February 2026 eNews
Dear friends,
2026 has already proven to be a year of unbearable state violence and repression, but also one of powerful resistance and solidarity, particularly in Minnesota, where ICE has separated over 3,000 families and caused immeasurable trauma. Across the country, ICE has now killed at least nine people so far this year. Let’s take a moment to remember them: Keith Porter, Parady La, Heber Sanchaz Domínguez, Victor Manuel Diaz, Luis Beltran Yanez-Cruz, Luis Gustavo Nunez Caceres, Geraldo Lunas Campos, Renee Good, and Alex Pretti. There are, of course, countless others who have died or been severely harmed as a result of ICE’s actions, and the many governmental and corporate actors who support them.
As we know, wherever there is oppression, there is also resistance. We have seen this in Minnesota, with historic numbers of people participating in general strikes, rapid response networks, and protesting ICE’s violence. In our own communities, we have come together in protest and solidarity in countless ways, and we know that community connection and organization is crucial in preparing for the possibility of an ICE surge in the Bay Area. As we know, disability justice and immigrant justice are deeply intertwined. Below are some ways to get involved in these efforts:
Join a Bay Resistance pod in your neighborhood, to get trained in community defense and plug into action opportunities for ICE Watch and much more.
Attend an ICE Watch training through Adopt a Corner, to help patrol for ICE at local day labor sites and schools.
Visit StandWithMinnesota.org to find a local organization or individual to support. On the homepage, they uplift a new GoFundMe each day for a person or family who needs funds. Another good option to give to for legal defense is the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota.
SDA News & Highlights
The Politics of Being Disabled and/or a Senior in 2026
Thursday, February 12, 10am to 12pm on Zoom and in-person in SF
Join our February General Meeting for an important discussion on being a senior and/or disabled in 2026. Younger disabled people, chronically ill people, and older adults are deprioritized under capitalism and by our cities. Ableism and ageism shape how we’re treated, what we believe about ourselves and the political conditions of our lives.
Join a conversation with SDA about how our experiences are similar and where they diverge.
How can we be in solidarity with each other? How do ableism and ageism map onto the political conditions of this moment when governments make decisions about health care, evacuation planning in natural disasters, and immigration? How does the state target us? And how do we take our power back?
Find more information and RSVP here for our February General Meeting.
Photo above by Hasain Rasheed Photography
March Masked Hangout in Golden Gate Park
Sunday, March 1, 2 to 5pm in Golden Gate Park (RSVP for exact location)
Join us for our next masked outdoor park hangout on March 1. These are a fun way to connect with other SDA members and Covid-conscious people!
Find more details, access info, and RSVP to the masked hangout here. We hope to see you there!
Medicaid Under Fire: What is Medicaid and How Do Cuts Affect Everyone?
Thursday, February 12, 7 to 8pm on Zoom
Join us to learn about threats to Medicaid and how poor people are the targets of funding cuts. In this teach-in, participants will learn about how Medicaid is funded, who qualifies, and how cuts to the program are threatening to leave more people behind. Finally, the best and only way to protect people on Medicaid is to pass single payer, improved Medicare for all, free from profit. Educate yourself on how to organize and make that happen!
This is the latest in a virtual series of teach-in and discussion sessions on what it will take to put single payer on the nation's agenda and achieve the health care system we deserve. RSVP here to Medicaid Under Fire.
Fighting for Medi-Cal in Sacramento!
Last month we headed to Sacramento for the day to defend Medi-Cal! We teamed up with the Long-Term Services and Supports for All Grassroots Coalition and the Fight for Our Health Coalition to rally at the capital and lobby our legislators to create new revenues in order to fill the gaps and cuts to Medi-Cal. We spoke to a few different policymakers, but most notably, we ran into Senator Weiner in the hallway and SDA member Natalia spoke to him about why Medi-Cal is important for her and her family.
If you are on Medi-Cal and/or Medicare, or know someone who is, please reach out! We want to hear your story, and why keeping your healthcare is important to you. The cuts and changes from last year’s federal budget process will continue to have a big impact on our communities, and we have the power to push our legislators to fund our priorities! Connect with Itzel at itzel@sdaction to tell your story and get involved with defending our healthcare!
Board Spotlight: George Turner
What inspired you to join the board of SDA? What does SDA’s mission mean to you personally?
I was inspired to join the board because of my concern and care for senior safety. In my work with marginalized seniors, I observe how inconsistent healthcare access or lack of trust and rapport with patients' healthcare teams can lead to life threatening situations.
Far too many seniors over or underuse their prescribed medications because they lack guidance and effective oversight, or due to their poor living conditions, they are unable to take their medications regularly and correctly. I strongly believe that SDA’s investment and willingness to educate, advocate, and communicate with and for our seniors and people with disabilities is desperately needed in a society where seniors are frequently invisible. As an ally and service provider for marginalized communities, I am proud of the privilege to stand with this organization.
What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?
One thing people might be surprised to learn is that I ran track, the 50 yard and 100 yard dash for our school track team.
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
Resource Highlight: Muttville Cuddle Club
Muttville Cuddle Club is a program intended for seniors 62+ to help ease loneliness and increase connection. Muttville is a senior dog shelter that pairs their pups with senior humans for cuddle time! Give them a call (415-272-4172) or email (info@muttville.org) to find out when the next event is happening.
Community News & Events
Article in the SF Chronicle: Bay Area protests are filled with older adults. Doctors say it can be great for their health
Did you know that going to protests can have marked health benefits for seniors? Between exercise, community engagement, and finding purpose, there's more reasons than ever to be out in the street, as we are able. Check out the article from the Chronicle (linked above) to learn more.
Black History Month Celebration: A Conversation with Ever Lee Hairston
Saturday, February 28, 2 to 5pm PT at LightHouse for the Blind (1155 Market Street, 10th Floor, SF)
National Federation of the Blind leader, civil rights activist, and author Ever Lee Hairston reflects on change through the lens of identity — who we are before transformation, and who we become when we find our voice. Drawing from lived experience, she explores how courage and self-advocacy move us from accommodation to participation, leadership, and action today.
Registration Information: Email sbolus@lighthouse-sf.org or call (415) 694-7607
Annie Loves Dogs
Check out this documentary about Annie, a woman with a disability who makes videos about senior dogs for Muttville Senior Dog Rescue in San Francisco. With an assistive device called the Eyegaze, Annie creates videos with her eyes to help senior dogs find their forever homes.
Find a full list of our monthly program meetings on our website's events calendar.
Let’s build this movement together. Donate to SDA today!
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