Rules Committee backs Fisherman’s Wharf entertainment zone and affirms CEQA determination

The committee heard a presentation from Tita Bell, chief of staff to Supervisor Danny Sauter, on an ordinance to create a Fisherman's Wharf entertainment zone that covers Powell Street (Embarcadero to Beach), the Embarcadero (Powell to Taylor), Taylor Street (Embarcadero to Jefferson), Jefferson (Taylor to Hyde), Beach Street (Hyde to Polk and Larkin to Powell), Polk (Beach to North Point), North Point (Polk to Larkin), Larkin (North Point to Beech), and Alaskom(a) Way.

Bell said the zone is intended to revive commercial activity after pandemic‑era vacancies by enabling curated programming — festivals, concerts, markets, retail and dining showcases and other cultural activations — to attract tourists and local residents, extend dwell time in the Wharf, and increase revenues for small businesses. Bell said the Wharf Community Benefit District (CBD) has conducted outreach, is developing a management and security plan, and has support from the Port, SFPD Central Station, the SF Chamber of Commerce and local fishing interests. The presentation also noted the ordinance affirms the planning department's CEQA determination.

Brie Mann, executive director of the Fisherman's Wharf CBD, told the committee that while visitorship has returned, it has not translated into revenue for small businesses and that entertainment zones elsewhere in the city have been social drivers to restore vibrancy.

President Rafael Mandelmann and Vice Chair Steven Sherrill asked to be added as cosponsors. No other public speakers were recorded. Chair Shamone Walton moved to forward the ordinance to the full Board with a recommendation; the clerk recorded the motion as passing without objection.

The item will proceed to the full Board for consideration of the ordinance and any implementing details such as management and security plans.