December 2025 eNews
Happy December from SDA! The end of the year brings with it a time of reflection, as we evaluate our work this year and prepare for the fights ahead of us in 2026. As we mourn the death of Alice Wong in November, as well as two of our longtime members Frank and Suzy, we carry their legacies of creative and principled struggle with us into the future. We couldn’t be more thankful for our beloved SDA community, who has shown up time and again this year amidst such difficult conditions.Together, we have faced the challenges of fascism, ageism, and ableism with care, resolve, and interdependence, and we will bring these core values with us into the new year. We know there is much more work to be done, but we have a lot to be proud of this year!
Some key accomplishments:
We saved 3 bus lines through the Muni Now, Muni Forever campaign.
We trained 500+ people in our Senior and Disability Universities and Survival Schools.
We served 900+ people through our Community Resource Program.
Nearly 100 people signed up as SDA members in our revamped membership model.
Read on to learn more about upcoming events and how to plug in!
SDA News & Highlights
Donate to SDA Today!
Thank you to all our sustainers who supported our Giving Tuesday campaign! Even though Giving Tuesday has passed, it’s never too late to become a Sustainer by making a monthly or yearly donation to SDA!
Stay tuned later this week for the launch of our End of Year fundraising campaign. We need your support to give SDA a strong foundation as we head into 2026, with so many fights ahead. Make a one-time or recurring donation to SDA today!
Join Our End Of Year Celebration
Join our End of Year Celebration to socialize with SDA staff and members and honor our outgoing Board President Betty Traynor as she retires from her role (although she will remain on the board). Join us in celebration and community for reflections on Betty’s years of service, music, and a festive meal!
Lunch in person will be potluck style — SDA will provide a main course, but please bring a side dish, (nonalcoholic) drink, or dessert if you would like!
For those joining us virtually, we’ll have hybrid access to the program and then facilitated virtual social time. RSVP here for more information and access details.
Rally to Fund Muni!
Monday, December 8, 12pm in front of the SF City Hall steps
This is a critical time for public transit and we need your support to act quickly. Join us for a rally on Monday, December 8 in support of our Muni Forever Proposal for a progressive parcel tax to fund Muni. Come tell the Board of Supervisors and the Mayor we need their support! RSVP to the rally here and sign the Muni Forever petition here.
Remembering Frank Bynum and Suzy Lee
In November, we heard the difficult news that two of our members, Frank Bynum and Suzy Lee, have passed away. Both longtime members of SDA and part of our Healthcare Action Team, their presence will be sorely missed.
Our hearts go out to all of Suzy and Frank's loved ones. We honor their lives and legacies by carrying forward the care and commitment they brought to our movement.
In the words of Frank's dear friend Francis, "I have known Frank since around 2000. Over the years, we have done some business together, and have also been roommates. Frank was a very decent human being. He had great faith in God, and was a born again Christian. I believe he finished his mission here on earth successfully and he has gone to be with Jesus Christ, son of the living God."
Vaccine Access in Action
Yay for Vaccine Access! This month Masks for Equity partnered with the San Francisco Department of Public Health and the Disability Cultural Center to host a masked, outdoor vaccine clinic!
We are always creating new ways to organize for pandemic justice, so this is a great time to join us! Connect with Itzel at itzel@sdaction.org.
A Win for Emergency Housing Voucher Holders in Alameda County
When SDA member and Peer Advocate Maya learned their Emergency Housing Voucher was set to expire, they organized with SDA and community partners to push local officials for a solution. Their efforts paid off: Alameda County will now convert Emergency Housing Vouchers to long-term HUD Housing Choice Vouchers.
The fight continues in other counties, including San Francisco. To support voucher holders, contact Ocean (ocean@sdaction.org) and Shaya (shaya@sdaction.org), or reach out to East Bay Peer Advocates Maya and Keirra through Community Resource Program Manager Damara (damara@sdaction.org). Read Maya's full story here.
Fight Displacement in San Francisco!
Monday, December 8, 1:30pm at SF City Hall
Mayor Lurie has been pushing for an upzoning plan with inadequate tenant protections, which would likely mean more people would get displaced from San Francisco and/or see their rents increase. The fight continues on Monday, December 8, 1:30pm at SF City Hall. Remote Public Comment is available with an accommodations request several days in advance. Reach out to shaya@sdaction.org if you’re able to come, would like more information, or would like to write an email to the Board.
Board Spotlight: Pi Ra
Welcome to our new Board President, Pi Ra! Pi was also on staff at SDA for many years before retiring in 2022. We're so glad to have him back in the fold!
What inspired you to join the board of SDA? What does SDA’s mission mean to you personally?
"Two things inspired me to return to Senior and Disability Action (SDA): 1. SDA's long history of fulfilling its mission through "Good Trouble" activism and street theater. 2. The current (3rd) generation of dedicated staff members at SDA."
Read the rest of Pi's spotlight here!
Member Spotlight: Sylvia Corrales
I have been with SDA since 2011 and have recently accompanied Itzel to City Hall to talk to the City Supervisor in her office about 1) San Franciscans are to be allowed to keep their rights to wear a mask when they choose to do so. 2) Give San Franciscans access to COVID vaccines without undue burden.
I'm drawn to organizing with SDA because of their patience with me, who started from knowing nothing. I learned a great deal on improving my writing, interaction with various types of people, and Public Speaking skills.
Community Resource Corner
The Community Resource program is led by Damara Lopez and staffed by our team of Peer Advocates. The Peer Advocates field calls and concerns on a variety of issues and work to help people find the right support or redress for their problem.
Contact us if you need help...
Getting your benefits, such as SSI, SSDI, and CalFresh
Finding home care
Understanding a confusing letter or document you received
Getting services in the language you prefer
Navigating your housing situation
Contact the Peer Advocates here
Resource Highlight: RAMS SF and SF Mental Health Association
Caring for ourselves and others is always in season.
As we reach mid-winter, we take time to remember that mental health crisis rates tend to go up during the holiday season as for many it is not easy to gather with family and friends. This holiday season, SDA wishes you all warmth and wellness, as well as the reminder that your community is here for you, just as you are here for your community. Support is available ❤️
SF Mental Health Association warmline number: 855-600-WARM(9276)
Warmline hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday: 7am to 11pm
Thursday: 8am to 10pm
Community News & Events
Human Rights Day at SF City Hall
Wednesday, December 10, noon to 1pm on the East side of SF City Hall
Join California Alliance for Retired Americans (CARA) and other allied organizations to celebrate Human Rights Day, a global date for annually uplifting and supporting human rights both locally and internationally. We’ll read the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and SF activists will tell us how they fight back — & how we can too!
Medicaid Changes Webinar from Disability Rights California
If you are a person with a disability in California or their circle of support, it's important to know about these upcoming changes to Medicaid. Watch the Medicaid Changes Webinar here.
Let's build this movement together.
Please become a member or donate today!
Senior and Disability Action
P.O. Box 423388
San Francisco, CA 94103
www.sdaction.org
(415) 546-1333
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