Announcements, Events

January 24 Panning Meeting: HELP MAKE 2026 A GREAT YEAR FOR OWL!

Posted on by Susan Pedrick
2026 OWL PLANNING MEETING
Let’s make 2026 Exceptional for OWL members!
Join in to plan OWL’s Agenda for 2026
 
WHEN: Saturday, January 24, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WHERE:  Rhoda Goldman Plaza
2180 Post Street at Scott (directions below)
(your RSVP by Monday, January 19
helps us plan the light refreshments served)
 

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!

DIRECTIONS:

  • Post Street is one block north of Geary Boulevard; Scott is one block east of Divisadero.
  • Accessible within two blocks by Muni Lines 2, 22, 24 and 38.
  • Street parking within two blocks is reasonably easy. 
For more information contact:

info@owlsf.org                              (415) 712-1695

Announcements, Events

JOIN US FOR HOLIDAY LUNCHEON DECEMBER 6, 2025

Posted on by Susan Pedrick

Here comes another great OWL-SF gathering!

Join us for our annual Holiday Luncheon.

When: Saturday, December 6, 2025, 11:30 AM to 2 PM
Where: Waller Urban Retreat Center
1525 Waller Street (near Clayton)*

 

Delicious vegan Mediterranean lunch—once again catered by Savor—is complimentary to OWL-SF Members, plus one guest. Please RSVP by November 20, including the number in your party: (415) 712-1695; info@owlsf.org

AND! Bring a book for the book swap!

 

New or gently used books you loved, looking for a new home? Bring a book or two and take a book or two, it’s an OWL-SF tradition!

 

 

* Waller Street is one block south of Haight, Clayton Street is two block west of Masonic, or three blocks east of Golden Gate Park. Accessible by MUNI lines 7, 33, 37 and 43, plus the N streetcar. There is no parking at the facility, and street parking can be difficult. 

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Action Alerts, Announcements, Other Resources

ACTION RESOURCES for FIGHTING THE CURRENT U.S. POLITICAL STORM

Posted on by Susan Pedrick

 

NO KINGS!

HANDS OFF OUR DEMOCRACY!

The OWL-SF meeting on Saturday, October 25th was lively and informative. During the discussion of “What’s Next After No Kings Day”, several of the resources below were mentioned as ways we can take action. Not everyone can march, but everyone can do something!  

The most urgent way to participate is to vote in the election concerning Prop. 50.  If you vote-by-mail, it’s recommended that you put your ballot in one of the drop boxes (outside every library) to ensure that it’s received in time to be counted. Most at the meeting expressed the view that a Yes vote offers a chance to stand up to Republican gerrymandering in other states.

For information about voting on Prop. 50, the League of Women Voters has prepared a non-partisan voting guide

League of Women Voters SF Voting Guide

Other resources for taking action include:

indivisiblesf.org
nokings.org
5calls.org

At this time, mutual aid is also important.  As SNAP benefits are eliminated for the most needy among us, and our immigrant neighbors hesitate to leave their homes, we can assist them. Here are some resources with further information:

sfmutualaid.com/
sfilen.org/resources/sf-rapid-response-network/
sfildc.org/get-involved/
sfsafehouse.org/

 

STAY STRONG AND STAY IN THE STRUGGLE

FOR DIGNITY AND HUMAN RIGHTS!

Announcements, Events

OWL-SF Meeting Oct. 25: WHAT COMES NEXT after NO KINGS?

Posted on by Susan Pedrick
THE POWER BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE!
AFTER NO KINGS DAY: WHAT’S NEXT?

 

When: Saturday, October 25, 11 AM to 12:30 PM * 
Where: IN PERSON, Rhoda Goldman Plaza
2180 Post Street at Scott (directions below)
* Please RSVP to help estimate the quantity of light refreshments to be served.
 

  • What’s at Stake for Older Women and other seniors?
  • What can we do besides marching and rallying?
  • How can we choose which strruggles to focus on?
  • What are some strategies for self care and staying engaged when the injustices become overwhelming?

 

*  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
 
 Please RSVP by Tuesday, October 22 to:
info@owlsf.org or (415) 712-1695.

DIRECTIONS:

  • Post Street is one block north of Geary Boulevard; Scott is one block east of Divisadero.
  • Accessible within two blocks by Muni Lines 2, 22, 24 and 38.
  • Street parking within two blocks is reasonably easy. 
Announcements, Events

JOIN OWL-SF at OCT 18 NO KINGS DAY–AND WEAR YOUR OWL TEE!

Posted on by Susan Pedrick

LET’S JOIN OUR OWL ARMS AND REPRESENT!
AT the OCTOBER 18 NO KINGS DAY RALLY!

The current President wants to be a dictator, a monarch, a tyrant. He’s trying to destroy everything America stands for, everything America is supposed to be.

