WAGING CHANGE MAY 22-31

Women Make Movies Virtual Film Festival

May 2020 | WAGING CHANGE 
Waging Change screening in Women Make Movies Virtual Film Festival May 22-May 31

Register Here

Women Make Movies is hosting an encore of Waging Change in their Virtual Film Festival from May 22-May 31, due to popular demand.

Waging Change, completed before the coronavirus hit, shines a light on the difficulties faced by restaurant servers and bartenders forced to live off their tips in many states which set the tipped minimum wage at $2.13 an hour.   As hundreds of thousands of restaurant workers are laid off in the face of the pandemic, Waging Change, provides a behind the scenes look at what needs to change so that restaurant workers can receive One Fair Wage, which was already mandated by the House of Representatives in July, 2019.

Secretary Hillary Clinton was part of a powerful discussion with Saru Jayaraman, President of One Fair Wage and Nikki Cole, National Policy Director of One Fair Wage about the need to end the tipped minimum wage.  The event was hosted by The Riveter and a link to the event is here

“We have to deal with the immediate emergency but that’s not enough—we have to take advantage of the terrible crisis to do better… This vestige of slavery needs to be eliminated once and for all.”
-Secretary @HillaryClinton on fair wages for tipped workers @onefairwage
Watch Trailer Above, or Click Here
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CA FUNDING FOR ELDERLY and DISABLED

OWL ALERT May 22, 2020

http://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/

FUNDING FOR ELDERLY & DISABLED PEOPLE TO LIVE AT HOME

SITUATION:  Governor Newsom’s proposed budget, would eliminate funding for Community Based Adult Services and Multipurpose Senior Services, thereby making it more difficult or impossible for these people to continue living at home.

 

 ACTION:  Contact those listed below, saying;   Over half of COVID-19 deaths in California have been in nursing homes. Help keep elderly and disabled people out of nursing homes. Please fund Community Based Adult Services and Multipurpose Senior Services.

 

Governor Gavin Newsom          Phone: (916) 445-2841 
1303 10th Street, Suite 1173
Sacramento, CA 95814

Call your own Assemblymember

Sacramento Local  Contact
Assemblyman Phil Ting  (SF Dist 19) 916-319-2019 415-557-2312 info@philting.com
Assemblyman David Chiu,  (SF  Dist 17) 916-319-2017 415-557-3013 Riana.King@asm.ca.gov
Assemblyman Evan Low (Cupertino Dist. 28 916-319-2028 408-446-2810 P.O.Box 942849, Sacto 94249-0028
Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks (Oak Dist15) 916-319-2015 510-286-1400 P.O.Box 942849, Sacto 94249-0015
Assemblyman Jim Wood (Santa Rosa Dist 2) 916-319-2002 707-576-2526 P.O.Box 942849, Sacto 94249-0002
Assemblyman Kevin Mullin (SanMateoDst 22 916-319-2022 650-349-2200 P.O.Box 942849, Sacto 94249-0022
Assemblyman Rob Bonta (Oak Dist 18) 916-319-2018 510-286-1670 P.O,Box 942849, Sacto 94249–0018
Assemblywoman Rebecca Bauer-Kahan 916-319-2016 925-328-1515 P.O.Box 942849, Sacto 94249–0016
Assemblyman Marc Levine (SRafael Dist 10) 916-319-2010 415-479-4920 P.O.Box 942849, Sacto 94249-0010

If you prefer not to talk with a live person, call during off-hours

 

Call your own senator:

Sacramento Local Sacramento Address
Sen. Scott Wiener – SF Daly City, SSF, Colma 916- 651-4011 415-557-1300 State Capitol, R 5100, Sacto 95814
Sen. Nancy Skinner – Oakland, Berkeley 916-651-4009 510-286-1333 State Capitol R 5094, Sacto 95814
Steve Glazer- Walnut Creek, Pleasanton 916-651-4007 925-754-1461 State Capitol, R 5108, Sacto 95814
Sen. Jerry Hill – Brisbane, San Carlos Half Moon Bay, Hillsborough 916- 651-4013 650-212-3320 State Capitol, R 5035, Sacto 95814
Sen. Mike McGuire – Kentfield, San Rafael, Mill

