Announcements, Events

2 IMPORTANT CARA EVENTS ABOUT MEDICARE, MEDICAID AND SOCIAL SECURITY

Posted on by Susan Pedrick

OWL-SF is proud to spread the word: The California Association of Retired Americans (CARA) will be hosting two very important Zoom events in January, focusing on Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.

Movement to End Privatization of Medicare

Presents:

Forum on OHCA: Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025 at 7 pm Pacific

What is the Office of Health Care Affordability?
Who Wins, Who Loses?

Join the Movement to End Privatization of Medicare for an Educational Forum on the Office of Health Care Affordability (OHCA). Learn what it is, and how it could impact your health and the health of your community. OHCA promises to control costs through cost caps and value-based payment.

Will cost caps control health care costs? Will workers see health premiums shrink? Will the health of the people of California improve? Could value-based payment promote the proliferation of profit?

Moderator: James G. Kahn, M.D., M.P.H., emeritus professor in the Phillip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies at U.C.S.F.
Presenter: Ana Malinow, M.D, retired professor of pediatrics, UCSF.

Panelists:
Catherine Frugoni, M.D., Deligate, California Medical Association;
Stephen Vernon, F.M.T., Board, Healthy California Now, representing Therapists for Single Payer, which he co-founded;
Michael Lyon, San Francisco Grey Panthers, Senior and Disability Action;
Peter Shapiro, Board, Healthy California Now. 

Click HERE to register for the forum on OHCA January 23. 

___________________________________________________________________

CARA FRIDAY FORUM!

Federal Outlook on Social Security and Medicare

On Friday, Jan 24th at noon Pacific

Featuring: The Alliance for Retired Americans, California Labor Federation, and Caring Across Generations

Hear from the President of the California Labor Federation, Legislative Representative from the National Alliance for Retired Americans, and the Director of Public Policy at LTSS advocacy group Caring Across Generations. We will be discussing what the next four years will mean for federal social programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security.
 

LEARN WHAT IS ON THE HORIZON
AND WHAT YOU CAN DO TO FIGHT BACK.

Click HERE to register for the CARA FRIDAY FORUM January 24. 

Announcements, Events

OWL-SF January 25 Planning Meeting

Posted on by Susan Pedrick

2025 OWL PLANNING MEETING

Let’s make 2025 Exceptional for OWL members!
Join in to plan OWL’s Agenda for 2025

WHEN & WHERE: Saturday, January 25, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.,
VIA ZOOM

We want your ideas for the following:

  • Thought-provoking membership meetings!
  • Informative newsletters and updates!
  • Political Advocacy on issues important to Older Women!
  • Social gatherings and holiday events to make new friends and connect with old friends!

PLUS: ELECTION OF NEW BOARD MEMBERS!

Bring your ideas, creativity and inspiration!

Zoom Link to follow

Events

OWL-SF Meeetings in 2024

Posted on by Susan Pedrick

OWL-SF Member Meetings in 2024 included:

  • Preparations for two Elections: March and November Ballot Measure Discussions
  • Women and Heart Disease
  • Strengthen and Stretch
  • Women Helping Women in Ways That Really Make A Difference (SafeHouse)
  • Community Living Campaign (Resources for Elders and People With Disabilities
  • Crucial Information About Dementia and Alzheimer’s
  • Walk to End Alzheimer’s
  • Let’s Talk About Food: Eating Well and Healthy for the Holidays
Action Alerts

OWL ALERT December 21: Take a Moment to Improve SF Public Transportation

Posted on by Susan Pedrick

SITUATION: In order to better serve riders, San Francisco Municipal Railway (MUNI) is currently engaged in a process called the Accessible Strategy Needs Assessment. This consists of performance data, institutional knowledge, and community wisdom.

ACTION: You can do your part to aid this process by expressing your opinions and concerns via the Accessibility Strategy Identified Needs Survey. This survey should only take you 3-5 minutes to complete, and your answers will help make the services and programs offered by MUNI more accessible.

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY

You can also email MUNI (AccessibilityStrategy@sfmta.com) to ask questions, give feedback or request project updates. 

Please also forward this message to friends, family and colleagues who ride MUNI.

