Meaghan Mitchell

Jesse Rogala

In Here/Say&#8217;s series &#8220;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwlABZGLfKg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">When the Lights Come Up in the City</a>,&#8221; we tour three neighborhoods in partnership with <a href="https://brokeassstuart.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Broke-Ass Stuart</a> to learn how businesses and community leaders pivoted to success during the pandemic. First up: the Bayview.&nbsp;

core/paragraph

In Here/Say's series "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwlABZGLfKg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">When the Lights Come Up in the City</a>," we tour three neighborhoods in partnership with <a href="https://brokeassstuart.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Broke-Ass Stuart</a> to learn how businesses and community leaders pivoted to success during the pandemic. First up: the Bayview.&nbsp;

In Here/Say&#8217;s series &#8220;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwlABZGLfKg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">When the Lights Come Up in the City</a>,&#8221; we tour three neighborhoods in partnership with <a href="https://brokeassstuart.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Broke-Ass Stuart</a> to learn how businesses and community leaders pivoted to success during the pandemic. First up: the Bayview.&nbsp;

Forged in the shadow of the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard, the Bayview is a community known for its grit and self-reliance. It&#8217;s a tight-knit, historically Black community and the center of many critical businesses—from industrial operations and breweries to innovative food and culture hubs—that proudly emblazon themselves with street art and serve the community and city as a whole.

Forged in the shadow of the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard, the Bayview is a community known for its grit and self-reliance. It's a tight-knit, historically Black community and the center of many critical businesses—from industrial operations and breweries to innovative food and culture hubs—that proudly emblazon themselves with street art and serve the community and city as a whole.

Forged in the shadow of the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard, the Bayview is a community known for its grit and self-reliance. It&#8217;s a tight-knit, historically Black community and the center of many critical businesses—from industrial operations and breweries to innovative food and culture hubs—that proudly emblazon themselves with street art and serve the community and city as a whole.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Untitled-design-6-edited.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7616"/><figcaption>A shot of Third Street in the Bayview District. | Photo&nbsp;by Here/Say Media</figcaption></figure>

core/image

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Untitled-design-6-edited.png" alt="" class="wp-image-7616"/><figcaption>A shot of Third Street in the Bayview District. | Photo&nbsp;by Here/Say Media</figcaption></figure>

As the pandemic forced San Francisco businesses to close and residents to scramble to adjust to living in lockdown, the Bayview did what it does best: it quickly pivoted and found ways to keep the lights on using whatever resources were at hand. These are the stories of the people and places who stayed Bayview strong during one of the most challenging years in recent history.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As the pandemic forced San Francisco businesses to close and residents to scramble to adjust to living in lockdown, the Bayview did what it does best: it quickly pivoted and found ways to keep the lights on using whatever resources were at hand. These are the stories of the people and places who stayed Bayview strong during one of the most challenging years in recent history.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.publicglass.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Public Glass</a> | From Glass Blowing to Glass Breaking

<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-glass-from-glass-blowing-to-glass-breaking"><a href="https://www.publicglass.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Public Glass</a> | From Glass Blowing to Glass Breaking</h3>

core/heading

<h3 id="h-public-glass-from-glass-blowing-to-glass-breaking"><a href="https://www.publicglass.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Public Glass</a> | From Glass Blowing to Glass Breaking</h3>

Art is a crucial part of Bayview culture. That’s why influential makers and creators like Nate Watson of <a href="https://www.publicglass.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Public Glass</a> call the neighborhood home. Since 1997, Public Glass has been the only public access, non-profit glassblowing studio in San Francisco. Located at 1750 Armstrong Avenue, the art facility houses all the resources needed to support local artists who seek a career in glassmaking, including on-site training and professional development for youth and adults. They also provide affordable studio space and host events like their signature &#8220;<a href="https://www.publicglass.org/hgcb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hot Glass, Cold Beer</a>,&#8221; which invites the public to watch artists blow glass live.&nbsp;

Art is a crucial part of Bayview culture. That’s why influential makers and creators like Nate Watson of <a href="https://www.publicglass.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Public Glass</a> call the neighborhood home. Since 1997, Public Glass has been the only public access, non-profit glassblowing studio in San Francisco. Located at 1750 Armstrong Avenue, the art facility houses all the resources needed to support local artists who seek a career in glassmaking, including on-site training and professional development for youth and adults. They also provide affordable studio space and host events like their signature "<a href="https://www.publicglass.org/hgcb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hot Glass, Cold Beer</a>," which invites the public to watch artists blow glass live.&nbsp;

Art is a crucial part of Bayview culture. That’s why influential makers and creators like Nate Watson of <a href="https://www.publicglass.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Public Glass</a> call the neighborhood home. Since 1997, Public Glass has been the only public access, non-profit glassblowing studio in San Francisco. Located at 1750 Armstrong Avenue, the art facility houses all the resources needed to support local artists who seek a career in glassmaking, including on-site training and professional development for youth and adults. They also provide affordable studio space and host events like their signature &#8220;<a href="https://www.publicglass.org/hgcb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hot Glass, Cold Beer</a>,&#8221; which invites the public to watch artists blow glass live.&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/rwcOvbdAyt8XYRl8c4zXVA493gcEzf9Zg5U0sC5z7CaGM_q-blzv0rcbLkMzjIAGuQp2cTnhHBgA5dINzmOoCkCw_48JJgg13heGE5TEsNR1SiAEMqzj0CYIKG1BpxkJSgDXLPFD" alt=""/><figcaption>Nate Watson explains Public Glass to Stuart Schuffman and Meaghan Mitchell. | Photo&nbsp;by Here/Say Media</figcaption></figure>

Eighty percent of the money Public Glass raises from programming goes toward funding materials needed for glass blowing, resources for local artists and salaries for staff. When the pandemic hit and events halted, the organization took a financial hit, so Watson pivoted and turned to the community for support.&nbsp;

Eighty percent of the money Public Glass raises from programming goes toward funding materials needed for glass blowing, resources for local artists and salaries for staff. When the pandemic hit and events halted, the organization took a financial hit, so Watson pivoted and turned to the community for support.&nbsp;

&#8220;We reached out to folks and let them know that we were in real trouble. At the time, all I could think was if Public Glass goes away, then the support for local artists goes away,” Watson told Here/Say. “And if we don&#8217;t have organizations that support artists, then artists leave the community, and I don&#8217;t think that people understand what the absence of creative people working in a community actually means.&#8221;&nbsp;

"We reached out to folks and let them know that we were in real trouble. At the time, all I could think was if Public Glass goes away, then the support for local artists goes away,” Watson told Here/Say. “And if we don't have organizations that support artists, then artists leave the community, and I don't think that people understand what the absence of creative people working in a community actually means."&nbsp;

