Emanuel Satingin Robinson is deeply rooted in the vibrant community of the San Lorenzo Village, where his family has resided for three generations. Born and raised in this tight-knit neighborhood, Emanuel’s upbringing instilled in him a profound appreciation for community and a passion for civic engagement.
Emanuel’s journey in community involvement began at a young age. He attended San Lorenzo schools and graduated from Arroyo High School with the Class of 2001. During his formative years, Emanuel demonstrated a commitment to serving his community through active participation in various civic organizations.
As a member of the San Lorenzo Youth Commission, Emanuel worked diligently to address the needs and concerns of young people in the community. His dedication and leadership skills earned him recognition as a thoughtful advocate for youth empowerment and community development.
Emanuel’s involvement in shaping the future of San Lorenzo continued as he became a member of the San Lorenzo Village Specific Plan, a pivotal initiative adopted in October 2004. Through his contributions to the plan, Emanuel played a key role in envisioning a prosperous future for the Village, guided by principles of sustainability, history, and community pride.
Driven by his unwavering belief in the potential of San Lorenzo Village, Emanuel remains committed to working collaboratively with homeowners and community stakeholders to realize a shared vision for the Village’s legacy and growth. He envisions a future where San Lorenzo Village thrives as a vibrant, welcoming community, enriched by its history, diversity, and strong sense of community pride. He is dedicated to fostering connections and building bridges among homeowners, knowing that the best days of the San Lorenzo Village are yet to come.
Emanuel looks forward to continuing his journey of service and advocacy, inspired by the resilience and spirit of the San Lorenzo community.
I was born and raised a San Lorenzo Villager. I attended Del Rey, David E. Martin and Arroyo H.S. I participated in youth softball, soccer and volunteer work as a child. I was a Blue Bird and a Girl Scout and I traveled in summers with my parents learning about other cultures and scientific and historic items of interest. My mom was a local teacher and my dad was a millwright. I attended community meetings right alongside my parents, and walked strikes with them in front of the District Office when the teachers fought for extra pay and benefits in the 70s. I graduated Cal State Hayward with a B.A. in English and Gonzaga Law School where I obtained a Juris Doctorate (law degree). I have worked as a civil attorney, and also as a teacher in the SLZ School District over the years. I now work in public service for the communities in Alameda County. I spend my free time doing volunteer work for this community. As a child I was encouraged by my parents’ own example to help others: you help kids, you help the less fortunate, you help your neighbor. You step up because not everyone can and sometimes it’s your turn to be the helper. You do what you can with what you have and, as a result, make a good life for not just you, but for those you help. I encourage members of this community to participate, to step up, to help out, in any capacity. Because the “collective impact” of helping each other is far more than we can achieve alone. When we venture outside of our homes, we find this wonderful community. Together, we can help make and sustain a thriving community, even through adversity.
A lifelong resident, I was born and raised here, attending Bay School, Washington Manor, and graduating from San Lorenzo High. While my journey included a few years overseas and in San Francisco, San Lorenzo has always called me back – I happily returned in 2023 . My passion for giving back started early. In high school, I not only participated in Key Club, DECA, but also founded a microloans organization in Myanmar which all interacted and assisted with the community. These experiences instilled in me the importance of volunteering and supporting the place we call home. I’m thrilled to join the board and collaborate with my fellow members. Together, we can ensure San Lorenzo remains a vibrant and thriving community.
My family moved to San Lorenzo when I was two (2) years old and I grew up here; went to UC Berkeley, became a high school teacher and eventually taught at Moreau Catholic High School in Hayward. I also obtained a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Santa Clara University. Different jobs led me to San Jose where I lived until 2009, when I moved back to San Lorenzo into the house where I had grown up. My parents still owned and lived in this house until they both passed away.
I have served on the Board for several three-year terms, not all consecutive, and have served on the Community Engagement Committee (CEC), the Architectural Review Committee (ARC), the Welcome Committee, and some Ad Hoc Committees.
I also was appointed to the Eden Area Municipal Advisory Council and have been on a variety of other County committees, including the Lorenzo Theater and Community Identifier Art committees, as well as, the County Mental Health Advisory Committee.
The Village has changed a lot over the years, as has society. During the time that I was off the Board, I could better appreciate the difficulty members have trying to be aware of the rules, operating procedures, and activities of the Board and the Association. I will continue to address the need for better communication with all of our members, including the timeliness of information, and manner of communication.