CITY CREATURES: PEST ART POP-UP

City Creatures: Pest Art Pop-Up comes to Terra Gallery on Friday, Oct. 30 for a one-day exhibition exploring the hidden ecology of city life through art, science, talks, installations, and interactive work. The free open house runs from 2–6 p.m., followed by an evening fundraiser until 11 p.m. Terra Gallery, 511 Harrison St., San Francisco. citycreatures.my.canva.site/city-creatures.

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 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.

The LIVEWIRES!, the San Francisco members of DRAMA WITH FRIENDS live in downtown San Francisco, a festival of short plays for audiences who enjoy their theater live. Seven short plays by some of our favorite playwrights. At The Phoenix 500, 450 Geary St. 3 p.m. on Oct. 17, 18, 24 and 25. Limited Seating, Reserve Now: 415-786-9670. Admission: $20 (suggested donation).

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, Oct. 7, 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, Oct. 8 & 22, 3-5:30 p.m.

“Workshop: Tinkering with Mission Science.” Tinker, build, create and innovate with Mission Science Workshop’s Tinkering Truck, bringing fun activities and exhibits right to the library! Join Mission Science Workshop inside the library for hands-on tinkering and exploring, then head outside to check out the traveling exhibits, live animals and more that the Tinkering Truck brings along. For children ages 6 and older. Space is limited. Reservations required: 415-355-5648. Saturday, Oct. 10, 3:30-5 p.m.

“Workshop: Painting Big Feelings | Pintando Sentimientos Grandes.” Learn acrylic painting basics and image-making techniques to release emotions through a painting.Sendy Santamaria, featured 2024 Summer Stride illustrator-author, will lead participants to think about a feeling and make a painting inspired by it using illustration techniques. For children and their caregivers. Space limited. Reservations required: 415-355-5648 or sign-up at the Children’s Services reference desk. Sendy Santamaria is an illustrator and children’s book author from San Diego, based in San Pablo, Calif. She holds a BFA in Illustration with distinction from California College of the Arts. She creates paintings and stories rooted in ordinary life and Mexican American culture. Saturday, Oct. 17, 11 a.m. -12:30 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. Wednesday, Oct. 21, 4-5:30 p.m.

“Activity: Mission Science Workshop Tinkering Truck.” Tinker, build, create and innovate with Mission Science Workshop’s tinkering truck, Workshop on Wheels: WoW, providing fun activities and exhibits on wheels! Join Mission Science Workshop inside the library for hands-on tinkering and exploring and then explore their Tinkering Truck holding traveling exhibits, live animals and more. For children ages 6 and older. Space limited. Reservations required: 415-355-5648. Tuesday, Oct. 27, 3:30-5 p.m.

ALL AGES PROGRAMS:

“Social: Therapy Pets at the Library.” A dog and their person will come. Take a break to spend a few minutes sitting with a chill dog. All ages. Thursday, Oct. 15, 2-3 p.m.

“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, Oct. 20, 5 -7p.m.

“Bienvenidos a la Biblioteca y Hora de Cuentos para Familias!” Learn about the Richmond Branch Library, its programs and services in an information session in Spanish, specifically for Spanish-speakers and their families. The program includes a family storytime, card registration and a tour of the library. Light snacks will be served. Wednesday, Oct. 28, 6-7:30 p.m.

ADULT PROGRAMS:

“Breath meditation with Don Narin.” Take a break and reconnect with your inner calm. Through gentle breathing exercises you’ll learn techniques to reduce stress and cultivate a sense of peace. This guided meditation session is followed by Pangu Shengong (a unique form of Qigong) a simple and powerful selfhealing method designed to help you release tension, quiet your mind, and restore balance. Every Thursday, 11-noon.

“Performance: Silk String Assemble.” Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with enchanting traditional Chinese music performed by the Silk Strings Ensemble. Silk Strings Ensemble is a Chinese musical group made up of San Francisco high schoolers who perform Chinese traditional instruments: yangqin (also known as the Chinese hammered dulcimer) which is a stringed instrument played with rubber-tipped bamboo sticks and guzheng (also known as the Chinese plucked zither) which is also a string instrument but plucked with finger picks. Silk Strings Ensemble performs traditional Chinese music as well as modern favorites from Taylor Swift and BTS. Saturday, Oct. 10, 2-2:30 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, Oct. 14 & 28, 3 – 5p.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, October 7 & 21, 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, October 9, 1:30 – 3 p.m.

