April 14th, 2022 Edition of the Bay Area Reporter, America's LGBTQ newspaper

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Vol. 52 • No. 15 • April 14-20, 2022

SF DA Boudin fights recall

by Eric Burkett

F Screengrab

The new SF supervisorial districts

New SF electoral map prompts legal threats

by Matthew S. Bajko

E

ven before it is finalized, the new electoral map for San Francisco’s 11 supervisorial districts is drawing threats of legal challenges. The controversy could impact the November elections for the even-numbered seats on the Board of Supervisors.

To the dismay of LGBTQ advocates, the proposed boundaries will cleave the Tenderloin apart from the South of Market neighborhood in separate districts, as the Bay Area Reporter first reported online April 10. But it does preserve the residence of the lone LGBTQ member of the Board of Supervisors, District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, in his current district where he is seeking a second and final four-year term this fall.

The San Francisco Redistricting Task Force is obligated by the city’s charter to deliver the new boundaries to the supervisors by April 15.

Whether it will do so prior to its deadline of 11:59 p.m. April 14 remains an open question.

During their meeting that began Monday, April 11, and ran early into the morning April 12, several members of the nine-person panel had inquired of the city attorney’s representative what would happen if they missed their deadline. Deputy City Attorney Andrew Shen, however, dodged their questions.

“I am simply prepared to advise the deadline is by end of day April 14,” he replied.

The task force is to meet again at 3 p.m.

Wednesday, April 13, to take a final vote on the map. They are barred, though, from making drastic changes to the boundaries approved over the weekend. All they can do is make slight tweaks to clean up inadvertent mistakes where the lines were drawn between supervisor districts.

Yet task force chair the Reverend Arnold Townsend, who had voted in the five-person majority supporting the proposed map, indicated in the early hours of Tuesday, April 12, that he was not satisfied with how the districts ended up and wanted more time to work on the map.

“If I feel the job is done then I am ready to go, but I don’t feel that now. I think more work needs to be done,” said Townsend, who suggested the task force members sleep on it and be prepared to discuss the deadline when they regroup Wednesday.

Task force member Raynell Cooper, who voted against the proposed map, pointedly asked, “What does the April 15 deadline mean to us?”

Another member who had voted in the minority, Jose Maria (Chema) Hernández Gil, called the new boundaries “essentially a map of class warfare” and questioned if it would hold up under legal scrutiny.

“We are going to be stuck in legal limbo on this for weeks or months to come,” Gil predicted.

Attorney Alex Lemberg, who is president of the Castro/Eureka Valley Neighborhood Association, is among those who have threatened to take legal action over the new maps if City Attorney David Chiu doesn’t.

“We deserve a full investigation into what is See page 2 >>

ew could have foreseen the longer term repercussions of that horrible tragedy on New Year’s Eve 2020, when Troy Ramon McAlister, then 45, while allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol and methamphetamine, struck Elizabeth Platt and Hanako Abe as they entered a crosswalk at Mission and Second streets. Platt, 60, was killed on the spot; Abe, 27, died soon after in hospital.

McAlister, who pleaded not guilty in his arraignment a few days later, had a long arrest record and was out on parole. He is still being held at San Francisco County Jail #3 and is scheduled to appear again in court on April 27.

McAlister’s record, and the role of the San Francisco District Attorney’s office in the plea deal that had set the suspect free nine months earlier, came under immediate scrutiny and added urgency for those seeking to recall DA Chesa Boudin.

Fourteen months after Boudin, San Francisco’s embattled district attorney, took office in January 2020, he was targeted with the first of what would be two efforts to recall him. Launched by failed, sometimes Republican, mayoral candidate Richie Greenberg in March 2021, the first recall effort fell 1,714 signatures short of the required 51,325 signatures needed by that August to spark a recall.

