Calendar

Event Information:

  • Thu
    22
    Feb
    2024

    Annual Membership Meeting with Special Guest Mayor London Breed

    7:00 pmThe Clubhouse at Hayes Valley Playground, Hayes and Buchanan

    We hope you will join us for another year. Please consider signing up for the auto-renew option online. Once again this year, the dues amount for each category has not changed.

    Elections for your HVNA Officers and Board will take place at this meeting. Nominations for all positions will be emailed to members, and posted on our HVNA website, before the date of the meeting. Current, dues-paying members will be eligible to vote at this meeting.

    The membership will also vote on proposed amendments to the Association’s Bylaws, relating to the length of service for all Board members, as well as adding the Immediate Past Board President a seat on the Board, which is common in many nonprofit Board Bylaws. The current verbiage and proposed verbiage are below.

     

    2024 HVNA Board of Directors | Nomination Slate Bios

    President | David Robinson

    David returned to Hayes Valley from Southern California in 2019. This is his second time living in the neighborhood after a brief stay in the 2000’s, and is glad to call Hayes Valley home once more. David’s career in private club management spanned over 35 years, including the St. Francis Yacht Club and most recently as General Manager at the San Francisco Yacht Club across the Bay in Belvedere. He has left “active duty” as a club General Manager and now works with GSI Executive Recruiting, providing consultation and recruiting for the private club industry. His decades of involvement with volunteer organizations and private clubs have provided him with extensive experience in committee work, membership growth and marketing, board governance, and event management. Since joining the Association, he has participated in several HVNA events including the Food Bank program, the Hayes Valley Carnival, Marketplace, Holiday Stroll, tree planting, and co-captaining the Civic Joy Fund’s Saturday morning clean streets initiative, here in our neighborhood. He currently serves as a Board member and chair of the Membership Committee.

    Vice President | Andrew Seigner

    Andrew is a lifelong resident of California, over twenty-five years in the bay, and the past eight in Hayes Valley. Andrew spent the last four years as an HVNA associate board member, where he's been responsible for managing the hayesvalleysf.org website and Twitter account. Andrew's primary priority this past year has been ensuring the continuation of the Hayes Street Shared Spaces program. This included creating a carfreehayes.org website and petition, organizing public comment at SFMTA Board meetings, securing an SFMTA resolution to study a pedestrianized Hayes Street, and promoting a 10-performance live music series in the Hayes Street Shared Space. Another goal is continuing HVNA's work in promoting equity in our community, recognizing the historical context that Hayes Valley exists in. More info about Andrew: https://sig.gy.

    Treasurer | Dan Waits

    Dan has lived in Hayes Valley since 2021 after moving to San Francisco in 2020 and works as a program manager in the tech industry. He started getting involved by volunteering his time to pick up trash in the neighborhood. He is passionate about safe streets, supporting local businesses, solving our homelessness crisis and public transit. Outside of community involvement, you'll find Dan hiking, biking, cooking, and exploring all the Bay Area has to offer.

    Membership Secretary | Dan Spaeth

    Dan has lived in Hayes Valley for over 35 years. In this time he has seen the neighborhood go through many changes. The one consistent trend in all these changes is how Hayes Valley always felt like a real neighborhood. Neighbors working together, playing together and sometimes even arguing together, but always working towards a better Hayes Valley! His involvement in the community has grown substantially in the past few years and especially during the pandemic, working to keep the neighborhood a vibrant place to be. He also recognizes the need of the Merchant Association to work in tandem with the Neighborhood Association. And for that reason, he has welcomed joining the HVNA Board in that capacity.

    Recording Secretary | Trent Berry

    Trent has lived in Hayes Valley for more than 20 years--the entire time he has lived in San Francisco! Trent is the founder and current co-administrator of the Hayes Valley Society Facebook page, soon to be in its 10th year and sporting over 1700 members. When not tirelessly evangelizing on behalf of the world’s greatest neighborhood, Trent leads a double life working for an investment management software firm and is the owner of Dreamrack Studios where he produces, engineers and mixes music for international artists as well as his own local projects. In his spare time, Trent serves as the President of the San Francisco Philharmonic Orchestra, operating out of the Herbst Theatre.