Saturday, October 18 will be Indivisible National’s second NO KINGS Nationwide Day of Defiance. In SF, gather at Sue Bierman Park (north of Embarcadero Plaza, see below for directions) at 1:30 p.m. The march starts promptly at 2 p.m. and will proceed to Civic Center Plaza for a rally that starts at 3 p.m.

COME GATHER WITH OWLsTO MAKE

THE VOICES OF OLDER WOMEN HEARD!

*Email or call OWL-SF for specific meeting locations

AND! WEAR your OWL tee shirt!

Don’t have a t-shirt? We’ll order one for you! Let us know your size by October 3 (as soon as possible), and the address you would like the shirt to be mailed to. An optional $25 contribution for the t-shirt would be appreciated, but not necessary for OWL Members. Phone (415) 712-1695, email info@owlsf.org

OWLs TAKE POWER AWAY FROM
THIS WANNABE KING!

Driving is NOT recommended. Take BART to Embarcadero to meet at Sue Bierman Park, or to Civic Center Station for the rally. On MUNI, take the F Market to Sue Bierman Park or Civic Center Plaza.  The J, K, L, M, N or 6, 9, 19, 21 or 49 lines also stop near Civic Center Plaza. 

Announcements, Events

TWO EXCELLENT EVENTS TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 30

Posted on by Susan Pedrick
Tuesday, September 30 will feature two opportunities to learn more about current political concerns.
           *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *
Come to SF Village from 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon for a provocative & informative in-person discussion about our role in electing the leadership that we want and deserve for our state & country. Christy Smith of Emerge CA* will be leading the discussion for us. Christy is the former Assemblywoman for California’s 38th Assembly District & the Executive Director of Emerge CA.

San Francisco Village
3220 Fulton Street near 8th Avenue
Street parking reasonably easy, or MUNI 5 Fulton

*Please RSVP to Gayle.Geary@gmail.com or dvollmermfm@gmail.com

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

Then, from 6 to 7 p.m., join the National Council of Negro Women for a Zoom gathering to discuss Prop 50, the redistricting measure on the November ballot. Kellie Todd Griffin, President and CEO of California Black Women’s Collective Empowerment Institute will speak about such questions as:

  • What is redistricting?
  • What is really at stake?
  • Why is it temporary?
  • Why does your vote matter?
Click HERE to register for the NCNW Prop 50 discussion.
Announcements, Events

OWL-SF PAC MEETING SEPTEMBER 18 3 PM: MERCY HOUSIN

Posted on by Susan Pedrick

The September OWL-SF Political Advocacy
Committee meeting will feature a special guest.
All are invited to attend.

WHEN: Thursday, September 18, 3 PM
ZOOM INFO BELOW

The OWL-SF PAC Committee has invited a special guest from Mercy Housing to speak about the affordable senior housing being planned for a site at Laguna Honda Hospital property. She wants to tell us about the housing, answer questions and also get some input from us as the plans are being developed.  

Hope you can make it.  Zoom link below.

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6045502514?pwd=OXhvM1FhNm9QUFJCWHlINzY2TGdqdz09

Meeting ID: 604 550 2514                 Passcode: LH2024

Announcements, Events

OWL-SF MEETING SEPTEMBER 27: BRAIN HEALTH MYTHS AND FACTS

Posted on by Susan Pedrick

BRAIN HEALTH: MYTHS AND FACTS
ABOUT DEMENTIA PREVENTION

WHEN and WHERE:
Saturday, September 27, 11 a.m. to 12:30 P.M.
VIA ZOOM

  • What is known about the causes of dementia?
  • Are there any effective ways to maintain brain health and prevent or slow the progression of dementia?
  • How useful are “brain games”?

Learn about the current state of knowledge regarding what does and does not work in the fight for brain health.

Dr. Sonia Sánchez Mendoza is a geriatrician and Atlantic Fellow for Equity in Brain Health at the University of California, San Francisco. Her work focuses on promoting brain health and well-being. She is passionate about translating science into accessible, relevant information to reduce stigma, increase understanding, and foster healthier aging.

ZOOM INFO TO FOLLOW

Announcements, Events

JULY 26: Luncheon and Book Swap

Posted on by Susan Pedrick

It’s time for our in-person luncheon
where we connect with new and longtime friends!

PLEASE JOIN US (And bring a book for the book swap!)

When: Saturday, July, 26, 12 NOON – 2 PM
Where: ST. MARK’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
Complimentary for OWL-SF Members, and a guest
RSVP: no later than Monday, July 21st

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church
1111 O’Farrell Street, San Francisco, CA
(Between Franklin and Gough)
Some parking available (enter on Gough Street)
MUNI 38-Geary, 49 Van Ness
Wheelchair accessible

Don’t forget to RSVP:

Call (415) 712-1695
or email info@owlsf.org
 
Let OWL know if you need a ride,
and we will try to find one for you!
Announcements, Events

OWL-SF Meeting June 28: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT A-FIB

Posted on by Susan Pedrick

HEART HEALTH:

FOCUS ON ATRIAL FIBRILLATION

WHEN & WHERE:
Saturday, June 28, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
via Zoom

Advanced age is a risk factor for atrial fibrillation (AFib), a cardiac condition that causes rapid and chaotic heartbeats. In some cases, this can lead to blood clots that put patients at greater risk of stroke, but when detected early enough, AFib can be managed with treatment. 

