OWL Alert August 24: REGULATE THE USE OF AI IN HEALTHCARE

KEEP HEALTHCARE WORKERS INFORMED
WHEN A.I. IS IN USE
 
 

Situation: Health care entities often provide health care workers with little to no information about when they use A.I. systems, how they function, what data they rely on, or what risks and limitations they carry. 

The good news is that AB 2575—which regulates the use of AI to ensure healthcare workers can exercise their clinical, professional judgment and holds developers accountable for patient harm caused by AI tools—got off Suspense and passed Senate Appropriations.

Action: Please call or wrote your Senator ASAP and ask them to vote YES on AB 2575 (Ortega) when the bill comes before them.  

Also: Please share this message with friends, family and colleagues. 

Click HERE for contact info of all California State Legislators.

OWL Alert August 7: VOTING RIGHTS: OPPOSE THE S.A.V.E. ACT

TELL CONGRESS TO OPPOSE
BILLS THAT INHIBIT VOTING

Situation: Congress is continuing to introduce bills that would require voters to present documentary proof of citizenship (DPOC) to register and/or vote. In the 119th Congress, three major pieces of legislation have been introduced to require DPOC to vote. 
  • The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which passed the House in 2025 and would require citizenship documentation to register to vote, and, more recently
  • The SAVE America Act and the Make Elections Great Again Act, which have even stricter components than the SAVE Act, like requirements for voters to present DPOC both at registration and the polls, and for absentee ballots to be received by election day.
Action:  Contact your representatives and urge them to oppose this suite of bills, which will suppress voting, especially by people of color and those of limited resources.  The League of Women Voters has made this easy. Click the following link:  https://www.lwv.org/save-act. Alternatively, click HERE to find contact information for all members of Congress.
Also: Please share this message with friends, family and colleagues.

Zoom Meeting June 27: BRAIN HEALTH

NEW INSIGHTS INTO BRAIN HEALTH

 

When: Saturday, June 27, 11 a.m. to noon
Where: Via Zoom

Dr. Serggio Lanata, M.D., M.S., is an Associate Professor, UCSF Dept of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center; Global Brain Health Institute. His research focuses on improving treatment for Alzheimer’s disease in underserved and underrepresented communities.

Dr. Lanata will speak about:

  • Risk factors that lead to cognitive decline, including income levels and traumatic life experiences
  • New insights and treatments, and
  • Dementia versus normal aging.

ZOOM INFO TO FOLLOW

for more information:
email info@owlsf.org, or call (415) 712-1695

ALERT June 13: URGENT SF BUDGET ACTION

TELL THE SF MAYOR AND SUPERVISORS
TO STOP BUDGET CUTS FOR SENIORS
AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

 

The fight to keep the SF budget from cutting funds to programs serving the most vulnerable San Franciscans CONTINUES.

For the month of June, the Board of Supervisors’ Budget and Appropriations Committee will hold extensive hearings, review the Mayor’s proposed spending, and hear public comment on the updated revenue and expenditure figures.

Email, call—or boththe Mayor and the Board of Supervisors, and INSIST that they restore the $8.9 million that has been cut from agencies serving seniors and people with disabilities.

ALSO share this message with friends, family and colleagues in San Francisco.

See below for sample text and contact info.

Dear Mayor/Supervisor:  Fund programs for seniors who make up more than one quarter of the SF population, and the disabled. Find the money. Restore the cuts. No cuts. No layoffs.

