Supervisor Rafael Mandelman:
Odd Mondays are a staple of the Noe Valley community, and it is my honor today to recognize Judith Levy-Sender and Ramón Sender, who organized this bi-monthly speaking series for 17 years. In August Ramón and Judy hosted the last Odd Monday under their leadership. They have passed the torch to Richard May, a well-known community activist and writer. It is on this occasion that I extend the highest commendation for the contributions Ramón and Judy have made to the Noe Valley community and beyond. The series began back in 2001 in the Noe Valley Ministry’s Fellowship Hall, with the support of former pastor Rev. Keenan Kelsey and the congregation. When the Ministry closed for an earthquake upgrade, they moved the series several times until the Folio Books them in. Ramón and Judy were a perfect match for hosting Odd Mondays. Judy, a thirty-year-veteran of the public school classrooms, active union member, representing teachers and paraprofessionals on a committee of the Human Rights Commission, artist and writer; and Ramon, electronic music composer and co-founder of The San Francisco Tape Music Center, well-known writer of fiction and memoirs, communal archivist and artist. Judy’s deep connections to the neighborhood, combined with Ramón’s prowess in promotion, led the speaking series to steadily grow into a community institution. Over the years, the evenings included well-known, newly published or unpublished authors from diverse backgrounds, panels on issues like keeping City College open and free, and civil rights and civil liberties discussions. The series has drawn internationally known guests such as Bishop Swing, founder of United Religions Initiative; writer, spiritual expert and therapist Jean Shinoda Bolen; Devorah Major, former San Francisco Poet Laureate; and community organizer/ co-founder of National Organization for Women (NOW), Aileen Hernandez. On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, I want to thank Ramón and Judy for all their work to build community and spark the curiosity of the people of San Francisco."