In collaboration with the Chinatown Family Resource Center Collaborative and SFUSD parent advisory groups: Asian Parent Advisory Committee (Asian PAC) and Matua Advisory Council (MAC), the District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC) hosted WONDERFEST: the 3rd Annual Summer Literacy, Math & Science Fair in the Chinatown Neighborhood on Saturday, May 9, 2025, at Gordon J. Lau Elementary School, welcoming over 400 students and families. 

The fair featured hands-on literacy, math, and science activities, where families explored interactive stations; enjoyed arts and crafts, games, sunflower planting, cultural dances, face painting, and family activities; picked up free books for summer reading; and connected with district and community resources.

We thank our families for their participation and our community partners for their continued collaboration in serving SFUSD students and families.

Congratulations to the SALT Pacific Islander Association—a coalition of 12 community-based organizations—for their unwavering commitment to policy advocacy and their efforts to advance the Pacific Islander Cultural District Ordinance in San Francisco. This important legislation builds upon the Pacific Islander Cultural District Resolution that was passed in previous years.

The movement to increase Pacific Islander visibility and representation within SFUSD Fa'aSamoa Initiative and the City and County of San Francisco continues to gain momentum. These policy efforts are critical in addressing the longstanding needs, inequities, and disparities faced by Pacific Islander communities, which have historically been underrepresented and marginalized.

Click below to watch the Historic Preservation Commission hearing as Gaynorann Siataga, Executive Director of SALT PI Association gives presentation and learn more about this historical and significant milestone.

Samoan Community Development Center –  35th anniversary

Established in 1991, the Samoan Community Development Center (SCDC) began when community members gathered to address urgent needs for housing and employment. That discussion led to the formation of a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to providing a space for the Samoan community in San Francisco’s Southeast neighborhood.

Since its inception, SCDC has served as a home away from home for seniors and a source of empowerment for youth to pursue quality education and to dream big. The center also supports families in navigating complex systems often not designed with their needs in mind.

For 35 years, SCDC has been a pillar of the Samoan and Pacific Islander community, driven by the belief that together, we can make the world a better place.

www.samoancentersf.org
https://www.facebook.com/scdcsf/
https://www.instagram.com/scdc_sf/

“O le Ala ile Pule ole Tautua: The Path to Leadership is to Serve. This is a Samoan proverb that SCDC uses to remind ourselves and the community, we are in service to our people and community. We serve with our hearts and with love. In service is where we find our identity.”
–Dr. Patsy Tito, Executive Director

Congratulations to Mixed Persuasion Dance Troupe (MP) on two incredible milestones: performing for the first time at the San Francisco APA Heritage Gala at City Hall and proudly representing the Kingdom of Tonga during Gilroy Gardens’ Voyage to the Islands weekends!

A fun fact: 95% of the students participating in MP are current and future SFUSD students, and the organization's founders and leadership team are all SFUSD alumni and current or former employees. Their dedication reflects the strong connection between cultural preservation, education, and community leadership.

Mixed Persuasion continues to be an outstanding example of an organization committed to preserving and celebrating Pacific Islander cultural dance, arts, and traditions while inspiring the next generation of leaders and performers.

Congratulations MP students and Founder/Choreographer, Nessay Fa'ataui for your continued success and impact!

Congratulations to Aukustino "Tino" Felise on being honored during AANHPI Heritage Month at the San Francisco Board of Supervisors meeting by Shamann Walton, surrounded by his family, friends, and community supporters on May 19th!

Through his leadership at the Samoan Community Development Center, his service across the San Francisco Bay Area, and his devotion to his family and community, Tino has become a true pillar of the community and a remarkable true bridge-builder. His work in violence prevention, youth development, leadership development and community empowerment has touched countless lives. Through his commitment to uplifting others and creating pathways for future generations, he continues to leave a lasting legacy in San Francisco and beyond. 

This recognition is incredibly well deserved. Thank you, Tino, for your leadership, service, and all that you do for our communities!