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.

DRAMA WITH FRIENDS

Drama with Friends, a project of the Community Living Campaign, invites you to an evening of captivating short plays by contemporary playwrights brought to you in the comfort of your own home. Now in our sixth year of presenting theatre on Zoom, our troupe of older adults and directors have performed more than 300 short plays since our first production during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our performances on the third Monday of every month from 5 to 7 p.m., are free, and are followed with a discussion with the playwrights. Come see “The Livewires,” a Drama With Friends in-person festival of 10-minute-plays at Ruth’s Table (3160 21st St.) on July 4 or 5 at 2p.m. Reserve your spot at buytickets.at/phoenixartsassociationtheatre/2232941. Suggested donation $20. Limited seating. Check our Facebook page @SFDramawithFriends for the current month’s playbill, then register at the CLC website: sfcommunityliving.org/series/dwf.

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, July 10 from 1:30-3 p.m. at the Richmond Branch Library (351 Ninth Ave.). Drop-in for one-on-one session in English. We are also seeking volunteers who speak English or/Cantonese.

The Tech Squad is now introducing Basic Tech Classes for older adults and adults with disabilities in Cantonese on Tuesdays 12:30-2 p.m. at the Richmond Senior Center (6221 Geary Blvd., 3rd Fl). For questions, please call 415-961-7043 or email sfconnected@felton.org. for older adults and people with disabilities in the Richmond District. Ask questions regarding how to navigate your smartphone, tablet or laptop. For more information, please call 415-474-1558 or email techsquad@felton.org.

FOREST BOOKS

Forest Books, 1748 Buchanan St. Plaza, open every day, noon-8 p.m. 415-563-8302. Used and rare books. “The next step in evolution is thinking.”

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 the Storytime. Limited to 46 participants, tickets required. Mondays 11-11:30 a.m.

“Storytime: For Toddlers:” Outside on 10th Avenue lawn. No tickets are required. Playtime follows directly after Storytime. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 11-11:30 a.m. 

“Social: Pokémon Trading Card Game Club:” Learn to play the Pokémon Trading Card Game or help teach someone else to play! We’ll meet twice a month to do all things Pokémon. Decks and level one gameboards are available to participants. For ages 6–13 years old. Thursdays, July 2 and16, 3-5:30 p.m.

“Activity: Lego free play:” Build skyscrapers, forts, castles or whatever your imagination desires with LEGOs. For children ages 5 and older. Tuesday, July 7, 3:30-5 p.m.

“Activity: Play Dough:” Put on your scientist hat and mix together different household ingredients to make play dough. For children and their caregivers. Space limited. Seats available first come, first served. Thursday, July 9, 1- 2:30 p.m.

“Workshop: Rainbow Breakfast Bowls with The Breakfast Project:” Celebrate the Pride season and make a nutritious rainbow chia porridge breakfast bowl. For children and their caregivers. Space limited. Reservations required: 415-355-5648. Tuesday, July 14, 11a.m. -noon.

“Activity: Marble Machine and Rube Goldberg Machines:” Design a contraption to roll marbles, built with everyday materials and your imagination. You can create a series of fun chain reactions and see where your imagination takes you. For children ages 8 and older. Younger children must be accompanied by their caregivers. Thursday, July 16, 1-2:30 p.m.

“Activity: Paint Together:” Spend an enjoyable afternoon with other curious families exploring creativity, improving dexterity and expanding spatial awareness through painting. Space limited. Seats available first come, first served. For children and their caregivers. Tuesday, July 28, 1-2:30 p.m.

ALL AGES PROGRAMS:

“Social: Therapy Pets at the Library:” Terry and Moonshine are back to help you to de-stress. Come share time with Moonshine. Take a break to spend a few minutes sitting with a chill dog. Thursday, July 16, 2-3 p.m.

“Intergenerational: Crochet Club:” Join our new crochet club! All ages and all skill levels welcome. Learn to crochet or teach some of your skills to others.  Some supplies are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own project. Tuesday, July 21, 5 -7 p.m.

“Activity: Letters of Hope & Art for Connection:” Drop in anytime to make small care packages for people in our community who are going through tough times or could use some kindness. Each package includes a handwritten letter and piece of original artwork. Leave your care package with the presenter for distribution or take it home to give to someone you know, keep working on it later or for yourself.   Arrive close to the start for more time on your project and connecting with others in your community. Saturday, July 25, 3-5 p.m.

ADULT PROGRAMS:

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

“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, July 1 and 15, 2-3:30 p.m.

