COMMENTARIES AND LETTERS

From the editor: All commentaries we publish are the opinions of the writers and should not be considered our editorial stances on issues. We strive to remain neutral and offer a balance of viewpoints. We invite readers who wish to express their opinions to send a letter to the editor to Editor@RichmondSunsetNews.com. Word limit for the newspaper is 350, for the website, 500. RichmondSunsetNews.com.

COOKING TOGETHER WITH SHANTA

Cooking demo and Lunch with South Indian Menu at Other Avenues Grocery Co-op, 3930 Judah St., Saturday, Feb. 7, 1-2:30 p.m. Menu: Masala Chai (Indian Tea with milk – or soy milk) – and spices, papadam (wafers made from small black beans and flours), sambhar (lentil- based spiced soup with vegetables), basmati rice cooked with quinoa. $25 covers demonstration with copies of recipes and a complete meal. Class size is limited to 10; prepaid registration are guaranteed. Walk in permitted, if space is available. To register, visit or call Other Avenues, 415-661-7475 or email Shanta at shanta@cookingtogether.org.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations to Paul Kilduff who won a second-place award in the small press room cartoonist category at the SF Press Club awards event in December of last year for his contributions to the Richmond Review and Sunset Beacon newspapers!

FELTON TECH SQUAD

Felton’s Tech Squad provides free basic tech support for older adults and people with disabilities in the Richmond District. Ask questions regarding how to navigate your smartphone, tablet or laptop. Friday, Feb. 13, 1:30-3 p.m. at the Richmond Branch Library (351 Ninth Ave.). Drop-in for a one-on-one session in English. We are also seeking volunteers who speak English or Cantonese. For more information, call 415-474-1558 or email techsquad@felton.org. The Tech Squad is now introducing Basic Tech Classes in Cantonese for older adults and adults with disabilities on Tuesdays 12:30-2 p.m. at the Richmond Senior Center (6221 Geary Blvd., third floor). For more information, call 415-961-7043 or email sfconnected@felton.org.

FREE EVENTS AT THE SF PUBLIC LIBRARY, RICHMOND BRANCH

351 NINTH AVE., 415-355-5600

CHILDREN/FAMILY PROGRAMS:

“Storytime: For Babies.” Playtime follows directly after Storytime. Limited to 46 participants, tickets required. Mondays, 11-11:30 a.m.

“Storytime: For Toddlers.” Playtime follows directly after Storytime. Program Room. Limited to 46 participants, tickets required. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 11-11:30 a.m.

“Activity: Crochet Jam with Ramekon O’Awristers.” Connect with art in a new way, with Crochet Jam. This is a public art-making event focused on relaxation and human connection led by local artist Ramekon O’Arwisters. Learn one crochet stitch and then create an art piece using your hands and fabric strips provided or bring your own. The program is designed to be a meditative practice with no prescribed outcome for the creative process. Participants can keep their creations. Saturday, Feb. 7, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

“Activity: Lego Free Play.” Build skyscrapers, forts, castles or whatever your imagination desires with LEGOs. For children ages 5 and older. Tuesday, Feb. 10, 3:30-5 p.m.

“Activity: Paint Together.” Explore creativity, improve dexterity and expand spatial awareness through painting. Space limited. Seats available first come, first served. For children and their caregivers. Tuesday, Feb. 24, 3:30-5 p.m.

“Social: Pokémon Day.” Celebrate Pokémon Day with giveaways, button-making, craft activities and more. Friday, Feb. 27, 3:30-5 p.m.

PROGRAMS FOR TEENS:

“Activity: Plant Identification.” Make your own field guide. Bring your cell phone and learn how to identify plants and animals using a field identification app. Discover all the flora and fauna right outside of the Richmond Branch. For ages 13-18. Richmond back patio. Thursday, Feb. 19, 4-5 p.m.

PROGRAMS FOR ALL AGES:

“Social: Therapy Pet at the Library.” Meet therapy pets, Terry and Moonshine, provided by the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SF SPCA) to provide comfort and relieve stress. Thursday, Feb. 19, 3-4 p.m.