Announcements, Events

OWL-SF Holiday Fun: Complimentary Lunch December 14

Posted on by Susan Pedrick

PLEASE JOIN OWL-SF FOR A DELICIOUS

CELEBRATION OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON

When: Saturday, December 14 11:30 AM to 2 PM
(R.S.V.P. by December 6, (415) 712-1695, info@owlsf.org)

Where: SF County Fair Building, Rec Room
(*see below for location and transportation details) 

Since OWLs enjoyed the incredibly delicious food in Savor Café at last year’s holiday party, this year Savor will be catering our gathering. Mouthwatering, vegan Mediterranean dishes will be served buffet style. 

Lunch is complimentary for OWL Members plus one guest—please consider bringing someone who might want to join OWL-SF.

In addition to your appetite, if you are able, please also bring a book or two for for the book swap (bring a book that needs a new home, and give a new home to a book that needs one).

WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU!

*SF County Fair Building, 9th Avenue and Lincoln: 7 Haight and 44 O’Shaughnessy MUNI lines, one block from N-Judah, two blocks from 43 Masonic and 6 Haight-Parnassus. Limited handicapped parking: let us know if you need one of the spots.

Action Alerts

OWL ALERT November 19: KEEP SAN FRANCISCO SIDEWALKS SAFE

Posted on by Susan Pedrick

SITUATION: The SFMTA Board of Directors is working on a plan to make all  forms of biking and rolling—such as scooters, e-bikes, skateboards, power chairs and other low-speed wheeled devices—safer for everyone in the city. Their #1 goal is putting people first. Hopefully that includes seniors and all pedestrians. 

Their plan must include educating riders about traffic laws such as stopping for stop signs and red lights, yielding to pedestrians and not riding on sidewalks, practices which are presently making our sidewalks and crosswalks unsafe.

ACTION: Email the Board of SFMTA at MTABoard@sfmta.com and tell them that their Biking and Rolling Plan must include education of the public—and enforcement of laws already on the books—to insure that bicycles and scooters are not allowed on the sidewalks and must stop for red lights, stop signs and crosswalks to ensure the safety of all San Franciscans.

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

Announcements, Events

OWL-SF Meeting November 23: Eating Well and Healthy for the Holidays

Posted on by Susan Pedrick

LET’S TALK ABOUT FOOD:
EATING WELL & EATING HEALTHY FOR THE HOLIDAYS

When: Saturday, Nov 23rd, 11 AM to 1 PM
Location: San Francisco Public Library, Richmond Branch* 
(*see below for location specifics)

Professional Chef and Herbalist Lorraine Gruber will instruct us in the use of herbs and spices for holiday dishes, reducing the salt, sugar and fat we once cooked with, especially during the holidays! 

Chef Lorraine will bring samples of her delicious and nutritious creations!

LOCATION SPECIFICS

The Richmond branch of San Francisco Public Library, 351 9th Avenue, is half a block north of Geary Boulevard. The Local 38 MUNI line will take you to 9th and Geary, the Rapid does not stop at 9th, but will take you to either 6th Avenue or Park Presidio–sixth being the closest. The 44 line also stops at 6th and Geary. Street parking is reasonably easy within a two block radius.

All branches of SFPL are wheelchair accessible.

The community meeting room is on the ground floor. If you enter through the 9th Avenue doors, the room is downstairs. If you enter through the 10th Avenue doors, as you do so, the room is to your right.

SEE YOU THERE!

Action Alerts

OWL ALERT October 16: TELL CONGRESS TO PASS EMERGENCY HURRICANE AID

Posted on by Susan Pedrick

Our fellow Americans living in hurricane-impacted areas should not have to worry that the federal government will run out of money to help them rebuild in the next few days.

SITUATION: Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has declared that Congress will not return to pass emergency funding to aid hurricane impacted areas before the election. Instead, he has said Congress will wait until November to pass the needed emergency relief for hurricane-impacted areas.

This could soon force FEMA to stop rebuilding projects in hurricane-impacted areas, and to instead focus only on life-saving operations.

ACTION: We cannot let political games endanger lives. Sign this petition to demand that Speaker Mike Johnson reconvene the House and pass the necessary hurricane relief aid. 

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

CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR NAME TO THE PETITION

Announcements, Events

OWL-SF October Meeting: October 19 WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S

Posted on by Susan Pedrick

ALZHEIMER’S DISPROPORTIONATELY AFFECTS WOMEN.