Valley, Healdsburg

915-651-4002 415-479-6612 State Capitol, R 5061, Sacto 95814
Sen. Jim Beall – Los Gatos 916-651-4015 408-286-8318 State Capitol, R 2082, Sacto 95814

 

PROTECT YOUR VOTE

OWL ALERT May 12, 2020

http://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov/

PROTECT OUR DEMOCRACY’S PRECIOUS VOTING PRIVILEGE

SITUATION:  Gov. Gavin Newsom’s executive order Friday requiring counties to send every registered voter a mail-in ballot for the November election must also include an expansion of the number of in-person voting locations to support voters.  In-person locations are needed for people who will not use a mail-in ballot, that need a replacement ballot, need any kind of in-person language or physical assistance, do not have an address to receive a vote-by-mail ballot, are new to voting, or need to register and vote on the same day. This is not a partisan issue.

ACTION:  Voting by mail is not enough.  Having as many in-person locations as possible, with as many early voting opportunities as possible, is the only safe way to conduct an election under the current conditions to avoid long lines and large crowds. Contact those listed below and urge the expansion of both mail-in balloting and onsite voting places.

Governor Gavin Newsom          Phone: (916) 445-2841 
1303 10th Street, Suite 1173
Sacramento, CA 95814

Sacramento Local Sacramento Address
Assemblyman Phil Ting  (SF Dist 19) 916-319-2019 415-557-2312 P.O.Box 942849, Sacto 94249-0019
Assemblyman David Chiu,  (SF  Dist 17) 916-319-2017 415-557-3013 P.O.Box  942849, Sacto 94249-0017
Assemblyman Evan Low (Cupertino Dist. 28 916-319-2028 408-446-2810 P.O.Box 942849, Sacto 94249-0028
Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks (Oak Dist15) 916-319-2015 510-286-1400 P.O.Box 942849, Sacto 94249-0015
Assemblyman Jim Wood (Santa Rosa Dist 2) 916-319-2002 707-576-2526 P.O.Box 942849, Sacto 94249-0002
Assemblyman Kevin Mullin (SanMateoDst 22 916-319-2022 650-349-2200 P.O.Box 942849, Sacto 94249-0022
Assemblyman Rob Bonta (Oak Dist 18) 916-319-2018 510-286-1670 P.O,Box 942849, Sacto 94249–0018
Assemblywoman Rebecca Bauer-Kahan 916-319-2016 925-328-1515 P.O.Box 942849, Sacto 94249–0016
Assemblyman Marc Levine (SRafael Dist 10) 916-319-2010 415-479-4920 P.O.Box 942849, Sacto 94249-0010

Call your own legislator

 

If you prefer not to talk with a live person, call during off-hours

 

 

 

 

Call your own senator

Sacramento Local Sacramento Address
Sen. Scott Wiener – SF Daly City, SSF, Colma 916- 651-4011 415-557-1300 State Capitol, R 5100, Sacto 95814
Sen. Nancy Skinner – Oakland, Berkeley 916-651-4009 510-286-1333 State Capitol R 5094, Sacto 95814
Steve Glazer- Walnut Creek, Pleasanton 916-651-4007 925-754-1461 State Capitol, R 5108, Sacto 95814
Sen. Jerry Hill – Brisbane, San Carlos Half Moon Bay, Hillsborough 916- 651-4013 650-212-3320 State Capitol, R 5035, Sacto 95814
Sen. Mike McGuire – Kentfield, San Rafael, Mill

Valley, Healdsburg

915-651-4002 415-479-6612 State Capitol, R 5061, Sacto 95814
Sen. Jim Beall – Los Gatos 916-651-4015 408-286-8318 State Capitol, R 2082, Sacto 95814

 

Online Town Hall: Crisis in Care in SF Nursing Homes

Thursday, May 14th, 11 AM

Please join advocates for elders and people with disabilities, public health advocates, concerned community members, and City officials in an online Town Hall on problems of care in nursing homes and other congregate facilities (group homes, board & care homes, assisted living facilities, homeless shelters, SROs, jails etc).

 

Click here to sign up!

