we did not have a partnership if we did not have leadership, and so i want to introduce our superintendent of schools, carlos garcia, and our board member who has helped identify the needs of students as well. carlos? >> thank you. good morning. but the move this a little bit. there we go. this is an exciting day. sometimes people come up to me and say that summers will seems like an oxymoron. you already have school, right? in this day and age, if we're going to compete, in a flat our students are going to be successful. i have to tell you to take my hat goes off -- and he has a half, but i do not. my hat goes off to the mayor. think about it.

we had all the different superintendents from southern california in for a meeting, and no one could believe that a city like san francisco would step up to fund charter school, because that just does not happen anywhere. we asked around the room, were there any other cities, and there was not. this is a special city. we have a community that actually use the children of the community as their children, like the mayor said. and it makes such a big difference, having them step up and be there for the children. it has been fabulous. and to have these advocates, it is great to have a relationship with them. my hat is always of to them. they pushed us. they pushed the school district. they pushed us to do great things for our children. a couple of years ago, we had a

conversation to talk about the a-g program for all students. we started with ninth graders. everyone takes required glasses. and as a result, yeah, we have a few kids who do not make it. and so, this summer, we were trying to figure out -- we had some money. think about it -- in california 70% of all the money for summer school has been wiped out. we no longer get the funding. how are we going to do that. we decided to prioritize and give summer school to our seniors, because if they cannot pass, they will not graduate. every year, we have the priority for them to take this later on. at the end of summer school, we have another graduation forum. we have been that our priority.

until the mayor and everybody got together, and we said, you know, this is not somebody else's problem. the mayor was the first two said we have to come up with the money. the $250,000 is something that will make a reality for 900 kids who did not do well in those requirements, to let them know that we care enough that we're going to make them a priority. that could not have happened without the support. gm.ftñ behind in credits, because that is what instep happening. this is something opportunity with all the credit that they need to keep moving this forward. we could never have done this in the past, and certainly agree that without the help of everybody, but not be here. city colleges are offering summer courses for high school

students. we all worked as a team now. it is great working with your departments. we talk to each other. it really is one city. i have worked in seven school districts. i have to tell you this is the first place in my life for all the different parts of the city, the colleges, everybody comes together, the school district, and we all think about what will be best for our children. and that is what makes -- you know, talk about having a great san francisco promise. this is a place where we walk the talk and make the new priority. i want to thank everyone who is here. it is not just the school district. mayor, i cannot thank you enough. and go, giants. thank you. >> thank you, carlos. part of the work we have been doing in the mayor's office is

focused around public safety issues. without our committee response network, many of them are here with us this afternoon. they pushed us as well. bill and alan nance were instrumental. that acknowledges how important public safety is in our office. he has come through, talking about what we need to do for our youth. i would like to bring a poll henderson. -- paul henderson. [applause] >> come on. you can clap louder than that. i am going to get warmed up here. this is fully warmed already talking about public safety, there is not just one event, one action, but today's announcement

that we have here is symbolic of what the process is. this is exactly how public safety works in the city. i know everyone is concerned about what happens this summer, and what are we going to do and how we are going to keep the crime rate low and how we are going to advance so used is engaged in positive activity over the summer in an attempted into making bad decisions. and today is exactly how we're going to deliver on that. we are doing not just an educational commitment -- but the mayor has talked about all the people who live stepped up to make sure we have a summer school, but also that we are addressing both cultural and social activities as well. i think a symbol of that is what we're doing with camp mather, and how we are bringing together all the organizations that you

see behind me and some that you do not see. it is a partnership that creates new opportunities. this is something that has not been done in the past. we're talking about a cultural and social responsibility. i just want to acknowledge that part and rep and phil ginsburg specifically -- because of his leadership -- we're going to have a great program that includes educational opportunities for youth where they have not had those opportunities in the past. that is what has been created. its stand up in particular this year, because we all know what our budget issues are, and the way that this is working, it is because of a unique partnership, the people you see standing behind me, with the educational department, who are also going

to be a part of -- throughout the summer -- with the summer school and the camp mather experience -- and that is a big deal. also, not here, but as part of the partnership and of the table, the police department. and a number of other community-based organizations that of all been at the table to make sure this program work and that kids are safe and that san francisco is going to be safe through the summer. thank you for coming out, and hopefully we will leave here and i will -- and we all leave as agents of change and talk about the exciting things the city is doing in share with our communities so we have as much participation as possible, but moreover that we have awareness, so people know not just what the city is doing, but what we are doing it, why it is important, and why it matters to the

citizens of san francisco. thank you. >> thank you, paul. it is not just about public safety, but it is also about learning throughout the summer. no one knows that better than our director of the department of children and families. >> hello, i am maria su. i want to thank the mayor and his leadership and appreciate carlos garcia and his leadership of the school district. we definitely see our department as the glue that connects the city with the different departments together and to help advocate for services for children, youth, and families. i want to mention a few things the department is doing for the summer, because we are doing a lot. if you want to learn more, please go to 311, 211, or our

partent-specific website sf.org. our goals are to create programs and services that meet the needs of working families. i want to emphasize working families because i received a directive from the mayor that require this to make sure all of programming help support all of those working families in san francisco, because you know how important that is to keep our families here and to have " -- quality services for them, and to focus our services on at risk children, youth, and families. we also have a lot of families that are struggling right now. we need to make sure our services prioritizes families.