&#8220;We reached out to folks and let them know that we were in real trouble. At the time, all I could think was if Public Glass goes away, then the support for local artists goes away,” Watson told Here/Say. “And if we don&#8217;t have organizations that support artists, then artists leave the community, and I don&#8217;t think that people understand what the absence of creative people working in a community actually means.&#8221;&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/n_SCCZzhhiNz1fd4qx4f1zxBWu-_d8ya36eUKSwO7i7-jWFepncRac95wMiopYaZRXXanOOpoZabgKgeLCxWzWMElOcExOcdenrgzpogjjiB7HOc37rh5Ou6s8Gl0aJaNDZ7cNZx" alt=""/><figcaption>A shot of the Bayview Gateway. | Photo&nbsp;by Here/Say Media</figcaption></figure>

Watson&#8217;s outreach helped him not only to revive Public Glass, but also to connect with a new community development called the <a href="https://www.bayviewhillsf.org/bayviewgateway" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bayview Gateway Project</a>. Spearheaded by the <a href="https://www.bayviewhillsf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bayview Hill Neighborhood Association</a>, the project installed seven 10-foot concrete letters that spell out &#8220;Bayview&#8221; on Third Street, near Meade Avenue. The letters will feature a mosaic of ceramic material sourced from the neighborhood’s residents and are designed to be visible from the Bayshore freeway. Public Glass stepped in and is now leading a team of artists and community members to gather and place pieces for the mosaic.

Watson's outreach helped him not only to revive Public Glass, but also to connect with a new community development called the <a href="https://www.bayviewhillsf.org/bayviewgateway" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bayview Gateway Project</a>. Spearheaded by the <a href="https://www.bayviewhillsf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bayview Hill Neighborhood Association</a>, the project installed seven 10-foot concrete letters that spell out "Bayview" on Third Street, near Meade Avenue. The letters will feature a mosaic of ceramic material sourced from the neighborhood’s residents and are designed to be visible from the Bayshore freeway. Public Glass stepped in and is now leading a team of artists and community members to gather and place pieces for the mosaic.

Watson&#8217;s outreach helped him not only to revive Public Glass, but also to connect with a new community development called the <a href="https://www.bayviewhillsf.org/bayviewgateway" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bayview Gateway Project</a>. Spearheaded by the <a href="https://www.bayviewhillsf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bayview Hill Neighborhood Association</a>, the project installed seven 10-foot concrete letters that spell out &#8220;Bayview&#8221; on Third Street, near Meade Avenue. The letters will feature a mosaic of ceramic material sourced from the neighborhood’s residents and are designed to be visible from the Bayshore freeway. Public Glass stepped in and is now leading a team of artists and community members to gather and place pieces for the mosaic.

&#8220;It&#8217;s kind of like a time capsule,&#8221; said Watson. &#8220;We&#8217;re mining the material from the neighborhood and then putting it at the entrance to Bayview. It really lets people know what happened here.&#8221;

"It's kind of like a time capsule," said Watson. "We're mining the material from the neighborhood and then putting it at the entrance to Bayview. It really lets people know what happened here."

&#8220;It&#8217;s kind of like a time capsule,&#8221; said Watson. &#8220;We&#8217;re mining the material from the neighborhood and then putting it at the entrance to Bayview. It really lets people know what happened here.&#8221;

<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/MTSafXVNu59FbYSBOs-GMzsdEBohszbshFCBczWvsVDcFrQIQ9DLRyY-UcyXAVl4V5ts5BCsf-1OH0OQq0sycs_zBmKa03eyDyeTove5VBjGolHqZK-bqYu0T7a6kvCJwN3eawtK" alt=""/><figcaption>Seniors from the George Davis Senior Center work on the mosaic for the Bayview Gateway Project. | Photo&nbsp;by Here/Say Media</figcaption></figure>

Bayview residents have donated materials that range from dishware to pottery and jewelry. Once Watson and his crew receive the material, they smash it into smaller pieces and transfer those to different community centers like the Bayview Senior Center and Kipp Middle School, where groups of volunteers lay out and place each piece on a tarp that will eventually be installed on the 10-foot letters.

Bayview residents have donated materials that range from dishware to pottery and jewelry. Once Watson and his crew receive the material, they smash it into smaller pieces and transfer those to different community centers like the Bayview Senior Center and Kipp Middle School, where groups of volunteers lay out and place each piece on a tarp that will eventually be installed on the 10-foot letters.

&#8220;It&#8217;s special because it shows who&#8217;s been here, who is here now, and how we have all come together,&#8221; Watson said.

"It's special because it shows who's been here, who is here now, and how we have all come together," Watson said.

&#8220;It&#8217;s special because it shows who&#8217;s been here, who is here now, and how we have all come together,&#8221; Watson said.

<a href="https://www.bayviewmakers.com/kitchen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bayview Makers Kitchen</a> | Where Budding Entrepreneurs Grow Their Businesses

<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-bayview-makers-kitchen-where-budding-entrepreneurs-grow-their-businesses"><a href="https://www.bayviewmakers.com/kitchen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bayview Makers Kitchen</a> | Where Budding Entrepreneurs Grow Their Businesses</h3>

<h3 id="h-bayview-makers-kitchen-where-budding-entrepreneurs-grow-their-businesses"><a href="https://www.bayviewmakers.com/kitchen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bayview Makers Kitchen</a> | Where Budding Entrepreneurs Grow Their Businesses</h3>

Founded by the nonprofit organization <a href="https://www.edotbayview.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Economic Development on Third</a> (EDot), the <a href="https://www.bayviewmakers.com/kitchen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bayview Makers Kitchen</a> provides a commercial kitchen for creative chefs to expand their business and offer packaged goods. As the Executive Director of EDot, Earl Shaddix&#8217;s days are typically focused on developing a plan for attracting and retaining businesses along the Bayview&#8217;s Third Street commercial corridor. When the pandemic hit, Shaddix feared that the vibrant food scene emerging in the Bayview would fizzle out, so he took matters into his own hands and committed &#8220;nonprofit suicide.”

Founded by the nonprofit organization <a href="https://www.edotbayview.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Economic Development on Third</a> (EDot), the <a href="https://www.bayviewmakers.com/kitchen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bayview Makers Kitchen</a> provides a commercial kitchen for creative chefs to expand their business and offer packaged goods. As the Executive Director of EDot, Earl Shaddix's days are typically focused on developing a plan for attracting and retaining businesses along the Bayview's Third Street commercial corridor. When the pandemic hit, Shaddix feared that the vibrant food scene emerging in the Bayview would fizzle out, so he took matters into his own hands and committed "nonprofit suicide.”

Founded by the nonprofit organization <a href="https://www.edotbayview.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Economic Development on Third</a> (EDot), the <a href="https://www.bayviewmakers.com/kitchen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bayview Makers Kitchen</a> provides a commercial kitchen for creative chefs to expand their business and offer packaged goods. As the Executive Director of EDot, Earl Shaddix&#8217;s days are typically focused on developing a plan for attracting and retaining businesses along the Bayview&#8217;s Third Street commercial corridor. When the pandemic hit, Shaddix feared that the vibrant food scene emerging in the Bayview would fizzle out, so he took matters into his own hands and committed &#8220;nonprofit suicide.”

&#8220;We cashed out all our programming money and handed checks to businesses along the Third Street corridor to cover at least two months of expenses,&#8221; Shaddix said.

