July 21, 2022 edition of the Bay Area Reporter by Bay Area Reporter

South Bay monkeypox news

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Vol. 52 • No. 29 • July 21-27, 2022

SF DA Jenkins hires out staff, tours Castro neighborhood

by Eric Burkett

Liz Highleyman

Laura Thomas from the San Francisco AIDS Foundation urged a quicker federal response to monkeypox at a July 18 rally outside the local offices of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Advocates rally to demand more monkeypox vaccines by Liz Highleyman

GBTQ and HIV advocates rallied outside the local offices of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Monday, July 18, to demand speedier monkeypox testing and an increased supply of vaccines. More than 50 activists and elected officials joined the protest, organized by the Alice B. Toklas and Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic clubs. “This is really about the community coming together and demanding that our government do better,” said gay state Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco). “What’s most frustrating about this whole situation is that it was completely and utterly avoidable, and it’s impacting the queer community in a very significant way. I’m old enough to remember HIV in the 1980s, when the federal government was completely ignoring our community and allowing a mass die-off of gay men. We can never, ever let anything like that happen again.” On July 15, the San Francisco Department of Public Health updated its monkeypox tally to 86 confirmed and probable cases, and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention raised the national count to 1,972. While anyone can get monkeypox through close physical contact, the vast majority of cases in the current outbreak have been among gay, bisexual, and trans men, as well as other men who have sex with men. According to Wiener, almost 90% of the monkeypox cases in the Bay Area and half of those in California are in San Francisco. When the state Legislature goes back in session on August 1, one of his highest priorities will be to obtain funding for local communities to expand testing and treatment. “We need to make sure that our state health authorities are prioritizing this community, which is being so deeply impacted by this virus,” he said. See page 10 >>

an Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced two new LGBTQ appointees to her growing management team and conducted a get-acquainted walking tour of Castro businesses with gay District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman Tuesday. Jenkins was appointed to the office July 8 by Mayor London Breed after the recall of former DA Chesa Boudin. She has named Susan Belinda Christian, a lesbian, as managing attorney of collaborative courts, and Julius DeGuia, a gay man, as chief of criminal division vertical courts. Both bring extensive experience in the district attorney’s office to Jenkins’ administration, having initially been hired by former DA Kamala Harris, now vice president of the United States. The moves come five days after Jenkins fired about 15 people, including bi former prosecutor Arcelia Hurtado, as the Bay Area Reporter first reported online. Christian, a former co-chair of the Alice B. Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club, also served under Boudin, as co-chair of his Community Health Advisory Committee. Her work has long centered on behavioral health and its intersection with the law.

Rick Gerharter

San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, center, chats with Joseph Estrada, left, of the Castro Village Wine Co. during her tour of the Castro district, which was led by District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, right.

From 2012 to 2019 she worked in the Behavioral Health Court, a “multidisciplinary court providing treatment and rehabilitation for people who criminal justice involvement is tied to behavioral health disorders,” according to her biography on SFgov.org, and has also served on the city’s Human Rights Commission, serving four terms

as commission chair. Christian helped create and implement a pilot program for implicit bias training for city employees in cooperation with the late Mayor Ed Lee’s office, and was appointed to the San Francisco Health Commission in 2020 by Breed. See page 2 >>

LGBTQ parks officials hail Presidio Tunnel Tops opening by Matthew S. Bajko

fter eight years of overseeing the design and construction phases of the Presidio Tunnel Tops, Michael Boland took in the transformative new parkland on the northern edge of San Francisco and admired the various amenities throughout its 14 acres. Several grass meadows serve as picnic spots with breathtaking views of the bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. A campfire circle provides a space for nature talks by national parks rangers. Trails meander through the sloped site, wending a path to an extensive new play area for children called the Outpost adjacent to a revamped center for educational youth programs. “The whole purpose of this place, in particular, is to provide a gateway to the national parks for everyone,” said Boland, a Bay Area native and gay man who, since 2001, has been the chief of park development and visitor engagement for the Presidio Trust. “This is a gateway for communities that don’t feel welcome in the national parks. Queer people, people of color still don’t feel comfortable in national parks.” He spoke to the Bay Area Reporter during the new park site’s ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday, July 16, held a day prior to it officially opening to the public. “It was thrilling,” Boland said of seeing the fencing around the Tunnel Tops site come down, “because people immediately were

Rick Gerharter

Members of Fogo na Roupa lead a procession along the Cliff Walk as part of opening ceremonies of the Presidio Tunnel Tops July 16.

using the park. And it was exciting to see so many diverse people coming and using it. We wanted to create a space where people would feel welcome and fall in love with the national parks and want to visit parks farther away like Point Reyes and Yosemite.” Boland had first spoken to the B.A.R. about the project and his decades-long career with the National Park Service in 2019 when he received the prestigious designation of

Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects. At the time seated at one of the outdoor tables of the Presidio Transit Center, now connected to the new park site and whose eateries are set to reopen later this year, Boland had noted that the Tunnel Tops was “the same size” as Mission Dolores Park, the city park on Liberty Hill he once lived near.

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See page 10 >>

<< Community News

2 • Bay Area Reporter • July 21-27, 2022

New SF DA fires LGBTQ prosecutor by Cynthia Laird

ew San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins wasted no time in assembling her leadership team and cleaning house, with one LGBTQ prosecutor stating that she was fired July 15. Arcelia Hurtado, a bisexual woman, wrote on Twitter that she was let go. “After over 2 years of tireless and devoted service to the City and Cty of SF, I was unceremoniously fired without cause via phone by the Mayor’s appointed DA,” Hurtado tweeted. “I am the highest ranking Latina/LGBTQ member of the management team at that office. I will continue the fight 4justice.” A request for comment from Jenkins was not immediately returned. Jenkins was sworn in as DA July 8 after being appointed by Mayor London Breed following the June 7 recall of former DA Chesa Boudin. Jenkins will need to run in November to complete Boudin’s term, which runs through early 2024. There’s also a scheduled DA’s race in 2023. Jenkins announced Friday that she has assembled her leadership and transition teams. The management team is all women. “I promised the public that I would restore accountability and consequences to the criminal justice system while advancing smart reforms

SF DA Jenkins

From page 1

Married, Christian has been with her partner for 25 years and describes herself as “a longtime, old lesbian.” “I mean, it feels like an honor to do this, to be able to do this work,” she said, “but I feel good as a woman, as a lesbian person, to be able to make sure that our neighbors and our people and our loved ones, that if something is committed against them, that it’s appropriately dealt with. And that there is an understanding that it’s not just a crime against that person. It’s a crime against the whole of the community…” DeGuia, “a proud, gay Filipino immigrant” and a career prosecutor for 25 years, served in the San Diego District Attorney’s office for eight years before making the trek north to San Francisco to work for Harris in 2006. As chief of Criminal Division Vertical Units for Jenkins, he will manage attorneys overseeing domestic violence, and similar cases, which are handled by the same attorneys from beginning to end, following

Courtesy Twitter

Former San Francisco Assistant District Attorney Arcelia Hurtado said she was fired July 15.

responsibly,” Jenkins stated in a news release. “My new management team, which will include the addition of three women of color, with decades of prosecutorial experience at the highest levels, will help our office deliver on that promise. I have full faith and confidence that these women will promote and protect public safety while delivering justice in all of its various forms.” Jenkins’ new top hires – Ana Gonzalez, Nancy Tung, Tiffany Sutton, and Rani Singh – all have prosecutorial experience. Tung, who was the initial referral through the final disposition. He’s been managing various units in the DA’s office for some time, including juvenile, special prosecutions, sexual assault, and general felonies units. “And so I presume that the DA wants someone at the table who’s run these various units,” DeGuia said at Spikes Coffee and Teas on 19th Street in the Castro where, along with Jenkins and Christian, he sat for an interview with the B.A.R. “And who knows the administration side of a big part of the office, right?” he asked, looking toward the district attorney. “Yeah, so one thing I know about this man sitting here is how ethical of a prosecutor, how easy it is to go to him,” replied Jenkins, sitting to his right, who was hired in 2014 by former DA George Gascón as a prosecutor in the Homicide Unit. She praised DeGuia’s counsel, saying that as a younger lawyer, she had often gone to him for advice on cases. “But he is somebody who, I know regardless of how hard the decision is, will tell you the truth about what he believes is ethical and is right,”

a prosecutor in Alameda County, ran against Boudin for the open DA post in 2019 but received only about 19% of the vote. Gonzalez will be the lead managing attorney in the office. Tung was hired as chief of special prosecutions and community partnerships. Sutton was named chief of alternative programs and initiatives and juvenile. She was hired by former San Francisco DA Kamala Harris, who is now U.S. vice president. Singh was hired as senior transition adviser. Other assistant district attorneys were also expected to be fired, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. In a Facebook message to the Bay Area Reporter, Hurtado also said others were expected to be let go. “I was fired without cause,” she wrote. “I was the highest ranking Latina queer woman of color in the city and county and a highly respected an accomplished civil rights attorney. Sadly, this will decimate the office as I am only 1 of 15 or so high ranking people being fired today. “This is clearly political retaliation as we were all hired by Chesa Boudin,” she added. “The appointed DA did not even bother to speak to any of us or give us any notice that we were being fired. Utter lack of decency and abysmal lack of leadership.” As the B.A.R. previously reported, Hurtado was involved in Boudin’s

truth, justice, and reconciliation commission that he announced with great fanfare in 2020. Two years later, however, it is believed that the commission has yet to start any work. It is unclear whether Jenkins will keep the commission. The B.A.R. reached out to James Bell, founding president of the W. Haywood Burns Institute, which had been involved with the truth and justice commission and was supposed to head up the efforts. An automatic reply from Bell stated that the institute “is closed for the remainder of the year.” Boudin two summers ago had joined the top prosecutors in Philadelphia and Boston, along with two civil rights advocates, to announce the formation of truth, justice, and reconciliation commissions, or TJRCs, in each of the cities – during the nationwide protests following the police murder of Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota – to review and officially acknowledge long-standing systemic racial inequities in the criminal justice system. Jenkins did signal that she would support the innocence commission that Boudin started, according to the Chronicle. Hurtado had been Boudin’s appointment to that panel. “She refused to answer my question during my firing whether she would disband that commission,” Hurtado wrote.

That commission examines cases for possible wrongful convictions, unlike the truth and reconciliation panel, which was supposed to deal with more systemic issues in the criminal justice system. Hurtado wrote that Jenkins “also refused to answer my question regarding whether I was being fired because I prosecuted the Napoleon Brown case, Mayor Breed’s brother. Yes, the same mayor who appointed her.” Brown, the mayor’s brother, is serving a 44-year sentence for involuntary manslaughter. He was to have had a court hearing in June to possibly reduce his sentence. But the Chronicle reported the matter was delayed, meaning that it will fall under the authority of Jenkins’ office. Boudin’s office had contested Brown’s bid for a new sentence, the paper reported. It is not unusual for new DA’s to hire their own people for senior positions and fire others. Boudin fired several experienced prosecutors after he was sworn into office in January 2020. But Hurtado said that was different. “Finally, there were no mass firings under DA Boudin,” she stated. “He fired a handful of unethical prosecutors, many of whom had active or past complaints with the State Bar. That is very different from mass firings that took place today with no cause.”t

Jenkins said. “And that’s what I want.”

delighted to have Jenkins come by but, initially, demurred when asked by Mandelman about the issues his store had endured. He didn’t want to burden Jenkins with complaints but, when pressed, he mentioned a broken window. “Just once,” he said, but with a little more questioning, he mentioned other issues: garbage, tents, and feces. He apologized to Jenkins for that latter one. “We’re gonna get back on track,” Jenkins promised him. The DA and her entourage then visited cannabis dispensary Eureka Sky, where Aiello praised shop owner Desmond Morgan for his efforts to keep Jane Warner Plaza, adjacent to his shop, “safe and fun.” After talking about the troubles he’d had with some of the unhoused individuals and people with mental health issues who congregate in the public parklet in front of his store, Aiello and Jenkins encouraged him to continue calling in reports about problems he might be having. “If there are repeat offenders you’re aware of, contact my office,”

said Jenkins. As they left his shop, Morgan told her, “I’m very hopeful now that we have you in office.” Jenkins’ group continued their tour, stopping by Castro Coffee Co. and then the Castro Theatre. There, program manager Margaret Casey shared her accounts of not one but two break-ins at the movie palace, both times allegedly by the same men, and the petty vandalism to which the building is subjected, such as the time someone threw cornflakes at a poster for a movie by Italian director Pier Paolo Pasolini. At Cliff ’s Variety, the neighborhood’s iconic variety store, straight ally and store manager Terry Asten Bennett told Jenkins she wanted to see a notification system that could help victims like herself – Cliff ’s has been broken into repeatedly – keep abreast of developments in their court cases. There has to be a way for victims not to fall through the cracks, Bennett said.

Castro tour

Before sitting down at Spikes, Jenkins was guided through the Castro by Mandelman, who introduced her to several Castro merchants. As she entered each business – a package and shipping store, a seafood restaurant, a dispensary, and a variety store, among others - she was greeted with enthusiasm by small business owners who expressed their frustration with the high levels of petty crime, vandalism, and homeless encampments in the predominantly LGBTQ neighborhood. Along for the tour was Castro/ Upper Market Community Benefit District Executive Director Andrea Aiello, a lesbian. Asked if she had any hopes or expectations from Jenkins’ visit, she replied, “Not to forget about the Castro,” letting out a short laugh. “Just not to forget about us.” Indeed, merchants expressed the same idea even if they didn’t use the same words. Savio D’Souza, owner of The UPS Store on Market Street, was clearly

See page 11 >>

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<< Community News

4 • Bay Area Reporter • July 21-27, 2022

Supervisors propose changes to SFPD chief’s camera plan by Eric Burkett

proposal to allow the San Francisco Police Department to make use of non-city owned surveillance cameras is shaping up to be a highly contested issue, as well as one that is going to take up more meeting time as it wends its way through the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. At its second meeting on the topic Monday, July 18, the supervisors’ rules committee again delayed taking action and said it would continue discussing the issue next week. With the supervisors set to hold their last meeting July 26 before their summer recess, it could mean the policy may not go before the full board until the fall. As the Bay Area Reporter reported last week, members of the rules committee are reviewing a proposal by SFPD Chief William Scott that would amend Administrative Code Chapter 19(B), which outlines the requirements that city agencies must meet before they acquire or use new surveillance technologies. Currently, police are limited in how they access

video from surveillance cameras. Scott’s proposal would give SFPD free access to literally thousands of privately-owned surveillance cameras, with owners’ permission, and the right to use the video footage as evidence. After a nearly two-hour hearing on the topic July 11, committee members voted to continue the proposal to July 18. Indeed, Chair Supervisor Aaron Peskin (District 3), Vice Chair gay Supervisor Rafael Mandelman (District 8), and Supervisor Connie Chan (District 1) took up the matter again this week for nearly an hour and a half, during which Peskin said he was adding three proposed amendments to the mix. Those changes would address allowing police to monitor cameras in emergencies; defaulting to state laws pertaining to privacy standards; allowing police access to historical footage; and limiting the sharing of information with federal agencies, particularly around areas of immigration, and creating something akin to a digital sanctuary. Copies of the text of the amendments were not available from Pes-

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San Francisco Police Chief William Scott faces more delay on his surveillance camera proposal, which a Board of Supervisors committee will consider again July 25

kin’s office at press time, according to Peskin’s Chief of Staff Sunny Angulo, but “will be soon.” Committee members heard more from Scott, however, who emphasized how access to non-city entity cameras could assist an already short-staffed police force. Positioning cops on one corner to deter or catch drug dealing, for example, only sends perpetrators to another corner and SFPD doesn’t have the staffing to keep up, he told supervisors. “We’re constantly playing this game of whack-a-mole,” Scott said. “This is not an efficient use of resources.” With cameras, he continued, SFPD could monitor busy areas with fewer officers. Having footage of the goings-on could help bolster their cases against suspects. Questions about which cameras they might be accessing cropped up, as well, particularly those of the city’s numerous community benefit districts that operate hundreds of highly advanced cameras around San Francisco, noted Peskin. The CBDs are quasi-city entities, he stated. Where would they fall under these guidelines, he wondered. The Castro/Upper Market Community Benefit District nixed a proposal for surveillance cameras in 2021, as the B.A.R. previously reported. After heated debate, a proposal to place more than 125 security cameras in San Francisco’s Castro LGBTQ neighborhood died last June.

