Getting More Than I Gave

By Rob Cox

This December will be my last EVNA Board Meeting.  I have been on the Executive Board of the Eureka Valley Neighborhood Association (EVNA) for a dozen years.  I’ve been a member of EVNA for 22+ years.

I have seen membership in EVNA ebb and flow over the years.  I have worked with an amazing array of Board members and committee members.  And I have seen EVNA take on some difficult situations and participate in some very fun events and tasks.

The one message that I want to share with you is that I got more than I ever gave.  The experience is sometimes difficult but always rewarding.

The Castro neighborhood often feels like a “small town “and not a neighborhood in a large City.  Through my association with EVNA I have deepened my relationship with our “small town”.

Getting to know my neighbors – whether merchants, residents, City officials or people who come here to work & play – has expanded my horizons and broadened my life views.  I have not always agreed with everyone but I have always respected them and their opinions.

There is still (there is always!) more to do.  The challenges that face the Castro are not easy and they require our attention.  EVNA is your voice at City Hall, at Mission Station, to your Supervisor, to SFMTA, even to Sacramento and more.

Just a few of the projects that I have worked on at EVNA:

• Castro sidewalk widening
• Demanding security (Patrol Special) at night clubs and bars
• Demanding activation of the Patio Café space (now Hamburger Mary’s)
• Retail Study
• Jane Warner Plaza
• Castro Cares
• Sponsoring Mayoral debates at the Castro Theater
• Hosting neighborhood meetings in times of critical events like Halloween violence and the homeless/unsheltered problem

These and many others are issues that affect the quality of life here in the Castro.  Affect your quality of life.

EVNA is a volunteer organization and is the oldest neighborhood association in California.  It needs your help to keep moving forward and to remain vital.

If you are not a member, please join.  If you are a member, thank you.  And consider joining a committee or the executive Board and help guide EVNA.

It has been a pleasure and so rewarding to have been on the Board.  I remain a member and will help where ever and whenever I can.

See you around the neighborhood, neighbor!

Rob Cox