San Francisco Renames 1500 Block of Grove Street in Honor of Aubrey Abrakasa, Jr., Highlighting Ongoing Fight Against Gun Violence

Today, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously approved renaming the 1500 Block of Grove Street to “Aubrey Abrakasa Jr., Street” in memory of a young man whose life was tragically cut short, and his mother’s unwavering fight for justice. The commemorative street renaming honors Aubrey Abrakasa, Jr., a 17-year old who was fatally shot near his home on August 14, 2006, in an still-unsolved murder.

“Aubrey Abrakasa, Jr. had a bright future ahead of him—he was about to begin his senior year of high school, and his potential was limitless,” said Supervisor Dean Preston. “This commemorative street renaming will honor his memory, and serve as a reminder that we must do more to protect our youth and prevent these senseless tragedies.”

Aubrey grew up in the North of the Panhandle neighborhood. In 2006, he was about to start his senior year at Raoul Wallenberg High School, where he played guard for the high school basketball team. He was working a part-time summer job at the Bernal Heights Recreation Center, coaching young athletes. On August 14, 2006, at the intersection of Grove and Baker, just blocks from his home, he was shot multiple times and killed by gunfire from a vehicle. He died while running to warn others of the gunfire.

"It feels like just yesterday that my son was taken from me. The grief never ends, and neither does the pain. My love for my son drives me to keep pushing for justice," said Paulette Brown, Aubrey Abrakasa, Jr.'s mother. "Renaming this street after Aubrey reminds me that I’m not alone in this fight. We mothers, fathers, families—we need each other to keep pushing for justice."

Paulette Brown has tirelessly fought for justice for her son since his death. She has become a vocal advocate for gun violence prevention by advocating for gun control legislation and supporting survivors of homicide and victims of violence through being a lead facilitator at a bimonthly support group called The Healing Circle. For 17 years, Brown has also shared Aubrey’s story with city officials and at public events. A vigil was held on August 14 of this year, with the Mayor, Police Chief Bill Scott, Sheriff Paul Miyamoto, Police Commissioner Kevin Benedicto, members of SFPD, Supervisor Preston and other members of the Board of Supervisors in attendance, among others. District Attorney Brooke Jenkins submitted a letter in support of the street renaming.

The street renaming is not just a tribute to Aubrey but also a lasting reminder of the need to address the ongoing crisis of gun violence in San Francisco. "By renaming this street, we are not only commemorating a young life taken too soon but also making a statement as a city against the violence that took his life," said Supervisor Preston.