Harry Richard “Heru” Hall was a dedicated community advocate, urban agriculture leader, and local historian whose work helped shape the preservation and cultural identity of East Palo Alto. Born in 1957, Hall spent much of his life in East Palo Alto, where he became a central figure in efforts to protect the city’s agricultural heritage and open spaces. He was the founder and driving force behind the East Palo Alto Historical Agricultural Society (EPA-HAS), an organization devoted to documenting and preserving the area’s unique agricultural and historical legacy.

His commitment to community-driven change brought EPA-HAS into close partnership with Bay Area Action during the 1990s. EPA-HAS rented a desk in the BAA offices on Emerson Street in Palo Alto, fostering collaboration between the two groups. One of the most significant joint projects was the creation of the East Palo Alto Community Garden, also known as the Weeks Street Garden — a vibrant urban agriculture space that provided fresh produce and educational opportunities for local residents.

Heru’s advocacy extended to city planning, where he championed the protection of open space, the recognition of historic resources, and the integration of agricultural practices into urban life. His work ensured that the city’s agricultural roots and community history remained a living part of East Palo Alto’s identity.

Post BAA

After 2000, Heru continued to play an influential role in local planning and preservation efforts. He contributed to city documents and neighborhood plans, advocating for the inclusion of cultural, historic, and natural resources in East Palo Alto’s development strategies. Hall also worked with organizations such as the Trust for Public Land and the National Park Service, helping to secure support for parks, trails, and green spaces. His archival work and community education initiatives left a lasting impact, inspiring new generations to value and protect their local environment and history.

Heru’s archival work ensured that East Palo Alto’s agricultural, cultural, and social history was not lost. His documentation supports ongoing preservation, education, and planning efforts in the community, and his legacy continues through the materials now held in the East Palo Alto Community Archive.

Heru Hall passed away in 2021 at the age of 64. His legacy endures in the preserved gardens, open spaces, and the community spirit he nurtured throughout his life.