July 2026 eNews
Dear friends,
We hope you had a wonderful Pride Month in June, and now in July we continue the celebrations with Disability Pride Month! Coming out of several months of intense budget struggles, as we fought for the survival of our healthcare program and so much more, we could not be more grateful for the strength and ingenuity of our beloved senior and disabled community. Let's rest and celebrate this month, even as our crucial movement-building work continues! Read on for more about some exciting disability pride events happening in July.
On the San Francisco budget front, we have already shared the good news that our healthcare funding was 100% restored, thanks to hard work alongside our partners in the People's Budget Coalition. Special thank you to Supervisor Melgar, who championed SDA on the Board of Supervisors when we were initially left off the list of restorations. The reinstatement of our funding ensures our ability to continue doing outreach to and providing support for people who are on Medi-Cal and IHSS, especially with work requirements being implemented in 2027. Read more on the SF budget recap here. We also have some important wins to report on the California budget side (see below).
As we shared last month, beloved longtime SDA member Denise Dorey passed away in May. Read our tribute to Denise on our website. Rest in peace, Denise. We hold you in our hearts always.
SDA News & Highlights
Our organizing paid off! Updates on the California state budget
We are happy to report that after a long and hard fight alongside our partners in the Long-Term Services and Supports for All (LTSS4All) Grassroots Coalition, we have a lot of wins to celebrate in the final budget deal. While the budget definitely isn’t perfect, it is far better than what the Governor proposed in May, and it is a testament to the powerful organizing of our coalition and advocates across the state.
Some highlights:
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS): Core funding protected. All of the Governor's proposed cuts were rejected.
Medi-Cal: Many of the Governor's new Medi-Cal cuts are delayed until July 1, 2027, including:
Eliminating full-scope Medi-Cal for asylees, trafficking survivors, and domestic violence survivors.
A Medi-Cal asset limit set at $21,000 starting July 1, 2027 (with a commitment to push for a higher threshold next year).
Medi-Cal premiums for undocumented people, though the Governor must propose a premium between $30–$50 in next year's May Revise.
Fair Share from Big Corporations: A new program pushes back on the damage from HR 1 and holds big corporations accountable for shifting employees onto taxpayer-funded Medi-Cal instead of offering company health plans. By April 1, 2027, the Administration must present the Legislature with viable options for making corporations pay. Lawmakers will weigh those options during next year's budget process, and any change will require further legislation.
Come to the SDA Summer Picnic!
Thursday, July 23, 11am to 1pm
Garfield Square Park, SF
In lieu of a July General Meeting, join our summer picnic, open to members and new folks alike! We'll meet up outside at Garfield Square Park (in the Mission between 25th and 26th Streets, Treat Ave and Harrison Street) for lunch, crafts, and postcard writing! Come socialize with staff and members. If you're new or thinking of getting involved with SDA, you're also very welcome! Find more details, access info, and RSVP here!
Senior and Disability Candidate Forum
Wednesday, August 12, 10am to 1pm
On Zoom and in-person in Oakland (7730 Pardee Lane) and San Jose (2302 Zanker Road)
SDA is supporting the planning of another candidate forum this year with California Alliance for Retired Americans (CARA), focusing on senior and disability issues. Join us to hear from State Senate and Assembly candidates and ask questions about their positions on issues impacting our senior and disabled communities.
RSVP to the candidate forum here to receive the Zoom link. Stay tuned for more details and access info coming soon.
Save the Date for a Citywide Tenant Assembly
Saturday, August 15, 10:30am
Jones Memorial United Methodist, 1975 Post St, SF
San Francisco has a long history of tenants resisting evictions and fighting for better living conditions. The Anti-Displacement Coalition (of which SDA is a member) is hosting this assembly for tenants to share experiences and learn together how we can win fights in our buildings and collectively as a tenant movement.
Registration begins at 10:30am, program begins at 11am. Lunch will be provided.
Want to connect with other Covid cautious people and Masks for Equity members? Join us at our next masked park hangout on Sunday, July 12, 2 to 5pm at Golden Gate Park (exact location shared once you RSVP).
Find more details and access info, and RSVP here for the masked park hang.
Note that high-quality masks (KN95/KF94/N95 or better) are required at all times. We hope to see you there!
Community News & Events
Community Living Campaign Disability Pride Event – Wheel of Pride: Navigating Life
Tuesday, July 7, 2pm, SF Main Library (100 Larkin St, Latino/Hispanic Community Room, located on the lower level)
Spin the Wheel of LIFE in a life-size version of the classic board game, chatting with fellow community members and representatives across different themes of life. Enjoy pizza, cake, and remarks from panelists.
The venue is wheelchair accessible, and ASL interpretation will be provided.
RSVP here to the Wheel of Pride event.
One City One Day 504 Rolling + Walking Tour
Saturday, July 11, 10-11:30am, meet at the Disability Cultural Center (165 Grove St, SF) or online
Did you know that in the late seventies, 150 disabled activists held the longest peaceful occupation of a federal building in US history? Known as the “504 protest,” the sit-in lasted 26 days and took place just across the street from the present-day San Francisco Disability Cultural Center. Join 504 protestors Dennis Billups and Debby Kaplan with scholar-activist (and DCC co-director!) Emily Beitiks to learn the incredible history of San Francisco’s disability activism, watch a short film, and then roll on over to 55 UN Plaza, the site of the protest. Masks are optional inside and outside.
Register here for the 504 rolling + walking tour.
Disability Pride Festival
Sunday, July 19, 1 to 5pm, Disability Cultural Center (165 Grove St, SF)
The Disability Cultural Center is teaming up with The Kelsey Civic Center to host their very first Disability Pride Festival. There will be a market of disabled makers, resource booths, a birthday cake, tasty treats, Disability Visibility quilt-making, and, most importantly, there will be YOU. Please join for a joyful afternoon of celebration, creativity, and community!
Find more info and register for the Disability Pride Festival here.
Every social justice movement is impacted by the Long COVID crisis
"Long COVID disrupts struggles for justice, as activists and organizers with the disease are forced to suspend or change their tactics, facing a community that largely ignores COVID precautions," writes Britta Shoot in this recent article. Read more on long COVID and social movements here.
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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