Rest in Power Mitchell Salazar

Mitch, you did so much. It’s time to rest now brother. We love you.

The world lost a source of boundless energy when Mitchell Salazar passed away at 61-years-old from complications from cancer. Befitting someone who was the center of every room he was in, he was surrounded by family and friends.

A dedicated father, husband, and founding member of SFEG, Mitch was a lifelong resident of San Francisco who devoted himself to serving the people. At just 16-years-old he sparked a passion for bringing people together by producing monthly “Mitchell Salazar Presents You & I” dances for the Mission community. By 18, he had graduated from Mission High School and his mixture of street smarts and organizing skills led him to join the city’s Real Alternatives Program (RAP), where he advocated for children, youth and families impacted by poverty. During his twenty-year career at RAP, Mitch worked in a variety of positions, including as the Executive Director for fifteen years.

A frequent presence in City Hall, Mitch used the game he soaked up from a succession of mayors to benefit the people. In addition to his work at RAP, he served as the Workforce Development Director for Mission Neighborhood Centers and as the Manager of Apprenticeship Programs for the City and County of San Francisco, sourcing thousands of sustainable jobs for city residents. Simply put, he knew how to get things done for the people he loved, and he loved everyone.

Mitch’s passionate advocacy for cannabis stemmed from watching several family members, including his mother and sister, pass away from cancer and find relief in the healing power of the plant. He brought that passion to SFEG, where he was instrumental in founding and growing the organization and could always be counted on to close a meeting with selection from his seemingly endless library of long, entertaining stories.

His death leaves a Mitch-shaped hole in our organization and in our hearts, but while he will be missed, he will not be forgotten. His legacy will live on through his children, the countless lives he touched, and through SFEG’s continued work to help create jobs for the community, fulfilling his vision of providing both healing and economic empowerment through cannabis.

Mitch, you did so much. It’s time to rest now brother. We love you.