“Lantern Festival Celebration.” 10th Avenue Children’s Playground. Celebrate Lantern Festival and Lunar New Year with local community and artists, games, snacks, arts and crafts. Saturday, Feb. 28, 2-4 p.m.

ADULT PROGRAMS:

“Breath Meditation with Don Narin.” Guided meditation for calming and stress release. Every Thursday, 11 a.m.-noon.

“Read Together, Silent Book Club.” Bring any book (fiction or nonfiction) for a period of silent reading followed by a discussion when you share what you are reading with others. The club meets every other Wednesday. Feb. 4 and 18, 3-5 p.m.

“Tutorial: Kanopy Streaming.” Kanopy is an on-demand streaming video platform for public and academic libraries that offers films, TV shows, educational videos and documentaries. You get free access to thousands of movies with your library card. Sunday, Feb. 8, 2-3 p.m.

“Tutorial: Tech Savy at 60+.” Learn basics of tablets and iPhones. It is a seven-class series. Please bring your own devices: Apple/Android. The class is taught in Cantonese. Space is limited, please reserve: 415-355-5600. This program is in partnership with Self-Help for the Elderly. Wednesdays, Feb. 11 and 25, 2-3:30 p.m.

“Tutorial: Drop-In Tech Support for Older Adults with the Felton Institute Tech Squad.” Felton’s Tech Squad provides free basic tech support for older adults and people with disabilities. Get help with your phone or tablet, searching the internet, setting up an email account and other basic computer tasks. Friday, Feb. 13, 1:30-3 p.m.

“Workshop: Westside Affordable Housing Richmond and Sunset.” This workshop offers affordable housing resources and educational information on the Richmond and Sunset districts. You will learn how to apply for, who qualifies for and the process of applying for affordable housing with DAHLIA. Information on upzoning will also be shared. This program will be split into two sessions for English and Cantonese speakers. English session, 2-3 p.m.; Cantonese session 3:30-4:30 p.m. Space is limited. Reservations required: 415-355-5600. This program is in partnership with Self-Help for the Elderly. Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2-4:30 p.m.

FREE EVENTS AT THE SF PUBLIC LIBRARY, SUNSET BRANCH

1305 18TH AVE., 415-355-2808

Tutorial: Tech Help. Tech coaches are available to help with basic questions about technology, such as computer tasks or how to use your phone or tablet. These interns can help you learn how to attach a file to an email, send photos from your phone and more. First come, first served. Saturdays, 2-4 p.m., Sundays, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Workshop: District 7 Affordable Housing. Thursday, Feb. 12, 1:30-2:30 p.m. The District 7 Affordable Housing Workshop will cover the following topics: What affordable housing is, who qualifies, the current outcomes of up-zoning impacts in District 7 and an overview of the application process. At the end, the workshop will introduce you to DAHLIA, the San Francisco Housing Portal — the official website for the City’s affordable housing program.

Social: Therapy Pets at the Library. Saturday, Feb. 14, 3-4 p.m. Meet a therapy pet provided by the SFSPCA to offer comfort and to relieve stress.

Workshop: Dental Health Care. Thursday, Feb. 19, 6-7 p.m. Learn how to build good oral hygiene habits to last a lifetime. UCSF Chinese Dental Health Club provides oral health education and dental tips to patrons of all ages. There will be demonstrations and interactive activities that patrons can participate in. Free dental hygiene supplies for attendees, while supplies last.

Tutorial: Tablet and Smartphone Course. Friday, Feb. 20, 1-2:30 p.m. Topic: Google Maps. Reservations required: 415-355-2808 (starting Feb. 2).

FREE MOVIES

The 4 Star Theater will be playing free family-friendly movies at 10 a.m. on weekend mornings in 2026. The films selected will cover a wide range from family classics to newer hits straight from theaters. Reservations will be first-come first-served when the box office opens 30 minutes before the screening on the day of the show. Come early for our free specially curated cartoon pre-shows. Any showtimes of the film later in the day will be regularly priced.

• Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse: Feb. 7 and 8.

• Valentine’s Cartoon Special: Feb. 14 and 15.

• Spirited Away: Feb. 21 and 22.

• Hercules (1997): Feb. 28 and March 1.

