Sandra “Sandy” Violeta Cuadra, a well-known personality of the Mission District, died of cancer on Oct. 29, leaving a lasting impact on the many lives she touched throughout the community. She was 49.
Friends and family gathered on the day Cuadra died in front of her Mission District home of over 30 years, to pay tribute at an altar dedicated to her, filled with candles, roses and photographs. Outside her home on 24th and Harrison streets, classic cars playing oldies tunes filled the block, uniting neighbors and friends alike in mourning.
Born in San Francisco on Feb. 15, 1964, Cuadra spent her whole life in the Mission District and was deeply involved with the community.
While working for the Department of Public Works for nearly three decades, she coordinated the Graffiti Abatement Program. In the late 1980’s she worked with the Real Alternatives Program, a gang prevention program that evolved into the Homies Organizing the Mission to Empower Youth (H.O.M.E.Y.) organization.
Several framed photographs of family and friends line the walls of Cuadra’s home. She took pride in documenting her life in the Mission through her 110-pocket film camera, with photos tracing back to the 1980’s.
As a young woman, Cuadra spent time with a group of close-knit girls known as the “Tiny Locas.” Friends reminisced on the Tiny Locas being known as the coolest girls in the Mission District, and claimed that they were highly respected among younger girls. Though she enjoyed partying, family members recall she was always responsible, and willing to be the designated driver.
“She treated everyone with kindness, love and respect,” said Renee Longoria, a long-time friend who grew up with Cuadra and the Tiny Locas.
Cuadra’s home was a welcoming place where family, friends, and neighbors would go to hangout. She was known for her cooking—for making chips from scratch during the holidays and for parties. Her affinity for oldies music often put her in the role of the disc-jockey, hosting epic block parties. A loyal Giants and 49ers fan, her game day parties were always well attended.
“She (brought) folks together, elders and children in positive ways,” said former coworker Roberto Ariel Vargas.
According to her sister Maria, one of her last wishes was to have a museum for the Mission District. Family and friends lovingly remember her as the “heart of the Mission.”
Cuadra is survived by her three sisters Patty, Maria, and Lisa, along with many friends and family members. She was the daughter of Esperanza and Ovidio Cuadra. ¡Sandy Presente!