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Small Business

Neighborhood small business issues we advocate for.

The “Abbot-Kinnification” of Hayes Valley — A Neighborhood Takeover in Real Time

There’s been a quiet but calculated effort underway to turn Hayes Valley into the next Abbot Kinney. If that reference doesn’t land immediately, it should because the pattern is already unfolding in real time. Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice Beach was once a quirky, eclectic strip filled with independent shops, creatives, and community culture. But over time thanks to a toxic mix of real estate speculation, political favoritism, and design-by-marketing, it became a sterile playground of luxury brands, overpriced “experiences,” …

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EZ Is the New Formula Retail

How San Francisco’s “Activation” Agenda Is Gutting the Neighborhood Economy Again Hayes Valley once set the bar for protecting small business. Its 2004 formula retail ban was designed to block chain stores and preserve a local-serving economy. But over the years, City Hall has quietly chipped away at those protections first by making exceptions, then by ignoring them outright. Now, a new threat is taking root: Entertainment Zones (EZs). And if you think they’re about vibrancy, think again. They’re about …

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Who Gets to Speak for Hayes Valley?

The small business perspective on the gatekeeping, intimidation, and broken politics behind the Hayes Street road block. When speaking up comes with consequences, staying quiet becomes a form of protection. That’s the reality for many small business owners in Hayes Valley who have been navigating the fallout of the prolonged Hayes Street closure. In Part 1, we explored the operational disruption, economic fallout, and emotional exhaustion caused by a closure that has destabilized the business corridor. But beyond what’s visible …

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The Small Business Perspective on the Hayes Street Closure

An account from merchants navigating the fallout. What began as a temporary pandemic-era street closure has now stretched on for years, disrupting commerce, dividing the community, and placing growing pressure on the small businesses that helped build Hayes Valley in the first place.For many people, the weekend closure of the 400 block of Hayes Street looks like a feel-good policy. Fewer cars. More foot traffic. A celebration of neighborhood life. But for the businesses that actually operate on or near …

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Head West Market SFMTA Permit 2024

Permit history 2023 Permit History 2025 permit update UPDATE: July 10, 2024 Despite all the feedback and letters of opposition regarding the process and lack of oversight and representation to defend the needs and positions of our small mom and pop business operators SFMTA/ISCOTT and the office of Small Business did the predictable and approved the 4th date. While we disagree with the choice or words that an agreement was reached to substantiate this decision we will be looking forward …

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Encampments on Page and Gough

LAST UPDATE: SAT OCT 7th > Neighbors and businesses on and around Page and Gough have been stressed with the ongoing encampment crisis at this location. This morning the City instructed the encampments to move around the corner while a new street light was being installed. A representative of HVSafe was on the scene and spoke to SFPD and an outreach worker. We were told that there is nothing that can be done and that this issue lies in the …

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Head West Market SFMTA Permit 2023

Permit history 2024 Permit History 2025 permit renewal update Communications May 10, 2023 Read our pre hearing letter to SFMTA and ISCOTT UPDATE: May 9, 2023 Dear Neighbors: A SFMTA ISCOTT hearing is slated for this Thursday at 9 am for a proposed Head West event venue change. If approved 2 more event dates will be added for this year. Below are details of what has transpired thus far. Communications by Head West has been dismal and frustrating. They have …

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HVSafe Letter to Planning Department, RE: 618 & 630 Octavia

We’re sharing our recent correspondence to the Planning Department regarding the housing development plan for 618 & 630 Octavia. We recognize taking a position is often fraught with apprehension, but we believe it’s critical for the health of civic dialogue, advocacy and the right to redress. Attention San Francisco Planning Commission: HVSafe supports the proposed project for 618 & 630 Octavia. We’ve had an open dialogue with Eduardo Sagues/March Capital Management and are satisfied with the answers and information provided …

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