Learn more at 4-star-movies.com/popcorn-palace.

FREE PUPPIES

Free Golden Retriever puppies to forever homes due to relocating: one male, one female, Preferably email me first at: stephaniechristensen59@yahoo.com before text 352- 533-2411.

FREE WALKING GROUPS FOR SENIORS

Join the friendly San Francisco 55+ Neighborhood Walks. These free walks are leisurely, not vigorous and accommodating for seniors with various walking abilities. To sign up, go to meetup.com/sf-55-neighborhood-walking-groups. You can see who else is walking. You are also welcome if you just show up in person. The walks meet weekly, except when it rains and sometimes on holidays – check the Meetup link for the latest updates. The walks vary from one hour to two hours, and you can leave at any time.

• Tuesday walks start at noon at Angelina’s Cafe, 6000 California St., at 22nd Avenue in the Richmond District and goes to Lands End and back.

• Friday walks start at 10 a.m. in front of the Forest Hill Club House at 391 Magellan St. and tours that beautiful neighborhood.

• Sunday walks start at 1 p.m. at Java Beach by the Zoo at 2650 Sloat Blvd. in the Outer Sunset and goes along Sunset Dunes from Sloat Boulevard to Judah Street and back. Dogs are allowed at the Ocean Beach walk.

• Golden Gate Park Walk for 55+ Seniors: We meet every Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at the Pool of Enchantment next to the front of the de Young Museum. The route varies each week. Come get fine exercise and meet friendly people. If you have questions, write to freeseniorwalk@gmail.com. Every walk is located where there is a public bathroom either at the starting place or on the route.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Happy February birthday to Oscar Alonso, Dave Bardfeld, Ezaad Bastani, Paul Bradlyn, Jimmy Carlton, Cali Sosa Clahr, Clara and Michelle, Darian Costa, Ronnie Davis, Melissa Deng, Astrid and Doug Downen, Téa Eristavi, Brendan Fox, Pamela Hirchak, Kate Hoisington, David Kadlec, Missy Keehan, Eloise Kelsey, Karen Kuang, Effie Lee, Kelly Lee, Howard and Jason Michael Leigh, Abigail Lue, Jamie Lue, Justin Lue, Roosevelt Lue, Riley McLaughlin, Cesar Melero, Ryan Moore, Kelly Poole, Jillian Regan, Ryder Sanders, Kathryn Stefanski, Paul Stella, Santina Maria Sullivan, Kimberley Thompson, Tommy Towle, Maria Verissimo, Austin Wald, Courtney Wong, Emily Wong, Evelyn Wong, Edwina Yuan and Orlando Zepeda. To add a name to the monthly birthday list, email Editor@RichmondSunsetNews.com. Free.

JONG FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY

One of my favorite services at Jong Financial Management Consultancy is account

reconciliations. The most common ones are bank and merchant card statements. There are all sorts of other types of reconciliations, such as suppliers/vendors and customers/clients. There are payroll and corporate tax expenses/accrued tax liabilities and insurance expense/prepaid insurance as well. Any balance sheet or income statement account may also need to be trued up. If I can help you reconcile or true up your accounts, please reach out to Nancy Jong, CTP at 415-386-7463 or njong.jfmc@att.net.

LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM

The San Francisco Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program offers free, confidential support to address issues raised by residents in long-term care facilities and free training opportunities for those interested in becoming volunteer ombudsmen. For details on training or accessing support, call 415-751-9788 or email ombudsman@felton.org.

LUNAR NEW YEAR VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Volunteers are needed for the Richmond District Lunar New Year Celebration Good Luck Parade and Night Market taking place on the Outer Balboa corridor (35th to 40th avenues), Feb. 7, 3-8:30 p.m. Help support this fun and exciting community event. Volunteer roles include parade support, crowd control and activity assistance. Multiple shifts available. No prior experience required. Interested in getting involved? Please contact Sarah.li@richmondsf.org.