Mayor Lurie: (415) 554-6141  |  daniel.lurie@sfgov.org
District 1 Connie Chan: (415) 554-7410 | Connie.Chan@sfgov.org
District 2 Stephen Sherrill: (415) 554-7752 | Stephen.Sherrill@sfgov.org
District 3 Danny Sauter: (415) 554-7450 | Danny.Sauter@sfgov.org
District 4 Alan Wong: (415) 554-7460 | Alan.Wong@sfgov.org
District 5 Bilal Mahmood: (415) 554-7630 | Bilal.Mahmood@sfgov.org
District 6 Matt Dorsey: (415) 554-7970 | Matt.Dorsey@sfgov.org
District 7 Myrna Melgar: (415) 554-6516 | Myrna.Melgar@sfgov.org
District 8 Rafael Mandelman: (415) 554-6968 | Rafael.Mandelman@sfgov.org
District 9 Jackie Fielder: (415) 554-5144 | Jackie.Fielder@sfgov.org
District 10 Shamann Walton: (415) 554-7670 | Shamann.Walton@sfgov.org
District 11 Chyanne Chen: (415) 554-6975 | Chyanne.Chen@sfgov.org

OWL ALERT June 3: SMARTER Senior Health Care

KEEP MEDICARE SAFE from AI

SITUATION Medicare is facing threats!  A pilot program called ‘WISER,” now in some states, uses AI to process Medicare prior authorizations for procedures, medications and services, thus increasing denials and making it harder to appeal for needed services.

ACTIONH.R. 5940, The “SMARTER” Act, improves healthcare services for seniors by modernizing systems overall, and making care more intelligent and person centered. Call your Congressman and ask them to support H.R. 5940.  
 

SENIORS DESERVE BETTER!

ALSO: Share this message with friends, family and colleagues.

Click HERE to find your U.S. Congressperson.

TIME SENSITIVE ALERT MAY 28: PROTECT SUPPORTIVE SERVICES IN CALIFORNIA

SITUATION #1: The California Governor’s Budget proposes cuts to In-home Supportive Services, Cal Fresh and Cal Food and Adult Protective Services.  AB 1790 posits no such cuts and proposes alternative sources of funding.

SITUATION #2:  Professional Healthcare workers may be pressured to use algorithmic directions for patient care, even when these are counter to the nurses’ professional and hands-on judgment. AB 2575 would put limits on the use of AI in patient care and ensure workers are free (and protected) to use their professional judgment, including drawing on AI if that is deemed reliable and the sources are transparent.

ACTION: Feed two birds with one scone and contact your State Assembly member, urging them to pass both of these essential pieces of legislation. 

ALSO: Send this time-limited message to friends, family and colleagues in California. 

Click  HERE for California State Assembly contact info. 

MAY 30 MEETING: SF CUTS TO PROGRAMS FOR SENIORS & PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

FIGHT SF CITY HALL BUDGET CUTS TO PROGRAMS
SERVING SENIORS AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

WHEN: Saturday, May 30, 11 am to 12:30 pm
WHERE: Rhoda Goldman Plaza
2180 Post Street at Scott (directions below)
Your RSVP by Monday, May 25 helps us plan light refreshments.

 

Aimed at closing a $634 million City budget deficit, the Mayor’s Office proposes to cut $8.9 million from programs serving seniors and people with disabilities.  These cuts threaten meals, wellness checks, transportation, and specialized support for over 66,000 residents, including:

  • a $2.9 million reduction in funding for the Department of Disability and Aging Services (DAS)
  • $6 million in additional cuts to other departments serving this vulnerabe demaographic
  • suspending funding for the Dignity Fund
  • a 50% reduction in funding for Sf ReServe
The final budget will be vetted by the Board of Supervisors throughout June 2026.

Join OWL-SF in person for a discussion aimed at raising awareness of the issues, and offering ways to fight these devastating cuts to crucial services for seniors and people with disabilities. 

  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * 
Rhoda Goldman Plaza is located on Post Street near Scott. Street parking is reasonable within two blocks; accessible directly by MUNI lines 38 and 24, and within three blocks by lines 1 and 22.

ALERT MAY 11: DO NOT VOTE EARLY IN THE CALIFORNIA PRIMARY

SITUATION: Primary elections in California are not separated by party affiliation: the top two vote-getters proceed to the General Election, even if they are in the same party. 