“Film: The Killer.” Enjoy watching Hong Kong action classics with fellow enthusiasts as part of this fall film series. In October, join us for The Killer. After accidentally blinding a beautiful nightclub singer, a legendary hitman seeks love and redemption while evading underworld enemies and determined police detectives. R, 111 min., 1989. Film in Cantonese. Closed captions (CC) in English. Saturday, Oct. 17, 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 “Inherit the Wind” by Jerome Lawrence. Sunday, Oct. 18, 2-4 p.m.

“Presentation: Healthy homes.” In this free workshop, led by the San Francisco Environment Department, you’ll learn how to make non-toxic cleaners, how to identify harmful ingredients in store-bought products and discover safer alternatives. Plus, learn about effective non-toxic pest control methods, how to safely dispose of hazardous household products through local collection programs and tips for improving indoor air quality. Depending on availability, attendees may also receive free Healthy Homes cleaning supplies to get started on their journey to a healthier home. In both English and Chinese. Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2-3 p.m.

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 October birthday to Anton A., Celeste Aquino, David Barker, Zarek Bastani, Lynne Billig, Estella Bond, Diane Callman, Annie and Jaime Carpenter, Connie Chan, Max Philip Chinchiolo, Hannah Chon, Megan Cresci, Carlos Joey Dardon, J9 Downing, Toivo Dresden, MJSD, David Durham, Logan Gardner, David Gillies, Frank Gogol, Alex Ulises Gomez, Vivienne-Rain Hauso, Kathy Hom, Tam Huynh, Laura Johnson-Bickford, Audrey Jonas, Matt Kauffman, Sidney Keith, Dylan King, Maya Klein, Sue Kozakiewicz, Becky Lee, Brittney Lee, Wilson Lee, Matthew Leigh, Helen Liu, Kris Lue, Liz Mamorsky, Maurice Meyer, Frankie Oasis Grace Nejad, Lynda Nguyen, Michelle Nicoletti, Kyle O’Rourke, Neepa Parikh, Karl Paulin, Melissa Judith Poon, Anthony William Rowland, Jenny S., Karen S., Macy Saiz, Charlotte Schmidlapp, Michelle Schulz, Vanessa Sharif, Andy Sponring, Lucia Maria Sullivan, Jack Towle, John James Tracy, Peter Tracy, Sr., Jeffrey Trotter, Chelsea Tsang, Dalila Valenzuela, Luciane Verissimo, Kari Vides, Gale Ward, Athena Weber, Sophia West, Maxwell Zachary White, Madison Wong, Ruby Yep, Simone Yuen and Barbara Zartun. To add a name to the monthly birthday list, email Editor@RichmondSunsetNews.com. Free.

HDSA Team Hope Walk & Timed 5K Walk

The San Francisco Chapter of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) will host the 2026 Team Hope Walk & Timed 5K Walk on Saturday, Oct. 3 at Sports Basement Presidio, 610 Old Mason St., SF, CA 94129. Registration starts at 9 a.m., and the event starts at 9:30 a.m. All proceeds support HDSA’s mission to improve the lives of people affected by Huntington’s disease (HD) and their families.

JONG FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY

At Jong Financial Management Consultancy, we review commercial leases and develop

common area maintenance (CAM) matrixes for property managers and property management

companies. We calculate the amounts to be reimbursed by their commercial tenants. On the flip side we review and reconcile CAM for retailers, restaurants, and other commercial tenants. If I can help you bill out CAM for your portfolio of properties or reconcile CAM in your accounting system, please reach out to me Nancy Jong, CTP at 415-573-4232 or njong.jfmc@att.net.

MONEY IN SAN FRANCISCO POLITICS

“Money in San Francisco politics: Who’s spending big on the election?” Free event hosted by the League of Women Voters and San Francisco Public Press, Oct. 8, 6 p.m. Internet Archive, 300 Funston Ave. luma.com/3tgmuo29.

