Welcome to
the Neighborhood
Welcome, neighbor!
The best way to get involved is to come to our events and sign up for our newsletter.
We’re excited to have you join us. This vibrant and historic neighborhood is situated in the very heart of San Francisco! Encompassing the greater Castro area, this neighborhood is renowned across the world for its prominent role in the fight for equality for the LGBTQ community.
Below is a map of our neighborhood association’s borders, but we don’t want these to exclude people who care about our neighborhood and want to join. We welcome you to join. Non-voting membership is open to everyone, everywhere. Almost all our events are for the public (not just members). We ask for feedback and engagement from everyone. Subscribing to our newsletter is free. What do our “voting members” vote on? Our board elections, motions to change bylaws, and other official business during official board or rare member-only meetings.
EVNA Board of Directors
Executive Committee
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Jennifer “JDub” Waggoner
President
Jenny (they or she) JDub moved to San Francisco in 2000, thanks to a blind date at Burning Man. She and her Domestic Partner, Dave, moved to Collingwood with a great view of the dog park in 2009. Now they live close to Kite Hill, so their Muttville foster pups still have a place to play. Her consulting business focuses on nonprofits, small businesses, and startups doing good. JDub’s education is in government and social policy. She is passionate about essential resources like Pit Stops, collaboration with sister organizations, and promoting the values of love, welcome and pride. Our neighborhood is a rich and fabulous destination, with worldwide appeal. “The power of visibility can never be underrated,” -- Margaret Cho.
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Ken Burke
Secretary
I believe deeply in the value of community over commodity. Living in the Castro means more than just having an address here; it’s about being part of a vibrant, diverse, and historic neighborhood. I want to give back by helping to foster a sense of connection and belonging for not only everyone who calls the Castro home, but also all those who work here, play here, or feel a special connection to this unique place.
I’ll work to help create opportunities for outreach and engagement that prioritize unity. I want to help organize events and initiatives that are inclusive, welcoming, and focused on bridging divides. We all have a stake in the Castro’s future, and I want to ensure the association remains a space where everyone can learn about local issues that impact our lives, voice their thoughts, and feel heard and respected.
As someone who values organization and transparency, I believe the role of Secretary is a place where I can make a real difference. I’m committed to being clear, efficient, and reliable, making sure the association’s work is well-documented and accessible.
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Mary Edna Harrell
Board-Elected Executive Committee Member
Having lived in Eureka Valley for 36 years, Mary Edna has experienced many changes in the neighborhood. She has appreciated the way commercial and residential interests have been able to not only co-exist, but to enable each other to thrive. In spite of the many struggles and challenges experienced by each, we have many common needs and interests.
Mary Edna promotes safe and positive experiences for all who live, work and play in Eureka Valley. -
Rob LeVan
Treasurer
Rob LeVan is a 23-year San Francisco resident, having spent the last 15 in the Castro/Eureka Valley neighborhood. Rob has had the honor of serving on the EVNA Board for the past 4 years and is seeking re-election for another term. In his spare time, Rob enjoys cooking, travel and spending quality outdoor time exploring his neighborhood with his Dalmatian puppy, Frannie. Rob is also a founding member of the EVDOG, currently working alongside the EVNA to renovate the Eureka Valley Dog Play Area (aka Collingwood Park). Rob is also an avid volunteer, working with local community organizations that hold book fairs, neighborhood cleanups, holiday family gift drives, and food bank and grocery distribution activities.
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Vacant
Vice President
No one ran for this position in November 2024, therefore the position is vacant.
EVNA Board Members
At-Large
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Brendan Smith
At-Large
Brendan moved to San Francisco in 2007 and has lived in the Castro for over 12 years. He loves the fact that while the neighborhood has changed over the years, it’s still the kind of place where you run into friends and neighbors almost every time you leave your home. Brendan has a professional background in both international health and local economic development, with a focus on small businesses, and wants to see our local business community thrive alongside our residents. Brendan volunteered for five years with Openhouse, an LGBTQ senior services agency.
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Dave Rogers
At-Large
Dave moved to San Francisco in the late 90’s - back when it was full of beauty, somewhat affordable and easy to make friends. Now, as a resident of Noe Street, he wants to make a difference and help us return to that amazing energy we once had in the Castro. He thinks that starts with connecting each of us to our neighbors with similar interests and passions so that we can work together to create the new Eureka Valley. I want to hear from everyone and I want all EVNA past, current and non-members to share ideas on what that could look like - let’s break bread, take walks or bike rides around the neighborhood, visit the library, grab a coffee or drinks, garden together… and volunteer on some self-directed programs so we can get to know each other and help shape our community. Dave wants you to help him understand what is important to you and your family and friends so that the board is focused on the right outcomes this year, for everyone.
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Lawrence Pan
At-Large
Lawrence moved to San Francisco for work in 2020 right after graduating from college, and immediately fell in love with the city, especially the Castro / Eureka Valley neighborhood. Lawrence loves the colorful houses on hills, the abundance of public transit options, our LGBTQ history and culture, the vibrant restaurant and bar scene, and the fact that we are close to so many epic parks! Lawrence is also an urbanist and a YIMBY. His dream is to turn parking lots, low-rises, and gas stations near Castro station into high-density housing, welcoming more neighbors into the Castro, which will help local businesses and further increase the vibrancy of our neighborhood.
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Loïc Olichon
At-Large
Loïc arrived in the neighborhood 18 years ago at 21st and Castro. Coming from Paris, he wanted a walkable neighborhood with plenty of public transportation, so he could hop on the Muni to shop downtown. He moved once 13 years ago, but stayed in the neighborhood at 18th and Hattie. Loïc loves the neighborhood, as it has so much potential with the public transportation hub, the commercial district and the surrounding residential area, and history! He started to go to EVNA public meetings as soon as he arrived here in 2006 and eventually joined the board.
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Matt Biggar
At-Large
I’m an EVNA Board member to give back to the neighborhood that has been my home for over twenty years. My partner and I moved here in 2004 and have raised both our children in the Castro. We love the neighborhood's culture, vibrancy, walkability, natural features, and access to public transit.
I want to do my part to help our community, residents, local businesses, and nearby nature thrive. As an independent consultant, I have worked with many nonprofits, local governments, and foundations on their strategy, particularly in achieving greater impact through place-based collaboration with other organizations. My projects have included supporting collaboratives in San Francisco that increase connection to urban nature– San Francisco Children & Nature and Reimagining San Francisco. I’ll bring my facilitation and strategic planning skills, understanding of effective local partnerships, and knowledge of addressing urban challenges to the EVNA board.
Living connected to place has been the theme of my work and how I have tried to live for years. My business is called Connected to Place, and I have a forthcoming book with the same name (Cornell University Press, 2025). I want to deepen my connection to Eureka Valley by serving on the EVNA Board and supporting neighborhood improvement projects. One of my interests is making the Castro safe for people of all ages to walk and bike. I have participated in several citywide Vision Zero Coalition meetings and am interested in representing EVNA in the Coalition. EVNA brings us together around our shared love for this place and is a positive force for our community. I hope to contribute to its efforts as a Board member.