    Corresponding Secretary | Jordon Wing

    Jordon came to the Bay Area 10 years ago and immediately fell in love with it. After moving to SF, he quickly began volunteering as an advocate for housing, transit and safe streets. He worked with Supervisor Mandelman on last year's A Place for All legislation and led a campaign to make outdoor dining permanent that was supported by many small businesses in our neighborhood. As a member of the Board, he's been an active member of the Transportation and Planning committee and helped HVNA organize events. He hopes to continue working on making our streets safer and engaging more residents with their neighborhood through HVNA. You can usually find him at Mercury Cafe or riding his bike through the neighborhood.

    Immediate Past President | Jennifer Laska

    Jen moved to San Francisco with her husband, Joe, in 2016. They quickly fell in love with Hayes Valley’s abundant performing arts venues and lively restaurant scene. Jennifer organized the Shared Streets program on Hayes Street, helped fundraise to install long term lights on the Hayes Street trees and recruited volunteers for several community projects. She looks forward to continuing these projects, continuing to meet more and more neighbors and continuing to work with the city on improving street cleanliness and homelessness in Hayes Valley. Jen is an avid baker in her spare time.

    Member at Large | Barbara Wilson

    Barbara has lived in Hayes Valley for more than 55 years. Barbara retired from UCSF, School of Pharmacy after 31 years of service. At UCSF, she was Co-Founder of the UCSF Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Committee. She was honored by The American Heart Association as “Volunteer of the Year of the Greater Bay Area. She's a community activist whose activities include: serving as a member of the SF Fire Department‘s NERT (Neighborhood Emergency Response Team); three years as a member of the San Francisco Police Department’s ALERT (Auxiliary Law Enforcement Response Team) and working with the Harvey Milk Center and San Francisco Recreation and Parks. She's also an active member of the African-American Art and Culture Complex; a community activist/advocate for the Freedom West Homes Co-op; a coordinator with the Neighborhood Baptist Church’s Healthy Cooking class. Neighborhood Baptist Church has been a pillar in our community for more than 73 years. Her goals include: planning and implementing events for our community to successfully utilize Buchanan Mall. She aspires to serve as an ambassador for event nights with our community and our professional sports, performing arts and lectures in the area, including those involving the Giants, Warriors, Davies Symphony Hall, the Nourse Theater, and others.

    Member at Large | De’Anthony Jones

    De’Anthony was born and raised in the Western Addition neighborhood. He currently works for the San Francisco Human Rights Commission in the Civil Rights Division and previously served as a Neighborhood Services Liaison with the Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Services for the Mayor of San Francisco, the Honorable London N. Breed. He was also deployed as a Disaster Service Worker during the COVID-19 Pandemic, serving as Chief Equity Officer of the COVID Command Center. Prior to working for City Government, he served as a Teen Program Lead at Collective Impact at the Ella Hill Hutch Community Center in the Western Addition, where he worked with children and youth in the community where he grew up. While at Collective Impact he served on the HVNA Board in 2018 and returned last year to represent Collective Impact again.

    Member at Large | Sarah Young

    Sarah has been living in Hayes Valley for 32 years now, with her husband Earl Speas.  Currently retired after working in the Blood Bank at the SF VA Hospital for over 35 years, she now spends much time painting, gardening, and visiting all the wonderful institutions of art and music in San Francisco. They enjoy volunteering with the SF/Marin Food Bank at the Bethel AME Church on Golden Gate, and occasionally helps out at the Hayes Valley Saturday morning street cleanup as well as at special events on Hayes Street.  All of these activities have allowed her to get to know many wonderful neighbors and to participate in the flowering of Hayes Valley!

    Member at Large | Sarah Clusen Buecher

    Sarah and her husband Matthew have lived in Hayes Valley for over 25 years. She first became active in the neighborhood around the effort to tear down the central freeway and build Octavia Boulevard. She and her husband have two children, Eleanor and Henry, who have attended SFUSD schools throughout their schooling. Sarah is the team manager for the San Francisco Composite Mountain Bike Team on which both kids have raced. In fact, everyone in the family is a cycling enthusiast and you can spot their home as the one with a bike rack out front.