Boudin, 41, was one of a wave of progressive prosecutors elected to office around the country, beginning with Philadelphia County District Attorney Larry Krasner in 2017, and including Rachael Rollins, the first Black woman to be elected

Bill Wilson

San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin, third from right, participated in an October 2, 2021 women’s march.

to the office in Boston in 2019, and Alvin Leonard Bragg Jr., the first Black DA for New York County (Manhattan) in 2021. Running on promises to reform the criminal justice system, they sought to reduce prison populations by downgrading the severity of punishment for some crimes such as petty theft and drug possession, with a stronger focus on rehabilitation and crime prevention.

In his election to office, Boudin narrowly outpaced Suzy Loftus, who had been appointed interim DA just days before absentee ballots were sent out in October 2019. Mayor London Breed, who endorsed Loftus, named her to the interim post after former DA George Gascón abruptly

resigned in early October. He moved to Southern California and is now DA in Los Angeles County, where he’s facing a recall effort.

But people dissatisfied with Boudin launched a second recall effort while the first recall was still collecting signatures, and it succeeded where the prior effort had fizzled. Easily reaching the 51,325 signatures needed, organizers eventually collected more than 83,000, paving the way for the recall on the June 7 primary ballot.

San Francisco’s two LGBTQ Democratic clubs split on the recall, which is Proposition H on the ballot. The more progressive Harvey Milk LGSee page 10 >>

In-person Easter events return to SF

by Eric Burkett

I

t’s been two years since the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence have indulged the public’s thirst for hunky Jesuses and foxy Marys in person but, finally, they’re back and ready to party.

San Franciscans can expect a full weekend of LGBTQ-centered Easter celebrations this year: the Sisters’ annual Easter party in Mission Dolores Park on April 17, and a new celebration in the Castro, the Castro Easter Eggstravaganza Block Party, hosted by the Castro Merchants Association on April 16.

The Sisters, the internationally beloved drag nun charitable group that got their start in San Francisco, are also expected to gather on Saturday for the official unveiling of Sister Vish-New Way, at the corner of Dolores Street and Alert Alley. The street name is derived from one of the names that founding Sister Kenneth Bunch has gone by over the years.

The Sisters’ signature Easter event, organized under the theme “Back to Our Old Habits,” begins at 10:30 a.m. with festivities geared toward children and then, at noon, the more adult-centered activities – including those infamous Hunky Jesus and Foxy Mary contests – begin.

Organizing this year’s event was a little more involved than in previous years, said Sister Tilda NexTime, abbess and president of the order’s San Francisco house. Unlike earlier events, in which the order had a full year to plan the party, this year’s party came together in three months, she said. The Sisters debated whether it was even feasible to try. New variants of COVID were popping up that might make it a challenge.

“Can we do it?,” Tilda asked. “Can we not do it?”

In what might be considered a miracle of its own, the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department reached out to them.

“They said, ‘We would love for you to do the event this year and we’re confident you can do it following all the protocols,’” said Tilda.

A spokesperson for the city agency confirmed it reached out to the Sisters.

“Our permits department started coordinating with the Sisters on this event back in December,”

Rick Gerharter

Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence from throughout the United States joined the San Francisco House in their 35th annual Easter celebration in 2014, which was held in Golden Gate Park due to construction at Mission Dolores Park.

said Tamara Barak Aparton, spokesperson for Rec and Park, “and had a big planning meeting in mid-March with rangers and stage and sound vendors. Planning events in Dolores Park is somewhat complicated compared to other parks, but it’s a pleasure to plan and problem solve with the Sisters. We’re thrilled about their return.”

Fortunately, the small army of vendors and contractors who had helped organize pre-pandemic events were ready to jump back in. None of them had disappeared because of COVID, the drag nun said.

Visitors can expect an event much like previous years but with the added layer of COVID safety.

“It is a different world right now,” said Tilda.

“For the future parties, it will be different.”

The Sisters will be making sure everyone is safe and following protocols, she said. Those who check out the Sisters’ promotional material will notice that they ask everyone who attends to be fully vaccinated.

