A Love Letter to Bolinas and the BCLT
From April Ginsberg, BCLT President and Resident
Have you ever wondered about the history behind Valentine’s Day?
I recently looked it up and found out that St. Valentine was a rebel. He secretly married people during a time when the Emperor forbade young men from marrying, hoping they would instead join the army.
While many of us are drawn to the lighthearted, commercialized aspects of the holiday, for me, this act of rebellion is what truly resonates with me during this time of upheaval and instability for so many in our community. Working to provide affordable housing for the people of Bolinas is one way I have decided to rebel against housing instability that is so exacerbated in our small town.
My name is April Ginsberg and this is my love letter to you, Bolinas, and to the BCLT who has provided my family with stability and safety, something I’ve had for the first time in my life.
Bolinas has my heart. More than its secret garden vibes (where are my 90’s kids at), foggy slow mornings, and wild nights at Smiley’s, it is the strong sense of community that draws me in. In all relationships there are highs and lows, Bolinas for many years felt like a one-sided relationship where I could not get my footing. Not having stable housing made it hard at times to feel the sense of security and safety that is so important in a loving relationship.
Joining the Board not too long ago, it became clear how big of an accomplishment the BCLT’s portfolio truly is. The BCLT team members, past and present, have worked incredibly hard against many odds and so much red tape to create 29 units of affordable housing, Bo-Linda Vista, multiple local businesses, and 4 units of homeownership.
The people who fill these homes are my students, friends, family, coworkers, and late-night dancing partners. I'm deeply grateful to witness the strength, integrity, and sacrifice of the staff and fellow board members as they work to provide Bolinas residents with the stability and safety my family has been fortunate enough to experience.
Juggling a full-time job, two incredibly bright (and sometimes feral) boys with huge hearts, a curious short-long dog, and my partner, Stew (BCPUD Chief Operator), definitely make finding time for the BCLT board a challenge. But it's something I'm truly committed to. As a BCLT resident myself, I hope my perspective can help center the tenants, their rights, and the long-term stability of working families here in Bolinas.
So, if you're thinking about joining the board and supporting an organization that's done so much to keep us all here, this is my invitation. Come join us—be a rebel, a lover, a fighter for your beloved Bolinas.
Happy Valentine’s Day.
—April Ginsberg