“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. Wednesdays, July 8 and 22, 3-5 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, July 10, 1:30-3 p.m.

“Presentation: Black Voices in American Opera with Cole Thomason-Redus of the San Francisco Opera:” Learn about some of the leading Black pioneers of opera in this 90-minute survey presentation. Cole Thomason-Redus of the San Francisco Opera explores the careers and recordings of black musical greats such as H.T. Burleigh and Marian Anderson, midcentury superstars such as Leontyne Price and modern-day masters of the American opera stage. This is the first in a series of SF Opera presentations this summer at Richmond Branch. On Sunday, July 19, we will host the program Contemporary Black Voices in American Opera at 2 pm. On Sunday, August 9, we will host a special Fall Season Preview of the Opera’s upcoming season, also beginning at 2 pm. Sunday, July 19, 2-3:30 p.m.

“Author: James Michael Buckley, City of Wood:” Examine how San Francisco became the first major metropolis of the American West through the exploitation of natural resources. Architectural historian James Michael Buckley discusses City of Wood, exploring how redwood logging shaped the region’s economy, labor systems and built environment—from remote forest camps to the urban core of San Francisco. Learn how the lumber industry connected landscapes and communities into a far-reaching “city” and reshaped our understanding of architectural and urban history. James Michael Buckley is the author of City of Wood, which received the 2025 J.B. Jackson Book Prize, the John Brinckerhoff Jackson Prize from the Association of American Geographers and the Abbott Lowell Cummings Award from the Vernacular Architecture Forum. He is an urban planner and architectural historian. Thursday, July 30, 4-5 p.m.

FREE MOVIES

The 4 Star Theater will be playing free family-friendly movies on weekend morning 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-serve 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.

• “Mavka: The Forest Song”: July 5. Learn more at 4-star-movies.com/popcorn-palace.

FREE TAI CHI CLASSES

Free Tai Chi classes are offered on Saturdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Full Life Christian Center gym, 3535 Balboa St. Whether you’re brand new or returning to the flow, this class is an invitation to move gently, breathe deeply and start your day feeling centered and energized. Come as you are. Leave feeling better. Registration link: forms.gle/rZuDhsAZU4uD8dKa6.

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 July birthday to Xader, Adil Ahsan, RN, Julie Bahret Thomas Beatty, Craig Bray, Mary Rose Buckley, Nora Jane Carpenter, Ashleigh Carrick, Jean Williamson Carter, Audrey Consalus, Patrick Craig, Steven Cresci, Kerry Plagman Daly, Spencer Dean, Soliraa Shivaya Divine, Hayleigh Evans, Laurel Evans, Allyssa Fielding, Tom Gawronski, Claudia Martin Goldberg, Christopher Gotera, Maya Gragnolati, Charles Hare, Doug Hassett, Leonardo Hauso, Bryant Hom, Idris Sethi Iwata, Iwaya Khan, Ava Klubberud, Will Lanier, Tristen Lerma, Ti De Meo, Mackenzie Moore, Petra Nelken, Bryan Nguyen-Scouvert, Emma Nobuko Owan, Tom Pendergast, Saylor Perkins, Thomas Raher, Dakota Blue Raymundo, Mathilda Silverstein, Alma Spray, Julian Spray, Sarth Soparkar, Sam T., Carlota Tarragó, Gianna Toboni, Rob Towle, Tina Tracy, Leah Wechsler, Emily West, Jesse White, Brianna Wong, Michael D. Wong and Colette Yuen. To add a name to the monthly birthday list, email Editor@RichmondSunsetNews.com. Free.

HEART OF THE RICHMOND NIGHT MARKET

The Heart of the Richmond District Night Market is more than a street fair — it is a celebration of community, neighborhood pride, and the small businesses that make the Richmond District so special. Throughout the summer series, it brings people together on Clement Street to connect with one another, support local merchants and enjoy the unique culture and character of the neighborhood. Join us at the next market on July 18 from 4-8 p.m. on Clement Street between 22nd and 25th Avenues. For more information, visit heartoftherichmonddistrictnightmarket.com.

JONG FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY

At Jong Financial Management Consultancy, we help companies figure out their staffing needs simultaneously with their technology needs. I meet with the team collectively to gather input, add suggestions, as well as collaboratively come up with both staffing and technology solutions. I write up the job description that the company posts then I help review all the resumes and speak to the selected few candidates before presenting them to the team to meet. Hiring staff can be an overwhelming process. If I can help assess your staffing and technology needs, please reach out to me Nancy Jong, CTP at 415-573-4232 or njong.jfmc@att.net. I’d be happy to help you!

