Featured
Harbaugh Gone, 49ers Hunt For New Head Coach
Santa Clara – The inaugural season was upstaged by the departure of head coach Jim Harbaugh, a losing season and a struggling offense. The 49ers couldn’t have asked for a better drama filled season that began with arrests, rape charges and dismissals. Aldon Smith was arrested over the summer, Colin Kaepernick was accused of rape and Ray McDonald found himself out of a job after being investigated for another assault case.
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Aldon Smith served his time, Kaepernick was exonerated and another team will pick McDonald next year. But for Harbaugh, no one saw that coming. He accepted a head coaching job that will net him in a class of highest paid college coaches. The University of Michigan’s timing was perfect. At the helm of Owner Jed York, Harbaugh didn’t make the Super Bowl so it was tie to move on.
“We compete for and win Super Bowls,” said York. “That’s our only goal. We don’t raise division championship banners. We don’t raise NFC Championship banners. We raise Super Bowl banners. And whenever we don’t deliver that, I hope you will hold me directly responsible and accountable for it.”
In his four years as head coach, Harbaugh led the 49ers to two NFC Championships and the Super Bowl. How is this not enough for a team that hadn’t made it to the playoffs since 2002. Every players dream is to win a Super Bowl but when reality sets in, it’s only a few teams who get that opportunity. Three consecutive years of making it to the playoffs is an accomplishment.
San Francisco has begun their search for a new coach, in the meantime players are in limbo. Hard to believe the 49ers thought this process through because they have no idea who that person will be. Some guys are at the end of their contracts, DT Justin Smith is said to be thinking about retiring and RB Frank Gore is uncertain that the team will bring him back.
“It’s a business,” Gore said. “I wish Coach Harbaugh the best. He’s a great coach. My best years, they were with him as a team. He was here and we won. I still love the game and I can still play. I feel great. I want to play again, I want to play next year.”
Many fans wonder why the sudden need for a new head coach and not a new Offensive Coordinator. The 49ers host the 2016 Super Bowl next year. Was this something both the owner and GM talked about in their decision to part ways with Harbaugh? There wasn’t one player that express to having Harbaugh back next season.
“I’m going to miss him [Harbaugh],” said OL Aaron Lynch. “He did a really good job here but it was one season where it didn’t all come together.”
“Harbaugh taught us to always fight no matter what,” RB Carlos Hyde said. “My rookie year here reminds me of my freshmen year in college. I didn’t play that much, then I got injured and lost our coach. It all happened again this year.”
Harbaugh kept it classy in the end as best as he could. He avoided questions pertaining to the assumed rift between he, York and GM Trent Baalke. While everyone assumed he wanted out early in the season, it appeared to have been a situation with senior management that led to his dismissal. While the players explained they understand it’s a business many would’ve have preferred to keep their head coach.
“We had philosophical discussions and when we sat down, we just couldn’t come to a place where we thought moving together was the best for either party,” said York. It was a conversation that took place over a decent amount of time to figure out what’s best for everybody involved.”
“This isn’t a rebuild situation, this is a reload situation,” Baalke said.
The changes that were made last offseason were supposed to be the cherry on top to a perfect offense. What happens now? A new head coach can change that. But Baalke reiterated that any new changes to the team will go through him not the next head coach. He certainly has his hands full in the upcoming months not only with finding a new coach but keeping the roster in tact as well as making changes to improve the offense.
Right now there are no front runners in becoming the 49ers new head coach. Baalke who was promoted to GM in 2011 did a good job with putting a good team together thus far but this offseason might be his biggest challenge yet. Though it appears to be a simple solution to York and Baalke it looks as though San Francisco will be starting from scratch to get this team back to playoff contention.
“I’m the quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers until they tell me different,” said Colin Kaepernick. “Looking forward to finding out who they’re going to bring in and what we’re going to be working on. But, as far as me, I’m going to continue to work.”
