Dr. Espanola fought a good fight -
in life as in death - she will be remembered -
she has left a legacy - and now that work
has to be attended and finished by those
that walk the walk.
In our City and County of San Francisco - more. the politicians - in recent times - lack the finesse that comes with learning - more, when it comes to good governance.
Good governance is tied to sound, spirituality - and I see it again and again - more our Black representatives - pandering their responsibilities - and making a fool of themselves.
It is the people that we the hard working, decent - San Franciscans - pay the very high salaries to our so called San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
The many - department heads - the Mayor - the City Administrator - the Controller - the many so called advisors - who have failed this - great City. San Francisco should not be satisfied with the status quo - some drab standards - we must and should aim for the best.
When those in charge - those that are suppose to represent - are blinded by petty stuff - trivial and mundane things - again and again - we see lost opportunities. With lost opportunities - we have adverse impacts.
Our poor on the streets facing the inclement weather - is something heart breaking. The thousands of our children - who do not go to school - the increase in truancy - impacted the feelings and thoughts of Dr. Espanola Jackson and I.
The many seniors, the mentally and physically challenged - who are not afforded opportunities and less looked down upon - is a shame that this City bears - tattooed on its forehead. Shame on those that could do better.
Our infants, children, youth, young adults, those with compromised health - our growing population of seniors - all depend on advocates - such as Dr. Espanola Jackson and many other that share our committed - blue print that has been vetted.
We lost a great citizen of San Francisco - with the passing of and transition of - Dr. Espanola Jackson - as was evidenced by the two memorial events - one held at Grace Tabernacle Community Church - on February 4, 2016 and the other at the Providence Baptist Church - on February 5, 2016.
Here are some photographs of the event held February 4, 2016 - at the Grace Tabernacle Community Church - Ingalls and Oakdale - attended by some stalwart advocates - others who truly admired Dr. Espanola Jackson:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/franciscodacosta/24744732981/in/album-72157664183095432/
The citizens of San Francisco - recognizing the life of Dr. Espanola Jackson - a voice in the wilderness - much like that of John the Baptist - fighting for the people.
Those many - that needed help - the down trodden - and always putting herself last - and those that she loved - with unconditional love - first.
Our City and County has chosen to name the Southeast Community Facility Commission Building at 1800 Oakdale after Dr. Espanola Jackson. This is a step in the right - direction. The Mayor, Edwin M. Lee agreed to this decision - so there is light - at the end of the tunnel.
We need more reaching out - we need our representatives to speak and act from the heart - those superficial statements - the empty talk and no walk - will not be tolerated - as we are witnessing from the many - protests on our streets - and important events.
It has become common to shame the politicians - and those that are playing the constituents - be on the look out - we are monitoring you carefully - Malia Cohen, London Breed, Scott Wiener, Mark Farrell, and Katy Tang.
We are watching you all - and your time will come - soon.
Our City failed to lower its flag to half-mast - at City Hall - to honor a citizen who has receive numerous accolades, commendations, served on so many boards, committees, commissions, grand juries - more than anyone can imagine - and contributed her life to the mission of serving -others.
True, the Mayor's office issued a press release - and true that the entire San Francisco Board of Supervisors - adjourned in Dr. Espanola Jackson's name.
This nation - under one flag - that constitution that we all have read and honor - must respect and more acknowledge - in life as in death - Dr. Espanola Jackson's legacy which is unparalleled - here in San Francisco and may I mention - in the entire Bay Area and beyond.
Some of the political scum bags were present at the service - as usual talking and giggling - and not paying attention to the service - held at the Providence Baptist Church. I sat behind them - and observed - the same individuals - who are not worth the salt.
Dr. Espanola Jackson and Francisco Da Costa.
May you rest in peace - Dr Espanola Jackson.
We fought a good fight - and there is more to do.
Thank you for your sacrifice and love.
There can be NO love - without sacrifice.
There was heavy law enforcement presence - the Providence Baptist Church situated in the Bayview - 1601 McKinnon Street - was packed to capacity.
I was a little late - having spent the day earlier February 4, 2016 - helping Bishop Ernest Jackson at this Church - some during the service that brought our Judge Quintin Kopp and Joe O'Donnague - two well know independent warriors - and many more citizens of San Francisco - who shared their memories - and spread the good word and tidings - to the entire Universe.
They were all there to honor Dr. Espanola for all her sacrifice and love - they were there to personally say - " thank you ".
The many ardent advocates - from all walks of life - travelled from a long distance - they saw that shinning star - and decided to follow it - to Grace Tabernacle Community Church - the true advocates of San Francisco.