“We don’t want to be a superspreader event,” Tilda said.

Of course, one can’t go into the Sisters’ Easter party cold. To help steel oneself, one should

attend the Castro Easter Eggstravaganza Block Party, hosted by Castro Merchants Association, the day before and one should definitely plan on entering the Easter bonnet contest.

Running from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, the party will be located on the block of Noe Street between Beaver and Market streets.

Visitors can expect music and entertainment throughout the day, but kids will have their own activities from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., including free photos with the Easter Bunny, a petting zoo, and drag queen storytime with Princess Panocha reading “Peter Cottontail” and one other story.

From 2 to 5 p.m., adults will hold sway with drag performances and the Easter bonnet contest with a grand prize of $500 (To sign up for the contest, go to https://bit.ly/37ekIZz or you can register on site.).

Judges for the contest include Stephen Torres with the Castro LGBTQ Cultural District and Miguel Lopez of Sui Generis, “but we are securing more folks, all with an art or fashion background,” said Dave Karraker, the new copresident of the merchants group.

See page 10 >>

<< Community News

2 • Bay Area Reporter • April 14-20, 2022

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LGBTQ leadership returns to Castro biz group

by Eric Burkett

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GBTQ leadership has returned to the Castro Merchants Association, whose members April 7 elected two gay men to serve as co-presidents.

After serving as board president for the past three years, Masood Samereie, a straight ally and owner of Aria Properties, stepped down and was replaced with two new successors, co-presidents Terrance Alan, owner of Flore Dispensary, and David Karraker, owner of MX3 Fitness.

Samereie is staying on as a member of the merchants board, while Brian Springfield, executive director of Friends of Harvey Milk Plaza and owner of Brian Springfield Design, was voted in as vice president. Savio D’Souza, owner of the UPS Store, was chosen as treasurer. Ismael De Luna of Healing Cuts, and Max Khusid of Art House SF were selected as board members. The position of secretary remains open. The new team was voted in 14-0, although 22 members of the association were present for the virtual meeting. None of the remaining eight members voted no or actively abstained.

As the meeting progressed onto other matters, several members thanked Samereie for his service as president. In addition to remaining on the board of CMA, Samereie is also president of the San Francisco Council of District Merchants Associations, a similar but larger organization that oversees a broader swath of the city’s business interests.

Ready for business

Karraker told the Bay Area Reporter that he and Alan had a lot of

Karraker, courtesy Karraker; Alan, Steven Underhill

Dave Karraker, left, and Terrance Alan are the new co-presidents of the Castro Merchants Association.

work to do. After the trials of the COVID pandemic, Castro Merchants is eager to present an LGBTQ neighborhood that is ready for business and tourism, he said.

Neither Alan nor Samereie returned messages seeking comment.

“We want to make sure we are putting our best foot forward to greet them back,” Karraker wrote in an email to the Bay Area Reporter. “That means how they experience the Castro must be in keeping with the iconic status the neighborhood has rightfully earned. It will be great to work with a recognized leader in the community and an LGBTQ elder like Terrance to bring the knowledge of multiple generations to the difficult challenges ahead.”

That, of course, means dealing with several hot issues that have dogged the iconic neighborhood for the past few years, including the growing presence of unhoused peo-

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ple, including many suffering from apparent mental illness.

“Top on the list is how we can work cooperatively with other neighborhood organizations and government officials to effectively and compassionately address the drug addicted and mentally ill individuals who have taken up residence in the Castro,” stated Karraker. ”I don’t believe you can have a thriving business district when you have unfortunate folks passed out in front of businesses; verbally or physically assaulting Castro residents, consumers or employees; or openly doing drugs on our sidewalks.”

The merchants of the Castro will need to be even more vocal, he said, and “will also redouble our efforts with the [San Francisco Police Department] and city officials to address individuals who are a chronic problem and need assistance, as well as what individual businesses can do to effectively respond to the issue.”