OCEAN INDIAN CUISINE

Ocean Indian Cuisine, the family-run Indian and Nepali (Himalayan) restaurant at 6127 Geary Blvd. in the Richmond District, is entering a new chapter under Executive Chef Ghanashyam “Sam” Kandel, who joined the restaurant in October 2025. Kandel, whose culinary background spans Nepal, India and Japan, has been featured in The Kathmandu Post and The Rising Nepal for his work promoting Nepali cuisine. Building on Ocean’s national recognition as the only San Francisco restaurant on Yelp’s 2024 Top 100 Places to Eat in the U.S., the restaurant is preparing seasonal menus, limited-time specials and new dishes for neighborhood diners. Learn more at oicsf.com.

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.

“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.

POSTAL PEOPLE

Need shipping, returns, printing, notary or mailbox services? Visit Postal People, your neighborhood business center at 2549 Irving St. near 27th Avenue. Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.– 2 p.m. GoPostalPeople.com.

REFUSE REFUSE CLEANUPS

Friday, July 10, 3–4:30 p.m., Richmond Neighborly Cleanup, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/755939.

Friday, July 10, 4-5 p.m., Clement Street Happy Hour Cleanup, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756136.

Saturday, July 11, 9:30-11 a.m., Parkside Cleanup, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/950785.

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

Saturday, July 11, 10–11:30 a.m., KEEP Ocean Beach Clean, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/755689.

Sunday, July 12, 1-3 p.m., Sunset Dunes Cleanup, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/757479.

Tuesday, July 14, 3:30–4:30 p.m., Richmond Library Cleanup, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756695.

Thursday, July 16, 10 a.m.-noon,Fort Miley Cleanup and Workday, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756072.

Thursday, July 16, 10:30 a.m.–noon, Rise & Grind Cleanup, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756073.

Friday, July 17, 4-5 p.m., Clement Street Happy Hour Cleanup, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756136.

Saturday, July 18, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Central Richmond Cleanup, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/755827.

Saturday, July 18, 10–11:30 a.m., KEEP Ocean Beach Clean, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/755689.

Sunday, July 19, 10-11:30 a.m., Outer Richmond Cleanup, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756120.

Thursday, July 23, 10 a.m.-noon, Fort Miley Cleanup and Workday, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756072.

Friday, July 24, 4-5p.m., Clement Street Happy Hour Cleanup, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756136.

Sat, July 25, 10:00am–12:00pm – Richmond District Cleanup, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/755689/.

Saturday, July 25, 10 a.m.–noon, Inner Sunset Cleanup, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756093.

Saturday, July 25, 10–11:30a.m., KEEP Ocean Beach Clean, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/755689.

Thursday, July 30, 10 a.m.-noon, Fort Miley Cleanup and Workday, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756072.

Friday, July 31, 4-5p.m.,Clement Street Happy Hour Cleanup, mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756136.

San Francisco Zoo Docent Program information session

Are animals your passion? Join us Saturday, July 11 from 10 a.m.-noon to learn more about the Zoo’s docent program and whether being a Zoo docent would be the right fit for you. For more info and to reserve a spot: join@sfzoodocents.org.

SECONDHAND SATURDAYS

Secondhand Saturdays is bringing spring fun to 37th Avenue at Ortega Street on June 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Along with the eclectic and unique local vintage sellers, the market will feature springtime activities and crafts for all ages. Come by for live music, food trucks from across the Bay Area and a curated shopping experience like no other!

STAMP COLLECTIONS WANTED

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 BRANCH LIBRARY 1305 18TH AVE.

“Tutorial: Tech Help:” Get one-on-one tech help. First come, first served. Mandarin-speaking tech help is available on Saturdays from 2–4 p.m.

“Activity: Chair Yoga with Kayko:” Friday, July 3, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Join us for chair yoga, a gentle, seated practice, perfect for those seeking low-impact exercise. Chair yoga enhances joint health, increases circulation, and boosts mental clarity, helping to improve energy and overall well-being. Kayko, a certified yoga therapist and instructor, has years of experience teaching older adults the joy of yoga in a chair! Space is limited. Reservations required: 415-355-2808.

“Social: Plant Swap:” Saturday,July 11, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Bring a plant, take a plant, bring your seedlings, divisions or cuttings to swap with other gardeners. All types of plants are welcome: succulents, house plants, flowers, ground covers or wild grasses. Bring cuttings, starts, bulbs or full-sized plants. Please label your plants prior to bringing them to the swap!

