September 2026

From the Board

PD Active has formed a Working Group to explore ways for PD Active and our members to engage in education and advocacy to address issues relating to Parkinson’s disease. As the recent developments on paraquat demonstrate (see below), there are opportunities to influence policy and practice relating to Parkinson’s at the federal, state and local level. We think this is a great way to empower folks to make a difference and to “combat apathy through advocacy.” 

We are looking for PD Active members who would like to contribute to our advocacy efforts, either by (1) joining our Working Group to help develop and implement our goals and strategies, and/or (2) engaging in specific advocacy efforts, like making calls, writing letters, or joining meetings with policymakers.

If you might be interested in contributing to PD Active’s advocacy efforts, please contact David Edelson at d.edelson@pdactive.org. 

Programs and Events

ONLINE SPEAKER FORUM

Living Parkinson's: Strategies for Taking Control and Living Your Best Life

with author Steve Yellen

Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026

Time: 10:00 – 12:30pm PT

Location: On Zoom

In this engaging and inspiring discussion, Steve Yellen, author of Living Parkinson’s, 7 Strategies for Living a Full Live with Renewed Purpose, shares the practical framework that has guided his own journey since being diagnosed in 2019. Drawing on the latest research, his personal experiences and the lessons he's learned from leading Parkinson's experts and the PD community, Steve explores seven key strategies that can help anyone living with Parkinson's focus on what they can control and build a fuller, more active life.

Register here.

More information here.

PD Active depends on donations to bring programs like these to our members. We remain grateful for your contributions.

Save the Date

Living Well with PD

Healthy Hips & Lower Back 

Special Yoga Class with Vickie Russell Bell 

Date: Mondays, October 5 – November 2 (5 weeks) 

Time: 4:00–5:15pm

Location: On Zoom

This 5-week series offers breath-based, therapeutic yoga to support your hips and lower back, two areas that affect everything from walking and standing to restful sleep. We’ll explore gentle strength-building, increased mobility, and postural awareness in a steady, supportive environment. 

More information about this class and yoga for PD here.

To register email yogavickie@gmail.com.

Annual Fall Gathering in the Park

Mark your calendars, and don't miss this popular event. See old friends, and meet new ones at PD Active’s Annual Fall Gathering. 

Date: Sunday, October 18

Time: 1:00 – 3:00pm

Location: Live Oak Park, 1275 Walnut St., Berkeley

More information here.

Register here.

Contact Evangeline to volunteer.

ADVOCACY

Paraquat Use in California to be Phased Out

Paraquat is a highly toxic herbicide that has been linked in numerous scientific studies to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease. Banning paraquat has been a high priority of the Parkinson’s community and was a focus of the Advocacy Day in Sacramento that several members of the PD Active community participated in several months ago.

In a very positive development, all the manufacturers of paraquat products have canceled their registrations in the state of California, beginning a phase out of paraquat use in the state. These actions were the direct outgrowth of legislation passed by California in 2024 requiring paraquat manufacturers to provide evidence demonstrating the safety of their product. Under the phase out, all sales and use of paraquat in California will become illegal after two years.

More information here and here.

Community

Healthy Living Senior Festival at the Oakland Zoo

Date: September 24 

Time: 9:00am–1:00pm

Location: Oakland Zoo

This free event offers exhibits, educational resources, entertainment, exercises, health information, fun activities and healthy lunch for Alameda County residents age 55 and older.   

Register here.

More information here.

Parkinson’s Association of Northern California (PANC)

Annual Education Conference

Date: Saturday, October 24

Time: 9:00am–3:00pm

Location: Sacramento, CA

Early-bird registration (ends 09/30) – in-person (with lunch) $45 / Zoom $25

PANC’s Annual Education Conference features a distinguished lineup of experts, movement disorder specialists, therapists, and other leading professionals who will share valuable insights, practical resources, and the latest developments in care and research.

Attend in person (lunch included) or join virtually from anywhere.

More information here.

Thank You to our Recent Donors

New Recurring Donors

Keith Dierkx

Deborah Harris and Hank Levy

Don Murphy

Mark Sullivan

Donors

Marilyn Becker

Andrea Behr and Stephen Murphy

Connie Burton and David Dunkle

Sam Greyson and Laurie Doyle

Rise Justman

Fred and Roslyn Kleinsinger

Baujen Liu and Jim Kuo

Phil Miller

Don Murphy

Jerry and Neotha Richardson

Dennis Rowcliffe and Rose Palmer

Judith Aliyah Stein

Mark Sullivan

Sally Swope and Rick Lawton

Anonymous

Donations in Honor Of

Margo Stein – in honor Susan Stein Black

Marion and Kenneth Stein – in honor of Susan Stein Black

Donations in Memory Of

Suzanne and Italo Calpestri – in memory of Susie Scheville

Voneciel Gaines – in memory of Stacie Goldsmith

Daniel Jarmel – in memory of Lee Shapiro

Judith Lubman – in memory of Susie Scheville

Heather Solway – in memory of Larry Alperstein