finally, we want to make sure would provide a healthy meals for all of our children who are experiencing any of these programs. of note, we want to make sure that everyone knows we're finding a variety of summers services for kindergartners up to eighth grade. he wants to make sure that we were able to find $3 million to invest in full day summer programs. there are 63 full day of summer programs throughout the city. right now, where families can enroll, so they can have that quality experience. we project to serve approximately 7000 children this year with just that one strategy. this is one of many different strategies. we are working very closely

with the school district so we can provide them those opportunities so that those kids who are going to summer school will have the opportunity to receive this enrichment programs and other fine quality programs. in terms of services for teenagers, we of 53 programs throughout the city that will provide enrichment, leadership services, and in one thing we have heard over and over again and all of our community meetings -- youth employment opportunities. we will continue that the summer. we will continue three of our largest youth employment programs in the city. one is called the mayor's youth and education program. with allocated approximately 450 slots for youth the summer. youth works, a department -- and we have allocated 150 slots this

summer. and then, finally, work creation, which is a partnership with our rec and park department in which we will allocate 120 slots, through partnership of course, to have people in our park facilities this summer. and paul henderson has already touched on violence prevention. we will continue our programs in service of violence prevention services. these are full year programs for our community. but very important -- we want to make sure everybody knows that all of our violence prevention programs are working with the department of public safety throughout the city, so we can coordinate our services and make sure that our services are

targeted where we need to be periods -- need to be. we have been able to work with a wonderful food vendor, and they will be providing organic, locally grown sustainable foods this summer for all of our children and all of our programs. we will provide 80 programs this summer. some of them are at park and rep. some of them will be at a community-based organizations. we will have food opportunities for children starting in june of the way into august, and the project to serve approximately 5000 meals per day every day during that time. this is more than last year, and i believe we will have better quality food because they are organic and locally-grown foods. if you want to learn more about

any of these programs, please go to 311, 211, or sfkids.org. >> thank you. so the benefits from this? uc student leaders. -- you see student leaders. we've had great partnership with families throughout the city where these services matter most. we want to invite one of our parent leaders, apparently a son actually -- a parent liason actually. >> hello. in apparent leader, and i wanted to let know that we all should have the opportunity to have a good education, regardless of

what neighborhoods they live in. this is of fundamental value for college and her rear for all. this year, in the mother of an eighth grader in the san francisco unified school district. the freshman class will be the first graduating class to meet the new graduation requirements that ensures access to california state university and university of california approved courses, otherwise known as a through g. this is one of the many ways the san francisco unified school district is keeping its promise to access and equity to all the students in the city. the commitment of city leaders like the mayor, the board of education, the board of supervisors, to increase summer programming and access to summer school is the strongest sign of

keeping a promise to the next generation of san franciscans, providing the summer program for ninth graders -- about 900 students -- who otherwise would be off track and could not continue is just amazing. i am so excited about it. this year makes the 20 anniversary of the children's fund -- the 20th anniversary of the children's fund, and i am happy about having leaders who put the children's fund in impacting lives through the after-school program and child care. we would like at the same time to think the mayor and maria su for working hard with community members to understand the needs that we have.

to have the stillness be able to get these opportunities that will accomplish -- to have the students be able to get these opportunities that will accomplish access and equities. thank you. >> and finally, whether it is finding fields to play on or learning how to cook, rec and park has been hitting it out of the park for a while. phil, tell us what you are doing this summer. >> hello. it is hot. it is almost too hot to wear the vest. which i never take out. the recreation and park department's summer is the most joyous and exciting and important time. i want to thank mayor lee and superintendent for 7 on your side. and all my colleagues back here for the vision, which is simple. the best way to keep kids busy during the summer is to give them healthy things to do. that is what we are all about. i am going to give you an

overview of some of the things we are doing. we are proud to be able to offer over 30,000 camp slots for our kids. 30,000. that is an increase, mr. mayor, from last year. our camp programs are fantastic. they range from traditional to art camps, but we are always recognizing that kids today think differently than we did when we were kids. so we have skateboarding, surfing, the amex viking -- bmx biking, activities for young and old, roller soccer, all kinds of sports. one of our most important principles is every child has an opportunity to participate regardless of ability to bed. we have are robust scholarship

program. already this early in our registration cycle, we've given 500 kids scholarships to attend our camps. in addition, i want to thank our partners because we cannot do it alone. we have a great partner with cyf, and also they are providing healthy meals for our kids during the day. i want to think the housing authority. i do not know if they are here today. we have had a great relationship for two years where all of our children who live in public housing get to participate in our summer programs, and most importantly, our learn to swim program all summer long for free. i want to focus on two summer camps. one is a new camp we are doing this summer called camp azure. camp azure is for children on the autism spectrum who need extra supervision.