More information about the issue:

The huge concentrations of COVID cases and deaths in care facilities has been a national disgrace. San Francisco is no exception. Contributing factors include no provision of social distancing, the lack of testing, lack of formal or informal oversight, lack of transparency in reporting cases and deaths to families and the public, and the long-standing low-staffing, low pay, and lack of safe conditions and PPE for care workers.

In California, these problems are made worse by (1) the state’s order that nursing homes accept recovering COVID patients, (2) proposed immunity for nursing homes from criminal or civil penalties for COVID deaths during the pandemic, and (3) proposed state triage guidelines if hospitals become overwhelmed that could discriminate against older people, people with disabilities, poor people, fat people, and people of color.

Nursing facilities are nearly all for-profit, and money must not be a motivating factor in whether or not to provide the best care possible. In addition, local and state government must step in more aggressively to protect people. The low priority placed on the lives of older people and disabled people living in facilities is a sign of ageism and ableism, oppression based on age and disability.

Please attend to learn about these problems, declare that ageism and ableism are unacceptable in our community, and join the dialogue to prevent future tragedies.

 Sponsored by the California Care Rationing Coalition:

Senior and Disability Action, California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform, Gray Panthers, California Alliance of Retired Americans, Hand in Hand, and many more

No Money For Big Oil

OWL ALERT April 25 – May 2, 2020

NO MONEY FOR BIG OIL

If not us then who?

The U. S. Postal Services is a vital American institution that has served a critical role during the Coronavirus crisis.  It is a lifeline for millions of older citizens, especially those without internet access and those living in rural areas.

SITUATION:  Responding to the recent crash in oil prices, President Trump wants a bailout for the big oil companies.  With the present standstill in transportation, the air we breathe hasn’t been this clear in decades. Some jobs come with oil, but a shrinking of the oil industry could ultimately be a positive, leading to a world powered by sustainable energy.

ACTION: Call your Congressmember and U.S. Senators TODAY!  Tell them to protect our postal services and NOT the oil industry, which has polluted our atmosphere and degraded our environment.

CALL YOUR OWN LEGISLATORS TODAY!

D.C. Local D.C. Address
Representative Nancy Pelosi 202-225-4965 415-556-4862 1236 Longworth HOB

Washington, DC 20515

Representative Jackie Speier 202-225-3531 650-342-0300 2465 Rayburn  HOB

Washington, DC 20515

Representative Anna Eshoo 202-225-8104 650-323-2984 202 Cannon HOB

Washington, DC 20515

Representative Jared Huffman 202-225-5161 415-258-9657 1527 Longworth HOB

Washington, DC 20515

Representative Barbara Lee 202-225-2621 510-763-0370 2267 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Representative Mark DeSaulnier 202-225-2095 925-933-2660 503 Cannon HOB

Washington, DC 20515

Representative Eric Swalwell 202-225-5065 510-370-3322 407 Cannon HOB

Washington, DC 20515

Senator Dianne  Feinstein (202) 224-3841 (415) 393-0707 331 Hart Senate Bldg.
Washington, D.C. 20510
Senator Kamala Harris (202) 224 – 3553 (415) 981 – 9369 112 Hart Senate Building
Washington, D.C. 20510

https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members

Protect Our Postal Services

OWL ALERT April 20 – 27, 2020

PROTECT OUR POSTAL SERVICES

If not us then who?

The U. S. Postal Services is a vital American institution that has served a critical role during the Coronavirus crisis.  It is a lifeline for millions of older citizens, especially those without internet access and those living in rural areas.

SITUATION:  President Trump has personally rejected emergency postal service funding, and the post office has received a loan only. Our Postal Service needs direct assistance, not loans, in order to continue serving the public during this pandemic, the recovery period and the upcoming election.  Vote by mail, so important to our democracy, is especially at stake.

ACTION: Call your Congressmember and U.S. Senators TODAY!  Tell them to protect our postal services and its tireless employees by providing needed permanent funding.  Make sure that Americans can continue getting their mail.

CALL YOUR OWN LEGISLATORS TODAY!