<<

SF redistricting

From page 1

going on behind the scenes at our Redistricting Task Force. @DavidChiu, I hope you see this and promptly act on it. It’s either you or me, and it’ll cost the city a lot more if I do it,” Lemberg tweeted April 11.

Alice B. Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club Co-Chairs Iowayna Peña and Gary McCoy also indicated they were prepared to take additional steps to press for a more equitable map should the task force not alter the one advanced Sunday.

“We will follow the lead of our Latinx, Black, AAPI, and other LGBTQ community members as the process continues, and will be working closely with them to identify all

The second matter on Karraker’s list is dealing with the multitude of empty and boarded up storefronts on Castro Street.

“We are already in discussions with a number of community leaders on how to address this situation,” Karraker said. “It is vital that we take the boards off windows to demonstrate that the Castro is a vibrant business corridor, thus attracting additional businesses to the neighborhood.”

Toward that end, the Castro Theatre, the management of which was taken over in January by Another Planet Entertainment, is a high priority. As previously reported, plans submitted by architects for renovations to the beloved, century-old cinema have caused alarm and many locals are worried about changes to the theater’s role as a community center, as APE plans to bring in live entertainment that will appeal to a much wider audience than the theater has traditionally seen over the past 45 years. APE has insisted that it is very much in sync with the role of the Castro Theatre as a center of LGBTQ culture and does not want to change that. Still, anxiety about the impending changes continues among Castro merchants who see the theater as a linchpin in the economic and cultural health of the neighborhood.

Finally, Karraker said, he wants to bring in events and activities to draw more visitors to the neighborhood.

When one is expecting visitors, however, one has to clean the house. “[T]hat involves making sure the Castro is sparkling clean,” he said. “We anticipate a lot of cooperation with the city and [Castro/Upper Market Community Benefit District] to make

sure that when someone comes to the Castro they are greeted with a clean, inviting neighborhood.”

Castro Merchants has already created events such as the Castro Art Mart the first Sunday of every month, and the upcoming Easter Block Party on April 16, he said. But the organization is also looking at bringing back “iconic events” to the Castro such as Pink Saturday and Halloween festivities.

Both highly popular events were shuttered after public intoxication and several incidents of violence marred the festivities. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence said they could no longer guarantee the safety of visitors to the event and pulled out in 2015. That year the LGBT Community Center oversaw it, but the unofficial kickoff to Pride weekend hasn’t been held since.

The Castro’s annual Halloween party, which drew hundreds of thousands to the neighborhood, ended in 2006 after nine people were shot during the celebration that year. Over the years there have been smaller celebrations, such as Comfort and Joy’s Glow in the Streets.

“Of course, we will keep a very keen eye on assuring that the LGBTQ culture that built the Castro is always reflected and honored in everything we do,” Karraker said.

“The foundation for all of this will be listening to our membership to hear what concerns they have and how we can all work cooperatively to address them,” he added. “It will take an effort from every business owner, every employee and every resident to get the Castro to where it rightfully deserves to be.” t

possible options to produce a map that best reflects San Francisco’s diverse landscape and many months of community input,” they wrote in a letter released Monday.

power of the city’s African American community and hurt other marginalized groups.

They were particularly irate at seeing vice chair Ditka Reiner flipflop on her support for making those changes. After initially rejecting such a move, Reiner returned from a recess of the meeting to say she had been confused on what map she was voting for and asked to rescind the vote.

Once that passed on a 5-4 vote, Reiner cast the fifth vote needed to alter the boundaries of Districts 9 and 10. Those also voting in the majority were Townsend, Matthew Castillon, Lily Ho, and Chasel Lee, one of two out men on the task force.

Jeremy Lee apologizes for sexualized attack

The five task force members who voted to advance the proposed map did so around 2 a.m. Sunday, 16 hours into their meeting. The other four members had walked out in disgust.