OUTER SUNSET FARMERS MARKET AND MERCANTILE

Join us every Sunday at the Outer Sunset Farmers Market and Mercantile where you can find fresh produce from local farmers and ranchers, enjoy delicious dishes from Outer Sunset eateries and discover unique finds from local makers and artisans. Every Sunday, find a revolving series of live performers, engaging activities and exhibitions at the ArtShip and fun zone! Our farmers market accepts WIC, EBT and Market Match. 37th Avenue at Ortega Street, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Visit sunsetmercantilesf.com or call 415-465-2475 for more details.

PEACH PEAR PLUM LITERACY LOUNGE

Peach Pear Plum is a literacy lounge tucked away on Ninth Avenue in the Inner Richmond. This light-filled writing space encourages creativity and storytelling for children Pre-K

through third grade. Through poetry, plays and short stories, young writers have an after-

school opportunity to let their imaginations run wild in a small group setting. There is also space for one-on-one support. For more information about who we are, our programs, the newsletter and special events, contact the studio at peachpearplum.org.

“PHOTOS OF THE MONTH” ONLINE GALLERY

Photographers are invited to submit three of their best photos for consideration to be published in the “Photos of the Month” gallery on RichmondSunsetNews.com. The website averages 25,000 views per month. Please submit photos as jpegs on the 15th of each month. For more information, email Editor@RichmondSunsetNews.com or call 415-706-6428.

REFUSE REFUSE CLEANUPS

Thursday, Feb. 5, 10 a.m.-noon, Fort Miley Cleanup and Workday, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756072/.

Thursday, Feb. 5, 3:30-4:30 p.m., One Richmond Cleanup. mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756133/.

Friday, Feb. 6, 8-9 a.m., Morning Coffee Cleanup, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756135/.

Friday, Feb. 6, 4-5 p.m., Clement Street Happy Hour Cleanup, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756136/.

Saturday, Feb. 7, 9-11 a.m., Lone Mountain Cleanup, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/755924/.

Saturday, Feb. 7, 10-11:30 a.m., Baker Beach Cleanup, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/755942/.

Saturday, Feb. 7, 10-11:30 a.m., KEEP Ocean Beach Clean, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/755689/.

Saturday, Feb. 7, 10 a.m.-noon, Avenues To Kezar Cleanup, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/755812.

Sunday, Feb. 8, 1-3 p.m., Sunset Dunes Cleanup, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/757479/.

Tuesday, Feb. 10, 3:30-4:30 p.m., Richmond Library Cleanup, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756695/.

Thursday, Feb. 12, 10 a.m.-noon, Fort Miley Cleanup and Workday, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756072/.

Friday, Feb. 13, 3-4:30 p.m., Richmond Neighborly Cleanup, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/755939/.

Friday, Feb. 13, 4-5 p.m., Clement Street Happy Hour Cleanup, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756136/.

Saturday, Feb. 14, 10-11:30 a.m., KEEP Ocean Beach Clean, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/755689/.

Thursday, Feb. 19, 10 a.m.-noon, Fort Miley Cleanup and Workday, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756072/.

Thursday, Feb. 19, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Rise & Grind Cleanup, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756073/.

Friday, Feb. 20, noon-1:30 p.m., Richmond Neighborhood Center Cleanup, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756081/.

Friday, Feb. 20, 4-5 p.m., Clement Street Happy Hour Cleanup, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756136/.

Saturday, Feb. 21, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Central Richmond Cleanup, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/755827/.

Saturday, Feb. 21, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., KEEP Ocean Beach Clean, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/755689/.

Thursday, Feb. 26, 10 a.m.-noon, Fort Miley Cleanup and Workday, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756072/.

Friday, Feb. 27, 4-5 p.m., Clement Street Happy Hour Cleanup, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756136/.

Saturday, Feb. 28, 10 a.m.-noon, Richmond District Cleanup, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/755689/.

Saturday, Feb. 28, 10 a.m.-noon, Inner Sunset Cleanup, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756093.

Saturday, Feb. 28, 10-11:30 a.m., KEEP Ocean Beach Clean, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/755689/.

SECONDHAND SATURDAYS

Come check out Secondhand Saturdays and celebrate all things vintage, antique and secondhand. Presented by Sunset Mercantile every third Saturday of the month at Ortega Street and 37th Avenue, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Shop local from more than 50 vintage vendors, makers and artisans that are some of the Bay Area’s best. Enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, food trucks, rotating monthly features and more. Visit sunsetmercantilesf.com/secondhand for more information.

