Enola Maxwell at 83

ENOLA MAXWELL, who fought in some of San Francisco's most important progressive campaigns – from the battle for district elections to the struggle to limit office growth in San Francisco – died June 24. She was 83.

A fixture of the Potrero Hill community, Maxwell, mother of Sup. Sophie Maxwell, devoted much of her time to improving the lives of neighborhood children "by making sure the kids had things to do that were good for them," environmental lawyer Sue Hestor told us.

Maxwell is known best for founding the Potrero Hill Neighborhood House, which has served as the heart of the community. But she also played a crucial role in some of the largest citywide issues – ones in which the health of the city's neighborhoods was at stake.

"I met Enola on the very first campaign for district elections, in 1970," Hestor said. "She understood the connections between downtown and the neighborhoods and knew that district elections would empower the neighborhoods."

Maxwell was one of the sponsors who put Proposition M on the ballot. The landmark initiative placed limits on the amount of office growth in the city and sought to protect the character of neighborhoods.

A memorial service will be held July 6, 1 p.m., at the Seventh Avenue Presbyterian Church, 1329 Seventh Ave., S.F. A reception will follow at the Potrero Hill Neighborhood House, 953 De Haro, S.F.
(Savannah Blackwell)