GATHER WITH OWL-SF OCTOBER 19
TO SUPPORT EFFORTS TO END ALZHEIMER’S

For the October Member Meeting, OWL-SF will be making a donation to this year’s WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S, and has created a walking team. Our team is called OWL-SF Walks. 

WHEN: Saturday, October 19, 9:30 a.m.
WHERE: Pier 27, Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco

LOOK FOR THE OWL BANNER: We will gather at Pier 27, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Embarcadero, for refreshments, entertainment, information and support. The walk is one mile, but those choosing not to walk can stay at the gathering and cheer others on! 

  • Gather outdoors and socialize with OWL Members
  • Support Research on Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Get the word out that OWL is still going strong
  • Get Some Exercise (Optional)

RSVP to OWL-SF by phone or email: (415) 712-1695, info@owlsf.org, no later than October 17. Wear your OWL shirt if you’ve got one, or something purple if you have it. Donation optional. Accessible by MUNI F Line. Parking can be both challenging and expensive. 

GATHER WITH OWL-SF WALKS
TO SUPPORT THE FIGHT
AGAINST ALZHEIMER’S!

Action Alerts

OWL ALERT September 21: ACCOUNTABILITY FOR FRAUD AGAINST THE ELDERLY

Posted on by Susan Pedrick

SITUATION: On August 29, the California Legislature passed SB 278, which will clarify the duties of banks to safeguard against financial fraud perpetrated on elder and dependent adults. It will strengthen abuse protections by holding institutions responsible for identifying fraud, notifying victims and delaying fraudulent transactions. 

SB 278 currently sits on Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk, awaiting his signature.

SOLUTION: Call or write Governor Newsom, and insist that he sign this crucial bill. The hope is to generate as many calls and messages as possible, so call or write AGAIN and AGAIN to get SB 278 passed.

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

Click HERE to email our governor.

To write or phone:

Governor Gavin Newsom
1021 O Street, Suite 9000
Sacramento, CA  95814

(916) 445-2841—SELECT “1” for English. “2” for Spanish, “6” Speak to a Rep.

Action Alerts

OWL ALERT Sept. 11: MORE WORK TO BE DONE TO KEEP CALIFORNIANS DRIVING AT SAFE SPEEDS

Posted on by Susan Pedrick

SITUATION: The August 23 OWL Alert asked OWLs to contact members of the California State Assembly, urging them to pass SB961, a bill that will mandate that auto manufacturers include technology to keep cars driving at safe speeds. 

Excellent news! The bill passed on September 1! 

However, the bill has been waiting for Governor Gavin Newsom to sign it, while the automobile manufacturing industry lobbies intensely for him to veto it. 

ACTION: Contact Governor Newsom and insist that he sign this crucial, landmark piece of legislation to reduce fatalities from speeding drivers, hold the auto industry accountable, and keep California on the cutting edge of legislation which will no doubt lead other states to follow suit. 

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

Click HERE to email our governor.

To write or phone:

Governor Gavin Newsom
1021 O Street, Suite 9000
Sacramento, CA  95814
(916) 445-2841

Announcements, Events

OWL-SF September 28 Meeting: NOVEMBER 2024 BALLOT MEASURES

Posted on by Susan Pedrick

Stay informed on important local ballot measures!
Ask questions!
Be ready to turn in your mail-in ballots early!

 

ZOOM meeting
Saturday, September 28, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

 

The League of Women Voters (LWV)—a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to empowering all to fully participate in our democracy—will provide speakers to present both for and against arguments from a nonpartisan point of view

Speakers: 

Michelle Moritz is Co-vice President and Chair of the Speakers Bureau for San Francisco’s LWV.

Danielle Deibler works on the pros and cons guide for LWV and is co-founder and CEO of MarvelousAI, a natural language technology startup to expose bias and misinformation in online media.

ZOOM link to follow
for more information, contact OWL-SF
(415) 712-1695, info@owlsf.org
Action Alerts

OWL Alert August 23: SAFE SPEEDS SAVE LIVES

Posted on by Susan Pedrick

SITUATION: Speed is the #1 cause of severe and fatal crashes in San Francisco and statewide. California State Senate bill SB 961 will require Intelligent Speed Assistance in California vehicles.