Upset at not only how the two historic LGBTQ neighborhoods were divided, the quartet was also outraged with the decision to move the Portola and University Mound into District 10 from District 9 and to put Potrero in D9 instead of D10. They complained doing so diluted the voting

See page 10 >>

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<< Open Forum

4 • Bay Area Reporter • April 14-20, 2022

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The copycats are out in force

N

ow that Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill has become law, legislators in other states, not surprisingly, are working on similar proposals.

Schools have become the flashpoint across the country, leading up to November’s midterm elections, and national Democrats are once again being put on the defensive in many statehouses.

This is because they lack a coherent message or counterattack to all this garbage legislation.

And instead of standing up for LGBTQs, a lot of Democratic officials are afraid to confront these outrageous bills and the blatant homophobia and transphobia behind them.

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal addressed New Jersey voters who were longtime Democrats but who voted Republican in 2020 state races. Many of those interviewed, including a lesbian, were tired of the COVID restrictions implemented by Governor Phil Murphy (D), but will likely vote Republican this year too even though things like mask mandates have been lifted. School issues figured prominently in their thinking, they said. That’s also reflected in a number of school board races across the country where conservatives are running this year.

According to Education Week, at least 15 states are considering bills that would affect ways of discussing, addressing, or interacting with LGBTQ youth in schools.

Reporter Stephen Sawchuk provides an in-depth analysis of these nearly 30 pieces of legislation.

They “variously take aim at school clubs for LGBTQ students, would put limitations on teachers’ and students’ use of gender pronouns, and would restrict or proscribe curriculum, instruction, and library books that feature LGBTQ themes,” Sawchuk writes. The troubling aspect of this is that most of the proposed legislation goes well beyond Florida’s new law, which only affects certain topics for students in kindergarten through third grade, though to be clear, that is bad enough.

These proposals go to the heart of the rightwing’s latest tactic – using words like “grooming” and “pedophile” to describe supporters of inclusive curricula that includes LGBTQ topics. This reprises the old trope of gays and lesbians “recruiting” youth that was devastating to so many

Courtesy TeachHub.com

States are now rushing to copy Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill and impose other restrictions on LGBTQ-inclusive curriculum.

people decades ago. Some were outed and others were fired from their jobs. It was this atmosphere that led to California’s Proposition 6 ballot initiative in 1978 that would have banned gays and lesbians from teaching in public schools. (It failed, by the way.) It is also similar to the right-wing’s incorrect citation of critical race theory in seeking to get rid of history curricula that seeks to address chattel slavery in this country, reconstruction, and the civil rights movement, for example. Any way you look at it, conservatives are forcing a return to 1950s-era classrooms where little was taught about history except for colonialism and narratives extolling a straight white male dominated society.

These proposed educationrelated bills are damaging to queer youth even if they don’t end up becoming law. That’s because just the mere talk of these issues – and proposed bans on discussions of gender identity (South Carolina) or requiring schools to get parental consent for students to choose pronouns (Wisconsin and Rhode Island) – is taking place on social media all around them. And those comments are mostly vile. These proposals are “taking a page out of the authoritarian agenda,” as Shannon Minter, a trans man and legal director at the

L

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National Center for Lesbian Rights, told us recently. He invoked Russian President Vladimir Putin’s anti-LGBTQ propaganda law that was signed in 2013. Now, nine years later, LGBTQ people are being cast as social pariahs in this country because the Republican Party has been overtaken by extremists – driven by MAGA-inspired adherents of former President Donald Trump.

It won’t be easy to stop this maelstrom, but Minter is correct that we cannot rely solely on the courts, as the LGBTQ community has done in the past. For one thing, the U.S. Supreme Court now has a solid 6-3 conservative majority, and Trump’s three appointees will likely be on it for decades. What the community needs to start doing is building relationships with straight allies, not only in states with these hideous education bills but everywhere, he said. We’ve seen through battles over anti-trans legislation in Texas and Alabama that supportive parents of trans kids can be incredible allies and many of them are beginning to speak out. LGBTQ organizations need to do more outreach to moderate Republicans – yes, we know a lot of us think it’s a dirty word – because they’re the ones, especially in red states, that may be able to slow down or halt this latest anti-LGBTQ backlash. If not confronted, this backlash could expand; some strident GOPers even want to revisit marriage equality, which was decided by the Supreme Court in 2015 (2013 in California). That’s ridiculous, but unfortunately, not out of the realm of possibility in today’s charged political discourse.

