Thanks to those of you who responded to our survey. We tabulated the results and included them in our proposal to the district. The response was overwhelmingly positive. We will be drawing names for the winners of the promised prizes for participating: 3 flip video cameras and a $100 gift certificate to Target. Winners will be announced soon.
As you may know, the El Sobrante Elementary School property on Manor Drive off of Hilltop Road has been sitting vacant for several years since it was closed as an elementary school by the West Contra Costa Unified School District (WCCUSD). For over 60 years, this campus was an active part of our community. Many of you may have attended this school.
This Spring, the district will be making decisions that will re-activate this campus. Various options are under review, including using the school as a district-wide special education facility. There are no plans to re-open it as a general elementary school.
A group of El Sobrante Valley residents would like to see all or part of the school be made available to the El Sobrante Valley as a community center and outdoor public space. This group has organized itself as a nonprofit called ACCES (A Community Center for El Sobrante) and will be making a proposal to the school district in January for converting this campus to a community center for the El Sobrante Valley community.
ACCES has submitted its proposal for a community center at the site. we are now awaiting a response from the school district. We will keep you updated.
Thanks for your support.
A Community Center for El Sobrante
Transform the El Sobrante Elementary School Site
We are a group of community members who aspire to transform the recently-closed El Sobrante Elementary School building and grounds into a Community Center for El Sobrante area residents. We envision this amazing 8 acres on Manor Drive near the east end of Hilltop Road transformed into a resource to serve youth, seniors, families and individuals, with indoor and outdoor activities. The possibilities are limited only by our collective imaginations !
We want the effort to build this community center to support the emergence of a broader vision for the El Sobrante Valley, imagining the new Center as a resource for realizing that vision and building a more involved community capable of creating and sustaining our highest hopes for ourselves, our families and our community.
Click here for more information about the project.
On July 10, 2010, a group of 77 people gathered to imagine their highest hopes for El Sobrante and to explore ways that a community center could help realize those hopes.
Click here for to leaf through a narrative report of the event or to visit the event picture galleries
Click here for report and photo galleries.
We are seeking nonprofits, individuals and small local businesses looking for affordable office and activity space in the community center we are developing at the El Sobrante School site. The site is near the Appian way exit to Highway 80 and local commercial districts. Our goal is to offer flexible and affordable spaces from 100 to 1000 or more square feet for offices or for providing services. The building features high ceilings and large windows with lots of northern light. There is lots of off street parking. In addition to non-profits, the Center will include artist studios and resources, performing arts, galleries, workshops, meeting space, commercial kitchen facilities, events, sports and other community activities. The Center is situated on 8 acres of land that will include park space, community gardens and other outdoor activities. For more information or to express your interest, email us (space@esscc.org), call us (510-717-1706).
We are seeking workshop leaders or individuals with skills interested in offering classes in the community center we are developing at the El Sobrante School site. The facility is located near the Appian Way exit to highway 80 and local commercial districts. Workshop rooms will have a variety of workshop resources, including suspended floors, high ceilings with lots of light, audio-visual equipment, mirrors, and walls suitable for presentations. There is lots of off street parking. The Center will also provide space for non-profits, performing arts, meeting space, commercial kitchen facilities, events, sports and other community activities. The Center is situated on 8 acres of land that will include park space, community gardens and other outdoor activities. For more information or to express your interest, email us (space@esscc.org), call us (510-717-1706).
Youth & Family: Teen/youth after-school activities, tutoring & mentoring, day care, child development center, pre-school, family activities and resources, youth sports
Seniors: Senior resources and activities, intergenerational events
Open Air Markets: Farmers' markets, flea markets, swap meets
Arts & Culture: Art and dance studios, gallery and theater space, music, writing, poetry, cultural events
Local Economy: Incubator for nonprofits and small, local business; timeshare commercial kitchen
Workshops & Adult Education:� Dance, theater, art, martial arts, music, computers, sound, technology, academic skills, life skills, cooking, crafts, job skills, car maintenance
Health & Fitness: Body work, energy work, healing modalities,�yoga, meditation, alternative medicine, support groups, recovery groups, personal growth groups, parenting skills, communication skills
Park & Garden: Community gardens, local agriculture, food events and classes, picnic areas
Civic & Democratic Process: Community visioning, public conversations and meetings, town halls, community-building
Rental Space: Nonprofits, service agencies, small businesses or other appropriate groups
Special Events: Weddings, banquets, receptions, concerts, large meetings