“Author: Grace Loh Prasad, ‘The Translator’s Daughter’:” Wednesday, July 15, 6-7 p.m. Reflect on how culture, language and heritage are passed between generations and what happens when those connections are disrupted. Author Grace Loh Prasad presents a reading and slideshow from her 2024 memoir The Translator’s Daughter, sharing her experience of living between languages, navigating loss and searching for belonging as a Taiwanese American in the diaspora. Grace Loh Prasad is the author of The Translator’s Daughter (2024), a memoir exploring language, identity and belonging as a Taiwanese American immigrant. The book was a finalist for the Northern California Book Award in Creative Nonfiction, the Louise Meriwether First Book Prize and the Black Lawrence Press Immigrant Writing Series. Her work focuses on diaspora and cultural connection, bringing a personal and literary perspective to conversations about navigating life between languages.

“Tutorial: Smartphone Class For Older Adults 60+:”Friday, July 17, 1- 2:30 p.m. Self-Help for the Elderly provides a training program to improve technical skills with hands-on training for smartphones and tablets. Participants should bring their own iOS or Android devices to class. Topic: Text Messages

How to send a text message

How to delete a text message

How to reply to or forward a message

How to recognize scam or spam messages

Space limited. Reservations required: 415-355-2808.

Limit one class per person. To join more classes, call on the 10th of the month to check availability. Applies to English and Chinese sessions.

“Activity: Mahjong For Beginners:” Saturday, July 25, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Learn how to play mahjong and make new friends! This is geared toward those who have never played before.

Space is limited. Reservations required: 415-355-2808, starting July 11. Arrive on time; 10 minutes late is considered a no-show, allowing waitlisted individuals to take the spot. Each person may reserve one class initially. For additional classes, call one week before the next class to check availability.

“Social: Mahjong Club:” Saturday, July 25,1:30-3 p.m. Play mahjong and make new friends! This group is for all levels.

Space is limited. Reservations required: 415-355-2808, starting July 11. Arrive on time; 10 minutes late is considered a no-show, allowing waitlisted individuals to take the spot. Each person may reserve one class initially. For additional classes, call one week before the next class to check availability.

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 and 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 SOLOS AT SEALEVEL GALLERY

Amidst the closure of many small theaters in San Francisco, Sunset Solos advocates for thinking “outside the box” when workshopping solo performance pieces, challenging the notion that theater is confined to traditional venues. Join us on Sunday, July 19 at 7 p.m. for a night of performances by Pearl Ong, Natacha Ruck and Thomas Wynn. For tickets and information, go to sealevelsf.com or sunsetsolos.com. Sealevel is located at 4331 Irving St.

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 . Contact Editor@RichmondSunsetNews.com with any questions. Thank you!

THIRD REALM COMMUNITY SPACE

Third Realm is your local neighborhood coworking, art and community space at Ninth Avenue and Judah Street. Join us for our free monthly open mic every third Wednesday 7-9 p.m., where music, poetry, standup comedy and really any art form is welcome. We are also open to the community for Free First Fridays, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. every month with free coworking including coffee, tea and matcha and a nonalcoholic happy hour at 4 p.m. Other events include craft night, game night and mahjong (RSVP online). We launched last November and hope to see you soon at Third Realm! Book a tour online and stay for the rest of the day — the first day is on the house. Located at 1381 Ninth Ave. and online at ourthirdrealm.com and Instagram @ourthirdrealm. Coworking by day, creative community always.

VOLUNTEER TODAY!

The San Francisco Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is recruiting volunteers to visit and provide support to seniors and persons with disabilities living in long-term care facilities To learn more, call 415-751-9788, email ombudsman@felton.org or go to felton.org/social-services/seniors/sf-ltc-ombudsman-program.

VOLUNTEER WITH THE RICHMOND SENIOR CENTER

There are many ways to volunteer with seniors in the Richmond. Regular volunteer work can include: serving as a senior companion supporter, either by chatting with an isolated senior over the phone or by taking a short walk. Friendly callers can take maybe 15 minutes each time, and a short walk can be 30 minutes, depending on the preferences of our seniors. For more information, visit ggsenior.org.

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 (36,000 copies) and on RichmondSunsetNews.com (average of more than 25,000 views per month). Deadline: 22nd of the month. Mail check to: P.O. Box 16035, S.F., CA 94116. Call 415-212-8934 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 announcements to Editor@RichmondSunsetNews.com.