Meanwhile, business owners in the area are uncertain about the extent of road closures and security zones that will disrupt everyday activities. Our reporter, Marcus Laura, is live outside the Moscone Center in Ginger, where residents are preparing for the upcoming events. The community has received flyers and noticed parking signs indicating the upcoming changes.
Barriers have also been delivered to the Moscone Center, indicating that preparations are underway. However, there is still confusion regarding work schedules.
Some businesses have been informed that they don’t have to close, while others, such as the ice rink facility, have been instructed not to allow certain equipment on the premises. This has led to concerns about losing customers.
Initially, the woman working at the ice rink was told they would be closed the entire week of Apex and was unsure about getting paid. However, plans have changed, and they now intend to open for a day or two to assess the situation. Similarly, a family that owns a sandwich shop in the area is cautiously testing the waters by opening for a half day, hoping that the influx of Apec-related visitors will bring in more business. They have advised their delivery personnel to consider alternative transportation methods, like bicycles, due to restricted car access.
As the city gears up for the event, barriers on semi-trucks have been brought in, and fencing is expected to be installed in designated areas in the following days. No parking signs have been put up around the perimeter, some as early as yesterday.
San Francisco Public Works has prioritized beautification projects, such as painting a pedestrian bridge near Japan Town, enhancing a crosswalk in Chinatown, and cracking down on graffiti citywide. Later today, a flag raising ceremony at City Hall will officially welcome visitors to the city. We will continue to cover Apec throughout.