"We cashed out all our programming money and handed checks to businesses along the Third Street corridor to cover at least two months of expenses," Shaddix said.

&#8220;We cashed out all our programming money and handed checks to businesses along the Third Street corridor to cover at least two months of expenses,&#8221; Shaddix said.

<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/SvAwqc5XaBPjgmR6PEBnensSLpRdQFaxQLG-IumrQTlvNqdVmIWbs68Z840BmZ3s8wLZrM93yQC3o_xArZYIil2_6sKwSvsbBy-yg32EMOLst5mVuhiS1mbusDwbAVbgQPcOlGjM" alt=""/><figcaption>Earl Shaddix of EDot in the Bayview Makers Kitchen. | Photo&nbsp;by Here/Say Media</figcaption></figure>

But as time passed and the sheltering in place continued, Shaddix realized that wasn&#8217;t enough. So he collaborated with the Mayor&#8217;s <a href="https://oewd.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Office of Economic and Workforce Development</a> (OEWD) and <a href="https://sfnewdeal.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SF New Deal</a> to sign up restaurants to participate in providing meals at a high volume to the essential workers at the Moscone Center&#8217;s COVID-19 Command Center and city-owned hotels that housed the homeless throughout the pandemic.&nbsp;

But as time passed and the sheltering in place continued, Shaddix realized that wasn't enough. So he collaborated with the Mayor's <a href="https://oewd.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Office of Economic and Workforce Development</a> (OEWD) and <a href="https://sfnewdeal.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SF New Deal</a> to sign up restaurants to participate in providing meals at a high volume to the essential workers at the Moscone Center's COVID-19 Command Center and city-owned hotels that housed the homeless throughout the pandemic.&nbsp;

But as time passed and the sheltering in place continued, Shaddix realized that wasn&#8217;t enough. So he collaborated with the Mayor&#8217;s <a href="https://oewd.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Office of Economic and Workforce Development</a> (OEWD) and <a href="https://sfnewdeal.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SF New Deal</a> to sign up restaurants to participate in providing meals at a high volume to the essential workers at the Moscone Center&#8217;s COVID-19 Command Center and city-owned hotels that housed the homeless throughout the pandemic.&nbsp;

&#8220;That was our lifeline,&#8221; said Shaddix. &#8220;We didn&#8217;t lose any businesses. If anything, we are now stronger.&#8221;&nbsp;

"That was our lifeline," said Shaddix. "We didn't lose any businesses. If anything, we are now stronger."&nbsp;

&#8220;That was our lifeline,&#8221; said Shaddix. &#8220;We didn&#8217;t lose any businesses. If anything, we are now stronger.&#8221;&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/XandPUVzu_uT_gW6aMnDKoc92pdGjDJoWghcM5FjsuO6iuRYmudNpHL8OifufDBMMNVdqrHW035w9t9S4txC9qfbFM-eJwgtfH63GP8EfkzHbqGHRTIFpkyh86rKdJkOrPhw20TB" alt=""/><figcaption>Eleana Hsu of Shared Cultures explains her business at Bayview Makers Kitchen to Stuart Schuffman and Meaghan Mitchell. | Photo&nbsp;by Here/Say Media</figcaption></figure>

Now alongside EDot&#8217;s board members, Shaddix is helping five other small businesses and craft makers expand at Bayview Makers Kitchen. The businesses include <a href="https://nixta.square.site/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nixta</a>, a modern plant-based Salvadorian food company; <a href="https://bonjerk.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bonjerk</a>, an Asian jerky company using ingredients to create flavors inspired by East-Asian recipes;<a href="https://www.sourcellars.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Sweet and Sourcellar</a>, a pickling workshop; <a href="https://www.shared-cultures.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shared Cultures</a>, a small business specializing in using koji, an ancient fungus, to create modern fermented food products; and <a href="https://www.theveganhoodchefs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Vegan Hood Chefs</a>, who specialize in creating vegan soul food and American-style favorites. Each vendor has also committed to using the space to host and teach <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CRmRDtYLIw1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">community classes</a> on making and producing goods at a high volume.&nbsp;

Now alongside EDot's board members, Shaddix is helping five other small businesses and craft makers expand at Bayview Makers Kitchen. The businesses include <a href="https://nixta.square.site/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nixta</a>, a modern plant-based Salvadorian food company; <a href="https://bonjerk.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bonjerk</a>, an Asian jerky company using ingredients to create flavors inspired by East-Asian recipes;<a href="https://www.sourcellars.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Sweet and Sourcellar</a>, a pickling workshop; <a href="https://www.shared-cultures.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shared Cultures</a>, a small business specializing in using koji, an ancient fungus, to create modern fermented food products; and <a href="https://www.theveganhoodchefs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Vegan Hood Chefs</a>, who specialize in creating vegan soul food and American-style favorites. Each vendor has also committed to using the space to host and teach <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CRmRDtYLIw1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">community classes</a> on making and producing goods at a high volume.&nbsp;

Now alongside EDot&#8217;s board members, Shaddix is helping five other small businesses and craft makers expand at Bayview Makers Kitchen. The businesses include <a href="https://nixta.square.site/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nixta</a>, a modern plant-based Salvadorian food company; <a href="https://bonjerk.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bonjerk</a>, an Asian jerky company using ingredients to create flavors inspired by East-Asian recipes;<a href="https://www.sourcellars.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Sweet and Sourcellar</a>, a pickling workshop; <a href="https://www.shared-cultures.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shared Cultures</a>, a small business specializing in using koji, an ancient fungus, to create modern fermented food products; and <a href="https://www.theveganhoodchefs.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Vegan Hood Chefs</a>, who specialize in creating vegan soul food and American-style favorites. Each vendor has also committed to using the space to host and teach <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CRmRDtYLIw1/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">community classes</a> on making and producing goods at a high volume.&nbsp;

&#8220;A new economy has emerged,&#8221; said Shaddix. &#8220;A lot of restaurants had to pivot and reinvent themselves, and what has emerged from all of this are homemade packaged goods, and there are several places in the Bayview that are part of it.&#8221;

"A new economy has emerged," said Shaddix. "A lot of restaurants had to pivot and reinvent themselves, and what has emerged from all of this are homemade packaged goods, and there are several places in the Bayview that are part of it."

&#8220;A new economy has emerged,&#8221; said Shaddix. &#8220;A lot of restaurants had to pivot and reinvent themselves, and what has emerged from all of this are homemade packaged goods, and there are several places in the Bayview that are part of it.&#8221;

<a href="https://www.oldskoolcafe.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Old Skool Cafe</a> | Come Hungry and Leave Inspired

<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-old-skool-cafe-come-hungry-and-leave-inspired"><a href="https://www.oldskoolcafe.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Old Skool Cafe</a> | Come Hungry and Leave Inspired</h3>

<h3 id="h-old-skool-cafe-come-hungry-and-leave-inspired"><a href="https://www.oldskoolcafe.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Old Skool Cafe</a> | Come Hungry and Leave Inspired</h3>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img height="1452" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Interior-with-view-of-stage-2500x1452.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6668"/><figcaption>Interior shot of Old Skool Cafe. | Photo courtesy of Old Skool Cafe</figcaption></figure>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Interior-with-view-of-stage-2500x1452.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-6668"/><figcaption>Interior shot of Old Skool Cafe. | Photo courtesy of Old Skool Cafe</figcaption></figure>

Built to look like a 1940s themed supper club, <a href="https://www.oldskoolcafe.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Old Skool Cafe</a> features vintage decorations, classic cocktails and an event space for live music. Since opening its doors in 2012, Old Skool Cafe also employs and trains at-risk youth so they can gain skills and experience in the restaurant industry. In addition to operating the cafe, young employees at Old Skool Cafe attend weekly one-on-one training sessions with a life coach.