At the hearing, Chan cautiously wondered how the new policies, if approved, would be implemented. No one has spelled out the steps it would take, she said. “It’s better we do it right rather than fast,” she added. Far more enthusiastic was Supervisor Ahsha Safaí of District 11 who, though not on the rules committee, had come to sit in on the proceedings. Stating just how beneficial he thought the proposal might be for the city, Safaí said he opposed putting the matter on the ballot stating, “I think this needs to go through the legislative process.” Having real-time access to crimes as they happen is very important, Safaí said, and he’s in full support of allowing it to happen in “targeted situations.” Both the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California and Electronic Frontier Foundation have come out strongly against the proposal, with EFF noting that it would “drastically increase” police surveillance powers in the city. The proposal, too, would allow police to live monitor what are referred to as significant events, such as political protests and religious gatherings thereby “implicating” people attending those events. “This concern is far from hypothetical,” according to a statement on the EFF web site. “EFF and the ACLU of Northern California sued the city after SFPD used a business district’s camera network to live-monitor pro-

tests for 8 days following the police murder of George Floyd in the summer of 2020.” The ACLU expects the case to be heard by the First District Court of Appeal in San Francisco. It lost initially in San Francisco Superior Court, as the B.A.R. previously reported. In a phone interview with the B.A.R. following the meeting, Mandelman said he was pretty comfortable with SFPD’s request. “The things they’re asking for don’t seem unreasonable to me,” he said. When supervisors opened the floor to public comment, they had plenty of people waiting to speak their minds. Nearly 60 people were queued up on the phone lines, including several who, supporting police access to privately-owned security cameras, addressed the chamber in Cantonese but ended their statements with an encouraging “Yes! Yes! Yes!” Still the majority – just over half of the callers – urged supervisors to reject the proposal, citing concerns about civil liberties. Several called it a “massive overreach of authority” while one caller warned, “This is fascism, make no mistake about it.” Supporters cautioned that allowing drug dealers to continue plying their wares on the streets was only aiding drug cartels, while others cited their own elderly relatives who, they said, were now afraid to leave the safe confines of their homes. t

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ebra Walker, left, was sworn in to the San Francisco Police Commission July 15 by Mayor London Breed. As the Bay Area Reporter previously reported, Walker’s appointment to the powerful panel was approved 8-3 by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors at its July 12 meeting. Walker, a lesbian and artist who previously served on the arts commission and the building inspection commission, returns out representation to the police commission, which hasn’t had an LGBTQ representative on it since the resignation of Petra DeJesus, a lesbian and attorney, on April 30, 2021.

Breed stated in a news release that Walker has “dedicated her career to serving the people of our city and has a deep understanding of the challenges we are facing.” Walker stated that she’s looking forward to working with her fellow commissioners, the newly appointed district attorney, the mayor, and community members to make the city’s streets safer. Walker replaces Malia Cohen, a former supervisor and current elected member of the state Board of Equalization who is running for state controller in the November election.

Community News>>

July 21-27, 2022 • Bay Area Reporter • 5

SF supervisors approve new 2-year city budget by Matthew S. Bajko

he San Francisco Board of Supervisors gave its preliminary approval Tuesday for the city’s new two-year fiscal budget, paving the way for its adoption by August 1. It includes more than $17 million in one-time funding, most of which is split between the next two fiscal years, for various LGBTQ needs. The 10-1 vote by the supervisors at their July 19 meeting sets up a second and final vote on the budget at the board’s last meeting before its summer recess next Tuesday, July 26. It is required to be sent by August 1 to Mayor London Breed to sign. The budget for Fiscal Year 202223 is roughly $13.95 billion and the one for FY 2023-24 is $13.85 billion. It includes funding to house transgender individuals and people living with HIV as well as monetary support for the city’s Pride committee and queer arts organizations. “Basically a drama-free budget, which is pretty unusual. There was drama but it was minimal,” said District 9 Supervisor Hillary Ronen, who chaired the supervisors’ budget committee this year. District 11 Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, vice chair of the budget and appropriations committee, echoed that sentiment in his remarks and noted how collegial the budget talks were this year between the supervisors, Breed’s administration and the community. “This was one of the most seamless budget negotiations,” he said. “There was over $1 billion of asks, and we were able to whittle that down. We did a tremendous job working with the mayor, controller and everyone to get a just budget.” District 5 Supervisor Dean Preston voted against the budget solely because of the $50 million increase in the San Francisco Police Department’s budget sought by Breed. He called it a “brightline issue” for himself that forced him not to join his colleagues in supporting the budget. “It really saddens me our city is doubling down, to some extent,” said Preston, by funding “failed” policing policies. In his remarks, Safaí specifically highlighted how the budget committee took an intentional approach toward listening to the needs of the city’s transgender community. It led to the directing of city financial resources toward meeting them, he said, when across the country other elected bodies and leaders are demonizing trans people and rolling back their rights. “At a time when there are attacks on the transgender community across the country, we have to ensure San Francisco invests and ensures that the trans community’s voice is heard,” said Safaí.

LGBTQ items

Among the LGBTQ priorities included in the budget is $6.5 million to end trans homelessness and $6 million for HIV prevention service providers spread over the next two years that Breed had included in her budget proposal that she sent to the supervisors in June. There is also $35,000 the mayor allocated to launch a drag laureate position for the city, as the Bay Area Reporter first reported last month. The supervisors through the addback process also allocated funds to a variety of LGBTQ organizations in the city. For instance, $100,000 will support a Black, Indigenous, People of Color trans and queer arts residency and performance event to be housed at the queer-led African American Art & Culture Complex that Queer Rebel Productions had sought, while $100,000 sought by Fresh Meat Productions will be used

Steven Underhill

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors gave preliminary approval to the city’s new two-year budget that includes more than $17 million for various LGBTQ issues and projects.

for its transgender/gender-nonconforming (TGNC) dance and performance festival. There is $20,000 in rental assistance for LGBTQ live performance nonprofits in the Castro requested by Theatre Rhinoceros, while the city’s Pride committee is set to receive $300,000 to offset the financial losses it faced due to being unable to host its in-person parade and celebration in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID pandemic.

Providers of HIV and AIDS services in the city were successful in seeing the supervisors allocate $1 million split over the two fiscal years for housing subsidies for people living with HIV or AIDS. There is an additional $300,000 for housing subsidies for seniors and adults with disabilities, plus $200,000 in funding in each of the two fiscal years for expanded mental health services for long-term survivors of HIV and AIDS.

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Breed had included in her budget proposal $3 million per fiscal year for HIV service providers concerned they would need to layoff staff because their funding is set to decrease under a change in how the city’s health department is awarding contracts this year. Those agencies with federal HIV funding also hope to be able to recoup their increased costs of doing business via a pot of money the supervisors set aside for city service providers. As gay District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman told the B.A.R. in early July, there are “definitely some good wins in the budget” for the city’s LGBTQ community. “There are a lot of investments in the most vulnerable people in the community, with a real focus in trans folks in the mayor’s budget and the board’s budget too. I think that was also really good,” he said. Mandelman had worked with newly appointed gay District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey in seeking the funding for the various LGBTQ needs. Dorsey had told the B.A.R. he was pleased with how much of the funding request from the HIV providers they were able to include in the budget.

“Coming in as an openly HIVpositive supervisor, it was a priority for me,” said Dorsey, noting that his appointment to the board in May meant he had come “relatively late to the process, so I am grateful for Supervisor Mandelman and the mayor and their commitment to that. We were largely able to get the HIV funding the community was seeking.” The funding wins for LGBTQ needs comes as the Board of Supervisors is set to hold its first hearing on the groundbreaking LGBTQ+ Cultural Heritage Strategy since it was released in draft form in 2018. The 56-page document laid out myriad ideas for preserving and strengthening San Francisco’s LGBTQ community, with an estimated price tag of between $10.2 and $15.7 million to implement it. At Mandelman’s request, the supervisors’ land use and transportation committee is expected to hear from numerous city agencies and departments on how they are working to implement the LGBTQ cultural strategy when it meets at 1:30 p.m. next Monday, July 25. t

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<< Open Forum

6 • Bay Area Reporter • July 21-27, 2022

Volume 52, Number 29 July 21-27, 2022 www.ebar.com

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Biden needs to bring Griner home W

NBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner has been locked up in a Russian jail since February, when she was detained at an airport in the country after authorities allegedly found vape canisters with cannabis oil in her luggage. Earlier this month in a Russian court, she pleaded guilty to the charge but said the presence of the canisters was due to her hasty packing and that she had no criminal intent. Griner, a lesbian who plays for the Phoenix Mercury, was supposed to be playing for a Russian team during the WNBA’s off-season (top female pro basketball athletes in the U.S. do not make gazillions of dollars like NBA stars Stephen Curry or LeBron James, so they often supplement their income when the WNBA season is over). Griner’s guilty plea is seen by many as a necessary step to speed up her eventual release through a possible prisoner exchange between Russia and the U.S. Unfortunately, the relationship between the two countries is at its lowest point in years, largely due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which started in February. We add to the chorus of calls by Black and LGBTQ leaders urging President Joe Biden and his administration to do more to secure Griner’s release from Russia. The confident Biden who campaigned on promises and action seems missing these days. Although we’re well aware of the president’s limitations on domestic issues due to congressional deadlock – and Democratic West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin – it seems that he isn’t even using his bully pulpit effectively. We’ve read the various media accounts of the Griner case where the State Department has designated Griner as wrongfully detained. She sent a personal plea to Biden on July 4 – delivered in a letter in which she wrote: “As I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I’m terrified I might be here forever.” Granted, negotiations could be taking place behind closed doors, but Biden obviously does not have much leverage with Russia. And that is scary for Griner, whose detention is reportedly

Bigstock photo

WNBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner

authorized through December. Griner isn’t even the only American detainee in Russia. There’s former Marine Paul Whalen, who’s also considered “wrongly detained” by the State Department and has been imprisoned for four years now. He was charged with espionage and sentenced to 16 years in a prison camp. But this is about Griner, and why it’s wrong for Russia to continue holding her on a trumped up drug charge of possessing a small amount of cannabis oil that she has acknowledged. The Russian government could have fined and deported Griner, but of course, it opted for the high-stakes criminal charge and trial, knowing full well that the U.S. would need to offer something – perhaps an exchange with Russian arms trader Viktor Bout, aka the Merchant of Death, who is serving a 25-year sentence in the U.S. after being convicted on conspiracy and terrorism charges. Liz Dwyer, writing in the July 14 Word In Black newsletter (it’s a group of Black publishers similar to the Bay Area Reporter’s involvement in Word is Out, an LGBTQ collaborative), asked why more Black people aren’t calling their representatives demanding Griner’s release. “Is it that she’s gay, out, and has been since she entered public life, and some folks haven’t worked out how to support folks in the LGBTQ+ com-

News Editor • news@ebar.com Arts Editor • arts@ebar.com Out & About listings • jim@ebar.com Advertising • scott@ebar.com Letters • letters@ebar.com Published weekly. Bay Area Reporter reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement which the publisher believes is in poor taste or which advertises illegal items which might result in legal action against Bay Area Reporter. Ads will not be rejected solely on the basis of politics, philosophy, religion, race, age, or sexual orientation. Advertising rates available upon request. Our list of subscribers and advertisers is confidential and is not sold. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, and writers published herein is neither inferred nor implied. We are not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork.

munity while also practicing their faith?” Dwyer wrote. “Is it that she was arrested for drug possession and that she pled guilty to having 0.7 grams of cannabis oil in two used vape cartridges – and even though we know police lie and we have no reason to trust Russia, there’s a ‘she should have known better’ dismissal of her situation? “Is it that the war in Ukraine has shown the limits of U.S. power and we figure ain’t nobody going up against Vladimir Putin like that, so #KanyeShrug, there’s nothing we can do about it – so let’s keep on trying to stay employed and free of whatever ‘Rona variant is running in these streets?” Dwyer wrote. Both LGBTQ and Black community members must unite on this issue. We should contact congressmembers and senators demanding Griner’s release. It’s been reported that the Griner family has reached out to former New Mexico governor (and 2008 Democratic presidential candidate) Bill Richardson, who now runs the Richardson Center and has been involved in other high-profile diplomatic situations. He’s had some successes in helping arrange for the release of Americans detained in foreign countries, but according to Politico, some in the Biden administration view him as a distraction. We say, enough of that talk – reach out to Richardson. The administration needs to utilize every option available, especially since relations with Russia are severely constrained. All avenues need to be explored so that Griner can come home. t

