Special Project: City Budget Cuts
Seniors and people with disabilities fight down to the wire to save programs that serve them
As Yogi Berra once said, "it ain't over till it's over." The baseball legend was referring to sports, of course, but the adage...
Life in the Later Lane
Following in the footsteps of heroes: My visit to the cradles of Civil Rights
SF SENIORBEAT COLUMN – March 17, 1886. A date you probably never considered. Carroll County, Mississippi. A...
Nonprofit director is happy to bug you, whether you’re 2 or 92, about saving the wild
If you grow up in Los Angeles, where do you find the wild? Norm Gershenz is not...
Bass playing lawyer takes on the landlords when seniors call for help
During the day, you’ll find Thomas Drohan in court or at his law office on Mission Street....
Former SFSU teacher shifts to helping union workers build leadership abilities
Like some people need coffee, Joan Wong needs to walk – and talk. Mornings, she puts in...
Joe Edley, a three-time national champion, has been racking up great Scrabble scores for decades
Joe Edley tucks his co-authored book, “Everything Scrabble,” under his arm and surveys the room. Around him,...
Robert Wachter, the doctor who is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence to treat patients
Robert Wachter is the doctor who oversees all the other doctors at the University of California, San...
Couple beat ‘fast furniture,’ pandemic and other challenges to keep upholstery shop going for nearly 50 years
J & G Upholstery stretches back farther than it looks from the sidewalk on Balboa Street. Stacks...
As the city’s older population swells, seniors who can no longer live at home face high costs, limited choices
EDITOR'S NOTE: See full profiles of the seniors interviewed by clicking links within the story. A panoply...
Stephanie Ernst-Scott runs the last tackle shop in San Francisco. It’s been in her family for 60 years.
Walk through the doors of Gus’ Discount Fishing Tackle, and you’ll likely be greeted before you even...
All Posts
Linda Ronstadt on her new fall shows, modern life – and getting older
Last week I had the opportunity to interview Linda Ronstadt at her home in the Richmond District. Her home is not rock star huge as might befit a legendary singer of the ‘70s and ‘80s, but is cozy and warm, even in the fog. She met me in her living room and immediately organized the ...
Texas upbringing launched this progressive’s volunteer political career
Susan Pfeifer has volunteered for political causes and elected officials since she was a teenager. Her first political action was wearing a John F. Kennedy button to high school in 1960 – once. “It didn’t raise my popularity profile, let’s just say that.” Pfeifer grew up in Dallas, a conservative bastion in the 1950’s and ...
Muttville a place where seniors can find their late-in-life soulmates – or just come for a cuddle
Leah Grant wanted a dog companion to help her deal with her health issues. Muttville brought her “Gloria,” a pretty, white fluff of fur with a copper-colored topcoat. It was love at first sight for both of them. “I sprint down my hill now after I passed my cardiovascular test.” said Grant. “I owe it ...
Litquake Elder Project writings borne of experience, sharpened with wit and wisdom
Published poet Lisa Galloway is the person who added the Elder to Litquake. A spinoff of the popular, annual Bay Area Litquake Festival – Oct. 11-20 – the Litquake Elder Project is a writing program for seniors that offers instruction, community and the opportunity to share their voices. On Oct. 17, a Litquake Elder All-Star ...
Bayview breast cancer group offers support – and an annual celebration lunch
OUR COLUMNS African American women who have survived cancer gathered at the Lutheran Church of Our Savior on Oct. 11 not just for support – but for the annual lunch celebration sponsored by the church and the Bayview Imani Breast Cancer Support Group. It was a day to greet old friends, enjoy good food, and ...
Neighbors giving back make the world a better place – for themselves, too
CREATING COMMUNITY – Al Crowell arranges speakers and dinners for Sierra Club meetings. Margaret Graf advises the city on senior issues and launched “Senior Power!” Ed Mason monitors Google commuter buses for violations of city regulations. Ellen Zhou searches for seniors to serve on San Francisco’s Civil Grand Jury. Arete Nicholas answers community questions and ...