Built to look like a 1940s themed supper club, <a href="https://www.oldskoolcafe.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Old Skool Cafe</a> features vintage decorations, classic cocktails and an event space for live music. Since opening its doors in 2012, Old Skool Cafe also employs and trains at-risk youth so they can gain skills and experience in the restaurant industry. In addition to operating the cafe, young employees at Old Skool Cafe attend weekly one-on-one training sessions with a life coach.

“The youth that we hire come to us from various life paths,&#8221; said Desiree Maldonado, the floor manager and a graduate of Old Skool Cafe. &#8220;Many of them have been involved in the juvenile justice or foster care system.&#8221;&nbsp;

“The youth that we hire come to us from various life paths," said Desiree Maldonado, the floor manager and a graduate of Old Skool Cafe. "Many of them have been involved in the juvenile justice or foster care system."&nbsp;

“The youth that we hire come to us from various life paths,&#8221; said Desiree Maldonado, the floor manager and a graduate of Old Skool Cafe. &#8220;Many of them have been involved in the juvenile justice or foster care system.&#8221;&nbsp;

The real magic at Old Skool Cafe happens in the kitchen.&nbsp;

The real magic at Old Skool Cafe happens in the kitchen.&nbsp;

&#8220;Our most popular dishes here are Daniel&#8217;s gumbo, shrimp and grits, the peanut butter stew and fried chicken,&#8221; said Maldonado. &#8220;The recipes are from some of our youth&#8217;s family members, and everything from the chefs to prep cooks and dishwashers and hosts is all managed&nbsp; by youth,&#8221; she added.

"Our most popular dishes here are Daniel's gumbo, shrimp and grits, the peanut butter stew and fried chicken," said Maldonado. "The recipes are from some of our youth's family members, and everything from the chefs to prep cooks and dishwashers and hosts is all managed&nbsp; by youth," she added.

&#8220;Our most popular dishes here are Daniel&#8217;s gumbo, shrimp and grits, the peanut butter stew and fried chicken,&#8221; said Maldonado. &#8220;The recipes are from some of our youth&#8217;s family members, and everything from the chefs to prep cooks and dishwashers and hosts is all managed&nbsp; by youth,&#8221; she added.

<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/C3BuCGYhsCDxjUEw_w-8kyPj5SELTxHCCnK-n2wJIn6KQOZ0M820pStAQkPYnbcqQBlA5ZpDsGBTsMR6apPOfPF78ZGpwDEuFs0Xpif_CKWbfFrbhrUEKAPVHTkJez-kxHPgjm7U" alt=""/><figcaption>Old Skool Cafe’s youth at work in the kitchen. | Photo courtesy of Old Skool Cafe</figcaption></figure>

The majority of Old Skool Cafe&#8217;s training requires youth to be on-site and in the kitchen, so pandemic shutdowns presented a significant challenge—one that made the future of Old Skool Cafe unclear.&nbsp;

The majority of Old Skool Cafe's training requires youth to be on-site and in the kitchen, so pandemic shutdowns presented a significant challenge—one that made the future of Old Skool Cafe unclear.&nbsp;

The majority of Old Skool Cafe&#8217;s training requires youth to be on-site and in the kitchen, so pandemic shutdowns presented a significant challenge—one that made the future of Old Skool Cafe unclear.&nbsp;

&#8220;We were in the middle of a training session at Michael Mina&#8217;s restaurant when I got the news that we were shutting down because COVID took over the Bay Area, and I freaked out,&#8221; said Maldonado. Old Skool closed for a week to figure out the best way to pivot. They reached out to their donors and community members for financial support to keep their doors open and so youth could keep their jobs.&nbsp;

"We were in the middle of a training session at Michael Mina's restaurant when I got the news that we were shutting down because COVID took over the Bay Area, and I freaked out," said Maldonado. Old Skool closed for a week to figure out the best way to pivot. They reached out to their donors and community members for financial support to keep their doors open and so youth could keep their jobs.&nbsp;

&#8220;We were in the middle of a training session at Michael Mina&#8217;s restaurant when I got the news that we were shutting down because COVID took over the Bay Area, and I freaked out,&#8221; said Maldonado. Old Skool closed for a week to figure out the best way to pivot. They reached out to their donors and community members for financial support to keep their doors open and so youth could keep their jobs.&nbsp;

Even with community-backed funding support, Old Skool still had to figure out a new way to train and support youth under the city&#8217;s shelter in place order, so they decided to shift to virtual paid training.&nbsp;

Even with community-backed funding support, Old Skool still had to figure out a new way to train and support youth under the city's shelter in place order, so they decided to shift to virtual paid training.&nbsp;

Even with community-backed funding support, Old Skool still had to figure out a new way to train and support youth under the city&#8217;s shelter in place order, so they decided to shift to virtual paid training.&nbsp;

&#8220;We required youth in virtual training to be present with their cameras on because even through all this, we are still focused on professional development, but some didn&#8217;t have wifi access or laptops,&#8221; said Maldonado. So Old Skool bought six laptops and created a digital library where youth could come and borrow them to access training. &#8220;We even let youth use the laptops for distance learning,&#8221; she added.

"We required youth in virtual training to be present with their cameras on because even through all this, we are still focused on professional development, but some didn't have wifi access or laptops," said Maldonado. So Old Skool bought six laptops and created a digital library where youth could come and borrow them to access training. "We even let youth use the laptops for distance learning," she added.

&#8220;We required youth in virtual training to be present with their cameras on because even through all this, we are still focused on professional development, but some didn&#8217;t have wifi access or laptops,&#8221; said Maldonado. So Old Skool bought six laptops and created a digital library where youth could come and borrow them to access training. &#8220;We even let youth use the laptops for distance learning,&#8221; she added.

