Every year, San Francisco Pride events bring hundreds of thousands of people to the city during the last week of June to commemorate the Stonewall Riots in New York City, which kicked off the modern LGBTQ movement. This year was expected to be larger than ever, marking the 50th anniversary of San Francisco’s first march, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced its abrupt cancellation on April 14, 2020.
Author Archives: Mel Baker
Mel Baker is the producer and a contributor to The San Francisco Public Press radio program/podcast Civic. He has worked as a national network and Bay Area broadcaster for many decades. From early training in National Public Radio’s newscast unit, to stints in the newsrooms of KGO radio and KTVU-TV, and as a news anchor and reporter at KALW and other Bay Area stations, he has embraced the responsibility of broadcast media to “enlighten and inform” the community.
Less Than Half of Nursing Home Patients, Staff Tested
Some two weeks after a universal coronavirus testing mandate for nursing facilities was announced, 40% of the city’s nursing patients and staff have been tested, according to San Francisco health director Dr. Grant Colfax.
San Francisco to Allow Curbside Retail Sales, Warehouses to Reopen on Monday
Mayor London Breed announced Wednesday that up to 95% of retail businesses should be able to reopen for limited curbside service starting on Monday, May 18. Many warehouses and factories should also be able to resume operations.
Testing Expanded for Essential S.F. Workers
As part of an effort to expand testing to all San Franciscans the city is offering free coronavirus testing to all essential workers, even those without symptoms.
Dr. Grant Colfax, director of the city’s Public Health Department, said Monday that testing is now available to all public and private workers deemed essential, regardless of whether they have symptoms.
Sustaining Local Media During the Public Health Crisis
Even as more people than ever are turning to local media for reliable information during the COVID-19 crisis, many local outlets are actually laying off staff because of a collapse in the advertising market.
San Francisco Shelter-in-Place Order Could Be Extended Next Week
San Franciscans could be required to shelter-in-place well beyond May 3, the expiration date of the city’s current public health order.
S.F. Mission District Has Most COVID-19 Cases
San Francisco’s Mission District has the highest number of COVID-19 infections, based on new data released on the San Francisco Department of Public Health’s Data Tracker map.
City Ramping Up Coronavirus Contact Tracing and Testing
San Francisco is training a corps of city workers to trace the contacts of people who may have been exposed to someone suffering from COVID-19.
How Sunset Neighbors Created a Mutual-Aid Society
Now more than 1,000 members strong, the Sunset Neighborhood Help Group is made entirely of volunteers and was sparked by just one person’s post offering to pick up groceries for those unable to leave their homes.
Working at Home and Staying Productive During COVID-19
Career and life coach Marty Nemko shares some tips on how to stay productive and focused while working from home.
