Executive Director's September 2023 Message

While the rest of the Bay Area starts to cool down, September is the warmest month of the year in San Francisco. Warm in San Francisco means that perfect temperature where you can walk around in T-shirts and shorts without feeling like you must pick your dog off the ground, so their paws don’t burn on the pavement.

It’s the perfect weather for celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15 every year. Our City is filled with reminders of the incredible contributions of the Latin and Hispanic people. From the food on your table to the beautiful murals around the Mission District and the art, dances, clothing, traditions, culture, and Latin cuisine, our City has benefited tremendously from the contributions of the Hispanic people.

Summer plans can consume your free time to a point where there are some friends and loved ones you simply haven’t heard from in a while. September is a great time to reconnect and see how they are doing because September is National Suicide Prevention Month. The #BeThe1To campaign has some great tips on how you can help someone who may be feeling helpless find hope. After a challenging pandemic has tested all of our mental health, it’s good to carve out time for friends who may be more withdrawn.

I enjoy inviting a friend for a walk around the new Presidio Tunnel Tops Park or Crane Cove Park. You can start with a Mission-style burrito, take a nice long walk along the waterfront, and cap it off with a guava and cream cheese empanada or paleta of your choice. It doesn’t get much better than great food, great company, and great views at these two new scenic parks.

Be well,

Abbie Yant, RN, MA