Welcome to Monitor Notes, a weekly roundup of news items, event announcements, and updates on past Bay Area Monitor articles.
Plan Ahead
Policymakers have been developing a new plan for the Bay Area’s long-term future, and now it’s your turn to contribute. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Association of Bay Area Governments have released a draft blueprint for Plan Bay Area 2050, and are seeking feedback from stakeholders like yourself by August 10. The plan aims to reduce cost burdens for housing and transportation, support investment in more than 400,000 new permanently-affordable homes, focus growth in walkable communities, protect housing at risk from sea level rise, and position the region for robust economic growth. But don’t take the government’s word for it — read the documents and provide your public comment.
Commemorating Suffrage
The centennial of women winning the right to vote is cause for celebration, and a ripe occasion for historical reflection. Join the League of Women Voters of Oakland today at 1 p.m. for an online panel discussion about the 100-year history and future of American women’s fight for equality at the polls. The event features journalist Elaine Elinson, suffrage historian Jennifer Helton, Women’s March organizer Janaye Ingram, former senior advisor for the National Economic Council and the Domestic Policy Council Natalia Merluzzi, and LWV Oakland board members Nina Senn and Ernestine Nettles (pictured). Register here.
Alcatraz Anniversary
If you’re in the mood to honor more historic milestones, how about joining the National Park Service and the SF Public Library this Saturday at 11 a.m. for a virtual cultural event marking the 50th anniversary of the 19-month occupation of Alcatraz Island by Native American protesters. The online panel discussion with artists and academics (including professor Kent Blansett, pictured) coincides with an exhibit that has been on display at the former prison site since November. As of this writing, Alcatraz is temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so the panel offers a convenient alternative experience. It’s also a good reminder of the role that space plays in protest efforts.
Dawn of the Clean Air Era
Since we’re on a historical run today, let’s wrap up today’s Notes with a look back at the Bay Area Monitor‘s origins. Today we bring you the first installment from Leslie Stewart’s article series covering our publication’s history. We produced the four-part series in 2014 and 2015 to coincide with our 40th anniversary, and will republish the remaining three installments throughout the rest of the month. For now, please enjoy “Bay Area Monitor History, Part I: Dawn of the Clean Air Era” from October 2014.
Monitor Notes is produced by Cecily O’Connor. To receive it by email, scroll to the bottom of this page, enter your email address in the box under “RECEIVE EMAIL UPDATES,” and click the red “SIGN UP” button.