To all you that attended the service on February 4, 2016 at Grace Tabernacle Community Church - I say - " God bless you all ". We have more than ever - work to do - and we must stand united.
Francisco Da Costa
Director - Environmental Justice Advocacy
Dr. Espanola Jackson - and I shared thousands of person hours - fighting the good fight - and dealing with human issues in a humane manner.
Her loss to me is personal and very deep - and no one understands that than those that have fought in the trenches - and won. So many sweet victories and very few - defeats.
I owe so much to my wife Maria Da Costa - that has stood by my side - that Dr. Espanola Jackson would call - and say when is my " right hand man " - "may I speak to him - baby".
The long hours - and many issues - the trials and tribulations - often mentioned to my wife in detail - my wife has stood by me - and few know the personal sacrifice she had made - but, now those of you - that know very little - know so much.
The First People of our Bay Area - and San Francisco - gave Dr. Espanola Jackson - a singular privilege - she was a " card carrying" Muwekma Ohlone member of the tribe.
I now carry the singular privilege to keep that torch burning - and represent the First People of San Francisco - the Muwekma Ohlone.
The Muwekma Ohlone Chair Rosemary Cambara - called Dr. Espanola Jackson - " baby " - an affectionate term - that Dr. Espanola Jackson called most everyone.
My wife Maria Da Costa - has a soft corner for the Muwekma Ohlone - in fact all - First People - as was witnessed by our presence at the 60th anniversary of the Intertribal Friendship House - with Carol Wahpepah - Executive Director and her ardent teams - who work with - fortitude. My wife and I truly comprehend and understand - we all who live in American - must work and support - the First People of Turtle Island.
Dr. Espanola Jackson often drew attention to those issues and causes - that most people did not care.
We did it together traveling to far off place and standing tall - shoulder to shoulder - at " ground zero" - in her quest to take people - people of all races, deposition, status, faith, choices - to finish line and make this world - better.
Our City and Count of San Francisco lacks protocol - and has once again tarnished its name - and brought out the ugly head of " racism and discrimination ".
The City without hesitation should have flown its flag at City Hall at half-mast.
It is not too late - some one in charge of protocol - who has been fast asleep in the cockpit of decision making - must wake up - and forever hold her of his - peace.
The many citizens who came to the service on February 4, 2016 at the service held from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm - kept it real.
The profound sentiments expressed - forced seasoned advocates to shed a tear - others looked around - before wiping their tears - and all for good - measure.
The Church - more the Black Church played a key role in the life of Dr. Espanola Jackson.
She learned much from her Mother - she learned even more from the hard life - she saw and knew - from the " cotton picking in the fields " in Texas - abject poverty - hardship - discrimination - blatant racism - early on in San Francisco - and more.
Her coming to the West in San Francisco - living in the Fillmore, China Town, the Bayview Hunters Point - and more working her way up - then to the very top - is profound and a singular achievement.
Daily without fail for the last 20 years I called her - to discuss, debate, analyze, adjudicate, strategize, reveal to her certain technical modes and modalities - that those who work for any organization with deep skills - practice - to achieve the best - in any given situation.
For the last 35 years past - our work - consisted in improving Land Use, Planning, Safety issues, Transportation, Housing, our failing Health system, Childcare, upward mobility, Career jobs, issues linked to Federal Recognition and the First People.
A host of other technical and political issues - that I helped her with. As I said she was a quick learner - and requested you to spell out everything and most aspects of the issues - we addressed with earnest.
The Black Church in San Francisco simply does not get it.
The " devil" is now entrenched in palaces of " worship " - where more and more - as you can see from the superficial shouting - and screaming - lack of compassion - more self-centered interest - pandering for - " bread crusts" thrown to the floor.
There is God and there is " mammon " the latter seems to have had a better hand. Leading that charge Amos Brown - who has sold out the San Francisco community.
As a Catholic - having spent my younger days in Rome and other places in Europe - studying and learning - I have rubbed shoulders with the best - I was there - at the right time - and all I had was to absorb from those - who were the best of the best.
My tryst with the military was a fluke - one that I took a chance to be motivated - more challenged.
I had the unique and singular distinction to serve well in the military - and learned much from Desert Shield and Desert Storm. I worked for three Generals - all great ones Moore, Harrison, and Mallory.
The many Standard Operating Procedures in the military - are vetted and tested and proven to work in any situation - where results - must be attained - with quick dispatch and notice.
Not unlike the Jesuit training - if one delves into the works of Saint Ignatius - the genius who could motivate and change individuals to serve - serve for the greater glory of God.