<figure class="wp-block-image"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/7DDLhDBU6Ts_sZ_0FKT2HrhBPZldm2ryI5c3ZCQ76iFe3Dk-FJQjF3aJ_GKUQhD1chZN26YLXPEnCxjGykoa07zfmVitX7mpylQu6muREi67IkNFRzKbXgXmGvPk7hU730evaWiy" alt=""/><figcaption>Old Skool Cafe’s youth performing live jazz at the cafe’s parklet. | Photo courtesy of Old Skool Cafe</figcaption></figure>

As the shelter in place order shifted, so did Old Skool Cafe, and what was first looked at as significant disruption became an opportunity for them to expand. &#8220;It was an opportunity to do something creative,&#8221; said Maldonado. &#8220;We&#8217;ve never had outdoor dining; now we do on Mendell Plaza. We&#8217;ve never [done] to-go orders; now you can get Old Skool on apps like DoorDash. These have all turned into fun and exciting ventures for us.&#8221;&nbsp;

As the shelter in place order shifted, so did Old Skool Cafe, and what was first looked at as significant disruption became an opportunity for them to expand. "It was an opportunity to do something creative," said Maldonado. "We've never had outdoor dining; now we do on Mendell Plaza. We've never [done] to-go orders; now you can get Old Skool on apps like DoorDash. These have all turned into fun and exciting ventures for us."&nbsp;

As the shelter in place order shifted, so did Old Skool Cafe, and what was first looked at as significant disruption became an opportunity for them to expand. &#8220;It was an opportunity to do something creative,&#8221; said Maldonado. &#8220;We&#8217;ve never had outdoor dining; now we do on Mendell Plaza. We&#8217;ve never [done] to-go orders; now you can get Old Skool on apps like DoorDash. These have all turned into fun and exciting ventures for us.&#8221;&nbsp;

When the Lights Come Up in the City: Bayview strong

Sophie Bearman

Erika Foots is a single mother raising five children, including her niece and nephew, in Bayview-Hunters Point. Her eldest child is enrolled in private school and has been attending in-person classes since November, but the other four—ages 11, 9, 9 and 6—are in public school, part of the<a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> San Francisco Unified School District</a>, or SFUSD. They haven&#8217;t set foot in a classroom since last March, and according to a Jan. 26 Board of Education meeting, it’s unlikely that they will before summer.

Erika Foots is a single mother raising five children, including her niece and nephew, in Bayview-Hunters Point. Her eldest child is enrolled in private school and has been attending in-person classes since November, but the other four—ages 11, 9, 9 and 6—are in public school, part of the<a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> San Francisco Unified School District</a>, or SFUSD. They haven't set foot in a classroom since last March, and according to a Jan. 26 Board of Education meeting, it’s unlikely that they will before summer.

Erika Foots is a single mother raising five children, including her niece and nephew, in Bayview-Hunters Point. Her eldest child is enrolled in private school and has been attending in-person classes since November, but the other four—ages 11, 9, 9 and 6—are in public school, part of the<a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> San Francisco Unified School District</a>, or SFUSD. They haven&#8217;t set foot in a classroom since last March, and according to a Jan. 26 Board of Education meeting, it’s unlikely that they will before summer.

For parents like Foots, this week&#8217;s school board decision to <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/education/article/Washington-and-Lincoln-are-out-S-F-school-board-15900963.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rename 44 public schools</a> in San Francisco has her questioning the district’s priorities.

For parents like Foots, this week's school board decision to <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/education/article/Washington-and-Lincoln-are-out-S-F-school-board-15900963.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rename 44 public schools</a> in San Francisco has her questioning the district’s priorities.

For parents like Foots, this week&#8217;s school board decision to <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/education/article/Washington-and-Lincoln-are-out-S-F-school-board-15900963.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rename 44 public schools</a> in San Francisco has her questioning the district’s priorities.

“Why are you guys trying to rename schools when we have children who are failing or who are not adjusting correctly to the pandemic?” asked Foots. “Why aren’t we talking about those things?”

“Why are you guys trying to rename schools when we have children who are failing or who are not adjusting correctly to the pandemic?” asked Foots. “Why aren’t we talking about those things?”

Foots, a native San Franciscan, is a full-time student herself, majoring in criminal justice at San Francisco State University. Between studying for her own classes (which she does once the kids are in bed) and helping her children with remote learning and homework, Foots says she gets about 4 to 5 hours of sleep a night.

Foots, a native San Franciscan, is a full-time student herself, majoring in criminal justice at San Francisco State University. Between studying for her own classes (which she does once the kids are in bed) and helping her children with remote learning and homework, Foots says she gets about 4 to 5 hours of sleep a night.

“Being cooped up in the house is very stressful. Sometimes I go out in my backyard and I scream, just to get it out,” she said.

“Being cooped up in the house is very stressful. Sometimes I go out in my backyard and I scream, just to get it out,” she said.

Ten months into the pandemic, San Francisco’s schools remain closed, and there is no firm timetable for when students can return. The debate around reopening schools has been a controversial issue for parents, children and educators for months, but has become more intense since vaccines were added to the equation. The opacity surrounding school reopening has led to frustration and confusion with the SFUSD.&nbsp;

Ten months into the pandemic, San Francisco’s schools remain closed, and there is no firm timetable for when students can return. The debate around reopening schools has been a controversial issue for parents, children and educators for months, but has become more intense since vaccines were added to the equation. The opacity surrounding school reopening has led to frustration and confusion with the SFUSD.&nbsp;

“As far as my children go, I feel that the school district is pretty much failing them,” Foots said.

“As far as my children go, I feel that the school district is pretty much failing them,” Foots said.

<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Erika-Foots.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1652"/><figcaption>Erika Foots | Jarami Bond for Here/Say Media</figcaption></figure></div>

Community Learning Hubs Offer Pathway Forward For Some&nbsp;

Community Learning Hubs Offer Pathway Forward For Some&nbsp;

Foots got some relief in January when all four of her SFUSD-enrolled children began attending a city-run community learning hub, one of 78 spread across San Francisco.&nbsp;

Foots got some relief in January when all four of her SFUSD-enrolled children began attending a city-run community learning hub, one of 78 spread across San Francisco.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.dcyf.org/care">The hubs</a> (unaffiliated with the SFUSD) are run by the<a href="https://www.dcyf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Department of Children, Youth and Their Families</a> and the<a href="https://sfrecpark.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> SF Recreation and Parks Department</a>. They were launched by the city in September to help at-need children, like those who are homeless, in foster care or living in public housing, learn in a structured and supervised environment.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.dcyf.org/care">The hubs</a> (unaffiliated with the SFUSD) are run by the<a href="https://www.dcyf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Department of Children, Youth and Their Families</a> and the<a href="https://sfrecpark.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> SF Recreation and Parks Department</a>. They were launched by the city in September to help at-need children, like those who are homeless, in foster care or living in public housing, learn in a structured and supervised environment.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ninety-six percent of the 2,000 children currently enrolled in these hubs are students of color.

Ninety-six percent of the 2,000 children currently enrolled in these hubs are students of color.

“They get support to log into their Zooms, they get reminded to take breaks, they get to participate in enrichment activities, they get to eat their healthy meals and they get to be with their peers and caring adults,” said Dr. Maria Su, executive director of San Francisco&#8217;s Department of Children, Youth and Their Families.

“They get support to log into their Zooms, they get reminded to take breaks, they get to participate in enrichment activities, they get to eat their healthy meals and they get to be with their peers and caring adults,” said Dr. Maria Su, executive director of San Francisco's Department of Children, Youth and Their Families.

“They get support to log into their Zooms, they get reminded to take breaks, they get to participate in enrichment activities, they get to eat their healthy meals and they get to be with their peers and caring adults,” said Dr. Maria Su, executive director of San Francisco&#8217;s Department of Children, Youth and Their Families.