    Member at Large | Carolyn Press Chatham
    Carolyn has been a Board member of HVNA for the past three years, serving as the Membership Chair, actively engaging with community members by running the HVNA Instagram account, and helping with family programs. She has lived in Hayes Valley for five years, with her husband (Andrew), three kids (Truman, 5, Arden, 3, and Iris,1.5), and dog (Pixel, an 11-year-old Maltese poodle). She works at Bain & Company, managing a talent and career advisory program. She is also involved in a number of other local organizations, mostly within the arts and poverty alleviation spaces. As such, she is a member of the Board of Directors for Children of Shelters and Alonzo King LINES Ballet, part of the Leadership Council for Tipping Point Community, and the Junior Committee for the San Francisco Symphony.

    Member at Large (Merchant Liaison) | Meg Ray

    Meg is the founder and owner of Miette, the bakery and candy shop that opened in Hayes Valley in 2007 and has expanded to five locations in the Bay Area. She is also the author of two cookbooks, with the second set for release later this year. Previously, she served as the membership chair on the board of 826 Valencia and in fundraising roles, including gala chair, with the SF Ballet Auxiliary. Currently, she manages the day-to-day operations at the Hayes Valley shop and serves on the board of the Hayes Valley Merchant Council. Originally from Palo Alto, she now divides her time between Oakland and Paris.

    Associate Member | Vladimir Vlad

    Vladimir grew up in Hayes Valley and attended French American International School as well as the San Francisco Ballet School. He has a background in architecture and urban design and is passionate about local transportation and planning issues within the neighborhood. He is an active member of HVNA's Transportation & Planning Committee.

    Associate Member | Joe Maloney

    Joe Maloney is a lifelong educator, middle school science teacher, and passionate yogi. In addition to his role in education, Joe is the proud owner of a small business, sharing the joy of houseplants through various retail spaces. After nearly two decades in New York City and Seoul, South Korea, Joe has discovered a sense of home in Hayes Valley. Having lived in our vibrant neighborhood for the past two-plus years, Joe not only enjoys the benefits of Hayes Valley living but actively contributes to maintaining our lovely community. Whether collaborating with community members to address challenges or nurturing his small business, Joe is deeply committed to our cozy corner of the city. Excited about the possibilities, he looks forward to exploring opportunities to further enhance our community with HVNA.

    Associate Member | Heather Jackson

    Heather Jackson is a Bay Area native who has lived in San Francisco since 2014 and loves the vibe of Hayes Valley. Keeping Hayes Valley safe, clean, and green for all its occupants are the many initiatives that Heather is involved in. She has extensive experience planning events in both the non-profit and technology sectors. Heather regularly volunteers to help others who struggle with addiction and enjoys relaxing in the many local community green spaces. From her view of Octavia Street, which was formally blocked by a freeway, her cat Ash keeps watch over the ravens who call Hayes Valley home.

    Associate Member | Juliana Parente

    Journalist, lawyer, content strategist, and everything in between. Do you need a hand to make a project that brings a positive impact to the city? I’m here! I’m from Brazil and left everything behind to pursue love. Hayes Valley has been my home ever since. It’s the only place where I’ve lived in the U.S. and I’m happy to be a volunteer that helps our neighborhood association keep this place alive and thriving.

    Associate Member | Mike Anders

    Mike moved to Octavia St in 2020 after graduating from business school and quickly discovered the beauty and charm of our amazing neighborhood. Mike was a leader for the Save Proxy campaign which has captured nearly 1000 signatures to protect our community space. His interests include pro-housing policy, solving homelessness, crime reduction, and San Francisco local politics. Mike works for a global fintech that enables businesses to operate across borders. He loves to be outdoors, and you might see him playing tennis at HV Playground, flag football at Kimball Park, or working out at LuxFit in the neighborhood.

    Associate Member | Manon Paquet

    Manon moved to Hayes Valley in 2018 after living in cold Quebec to attend college. Originally from France, she is a licensed architect with a passion for community building. Since moving to the neighborhood, she served as a member of the Transportation & Planning committee, helped with various tree planting, house tours, and community events, and is a weekly volunteer at the local Bethel AME Food Pantry. Her growing bond with neighbors fuels her excitement to further improve Hayes Valley - she is excited to contribute and keep it the heart of San Francisco!