National Democrats need to get a backbone – we’ve said that before – and provide resources in state congressional races where there are viable Democratic candidates. We have one right here in California, as this week’s Political Notebook reports. Derek Marshall is a gay man running in a High Desert seat in Southern California but national Democratic leaders apparently don’t see the race as a toss-up. It could be, and they would be wise to take another look at it.

In the meantime, support LGBTQ youth any way you can, including speaking out against the copycat legislation that is sweeping the country.t

Hope of deliverance

by Paulina Angel

Bay Area Reporter

t

ooking back at the last two years, it feels like an eternity. I remember it feeling like the first part of “Avengers Endgame” when the pandemic hit: the news would show the freeway with hardly any cars on the road, businesses were closed, and you would go on social media and the events you were following were all saying CANCELED. The only time that you would see a crowd would be at five in the morning with people waiting in line at the local market, hoping that you can get at least a four-pack of toilet paper. The major rough part of all of this was the daily broadcast from your local news station of the many new cases of COVID, and how many of those have died, hoping that you, your family, your friends won’t become a statistic. It really did feel like the sun wasn’t shining and everything just felt so blue and gray, but in 2021, hope was on the way – literally.

Funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and run by the California Department of Health Care Services, California Hope, or CalHOPE, provides free outreach, crisis counseling, and support services to Californians who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. A couple of ways that we provide services to individuals are through our CalHOPE Connect online chat that can be accessed via a computer, smartphone, or tablet. The other option is our warm line, through which individuals can call in and speak with one of our counselors. Our peer crisis counselors are made up of individuals who specialize in, as well as belong to, many intersectional communities throughout the Golden State, from youth and young adults to parents and caregivers to veterans to Latinx, Black, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and LGBTQs. Since the formation of CalHOPE, the many great teams of peer crisis counselors and outreach coordinators have been able to lift up the

Courtesy Paulina Angel

Paulina Angel

spirits of those whose faith had dropped. The message of our project has been so strong that it was great getting emails from elected officials in different cities, requesting Zoom presentations about CalHOPE and how they can effectively spread the message of our services. Reports from our counselors were generally positive with every interaction they’ve been able to make from the online and warm line programs.

As pandemic restrictions started to gradually lift toward the end of the summer last year, our teams were able to go out into the community, set up at food banks and vaccination sites, and have great in-person sessions with those who were already feeling overwhelmed.

Our teams were able to finally meet each other in person, having only seen each other through a computer screen, and were able to get together to do trainings on having in-person interactions with those we meet out in the field. The UnityHOPE team was even able to set up at the Greater

Palm Springs Pride celebration last November with help from Trans Community Project, where I serve as director. It proved to be a very big hit with dozens of LGBTQA attendees, talking to our counselors on site, adding to the festive vibes of an in-person Pride celebration, returning and participating, at local Transgender Day of Remembrance events in the Inland Empire.

Now in 2022, mask mandates are starting to be lifted, people are returning to offices, jobs continue to return, and COVID is hopefully on the decline, though we are still seeing people dying from the virus and becoming infected, and new variants emerge. Now, more than ever, people are keeping their mental health in check, and lucky for them, CalHOPE is still here offering them services through our warm lines as well as inperson, and still setting up at local events. It goes to show that these services are still needed, and our many peer crisis counselors are more than happy to speak and listen to those seeking help.

I’m reminded of one of my favorite songs from my youth by Paul McCartney that goes, “We live in hope of deliverance, from the darkness that surrounds us,” and I am happy that CalHOPE is doing just that.