“We played for it every year,” Harbaugh said in regarding the Lombardi Trophy. “That’s the way we looked at it every time we took the field. Been a tremendous thrill. One of the great thrills of my life. Be forever proud of what we accomplished.”
Activism
S.F. Black Leaders Rally to Protest, Discuss ‘Epidemic’ of Racial Slurs Against Black Students in SF Public School System
Parents at the meeting spoke of their children as no longer feeling safe in school because of bullying and discrimination. Parents also said that reported incidents such as racial slurs and intimidation are not dealt with to their satisfaction and feel ignored.
By Carla Thomas
San Francisco’s Third Baptist Church hosted a rally and meeting Sunday to discuss hatred toward African American students of the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD).
Rev. Amos C. Brown, president of the San Francisco NAACP and pastor of Third Baptist Church, along with leadership from local civil rights groups, the city’s faith-based community and Black community leadership convened at the church.
“There has been an epidemic of racial slurs and mistreatment of Black children in our public schools in the city,” said Brown. “This will not be tolerated.”
According to civil rights advocate Mattie Scott, students from elementary to high school have reported an extraordinary amount of racial slurs directed at them.
“There is a surge of overt racism in the schools, and our children should not be subjected to this,” said Scott. “Students are in school to learn, develop, and grow, not be hated on,” said Scott. “The parents of the children feel they have not received the support necessary to protect their children.”
Attendees were briefed last Friday in a meeting with SFUSD Superintendent Dr. Matt Wayne.
SFUSD states that their policies protect children and they are not at liberty to publicly discuss the issues to protect the children’s privacy.
Parents at the meeting spoke of their children as no longer feeling safe in school because of bullying and discrimination. Parents also said that reported incidents such as racial slurs and intimidation are not dealt with to their satisfaction and feel ignored.
Some parents said they have removed their students from school while other parents and community leaders called on the removal of the SFUSD superintendent, the firing of certain school principals and the need for more supportive school board members.
Community advocates discussed boycotting the schools and creating Freedom Schools led by Black leaders and educators, reassuring parents that their child’s wellbeing and education are the highest priority and youth are not to be disrupted by racism or policies that don’t support them.
Virginia Marshall, chair of the San Francisco NAACP’s education committee, offered encouragement to the parents and students in attendance while also announcing an upcoming May 14 school board meeting to demand accountability over their mistreatment.
“I’m urging anyone that cares about our students to pack the May 14 school board meeting,” said Marshall.
This resource was supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library via California Black Media as part of the Stop the Hate Program. The program is supported by partnership with California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate.
Bay Area
Mayor London Breed: State Awards San Francisco Over $37M for Affordable Housing
On April 30, Mayor London N. Breed announced San Francisco has been awarded more than $37.9 million in funding from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) as part of the State’s Multifamily Housing Program (MHP). The HCD loan will provide the final funding necessary for development of Casa Adelante – 1515 South Van Ness, a 168-unit affordable housing project located in San Francisco’s Mission District.
By Oakland Post Staff
On April 30, Mayor London N. Breed announced San Francisco has been awarded more than $37.9 million in funding from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) as part of the State’s Multifamily Housing Program (MHP).
The HCD loan will provide the final funding necessary for development of Casa Adelante – 1515 South Van Ness, a 168-unit affordable housing project located in San Francisco’s Mission District.
The new development at 1515 South Van Ness Ave. will provide 168 affordable homes to low-income families, formerly homeless families, and persons living with HIV earning between 25-80% of the San Francisco Area Median Income (AMI).
In addition, the project is anticipated to provide family-friendly amenities and ground floor community-serving commercial spaces that preserve the prevailing neighborhood character of the Calle 24 Latino Cultural District.
“This funding unlocks our ability to move on building affordable housing units for families in San Francisco at a crucial time. We understand the level of need for more housing that is accessible, and like the state, the city continues to face a challenging budget cycle,” said Breed. “1515 South Van Ness is a good example of what can be achieved in San Francisco when you have strong community partnerships and an unwavering commitment to deliver on critical needs for our residents.”
