POWER UPDATES -May 2008

POWER UPDATE - NEWS AND EVENTS
MAY 2008

JUNE ELECTIONS HOLD FUTURE OF BAYVIEW HUNTERS POINT
An Update from the Bayview Hunters Point Organizing Project

This year, many voters have their attentions turned toward the Obama/Clinton struggle for
the Democratic nomination. However, June isn’t just about picking a presidential
nominee—the upcoming elections on June 3 carry two propositions critical to the future of
San Francisco’s last remaining African American community. POWER has been organizing and
mobilizing people in Bayview Hunters Point to get educated and get ready to vote!

Proposition G, otherwise known as the Mixed Use Integrated Development Plan for
Candlestick Point and Hunters Point Shipyard, would repeal voter-approved limits on how
much money the City can spend to build a new stadium. This initiative aims to replace
state park land in order to build nearly 10,000 luxury condominiums, complete with a
six-lane freeway that would shuttle new residents from US 101 directly to Candlestick
Point. Proposition G is backed by multi-billion dollar developer Lennar Homes, known for
its egregious disregard for the health and safety of community residents in Bayview
Hunters Point. The proposition is opposed by environmental organizations such as the
Sierra Club
[http://www.beyondchron.org/articles/Newsom_s_Feud_With_Progressives_Dominates_June_Ballot_Handbook_5494.html]

Proposition F, otherwise known as the Affordable Housing requirement for the Mixed Use
Integrated Development Plan for Candlestick Point and Hunters Point Shipyard, was
developed by residents of Bayview Hunters Point. Proposition F would require the City to
set aside 50% of the proposed housing units to be built to be affordable to those who
clean our streets, feed our families, and teach our children. It would also require that
Alice Griffith public housing be rebuilt with no displacement of current residents.
Proposition F is backed by affordable housing organizations, environmental justice
organizations, and social justice organizations in San Francisco.

With development in San Francisco pricing out poor, working class, and middle class
families, the June elections will play an important role in deciding the future of the
last remaining African American community in our City.

If you live in San Francisco, make sure you and your loved ones are registered to vote!
The last day to register to vote for the June 2008 elections is Monday, May 19. You can
register on-line, or stop by POWER for a registration form. But don’t stop there! Make
sure you get out to vote on June 3, 2008!


Nina Donehue and Joanne Abernathy are two member interns with the Bayview Organizing
Project and have spent the last four months organizing their community and getting out
the vote!

WOMEN WORKERS DEMONSTRATE THEIR RESILIENCE AND COURAGE
An Update from the Women Workers Project

The first Negotiation Training held by POWER’s Women Workers’ Project (WWP) was a great
success – to the surprise of the members themselves! Ten women graduated from this year’s
Spring Cycle of the Training in April, and many of the WWP’s Working Group members were
inspired by the success of the program, especially during a transitional time in the
Project’s development due to the exit of former organizer Marisa Franco. A teary Gloria
Esteva remarked right before the graduation, “I would have been proud if 2 women
graduated but to see this many is really exciting!” shortly before hugging her comrades.

Looking forward, six member leaders of the Women Workers Project are gearing up for the
National Domestic Workers Congress in NYC, which is less than 1 month away! The trip to
New York will be a truly heroic effort on behalf of the POWER’s members. Because travel
restrictions for undocumented workers have recently intensified, most member leaders will
be forced to travel cross-country by car. However, our leaders are undaunted and
determined to participate in this important event. At the Congress, domestic workers’
organizations from across the country will report on their individual campaigns, offer
resources and share successful strategies.. Together, we will develop a two-year work
plan for the National Domestic Workers Alliance, which will include a national campaign
and joint work to support the local campaigns of member organizations.

YOU CAN HELP!
Help WWP leaders and our allies reach this exciting convening safely! Attend the Congress
Fundraiser on Wednesday, May 28th from 5-7 at the Centro del Pueblo Auditorium (on 16th
and Valencia). Meet the delegates who will be representing the local Domestic Worker
Coalition at the Congress and enjoy a night of presentations, video, food and raffle
prizes!


Nora Calderón and Delia Sanchez are ready to raise resources for a cross-country trip to
New York in June for the first-ever Domestic Workers Alliance Congress.

TURN YOUR OLD STUFF INTO PURE LOVE FOR POWER!
DONATE TO COMMUNITY THRIFT

Got old junk that’s weighing you down?
Already itching with spring cleaning fever?
Moving out and moving on?

If you’ve got undamaged clothes or jewelry, furniture, books, dishware, toys or art that
you need to set free, don’t just kick ‘em to the curb! Donate that stuff to Community
Thrift in POWER’s name and our organization gets a big portion of the proceeds from the
sale of your items!

POWER’s donation ID number is 64.

Last year, donations to Community Thrift by POWER supporters earned us over $750!

Donating is easy! Just drop off your stuff at Community Thrift Store: 623 Valencia Street
in San Francisco. The Community Thrift Donation Door is open 10AM–5PM every day, and is
on the south side of the building on Sycamore Alley, in between 18th and 17th Street.

For more information: 415.861.4910 / http://www.communitythrift.bravehost.com