NOV. 2nd, DIA DE LOS MUERTOS:DEATH OF A COMMUNITY SPACE
WE DEMAND:
1. Ensure that SoMa youth ages 17 and under are able to freely access the Rec Center, especially during the hours of 2-6pm on weekdays, all year round.
2. Provide adequate staffing during peak hours, whether through the Rec & Park Department or through community-based organizations, especially those who serve SoMa’s low-income community, for both the Rec Center and Victoria Manalo Draves Park. Ensure staff reflects the culture and people of the community.
3. Regularly maintain and improve the restrooms and other shared facilities at SoMa Rec Center and Victoria Manalo Draves Park as well as ensure the park is open, clean and accessible to Bessie Carmichael Elementary.
4. Require Rec & Parks to participate in collaborative efforts with SoMa CBOs, such as attending the monthly CBO meetings at Bessie Carmichael School and allow community based organizations to use the facility for free, especially CBO’s that serve low-income residents. In doing so, this would eliminate the evictions of organizations currently using the space.
5. Implement a community-based decision-making process that includes ALL members of the SoMa, including families, seniors, youth, and community-based organizations.
