Working Toward Safe, Equitable and Welcoming Outdoor Spaces for All

I am deeply troubled by recent events which continue to illustrate that our outdoor spaces, our streets, and even our homes are far from safe for Black, Indigenous and people of color. The horrible acts inflicted on Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Christian Cooper and far too many others before them remind us of the considerable work that needs to be done to root out racism in all its forms.

For a number of years, POST has been grappling with what we are truly saying in our mission statement to “protect open space on the Peninsula and in the South Bay for the benefit of all.” The Bay Area is one of the most biodiverse zones on the planet. It is also one of the most ethnically and racially diverse areas in the country.

Throughout our 40-year history, POST has done tremendous work preserving many aspects of our region’s extraordinary biodiversity. But it is clear that we still have much work to do to ensure that the places we protect are equitably accessible, welcoming and safe, for all of the remarkable human diversity of our communities as well.

There is a long road ahead for all of us. Here is what I can do today as a next step on the road to delivering POST’s mission:

Speak out against this litany of horrible acts, because silence is no longer an option.

Unequivocally condemn all acts of racism.

Share in the grief expressed in our communities, the nation and the world.

Finally, POST pledges to work side by side with our extraordinarily diverse communities, our many civic and private partners, and our employees to listen, learn and live our mission to create open spaces — and, with them, a community at large — where all are welcome, valued, safe and supported.