“From the beginning of my term as Supervisor, I have fought to bring affordable housing to 1515 South Van Ness” said Supervisor Hillary Ronen. “In the interim, the site has been utilized for homeless services and shelter, and I am thrilled that HCD has recognized the value of this development, and we are finally ready to break ground and bring 168 affordable homes to low income and formerly homeless families in the Mission.”
Owned and occupied by McMillan Electric Company until 2015, the City and County of San Francisco purchased 1515 South Van Ness Avenue in June 2019 with the intent of developing new affordable housing.
In November 2020, the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development (MOHCD) released a Multi-site Request for Qualifications (RFQ) seeking qualified developers to build affordable housing on the site, and subsequently selected Chinatown Community Development Corporation (CCDC) and Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA) in May 2021 to develop the site.
The project is expected to begin construction in winter 2025.
“A strong, long-term push by Mission advocates to make this site 100% affordable is now paying off, with 168 family units that include services and childcare. People of color communities know what they need, and we are excited to be in partnership with a team, consisting of MEDA, CCDC, and MOHCD, that listens,” said Malcolm Yeung, Executive Director at CCDC.
“We are excited to be in partnership with CCDC, yet again, and for the opportunity to develop intergenerational affordable housing in the City’s Mission District,” said Luis Granados, executive director at MEDA.
Increasing housing affordable to lower-income and vulnerable residents is a key priority in the City’s Housing Element which calls for additional funding for affordable housing production and preservation, as well as Mayor Breed’s Housing for All Executive Directive that sets out the steps the City will take to meet the bold goal of allowing for 82,000 new homes to be built over the next eight years.
Tuesday’s funding announcement emphasizes the importance of regional and state collaboration in order to reach our housing and climate goals.
“We are thrilled—not just to bring a project of this size to a community with great need — but to do so with community-based developers and their partners who understand the neighborhood and sensitivities around cultural preservation,” said HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez.
Community
Opening Soon: Vibe Bistro Is Richmond’s New Hub for Coffee, Cuisine, Community and Culture
Vibe Bistro, located at 1503 MacDonald Ave., Suite B, Richmond, CA, is announcing its grand opening week, May 21-26, 2024. The café will be a hub where people can come together to enjoy coffee, cuisine, community, and culture, according to the establishment’s owner, Free Brown.
By Y’Anad Burrell
Vibe Bistro, located at 1503 MacDonald Ave., Suite B, Richmond, CA, is announcing its grand opening week, May 21-26, 2024.
The café will be a hub where people can come together to enjoy coffee, cuisine, community, and culture, according to the establishment’s owner, Free Brown.
“Vibe Bistro is Richmond’s neighborhood haven for soulful coffee, delicious food, and vibrant experiences. Vibe Bistro is not just a coffee shop; it’s a place where ‘coffee meets community” says Brown.
It occupies the space formerly known as the Richmond Food Hall, which was also the former location of OakStop Richmond.
During the grand opening week, folks are invited to join in celebrating the spirit of community. From Tuesday, May 21, Vibe Bistro will be open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays, serving specialty coffees, convenient grab-n-go options, and delicious breakfast and lunch selections.
The official ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 23, from noon to 2 p.m., followed by surprise festivities that the owners say you will need to experience in-person to fully enjoy.
Vibe Bistro’s art exhibition opens May 23, through Sunday, May 26. It features a special artist talk led by renowned curator Jowhari Trahan, a story on glass, and a mural unveiling by Richmond’s own Nakari Syon.
Additionally, the community is invited to immerse themselves in artistic expression throughout the week with art and craft classes.
Get ready for ‘Feature Fridays’ at Vibe Bistro, where they will showcase the culinary creations of local food businesses. This initiative is not just about food, it’s about fostering a spirit of collaboration and community.
All local businesses are invited to be part of this exciting journey, says Brown.
For more information, visit www.VibeBistro.com, sign up for the newsletter to stay connected, and follow all social media platforms at @TheVibeBistro.
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