DALY CITY, California – That famous quote attributed to but allegedly never said by Mark Twain came to mind with a vengeance last week, and so did its other touted inaccuracy.

Literati are not alone in debunking the yarn about the creator of Huckleberry Finn having said (written?): “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.”  

Bay Area locals and tourists alike have their own beef with the statement – specifically those who have summered here where the cool Pacific winds marry the warm air hovering inland to deliver a moist blanket aka fog.

Daly City gets the most of this wondrous phenomenon, a great relief when towns closer to the Bay bake in near-triple digit temps.

The weather pattern ushers in “June gloom” and typically eases in July.  But not this year.

 This coastside city’s claim to fame swallowed the sun all day July 19 when San Mateo-based Peninsula Family Service deployed its program teams led by Early Learning teachers and staff to stage the much-awaited “Summer Blockfest” community party at Bayshore Heights Park.

Sunshine was scarce, but the welcome from the multicultural, multigenerational bevy of hosts warmed the late morning crowd inured to the damp chill.  

Perched off Guadalupe Canyon, the park overlooks San Francisco’s Visitation Valley, Brisbane homes and everything to the east across San Francisco Bay. The green expanse crowns the Bayshore branch of Daly City Library housed on the second floor of the eponymous Community Center lording Martin Street.

Every second and fourth Friday mornings, the center comes to life with music and hundreds of neighbors registered with the food distribution program under the supervision of Dustin Ramirez of Daly City Rec Dept.

But this day in July, excitement emanated from the park above the center as PFS folks decorated tables and erected tents in anticipation of 200-some revelers who responded to the open invitation to celebrate the organization’s 75^thanniversary of providing tools for individuals and families to help them succeed in every stage of life.

Three generations of families plus extended furry members relished complimentary lunch of hearty sandwiches, noodle or rice plates and a selection of cakes, popsicles and fruit cups for dessert.  

Wee ones waited their turn to transform into magical characters at the face painting area.  They marveled at science experiments and then picked up books in the library and words of wisdom from Librarian Kristine Macalalad.

Meanwhile their elders got to know about PFS’ multitude programs for every member of the family: 

·       Nine early learning centers throughout San Mateo County between Menlo Park and Daly City including the Midway site in the Bayshore district that serves over 100 tots from 3 months to 5 years of age;

·       Child Development Associate Credential training to increase the teacher pipeline for PFS and Wider Community;

·       STEM from the Start initiative created in collaboration with partners at Stanford Graduate School of Education to bring science, technology, engineering and math into the curriculum for PFS students from birth to 12 years of age;

·       Financial Literacy empowers teens to navigate the complex financial landscape of adulthood

·       Youth Workforce Development provides youths 16-24 skills, certifications and career development support required to success in skilled trades;  

·       Lending Circle brings together 6-12 people who agree to a loan of up to $2,400;

·       Financial Education provides 3-hour workshop on money management topics;

·       Peer Counseling facilitated by trained volunteers in one-on-one or group support and companionship to community members 55 years and older;

·       Prepaid debit card eliminates a premium to use check cashing services;

·       Technology workshops held once a week for 1.5 hours each to familiarize older adults with their smart phones and tablets;

·       Fair Oaks Adult Activity Center offers programs and services to empower older adults and improve their health, social lives and fulfillment;

·       Got Wheels! on-demand affordable transportation program for people 70 years and older or younger than 70 with disabilities who live in 25 cities and unincorporated areas in San Mateo county, and

·        Overcoming loneliness through care and connections in partnership with San Mateo County and lead loneliness experts at UCSF and in collaboration with local nonprofits in response to the US Surgeon General 2023 declaration of loneliness as a nationwide crisis.  (See www.pfso.org for more information.)

A legendary band filled the air with percussion-forward sounds prompting attendees to shake their groove thing.

PFS CEO Heather Cleary, Chief People Officer Vikki Davis, Chief Advancement Officer Deborah Miller and Chief Marketing & Communication Officer Koren Temple-Perry mingled with guests and volunteers at the festivity orchestrated by Chief Program Officer Dr. Charles Hansen.

“The event was a good opportunity for our participants to learn about our many programs while enjoying the food and fun activities,” raved Helen Tsui, Chinese Peer Counseling Coordinator.  

Filipino Peer Counseling Coordinator Tessie Madrinan who lived in Daly City before moving to her current home in Belmont said she had never been to the Bayshore area.

“This is my first time to come to this part of Daly City, “ she told Upside. “I’m happy to finally see the neighborhood and meet the members of the Bayshore community,”

Before the event concluded, Madrinan, who coordinates the weekly PFS Kapihan group for older Filipino Americans at another Daly City community center, had bonded with a future participant.  A Filipina American new to Bayshore, the guest was wowed by the hospitality of the Kapihan regulars who surrounded her with cheer and for whom PFS is a second home.

Verifiable truth, unlike the mythical “Twain” quip.

(Philippine News Today Executive Editor Cherie M. Querol Moreno manages PFS Got Wheels! transportation program.)