After twenty years as Chief of Cardiology at UCSF, Dr. William Grossman is now Professor Emeritus, with an active practice at UCSF’s Center for Prevention of Heart and Vascular Disease. Dr. Grossman will address the causes, symptoms and treatments for AFib. The meeting will conclude with a Q & A period.

 

ZOOM INFO TO FOLLOW
For more information: (415) 712-1695; info@owlsf.org

Action Alerts, Announcements

OWL ALERT April 29: STAND UP FOR DEMOCRACY AND THE CONSITUTION!

Posted on by Susan Pedrick

SITUATION:  Since the beginning of the current President’s second term, America’s Democracy and Constitution have been under siege by a barrage of executive orders and unlawful cuts by unelected Elon Musk, head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). 

It’s time to let those in power know that this cannot stand! 

Be one of the millions of Americans, including older women, who demand that our Democracy be restored and our Constitution upheld!  Make older women’s voices be heard!
 
ACTION:  Join the May Day protest at San Francisco’s Civic Center Plaza featuring an approximately 1 hour long program, followed by a march up Market St. 

The event, Thursday, May 1st, starts at 4 PM and ends at 7 PM. If you are unable to come for the whole time, come for a short while if you can! Meet at 4 PM at the steps of City Hall on the Polk Street side of the building where we will gather and walk over to the event.  For late comers, look for the hot pink OWL sign, which we will be holding so you can find find us

Let our voices be heard!

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

Announcements, Events

STAND UP FOR OUR DEMOCRACY: Meet to Protest at Tesla

Posted on by Susan Pedrick

SF OWLS GATHER TO SPEAK OUT AT TESLA

Where: Meet at Mel’s Kitchen 1050 Van Ness at Geary
When: Noon, Saturday, April 19th and Saturday, May 3rd
What: We will walk the short distance to the Tesla showroom 999 Van Ness at O’Farrell together, with OWL signs encouraging others to join our organization and our cause.

Protest against the shredding of our democracy as the President defies the courts and makes a mockery of Congress.

Let’s gather to make our OWL voices heard LOUD AND CLEAR:
 
NO ONE VOTED FOR THIS!
Announcements, Events

OWL-SF Meeting April 26: SOCIAL SECURITY, NOW AND IN THE FUTURE

Posted on by Susan Pedrick

TRUMP PROMISES HANDS OFF SOCIAL SECURITY,
BUT WILL HE KEEP HIS WORD?

WHEN:  Saturday, April 26, 2025, 11 AM to 12:30 PM *
WHERE: IN PERSON, Rhoda Goldman Plaza Community Room
2180 Post Street at Scott (directions below)
* please RSVP by Thursday, April 24

Trinh Phan, Director of State Income Security for Justice in Aging, works to ensure low-income older adults have sufficient finances to meet their basic needs. Ms. Phan graduated from Columbia University and UC Law in San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings).

She will Speak to OWL about:

  • What is the current status of Social Security?
  • How would staff cuts, office closures, more rigorous registration process and other changes affect older people?
  • What would privatization mean for Social Security?
  • How can we ensure Social Security if there for us and others?

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

Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP by Thursday, April 24 to:
info@owlsf.org or (415) 712-1695.

DIRECTIONS:

  • Post Street is one block north of Geary Boulevard; Scott is one block east of Divisadero.
  • Accessible within two blocks by Muni Lines 2, 22, 24 and 38
  • Street parking within two blocks is reasonably easy. 
Announcements, Events

ANNOUNCEMENT: RALLY APRIL 5 TO PROTEST U.S. FEDERAL GREED

Posted on by Susan Pedrick

OWL-SF urges OWLs to join INDIVISIBLE SF and 50501 at their HANDS OFF! rally to protest the current U.S. Presidential Administration’s egregious takeover and takedown of government agencies crucial to the American public, for the financial gain of people who are already obscenely wealthy.
 

WHEN: Saturday, April 5, 2025, 1 PM to 3 PM
WHERE: SF Civic Center Plaza
directly across from SF City Hall
(see below for public transit info)

 

 

The current U.S. Presidential Administration thinks this country belongs to them. San Francisco is fighting BACK!

They’re taking everything they can get their hands on—our health care, our data, our jobs, our services—and daring the world to stop them. This is a crisis, and the time to act is now.

This mass mobilization day is a message to the world that we do not consent to the destruction of our government and our economy for the benefit of billionaires. Alongside Americans across the country, we are marching, rallying, and protesting to demand a halt to the chaos, and to build an opposition movement against the looting of our country.

JOIN OWL-SF TO SPEAK UP AND OUT! HANDS OFF!