The full Assembly will vote on SB 961 mid-to-late next week, so now is when we need to put the pressure on 17 legislators who are still on-the-fence about this bill. 

ACTION: Call or email as many of the legislators listed below and demand that they stand up to the auto industry to save lives from dangerous speeding. It doesn’t matter if you’re a constituent of these legislators: urge them to pass this crucial bill!

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

Action Alerts

OWL Alert August 12: KEEP SENIORS AND PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES IN THEIR HOMES

Posted on by Susan Pedrick

SITUATION: Seniors and people living with disabilities are vulnerable to the loss of their residences owing to the cost of rent. California Senate Bill 37 (SB 37) — the Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities Housing Stability Act — would provide subsidies to those in this demographic who are experiencing or are at risk of experiencing homelessness. Grants will prioritize communities in which a high proportion of the renters face cost burdens.

SB 37 is currently “On Suspense,” meaning it requires recommendation for further consideration. The bill must pass the Appropriations Committee by August 14: ACT NOW!

ACTION: Please call, email or write to your State Assembly Appropriations Committee Members, urge them to get the bill out for a hearing and then vote yes on it. It is particularly important to contact Assemblyman Matt Haney, because he has the power to get bills out of the On Suspense phase. 

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

Text Matt at: (415) 606-9940, or click HERE for a complete list of Committee Members—including Matt Haney—and all contact information. If possible: CONTACT ALL OF THEM.

Action Alerts

OWL ALERT August 6: HELP LAGUNA HONDA KEEP BEDS

Posted on by Susan Pedrick

SITUATION: Thanks to the efforts of many supporters—including OWL-SF Members—Laguna Honda Hospital has resumed the admission of patients. However, the 2-to-a-bathroom rule threatens to eliminate 120 beds, and a waiver of this rule is needed in order to prevent such a drastic cut. 

Now is the time to focus on asking the SFDPH/City Attorney to apply for a waiver of the 2-to-a-bathroom rule so that Laguna Honda can care for more patients. 

ACTION: Contact Dr. Grant Colfax, Director of SFDPH, and San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu and urge them to make good on their promises to apply for the waiver, and keep crucial beds available at Laguna Honda.

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

Director Department of Public Health
Dr. Grant Colfax
101 Grove Street San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 255-3525
grant.colfax@sfgov.org

Office of the City Attorney
City Hall, Room 234
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Pl.
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 554-4700 Phone
cityattorney@sfcityatty.org

Announcements, Events

MEMBERS: JOIN US FOR A COMPLIMENTARY LUNCH JULY 27

Posted on by Susan Pedrick

PLEASE JOIN US FOR LUNCH!

When: July 27, 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Where: Delancey Street Restaurant
600 Embarcadero at Brannan, San Francisco

Public transportation is encouraged
MUNI Metro Lines N-Judah and T-Third Street
Limited metered street parking available

 

OWL-SF is proud to invite Members and friends to dine with us at the restaurant of the Delancey Street Foundation. Lunch is complimentary for Members and one friend.

Consider bringing someone who might be
interested in becoming a Member of OWL-SF!

You must:

  • RSVP no later than July 20, by emailing info@owlsf.org or calling (415) 712-1695
  • Include the number of people attendin
  • Include menu choices for each person attending—one entree and one dessert
  • If you choose a sandwich as an entree, include your choice of regular or sweet potato fries

Your delicious options are:

ENTREES
(Select one per person.)

(1) Spinach Salad: Feta cheese, bacon, Greek olives, tomatoes, spicy pecans and mint

(2) Grilled Vermont Cheddar Cheese Sandwich
served with regular fries

(3) Grilled Vermont Cheddar Cheese Sandwich
served with sweet potato fries

(4) Grilled or Blackened Chicken Breast Sandwich: 
Lemon cayenne aioli on a Kaiser roll, served with regular fries

(5) Grilled or Blackened Chicken Breast Sandwich: 
Lemon cayenne aioli on a Kaiser roll, served with sweet potato fries

(6) Vegetarian Crepe: Smoked mozzarella, roasted peppers, sliced Portobello mushroom, tomato and basil

DESSERT
(Select one per person)

(A) Warm 3 Ginger Gingerbread with whipped cream, OR

(B) Sweet Potato Pie with whipped cream

WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU!