Big thanks to Dorothy’s Place and Victory Mission Salinas and their staff, along with officers Gabe Carvey and Manuel Martinez, for keeping an eye on the Republic Cafe, and offering to help ACE with clearing the front and sides of the RC building, and painting the exterior walls and sidewalk. This allowed us to check and repair the front doors and parts of the exterior wall. This is an example of inter-board cooperation and real community — something we will continue to carry on with as we move into our temporary offices at Moon Gate Plaza and develop our programs.
If you would like to volunteer with ACE or help us develop plans and funding sources for renovating the Republic Cafe, please contact us!
Photos of “before” (way before) and “after” below:
1943: Young Wally Ahtye looks down on the street from his family’s balcony above the Republic Cafe. Photo: Ahtye family collection.
ACE Board, members, and community partners meeting inside the Republic Cafe (1st floor).
A week ago, before cleanup; tents and trash obscured the front doors, keeping us from entering the building, and prompting worries about fire and break-ins. We hope to one day renovate this site for the Chinatown Cultural Center & Museum. Photo by L. Hirahara (2/2020)
Taking a break from painting the building, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Grillo, and an unidentified worker_L. Hirahara photo (2/2020)
ACE Treasurer Larry Hirahara and Javier Rodriguez discuss an exterior wall repair issue. Photo: J. Vengua 2/2020
Mr. Grillo and ACE member Kathleen Slattery discuss Soledad St. History. Grillo’s grandfather, who was Filipino, owned the Arres Pool Hall across the street. Photo by J. Vengua 2/2020)
More painting… Photo by J. Vengua 2/2020
They also cleaned up the sidewalk in front of the adjoining lot. Moon Gate Plaza is seen in the distance, next to the Suey Sing Hall. Photo by J. Vengua (2/2020)
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