Please join the Japantown Task Force and the SF Recreation & Parks Department to break ground on the Peace Plaza Renovation Project THIS Saturday, April 27, 2 pm, at the San Francisco Japantown Peace Plaza. Made possible by the 2020 parks bond measure with funding from the Japantown Foundation, the Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development, the Office of Economic Development, state and federal partners, the construction is expected to take about 2 years. Plant Construction has been selected as the contractor after a competitive process. The groundbreaking ceremony will feature VIP speakers from all levels of government and the local community. This event is free and open to the public, but RSVP is requested.

IMPORTANT UPDATE FROM THE RECREATION & PARKS DEPARTMENT:

“Towards the end of April, Peace Plaza construction will begin. Key construction activities that are coming up soon include:

• Post tree removal notifications for the garage waterproofing work. NOTE: This project will include the planting of 16 new trees and replanting of three existing culturally significant trees.

• Secure the site with fencing and customer access.

• Obtain required construction permits.

• Preconstruction documentation of existing plaza elements.

• Protect or remove salvaged items, recycle materials, remove and dispose of demolished items.”

  The Recreation & Parks Department website for the Peace Plaza Renovation Project can be found here.

First Voice proudly presents “Soul of the City” on June 1-2 at the Presidio Theater. Be sure to use the discount code “SAKURA” until April 30 to receive 30% off community tickets! Ticket information available here.

The Japantown Task Force/Japantown Cultural District is excited to announce the launch of the Japantown Silver Navigators Program! We are looking for seniors (persons age 65 and older) to staff the Japantown Cultural District Visitor Center (photo above) on Fridays-Sundays between the hours of 11:30 am - 5:30 pm beginning in May. Honoraria of up to $2,000 will be provided for shared shifts through January 12, 2025. If you are interested or want to learn more, please contact Melissa Bailey Nihei at mbnihei@japantowntaskforce.org  

Our condolences to the very large Glide family on the passing of Reverence Cecil Williams on April 22, 2024, just a few years after his wife Janice Mirikitani, a sansei poet and activist, who died in 2021. The two were extraordinary champions of the poor and vulnerable. Join us for a mural dedication to remember two outstanding community leaders at the Glide Memorial, 330 Ellis Street, THIS FRIDAY, 4/26, 12N - 4 pm.

An announcement from our friends at the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce of Northern California: “The Hawaiʻi Chamber of Commerce of Northern California is pleased to announce our 22nd Annual Five Star Aloha Gala on Friday, May 24, starting at 5:30 p.m. at The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square. This is our organization’s signature event and serves as a venue for honoring individuals and organizations with our Kūlia I Ka Nuʻu (Strive for the Summit) Award for contributions in promoting the Aloha Spirit from Hawaiʻi through Northern California and beyond. This year’s honoree is the Hawai’i Community Foundation. All proceeds go to helping fund our scholarship program foundation and organization.” Info and tickets available here.