We cannot let it happen in the approaching Primary that both candidates who proceed to the General Election are in the same party.

ACTIONHold onto your valuable vote until we see who the front runners are so that our votes are not just scattered throughout a field of candidates.

DO NOT VOTE EARLY!

 

Then you are encouraged to vote for the top candidate, even if that person is not your personal first choice. 

You can drop your completed absentee ballot on Election Day (June 2) in a drop box, or at any voting precinct.

ALSO: Share this message with friends, family and colleagues in California. 

OWL ALERT April 4, 2026: KEEP DOWNTOWN CCSF OPEN

HELP SAVE DOWNTOWN CCSF

SITUATION: The Downtown Center of City College of San Francisco—which provides accessible education to thousands of students across the city—is currently at risk of closure.

One of the most culturally diverse campuses in the CCSF system, the Downtown Center serves thousands of students who rely on this location because of its proximity to transit and jobs. 

While CCSF claims the Downtown Center is lacking in enrollment, the real issue is the cancellation of courses. Shutting down this campus would reduce educational access for many students who depend on a centrally located campus to balance school, work, and family responsibilities.

ACTION: Contact the San Francisco Community College District Board of Trustees immediately and urge them to stop the closure of the Downtown Center.

ALSO: Share this message with friends, family and colleagues in and near San Francisco.

                            *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *

Correspondence for the Board of Trustees can generally be sent to the Board Liaison Officer or via email to: publiccomment@ccsf.edu.

Board Liaison Officer: Stephen T. Shymansky (415-239-3303).

Office of the Chancellor: (415) 239-3556.

Physical Address:
50 Frida Kahlo Way
San Francisco, CA 94112

Current Board Members (as of late 2025/early 2026)

 In-Person: Fill out a “Request to Address the Board” card (yellow card) at the meeting location, typically the Harry Britt Building (HBB), Room 140, at the Ocean Campus.

FREE SENIOR SCAM STOPPER EVENT April 9

OWL-SF is proud to spread the word about an important FREE event organized by the California Contractors State License Board.
 
SENIOR SCAM STOPPER

WHEN: Thursday, April 9, 5 p.m.
WHERE:  Helen Crocker Russell Library, 1199 9th Ave., SF

Attendees will learn how to protect themselves from fraud and scams. Topics to be covered include an overview of imposter, investment, phishing, and romance scams, identity and mail theft, and a live Q&A with print materials, and educational resources.

Hosted by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) with guest speakers from the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI), California Department of Insurance, and more.

 

The Helen Crocker Russell Library is located inside the Botanical Gardens of Golden Gate Park, not far from the 9th and Lincoln entrance. Parking is difficult; accessible immediately by MUNI 7 and 44 lines, and nearby via the N Judah.

Free Screening of NO PLACE TO GROW OLD, April 22

OWL-SF is proud to co-sponsor a free screening of the film No Place to Grow Old.

WHERE: The Internet Archive, 300 Funston Avenue at Clement, SF
WHEN: Wednesday, April 22, 6 to 8 PM

Watch No Place to Grow Old, a powerful short documentary that explores the growing crisis of housing insecurity among older adults.

​Through moving personal stories and expert insights, the film highlights the limited options seniors face as they struggle to find safe, stable housing.

​Following the free screening, stay for a discussion and audience Q&A with a panel of local advocates who are working on solutions here in our own community, moderated by San Francisco Public Press.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

300 Funston is on the corner of Funston and Clement. Clement is one block north of Geary Boulevard, and Funston is one block west of 12th Avenue. Easily accessible by MUNI lines 1, 38 and 28, street parking reasonably easy.

Co-hosts:

San Francisco Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is an organization of college educated women committed to the constructive development of its members and to public service with a primary focus on the Black community. Learn more at sfacdst.org.

League of Women Voters of San Francisco is a nonpartisan political nonprofit that empowers voters and defends democracy. People of all genders welcome. Learn more at lwvsf.org.