Of course Dr. Espanola Jackson had but a seventh grade education - she had tons of common sense - so you can imagine as we set down - and I briefed her - how she took those first grueling - lessons. She passed the test and more stood the test of time.
There were many questions - being head strong she pushed me hard - and I pushed her even harder.
The many victories we won - as a team - never once saying who won - we won - and we won on all levels. We won - serving the community - as best we can.
There were many days - we attended two, three, four and even five meetings.
Today, that is challenging for me - but when Dr. Espanola Jackson was in her 60s - she had the stamina of one who was 30 years old.
Always punctual - we always planned - did our home work, well.
We, astounded those at the many committees - who wondered - why did we dedicate so much time - and what truly - spurred us on.
To deal with the mundane - any one has to be spiritually - very strong.
I arrived at the Providence Baptist Church on February 5, 2016 a bit late - the place was packed.
I was led to an area - meant for dignitaries and there was one spot available - next to the former San Francisco - District 10 Supervisor, Sophina Maxwell.
Sophina Maxwell - the daughter of Enola Maxwell - my very good friend.
We shared many memories - and often times - people would mistake Dr. Espanola Jackson for Enola Maxwell - and Enola Maxwell for Dr. Espanola Jackson.
I had to have a sense of what was happening - and had to borrow the program from Sophina Maxwell - she not only permitted me to have her program - but insisted that I could keep it.
I got immediately - to studying the program - having created thousands of programs - for the last 55 years.
I love putting big and small shows, events, debates, religious programs - you name it - sports events - anything that brings - people and especially the youth and young adults - together.
A good program says a lot about an organization - that is what I believe in - and even as I was reading the program - those that put it together - must have had a lot going - and tough decisions to make.
A Muwekma Ohlone Warrior
of the San Francisco Bay Area
I decided to take the early opportunity - representing the Muwekma Ohlone - as requested by Chairperson - Rosemary Cambra - and slid out - to go home - and rest myself.
The previous 5 days have been hectic - and I had to bring myself to represent - this one time - for my good friend Dr. Espanola Jackson.
I do not see any stellar leadership coming from the Black Church in San Francisco - not with a clown like Amos Brown - others lacking leadership.
Failing - to be on the front line - the easy way out - sitting on the fence - acting as a fool - jumping on that side - they perceive the grass to be green.
I have studied Frederick Douglass and admire that Black man - who lived and debated President Abraham Lincoln. More stood for principles that today Black leaders - lack.
The Black Ministers by far do not impress me - especially here in San Francisco and by default their preaching and ways - interacting with their congregation and the public in general.
In their congregation you have the seniors holding to their well groomed beliefs - and no leadership.
The many babies - accompanying their grandmothers - and those youth and young adults that are needed and should attend - church services - are missing.
This vacuum - lacking youth and young adults - will lead to abject failure - and there must be a viable and sustainable force - for stellar - continuity. We cannot have it with sound spirituality - and more with proven - leadership.
The shepherd must serve, work and represent the flock - not mammon.
Shouting, screaming, barking up the wrong tree, saying one thing and doing another - is not my cup of tea.
I will not generalize - there are one of two - that are my friends - good pastors - I will treasure that friendship.
My good friend Dr. Espanola Jackson often ventured into the field of Theology and I was glad to share my education in this field with this great lady.
She was a quick learner - and a profound leader - " a good leader shows the way, knows the way - and goes the way".
The Universe has lost a noble soul - in the transitioning of Dr. Espanola Jackson - it will take me a while to get over it - may be - never.
I witness too much corruption and nefarious activities - I will not sit down and moan and groan - there are ways to tackle the - "corrupt".
We have a chronic situation in Room 200 at City Hall - and some of us are hell bent to do the - right thing.
Bring it on.
Rest in peace Dr. Espanola Jackson.
I am keeping it real - and fear no mortal woman or man - that includes the - sordid politicians of today.
This is Ohlone Land - and San Francisco has lost a lady with a big heart - " a card carrying Muwekma Ohlone Tribe member ".
This is Ohlone Land - and all the land was stolen - the many Shell Mounds - where the Sacred Remains are - carbon dated to 13, 000 years.
We will not be dictated by those that have come recently and polluted and contaminated - so much. The Great Spirit sees it all. Aho.
Photographs from the service held at Grace Tabernacle Community Church - on February 4, 2016 - to honor and respect - Dr. Espanola Jackson. Thank you all for coming:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/franciscodacosta/24744732981/in/album-72157664183095432/
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