The Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F) Ocean View Lodge #143 has been performing benevolent work in the area since 1865. This fraternal society has played a big role in the history of Half Moon Bay. It was responsible for the incorporation of the city and formed the original city council. It also created the first city park, the first low-cost senior housing facility and one of the first cemeteries. The I.O.O.F. is also responsible for one of the most distinctive looking buildings on Main Street. The historic Odd Fellows Building is hard to miss with a large eyeball on near the top and a mysterious sign with only the three-linked letters: F.L.T.
The lodge has meetings on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month for planning charity work and fraternizing with fellow members. Some of the organizations the I.O.O.F. sponsors are the S.O.S. Challenge, the Educational Foundation, Living Legacy Program, Remembering Our War Heroes, United Nations Educational Program for Youth and the Tournament of Roses Parade, as well as many other local charities.
The Pilarcitos Rebekah Lodge #286 also meets in the Odd Fellows Building on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month.
Considered to be one of Redwood City's preferred rental halls, the Odd Fellows Hall is operated by the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. It features event-site essentials such as a spacious community room and an ample dining hall complete with fully-furnished servicing kitchen. Odd Fellows Hall is available for private parties.
The Independent is a weekly newspaper located in downtown Livermore. Established in 1963, it has a circulation of 33,000 and serves readers in Livermore, Pleasanton, Dublin and Sunol. Joan Seppala is the publisher.