    Associate Member | Monica Adhia

    Monica moved to San Francisco with her husband in 2011, and to Hayes Valley in 2018. They love the lively streets, busy restaurants, and plentiful coffee and ice cream shops. Monica is a mom of two young kids and is excited about supporting the community, especially families with kids. Last year she helped organize the Ham and Eggs Breakfast and is looking forward to planning more family-friendly events in the future.

    Associate Member | May Stearman

    May Stearman is a non-profit arts professional for whom care and curiosity are guiding principles. May specializes in advocacy and community work for the San Francisco Symphony and is passionate about connecting San Francisco - Bay Area residents to the arts. Originally from the East Coast, May has lived in San Francisco for six years and has no plans to leave anytime soon! May joins the board this year as the SF Symphony representative.

     

    Proposed Bylaw Changes
    Presented to the HVNA membership on February 22, 2024    Current Bylaw verbiage:ARTICLE V
    Officers—Board of Directors5.1 The elected officers shall be: President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, Corresponding Secretary, and Membership Secretary. The officers shall be elected at the regular annual meeting of HVNA.5.2 The Board of Directors shall consist of eleven (11) voting members: six (6) members elected as officers and five (5) at-large directors. There shall be no more than two business owners or non-resident property owners on the board at any given time. There can also be up to eight (8) non-voting associate board members. The affairs of HVNA shall be conducted by the Board of Directors, under the ultimate authority of the members of HVNA.
    (a) Officers and at-large Directors attend all board meetings, can serve on standing or special committees as well as participate in the board’s activities and neighborhood initiatives, thereby helping expand the capacity and advance the mission of HVNA
    (b) Associate board members are expected to participate in board meetings, in neighborhood initiatives, or serve on standing or special committees, and are subject to the same qualifications and attendance requirements as voting members on the Board of Directors. Their role includes having a voice on the board. thereby helping expand the capacity and advance the mission of HVNA5.3 The term limit of office for all Officers and at-large Directors shall be two (2), two (2)-year consecutive terms in the same position. An Officer or Director shall hold office until his/her successor is elected or until such Officer or Director shall resign or become ineligible to serve.
    (a) A partial term of more than one (1) year shall be counted as a full term.
    (b) President, Vice President, Treasurer, and three (3) At Large board members elected on even-numbered years.
    (c) Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Membership Secretary, and two (2) At-Large board members elected on odd number years.
    (d) Associate Board Members shall have a one (1) year term without term limits but are not replaced until the next election if that member resigns/becomes ineligible/changes role.
    Proposed Bylaw verbiage:

    ARTICLE V
    Officers—Board of Directors

    5.1 The elected officers shall be: President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary, Treasurer, Corresponding Secretary, and Membership Secretary. The officers shall be elected at the regular annual meeting of HVNA.

    5.2 The Board of Directors shall consist of thirteen (13) voting members: six (6) members elected as officers, and six (6) at-large directors, and one (1) the immediate Past President. If the immediate Past President is also the current President, or cannot serve, the role shall be filled by an additional at-large director. There shall be no more than two business owners or non-resident property owners on the board at any given time. There can also be up to eight (8) non-voting associate board members. The affairs of HVNA shall be conducted by the Board of Directors, under the ultimate authority of the members of HVNA.
    (a) Officers and at-large Directors attend all board meetings, can serve on standing or special committees as well and participate in the board’s activities and neighborhood initiatives, thereby helping expand the capacity and advance the mission of HVNA
    (b) Associate board members are expected to participate in board meetings, in neighborhood initiatives, or serve on standing or special committees, and are subject to the same qualifications and attendance requirements as voting members on the Board of Directors. Their role includes having a voice on the board. thereby helping expand the capacity and advance the mission of HVNA

    5.3 The term limit of office for all Officers and at-large Directors shall be four (4), one (1) year consecutive terms in the same position. An Officer or Director shall hold office until his/her successor is elected or until such Officer or Director shall resign or become ineligible to serve.
    (a) A partial term of more than six (6) months shall be counted as a full term.
    (b) Associate Board Members shall have a one (1) year term without term limits but are not replaced until the next election if that member resigns/becomes ineligible/changes role.