D.C. Local D.C. Address
Representative Nancy Pelosi 202-225-4965 415-556-4862 1236 Longworth HOB

Washington, DC 20515

Representative Jackie Speier 202-225-3531 650-342-0300 2465 Rayburn  HOB

Washington, DC 20515

Representative Anna Eshoo 202-225-8104 650-323-2984 202 Cannon HOB

Washington, DC 20515

Representative Jared Huffman 202-225-5161 415-258-9657 1527 Longworth HOB

Washington, DC 20515

Representative Barbara Lee 202-225-2621 510-763-0370 2267 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Representative Mark DeSaulnier 202-225-2095 925-933-2660 503 Cannon HOB

Washington, DC 20515

Representative Eric Swalwell 202-225-5065 510-370-3322 407 Cannon HOB

Washington, DC 20515

Senator Dianne  Feinstein (202) 224-3841 (415) 393-0707 331 Hart Senate Bldg.
Washington, D.C. 20510
Senator Kamala Harris (202) 224 – 3553 (415) 981 – 9369 112 Hart Senate Building
Washington, D.C. 20510

 

https://www.govtrack.us/congress/members

Stimulus Package Phase 3

OWL ALERT April 12–19, 2020

Stimulus Package Phase 3

 If not us, then who?

SITUATION:  Senate Democrats in Washington unveiled their own Phase 3 proposal to fight COVID 19 and the economic crisis it has caused. This proposal puts workers and families first.  Older people, veterans and people with disabilities, Social Security benefits would immediately be increased by $200 per month until the end of 2021, putting money into the economy. Public health issues, including burgeoning capacity issues for hospitals, childcare and education would also be addressed.

ACTION: Please contact your Senator and ask for their support for a more people oriented Phase 3 proposal, one that puts families, children, older people, veterans and those with disabilities first, rather than tax cuts and financial support for corporations.

CALL YOUR OWN LEGISLATORS TODAY!

D.C. Local D.C. Address
     
Senator Dianne  Feinstein
https://www.feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/e-mail-me
(202) 224-3841 (415) 393-0707 331 Hart Senate Bldg.
Washington, D.C. 20510
Senator Kamala Harris
https://www.harris.senate.gov/contact/email
(202) 224 – 3553 (415) 981 – 9369 112 Hart Senate Building
Washington, D.C. 20510

CA AB 2377 Adult Residential Closure Act

OWL ALERT April 4 -10, 2020

CA AB 2377 ADULT RESIDENTIAL CLOSURE ACT
If not us, then who?

SITUATION:  Adult residential homes in California are closing at an alarming rate.  These facilities commonly referred to as “Board and Care,” house some of our most vulnerable older citizens who are no longer able to live independently in the community.  At this time it is more important than ever to have safe housing to prevent homelessness.

ACTION:This bill requires a licensee of a Board and Care home to take all reasonable steps to transfer residents safely to minimize possible transfer trauma. and provides for more stringent closure requirements.  Contact your Assemblyperson today and ask for their support on Assembly Bill 2377

 

Sacramento Local Sacramento Address
Assemblyman Phil Ting  (SF Dist 19) 916-319-2019 415-557-2312 P.O.Box 942849, Sacto 94249-0019
Assemblyman David Chiu,  (SF  Dist 17) 916-319-2017 415-557-3013 P.O.Box  942849, Sacto 94249-0017
Assemblyman Evan Low (Cupertino Dist. 28 916-319-2028 408-446-2810 P.O.Box 942849, Sacto 94249-0028
Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks (Oak Dist15) 916-319-2015 510-286-1400 P.O.Box 942849, Sacto 94249-0015
Assemblyman Jim Wood (Santa Rosa Dist 2) 916-319-2002 707-576-2526 P.O.Box 942849, Sacto 94249-0002
Assemblyman Kevin Mullin (SanMateoDst 22 916-319-2022 650-349-2200 P.O.Box 942849, Sacto 94249-0022
Assemblyman Rob Bonta (Oak Dist 18) 916-319-2018 510-286-1670 P.O,Box 942849, Sacto 94249–0018
Assemblywoman Rebecca Bauer-Kahan 916-319-2016 925-328-1515 P.O.Box 942849, Sacto 94249–0016
Assemblyman Marc Levine (SRafael Dist 10) 916-319-2010 415-479-4920 P.O.Box 942849, Sacto 94249-0010

