Compiled by the El Reportero’s staff
San Francisco Supervisor Jane Kim joined a community-based coalition to increasing the number of affordable housing units on the proposed Treasure Island development plan. The effort plans to increase the affordable housing on Treasure Island from 25 percent to 30 percent,” which translates into 400 units of affordable housing that the community needs.
The Treasure Island development is slated to construct 8,000 units of housing, 25 percent of which is currently set aside for affordable housing. An additional 140,000 square feet of new commercial space and 100,000 square feet of office space will round out the development. Representatives from community groups, labor unions, and affordable housing non-profit organizations will speak at the press conference. “Increasing the affordable housing component on Treasure Island is critical to addressing the needs of our community, particularly those transitioning out of poverty,” said Gail Gilman, Executive Director of Community Housing Partnership.
A message on Mother’s Day
As the California Assembly Appropriations Committee heard AB 889, a bill that recognizes the importance of domestic workers to our state’s economy and would improve the quality of care in the vital household-worker industry, domestic worker advocates from all over the state sent a mother’s delegation of nannies, house-cleaners, and caretakers to Sacramento. This event served as an extended celebration of international mother’s day.
The DREAM Act To was introduced into the Senate and House
The DREAM Act, which based on last session’s provisions of the bills, provides the opportunity for undocumented students who entered the United States as children to obtain legal status if they pursue college education or join the military, was reintroduced in the House and in the Senate on May 11.
“The DREAM Act is good and fair for these children, good for our economy, and good older Americans who will be depending for the social security on contributions by younger workers and professionals, including the DREAM Act students, and generally good for our country,” stated Mark Silverman, Director of Immigration Policy of the ILRC.
San Mateo County releases 2011 homeless census
On May 12, the HOPE Interagency Council, released its biennial Homeless Census and Survey. The report details the number of homeless individuals and families living in San Mateo County at the time of its oneday count on Jan. 27, 2011.
The report also includes information about the backgrounds and living conditions of homeless people and those at-risk. Since the county started counting the homeless in 2007, the number has increased by 85 individuals, or 4 percent.
“It’s heartbreaking to see so many homeless people,” said Carole Groom, Board President and Cochair of the HOPE Council, “Despite the economy and the high unemployment rate, we’ve made great gains to prevent homelessness, but there is more that we must do as a community to end it altogether.” Since 2007, the county’s unemployment rate has doubled.