Fitting in is not belonging by Loren Olson

Bay Area Reporter

he sign that welcomed visitors to Wakefield, Nebraska said Pop. 1,030. The town’s size didn’t vary in all the years I lived there. It was a close-knit community linked by culture, economy, religion, and blood. The people not only knew each other, they knew each other’s histories. Most families had many interconnecting links. In the generation before me, four Anderson brothers had married four sisters. Most of the family names were Swedish, although a few Germans had settled there too. Five Lutheran churches were scattered over a ten-mile radius from Wakefield. Church services were held in both English and Swedish until the early twentieth century. Most people looked alike, thought alike, and believed alike. Wakefield was pastoral, but not in the sense of its being a charming and serene small town in rural America. It was pastoral because the Lutheran pastors were leaders in the community who made clear the distinctions between right and wrong. To an outsider, Wakefield appeared normal. The people who lived in Wakefield thought it was better than normal. When I was nine years old, a neighbor made a deal with me. If he bought a power mower, I could use it to mow lawns around Wakefield to make some money for the family. The one condition of the deal was I would mow his lawn regularly too. We needed the money. I always struggled to start the mower. One day, I called my widowed mother at her work and sobbed, “I can’t get the lawnmower started again.” She responded, “Of course you can. You’re a man, aren’t you?” How does one answer that question? I thought, “Men fix machines; I can’t fix mine; I must not be a man.” I felt as if she’d ripped off one testicle. Now, as an adult, I can see my mother had intended to encourage my nascent manhood. All I could think was, “If my dad were here, he

Courtesy Dr. Loren Olson

Dr. Loren Olson

would have taught me. How can I learn to be a man without a dad? I will never measure up.” I tried to play Little League baseball because it was expected, not because I wanted to. But the coach said, “Loren, you throw like a girl.” He implied that he didn’t want someone like that on his team. I never went back. My sense of being a misfit in small-town America picked up momentum during my last years in high school. I felt cramped by the small size of our school. Opportunities were limited. You were either headed toward farming or college. Boys who lived in town couldn’t take shop classes. Only girls could take home economics and cooking. I felt continuously pressured to play a role. It might be reasonable for you to ask, “How could you not know you were gay?” For many years, I asked myself that same question. When I try to explain how I didn’t know I

was gay, I say it was like a child’s belief in Santa Claus. A young child never doubts that a fat old man flies through the air with eight reindeer plus one with a light on the end of his nose. As the child matures, things don’t quite add up. But the child is reluctant to let go of this myth. He or she has a lot of good reasons not to investigate the discrepancies. Finally, the secret is exposed. The child must accept the fact that he or she can no longer cling to a deceitful legend. Some people in the twenty-first century would like to return to the cultural values of the 1950s. They do not understand what small-town America was like for some of us. We understood complete truth was not possible. Those of us who tried to fit in but couldn’t believed there was no place for us. Through those years in Wakefield, I asked myself, “Do you have a place for me?” I never felt it did. The people of Wakefield would be surprised that I felt that way. Their myopic attitudes did not allow small-town Americans to see how pressures to conform suppressed our differences and excluded us. I needed a sanctuary – a place where I could misbehave and still be accepted, feel free to reveal the hidden truths about myself, and choose another life made of my own decisions. I tried to fit in, but fitting in isn’t belonging. And nothing is lonelier than pretending to be someone you’re not. My escape began in 1961 when I left Wakefield to attend the University of Nebraska.t Dr. Loren Olson (https://www.lorenaolson. com) is a practicing psychiatrist and essayist and popular speaker on mental health and LGBTQ issues. This is excerpted from his new memoir, “No More Neckties” (Oak Lane Press), pp. 13-20. Reprinted with permission.

Politics >>

July 21-27, 2022 • Bay Area Reporter • 7

Alameda LGBTQ Dems back out Assembly, supervisor candidates

by Matthew S. Bajko

he East Bay Stonewall Democratic Club has thrown its support behind two high-profile out candidates who could make history in November. Meanwhile, in the race for the open Alameda County District Attorney position, the LGBTQ political club once again failed to coalesce around a candidate. At the July 18 endorsement meeting Stonewall members endorsed lesbian At-Large Oakland City Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan in her race for the open District 3 seat on the Alameda County Board of Supervisors. It also endorsed gay Dublin City Councilmember Shawn Kumagai in the race for the open 20th Assembly District seat. If elected, Kaplan would be the first LGBTQ person to serve on the county board, while Kumagai would be the first LGBTQ state legislator of Japanese descent if sent to Sacramento. He would also become the first out person to represent a state legislative district that is solely within the East Bay. The club did not release a breakdown of the endorsement vote, but a candidate needed at least 60% of the ballots cast in order to secure Stonewall’s support. According to the queer political group, 69 of its active members voted Monday out of a total of 138 active members, or 50% of its membership. Neither of the Alameda County District Attorney candidates, Pamela Price nor Terry Wiley, was able to secure Stonewall’s endorsement. They are competing to succeed D.A. Nancy O’Malley, who opted not to seek reelection this year. Price took first place in the June primary with 43.23% of the vote, while Wiley came in second with 27.13%. When Stonewall held its endorsement vote for the primary in March, the club ended up not endorsing in the DA race. The club also had failed to endorse any candidate in the District 3 supervisor and 20th Assembly District races. Kaplan took first place in her primary with 41.01% of the vote, and former Alameda city councilmember Lena Tam landed in second with 28.13%. The district includes the cities of Alameda, San Leandro, a portion of Oakland, and the unincorporated communities of San Lorenzo, Hayward Acres, and a portion of Ashland. Kaplan, an Oakland council member since 2008, decided to seek the supervisor seat following the death last November of longtime supervisor Wilma Chan, who was struck by a driver while walking her dog in Alameda. In her past races Kaplan had not been able to secure Stonewall’s support of her candidacies, such as her 2014 Oakland mayoral bid. Nor did the club endorse Kaplan’s re-election to her council seat in 2016 and 2020, when she fended off out challengers both times. In his primary, Kumagai came in second place with 23.93% of the vote. Labor leader Liz Ortega finished first with 32.17%. They are vying to succeed Assemblymember Bill Quirk (D-Hayward), who opted against seeking reelection. Earlier this year he endorsed Ortega to represent the district redrawn following the 2020 decennial census count to include parts of West Dublin and Pleasanton along with the cities of Hayward and Union City. Gay nurse and union leader Jennifer Esteen, who came in third in the primary, endorsed Ortega in the general election on Sunday. In a statement, Esteen said if Ortega is elected to the Legislature then she would “be a lion” in championing the various causes and issues that she cares about, from supporting workers to tackling climate change.

Courtesy the campaigns

Alameda County supervisor candidate Rebecca Kaplan, left, and Assembly candidate Shawn Kumagai were endorsed by the East Bay Stonewall Democratic Club in their respective races.

On Monday, ahead of the Stonewall meeting, Ortega’s campaign also announced via Twitter that gay former state Assemblyman Tom Ammiano had endorsed her. It quoted Ammiano as saying “Liz is a vocal, unapologetic advocate for Black, Immigrant, LGBTQ & disability civil rights. These challenging and difficult times demand leaders like Liz, a progressive leader who will fight to preserve reproductive choice & our rights in Sacramento.”

Gay Santa Claran Becker again runs for mayor

Santa Clara native Anthony Becker is making a second run to lead his South Bay City. The gay city councilmember launched his mayoral bid Monday on his 37th birthday in front of City Hall’s “Universal Child” sculpture. “What better place to announce my candidacy for mayor than before a great symbol of inclusion and respect for all people,” stated Becker. Elected to his District 6 council seat in 2020, becoming the second LGBTQ person to serve on it, Becker had lost his 2018 bid to become mayor. He is part of a council faction seen as more favorable to the San Francisco 49ers, as the football team has clashed for years with Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor, 62, a former longtime councilmember. In 2016, her council colleagues appointed Gillmor the city’s mayor when her predecessor resigned. Two years later she won a full fouryear term and is expected to seek reelection this November. Improving communication and collaboration among city stakeholders and organizations is a main focus on Becker’s mayoral campaign. In announcing his candidacy July 18, Becker pledged if elected mayor he would take Santa Clara “in a new direction where we value progress, not blame / where our council makes decisions to benefit our residents instead of acting from divisiveness / where we can compromise to end needless conflict.” He would be the only LGBTQ directly elected mayor in the Bay Area should he win the race. There are no out candidates in the Oakland or San Jose mayoral races this fall, while most smaller cities in the region annually rotate their mayor position among their city council members.

Dems boost gay CA House candidate

Following his strong second-place showing in the June primary, Will Rollins continues to consolidate support among Democratic Party circles for his House candidacy in the new 41st Congressional District. It includes a large part of the gay retirement and tourist mecca Palm Springs. The gay former federal prosecutor,

Barry Schneider Attorney at Law

family law specialist*

• Divorce w/emphasis on who lives with his partner in Canyon Real Estate & Business Divisions Lake, is aiming to oust from office • Domestic Partnerships, Support & Custody conservative Congressmember Ken • Probate and Wills Calvert (R-Corona). While Calvert received 48% of the vote last month, www.SchneiderLawSF.com Rollins garnered 34.7% while another Democratic candidate came in third with 15.6% of the now official vote. *Certified by the California State Bar On Monday, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee 400 Montgomery Street, Ste. 505, San Francisco, CA named Rollins’ race one of its targets to flip “Red to Blue” come November. It is one of seven California House races on its list, which can be found at https://redtoblue.dccc.org/. “CA-41 shifted towards DemoReach the largest crats for the first time following the GOP opponent’s weak performance audience of local in the primary. The incumbent hasn’t LGBTQ consumers! faced a competitive race in over a decade and is desperate to hold onto his seat,” noted the DCCC. Rollins’ campaign hailed his being Call 415.829.8937 added to the party committee’s list of “top-tier candidates” who will now advertising@ebar.com receive organizational and fundraising support from it. “I’m excited to see our national partners recognizing what the people of Riverside already know: Ken Calvert has spent three decades in Congress enriching himself and his cronies, while largely ignoring the folks who live here,” stated Rollins. “Today’s announcement is proof positive that our campaign has the momentum to take on Calvert and deliver real leadership for Riverside families.” The news followed the political action committee for national LGBTQ advocacy organization the Human Rights Campaign endorsing Rollins in early When you plan your life celebration and lasting remembrance in July. He is the lone LGBTQ candidate advance, you can design every detail of your own unique memorial from the Golden State on the Demoand provide your loved ones with true peace of mind. Planning ahead crats’ targeted seats to flip list. When your celebration lasting protectsyou your plan loved ones fromlife unnecessary stress and and financial burden, Gay progressive Democrat Derek When you plan your celebration and lasting in allowing themlife to focus on what will matter most at design that remembrance time—you. remembrance in advance, you can every Marshall continues to be snubbed advance, you can design every detail of your own unique memorial by the party and national LGBTQ detail ofusyour owntheunique memorial andlegacy provide Contact today about beautiful ways to create a lasting groups. It is because of his underat the San Francisco Columbarium. and provide your loved ones with true peace of mind. Planning ahead your loved ones with true peace of mind. Planning dog status in his race this fall against protects your loved ones from unnecessary stress and financial ahead protectsProudly yourserving loved onesCommunity. from unnecessary burden, Congressmember Jay Obernolte (Rthe LGBT allowing them focus on whatburden, will matter most them at thattotime—you. Hesperia) in the Golden State’s 23rd stresstoand financial allowing Congressional District. focus on what will matter most at that time—you. Gay Congressmember Mark Contact us today about the beautiful ways to create a lasting legacy Takano (D-Riverside) is seen as having a lock on being reelected toat thethe San Contact FranciscousColumbarium. today about the beautiful ways to create state’s 39th Congressional District a lasting legacy at the San Francisco Columbarium. seat. And Robert Garcia, the mayor One Loraine Ct. | San Francisco | 415-771-0717 of Long Beach, is seen as the oddsProudly serving our Community. SanFranciscoColumbarium.com on winner in the contest for the new, Proudly serving the LGBT Community. open 42nd Congressional District FD 1306 / COA 660 seat along the coast of Los Angeles County. Both are running against GOP opponents in heavily Democratic districts.t

415-781-6500

PlanningAhead Ahead isisSimple Planning Simple The benefits are immense.

Planning Ahead is Simple The benefits are immense. The benefits are immense.

Web Extra: For more queer political news, be sure to check http:// www.ebar.com Monday mornings for Political Notes, the notebook’s online companion. This week’s column previewed the Stonewall club’s endorsement vote.

One Loraine Ct. | San Francisco | 415-771-0717

SanFranciscoColumbarium.com FD 1306 / COA 660

<< Community News

8 • Bay Area Reporter • July 21-27, 2022

B.A.R. Besties nominations now open compiled by Cynthia Laird

ominations for the LGBTQ community’s favorite people, places, and things are now open in the Bay Area Reporter’s Besties readers’ poll. The reader-generated contest was dark in 2021 due to the COVID pandemic. The 2020 edition was published shortly after the lockdowns began, as the paper had advertising commitments; voting had been completed before coronavirus disrupted life. This year, the B.A.R. is asking read-

ers to help design the ballot by nominating their favorites in the following categories: Dining Out, Nightlife, Arts Scene, Community, Shopping and Services, and Weddings and Destinations. Nominations are open through July 26. Public voting will run July 28 through August 25 (look for a printed ballot in the July 28 issue). Winners will be published in the B.A.R.’s September 29 issue, just before the Castro Street Fair. To make nominations, go to https://bit.ly/3aJ1GfC

Let’s talk cannabis. CASTRO • MARINA • SOMA C10-0000523-LIC; C10-0000522-LIC; C10-0000515-LIC

Gay Games Hong Kong launches promotional campaign

Gay Games 11 Hong Kong has launched a new promotional campaign as it hopes to generate excitement ahead of the November 3-11, 2023 event. The next Gay Games is being cohosted with Guadalajara, Mexico, representing the first time the LGBTQ-themed athletic events will simultaneously take place in Asia and Latin America. As the B.A.R. reported in February, David Killian, Federation of Gay Games officer of site selection, said Hong Kong organizers, concerned that international travel to Hong Kong might still be severely restricted in 2023, had approached the FGG with the idea of asking another city to co-host the event simultaneously so that more people would be able to participate. The event had already been postponed from November 2022 because of severe restrictions on travel in and out of Hong Kong. There have also been concerns about the political climate in Hong Kong. During the COVID pandemic, a new national security law was imposed on Hong Kong by the mainland government that outlawed demonstrations and speech that the mainland government considered contrary to its interests – specifically its dominion over Hong Kong. The U.S. State Department currently advises against traveling to Hong Kong, according to its website. Gay Games Hong Kong’s new promotional campaign features an online video and a series of social media influencer activities, according to a news release from FGG and Gay Games 11 Hong Kong. The video shows a diverse range of people from a variety of ethnicities, sexual orientations, reli-

Illustration: B.A.R.

