People Organized to Win Employment Rights (POWER) in the House and in the Bayview.

People Organized to Win Employment Rights (POWER) now has an office on Third Street - the office is situated between Quesada and Palou Avenues - in the Bayview.

Yesterday, Saturday March 14, 2009 - POWER opened its doors and welcomed the community and supporters - to an Open House.

POWER supporters and main organizers were there to support one another.

There were small workshops to reveal and enlighten those that were on hand - about local, national, and international events. Economic issues that are hurting all of us - mostly poor folks and decent folks that work hard every day.

POWER took the opportunity to discuss openly what they were all about.

I heard the POWER leaders say that in these difficult times - when most organizations would not venture to open an office - POWER decided to come to "ground zero" and tackle the hard issues.

Times are hard but POWER sees the need and is doing something about it. Time to support those that - not only talk the talk but walk the walk.

The students of San Francisco State were emceeing the event. It is always good to see and witness the students - learn early on - what the community is going through.

Many of the SF State University Students are taking "leadership roles" and acting as facilitators. This is good - not only for the community - but for the Nation.

We need Change - and there is hope and encouragement - for community work and opportunities.

It was great to hear the Spanish translations to those that did not understand English.

More to see the Latinos take charge of their destiny. I was paying attention to the work shops - conducted both in Spanish and English.

There is no doubt in the past and especially the last three years - POWER has done very well - and has served the Bayview Hunters Point - justly and rightly.

There was a time when the Elderly that owned homes were being forced to pay for the underground electric wiring - without any meaningful discussion - in the Bayview.

The City was issuing fines linked to the underground wiring executed by some contractors. The Home Owners in the Bayview - were sent notices - pay the fine of else the homes would be put on "lien".

POWER stepped up - went to City Hall - and brought about some much need solace and respect to the Home Owners - many of them Elderly. The City agreed to mitigate the issue - and it was a joy to see the mostly Elderly Home Owner breathe a sigh of relief.

Recently- the co-operatives at Northridge up on the Hill - we call Hunters Point - and managed by the infamous John Stewart Property Management - were put in harms way and adversely impacted. The residents disrespected.

While still living in their homes - the John Stewart Company chose to fix the exterior of these buildings - replacing the sidings and other exterior fixtures.

Often times - nails used to fix the exterior of the homes - would land in the living rooms - sometimes adversely impacting the people living in them.

There was a case of a gas leak that went un-noticed for days - lucky for some intervention - these particular issue was resolved. Mainly by the support of POWER - supporters.

There was a time when the John Stewart Company was playing hard ball. Power brought the issue to Stop Lennar Action Movement (SLAM). The two entities joined - and low and behold - the John Stewart Property Management Company - had to resolve the adverse impacts.

POWER has joined SLAM to knock on doors and carry out precise and focused surveys - linked to the poisoning by Lennar of our children by the vast grading of Serpentine Rock.

When crushed this rock releases Asbestos Structures - that have harmed thousands in the Bayview Hunters Point.

POWER presence at ground zero with an office that will be operational - will help fulfill a much need "watch dog" need and of course help to those that need it most - to have some qualified organization to note, review, and seek action.

POWER has the experience to focus on housing and employment needs. It has also ventured to join ardent Environmentalists from the Bayview Hunters Point and throughout San Francisco and beyond - to contribute and fight for Environmental issues - that affect most every one.

POWER was with the community to fight for Proposition F. We demanded 50% affordable housing. We also laid out what that meant - those making below $80,000 and so forth.Those constituents that were low income and no income. We did not mind the other 50% - being Market Rate Value.

Our opponent Proposition G backed by Lennar spent $1 million. We spent about $10,000. We collect over 18,818 signature in 9 days. POWER was there when the Bayview Hunters Point community needed them.

POWER has fought for children rights and education - joining with Coleman Advocates and other organizations.

POWER has fought for IMMIGRATION rights. The list is long - suffice to say that when POWER is on your side - watch out.

At a moment's notice thanks to power and its stakeholders some of us in the Bayview can call on Power for help - to bring in the numbers and fulfill the need of the hour.

This struggle has not been easy. In our journey together we have witnessed the sacrifice of leaders that belonged to POWER like Jessie Powell. She passed away - leaving a legacy - that there can be no true LOVE without SACRIFICE. We all miss her.

There was food at the Open House. Drinks to quench your thirst.

Children playing and painting on tiles. There was music and some dancing. In short there was a lot of - rejoicing. People joining hands - and empowering one another.

I was there at the OPEN HOUSE - not only to support but to observe but most of all to say - Thank You.

Enjoy the photographs:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/franciscodacosta/sets/72157615214332587/show/


Francisco Da Costa
Director
Environmental Justice Advocacy