​The National Council of Negro Women leads, empowers, and advocates for women of African descent, their families, and communities. NCNW NorCal Coalition represents ten sections in Northern California, including the NCNW Golden Gate and San Francisco sections. Learn more at norcal-ncnw.org, goldengatencnw.org, and facebook.com/NCNWSF415.

Older Women’s League, also known as OWL San Francisco, focuses on critical issues facing women as they age. Learn more at owlsf.org.

OWL Meeting, March 28, NO KINGS DAY

OWL-SF’s meeting on Saturday, March 28 will offer two choices: you can either connect with other OWLs to march in the No Kings rally, or join us at The Coterie, where we will be sending personalized letters to voters in key states, letting them know how crucial it is that they VOTE 

WHERE: The Coterie, 239 Myrtle Street, San Francisco
(see below for details of location)
WHEN: Saturday, March 28, 2026, 11 AM to 12:30 PM

Please RSVP by March 23, and indicate whether you plan to march or come to The Coterie. (415) 712-1695; info@owlsf.org

If you plan to march, details of where to meet will be determined and communicated closer to the event. If you plan to come to The Coterie, OWL-SF will provide the letters, addresses and stamps. Please bring a pen, preferably blue ink. Light refreshments will be served.

The Coterie is an assisted living facility. Myrtle Street is parallel to Geary Boulevard, between Geary and O’Farrell  (map below). Easily accessible by MUNI lines 49 and 38. Parking is very limited.

CLC Empowerment Training March 26 and 27

OWL-SF is proud to get the word out about

an upcoming opportunity to hone skills for

maximum impact in today’s fraught political climate. 

Forest Hill Christian Church, 250 Laguna Honda Blvd., is close to transit and has a parking lot. The site is accessible and if accommodations are needed, let us know. The workshop is free, fun, and includes lunch, snacks and material.

To attend: Send your name, the name of your organization (if applicable), your street address, phone number and email address, either on paper to Dignity Fund Coalition/CLC at 1663 Mission Street Suite 525, 94103 or email to info@sfdignityfund.org.

Space is limited, so please respond as soon as possible. You can also call 415-821-1003 ex.115, or sign up at http://bit.ly/DignityFundSF

CARA Forum February 27: DANGERS TO SOCIAL SECURITY

OWL-SF is proud to get the word out about an important event. This Friday at noon, the California Alliance of Retired Americans (CARA) will host a presentation via Zoom on current threats to Social Security. 

Join CARA at their next Friday Forum focusing on the Dangers to Social Security. This Friday Forum will bring together seniors, advocates and experts for an informative discussion about Social Security and the challenges it faces today. We will hear from knowledgeable speakers, gain a clearer understanding of current issues, and have the opportunity to engage in a meaningful conversation about the future of Social Security.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

 

OWL-SF Meeting February 28: PANEL ON MOVING INTO ASSISTED LIVING

MOVING INTO ASSISTED LIVING
IN SAN FRANCISCO

WHEN: Saturday, February 28
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
via Zoom

Part 1: Allison Rodman, Director of Sales & Marketing at Rhoda Goldman Plaza, will answer the initial, broad questions:
  • What are Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs)
  • What do they offer? 
  • What do they cost?
  • How will you know which one/s are right for you? 
Part 2: Yvonne Frazier, Martin Luther TowersLonnie Lebin, The Frank Residences; Kathie Piccagli, The Carlisle; and Jody Reiss, The Sequoias–all residents of ALFs–will answer the more specific questions:
  • How do you make the decision to move?
  • How do you live with the decision you made?
  • Will friends or agencies support you by arranging visits, accompanying you, etc??
  • What will the adjustment process be like?
Plus: How life is for all of them now in their respective ALFs. Followed by a Q&A.

ZOOM INFO TO FOLLOW
For more information contact:

info@owlsf.or                             (415) 712-1695