The Bay Area Reporter’s Besties poll is now accepting nominations for a variety of people, places, and things that readers love.

gions, gender identities, ages, abilities, professions, and backgrounds, the release stated. Gay Games Hong Kong will feature opening and closing ceremonies, a festival village, arts and culture events, and other activities to mark the 40th anniversary of the Gay Games, the release noted. Registration opens this summer. Featured sports include mahjong, dodgeball, and dragonboat, which are unique to the Hong Kong Gay Games. Other sports include track and field, marathon, trail running, open water swimming, hockey, and fencing. The video can be viewed at https:// bit.ly/3yORmL9.

New 988 suicide and crisis line opens

The new 988 suicide and crisis line opened nationwide July 16 as part of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline network of crisis centers. The new three-digit dialing code was authorized by Congress in 2020 and is operated through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255, which remains in service). The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration sees 988 as a first step toward a transformed crisis care system in

America, according to a news release from Star Vista, which operates the crisis center in San Mateo County. “The StarVista Crisis Center is honored to be one of the 13 call centers in the state of California quite literally answering the call of this new initiative,” stated Taylor Coutts, program manager of StarVista’s Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Hotline. “Our hotline team is ready to support this initiative in this capacity and we look forward to the ways in which this will positively shape crisis services in our communities for years to come.” Anyone experiencing a crisis can call 988.

Sonoma County to acquire former BofA building in Guerneville

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors on July 12 unanimously approved a tentative agreement to acquire the former Bank of America building in downtown Guerneville. The move will ensure that residents in the lower Russian River communities will continue to have uninterrupted access to critical services, according to a news release. See page 11 >>

Obituaries >> Jay Noonan October 23, 1932 – July 8, 2022

A giant has passed on with the sad death of Jay Noonan. Jay was one of the early contributors to the Bay Area Reporter with entertainment reviews for his close friend, the late founding publisher Bob Ross. But Jay was more than a journalist. He was one of the early heroes of Polk Street when the Polkstrasse was the gay neighborhood of San Francisco. He worked as a doorman for bars like Kimo’s. For a few years, Jay ran the Grubstake restaurant, flipping not only delicious burgers, but also making the best omelet in town, whether with cheese or chili. Young people listened when Jay talked, whether he was telling stories about Judy Garland or why he went by the moniker Ethyl – because one of his favorites was the great Ethel Merman. Probably the most poignant wisdom he passed on was to Coy Muza, a doorman at Reflections who recalled: “He once told me never to judge a person’s smile by the number of teeth in his mouth, just the reason behind it.” Jay’s closest friend was the late Chester Lauritzen. They traveled the world together, whether it was the docks of New York or the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam.

One can only imagine bells are ringing somewhere because an angel just got his wings. Of course, Chester is probably telling Jay, “My wings are prettier.” Jay’s close friend, Robert Bruce, said a celebration of Jay’s life will be planned for the future, probably on opening day of the San Francisco 49ers’ season.

Laurence Joseph Gallagher December 11, 1940 – July 4, 2020

Laurence Joseph Gallagher died July 4, 2020 in San Francisco of natural causes. He is survived by Carl Baughman, his loving partner of 30 years. Laurence was born in San Francisco, attended school in the city, and remained a longtime resident on Sacramento Street. When he and his friends were younger – in their 20s and 30s – Laurence was always known for his Sunday afternoon soirées in his apartment on California Street. Laurence was a wizard of knowledge about San Francisco history and its founding families. He also researched many families in Ireland. While recognized as a distinguished, proper gentleman, Laurence always found time to spend at his regular establishment – the Boot Camp. Laurence’s remains were interred under the redwood trees July 4, 2022 in Sonoma, California, in a ceremony attended by his loyal partner, Carl, and several longtime devoted friends.

Health News>>

July 21-27, 2022 • Bay Area Reporter • 9

Santa Clara County expands monkeypox vaccine eligibility by Cynthia Laird

s monkeypox cases in Santa Clara County tick up, public health officials have expanded vaccine eligibility though doses remain in short supply. Meanwhile, East Bay LGBTQ leaders are calling on more help from state and federal governments. Santa Clara County reported 23 cases of monkeypox as of July 19. That’s up from 11 on July 14, according to the county’s website. Dr. George Han, deputy health officer for infectious diseases for the Santa Clara County Public Health Department, told the Bay Area Reporter Tuesday that officials are expanding vaccine eligibility in an effort to reach people who may be at high risk, including gay, bi, and other men who have sex with men. “Initially, what we did was reach people who had direct physical contact with people who have monkeypox,” Han said during a phone interview. “We’re expanding to people who may not be in direct contact but may be at high risk.” To date, Santa Clara County has only received 742 doses of the Jynneos vaccine, though Han said another 800 doses are expected to arrive Tuesday. The county has also delivered some doses to major health centers, he said. The county health department is also partnering with the Billy DeFrank LGBTQ Community Center to hold a monkeypox town hall Thursday, July 21, at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held in-person at the center, 938 The Alameda, in San Jose. People should bring proof of COVID vaccination and wear masks. Han, a gay man, said he’s very concerned about the current monkeypox outbreak. “As a member of the gay

Courtesy Facebook

Dr. George Han, deputy health officer for infectious diseases for the Santa Clara County Public Health Department, hopes more monkeypox vaccines will soon be available.

community myself, it’s important to me, as well as being a member of the public health department,” he said. Anyone can get monkeypox, which is not a new disease. The monkeypox virus spreads through close personal contact, including skin-to-skin contact, kissing, and respiratory droplets at close range, but it is not transmitted through the air over longer distances like the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. It is not yet known whether monkeypox is transmitted in semen, but it does spread through contact with sores during sex. Related to smallpox but less severe, monkeypox causes flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash. The sores, which may resemble common sexually transmitted infections such as herpes or syphilis, can appear anywhere on the body, includ-

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU UCSF is deeply committed to providing care for LGBTQ+ people and their families that isn’t just equitable—as crucial as equity is. We’re committed to giving you care that’s warm, welcoming, and knowledgeable, too. That’s why we’re a longtime Equality Leader in HRC’s Healthcare Equality Index—and why we offer a uniquely wide range of support for our LGBTQ+ patients and employees. We look forward to warmly welcoming you— and offering the great, supportive care that you and your family deserve. ucsfhealth.org/lgbtq-care

ing the throat, genitals, and anal area. Most people recover without treatment, but the sores can cause scarring and some patients have reported severe pain. Han said that among the Santa Clara County cases that the health department has data for, most are men who have sex with men, which mirrors the situation in San Francisco, New York City, and other areas. As for the expanded vaccine eligibility, county officials said people can get a vaccine if they’ve had direct physical contact with someone confirmed to have monkeypox, or if they’ve attended an event or venue where a person contagious with monkeypox was at the event or venue and had direct physical contact with other people there.

Those who identify as a gay, bisexual, or other cisgender man who has sex with men, or as a transgender man or woman are also eligible if they meet at least one of the following risk criteria: have recent history of multiple or anonymous sex partners; participate in group sex; attend sex-on-premises venues (i.e., bathhouse) or events; work or volunteer at a bathhouse or sex club; have had a bacterial sexually transmitted infection such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis in the prior year; or perform sex work. Han said that like other medical officials, he has seen differences in this current monkeypox outbreak. At last week’s virtual forum held by the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, medical director Dr. Hyman Scott said, “This is not a new virus, but it’s behaving in [new] ways that we’re identifying in this outbreak.” Han said that they are seeing monkeypox spread primarily through sexual contact among men who have sex with men. “It’s true that monkeypox is manifesting itself now different from the textbooks,” he said, adding that for example, people might not see a rash all over their bodies.

East Bay leaders call for more vaccines

Meanwhile, LGBTQ leaders in the East Bay have stepped up their calls for more monkeypox vaccine doses. In a letter from Oakland AtLarge City Councilmember Rebecca Kaplan, a lesbian who also serves as vice mayor, she and other leaders called on public health officers to make the vaccine more widely and readily available, including for the LGBTQ community.

“I urge our federal, state, and county health officials to expand public education about the growing threat this virus presents and provide vaccinations to communities that are being impacted, including our LGBTQ+ communities,” Kaplan wrote. Kaplan, who’s running for Alameda County supervisor in November, also stated that leaders “must avoid scapegoating people and take stronger action to expand production and dissemination of vaccines to prevent further harm, including seeking to make them more available throughout our communities, and to eliminate barriers to vaccine access.” The letter also calls on federal and state governments to add resources for vaccine dissemination and public education to protect the health of our communities. It echoes calls made by San Francisco LGBTQ advocates over the past week, including at a rally Monday, July 18, outside the local offices of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, as the B.A.R. first reported online. LINK:In addition to Kaplan, other East Bay signatories to the letter are Emeryville Mayor John Bauters and San Leandro City Councilmember Victor Aguilar, both gay men; gay Oakland Port Commissioner Michael Colbruno; gay Oakland LGBTQ Community Center CEO Joe Hawkins; Christie James, a pan and bi woman who’s co-chair of Pridefest Oakland; Sean Sullivan, a gay man who’s co-chair of Pridefest Oakland; Richard Fuentes, a gay man who’s Sullivan’s partner and co-owner with him of the Port Bar; and Michael Lighty, a gay man who’s a former Oakland Port commissioner and now with the progressive Sanders Institute. t

<< From the Cover

10 • Bay Area Reporter • July 21-27, 2022

Tunnel Tops

From page 1

He worked closely with the firm James Corner Field Operations and federal park staff on the project. The firm created wood benches that line the new park’s Cliff Walk trail with views of nearly the entire site. His husband seated next to him, Boland chose the vantage point to speak with the B.A.R. last Saturday, as it overlooks the play and educational spaces for children below, which are his favorite places within Tunnel Tops. With his adult son engaged to marry, Boland hopes to one day bring his grandchildren there. “When I was younger and queer and going to the national parks, I never saw same-sex couples in national parks,” said Boland, 60, who grew up in the Bay Area and regularly visited national parks throughout California.

Sits atop tunnels

The new federal park site sits atop the highway tunnels that replaced the former Doyle Drive. The elevated freeway that led motorists off the Golden Gate Bridge into the city’s Marina district was demolished and replaced with the ground level Presidio Parkway. Crews covered the enclosed sections of the roadway with dirt in preparation for the creation of the new public green spaces, initially expected to open last fall. It connects the former parade grounds of the Presidio’s Main Post area to Crissy Field, where a portion of the decommissioned airfield was restored into a bayside aquatic haven. Parks officials spent several years going out to different neighborhoods in San Francisco to discuss various design concepts for the site and to gather input on what local residents wanted to see be included in an urban park setting. Issues like access via public transit and outreach to diverse communities topped the list along with the need for outdoor recreational opportunities for youth within the city. “The site is totally new land,” noted Boland, a landscape architect who also helped design the National AIDS Memorial Grove in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park and oversaw a redevelopment plan for the defunct prison grounds on Alcatraz Island. “People didn’t understand what the site could be because the land didn’t exist. We wanted to both help the community understand the potential of the site and learn what was needed. What we ended up building benefited everybody in the city.” The YMCA of San Francisco has partnered with the national parks to take advantage of the new park amenities for its Y Rangers program, which aims to connect urban youth to the outdoors. Local participants over the last several weeks helped test out the play spaces and educational facilities prior to their public unveiling. “I am excited about it. This isn’t just for one part of the city; it is for the whole city,” Jamie Bruning-Miles,

Advo

ates rally From page c 10

Dan Bernal, a gay man who’s president of the San Francisco Health Commission and chief of staff for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco), said that she sent a letter today to Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra calling for faster action. “This growing public health threat is taking a disproportionate toll on the LGBTQ community, particularly men who have sex with men and transgender individuals, who are facing stigma and fear similar to that which they endured in the early days of the HIV/ AIDS epidemic,” Pelosi wrote. “More must be done to expedite the distribution of the vaccine to curb this quickly expanding and painful public health threat.” Advocates have three key demands, according to San Francisco AIDS

a gay man who is president and CEO of the YMCA of San Francisco, told the B.A.R. at the official dedication ceremony. “This is a park you can use and not just look at from a distance.” The Presidio Trust, a quasi-governmental and private entity, oversees the Presidio national park site. It has worked in collaboration with the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and the urban federal park’s philanthropic partner, the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, on rehabilitating the former army base into a recreational site along with housing, businesses, cultural attractions, lodging and other public amenities. The parks conservancy helped raise $98 million for the Tunnel Tops project. It also contributed toward the creation of the William Penn Mott Jr. Presidio Visitor Center that now sits at one of the entrances into the new parkland. The overhaul of the former guardhouse cost $5 million and initially opened in 2017 at 210 Lincoln Boulevard. Closed during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the facility recently reopened to park visitors. Parks conservancy president and CEO Christine Lehnertz was also on hand for the unveiling over the weekend of the Tunnel Tops. She and her wife, Shari Dagg, reside a short walk away in one of the Presidio’s residential buildings. “Welcome to our nation’s newest national park space. Let’s give it up for this park,” Lehnertz told those gathered for the ribbon-cutting. Last Friday, at 6 a.m., Lehnertz was out for a walk and saw the fencing come down around the site. She told the B.A.R. she happened to witness the first dog and its owner walk into the new park. “This will soon become a favorite location for people to picnic and to people watch,” said Lehnertz, a lesbian named the GGNRA’s first female superintendent seven years ago who retired from the National Park Service in 2019 when the parks conservancy hired her as its first female president and CEO. Lehnertz had spent more than a year overseeing the nearly 83,000 protected acres across San Mateo, San Francisco, and Marin counties before being transferred to lead the staff at Grand Canyon National Park. The GGNRA shares some management responsibilities for the Presidio with the Presidio Trust, while the parks conservancy helps support it financially. As she had told the B.A.R. last year, the new Tunnel Tops park site will forever “change the face of San Francisco.” Taking in the completed project over the weekend, Lehnertz said the conservancy now aims to raise $15 million over the next five years for its People in Parks Fund to help activate the space with programming. “Presidio Tunnel Tops is a gift to people in San Francisco, in this nation, and literally across the world because of the generosity from the donors and supporters who made this happen,” said Lehnertz during her prepared remarks.

Foundation community mobilization manager Ande Stone. First, to streamline testing and “vastly expand” vaccine distribution; second, to ensure that the response is equitable for those who are most impacted, including men who have sex with men, trans and gendernonconforming people, and sex workers; and third, to “fight the stigma associated with this outbreak.”

Vaccines in short supply

The monkeypox virus spreads through close personal contact, including skin-to-skin contact, kissing, and respiratory droplets at close range, but it is not transmitted through the air over longer distances like the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. It is not yet known whether monkeypox is transmitted in semen, but it does spread through contact with sores during sex. Related to smallpox but less severe, monkeypox causes flu-like symptoms,

Rick Gerharter

Children play on one of several special features of the new Presidio Tunnel Tops playground that incorporates natural elements of the former Army base.

