Bayview's holiday spirit

Anyone who has been part of a Bayview community planning process in the past 20 years or so has probably heard someone suggest we bring back holiday decorations on 3rd Street.  Longtime residents remember those annual decorations fondly from decades ago when the Bayview Merchants' Association worked with 3rd Street businesses to make the corridor jolly.

Kudos to the organizers who made the festive bell-shaped lights on 3rd and around Mendel Plaza and the Bayview Opera House happen after all these years!

The Christmas tree on Mendel Plaza is the second annual tree.  So pile the kudos higher!  A tree-lighting event was held on Friday, November 22nd with support from the historic Bayview Merchants' Association, the City's Third on 3rd, Supervisor Malia Cohen, and the Bayview YMCA. More about last year's tree.

While 3rd Street may not resemble the North Pole, Bayview's spirit and drive to restore its historic luster are up in lights for all to see.

NaVorro Bowman hosted a toy drive yesterday for over 200 kids at Hunters Point.  The popular 49ers player was working through the 49ers Foundation in partnership with the Bayview YMCA and Urban Ed Academy.  According to his publicist, Bowman was interested in helping because he is himself a product of a boys and girls club.

Bayview's holiday spirit is just as evident in the many holiday celebrations that businesses and community groups are hosting this time of year.

See images from the 2013 Winter Wonderland event, BMagic's holiday pot luck, and residents getting into the spirit on the season.