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.

COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION FAIR

The Community Living Campaign is hosting a SF community-based Community Transportation Fair on Friday, Sept. 18 (10 a.m. – noon) at Daring Faith Church located across from the Balboa BART Station (355 Ocean Ave. at San Jose Avenue). Easy public transit and free parking available. All invited. Discover new travel options, meet reps from transit agencies and learn about transportation measures on the next ballot.

DEL SOL QUARTET

The Richmond District Del Sol Quartet will have a concert on Saturday, Sept. 12 at noon at the Angel Island Immigration Station Detention Barracks Museum. Join us for two world premieres as we bring California community voices to life within the historic detention barracks of Angel Island Immigration Station! The event is free with admission to the Detention Barracks Museum ($5 adult, $3 youth). Find more information at aiisf.org/events/del-sol-sep-2026-ce9bf.

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 by a discussion with the playwrights. 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, Sept.11 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, 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, 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. 

“Activity: Lego Free Play.” Build skyscrapers, forts, castles or whatever your imagination desires with LEGOs. For children ages 5 and older. Tuesday, Sept. 8, 3:30-5 p.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, Sept. 10 & 24, 3-5:30 p.m.

ALL AGES PROGRAMS:

“Social: 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, Sept. 15, 5 -7p.m.

“Social: Therapy Pets at the Library.” Eleanor Rigby and her person, Kai, are back to help you with your distress. Take a break to spend a few minutes sitting with a chill dog. All ages. Thursday, Sept. 17, 2-3 p.m. 

“Performance: Dave Rocha Jazz Trio.” Enjoy an afternoon with one of the Bay Area’s leading jazz groups, when the Dave Rocha Jazz Trio performs a vibrant set with music to delight all ages. This performance features Dave Rocha on trumpet and flugelhorn, Art Khu on electric keyboard, and Rave Abcarian on upright bass. Space limited. Seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. Sunday, Sept. 27, 2-3 p.m.

ADULT PROGRAMS:

“Breath Meditation with Don Narin.” Guided meditation for calming and stress release. Every Thursday, 11-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. Wednesdays, Sept. 2, 16, & 30, 3 – 5 p.m. 

“Workshop: Memoir Writing with Jing Li. The Red Sandals: A Memoir.” Unlock the art of storytelling with award-winning author Jing Li in this special writing workshop series. Perfect for writers looking to transform a personal life story into a compelling memoir, short story, or essay, this workshop offers expert guidance through every step of the creative process. Whether you’re looking to refine your writing skills, explore your purpose as a storyteller, or find confidence writing in English as a second language, Jing Li’s approachable style will help you develop your voice. From shaping ideas into purpose and building a meaningful theme, this workshop will provide the tools and support you need to bring your unique story to life. This series is a supportive space for all aspiring writers. Join us and let Jing Li help you turn your ideas into a powerful narrative. Saturday, Sept. 5, 3:30-5 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, Sept. 9 & 23, 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, Sept. 11, 1:30 – 3 p.m.

“Workshop: Help You Help Others. A Presentation Series on Preventing Elder & Dependent Adult Financial Abuse and Staying Safe.” Join us for a three-part presentation series focused on preventing scams and abuse targeting older adults and individuals with disabilities in San Francisco. Learn practical tips, resources and ways to stay safe from experts in the field. Presented by Elder & Dependent Adult Abuse Prevention Program, Institute on Aging Mayor’s Office for Victims’ Rights; San Francisco Adult Protective Services (APS) and Community Youth Center. Tuesdays, Sept. 15, 22 and 29, 2-3:30 p.m. Session 1: Scam Prevention Basics, Tuesday, Sept. 15 Presenters: Elder &Dependent Adult Abuse Prevention Program (IOA) & Mayor’s Office for Victims’ Rights.

Topics:

Common scams targeting older and disabled adults.

Red flags and warning signs.

Tools and resources to block scams.

How to report abuse and fraud.

Overview of the Mayor’s Office for Victims’ Rights and its support services.

Session 2: Understanding Adult Protective Services (APS), Tuesday, Sept. 22, Presenter: San Francisco Adult Protective Services

Topics:

What APS is and how it works.

Reporting process.

Services and support APS provides.

