D9 Neighbors for Housing took our pro-housing message out into the heart of Bernal Heights at Fiesta on the Hill, one of the city’s most beloved community street festivals. Fiesta on the Hill — presented by the Bernal Heights Neighborhood Center — transforms over seven blocks of Cortland Avenue into a vibrant celebration of neighborhood life with food, local vendors, live music, dance, arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities. The event draws thousands of San Franciscans each year and serves as one of the largest community gatherings in the neighborhood, with proceeds supporting BHNC’s programs and services for seniors, families, and neighbors in need.

At our D9NH table, members took shifts throughout the day, engaging with neighbors, answering questions about the Family Zoning Plan, and connecting folks with ways to get involved in advocacy and community action. We shared clear, accessible info about how the plan could expand housing options, strengthen neighborhood diversity, and keep housing affordable for families — all in a setting that felt festive and welcoming rather than formal or intimidating.

A highlight for many attendees was our interactive kids’ activity: a paper tablecloth laid out for children to draw and color their visions of what a great neighborhood looks like. The results were heartwarming and creative — colorful sketches of parks, homes, trees, and community spaces filled with smiling faces — and many parents stopped by to talk about what they want for their neighborhood’s future.

Beyond just handing out flyers or talking points, our presence at Fiesta on the Hill was about meeting neighbors where they already were: enjoying Bernal’s community spirit, celebrating local culture, and opening everyday conversations about housing, inclusivity, and the future of our neighborhood. It was a reminder that advocacy doesn’t always happen in City Hall chambers — it often happens at block parties and street festivals, too.