<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img height="1667" width="2500" src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_6742-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1659"/><figcaption>An SFUSD student at one of the city’s community learning hubs | DCYF</figcaption></figure></div>

<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/IMG_6742-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1659"/><figcaption>An SFUSD student at one of the city’s community learning hubs | DCYF</figcaption></figure></div>

To an outsider, the hubs look much like a school classroom, except that they’re not located in school buildings and the staff are employees of various San Francisco nonprofits like the Boys and Girls Club, YMCA and Salvation Army.&nbsp;

To an outsider, the hubs look much like a school classroom, except that they’re not located in school buildings and the staff are employees of various San Francisco nonprofits like the Boys and Girls Club, YMCA and Salvation Army.&nbsp;

“These are amazing nonprofit partners who have stepped up,” said Su.

“These are amazing nonprofit partners who have stepped up,” said Su.

The hubs have not reported any COVID-19 outbreaks, prompting San Francisco Mayor London Breed<a href="https://twitter.com/londonbreed/status/1339731015682551809?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> to say</a> the program should serve as a model for reopening public schools.

The hubs have not reported any COVID-19 outbreaks, prompting San Francisco Mayor London Breed<a href="https://twitter.com/londonbreed/status/1339731015682551809?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> to say</a> the program should serve as a model for reopening public schools.

For Foots, having her children return to these makeshift schoolrooms has been a huge boon.

For Foots, having her children return to these makeshift schoolrooms has been a huge boon.

<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/kids-couch-3.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1653"/><figcaption>Foots’ children at home during remote learning | Jarami Bond for Here/Say Media</figcaption></figure></div>

“It relieves a lot of pressure and [my children] get the extra support they need. They’re a lot happier,” she said.

“It relieves a lot of pressure and [my children] get the extra support they need. They’re a lot happier,” she said.

Foots is satisfied with the safety precautions followed by the hubs, and says she would send her children back for in-person learning if the school district followed the same safety precautions. The hubs (as well as the<a href="https://data.sfgov.org/stories/s/School-Reopening/ccmh-3avz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> more than 110 open private schools</a> in San Francisco) follow<a href="https://www.sfdph.org/dph/alerts/files/Directive-2020-33-Schools.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> safety guidelines</a> laid out by the San Francisco Department of Public Health, including mask-wearing and social distancing.

Foots is satisfied with the safety precautions followed by the hubs, and says she would send her children back for in-person learning if the school district followed the same safety precautions. The hubs (as well as the<a href="https://data.sfgov.org/stories/s/School-Reopening/ccmh-3avz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> more than 110 open private schools</a> in San Francisco) follow<a href="https://www.sfdph.org/dph/alerts/files/Directive-2020-33-Schools.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> safety guidelines</a> laid out by the San Francisco Department of Public Health, including mask-wearing and social distancing.

Roadblocks &amp; Sluggish Negotiations

Roadblocks &amp; Sluggish Negotiations

As part of a phased reopening, SFUSD was<a href="https://abc7news.com/san-francisco-unified-reopen-school-coronavirus-mayor-london-breed/8887079/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> supposed to</a> open schools on Jan. 25 for 358 preschoolers and students with moderate to severe learning disabilities. However, that plan failed because<a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/about/news/sfusd-updates-timeline-person-learning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> consensus couldn&#8217;t be reached</a> with labor unions—including those representing teachers, school administrators, engineers, technicians and public service workers.

As part of a phased reopening, SFUSD was<a href="https://abc7news.com/san-francisco-unified-reopen-school-coronavirus-mayor-london-breed/8887079/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> supposed to</a> open schools on Jan. 25 for 358 preschoolers and students with moderate to severe learning disabilities. However, that plan failed because<a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/about/news/sfusd-updates-timeline-person-learning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> consensus couldn't be reached</a> with labor unions—including those representing teachers, school administrators, engineers, technicians and public service workers.

As part of a phased reopening, SFUSD was<a href="https://abc7news.com/san-francisco-unified-reopen-school-coronavirus-mayor-london-breed/8887079/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> supposed to</a> open schools on Jan. 25 for 358 preschoolers and students with moderate to severe learning disabilities. However, that plan failed because<a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/about/news/sfusd-updates-timeline-person-learning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> consensus couldn&#8217;t be reached</a> with labor unions—including those representing teachers, school administrators, engineers, technicians and public service workers.

Now, school district officials<a href="https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/sfusd/Board.nsf/files/BXMUKG7ADE90/$file/Return%20to%20In%20Person%20Learning_%20%20Secondary%20Schools.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> say</a> the earliest those same students could return is March 25 (though they’re not committing to any set date). Middle schoolers and high schoolers are unlikely to see the inside of a school building until after the summer, according to SFUSD Superintendent Vincent Matthews.&nbsp;

Now, school district officials<a href="https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/sfusd/Board.nsf/files/BXMUKG7ADE90/$file/Return%20to%20In%20Person%20Learning_%20%20Secondary%20Schools.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> say</a> the earliest those same students could return is March 25 (though they’re not committing to any set date). Middle schoolers and high schoolers are unlikely to see the inside of a school building until after the summer, according to SFUSD Superintendent Vincent Matthews.&nbsp;

The major roadblock is reaching agreement on safety measures, with SFUSD unions calling for guidelines that exceed those set by San Francisco’s Department of Public Health and instead favoring those that adhere to CDC, OSHA and California Department of Public Health standards.

The major roadblock is reaching agreement on safety measures, with SFUSD unions calling for guidelines that exceed those set by San Francisco’s Department of Public Health and instead favoring those that adhere to CDC, OSHA and California Department of Public Health standards.

SFUSD unions are calling for PPE, social distancing, adequate ventilation at all school and work sites, a “robust” contact tracing and surveillance testing protocol, free rapid-testing for COVID-19 and vaccinations for all school staff, which includes teachers and paraeducators. SFUSD unions are also proposing that no students or staff should return to in-person learning until San Francisco has been in the state’s<a href="https://edsource.org/2021/quick-guide-what-californias-color-coded-county-tracking-system-means-for-schools/639357#:~:text=Purple%2C%20or%20Tier%201%2C%20indicates,reported%20positive%20over%20seven%20days." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> “moderate” orange tier</a> of community spread for 14 consecutive days. San Francisco is currently in the<a href="https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> purple tier</a>.&nbsp;

SFUSD unions are calling for PPE, social distancing, adequate ventilation at all school and work sites, a “robust” contact tracing and surveillance testing protocol, free rapid-testing for COVID-19 and vaccinations for all school staff, which includes teachers and paraeducators. SFUSD unions are also proposing that no students or staff should return to in-person learning until San Francisco has been in the state’s<a href="https://edsource.org/2021/quick-guide-what-californias-color-coded-county-tracking-system-means-for-schools/639357#:~:text=Purple%2C%20or%20Tier%201%2C%20indicates,reported%20positive%20over%20seven%20days." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> “moderate” orange tier</a> of community spread for 14 consecutive days. San Francisco is currently in the<a href="https://covid19.ca.gov/safer-economy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> purple tier</a>.&nbsp;

“This differs from the plan adopted by the Board of Education and permitted under state and local health orders, which allow schools in counties rated in the most restrictive purple tier to reopen for in-person instruction if they receive a waiver,” said the SFUSD<a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/about/news/sfusd-updates-timeline-person-learning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> in a December press release</a> explaining why the district couldn’t reopen as planned on Jan. 25.

