Sign the Petition to Save Pier 38! - http://www.change.org/petitions/san-francisco-mayor-save-pier-38?utm_medium=email&utm_source=share_petition

Pier 38 is home to over 150 employees and 40 small businesses.  The space is vitally important - not just because of current businesses, but because it generates over 20 *new* businesses a year in San Francisco. It is the home of multiple business incubators, a collaborative workspace to share ideas and experience, and generator of many new jobs.

On September 6th, the Port Authority issued notices to evict all tenants from Pier 38, due to safety issues. Most of these issues are easily correctable, and we have commitments from multiple Pier 38 businesses to repair issues.

Yesterday, September 14th, a rally was organized, retweeted, Facebooked and made the news to Save @Pier38 (yes, there's a Twitter feed). Many small business owners spoke before the Board of Supervisors, to tell their story, and the impact of an eviction.

Results:

Press coverage, thanks to @xo - http://www.ktvu.com/video/29177091/index.html

We've lit a fire under the powers that be in San Francisco. I spoke with Jane Kim, District 6 Supervisor briefly after the rally. The Port Authority got wind of the rally, and knew heat was coming from press coverage, so Port started calling Jane's office often. Mayor Ed Lee spoke before the Board of Supervisors about his commitment to addressing the issues Pier 38.  David Chiu, President of the Board of Supervisors, told me that he would do anything he could to support us.

Brad Benson introduced himself to us as the new liaison between Port and the tenants of Pier 38 at the BoS meeting, and provided us with relevant contact information. 

Joanna Hayes-White, Chief of the Fire Department, 2 inspectors from Port, 2 inspectors from the City performed a new set of inspections at Pier 38, while we were rallying.

The best news is that a meeting is being scheduled between Jane Kim, Malia Cohen (D10 Supervisor), representatives from the Port Authority, the Mayor's office, and the tenants at Pier 38 to discuss issues on Friday. Everyone will be at the table.

Last week, things looked extremely bleak, but a little attention goes a long ways. Port is finally feeling pressure to act.  I'm amazed at the effort of everyone who came to the rally, so thank you for all of your support. If we keep up the effort and momentum, we might just come out of this with our Pier.