Gay District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, chair of the San Francisco County Transportation Authority, was on hand to help cut the ribbon to the new park. The agency contributed $205 million toward the Presidio Parkway project that led to the creation of the Tunnel Tops site. “I think it is amazing,” he told the B.A.R. “I think it is a great transformation of a lot of real estate that is now usable as an amazing urban park.” One of his legislative aides, Ross Green, has lived in the Presidio in a former Army barracks building off and on for six years. All that time he had peered over the fencing of the new park site and is now eager to make use of the new campfire setting. “The kids space is just incredible,” said Green, who plans to bring his nieces and nephews to it. For Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), whose district includes the Presidio, last Saturday was his first time seeing the completed Tunnel Tops project. He marveled at the scenic beauty of the site. “It is such a treasure,” Ting told the B.A.R.

Myriad activities, art projects planned

Over the coming months myriad activities and temporary exhibitions are planned to lure visitors to the Presidio Tunnel Tops. Parks officials have teamed with a number of collaborators dubbed Presidio Activators on the various special features. Oakland-based artist and environmentalist Favianna Rodriguez created the outdoor art installation “Ancestral Futurism: Looking Back to Repair the Future.” It honors the Ohlone Ramaytush, the Indigenous people who originally called the Presidio home. It also celebrates the diversity and interconnectedness of all humans, land, flora, and fauna that have lived in the local ecosystem for centuries. Rodriguez has used abstract symbols to reflect plants and creatures

swollen lymph nodes and a rash. The sores, which may resemble common sexually transmitted infections such as herpes or syphilis, can appear anywhere on the body, including the throat, genitals, and anal area. Most people recover without treatment, but the sores can cause scarring and some patients have reported severe pain. Smallpox vaccines can prevent monkeypox too. Because the monkeypox virus has a long incubation period, they can be used as both postexposure prophylaxis for several days after exposure and as pre-exposure prophylaxis for individuals at risk. The new Jynneos vaccine, which involves two injections given a month apart, is currently in short supply, although the Biden administration has taken steps to increase access. As of July 12, DHHS has distributed more than 132,000 Jynneos doses and has ordered 2.5 million more. After pressure from activists, the United

Matthew S. Bajko

Michael Boland sits in the new Presidio Tunnel Tops national park July 16, a day before it opened to the public.

once abundant in the region. “Our goal is to make this park a more welcoming and inclusive space,” said Rodriguez. Another member of the Presidio Activator Council is Shanti Project Executive Director Kaushik Roy. The straight ally is just one of the council members developing innovative ways to incorporate art, culture, food, healing, wellness, and music into the Presidio Tunnel Tops’ opening season. “There was a lot of intentionality in having Activators at Presidio Tunnel Tops,” stated Roy. “There’s a difference between saying everyone is welcome and making those people feel welcome. What we can do is create programming that keeps those communities in mind and makes people feel like they’re truly wanted and they’re not an after-thought.”

Dining options

As for dining options, the Presidio Pop Up will feature daily mobile food trucks and carts cooking up dishes that celebrate the diverse cultures and cuisines of the Bay Area. It will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. The free ranger campfire talks are scheduled to occur from 4 to 4:30

States expects to receive nearly 800,000 finished doses that had been held up pending inspection of the Bavarian Nordic factory in Denmark, Dr. Peter Marks, director of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, told reporters during a July 15 briefing. Speaking at a virtual town hall on July 12, San Francisco Health Officer Dr. Susan Philip said that San Francisco had received 2,888 Jynneos doses and the city has requested 35,000 more from the state. On July 15, DPH announced on Twitter that it expects to get more than 4,000 additional does this week. The city was forced to close a walkup vaccine clinic at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center late last week after running out of doses. The San Francisco AIDS Foundation held a vaccine clinic on Sunday, July 17, but it was only able to accommodate 500 of the 3,700 people

Matthew S. Bajko

Signposts point the way to transit and the visitors center at the Presidio Tunnel Tops.

p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays through September 5, which is Labor Day. The campfire circle is located just behind the visitor center building, which is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about the new Presidio Tunnel Tops and its various offerings and planned special events, visit its website at https://www. presidiotunneltops.gov/ t on its waiting list, according to Laura Thomas, SFAF’s director of HIV and harm reduction policy. “We in the community know how to take care of each other and we know how to take care of ourselves. It’s no coincidence that it’s our HIV organizations stepping up – this is what we were built to do,” Thomas said at the rally. “We’re good at this, but we need the tools. And right now that means vaccines. We need HHS, the FDA, and the CDC to get off their collective asses and give us the vaccine so that we can get it into the arms of people.” Experts are concerned that the slow pace of the response could allow monkeypox to become entrenched as a new endemic sexually transmitted infection. Speed is of the essence with major events coming up locally, including the Up Your Alley leather and fetish fair July 31, the Lazy Bear See page 11 >>

t <<

Community News>>

Advocates rally

From page 10

Weekend in Guerneville in early August, and the Folsom Street Fair in September. “The time to stop monkeypox is not in the summer of 2023, it is right now,” said Tom Temprano, a gay man who’s the new political director for

News Briefs

From page 8

The supervisors allocated up to $3 million to purchase the building, where the county has leased office space since 2006. Two county agencies, the Department of Health Services and the Probation Department, share the building with West County Community Services, a local nonprofit.

SF DA Jenkins

From page 2

“It will get better,” said Jenkins. “It will get better.”

Fate of commissions unclear

In her interview with the B.A.R., Jenkins also discussed two commissions established by Boudin, saying that she supported the work of the Innocence Commission, which was set up to examine cases for possible wrongful convictions, and is committed to seeing the group continue its work. “Unfortunately, I think a lot of assumptions have been made. At no point have I ever indicated that I plan to discontinue that work,” Jenkins said. “I’m firmly commit-

Legals>>

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557221

In the matter of the application of WEIWEN YU & MANYING ZHAO, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner WEIWEN YU & MANYING ZHAO is requesting that the name YUYING YU be changed to AMY YUYING YU. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 30th of AUGUST 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JUNE 30, JULY 07, 14, 21, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557229

In the matter of the application of CHUN HOI LO, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner CHUN HOI LO is requesting that the name CHUN HOI LO be changed to KEVIN CHUN HOI LO. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 4th of AUGUST 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JUNE 30, JULY 07, 14, 21, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557231

In the matter of the application of CANDY WONG, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner CANDY WONG is requesting that the name CANDY WONG be changed to SHAO JUAN HE. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 4th of AUGUST 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JUNE 30, JULY 07, 14, 21, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557236

In the matter of the application of LEJIA ANNA SU, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner LEJIA ANNA SU is requesting that the name LEJIA ANNA SU be changed to ANNA LEJIA SU. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 9th of AUGUST 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JUNE 30, JULY 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397497

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MOLLIE NE, 1345 FILLMORE ST #408, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed NAM M. LEE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/23/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/23/22.

JUNE 30, JULY 07, 14, 21, 2022

July 21-27, 2022 • Bay Area Reporter • 11

statewide LGBTQ advocacy organization Equality California. “Four thousand doses next week is not enough for San Francisco. We need 40,000 doses. We aren’t seeing the urgency that is necessary to keep us safe.” Health officials urge anyone with a rash or other possible monkeypox symptoms to seek medical care and get tested. Those who don’t have a

regular provider can contact City Clinic on Seventh Street or SFAF’s Magnet sexual health clinic in the Castro. Refrain from sex and other close physical contact until the results are known. People who test positive should avoid close contact until their sores heal completely, which takes about three weeks. t

For the latest updates on vaccine eligibility and locations, go to https:// sf.gov/information/monkeypox. To contact City Clinic, go to https://www.sfcityclinic.org/ or call its new phone number, 628-2176600. To contact SFAF’s Magnet clinic at Strut, go to https://www. sfaf.org/programs/magnet/ or call 415-581-1600.

“With this acquisition, the county will secure an important piece of property for our future,” stated District 5 Supervisor Lynda Hopkins, who represents west county. “Taking ownership of the building will avert any disruption to existing services when our lease expires next year. But it also creates an exciting opportunity to improve the delivery of services to residents in west Sonoma County by turning the build-

ing into a satellite office for other county agencies, a key element of our ongoing efforts to reimagine the central county government center.” The property, located at 16390 Main Street in Guerneville, includes a 7,784 square foot office building and an adjacent parking lot with more than 30 spaces, the release stated. It has served as a hub for health and welfare services. During floods and fires it has served as a lo-

cal assistance center. The building is owned by Patricia Veale and Clement Carinalli, trustees of the Veale Family 2020 Revocable Trust, who accepted the county’s offer to buy the property earlier this year, according to the release. The contingent purchase agreement approved by the supervisors is pending the completion of due diligence investigations, the release stated.t

ted to exonerating the wrongfully convicted. That is something that is still an ever-present problem in our society.” On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution calling on Jenkins to preserve the independent body. A news release from District 5 Supervisor Dean Preston, sponsor of the resolution, noted that in April, the Innocence Commission helped exonerate Joaquin Ciria, who was imprisoned for over 30 years for a murder he did not commit. As for the Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation Commission, its fate is less clear. Boudin two summers ago had joined the top prosecutors in Philadelphia and Boston, along with two civil rights advocates, to announce the formation of truth,

justice, and reconciliation commissions, or TJRCs, in each of the cities – during the nationwide protests following the police murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota – to review and officially acknowledge long-standing systemic racial inequities in the criminal justice system. Two years later, however, it is believed that the San Francisco commission has yet to start any work. Hurtado, the fired assistant district attorney, had been involved with the truth panel. A local nonprofit, the W. Haywood Burns Institute, had also been involved with the commission and was supposed to head up the efforts, as the B.A.R. previously reported. The B.A.R. reached out to James Bell, founding president of the Burns Institute last

week. An automatic reply from Bell stated that the institute “is closed for the remainder of the year.” Jenkins told the B.A.R. that the TJRC “hasn’t risen to the top of the list just yet and I don’t want to give an answer that is not based on my research and my knowledge about ... if there’s anything we can be doing differently or better.” For now, Jenkins said, her primary focus “is making sure we have a management team in place that has prosecutorial experience – and vast prosecutory experience – and that represents the balance that I want to have in our office ... the responsible reform side as well as accountability, and that’s my focus right now.”t

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397461

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397456

liability company, and is signed METBURGER, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/05/11. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/27/22.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as LEV’S PLUMBING CO, 74 MIRALOMA DR, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94127. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LEV SHEVKHOD. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/30/83. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/22/22.

JUNE 30, JULY 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397435

The following person(s) is/are doing business as VTL, 1325 LINCOLN WAY #6, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed OMER BICEROGLU. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/21/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/21/22.

JUNE 30, JULY 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397536

The following person(s) is/are doing business as EYETHRIFT, 1264 VALENCIA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MARIA GARCIA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/16/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/27/22.

JUNE 30, JULY 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397545

The following person(s) is/are doing business as BERNAL HILL PLAYERS, 183 ELLSWORTH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JENNIFER PERINGER. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/27/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/27/22.

JUNE 30, JULY 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397474

The following person(s) is/are doing business as COLOR BLOCK SALON, 1255 9TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed COLOR BLOCK SALON (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/23/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/23/22.

JUNE 30, JULY 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397303

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MILKTOPIA, 1139 TARAVAL ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed FUNFA INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/05/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/07/22.

JUNE 30, JULY 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397448

The following person(s) is/are doing business as PRECIOUSDESIGNSBYME, 84 WESTBROOK CT, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed KNIGHTEN-JONES L.L.C. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/06/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/21/22.

JUNE 30, JULY 07, 14, 21, 2022

The following person(s) is/are doing business as RANDY & SON’S AUTO REPAIR, 112 SAGAMORE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, C A 94112. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed MENDOZA & CORTES LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/22/22.

JUNE 30, JULY 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397386

The following person(s) is/are doing business as UD ENTERPRISES, 734 INNES AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed SIERRA’S SECRET LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/15/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/15/22.

JUNE 30, JULY 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397454

The following person(s) is/are doing business as RAD RADISH, 301 HAYES ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed 301 HAYES STREET, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/22/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/22/22.

JUNE 30, JULY 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397516

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SUPER DUPER, 346 KEARNY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed KBURGER, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/04/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/27/22.

JUNE 30, JULY 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397517

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SUPER DUPER, 2201 CHESTNUT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed EBURGER, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/08/11. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/27/22.

JUNE 30, JULY 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397518

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SUPER DUPER, 721 MARKET ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed JBURGER, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/25/11. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/27/22.

JUNE 30, JULY 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397512

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SUPER DUPER, 783 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a limited

JUNE 30, JULY 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397514

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SUPER DUPER, 3401 CALIFORNIA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed 3401 CALIFORNIA STREET, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/28/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/27/22.

JUNE 30, JULY 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397515

The following person(s) is/are doing business as UNO DOS TACO, 595 MARKET ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed APMEX, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/10/11. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/27/22.

