National Good Neighbor Day was signed into law by former president and peanut farmer Jimmy Carter. The tradition became nationally recognized in 1978. But San Francisco has never participated — until now.
According to the Wikipedia page, “The day is intended to overcome the isolation of many Americans, who often don't know very much about their neighbors.”
There are a lot of different ways to celebrate. The Wiki explains, “Many organize social events such as block parties and picnics; distribute food, flowers, first aid kits, and other essentials; and perform tasks for neighbors such as painting, weeding, and taking out the rubbish.”
SF Good Neighbor Week founder Julia Gitis was inspired to do our own event. She says, “Many other cities around the country celebrate the holiday, including having neighbors nominate each other for Good Neighbor Awards.” This year’s awards were a resounding success, and Gitis plans to continue them in 2026.
Gitis explained in an interview that although most people think of good neighbors as those who are quiet and mind their business, the reality is that a good neighbor does the opposite. They pitch in and help out. Here are some of the lovely highlights from the nominations to spark your creativity. Maybe you’ll be inspired to be a good neighbor, too!
In D1, neighbor Michael took matters into his own hands. According to the nomination: “When the plant near our front door was overgrown, instead of walking right past it like the rest of us because we didn't know how to deal with it, he pulled out his gardening tools and trimmed up the branches.”
In the Marina, a neighbor named Kat “grows beautiful hydrangeas and gives them to anyone walking by who admires them.”
One D3 neighbor named Christa always looks out for lost dog alerts. She even got two dogs found within mere hours of their escapes.
D4, which has had a turbulent time recently, had one of the most heartwarming nominations: “Everyone loves Marian. And she loves back. She always has a smile and good words for you. She shares her family Thanksgiving feast with all of us. She is the glue of this place.” How freaking sweet is that? May we all be the Marian of our block.
In D5, there was a shoutout to neighbor Molly. The nomination said, “She is a model for what every San Franciscan should aspire to be.”
In the TL, neighbor Diana got proactive. According to the nomination, “She saw a problem in her neighborhood. She could have just gotten frustrated or may just sent a sternly worded email. Instead, she started a neighborhood advocacy group that has grown over the 2 years to be a very respected group of neighbors working to make their part of the Tenderloin more clean, more safe, and more connected. They participate in neighborhood clean-ups. They push City officials to do better in their neighborhood.”
Gif by AllBetter on Giphy
And in South Beach, a community has formed around an unhoused artist, with one neighbor leading the charge to make sure the unhoused neighbor is ok health-wise: “We all dote on Jaz, but it's Shelley who makes sure he's as safe as possible.”
A neighbor named Marie-Cecile “has worked tirelessly to transform the community of Monterey Heights; raise its stature amongst the residents; and bring the Community together.”
In Eureka Valley, “David has helped people, including [the nominator], learn how to turn off gas in case there is an earthquake.”
D9 neighbor Yasir is so reliable that, according to the nomination, “Many people in [the] community call him first when they need any help or assistance.”
And in D10 a neighbor named Clara is staying busy: “She even helped to get a raccoon family out of a neighbor’s house, then took community members to the museum, and then brought me a bag of apples from her tree - all in the last two weeks!” Sheesh, Clara, you’re making the rest of us look lazy!
A different nomination fills us in more about the pesky raccoons: “Most heroically, this 70-year-old woman came to our rescue at 6 am when raccoons invaded our home, standing guard while we waited for animal control. I am so grateful to have Clara in my life.” Damn! If I ever suffer a raccoon invasion, I know who I’m calling.
And finally, in D11, neighbor David’s nomination says, “We are from complete different generations and we do not agree on everything, but David shows up.” Sometimes, that’s what truly counts – showing up for each other again and again, being a light in this dark world.
Stay up to date with SF Good Neighbor Week at https://www.sfgoodneighborweek.org/.
