City Hall Bulletin: Public Health Alerts and Official Commission Schedules

City Hall Bulletin: Public Health Alerts and Official Commission Schedules

Today, Thursday, January 29, 2026, the City and County of San Francisco has issued several high-priority public notices regarding community health, scheduled government meetings, and updates to municipal infrastructure. Residents, business owners, and commuters are encouraged to review the following official advisories and service changes.

Public Health Advisories

The San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) is currently managing an active tuberculosis (TB) outbreak at Archbishop Riordan High School. Following the confirmation of at least three active cases, health officials have initiated mandatory testing for all students and staff. While the risk of transmission to the general public is categorized as moderate, the city has implemented rigorous contact tracing and recommended indoor masking and adjusted activities for the campus while screening continues.

Additionally, a broader seasonal health advisory remains in effect. Wastewater surveillance and clinical reports indicate elevated levels of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and human metapneumovirus throughout the Bay Area. Health officials urge residents to prioritize vaccinations and monitor for symptoms such as cough and fever to reduce the strain on local healthcare systems.

Scheduled Public Meetings

• Human Rights Commission: A special Commission Retreat is being held today at 11:30 a.m. located at 49 South Van Ness Avenue, Room 132. Members of the public are invited to attend and must check in with security in the main lobby.
• Assessment Appeals Board: Several hearings are scheduled at City Hall today. Board No. 1 and Board No. 3 will convene at 9:30 a.m. in Rooms 406 and 405, respectively, followed by a 1:30 p.m. session for Board No. 1 in Room 405.
• SF Employees' Retirement System (SFERS): The Operations Oversight Committee is conducting a meeting today from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. to discuss administrative performance and retirement service updates.

Infrastructure and Regulatory Updates

San Francisco Public Works has officially launched its new digital Permits Portal. As of January 29, application processes for the city’s most-used permits—including Street Space, Temporary Occupancy, and Sidewalk Repair—have transitioned to a fully digital experience. This update is designed to streamline the approval process for construction and maintenance projects across the city.

The SFMTA reminds the public that the comment period for proposed curb zone changes in multiple neighborhoods will conclude tomorrow, January 30. Furthermore, transit riders should note that utility replacement work continues along Geary Boulevard between 32nd Avenue and Stanyan Street. This project has necessitated the temporary relocation of several 38 Geary and 38R Geary Rapid bus stops; riders are advised to look for orange directional signage.

Environmental Notice: Plastic Bag Ban

Under California State Law SB 1053, which took effect on January 1, 2026, all retail establishments in San Francisco are now prohibited from distributing plastic carryout bags at the point of sale. Grocery stores and pharmacies may only provide recycled paper bags, and a mandatory minimum charge of ten cents ($0.10) per bag remains in effect for all customers.