they will be right alongside can silver streak, one of our most fabulous camps. -- right alongside camp silve tree. we will be hosting a very special camp experience for children on the autism spectrum. and finally, to follow up on the opportunity for camp mather, for the first time -- camp mather has always been the most special family experience. it has never been a place for at risk youth, and for the first time, we will be bringing 60 kids to experience the wonderment and beauty of nature, right at our hetch hetchy reservoir. it is one of the most spectacular assets we have and in the city. kids learn about hiking and participate in team building

exercises, obstacle courses. they will be able to learn to swim. they will help us build trails. they will stage a talent show. i do not know if they know that yet. it will be a fabulous five-day experience for them. we are excited about it. we also have a program for people who do not want to participate in camp. summer registration starts may 31. this is for children of all ages. connie over here has our program guide for both our summer programs and our camp cycle. as we like to say at rec and park, get out and play. thank you very much. >> we have a lot that is going on the summer. i want to acknowledge any alvarez -- henry alvarez from the housing authority. i also want to and knowledgeluis hererra, our city librarian.

thank you for joining us, partnering with us, and making sure our students are safe and continuing with learning to read the summer. thank you. >> welcome to "culturewire." for the past year, the arts

commission has been participating in the city's effort to revitalize the central market street corridor. in addition to the thursday arts market and are in store front, the art commission recently launched the artery project. for the next year, the artery project will bring energy and excitement to market street, recalling the st.'s heyday as san francisco's vibrant and bustling theater district. >> un.n plaza during business hours seize hundreds of passing office workers and students, but the activity winds down at 5:00 every day. theater productions bring some but traffic, but central market is more of a thoroughfare than a destination after the sun goes down. on december 9, the artery

project's launch brought a party atmosphere to market street, led by mayor gavin newsom, city officials flipped the switch on three new art installations that light up the st.'s architecture. a looping a video at 1119 market street was the first words to be some -- the first work to be seen that evening. before the unveiling, the director of cultural affairs spoke to artist jim campbell about the concepts behind bourbon reflection and how he created the work. >> i'm really excited to have your installation on public view starting today here on market street. you created a site-specific work. can you talk about that? >> yes, i looked at two or three different locations, and this one seemed the best. i work with customer electronics, so indoors seemed the best for the work. i also like how close it was 2

market street itself. it is only about 10 feet away, so i chose this location. >> what is the duration? if someone were to stand in front of your installation today. >> at the moment, it is 12 minutes, but i've been thinking about adding footage over the time because it is going to go through a couple of seasons. >> could you describe a little bit in terms of what your creative process is? >> it is a curtain, and image made up of a curtain, so it is very valuable, and the idea was to use this technology that i've been using for the last 10 years, low resolution imagery, to reflect market street back to the pedestrians walking by. the reason that it kind of works in this environment is that you see people walking by. you see cars going by. you see buses going by, but you cannot help we the people are because it is low resolution. you cannot see their faces. you can see the way they walk.

you might be able to tell the kind of car going by. >> what do you think passersby will experience? >> i was thinking it was going to be a test of the success of the work if people stop and look. i have noticed in the last few nights that people do stop and look. a certain percentage. one of the things i was playing with was the ambiguity of whether it is alive or not, so people walk by, and they might even move like this back and forth, thinking that they are in the image, and they realize that it is a daytime shot, and that kind of thing. >> thanks for being part of life on market street. >> my pleasure. >> after the lighting of urban reflection, mayor newsom led the party to the corner of seventh street. lighting the way down the street were members of the filipino cultural center's youth program, carrying traditional core role lanterns. on the side of the resort hotel

is a projection titled "storylines." working with students from the art commission writer's corps program, paul organized a series of images with text captions. they will change every evening until a different -- and tell a different story. one block away, theodore watson has created an interactive installation that crosses over six street. spaces' begins with a photo capture station on the north side of the street that projects your face on to a building on the south side of the street. on opening night, the installation was an immediate hit with the crowd. we talked with the or what said about his remarkable installation. >> what inspired you to create this interactive piece? >> the work i typically do is

kind of interactive installations or both indoor and also outdoor and public space. for me, what i'm most interested in is how we can use technology to make the city, which is typically quite a static environment architecturally speaking -- how can we make it come alive? >> what i love about your work is there is such sophisticated software and electronics and complex connections that all have to work together to make it successful, but yet, all of that is invisible to the people interact with the work. >> they do not realize there is all these cables and projectors and computers and all this technology behind the scenes, and if you can keep it hidden, it feels like a really magical moment. to me, that is what is inspiring, and that is what makes the public, their eyes light up. >> you feel a little bit like the wizard of oz? >> totally, yes. >>