.org

CHINATOWN SPRUCE-UP UNDERWAY TO USHER IN THE YEAR OF THE TIGER

San Francisco Public Works cleaning and street repair crews, painters and safety inspectors prepare the historic neighborhood for the Lunar New Year 

SAN FRANCISCO — To welcome the Year of the Tiger, a Chinese zodiac sign symbolizing bravery, confidence and loyalty, Public Works cleaning, pothole repair and inspection teams are on the job around the clock this month in San Francisco’s iconic Chinatown to help the neighborhood roar into the Lunar New Year that starts Feb 1.

Street cleaning crews are power washing the Dragon Gate at Grant and Bush streets, sprucing up the Broadway Tunnel, removing litter, painting out graffiti and steam cleaning sidewalks and alleyways in the weeks leading up to the New Year.

In addition, street repair crews are conducting a pothole-repair blitz throughout the neighborhood to provide smooth and safe roads for people who walk, bike, drive and take transit in Chinatown. 

At the same time, urban forestry crews are surveying the neighborhood to make sure street trees are maintained, skilled painters are repainting the dragon lamp posts along Grant Avenue between Bush and Broadway streets and inspectors are ensuring that sidewalks are clear and safe for pedestrians.

“Lunar New Year is one of the most celebrated festivals in San Francisco and all around the world,” said Mayor London Breed. “We are committed to working with Public Works to make sure that Chinatown residents and merchants are prepared to ring in the Year of the Tiger, bringing us strength, bravery, joy and health. Keeping safety in mind, let’s continue to look out for one another, wear a mask, take precautions while you are out and about preparing for the spring season and stay home if necessary. Remember, COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are the best measures to protect us. Together, let’s welcome the Water Tiger with hope, courage and determination.”

Added Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who represents Chinatown, “I am looking forward to this Lunar New Year and all of its activities that celebrate Chinatown’s culture, history and resilience. The City’s top priority is ensuring that all the activities, including outdoor vending, happen safely and that tourists and locals alike are welcomed back to a clean and vibrant Chinatown!”

In the weeks leading up to Lunar New Year, activity in Chinatown bustles with shoppers. In order to have a safe and fun Lunar New Year for everyone, Public Works will conduct a special inspections operation to ensure that sidewalk merchandise displays provide the necessary access for safe pedestrian passage. Inspections will be conducted from Jan. 15 to Jan. 30 in Chinatown.

“Keeping our historic Chinatown neighborhood clean, safe and vibrant is important for the residents who live here and for everyone visiting, shopping and enjoying the cultural festivities happening around Lunar New Year,” said City Administrator Carmen Chu. “Whether browsing the outdoor stalls at the Flower Market Fair, watching the lion dancers or taking in the diversity of history and experiences in our neighborhood, come see San Francisco shine.”

San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest Chinatown in North America and also the largest of its kind outside of Asia. It is also one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in the United States. 

“The annual Lunar New Year festivities are a source of pride not just for the Chinatown community but for all of San Francisco, and Public Works is honored to do our part to help this iconic neighborhood look its best,” said interim Public Works Director Carla Short. “With the New Year comes a renewed commitment to work hand-in-hand with our community partners to love our city.”