JUNE 30, JULY 07, 14, 21, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557069

In the matter of the application of RAYNALDO AGAPE VALDEZ AKA RAYNALDO AGAPE VALDEZ V, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner RAYNALDO AGAPE VALDEZ AKA RAYNALDO AGAPE VALDEZ V is requesting that the name RAYNALDO AGAPE VALDEZ AKA RAYNALDO AGAPE VALDEZ V be changed to RAYNALDO AGAPE VALDEZ V. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 6th of SEPTEMBER 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557245

In the matter of the application of KENNY MOY, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner KENNY MOY is requesting that the name KENNY MOY be changed to KENNETH K. MOY. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 16th of AUGUST 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557250 In the matter of the application of OLGA LUCIA MUNOZ, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner OLGA LUCIA MUNOZ is requesting that the names OLGA LUCIA MUNOZ AKA OLGA MUNOZ AKA OLGA L. MUNOZ AKA OLGA LUCIA

VOLUNTEER TODAY! Position: BART Police Citizen Review Board Member – District 2 About the Position The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) will be accepting applications for membership on the BART Police Citizen Review Board (BPCRB) from Monday, July 18, 2022 - Friday, September 16, 2022. This appointment will be made by Director Mark Foley, District 2. How to Apply To learn more about the BPCRB and/or how to apply for appointment, visit our website at https://www.bart.gov/about/bod/ advisory/crb Applications will be available for download via the BPCRB website located at https://www.bart.gov/about/bod/advisory/ crb Applications must be completed and returned to the BART District Secretary’s Office by mail, email, or in-person: District Secretary’s Office San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District 2150 Webster Street, 10th Floor, Oakland, CA 94612 U.S. Mail: San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District c/o District Secretary’s Office P.O. Box 12688, Oakland, CA 94604-2688 Email: CitizenReviewBoard@bart.gov Phone: 510-464-6083 Application period closes on Friday, September 16, 2022 VOLUNTEER As a volunteer of the BPCRB, members work to increase the public’s confidence in BART’s policing services by: • Reviewing, recommending and monitoring the implementation of changes to police policies, procedures, and practices • Receiving citizen allegations of on-duty police misconduct • Advising Board of Directors, General Manager, Independent Police Auditor, and Police Chief • Participating in recommending appropriate disciplinary action • Meeting periodically with representatives of the BART Police associations • Participating in community outreach Member Qualifications: • Must reside within Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, or San Mateo County • Fair minded and objective • Demonstrated commitment to community service • Not currently employed in a law enforcement capacity, either sworn or non-sworn • Not a relative of current or former BART Police Department personnel • No felony convictions Duration of Service: All appointments to the BPCRB are for a term of 2 years and there are no term limits. NOTE: The term of the current seat representing District 2 will expire on June 30, 2023. 7/21, 8/11, 9/8/22 CNS-3605773# BAY AREA REPORTER

MUNOZ-STRAUB be changed to OLGA LUCIA MUNOZ. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 16th of AUGUST 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557249

In the matter of the application of YINJIE XIA, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner YINJIE XIA is requesting that the name YINJIE XIA be changed to JAMES YINJIE XIA DEA. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 16th of AUGUST 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397546

The following person(s) is/are doing business as UNITED LIQUOR MARKET, 5298 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed NADER MASSIS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/12/05. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/28/22.

JULY 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397556

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SAFE LIMO, 1388 CALIFORNIA ST #403A, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed BRAHIM J. ALAOUI. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/01/99. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/28/22.

JULY 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397564

The following person(s) is/are doing business as A&E ELECTRIC, 139 LEE AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed AMORSOLO ASUNCION. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/05/87. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/28/22.

JULY 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397607

The following person(s) is/are doing business as FORD’S AFFORDABLE JANITORIAL; FAJ; 1434 HALIBUT CT #C, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94130. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed THADDEUS FORD. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/16/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/30/22.

JULY 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

<< Legals

12 • Bay Area Reporter • July 21-27, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397559

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SIGMA ENGINEERING LABORATORIES, 1180 4TH ST #590, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94158. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed BELKACEM SAOUD. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/28/22.

JULY 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397629

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SUPERNOVA COFFEEBEAN INFUSED SKINCARE, 834 CENTRAL AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ANTRINA CRAWFORD. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/01/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/01/22.

JULY 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397609

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MY-LINH MAKES, 548 MARKET ST #57106, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MY-LINH LE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/29/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/30/22.

JULY 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397640

The following person(s) is/are doing business as ONEPLUS1; OP1 SOLUTIONS; OP1 RIDESHARE LTD; OP1 KENOBI RENTALS; 548 MARKET ST #80401, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MARC HUNTE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/01/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/01/22.

JULY 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397581

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SHINE LITTLE DIAMOND, 3216 24TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed EDWIN JESUS AYALA GARCIA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/29/22.

JULY 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397637

The following person(s) is/are doing business as INDIJEANE, 137 PRECITA AVE #B, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SASHA ALEXANDER. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/28/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/01/22.

JULY 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397642

The following person(s) is/are doing business as DONAIRO’S PIZZA, 6905 GEARY BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MOHAMAD ELKADRI. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/05/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/05/22.

JULY 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397613

The following person(s) is/are doing business as I.E., 901 STANYAN ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed EDMOND LAWRENCE BOWEN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/01/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/01/22.

JULY 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397298

The following person(s) is/are doing business as GOLD MINE GROUP; CHARDONNAY ESCROW A NON-INDEPENDENT BROKER ESCROW; 2292 MARKET ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed EXCLUSIVE LIFESTYLES, INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/07/22.

JULY 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397449

The following person(s) is/are doing business as KMOSAIC; ALENAH BRUNSWICK; 328 SCHWERIN ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed BLEATH LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/21/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/21/22.

JULY 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397534

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MISSION FUEL AND FOOD, 4298 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed GAWFCO ENTERPRISES INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/23/19. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/27/22.

JULY 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397634

The following person(s) is/are doing business as IGNITE YOUR LIFE PATH, 418 FAIR OAKS ST #A, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed 418 FAIR OAKS ST #A (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/08/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/01/22.

JULY 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397650

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SONYA BRUNSWICK, 328 SCHWERIN ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed SONYA BRUNSWICK & ARNOLD BRUNSWICK. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/06/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/06/22.

JULY 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397468

The following person(s) is/are doing business as CANNABIS 21+, 1095 COLUMBUS AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed ORANGE PEN, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/23/22.

JULY 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397476

The following person(s) is/are doing business as CANNABIS 21+, 1057 HOWARD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed BLUE PEN, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/23/22.

JULY 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397523

The following person(s) is/are doing business as THE DAISY REFILLERY, 601 VISITACION AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed THE DAISY REFILLERY, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/01/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/27/22.

JULY 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397560

The following person(s) is/are doing business as CANNABIS CULTURES, 2715 JUDAH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed BCC SF LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/28/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/28/22.

JULY 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397580

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MOXIE BAKEHOUSE, 298 4TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed BAGEL BABY, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/29/22.

JULY 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397506

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MILAN SF NAILS, LLC, 5427 GEARY BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed MILAN SF NAILS, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/27/22.

JULY 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-0396210

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as TURKEY & REUBEN, 1208 FUNSTON AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business was conducted by a general partnership and signed by MARA EZEKIEL & NOA SHNEORSON. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/03/22.

JULY 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-0388422

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as DONAIRO’S PIZZA, 6905 GEARY BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business was conducted by a limited liability company and signed by DONAIRO’S PIZZA LLC (CA). The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/28/19.

JULY 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557255

In the matter of the application of YOSHIKO MAEKAWA, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner YOSHIKO MAEKAWA is requesting that the name YOSHIKO MAEKAWA BURROW be changed to YOSHIKO MAEKAWA. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 18th of AUGUST 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 14, 21, 28, AUG 04, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557256

In the matter of the application of NATASHA BAHRI, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner NATASHA BAHRI, is requesting that the name NATASHA BAHRI, be changed to NATASHA SETIA BAHRI,. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 18th of AUGUST 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 14, 21, 28, AUG 04, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557265

In the matter of the application of TAMMY HSUEH, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner TAMMY HSUEH is requesting that the name TAMMY HSUEH be changed to TAMERAH HSUEH. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 23rd of AUGUST 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 14, 21, 28, AUG 04, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557261

In the matter of the application of JOHN ALLEN NALLS, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner JOHN ALLEN NALLS is requesting that the name JOHN ALLEN NALLS be changed to JOHN TYRELL NALLS. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 23rd of AUGUST 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 14, 21, 28, AUG 04, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557262

In the matter of the application of DAVID GUSTAFSON, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner DAVID GUSTAFSON is requesting that the name MANUEL DAVID NEGRETTE III AKA DAVID GUSTAFSON be changed to DAVID GUSTAFSON. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 23rd of AUGUST 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 14, 21, 28, AUG 04, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397659

The following person(s) is/are doing business as DUKE HONOR, 1170 MCALLISTER ST #402, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ILIA KUZNETCOV. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/07/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/06/22.

JULY 14, 21, 28, AUG 04, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397639

The following person(s) is/are doing business as GORPHIN, 390 28TH AVE #1, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed GORDAN DENG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/01/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/01/22.

JULY 14, 21, 28, AUG 04, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397669

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MCCAULEY REAL ESTATE GROUP, 1320 GREEN ST #100, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed RYAN ALLEN MCCAULEY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/07/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/07/22.

JULY 14, 21, 28, AUG 04, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397526

The following person(s) is/are doing business as CRYSTAL WAY, 2335 MARKET ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed CRYSTAL WAY, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/03/03. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/27/22.

JULY 14, 21, 28, AUG 04, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0394592

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MARK ADAM & CO., 3024 PIERCE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by a married couple, MONICA K. ZIMMERMAN & ALAN P. ZIMMERMAN, and was signed ALAN P. ZIMMERMAN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/01/73. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/13/21.

JULY 14, 21, 28, AUG 04, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397552

The following person(s) is/are doing business as INSPIRING ACCOUNTABILITY, 2250 BAY ST #321, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed ELAINA NOEL LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/20/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/28/22.

JULY 14, 21, 28, AUG 04, 2022

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF JUDITH ARMSTRONG NEWMAN AKA JUDY ARMSTRONG NEWMAN IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO: FILE PES-22305487

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of JUDITH ARMSTRONG NEWMAN AKA JUDY ARMSTRONG NEWMAN. A Petition for Probate has been filed by FINTAN SULLIVAN in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. The Petition for Probate requests that FINTAN SULLIVAN be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: AUGUST 08, 2022, 9:00 am, Rm. 204, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the latter of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined by section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for petitioner: MICHAEL WOODS, 395 WEST PORTAL, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94127; Ph. (415) 759-1900.

JULY 21, 28, AUG 04, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397734

The following person(s) is/are doing business as BEAUTIFUL 99 BEAUTY SPA, 1637 TARAVAL ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed YUEYING WANG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/15/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/14/22.

JULY 21, 28, AUG 04, 11, 2022

NOTICE OF PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION (DIVORCE) OF MARRIAGE OF PETITIONER ELORA BELT AND RESPONDENT HAMZA BOUDLAL IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO: FILE FDI-22-795873

We are married. Petitioner has been a resident of this state for at least six months and of this county for at least three months immediately preceding the filing of this Petition. Date of marriage: September 23, 2020. Date of separation: September 1, 2021. Time from the date of marriage to date of separation: 0 years, 11 months. The minor children are ZACHARY BELT-BOUDLAL, birthdate 05/31/21, age 7 months. Petitioner requests that the court make the following orders: divorce (irreconcilable differences); legal custody of children to petitioner; physical custody of children to petitioner; child visitation (parenting time) be granted to petitioner; terminate (end) the court’s ability to award support to petitioner and respondent. There are no such assets or debts that I know of to be confirmed by the court. There are no such assets or debts that I know of to be divided by the court. I have read the restraining orders, and I understand that they apply to me when this petition is filed. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct. Signed ELORA BELT, 01/03/22. Party without attorney: ELORA BELT, 561 KANSAS ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107; (415) 350-4644.

JULY 21, 28, AUG 04, 11, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557269

In the matter of the application of CYNTHIA LEE, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner DONG EUN LEE AKA CYNTHIA EUN LEE is requesting that the name DONG EUN LEE AKA CYNTHIA EUN LEE be changed to CYNTHIA EUN LEE. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 23rd of AUGUST 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 21, 28, AUG 04, 11, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557271

In the matter of the application of CAITLIN SARAH-MARIE KELLY-KARTER, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner CAITLIN SARAHMARIE KELLY-KARTER is requesting that the name CAITLIN SARAH-MARIE KELLY-KARTER be changed to CAITLIN MARIE KELLY. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 23rd of AUGUST 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 21, 28, AUG 04, 11, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557264

In the matter of the application of MICHAEL ERNESTO GIRON VALLADARES, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner MICHAEL ERNESTO GIRON VALLADARES is requesting that the name MICHAEL ERNESTO GIRON VALLADARES be changed to ARLO MICHAEL VENTURA. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 23rd of AUGUST 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 21, 28, AUG 04, 11, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397542

The following person(s) is/are doing business as PRECISE PRESSURE WASHING, 231 ADDISON ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ORIN KINDELL BAILEY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/27/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/27/22.

JULY 21, 28, AUG 04, 11, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397689

The following person(s) is/are doing business as LEFT WING, 3995 ALEMANY BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94132-3206. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed GEE MIN KIM. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/08/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/08/22.

JULY 21, 28, AUG 04, 11, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397731

The following person(s) is/are doing business as CAFÉ MYSTIQUE, 464 CASTRO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SAMMER KHALILI. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/20/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/13/22.

JULY 21, 28, AUG 04, 11, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397764

The following person(s) is/are doing business as STELLAS PLUMBING, 1355 GOLDEN GATE AVE #5H, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DMITRIY VARTANOV. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/01/12. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/19/22.

JULY 21, 28, AUG 04, 11, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397736

The following person(s) is/are doing business as YYK SECURE CARRIER, 223 FLOURNOY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed YYK SECURE CARRIER (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/01/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/14/22.

JULY 21, 28, AUG 04, 11, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as THE G SPA SAN FRANCISCO, 490 POST ST #1703, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed OFFICEMD, A CALIFORNIA MEDICAL CORPORATION (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/12/22.

JULY 21, 28, AUG 04, 11, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397685

The following person(s) is/are doing business as CONVIVIUM ENOTECA, 516 GREEN ST, SAN FRAN-

CISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed CONVIVIUM LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/15/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/08/22.

JULY 21, 28, AUG 04, 11, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397638

The following person(s) is/are doing business as ADMIRAL HOTEL, 608 O’FARRELL ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed RK 608 LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/01/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/01/22.

JULY 21, 28, AUG 04, 11, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397674

The following person(s) is/are doing business as STADE SPORT, 580 HAYES ST #408, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed VON BRACHNER LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/08/22.

JULY 21, 28, AUG 04, 11, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397728

The following person(s) is/are doing business as BOOCHMANIA, 685 HARRISON ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed OSBAN FERMENTS LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/11/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/13/22.

JULY 21, 28, AUG 04, 11, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0397752

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SF CITY TAILS, 1808 47TH AVE #2, SAN FRANCISCO, A 94122. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed HEY BIG SISTER PROJECT (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/18/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/18/22.

JULY 21, 28, AUG 04, 11, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 291553

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as: THE MOCHI DONUT SHOP, 7 SAN PEDRO RD, COLMA, CA 94014 County of SAN MATEO. Registrant(s): SAN PEDRO ENTERPRISES LLC (CA). This business is conducted by a limited liability company. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on N/A. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime.) SAN PEDRO ENTERPRISES LLC S/ ROSE LILY BAUTISTA. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Mateo County on 07/05/2022. Mark Church, County Clerk, MARIA GALLARDO, Deputy Original Filing

JUNE 16, 23, 30, JULY 07, 2022

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-0395624

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as THE G SPA, 490 POST ST #1703, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business was conducted by an individual and signed by ELISE GRENIER. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/01/21.