 

 

If you prefer not to talk with a live person, call during off-hours

 

CARA SING-A-LONG

Friday, May 1st at 12:00 noon CARA (CA Alliance of Retired Americans) is holding a virtual sing-a-long to celebrate INTERNATIONAL WORKERS DAY in honor of workers all over the world.  (click on link at noon): https://zoom.us/j/8308420049
or Dial by Phone 888-475-4499,  Meeting ID for both computer and phone is  830 842 0049

Union Maid (v.1/2 Woody Guthrie, v. 3: Capple Israel, v.4: Nancy Katz; m:trad “Redwing”)
There once was a union maid, who never was afraid
Of goons and ginks and company finks and the deputy sheriffs who made the raid.
She went to the union hall when a meeting it was called,
And when the company boys come ’round
She always stood her ground.
Chorus: Oh, you can’t scare me, I’m sticking to the union,
I’m sticking to the union, I’m sticking to the union.
Oh, you can’t scare me, I’m sticking to the union,
I’m sticking to the union ’til the day I die.
This union maid was wise to the tricks of company spies,
She couldn’t be fooled by a company stool, she’d always organize the guys.
She always got her way when she struck for higher pay.
She’d show her card to the National Guard
And this is what she’d say (Chorus)
You women who want to be free, take a little tip from me;
Break out of that mold we’ve all been sold, you got a fighting history
The fight for women’s rights with workers must unite
Like Mother Jones, move those bones to the front of every fight! (Chorus)
A woman’s struggle is hard, even with a union card
She’s got to stand on her own two feet and not be a servant of the male elite
It’s time to take a stand, keep working hand in hand
There is a job that’s gotta be done and a fight that’s gotta be won! (Chorus)

Solidarity Forever (lyrics by Ralph Chaplin, v.3 Steve Suffet. music: Battle Hymn of the Republic)
When the union’s inspiration through the workers’ blood shall run,
There can be no power greater anywhere beneath the sun;
Yet what force on earth is weaker than the feeble strength of one,
But the union makes us strong.
Chorus: Solidarity forever, Solidarity forever, Solidarity forever,
For the union makes us strong.
It is we who plowed the prairies; built the cities where they trade;
Dug the mines and built the workshops, endless miles of railroad laid;
Now we stand outcast and starving midst the wonders we have made;
But the union makes us strong. (Chorus)
They have taken untold millions that they never toiled to earn,
But without our brain and muscle not a single wheel can turn.
We can break their haughty power, gain our freedom when we learn
That the union makes us strong. (Chorus)
They divide us by our color, they divide us by our tongue
They divide us men and women, they divide us old and young
But they’ll tremble at our voices when they hear these verses sung
For the union makes us strong
In our hands is placed a power greater than their hoarded gold,
Greater than the might of armies, magnified a thousand-fold.
We can bring to birth a new world from the ashes of the old
For the union makes us strong. (Chorus)

2020 Meetings

OWL meetings in 2020 included…

  • Practicing Gratitude
  • Witnessing History, Telling Our Story: Historical Events of The Past 60 Years
  • Pandemic Doldrums Got You Down? Let’s Have Some Fun!
  • Equal Justice Initiative Presents a Talk and Discussion on Racial Justice
  • Social Justice: Showing Up for Racial Justice
  • Owl Wants to Stay In Touch With You
  • Civil Discourse: A Roundtable Discussion on Supporting Civil Conversations
  • Making Sense of What’s Happening at City College

2019 Meetings

  • OWL meetings in 2019 included…
  • Kitchen Herbalism: Herbs and Teas as Part of Your Health Program
  • Advocating for Important Legislation Issues Affecting Older Women in 2019
  • Community Housing in San Francisco: What are the Options?
  • Immigration: What’s Going on Now? What’s on the Horizon?
  • Aging and the Brain: A Conversation on Dementia with a Master Clinician
  • Embrace Aging & Reject Ageism: Stretch Body Mind and Spirit
  • The Planet We Are Leaving Our Grandchildren