“This differs from the plan adopted by the Board of Education and permitted under state and local health orders, which allow schools in counties rated in the most restrictive purple tier to reopen for in-person instruction if they receive a waiver,” said the SFUSD<a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/about/news/sfusd-updates-timeline-person-learning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> in a December press release</a> explaining why the district couldn’t reopen as planned on Jan. 25.

SFUSD unions have also made headlines for their request to equip every school toilet with a lid to prevent the spread of COVID-19. According to reporting by<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/Parents-want-California-s-teachers-vaccinated-15853920.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> the SF Chronicle</a>, however, “none of the millions of cases worldwide has been connected to a toilet.”&nbsp;

SFUSD unions have also made headlines for their request to equip every school toilet with a lid to prevent the spread of COVID-19. According to reporting by<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/Parents-want-California-s-teachers-vaccinated-15853920.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> the SF Chronicle</a>, however, “none of the millions of cases worldwide has been connected to a toilet.”&nbsp;

Still, the gulf between what is considered safe and what makes teachers feel safe to return to in-person learning illustrates a chasm that neither the district nor the unions have yet been able to bridge.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Still, the gulf between what is considered safe and what makes teachers feel safe to return to in-person learning illustrates a chasm that neither the district nor the unions have yet been able to bridge.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Labor negotiations are marked as “in progress” at 33 percent complete on the <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/thu.cung#!/vizhome/SFUSDIn-PersonLearningReadinessDashboard/2ADashboardandProgressView?publish=yes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SFUSD’s reopening dashboard</a>. No headway has been made since Oct. 25.&nbsp;

Labor negotiations are marked as “in progress” at 33 percent complete on the <a href="https://public.tableau.com/profile/thu.cung#!/vizhome/SFUSDIn-PersonLearningReadinessDashboard/2ADashboardandProgressView?publish=yes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SFUSD’s reopening dashboard</a>. No headway has been made since Oct. 25.&nbsp;

“We don&#8217;t want just minimum standards because of concerns that there can be cases of COVID-19 with minimum standards,” said Susan Solomon, president of the<a href="https://uesf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> United Educators of San Francisco</a>, or UESF, which represents about 6,500 teachers and paraeducators.&nbsp;

“We don't want just minimum standards because of concerns that there can be cases of COVID-19 with minimum standards,” said Susan Solomon, president of the<a href="https://uesf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> United Educators of San Francisco</a>, or UESF, which represents about 6,500 teachers and paraeducators.&nbsp;

“We don&#8217;t want just minimum standards because of concerns that there can be cases of COVID-19 with minimum standards,” said Susan Solomon, president of the<a href="https://uesf.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> United Educators of San Francisco</a>, or UESF, which represents about 6,500 teachers and paraeducators.&nbsp;

<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/School_2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1655"/><figcaption>Dr. Martin Luther King Middle School | David Topete for Here/Say Media</figcaption></figure></div>

&#8220;We&#8217;ve never spent this much time on bargaining as we are right now. And that&#8217;s the right thing to be doing. Let&#8217;s make sure that the school district is ready with things that are needed for safety and that we are prepared safety-wise. We want to get this done,&#8221; added Solomon. &#8220;Many of the educators who belong to UESF are parents themselves. I&#8217;m a grandparent. It&#8217;s hard. It&#8217;s just a terrible situation, and we have to protect physical health.&#8221;&nbsp;

"We've never spent this much time on bargaining as we are right now. And that's the right thing to be doing. Let's make sure that the school district is ready with things that are needed for safety and that we are prepared safety-wise. We want to get this done," added Solomon. "Many of the educators who belong to UESF are parents themselves. I'm a grandparent. It's hard. It's just a terrible situation, and we have to protect physical health."&nbsp;

&#8220;We&#8217;ve never spent this much time on bargaining as we are right now. And that&#8217;s the right thing to be doing. Let&#8217;s make sure that the school district is ready with things that are needed for safety and that we are prepared safety-wise. We want to get this done,&#8221; added Solomon. &#8220;Many of the educators who belong to UESF are parents themselves. I&#8217;m a grandparent. It&#8217;s hard. It&#8217;s just a terrible situation, and we have to protect physical health.&#8221;&nbsp;

But as of Jan. 22, Solomon said the toilet lid proposal remains on the table and “is a subject we will continue to discuss in good faith,” though she added it’s less important than achieving proper ventilation in school buildings, which remains a work in progress. The district has only completed 40% of the necessary repairs and installations needed, according to its<a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/services/health-wellness/covid-19-coronavirus-resources-families-students/person-learning-readiness-dashboard-phase-2a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> school reopening dashboard</a>.

But as of Jan. 22, Solomon said the toilet lid proposal remains on the table and “is a subject we will continue to discuss in good faith,” though she added it’s less important than achieving proper ventilation in school buildings, which remains a work in progress. The district has only completed 40% of the necessary repairs and installations needed, according to its<a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/services/health-wellness/covid-19-coronavirus-resources-families-students/person-learning-readiness-dashboard-phase-2a" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> school reopening dashboard</a>.

In a Board of Education meeting on Jan. 26, Superintendent Matthews emphasized that the school district is working in tandem with the unions to reach an agreement.

In a Board of Education meeting on Jan. 26, Superintendent Matthews emphasized that the school district is working in tandem with the unions to reach an agreement.

“‘We’ the district and ‘we’ our labor partners all together have to agree on what safe looks like. So that&#8217;s what the ‘we’ is. It&#8217;s not just the unions. It&#8217;s not on just the unions. It&#8217;s on us as a district to come to… agreement around what safe really is,” he said.

“‘We’ the district and ‘we’ our labor partners all together have to agree on what safe looks like. So that's what the ‘we’ is. It's not just the unions. It's not on just the unions. It's on us as a district to come to… agreement around what safe really is,” he said.

“‘We’ the district and ‘we’ our labor partners all together have to agree on what safe looks like. So that&#8217;s what the ‘we’ is. It&#8217;s not just the unions. It&#8217;s not on just the unions. It&#8217;s on us as a district to come to… agreement around what safe really is,” he said.

<div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Screen-Shot-2021-01-26-at-9.23.43-AM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1658"/><figcaption>Stalled negotiations | SFUSD</figcaption></figure></div>

Meanwhile, the Board of Education, which<a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/about/board-of-education/board-education-meetings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> meets bi-monthly on Tuesdays</a> for seven or eight-hour marathon sessions, has had entire meetings where reopening<a href="https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/sfusd/Board.nsf/goto?open&amp;id=BUPN435E0C49" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> hasn’t been on the agenda</a>, prompting<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/openforum/article/Parent-group-to-SFUSD-Open-our-schools-Now-15820711.php?fbclid=IwAR362vXppuID-ddtJvb1lsx_GMpcT682wCMSCxbU7RkQtkHA_0rzscVtzm4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> frustration</a> and<a href="https://www.sfpublicpress.org/parents-navigate-sf-school-system-with-no-reopening-date-set/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> confusion</a> among parents who feel that a return to in-person learning isn’t being treated as a high-priority item.