Session 3: Street Safety for Older Adults

Date: Tuesday, Sept. 29, Presenter: Community Youth Center

Topics:

Staying safe on the bus, street, in cars,and at home.

The “5 Ds” of safety intervention.

Practical dos and don’ts for personal safety.

“Film: A Better Tomorrow. Saturday Matinees at Richmond.” Enjoy watching Hong Kong action classics with fellow enthusiasts as part of this fall film series. In September, join us for A Better Tomorrow. A former triad member is caught between his desire to reconcile with a police officer brother who disavows him and his loyalty to a steadfast friend who urges vengeance against those who betrayed them. R, 95 min., 1986. Film in Cantonese. Closed captions (CC) in English. Saturday, Sept. 19, 2-4 p.m.

“Club: Great Books discussion.” Join the fun, as we read and discuss essays, short stories, plays, and novellas about human condition.  Along the way, we not only get to appreciate great works of writing, but we also learn how to become better thinkers and readers. The club meets every third Sunday of the month. This month we discuss The Animal Farm by George Orwell. Sunday, Sept. 20, 2-4 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 films later in the day will be regularly priced.

• “Cat Video Fest”: Sept. 5, 6

• “The Lego Movie”: Sept. 13

• “Pokemon Cartoon Special”: Sept. 20

• ”My Neighbor Totoro”: Sept. 26, 27

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, email 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 September birthday to Kamola, Mariamane Akopyan, Simonne Alden, Erin Alvarado, Peg Anderson, Milo Bain, Tyler Bushnell, Julien Calfayan, Cody Davis, Julie De Lorenzo, Mimi and Zozo D., David G. Dixon, Wendy Durand, Gary E., Harry Fong, Andy Forrest, Shelley Forrest, Philip Liborio Gangi, Brielle Celine Garnett, Kelvin Gee, Taylor Gee, Carolyn Glaser, River Hauso, David Heller, Lawrence Helman, Steven Hom, Robin Huey, David Jesue, Paula Karolak, Elyssa Kennedy, Rishi Khosla, Sue Kolb, Hailey Jade Kozakiewicz, Esther Li, Lillian Lippold, Chloe Lue, Odette Lue, Rachel Lue, Rowan Lue, Queen Masia, Nicole Meldahl, Thea Mazzalai Nguyen, Kassandra Nolan, Jasper Pan, Barbara Paschke, Sarai Hernandez Pastrana, Aly Patel, Will Reese, Maria Ritner, Alexander Thurman Rowland, Danny Saiz, Kyle Saukas, triplets Caroline, Daniel and Max Salvatore, Hannah Schmidt, Vanessa Sena, Rick Sill, Joao Siqueira, Julie-Anne Spatz, Kostya Timchenko, Mark Troianovski, Kamola Urozbayera, Joey Villanueva, George Witteman, Pandora Wong, Kathy Wu, Cliff Yee and Natalie Young. To add a name to the monthly birthday list, email Editor@RichmondSunsetNews.com. Free.

JONG FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY

At Jong Financial Management Consultancy, we help companies with their financing and insurance needs. Whether it’s the early phase of gathering applications from the banks and insurance carriers, to filling out the applications, then assembling the financials and other documents through to sending the entire package to the loan officer or insurance agent. Are your insurance policies renewing and you want quotes from other carriers for various types of insurance? Are you refinancing properties or seeking financing across entities? Every company, entity, property needs insurance and oftentimes needs financing, too. If I can help you with your insurance and financing needs, please reach out to me Nancy Jong, CTP at 415-573-4232 or njong.jfmc@att.net.

REFUSE REFUSE CLEANUPS

Friday, Sept. 11, 3–4:30 p.m., Richmond Neighborly Cleanup, Fulton Playground (28th Avenue Entrance) , mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/755939.

Friday, Sept. 11, 4-5 p.m., Clement Street Happy Hour Cleanup, Richmond Republic Draught House (642 Clement St.), mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756136.

Saturday, Sept. 12, 10–11:30 a.m., KEEP Ocean Beach Clean, Ocean Beach Cafe (734 La Playa St.), mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/755689.

Sunday, Sept.13, 1-3 p.m., Sunset Dunes Cleanup , Taraval Street (Oceanside, lanes near hammocks), mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/757479.

