By Jesse D. Palmer
There’s finally good news about the threat that the Long Haul radical community center will be torn down to build an 8 story apartment building. Slingshot has had its offices at Long Haul for more than 30 years. After all the other tenants in the building moved out in January, the landlord announced that they’re now accepting applications to fill the vacant spaces — with no mention of tearing the building down. Won’t you be our neighbor? If you know of any non-profits looking for commercial space, it would help out us if they moved here.
Despite looming demolition, Long Haul has been thriving the last couple of years with many energetic new volunteers. Consider visiting or planning an event here. Projects currently based in the building include the Reprographixxx print room, a weekly writers group, 2 study groups, music shows on the weekends, and a few Bay Area Anarchist Free School classes. Long Haul is the perfect place to make Slingshot. It’s cozy and homemade — a space not devoted to commerce, operated collectively by volunteers that welcomes all types of freaks.
The landlord wrote: “Versatile spaces totaling 3,500 square feet are ideal for nonprofits, artists, or co-working groups looking for a dynamic location. Located across from La Peña Cultural Center and The Starry Plough, it offers an engaging environment for those whose mission aligns with … values of housing, climate, and racial justice. We are particularly interested in tenants who will complement the work of The Long Haul, our long-term tenant, and contribute to preserving this historically rich neighborhood.” Long Haul is 2 blocks from Ashby BART.