The Bayside Family Reunion 2012 celebrating 80 years event took place on Friday, September 21.  It reunited many people whose lives were touched by Bayside or who made significant contributions to this unique and vibrant cultural institution.

This event brought together over 200 guests including donors, public officials, community members and partners. Bayside was presented with a letter from the office of Congresswoman Susan Davis, a resolution from the office of Assembly member Toni Atkins, and a proclamation from the office of Ron Roberts.  Bernie Rhinerson, Chief of Staff for the Superintendent of San Diego Schools District, also addressed the audience.  Mayoral candidates, Carl De Maio and Bob Filner were in attendance as well as representatives from the San Diego police department.

The event also celebrated Bayside's strong and abiding partnership with the University of San Diego throughout the years.  Bayside honored the 25th anniversary of USD's Center for Community Service Learning program.  The keynote speaker was Pamela Gray, Assistant Vice President of the Office of Public Affairs.  She spoke of the enduring relationship with Bayside and announced a donation in the amount of $10,000 to the center.

Bayside's outdoor space was transformed into an intimate and elegant luncheon event.  A stunning backdrop was created with Tecolote Canyon and the organic garden on one end and a colorful mural on the back wall of the center on the other. This striking work was the inspiration of artist Todd Schmid. 

The Pizarro Brothers representing Bayside's early Italian roots, Tom Huynh singing in Chinese and Vietnamese and El Tapatio dancers and Mariachi La Barca highlighting Mexican culture, provided multicultural entertainment.  The Hula Babes representing the Pacific Islanders greeted guests with a ukulele concert.

The luncheon also celebrated the Sisters of Social Service who founded Bayside in 1932.  Sister Ellen Hunter and Sister Merita Dekat honored Bayside with their presence.  This group, founded in Hungary in 1908, has pioneered the role of religious women worldwide addressing social concerns and social justice. 

Bayside's Contributes to Quality of Life Issues by Advocating for  Democratic Governance

Bayside is committed to being a leader in meeting the needs of the community and we serve as a catalyst for change. In the area of civic engagement and advocacy, Bayside played a prominent role giving a voice to populations that are left out of discussions in areas that impact their quality of life. At the same time we create awareness of the importance of including Linda Vista in regional forums.

Our advocacy efforts range from simply making suggestions to attempting to influence a decision. We have engaged in advocacy by meeting with elected officials, providing testimonies at public hearings and City Council, collaborating with public and private organizations on issues of mutual concern, doing media campaigns, posting messages using social media, speaking at community events, participating in local councils of decision-making such as planning groups, advisory committees, and school site councils, etc.

We advocate for issues, for people and for our community. Here are some examples of our efforts:

• Mobilizing vulnerable populations from Linda Vista (e.g., minorities, low income and seniors) to provide meaningful feedback to the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) 2050 Regional Transportation Plan.
• Being a leading voice for Linda Vista during the Redistricting Hearings and opposing the division of Linda Vista into different council districts.
• Joining the Community Budget Alliance to make the City budget process fair and equitable to all San Diegans.
• Providing testimony at City Council opposing a measure to permanently allocate a fixed amount of Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) public services to any one use.
• Joining San Diego Unified School District's Latino Advisory Committee to make sure that English learners receive a quality education.

We remain committed to advocating for quality of life issues. We are currently spearheading an effort to make Linda Vista a walkable community with a focus on pedestrian safety and we are also looking at ways that zoning can be modified to create economic opportunities for local communities.