On this cold and cloudy beets morning I noticed some new buds on the tomato plant and a bit of over crowding because the plants have gotten so big.
-Mirai Kusi, 2024 Summer BEETs...
Category: Education
2024 Summer BEETs Journal Entry #4
“End of an era”, the neighborhood says it’s farewells as Safeway closes in the Fillmore district, leading to conflicts amongst the community, the city, and the Franchise.
-Julian,...
2024 Summer BEETs Journal Entry #3
"On Hope"
-Kris, 2024 Summer BEETs Intern
2024 Summer BEETs Journal Entry #2
Week 2 pt. 1
On July 22nd, in the Koshland community garden, BEETs interns researched what crops grow in San Francisco and used them to create recipes that we could potentially grow and cook in...
Fast Fashion and Thrifting: A Sustainable Approach to Reducing Waste
In an era dominated by fast fashion, the environmental toll of our clothing choices has become increasingly evident. Fast fashion, characterized by the rapid production and...
Preserving Community Access: The Fight to Save Fillmore’s Safeway
For more than four decades, the Safeway market located at 1335 Webster St. has been an indispensable resource for the residents of San Francisco’s Fillmore District. Providing essential services such as prescription fulfillment, banking, and groceries, it has been a linchpin for the community’s well-being. However, on January 4th…
Sowing Change: Vanessa’s Impact on Youth and Gardens
Vanessa, a passionate advocate for outdoor education and sustainable living, has dedicated her career to teaching youth how to grow and cook their own food. Her journey began in 2015, fueled by a childhood interest that evolved into a lifelong commitment. Vanessa seized the opportunity to channel her enthusiasm into action, embarking on a fulfilling path that has left a lasting impact on the communities she has served.
Cultivating Community: Doug’s Impact with the Green Team at Rosa Parks Elementary
In the heart of San Francisco’s Western Addition neighborhood lies a vibrant hub of growth and learning—the Rosa Parks school garden. At the core of its flourishing existence stands the Green Team, a dedicated group of parents committed to nurturing this thriving oasis. Among these passionate individuals is Doug, whose journey with the Green Team over the past three years exemplifies the transformative power of parental involvement.
Art with Purpose: Rene’s Mural Project for Community Transformation
In the heart of the East Bay, a vibrant and passionate Guatemalan artist named Rene is making waves with a project that is not only visually stunning but also deeply rooted in social change. Rene’s journey as an artist has been a path of self-discovery, community connection, and a commitment to using art as a powerful tool for transformation. In this interview, we sit down with Rene to delve into the story behind their mural project and the impactful messages it conveys.
Kunal Palawat’s Journey: Relationship to Land, Environmental Justice, and BEETs
The BEETs (Band of Environmentally Educated and Employable Teens) program at CommunityGrows is led by Kunal Palawat, who describes themselves as a Desi gardener, critical environmental justice researcher, and cook. They bring multiple years of experiential education, community organizing, and scientific research experience to CommunityGrows. More than that though, they bring and share their passion for the land that is contagious and inspiring. And it all started with a love for food and soil.