We Stand In Unity

The Community Foundation of San Carlos stands in unity with all people, of every color and creed, who have lost their lives in senseless acts of violence. People in this country should not live in fear of going to school, the grocery store or any place of worship. Every one of us has the right to feel safe in our homes.  

We at the foundation grieve along with families and friends who have lost loved ones to violence and those who have been traumatized during the commission of these acts. Hate is at the core of so many attacks - hate towards people because of the color of their skin, how they worship or who they love. We at the foundation condemn all acts of hate and stand for love.

As we remember all victims and their families, particularly those affected by the over 200 mass shootings of this year alone, the Community Foundation of San Carlos denounces racial and social disparity and violence in all forms and commits to advancing justice, equity, and inclusion for all. 

The future and strength of our community is in its growing diversity. Having different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences helps us think critically and creatively about how to make San Carlos a wonderful and safe place to be for everyone. 

We strive to be a source of positive change by listening to our community, making connections to learn about and discuss the issues, and providing resources for learning and supporting those individuals and nonprofits on the front lines fighting this ongoing battle.

The Community Foundation of San Carlos will be offering community conversations dedicated to social justice and equity in the coming months.  Please join us in listening, learning, and coming together to build a more equitable and inclusive community. 

If you are interested in getting involved with the Community Foundation, please email info@sancarloscf.org. We welcome your participation and input at any time.

Jessica Yang, President, Board of Directors

May 25, 2022

 We Stand in Solidarity.

The Community Foundation of San Carlos stands in solidarity with our Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Board members, volunteers, nonprofit partners, and community members.

The future and strength of our community is in its growing diversity. Having different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences helps us think critically and creatively about how to make San Carlos a wonderful place to be for everyone.

Most of our families are/were immigrants to this country, looking for a place to be measured by hard work and contributions. Many Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have been here for generations, contributing to the growth and success of our country. Nonetheless, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have faced discrimination throughout this country’s history - from being denied entry and citizenship to being labeled unclean.

Growing up in the Midwest as an immigrant during the 80s/90s, I never spoke up about the frequent xenophobic teasing I experienced from my classmates, teachers, and people on the street. Sadly, I grew up believing that these were “growing pains'' that all children experienced.

The recent backlash against Asian American and Pacific Islanders due to a virus we have no responsibility for is yet another example of discrimination against Americans based on our ethnicity and appearance.

It is time for us to stop this long-standing hate and stand in solidarity with the Asian American and Pacific Islander community. There is no excuse for hate toward AAPIs - or any group of people.

The Community Foundation of San Carlos is committed to advancing racial justice for all. We strive to be a source of positive change by listening to our community, making connections to learn about and discuss the issues, and providing resources for learning and supporting those individuals and nonprofits on the front lines fighting this ongoing battle.

Please join us in listening, learning, and celebrating AAPI Heritage and making a difference.

- Jessica Yang - President, Board of Directors
May 2021

United Against Hate Week - San Carlos

Poetry Slam | Poster | yard sign | Banner | Official City Proclamation and Statement

The Community Foundation of San Carlos is joining in the United Against Hate movement and invites you to join us in proactively discussing and promoting acceptance, inclusion and equity in our town.

United Against Hate Week (Nov. 13-19, 2022) is a call for seven days of local civic action by people in every Bay Area community to stop the hate and implicit biases that are a dangerous threat to the safety and civility of our neighborhoods, towns and cities. 

It was created by civic leaders in direct response to the sharp rise in expressions of hate in our communities. Their goal is to empower local residents to take action in their local communities and alter the course of this growing intolerance. 

When cities and their residents work together against hate, we can restore respect and civil discourse, embrace the strength of diversity and build inclusive and equitable communities for all. 

Here is how San Mateo County is joining the movement in 2022.

San Carlos is joining the movement in the following ways:

1. On Monday, Nov, 14 - Mayor Sara McDowell will present a City Resolution during the City Council meeting.

2. From Monday, Nov. 14- Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022, a banner will be hung across Laurel Street to remind us to stand up for what is just and equitable.

3. Poster distribution at the San Carlos Library and at the Poetry Slam contest. Please email info@sancarlos.org if you’d like some posters to distribute around the community.

4. 2nd Annual Stand United Against Hate Poetry Slam Contest - Friday, 11/18 from 5:30-6:30PM at Devil’s Canyon Brewing Company - 935 Washington Street, San Carlos, CA 94070. Poetry submission extended through Friday, Nov. 11th.

Please display these posters and share with folks as you think appropriate and create your own activities. Thank you for being an integral part of this community and an important partner this effort. Together we can make this community a better place for everyone - every day. 

#UnSelfie, or the selfless selfie, is a powerful way to show you are standing up to hate in our community.

Here’s 3 quick steps to becoming an #UNselfie master:

1/ Take a “selfie” with a poster (download) or use our template for something more personal (download) to explain how or why you and/or your friends are standing up against hate.

2/ Add the hashtags #UNselfie and #UnitedAgainstHateWeek.

3/ Post it to Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, TicToc — make it your profile pic for the week! — share far and wide & get your friends to join you!

2022 “United Against Hate”
Poetry Slam Contest

Thank you to our amazing community presenters.

Community Foundation of San Carlos announces the winners of the 2nd annual 'United Against Hate' Poetry Slam Contest held at Devil's Canyon Brewing Company.

Jeremias Vasquez, “The apocalypse will come with twerking”. Jeremias is an artist, published author, and educator in San Francisco. He uses his expression of art to facilitate healing workshops for youth in the Bay Area. “This poem was inspired by someone who saw me dancing and told me real men don’t twerk.” Jeremias is donating $1K to Fresh Lifeline for Youth (FLY) which serves Bay Area youth impacted by the juvenile justice system. https://flyprogram.org

Danielle Levinson Beres, “Woman of Valor”. Danielle is a 6th grade English and Social Studies teacher. She was born and raised in San Carlos, where she is now raising her children. Her poem tells the story of an amazing woman in her life. Danielle is donating $500 to the Silicon Valley Community Foundation - https://siliconvalleycf.org

Deborah Kemper, “Writings of a Mad Woman!”. Deborah lives in San Carlos with her husband Cliff. She is the Executive Director of the San Mateo County Bar Association, a mom, foster mom, adoptee mom and grandma. She loves kids. She wrote this poem in 1994 when she lived in South-Central Los Angeles. It was 2 years after the Rodney King riots and she was angry. Deborah is donating $500 the NAACP. https://naacp.org/empowerment-programs

Support Black-Owned Businesses

• Bay Area black owned restaurants

• SF black owned restaurants sorted by cuisine

• SF Bay Black Business Directory

• Bay Area Org of Black Owned Businesses