PSYCHOTHERAPY OFFICE AVAILABLE

Quiet psychotherapy office space available in the Outer Sunset. 1204 Vicente St. Call Suzanne Banford 415-816-1312.

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.

REFUSE REFUSE CLEANUPS

Monday, Oct.19, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Smart & Final Cleanup – Smart & Final (350 Seventh Ave.), mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/1039726.

Thursday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m.-noon, Fort Miley Cleanup and Workday – Fort Miley (Battery Chester), mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756072.

Friday, Oct. 23, 4-5 p.m., Clement Street Happy Hour Cleanup – Richmond Republic Draught House (642 Clement St.), mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756136.

Saturday, Oct. 24, 10–11:30 a.m., KEEP Ocean Beach Clean – Ocean Beach Cafe (734 La Playa St.), mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/755689.

Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m.–noon, Inner Sunset Cleanup – The Sunset Mercantile Emporium (653 Irving St.), mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756093.

Monday, Oct. 26, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Smart & Final Cleanup – Smart & Final (350 Seventh Ave.), mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/1039726/.

Thursday, Oct.29, 10 a.m.-noon, Fort Miley Cleanup and Workday – Fort Miley (Battery Chester), mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756072.

Thursday, Oct. 29, 4-5 p.m., Gaetani Real Estate Cleanup – Gaetani Real Estate (4444 Geary Blvd. #100), mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/965559.

Friday, Oct. 30, 4-5 p.m., Clement Street Happy Hour Cleanup – Richmond Republic Draught House (642 Clement St.), mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/756136.

Saturday, Oct. 31, 10 a.m.–noon, Richmond District Cleanup – Internet Archive (300 Funston Ave.), mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/755689.

Saturday, Oct. 31, 10-11:30 a.m., KEEP Ocean Beach Clean – Ocean Beach Cafe (734 La Playa St.), mobilize.us/civicjoyfund/event/755689.

San Franpsycho Anniversary Retrospective

San Franpsycho is closing out its 25th anniversary exhibition in true San Francisco fashion. The brand is teaming up with Dirtybird, the City’s own powerhouse house music label, to throw the closing party for “Quarter Century of Psycho: A San Franpsycho Retrospective” at 111 Minna Gallery (111 Minna St.) on Oct. 16, starting at 7p.m. DJs will be revealed in the days leading up to the party, so keep an eye on @sanfranpsycho and @dirtybird for the drop. The party is the last chance to see the retrospective before it comes down. The exhibition traces San Franpsycho from its beginnings in the Outer Sunset, rooted in Ocean Beach surf culture, to a citywide fixture. It features work by local artists who have collaborated with the brand, along with original shirts, posters, photographs, archival footage and stories from the people who helped build it. Two homegrown S.F. names, one room and one last night with 25 years of westside history is a send-off you won’t want to miss. For tickets, check out San Franpsycho’s IG @sanfranpsycho. The event is 21+.

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. Saturdays, 2–4 p.m.

“Social: Plant Swap.” Bring a plant, take a plant, bring your seedlings or cuttings to swap with others. Please label your plants before bringing them to the swap. Saturday, Oct. 10, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

“Performance: Navy Band Southwest Woodwind Quintet.” The Prevailing Winds Woodwind quintet blends the individual sounds of the flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and French horn to create a unique quintet sound. The quintet performs works from various genres including classical, romantic, Latin, Americana, marches and contemporary. Presented as part of the Fleet Week Neighborhood Concert Series. Connect: San Francisco Fleet Week on Facebook . Saturday, Oct. 10, 2-3 p.m.

“Workshop: 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: Camera:

What is focus and exposure.

The basic function of Camera.

How to use camera to scan a QR code.

Space is limited. Reservations required: 415-355-2808. 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. Friday, Oct. 16, 1 – 2:30 p.m.

“Workshop: Mahjong For Beginners.” 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 Oct. 10. 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. Saturday, Oct. 24 10:30 a.m.- noon.

“Social: Mahjong Club.”Play mahjong and make new friends! This is for all levels. Space is limited. Reservations required: 415-355-2808 starting Oct. 10. 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. Saturday, Oct. 24 1:30- 3p.m.

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.

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.

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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.