Last September, I had the opportunity to spend a week with maurilio, his organization, and community in the heart of the Tenderloin. We were given an inside look at their organization and neighborhood in a way very few have the privilege and honor of witnessing.

During a tour of their properties, we visited the rooftop garden on top of 555 Larkin. It was a beautiful San Franciscan afternoon, and the urban garden was among the best that I’ve ever seen. My excitement was obvious, and maurilio was proud to show us what they were doing.

I mentioned to him how much our toddler enjoyed picking and eating strawberries, at which point maurilio reached down and picked one and handed it to me. I wished that I could take it home, but instead ate it on the spot.

That the son of farmworkers - who himself worked in the fields in Chico with his family as a very young child - was now the CEO of the organization that built this place, was not lost on me. Nor that with all of his academic and professional success, it was not below him to harvest that fruit and share it with others.

maurilio would never say this publicly, but he was dealt some shit. The depth and complexity of the problems that he inherited were extraordinary. Unlike others who have stepped into the same and fled, he assumed responsibility and toiled day in and day out to turn things around. 

I am sad.

I am angry.

I am grateful to have known him in some way.

I will miss you, maurilio.

Your kindness,

your leadership,

your smile.

Rest in power.

The world has lost a treasure!!!!!

I will miss you.

Veronica 

The best of the best taken from this world way too soon. Such a magical loving presence he shared. You will never be forgotten my friend 💔 

Godspeed 🕊️🙏🏽