SF EDUCATION FUND VOLUNTEER TRAININGS

More than 90 teachers are still looking for volunteers to help in their classrooms. Help the outstanding teachers and school staff at SF’s public schools – one hour a week. This is the final volunteer training for the 2025-2026 school year. Tutor training: Thursday, Feb. 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m. (via Zoom). Learn more at sfedfund.org/become-a-volunteer.

STAMP COLLECTOR AND STAMP COLLECTIONS

Stamp collector is buying stamps and stamp collections. I am buying “older stamps” from the 1800s to 1930. American Philatelic Society member since 1986. Pictures are appreciated. Call or text message 415-533-0761.

SUNSET MERCANTILE’S EMPORIUM

Sunset Mercantile’s first brick-and-mortar location is an incubating platform for local merchants and makers. Located in the heart of the Inner Sunset, Sunset Mercantile’s Emporium is an extension of its popular outdoor events. It serves as a platform for small vendors and makers to showcase and sell their unique, often handmade, products. You can find an array of items, from an in-store plant shop, to handmade bags, vintage fashion, to grab-and-go artisanal snacks. The store also hosts workshops and seasonal events for the community such as the Inner Sunset Art Walk, Holiday Light Stroll and Noise Pop’s Summer of Music. The Emporium would like to extend an invitation to local merchants and makers to be a part of this special new retail space. This is an opportunity for vendors to create their own mini shop within the store. For more information about Emporium and how to apply, visit sunsetmercantilesf.com/emporium.

SUNSET NIGHT MARKET RETURNS

The official Sunset Night Market returns this Lunar New Year as a four-part series. Kick off the Year of the Horse at the award-winning night market on Feb. 27. This all-ages event inspired by night markets in Asia has something for everyone, including a huge array of food vendors cooking up authentic and delicious fare. Discover local food favorites, live entertainment, cultural performances, interactive activities, artisan makers, small businesses and community artists — all in one electric night. Eat your way across this bustling night market or stop by to celebrate community and the new year. Presented by Sunset Mercantile, Wah Mei, Into The Streets and ASIAN Inc. For more information and to register, go to Eventbrite.com and search for “Sunset Night Market.” Tickets are not required but people are encouraged to register.

THANK YOU!

Sincere thanks to the readers who generously donated to the Richmond Review and those who signed up on the Patreon funding campaign. Your contributions help keep us financially healthy. If you signed up or donated and have not received Richmond Review branded products (tote bag, pens, coffee mug, hat or shirt), please send an email to Editor@RichmondSunsetNews.com. We would also like to share just your name in the paper to thank you. Please let us know if that is OK. To donate, please visit our website to sign up for our Patreon campaign, send a check to Richmond Review, P.O. Box 16035, SF, CA, 94116 or send via PayPal to Editor@RichmondSunsetNews.com. Thank you!

UNIONPOSTSF

UnionPostSF on Geary Boulevard, now under new management, is happy to fulfill all of your mailbox rental, shipping, fingerprinting, Notary Public, packing and related needs. Open 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. weekdays, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturdays. 5432 Geary Blvd., 415-831-9261, caunionpostsf.com.

Announcements: $1 per word, 20 word minimum. Share birthday greetings, weddings, anniversaries, births, obituaries, graduations, sports highlights, business accomplishments, retirements, college admissions, etc.

Announcements run in the Richmond Review and Sunset Beacon newspapers (36,400 copies) and on RichmondSunsetNews.com (average of more than 25,000 views per month). Ads must be pre-paid. Deadline: 22nd of the month. Mail check to: P.O. Box 16035, S.F., CA 94116 or use PayPal to Editor@RichmondSunsetNews.com. Call 415-706-6428 or email Editor@RichmondSunsetNews.com for more details.

FREE: Add a name to the monthly birthday list or a community event announcements. Email Editor@RichmondSunsetNews.com.

We support small businesses: Free announcements for small businesses celebrating an anniversary or other significant milestone or event. Send announcement to Editor@RichmondSunsetNews.com.