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Kids romped and jumped on inflated trampolines, while their elders strolled about – hundreds of them – hugging neighbors, moving to music, shelling out a few greenbacks here and for the latest in African garb, or a few dollars there for barbecue, noodles or even a psychic reading. 

San Pablo Park neighbors had waited 50 years to celebrate this day: the golden anniversary of the San Pablo Park Neighborhood Council. It is the oldest neighborhood association in the city. 

Two honorees, Corinne Butler Bayliss and Esther Bell, were showered with flowers at the all-day gala Saturday. Everyone who mounted the stage in the center of the park showered them with praise as well. 

“Praise God for Mother Corinne Bayliss,” called out Rev. Mark Wilson of McGee Avenue Baptist Church from the stage. 

Naturally, those running for office got into the act, with volunteers for incumbent Councilmember Margaret Breland, and two of her challengers Betty Hicks and Carol Hughes-Willoughby actively working the crowd. Peralta Board Candidate Darryl Moore was pressing the flesh and folks supporting the parks’ taxes were passing out flyers.  

A group fighting Patrick Kennedy's proposed cafe/apartment complex at Carleton Street and San Pablo Avenue set up a table and were looking for allies, and the San Pablo area gay and lesbian club had their table nearby to let neighbors know they are part of the community. 

In his low-key way, City Manager Weldon Rucker was taking it all in with two granddaughters in tow. 

Supervisor Keith Carson, not running for office for the moment, told the crowd from the stage that he grew up not far from the park and had special thanks to give to the elders in attendance.  

“Thank you for pulling me on the ear and hitting me on the behind,” he said, recalling the days when neighbors took responsibility for all the kids on the block. 

Corrine Bayliss had her own message for the crowd, written on a button pinned to her powder-blue suit jacket: ”Pray until something happens,” it said.