My Eden Voice

Building community power in unincorporated Alameda County

MEV Bulletin October 2, 2026: Thanking Layidua and Kristen, speaking up on school closures, and Mercadito Fest tonight.

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In this month’s issue, we say thank you and goodbye to two members of the MEV team, invite members to our Governance Bootcamp, and ask you to speak up about school closures in San Lorenzo Unified. Plus, El Mercadito Fest is tonight!

A Season of New Beginnings

This month, we’re saying goodbye to two members of the My Eden Voice team who have moved on from our organization, Co-Director Layidua Salazar and Housing Justice Organizer Kristen Hackett.

We’re grateful for everything they’ve given to our organization and the Eden Area.

Layidua Salazar, Co-Director

As Co-Director, Layidua worked to strengthen MEV’s organizing infrastructure, expand membership, and build a more multiracial and multigenerational base in the Eden Area. She will remember working on this year’s May Day action, policy work with the Board of Supervisors, and our mental health campaign as highlights of her tenure.

In her words: “I’m grateful that I had the opportunity to spend this time organizing alongside My Eden Voice members. I learned a great deal from the community, and I’m proud of the work we were able to move forward together.”

Kristen Hackett, Housing Justice Organizer

Kristen has been at the center of My Eden Voice’s fight for renters’ rights. She organized Eden renters through the long campaign for Just Cause eviction protections, which the Board of Supervisors passed in November 2024. This summer, she launched the Ban Junk Fees campaign with Eden Renters United and co-developed and led the Our Homes, Our Land workshop series on community ownership of land and housing.

Kristen won’t be going far, and our members are excited to keep organizing alongside her. We can’t wait to see what she does next!

Help us find our next teammate!

In the coming weeks, we’ll be posting job openings for a Co-Director and an Organizing Lead. Please keep MEV in mind and share with anyone you think would be a good fit.

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CALL TO ACTION: Speak Up for Our Schools!

San Lorenzo Unified School District is forming a School Consolidation Advisory Committee that will recommend which of our schools may close or merge. The application was released only in English, and the deadline passed before most of our community could hear about it.

In the unincorporated Eden Area, our schools are among the only public institutions we have. Losing one changes an entire neighborhood. 

Can you join us in writing an email to the School Board asking them to extend the deadline and center equity in this process?

So far, MEV supporters have sent 85 emails, in English and Spanish, to the School Board. We’re asking the Board to:

  • Extend the application deadline so everyone has a fair chance to apply
  • Build a committee that reflects our whole district
  • Provide full language access, including translated applications and interpretation at every meeting

The Board votes on committee members on Tuesday, October 6. If you haven’t yet, please take two minutes to send your email before then.

Send an Email Today

Attend our Nonprofit Governance Bootcamp

Join us for a one-day Governance Bootcamp to build your confidence as a leader. You’ll learn the fundamentals of nonprofit governance, including board roles, legal duties, decision-making, and accountability, plus the basics of theory of change and program evaluation.

You’ll take home practical tools, including a board roles and responsibilities framework, a simple Theory of Change template, and an overview of meeting best practices and Robert’s Rules.

A light breakfast and lunch will be provided. This meeting is open to My Eden Voice members only.

When: Saturday, October 10, 9 AM – 2:30 PM
Where: Location TBA (Eden Area)

RSVP Today

Upcoming Events

Check out the events page on myedenvoice.org to view and add MEV’s events to your calendar. 

  • TONIGHT Friday, October 2: El Mercadito Fest from 5–9 PM at Yoyo’s Botaneria, 20925 Mission Blvd, Cherryland. Join us for Halloween festivities including pumpkin painting, a costume contest, food, and dancing.
  • Wednesday, October 7: Eden Renters United Junk Fee Campaign Meeting from 6–8 PM on Zoom. Please email sandra@myedenvoice.org to access the Zoom link.
  • Saturday, October 10: Board Governance Bootcamp from 9 AM–2:30 PM at a location TBA. This meeting is for My Eden Voice members only. Please RSVP in advance to receive information about the location.
  • Saturday, October 10: Gardening at La Huerta / Ashland Community Farm from 9 AM–12 PM at the Alameda County Fire Station on 165th. La Huerta meets every second and fourth Saturday of the month to help around the garden, meet neighbors, and enjoy the community space.
  • Wednesday, October 21: MEV Leader Listening Session from 6–8 PM at the My Eden Voice Office, 16378 E 14th St #205, San Leandro. If you’d like to attend but were unable to make it to the last listening session, please email gladys@myedenvoice.org for an update and a link to a worksheet to fill out in advance of this meeting.
  • Saturday, October 24: Gardening at La Huerta / Ashland Community Farm from 9 AM–12 PM at the Alameda County Fire Station on 165th. La Huerta meets every second and fourth Saturday of the month to help around the garden, meet neighbors, and enjoy the community space.

Around the Eden Area

Do you have an event you’d like to see featured in a future My Eden Voice bulletin? Please email coordinator@myedenvoice.org.