JULY 21, 28, AUG 04, 11, 2022

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Daring deception

Jono McLeod’s ‘My Old School’

Sending up flares

Berkeley Rep’s ‘Sanctuary City’

by Jim Gladstone

“Y

ou are never, ever, ever going to be able to get married!” sneers a furious young woman at her one-time high school confidante and crush, hurling a Molotov cocktail of venom and heartbreak. Her outburst takes place just a few minutes after she’s been abruptly introduced to her old friend’s male romantic partner in “Sanctuary City,” play-

wright Martyna Majok’s gut-wrenching, personalis-political drama, set between 2001 and 2005 and now playing at the Berkeley Rep. If you’ve already seen this electrifying production, you might be inclined to consider the scene description above to be a so-called spoiler. But if you’re an occasional theatergoer who opts for plays that have been promoted as featuring queer content –and thus wouldn’t have this show on their radar– my unnecessary over-discretion would be the real spoiler. “Sanctuary City” belongs on your must list.

www.magpictures.com/myoldschool

show, others were no doubt conscious of the probFrankly, if the reveal of a character’s homoability early on; clued in both by the awkward retisexuality actually served as a spoiler-enabling cence written Majok has written into the characplot twist, I’d likely be panning “Sanctuary City.” ter’s lines and an exquisitely sensitive performance Queerness is inherent to character: To hide by Angulo, who over the course of the evening it, then spring it on audiences like a winking makes us feel the bone-deep ache of a sweet soul jack-in-the-box is retrograde playwriting, circa becoming slowly, inexorably embittered. “Deathtrap.” That’s not at all what Majok is up to. Staged by director David Mendizábal in a poIn “Sanctuary City,” she aims to make us think tent collaboration with his design team of David about the intimidating, omnipresent threat of I. Reynoso (set), Cha See (lighting), Fan Zhank the U.S. government interfering in our personal (sound), the play’s events all take place in a greyhistories and private lives; whether by forbidding beige urban setting literally suggestive of tenesame sex marriage or by throwing roadblocks ment housing and more generally evoking the onto paths to citizenship; whether we’re immibowels of institutional America. Jolts of sizzling grants, brown-skinned people, women, queer light and noise accompany G and B’s struggles folks or, like the characters in this play, doublewithin their bland surroundings, belying this and triple-jeopardized intersectional combos. built environment’s intended anonymization and Both G, the female character (María Victoria neutralization of what goes on behind its walls. Martínez, convincingly skittish, impulsive and Majok’s choice to have the events of “Sanctuwell-intentioned), and B (Hernán Ngulo), her ary City” end in 2005 is a fascinating one. While teenage soulmate, are undocumented immisame-sex marriage was indeed illegal at the time, grants, brought to the U.S. as children by their audiences know that G’s dismissive assumption mothers. Growing up impoverished in Newark, about B’s gay relationship proved inaccurate; that New Jersey, they’re accustomed to maintaining at least one law based on institutionalized social the lowest of public profiles in an effort to avoid prejudice was eventually changed. deportation. But should we find optimism in this hindNearly crippled by internalized fear and anxiety sight? Today, the path to citizenship for –even more so, in the wake of 9/11, when nonDREAMers remains uncleared, and the right to Caucasians automatically trigger suspicion– the bodily autonomy is once again in pair personify learned helplessa precarious state. Will sparks of ness. G and her mother are abused humane illumination like Obergby a series of violent men; B’s mothfell vs. Hodges further combust, er drinks, gets depressed and is burning down walls that divide cheated out of her restaurant wages and obscure? Or are those brief by a crooked boss. The teenagers flashes of light just desperate final cling to each other, spending most spikes on the heart monitor atnights chastely huddled under B’s tached to a dying body?t bedcovers trying to ride out the storm of their lives. While some opening night au‘Sanctuary City’ through dience members were audibly surAugust 14. Berkeley Rep, 2025 Kim Fischer (Henry) Addison St. $20-$116. (510) 647prised to learn that B was gay about in ‘Sanctuary City.’ 2949. www.berkeleyrep.org an hour into the intermission-less

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María Victoria Martínez (G) and Hernán Angulo (B) in Berkeley Rep’s West Coast premiere of Martyna Majok’s ‘Sanctuary City.’

exception of the girl with whom he had a lingering kiss onstage in a production of “South Pacific” in which he played the lead. Bisexual actor Alan Cumming (in a dreadful toupee) represents the present-day Brandon/ Brian, lip-synching what was said in recorded interviews because, as was stated earlier, the subject doesn’t want to be seen. It’s a thankless role, especially because of how unlikable McKinnon is in real life. Perhaps the most compelling angle to the story is that Brandon/Brian was a classmate of director Jono McLeod’s. This aspect makes “My Old School” as much a tribute to the tribulations of those involved as it is an homage to someone who was able to pull off a hoax worthy of being memorialized in a documentary. Rating: B-t

he was able to pass for a much younger person, fooling fellow students and adults alike. When he was unmasked, so to speak, every lie he told blew away like a bagpipe tune on the wind. He was in his early 30s, not his midteens. His mother wasn’t a dead opera singer. His father had died long before he said he did. The “grandmother” he lived with was actually his mother. Whether or not she was in on the gag remains in question. Nevertheless, whoever he was, he managed to have a lasting impact. One student in particular, Steven, credits Brandon/Brian with giving him the courage to pursue his dream. For the most part, other former students had kind words for him, with the

Kevin Berne

ay filmmaker Jono McLeod’s featurelength directorial debut “My Old School” (Magnolia Pictures) opens with the following ominous disclaimer: “The subject of this film doesn’t want to show his face, but you will hear his voice.” McLeod’s “My Old School” is a documentary that utilizes animation and dramatization to depict this bizarre true story of deception and discovery. In 1993, an unusual-looking teen named “Brandon Lee” (his face is described as being like a mask) showed up as a newly enrolled student at Bearsden Academy in a “posh” town at the edge of Glasgow. He carried a briefcase and wore the school tie and a blazer.

As if that wasn’t enough to make him stand out, he was gaunt and pale, had tightly curled hair, and wore strange glasses. He had a weird pseudo-Canadian accent, was something of a loner, and wasn’t afraid to display his intellect in the classroom. The segments involving most of what occurred during Lee’s school years are presented as colorful animation. In the live-action interview sections, more than 25 of his Bearsden classmates, as well as teachers and administrators, tell their side of the story. And what a story it is! Lee, whose real name is Brian McKinnon, attended Bearsden in the 1970s, at the time he was, in fact, a teenager. In his post-plastic surgery Brandon Lee phase,

Kevin Berne

by Gregg Shapiro

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<< Film

14 • Bay Area Repor ter • July 21-27, 2022

Jewish Film Festival faves

Left: ‘The Therapy’ Right: ‘Bernstein’s Wall’

by Brian Bromberger

he Jewish Film Institute (JFI) has announced its program for the 42nd San Francisco Jewish Film Festival, the world’s largest and longest one, running July 21-August 7. It is presenting 71 films from 14 countries. Reintroducing in-person cinema after two years at the Castro Theatre and Albany Twin Theater, the festival will also showcase 14 dynamic programs in the JFI Digital Screening Room for at home-viewing from August 1-7. There are a few films exploring life and love in today’s queer community as well as past generations. Bernstein’s Wall pays homage to this musical genius but isn’t afraid to expose his faults, telling his story in his own words through the use of archival concert material, first-person TV interviews, news footage, home movies, letters, and audio clips. A musical prodigy, Bernstein got the break of a lifetime when he replaced the ill conductor of the New York Philharmonic in November 1943, catapulting the 25-year-old to fame. He gave wide-ranging music lectures on the CBS art series “Omnibus” in 1954 and in his 1970s televised series of “Young People’s Concerts,” as well as composing music for Broadway and Hollywood, including “On the Town” and “West Side Story.” Although homosexual, Bernstein had a long, somewhat happy though complicated 27-year marriage to

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Chilean actress Felicia Montealegre until her 1978 death. He had male lovers before, during, and after their marital union. Felicia knew about his sexuality and told him to go off and do what he pleases, “without guilt or confession.” The documentary is illuminating up to a point. Bernstein had so many accomplishments, this film that could’ve been longer. However, it emphasizes Bernstein’s humanitarian and political concerns, and his belief that art could and should promote social change, to the detriment of his musical achievements, unbalancing the film. There have been many films on gay conversion therapy but mostly from a Christian point-of-view. In The Therapy, we are exposed to two Israeli Orthodox Jews using this discredited psychological technique to overcome their gay feelings. The documentary begins with chilling footage of actual therapy sessions with one man tied up with a quilt over his head as he’s bombarded with questions and accusations about his sexuality. We are introduced to Lev, age 54. Aware of his same-sex attractions since puberty, he hoped to change himself, got married and had six children. His wife discovered gay porn on his computer and filed for divorce. Lev’s been in conversion therapy for 8 years, trying to rid himself of these desires and remarry. Ben, age 23, has spent seven years

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in therapy, and was expelled from his Hebrew school because he was attracted to another male student. He attended a secular university, studying social work. Through academic research and conversations with a clinical psychology professor, he realizes how harmful conversion therapy can be. Yet can he break away from it? Before #MeToo there was Andrea Dworkin, the iconoclastic outspoken radical feminist intellectual who wrote and spoke about rape, sexual abuse, pornography and domestic violence at a time when they weren’t forefront in public consciousness as women’s civil rights issues. She connected race and class to gender issues, especially misogyny and patriarchy, decades prior to the emergence of the term intersectionality. The new hybrid documentary My Name Is Andrea features a stunning collection of archival clips of speeches, radio interviews, television appearances in which the abrasive Dworkin eloquently, passionately, and uncompromisingly addresses women’s status in American society. This film includes texts and dramatic reenactments by actresses such as Ashley Judd and Christine Lahti among others playing Dworkin at key life moments, such as when she was raped and her first husband physically abused her. Many people assailed her as an ugly, fat, angry lesbian, even though she was primarily straight, married twice, the second time successfully to a gay man. This is one documentary that would’ve benefitted from a few talking heads, putting Dworkin in historical context. The dramatizations are heartfelt and powerful, but pale in comparison to Dworkin herself, who was her own best advocate. Moral ambiguity in a satirical parable, and dark comedy about gentrification and white guilt, reigns supreme in Idan Haguel’s narrative Israeli film Concerned Citizen. The movie cleverly focuses on the insidious interaction between privilege and prejudice in a gay ‘enlightened’ well-off couple (Ben and Raz) living in Neve Sha’anan, a migrant slum-ridden neighborhood in south Tel Aviv. They are in the process of seeking a surrogate for their planned child. To improve the gritty surroundings, Ben plants a new fragile tree on his street. One night he looks outside his window and sees two young African immigrants leaning on the tree almost breaking. Ben files a police complaint. He later observes one of the officers brutally beating one of the men, but does nothing, throwing him into a spiral of guilt that affects his self-understanding and relationship with Raz. The film raises the question of how tolerant we are, with a suppressed xenophobia uncomfortably rising to the surface, poking fun at liberal self-delusion. The ending is morally

ambiguous, which some might find disturbing and not particularly emotionally satisfying. The captivating local narrative short Holding Moses is the star attraction for LGBTQ viewers in this festival, and is in Jews in Shorts: Documentary Program I. Butch queer woman and Broadway dancer Randi Rader has a child, Moses. Because of a rare genetic disorder, he was born profoundly disabled. Randi struggles with shock, fear and grief, even wishing he would die quickly. But it is her love of movement, honed from performing with the Broadway musical “Stomp” and dancing Butoh on a Japanese farm –along with her fondness of percus-

Above: ‘My Name Is Andrea’ Middle: ‘Concerned Citizen’ Below: ‘Holding Moses’

sive rhythms as a kind of somatic wisdom– that becomes her lifeline. Watching a father play with his disabled son on a trampoline gives her hope, as she will use dance to connect with Moses. Randi exclaims, “He was my teacher in terms of how to love him. I’m the one who had to change,” allowing her guilt to dissolve. She learns a new language in order to communicate with Moses, involving handclaps, foot stomps, back pats, even banging dishes so she can mother him. Not to be missed under any circumstances, “Holding Moses” is why we love film festivals.t www.jfi.org/sfjff-2022

Books>>

July 21-27, 2022 • Bay Area Repor ter • 15

To hell and back

Sean Hewitt’s ‘All Down Darkness Wide’ makes literature of the memoir cruising literature. Its unsparing look at clinical depression is testimony to the fact that mental illness remains an even greater taboo.

Battling clinical depression

Stuart Simpson

Author Sean Hewitt

by Tim Pfaff

etting lost in a relationship is kid stuff, literally. People do it all the time, and it’s the matter of some of our greatest literature. Rarer is the chronicle of making it back out, which is both the engine and the heart of Sean Hewitt’s luminous new memoir, “All Down Darkness Wide” (Penguin Press). A highly regarded poet (“Tongues of Fire”) and scholar “(“J.M. Synge”), Hewitt, 32, turned to the tools of prose –“creating a whole world,” as he put it in a recent interview– to get into the experience of being in a psychologically harrowing relationship and then to get out of it if not, categorically, beyond it. It is about returning to the past to leave the past behind. It is also, at its core, the story of Hewitt’s relationship with and love of a man named Elias. He tells that story through the prism of other, perhaps loftier-sounding themes, principle among them the haunting of our lives

by the spirits of others. And then there’s Hewitt’s coming out. His exploration entails deep readings of two poets, Gerard Manley Hopkins and Karin Boye, the former a kind of stand-in for the English author and the less-well-known Boye for the Swedish Elias. So, there’s profundity galore. This book will be passed hand to hand, as it should be. My impatient wait for it meant that by the time I had it in hand, I was already well versed in it. I had read all the generous excerpts printed in the British press, digested the rave reviews as they tumbled out, agog, and watched an hour-long televised interview with the author. The most remarkable thing about it all was that, beyond the tagline, there was barely any mention, let alone discussion, of the relationship and its breakup, precipitated by the corrosive force of depression. For all its candor about sexual matters, “All Down Darkness Wide” will have a distinguished place in the canon of

“All Down Darkness Wide,” whose title comes from a Hopkins poem, is not an analysis of the “dynamics” of clinical depression. If anything, it addresses the adamant refusal of depression to be dynamic, to cooperate or to yield. It describes the wall depression builds around its sufferers at the same time it breaks down the walls between them and the people who care about them. At the narrative level, it traces the relentless rubbing out of Elias’ natural exuberance and the steady extinguishing of Hewitt’s corresponding impulses, less to reach out than to reach in. It exposes the ineluctable death of self that is depression’s goal and, for the survivors, the deathdealing process of escape from its clutches. It’s also about two men we come to know in three dimensions doing battle with the grinding activity of real time. Hewitt gives us the full arc of the relationship whose dissolution comes with a startling lack of drama, the way Hemingway said bankruptcy does: gradually and then all at once. The language here is unsparingly blunt. “[Elias] was both the man I loved and the person who wanted to kill the man I loved.” It is a critical moment of clarity when Hewitt sees, “There is no morality to depression, no way to apportion blame for what either of us did, but every day I felt that weight crushing down on me, tightening my lungs, making my breaths quick and shallow.”

