PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

August 19, 2010

Contact:  (415) 554-6931

 ‘SPRUCE UP BY SUN UP’ ON THE HORIZON

DPW to Launch Inspection Campaign to Ensure Clean and Green SF Streets

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – The Department of Public Works (DPW) announced today that it will begin a campaign next month called “Spruce Up by Sun Up” which will include announced early morning visits to 300 of San Francisco’s busiest blocks. The inspections will be carried out by various city agencies, Recology Golden Gate, and Recology Sunset Scavenger and will focus on issues such as clean sidewalks, tree maintenance, graffiti, and required garbage collection service.

The “Spruce Up by Sun Up” campaign is part of DPW’s Community Corridors Partnership Program, which has provided extensive education and outreach over the last three years by visiting streets at all times of the day and night to educate merchants and property owners about their responsibilities to keep San Francisco clean and green. In addition to education and outreach, the program improves the quality of life on busy San Francisco merchant corridors by cleaning sidewalks, removing graffiti on public property, and repairing potholes.

“The cleanliness and maintenance of our city’s streets cannot be maintained by any one entity alone,” said Mohammed Nuru, DPW’s Deputy Director of Operations, “A clean city requires partnerships between city agencies, businesses, and residents and I look forward to our continued work together to keep our city beautiful.”

As part of the “Spruce Up by Sun Up” Campaign, DPW contacted every property owner with a schedule as well as clear and detailed information regarding City maintenance standards for garbage receptacles, tree foliage and basins; storefronts; awnings; and sidewalks. The goal of the campaign is to keep streets clean and inviting for residents, customers and other visitors.

DPW is responsible for the care and maintenance of San Francisco’s streets and much of its infrastructure. The department cleans and resurfaces streets; plants and maintains City street trees; designs, constructs and maintains city-owned facilities; inspects streets and sidewalks; constructs curb ramps; removes graffiti from public property; and partners with the diverse neighborhoods in San Francisco to provide stellar cleaning and greening services.

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