Monday, Sept.14, 8-9 a.m., Outer Sunset Morning Cleanup, Andytown Coffee Roasters (3629 Taraval St.), mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756124.

Thursday, Sept. 17, 10 a.m.-noon, Fort Miley Cleanup and Workday, Fort Miley (Battery Chester), mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756072.

Thursday, Sept. 17, 10:30 a.m.–noon, Rise & Grind Cleanup, Rise & Grind Coffee (785 Eighth Ave.), mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756073.

Friday, Sept. 18, noon–1:30 p.m., Richmond Neighborhood Center Cleanup, Richmond Neighborhood Center (741 30th Ave.), mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756081.

Saturday, Sept. 19, 9 a.m.-noon, Sunset Boulevard Cleanup, 1453 36th Ave. (between Judah and Kirkham streets), mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/977481.

Saturday, Sept. 19, 11 a.m.–1 p.m., Central Richmond Cleanup, Argonne Playground (463 18th Ave.), mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/755827.

Saturday, Sept. 19, 10–11:30 a.m., KEEP Ocean Beach Clean, Ocean Beach Cafe (734 La Playa St.), mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/755689.

Thursday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m.-noon, Fort Miley Cleanup and Workday, Fort Miley (Battery Chester), mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756072.

Friday, Sept. 25, 4-5 p.m., Clement Street Happy Hour Cleanup, Richmond Republic Draught House (642 Clement St.), mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756136.

Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m.–noon, Inner Sunset Cleanup, The Sunset Mercantile Emporium (653 Irving St.), mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756093.

Saturday, Sept. 26, 10 a.m.–noon, Richmond District Cleanup, Internet Archive (300 Funston Ave.), mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/755689.

Saturday, Sept. 26, 10–11:30 a.m., KEEP Ocean Beach Clean, Ocean Beach Cafe (734 La Playa St.) mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/755689.

SAN FRANCISCO ZOO DOCENT TRAINING

Are animals your passion? Join us Saturday, Sept. 12 from 10a.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.

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.” 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! Friday, Sept. 4, 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Space is limited. Reservations required: 415-355-2808.

“Tutorial: Smartphone Class For Older Adults 60+.”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: YouTube

How to search videos on YouTube

How to skip ads (In search page, during videos)

How to adjust video volume, quality and speed

Friday, Sept. 18, 1 – 2:30 p.m.Space limited. Reservations required: 415-355-2808 *Reservations open on the first of each month — limit one class per person. To join more classes, call on the tenth of the month to check availability. Applies to English and Chinese sessions.

“Social: Puzzle Swap.” Bring a puzzle in good condition to swap for a new challenge to take home. We accept puzzles only; no board games. Puzzles must be for all ages and abilities, in good condition with no missing pieces. Saturday, Sept. 12, 3-4 p.m.

“Activity: Mahjong For Beginners.” Learn how to play mahjong and make new friends! This is geared toward those who have never played before. Saturday, Sept. 26, 10:30 a.m.- noon. Space is limited. Reservations required: 415-355-2808, starting Sept. 12. 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.”Play mahjong and make new friends! This group is for all levels. Saturday, Sept. 26, 1:30-3 p.m. Space is limited. Reservations required: 415-355-2808, starting Sept.12. Arrive on time; 10 minutes late is considered a no-show, allowing waitlisted individuals to take the spot.

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, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. for performances by Silvi Alcivar and Abbey Glover. For tickets and information, go to sealevelsf.com or sunsetsolos.com. Sealevel is located at 4331 Irving St.

THANK YOU!

Sincere thanks to the Sunset Beacon readers who generously donated or signed up for our Patreon campaign. Your contribution helps keep us financially healthy. If you donated and would like some of our Sunset Beacon 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 or send a check to: Sunset Beacon, P.O. Box 16035, SF, CA, 94116. Thank you!

TideFest

TideFest is a free new music festival just steps from Ocean Beach, bringing together live music, art, food and community for an unforgettable day on San Francisco’s west side. Presented by The Riptide, organized by ArtyHood, and supported by Live Music Society’s Music in Action grant program, TideFest celebrates the creativity, culture and community that make San Francisco special. Saturday, Sept. 19, 1-9 p.m., Taraval Street at Lower Great Highway.

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 may 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. 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). 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.