Language, and lying

For a poet venturing into the language of prose, Hewitt is disciplined about his words. Writing of the effect of Elias’ depression on him, he is shockingly concrete: “I began to grind my teeth so hard that one morning I woke up with one of my molars broken in two. I lifted the shard of it out with my fingers and held it up.” It stood for his reality. Writing about his long process of coming out as a gay man, he begins, “Lying is something I had become good at with practice.” He recalls that as a child, he alone among his siblings could consistently fool his mother, and his suspicions regarding what can and cannot be said is constant. Unable to get Elias to tell him what was “wrong,” he slowly realizes, “I was looking for a reason and couldn’t find one. It was like trying to shoot a cloud with an arrow.” For Hewitt, language is both a problem and its solution. Neither man is entirely fluent or comfortable in the other’s first language, and trouble in their fundamentally happy relationship comes, Hewitt writes, when “I became strangely conscious that I could only say the things I had language for. “I had worked out ways to simplify my speech, hoping that … Elias might better understand me in his second language. But there were always the missing things, the less rounded edges of my thought that would be lost on the way. Ever since we met,” he soon realizes, “Elias and I had to translate ourselves to each other.”

Ghost stories

Unsurprisingly, Hewitt’s writing is rich in metaphor. “Ghosts in the water, ghosts in the blood. Everything, once you start to look, is haunted,” he writes early on. He is almost scientific in his enumeration of the ways the spirits of the past, present, and future converge in all of us. When he writes about cruising, both the immediacy and the latent

excitement are palpable. “Somehow, still, I feel haunted by a part of myself,” he writes. “Meeting men at night, all those years, I let the ghost inside me out. “It seemed right to me when I learned that ‘haunting’ used to be slang for cruising, ‘ghost’ for a closeted gay man. There’s something purgatorial about it, and something tantalizingly otherworldly.” Reflecting on cruising as it is manifest in a Wilfred Owen poem, he writes, “And here I was, nearly a hundred years later, doing the same thing, I didn’t learn it from anyone

Personals

–I thought I was the first man in the world to have discovered it. How could it be that I carried that history inside myself, some instinctive urge pulling me out of the house at night?” “All Down Darkness Wide” chronicles the whole of a life, not just a romance. Hewitt’s journey into the underworld is, in the end, all about finding words, and the ones he has unearthed are sure to linger with readers.t ‘All Down Darkness Wide’ by Sean Hewitt, Penguin Press, 338 pages, $26 penguinrandomhouse.com

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16 • Bay Area Repor ter • July 21-27, 2022

D. L. Forbes and the Unique Individual by Charles Steiner

painter in San Francisco for more than 42 years, D.L. Forbes was first interviewed by the Bay Area Reporter for his five-year retrospective in September 1980 at age 29. He is now fast becoming known as a novelist and poet with seven volumes of poetry, three novels, and a memoir in print. The charming and very readable memoir, “Wittgenstein’s Son and U. G. Krishnamurti: Ducks or Rabbits” is a deserved subject for discussion as it sums up the author’s life, fully and un-ordinarily, in San Francisco while focusing on two major influences: Ludwig Wittgenstein, the AustrianBritish philosopher whose work was a staple in colleges during the 1960s because of his deep questioning of language and its meaning; and U.G. Krishnamurti, who was an anti-guru deeply questioning and dismantling the state of spiritual enlightenment. The author at age 12 learned that Wittgenstein was in fact his biological father, according to his own mother, and the father figure in U.G was for some time the emotional and psychological substitute for his real but unavailable father. Charles Steiner: Though you compared and contrasted Wittgenstein and Krishnamurti throughout your memoir, at the end of it, you completely distrusted their claims of certainty. Have I read you right? D.L. Forbes: After years of attempting to understand my father’s work and the many interactions I had with U.G. Krishnamurti, I found that the complete certainty they professed in their ‘non-philosophies’ were not only near impossible to grasp, but generally not of much use to me, and perhaps not to anyone, and for the simple rea-

Author D.L Forbes

son, that one was not them. I know that Ludwig Wittgenstein never married and was gay, but I’m not sure many know that he was. What would you say to someone who can’t understand that he fathered a son and yet was gay? Well, you only have to consider the lives of many prominent gay people in history who fathered children; Oscar Wilde, Andre Gide, W. Somerset Maugham. Although your father died three days after you were born, you met with U.G. Krishnamurti countless times in the 1980s, and he found you intriguing enough to label you a “unique person.” Was it your being gay that brought out that remark? Partly, and partly because of my interest in therapeutic and sexual prostate massage which I pursued parttime for many years, and told U.G. about, and oddly perhaps, with his en-

‘A Quilt for David’

by Jim Gladstone

teven Reigns, a Los Angeles-based writer who was the first official Poet Laureate of West Hollywood, blends literary genres to stunning effect in his spare and powerful new work, “A Quilt for David,” which can

fairly, if incompletely, be described as True Crime Poetry. While the book was published midpandemic by San Francisco’s esteemed City Lights press –home of Alan Ginsberg’s “Howl” and other landmark works of queer consciousness– Reigns will be making his first Bay Area ap-

a relationship and witnessed covI do give poetry readings. I did a feature couragement. I seemed to etousness in action. Can you say read recently with the social activist be in and out of the B.A.R. more about that episode? and poet, Sarah Menefee. You can see office endlessly then, either Well, let’s just say that in the end the last poetry reading on YouTube. placing ads for life-enhancthe visit turned out to be passionately I’m familiar with several of ing massage or obituaries gratifying. your paintings, and I know you’ve for loved ones. Your memoir makes for attenhad exhibitions not only in San People may think tion-grabbing reading in that Francisco but also in Santa Monfrom the title of your it’s not a chronological narraica. It looks like a lot of the cover book that it’s academic tive you tell. It spans from 1973 art for your books is your own and very serious, but through 2020, but your method artwork. Am I right? it’s really aimed at gay of selection from your journals I’ve had several shows in Santa people in general whose really makes your work very Monica; two with Ed Hardy. And yes, lives are challenging appealing. Can you give us a I use my paintings and photographs and not stereotypical in glimpse of how you employed for my book covers. the least, and there’s lots your method? Your published work can be of other well-known That was the complicated part of found on Amazon and at Apple personalities brought creating the book, the narrative arc I Books. Are there any other veninto your memoir, in wanted it to possess. I had to chop out ues where your memoir and other particular, Margaret a lot of repetitive journal entries and writings can be found? Cho, who actually talkleave out certain names and events in Yes, they’re all over the place. The ed about you in her own order to give the work an overall integmemoir and seven other books can memoir, “I’m the One I rity that was consistent and without also be found at San Francisco Public Want.” contradictions. Library on e-books. And three plays I met Margaret in 1980 when she In addition to your memoir and soon to be published. was twelve years old. I was working at novels, you’ve written books of You’re prolific. her father’s bookstore, Paperback Trafpoetry. I admire your love poems Well, not so prolific if you consider fic, on the corner of Polk and Califorfrom “Rough Fluff,” particularly it took four decades plus to hash them nia. Almost immediately I became her those featuring the policeman. Do out. Anyhow, hopefully readers may unofficial English nanny for a decade, you give poetry readings as well? find something worthwhile in these and actually up until this moment. Thanks. I’m glad you liked them. Yes, alleged page-turners.t She’s a lovely person. In her first memoir, Margaret Cho mentions you having an elbow-to-ass tattoo on your back. Is that true? Yes. I did the design, and Ed Hardy executed it; and proudly I took Margaret to meet Ed for her very first tattoo, as any really caring nanny would. The description of your visit with your boyfriend to see Christopher Isherwood and Don Bachardy makes for riveting readAuthor D.L Forbes’ books, two of which feature the author on the cover. ing, particularly for anyone who has ever been in

Steven Reigns’ true crime poetry pearance on behalf of the book with a reading and discussion at 4pm, Saturday July 30 at Fabulosa Books on Castro Street. In fewer than 100 pages, Reigns revisits the largely forgotten case of Dr. David Acer, a gay Florida dentist who, in the late 1980s, was accused by eight patients of infecting them with HIV. While Acer was never proven to be the source of their infection, he was nonetheless was tried and declared guilty by an AIDS-phobic media, and eventually died a shunned and lonely man. Meanwhile, one of his accusers, Kimberly Bergalis was featured as a tragic figure on the cover of People magazine. Reigns, who was a Florida middle school student during the period of Acer’s public humiliation, has long been haunted by it. Over the course of 10 years, he returned there to scour local newspaper and government archives and to interview sources close to the story. His findings infuse every taut line of his gut-twisting work, revealing previously unexposed shame and secrets that may have driven Acer’s patients to seek a scapegoat in their dentist, demonizing him for being gay, rather than having empathy for him as a fellow innocent victim. In unraveling the case, Reigns slowly reveals many painful, poetic ironies in the lives of Acer, his patients, and the loved ones they left behind. In anticipation of the event at Fabulosa, the Bay Area Reporter asked Reigns a few questions about the research and writing that went into this unusual book: Why did you choose to write what is essentially a book of non-fiction in poetry rather than prose? I am a poet. Writing poetry is how I make sense of things. And the more research I did about the David Acer

Author Steven Reigns

case, the more poetry seemed like a natural form to tell this story in. The events happened so long ago and were so poorly documented that I was working with remnants. In a sense, each section of the poem is a patch in the quilt of the story. Writing has always offered me solace and a place to make sense of things that are confusing or unsettling. I’ve done it with my personal past and did it in this book. Some of these poems started off as marginalia on the Xeroxes I made of articles or in my research notebook. I had such an emotional response to the situation that it was easy to convey those feelings into poetry. How did this particular story take grip on your imagination? I saw several segments about the Acer case after school in the eighth grade on ‘A Current Affair’ and ‘Inside Edition.’ The reason I watched those tabloid shows is that back then they were the only places I saw gay men on TV. But what brought it back to mind more than 25 years later? For a decade I worked as an HIV Test Counselor. It was at my job I started thinking back about Kimberly Bergalis, this virgin who was infected by her dentist. Even when I first remem-

bered the story, I assumed that the dentist had been careless or purposefully infected his patients. But I was highly knowledgeable about HIV and came to realize that there was no logical explanation for how transmission might have occurred. I started searching for answers and they weren’t clear. What was clear was that homophobia and AIDS-phobia permeated almost every article that was published about the case back then. This was a terrible incident of gay scapegoating. So the book became about more than this particular case. It’s also about what was going on in America at that time, about how gay men and people with HIV were treated. Have you thought about the kind of assumptions that people made back in the ’80s might have been amplified in today’s age of social media and cancel culture? This is a cautionary tale for sure. What happened to David could happen to any of us. Someone points a finger and our whole trajectory, or legacy, could change, regardless of the facts.t Steven Reigns presents ‘A Quilt for David,’ with moderator Jim Gladstone, Saturday, July 30, 4pm at Fabulosa Books, 489 Castro St. www.stevenreigns.com

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<< Out & About

18 • Bay Area Repor ter • July 21-27, 2022

The Queen’s Ball: A Bridgerton Experience @ SVN West photos by Steven Underhill

‘T

he Queen’s Ball: A Bridgerton Experience,’ a new immersive Regency Court experience, includes live music, cocktails, actors playing roles from the hit TV series adapted from Julia Quinn’s best-selling novels –including the Queen– and an all-around festive environs that all the ton’s talking about. $45 and up. 16+. Festive attire suggested. 10 Van Ness Ave. bridgertonexperience.com/san-francisco Enjoy more nightlife albums at facebook.com/lgbtsf.nightlife And see more of Steven’s work at www.stevenunderhill.com

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Statement of Support from Castro Theatre owners. The Castro Theatre has adapted and undergone many changes during the last 100 years. The Theatre first opened on June 22, 1922 with the showing of a silent film. That evening the orchestra pit was full and admission was ten cents a ticket. Since that June night the orchestra musicians were replaced by a sound system in the 1930s, the mezzanine fireplace was removed, a new marquee was introduced, the famous neon blade sign was added, the Art Deco chandelier was installed, new seats arrived in 2001 and the stage was expanded to allow for more diverse live programming. These changes allowed the Theatre to stay current and allowed all of us to celebrate its 100th anniversary. The Castro Theatre has presented film for 100 years and will continue to present film. Film alone has not sustained the Theatre for some time and the theatre has been struggling when just showing film since the 1970s. This was unfortunately represented in the 10 days of the 100th anniversary when the 1,400 seat Theatre had on average attendance of less than 100 per showing. Because of the low attendance for film and the theatre’s inability to financially sustain itself in its current form, we entered into an agreement with Another Planet Entertainment (APE) to help restore and modernize the theatre, enhance programming and address years of deferred maintenance. We formed this agreement with a tremendous amount of thought and care to ensure that we found the best group to be the stewards of the theatre. We know that APE will be able to revive the theatre, preserve its legacy and continue important programming to the LGBTQ+ and film communities. We fully support the proposed changes by APE that allow the theatre to have versatile programming and upgraded seat configurations which will hopefully help stave off the fate of so many other theaters of this era that have closed, been developed into other occupancies or converted to retail shops. Recently, groups have come forward that claim an affiliation with the Castro Theatre or propose changes that they think are best. While we appreciate their love for the theatre we strongly disagree and oppose the wildly restrictive guidelines that groups such as the Castro Theatre Conservancy are trying to impose. Their approach, while well intentioned, is extremely misguided and will further restrict and limit the diverse programming needed for the theatre to remain operational. Surprisingly, many of these groups who claim to know what’s best for the theatre failed to participate in or support the recent 100th anniversary events. The Castro Theatre is the longest continually family-owned movie palace in the United States, and we have every intention of staying open for another 100 years. We would like to say Thank you for your continued support over the last 100 years as we endeavor for 100 more!

The Nasser and Nasser-Padian Families Owners and Builders of the Castro Theatre

Welcome to the world of

Imagine a place where the only things bigger than the creatures are the secrets they reveal. Discover the amazing adaptations of bugs and get up close to larger-than-life models in this immersive new exhibit. Now open | Get tickets at calacademy.org Every visit supports our mission to regenerate the natural world.

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THIS EXHIBITION HAS BEEN DEVELOPED BY THE MUSEUM OF NEW ZEALAND TE PAPA TONGAREWA WITH WETA WORKSHOP LIMITED.

6/7/22 11:22 AM