The passing of a friend is always a bitter moment that’s hard to accept. Such is the case of Mauricio Rene Avilés Gonzalez, 74, who dedicated himself to help others.
Mauricio never strayed from his willingness to contribute in some way to the cultural and political life of the Mission District that he dearly loved.
He was a driving force, along with Lou DeMatteis and Daniel Galvez, in the recent refurbishing of the Carnaval Mural at 24th and Van Ness Streets that welcomes visitors into the 24th Street corridor.
Some even say Mauricio sparked the idea for the creation of the Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble of San Francisco that is co-directed by John Calloway and Arturo Riera.
On the political front, Mauricio developed public relations projects to enhance better communication between Arriba Juntos and San Francisco Social and Human Services departments.
At one time, he also coordinated referrals to community services for 100 families whose children were enrolled in Mission Child Care Consortium. Likewise, Mauricio once organized a core of street laborers and collaborated with a citywide coalition of community organizations, including the Board of Supervisors, to initiate the San Francisco Day Laborers program that is still with us today.
Mauricio’s legacy in the Mission extends to working for such community-based organizations such as the Mission Hiring Hall, La Raza Information Center, and the Mission Housing Development Corporation.
Lastly, I could always count on a telephone call from Mauricio with a news tip for El Tecolote based on his daily walks and encounters in the Mission. It even included some tips on how we could become a better newspaper, which I accepted from a friend who meant well.
Born in El Salvador, Mauricio migrated to San Francisco at the age of 10. In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, he left unannounced to visit his homeland one last time.
Today, Mauricio is survived by his wife Anita Pascasio, oldest son Mauricio Rene Avilés II, middle son Juan Antonio Aviles, and youngest son Marcelo Lucero Aviles. He also leaves behind granddaughters Isabella Marisol Aviles and Sofia Liliana Aviles.
Some 100 people, comprised of family and friends, turned out for a spirited memorial for Mauricio on Nov. 6 at the site of the Carnaval Mural. It included music by Adelante, an Indigenous blessing, and a decorative altar. It was a colorful and festive event as only Mauricio would want it.
You made your mark my friend. We at El Tecolote will always remember you.
¡Mauricio Rene Avilés Gonzalez Presente!