Meanwhile, the Board of Education, which<a href="https://www.sfusd.edu/about/board-of-education/board-education-meetings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> meets bi-monthly on Tuesdays</a> for seven or eight-hour marathon sessions, has had entire meetings where reopening<a href="https://go.boarddocs.com/ca/sfusd/Board.nsf/goto?open&amp;id=BUPN435E0C49" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> hasn’t been on the agenda</a>, prompting<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/openforum/article/Parent-group-to-SFUSD-Open-our-schools-Now-15820711.php?fbclid=IwAR362vXppuID-ddtJvb1lsx_GMpcT682wCMSCxbU7RkQtkHA_0rzscVtzm4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> frustration</a> and<a href="https://www.sfpublicpress.org/parents-navigate-sf-school-system-with-no-reopening-date-set/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> confusion</a> among parents who feel that a return to in-person learning isn’t being treated as a high-priority item.

“I think it’s an absolute slap in the face to all the families and students of this district that you don’t even have reopening on the agenda. We’re ten months into this pandemic, and your current ‘plan’ is to reassess your plan?” said one parent during<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fE1gDmwLng&amp;feature=youtu.be&amp;ab_channel=SFUnified" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> public comment on Jan. 12</a>.

“I think it’s an absolute slap in the face to all the families and students of this district that you don’t even have reopening on the agenda. We’re ten months into this pandemic, and your current ‘plan’ is to reassess your plan?” said one parent during<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fE1gDmwLng&amp;feature=youtu.be&amp;ab_channel=SFUnified" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> public comment on Jan. 12</a>.

A Divisive Issue&nbsp;&nbsp;

A Divisive Issue&nbsp;&nbsp;

Yet, San Francisco’s health care professionals and educators remain divided on the question of school reopening.

Yet, San Francisco’s health care professionals and educators remain divided on the question of school reopening.

Prominent members of the city’s health care community have weighed in and say it’s time for students to return to the classroom. In a January<a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/opinion/ucsf-health-professionals-call-for-february-1st-school-reopening/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> op-ed</a>, UCSF department leaders called for schools in San Francisco to provide in-person learning by Feb. 1, citing the detrimental impact of long term closures on children. In December, more than 60 of the city&#8217;s pediatricians<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/openforum/article/Pediatricians-to-San-Francisco-Children-are-15774725.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> wrote a letter</a> calling on schools to return to in-person learning as soon as possible, saying the current situation “is resulting in a mental health crisis for children.&#8221;&nbsp;

Prominent members of the city’s health care community have weighed in and say it’s time for students to return to the classroom. In a January<a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/opinion/ucsf-health-professionals-call-for-february-1st-school-reopening/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> op-ed</a>, UCSF department leaders called for schools in San Francisco to provide in-person learning by Feb. 1, citing the detrimental impact of long term closures on children. In December, more than 60 of the city's pediatricians<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/openforum/article/Pediatricians-to-San-Francisco-Children-are-15774725.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> wrote a letter</a> calling on schools to return to in-person learning as soon as possible, saying the current situation “is resulting in a mental health crisis for children."&nbsp;

Prominent members of the city’s health care community have weighed in and say it’s time for students to return to the classroom. In a January<a href="https://www.sfexaminer.com/opinion/ucsf-health-professionals-call-for-february-1st-school-reopening/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> op-ed</a>, UCSF department leaders called for schools in San Francisco to provide in-person learning by Feb. 1, citing the detrimental impact of long term closures on children. In December, more than 60 of the city&#8217;s pediatricians<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/opinion/openforum/article/Pediatricians-to-San-Francisco-Children-are-15774725.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> wrote a letter</a> calling on schools to return to in-person learning as soon as possible, saying the current situation “is resulting in a mental health crisis for children.&#8221;&nbsp;

On Jan. 26, researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2775875" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> wrote</a> that children should be brought back into classrooms as soon as possible, but noted that local officials must be willing to close indoor dining and bars to help keep community infection rates low. The researchers also wrote that the “preponderance of available evidence” indicates safe reopening can occur with proper social distancing and mask-wearing.

On Jan. 26, researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2775875" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> wrote</a> that children should be brought back into classrooms as soon as possible, but noted that local officials must be willing to close indoor dining and bars to help keep community infection rates low. The researchers also wrote that the “preponderance of available evidence” indicates safe reopening can occur with proper social distancing and mask-wearing.

Studies suggest that students learning remotely are<a href="https://edpolicyinca.org/newsroom/covid-19-and-educational-equity-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> falling behind</a> and that the losses are more severe among<a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/public-and-social-sector/our-insights/covid-19-and-learning-loss-disparities-grow-and-students-need-help" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> non-white students</a> and<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/29/world/remote-schooling-brings-bigger-losses-for-children-still-learning-to-speak-english.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> English-language learners</a>.&nbsp;

Studies suggest that students learning remotely are<a href="https://edpolicyinca.org/newsroom/covid-19-and-educational-equity-crisis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> falling behind</a> and that the losses are more severe among<a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/public-and-social-sector/our-insights/covid-19-and-learning-loss-disparities-grow-and-students-need-help" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> non-white students</a> and<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/29/world/remote-schooling-brings-bigger-losses-for-children-still-learning-to-speak-english.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> English-language learners</a>.&nbsp;

Two SFUSD reports about the<a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/sfusd-data-show-widening-learning-gaps-during-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> impact of COVID-19 on students’ academic performances</a> in<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gXz07bagibKdbzgDCkWyzqe0NPtPfr59/view" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> math</a> and<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PoIT4Y8ut0zIyMQ60z24yMbIwR1M3DQK/view" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> reading</a> reveal deep inequalities resulting from remote learning. These are consistent with national findings. In reading, for grades 4 and 5, white and multi-racial students were the only student groups that performed better than predicted during distance learning. Black, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, Asian and Filipino students showed evidence of learning loss.

Two SFUSD reports about the<a href="https://www.publiccommentsf.com/post/sfusd-data-show-widening-learning-gaps-during-covid-19" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> impact of COVID-19 on students’ academic performances</a> in<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gXz07bagibKdbzgDCkWyzqe0NPtPfr59/view" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> math</a> and<a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PoIT4Y8ut0zIyMQ60z24yMbIwR1M3DQK/view" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> reading</a> reveal deep inequalities resulting from remote learning. These are consistent with national findings. In reading, for grades 4 and 5, white and multi-racial students were the only student groups that performed better than predicted during distance learning. Black, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, Asian and Filipino students showed evidence of learning loss.

Search Results for: homelessness

When the Lights Come Up in the City: Bayview strong

‘The school district is pretty much failing them’: With the vaccine in play, when can SF’s schools reopen?