Hayes Valley Family and Youth Events

By Richard Johnson

In a world where fear and negativity seem to rule the day, it’s refreshing to be able to write a story that highlights the positive things in our community. You could say that the times are a changing as the ‘hood has been abuzz with lots of community activity. My work as a community activist allows me to see who the true heroes are in advocating for a better future for our youth, families and seniors. Below are a few of the Heroes in the Lower Haight/Hayes Valley/Western Addition:

• Koshland Garden Goddesses Rebecca Bozelli and Suzi Palladino for putting together two very successful youth summer programs: The Let Us Grow! Summer Program 2006 from July 10th-21st and the Seed to Mouth Cooking Class.
• Supervisor Mirkarimi, Sheryl Davis, Jesus Hernandez and the staff of the African American Arts & Culture Complex for putting together the “Honoring Our Past, Claiming Our Future” exhibit at the Sargent Johnson Gallery. The exhibit celebrated the art of our children and youth and ran from July 10th till July 31st.
• Hayes Valley Community Partners for producing the 5th Annual Lower Haight/Hayes Valley/Western Addition National Night Out August 1st. A community event that had a safety fair, entertainment, speeches and BBQ to celebrate community policing in our neighborhood.
• Isabel Wade and the staff of The Neighborhood Parks Council for their 2nd Annual Summer Social in the Park to celebrate volunteers in the park at Patricia’s Green on August 23rd.
• SF School Volunteers, Project Connect, Hands on Bay Area, HVNA, Hayes Valley Community Partners and Lower Haight Neighborhood Organization for collaborating to put on the John Muir School Beautification Day August 26th. Over 100 volunteers came together to paint, organize, garden, refurbish both the teachers lounge and parent/family/community room and ended the day with a community BBQ.
• Sandra Bolden, Lynn Winslow, Pastor Gillette and the Valley Christian Fellowship for organizing the 1st Annual Community Day of Encouragement on August 26th.
• An afternoon filled with fun games, free food and good music held at Buchanan Street Block party and the Hayes Valley Playground.
• Val Brown and Gail Baugh for organizing the first “Hand in Hand” Support our Kids going to John Muir back to school day on August 28th.
• Gail Baugh for organizing a PTA at John Muir Elementary School. The PTA is looking for community involvement to help local students achieve their true potential so all doors to opportunity are open.
• George Smith and the staff of Ella Hill Hutch for hosting the backpack giveaway on September 10th. Over 600 backpacks were given out along with food, fun and family activities.

Thanks to all the above dedicated individuals who are working to create positive activities for children, youth, adults and seniors to come together and celebrate both our diversity and community. Be on the lookout for all the events to come as the Hayes Valley Community Partners kickoff their 5th Annual “Fostering a Safe and Caring Holiday Season 2006” with Safe Halloween events in various Hayes Valley Parks.