A Day in the Community

Last Saturday (before the World Series started nearby… Go Giants!) I attended the 23rd annual Potrero Hill Festival, a gathering organized by the Potrero Dogpatch Merchants Association (PDMA). The festival was a benefit for the Potrero Neighborhood House. Twentieth Street was teaming with people enjoying the live music, sampling tasty treats from food trucks, learning about a variety of important causes, and supporting Potrero Hill and other San Francisco businesses. It was a full day of sun, fun, music and food, with many families with young children in attendance.

This festival was a great way to remember the strength of community that comes from the neighborhood and in particular, the local businesses that make it a vibrant place to live and work. A variety of local food establishments were involved this year, from the new restaurant Skool, to neighborhood anchors Good Life Grocery and Farley’s.

To be a part of a community, we need to show up, get involved, and support our neighbors. This year, after 20 years of doing business on Potrero Hill, I was invited to join the PDMA board of directors. I am learning a lot, working with other small business owners/volunteers, and seeing how a few people can make a significant impact through their involvement in local businesses, schools, organizations and the political process. Wherever you live I hope there are opportunities, like this festival, to come together as a community. If not, maybe it’s time to take the lead and organize something in your neighborhood!