For more information on how you can utilize our services, visit us at CalHope.org https:// www.calhope.org/ t Paulina Angel is an LGBTQ activist and songwriter/singer from Indio/Coachella Valley, California. She attended both College of the Desert as a music major and City College of San Francisco as an LGBTQ studies major.

She serves as director of Trans Community Project, a member of the board of directors for Palm Springs Pride, an advisory board/cofounder of East Coachella Valley Pride, and works with CalHope’s Unity Hope. She also helped co-found the Every One initiative with Goldenvoice, and her story is documented in the textbook, “Introduction to Transgender Studies” by Ardel Thomas. She also writes and records music and has her own indie label, PMI Music Group/Paulaphone.

t

Politics >>

April 14-20, 2022 • Bay Area Reporter • 5

Gay Dem Marshall runs for CA High Desert House seat

by Matthew S. Bajko

I

n the very first line of his campaign bio, Derek Marshall comes out as “an openly gay progressive Democrat and political organizer running to represent the people of the High Desert, the valley, and the mountains.” It is indicative of how the formerly conservative area east of Los Angeles has changed politically over the past decade.

More young professionals and families pushed out of coastal Southern California cities due to high housing costs have migrated over the Cajon Pass to Victorville, where Marshall lives, in San Bernardino County. Marshall, 39, first discovered the area in 2009 and is now aiming to represent it in the U.S. House of Representatives from the state’s 23rd Congressional District.

“I think there is a lot of misunderstanding about communities like mine from folks that live in the cities and sort of have this assumption about folks out here that we are somehow less intelligent and somehow more conservative. There are just a lot of biases and misinformation about our communities,” said Marshall during a recent phone interview with the Bay Area Reporter.

He doesn’t believe his sexual orientation will hinder his ability to attract support from residents of the district, which Marshall said has a median age of 32. Someone being LGBTQ isn’t an issue, he added, for most people he’s met as he campaigns.

“The younger a voter is, it makes less of a difference,” Marshall noted.

Rather, it is just one factor that is helping him to attract attention to his candidacy. And, Marshall said, he felt it was important for him to serve as an out role model at a time when the rights of LGBTQ people, especially youth, are under attack in states across the country and parts of California.

“I think visibility is important,” said Marshall as for why he decided to be so upfront about being an out candidate. “It is really important for folks like us to provide that visibility because there are a lot of kids who are still out here in high school still being victimized by some form of homophobia.”

According to state voter registration data released this month, Democrats account for 33.57% of voters in the House district and Republicans number 36.51%, with independents making up 20.51%. The seat now includes the Big Bear Lake recreation area and stretches east to the border with Nevada.

“Probably, by the election in November, Democrats will close that gap,” Marshall predicted of the registration breakdown. “Redistricting added into the district Lake Los Angeles and Loma Linda, which are heavily Democratic.”

Yet, national Democrats have not targeted the race as one they think will flip red to blue. Analysts of House races also have not deemed the contest for CA-23 as being competitive or the incumbent, Congressmember Jay Obernolte (RHesperia), as being in trouble. The LGBTQ Victory Fund, which works to elect

Courtesy Marshall for Congress campaign

High Desert congressional candidate Derek Marshall speaks to a potential voter at an event.

LGBTQ candidates across the country, has yet to endorse Marshall ahead of the June 7 primary.

But Marshall has been winning over California Democrats and LGBTQ leaders, securing the endorsement of the statewide party and Marge Doyle, a lesbian who lost her 2018 bid for a Yucca Valley House seat that has been incorporated into the sprawling new CA-23 district.

LGBTQ political groups, the Stonewall Democratic Club of Los Angeles and the Desert Stonewall Democrats of Palm Springs, have also endorsed Marshall, as has statewide LGBTQ advocacy organization Equality California.

“My big thing is organizing. When we organize, we win,” said Marshall, who worked to elect Katie Hill in 2018 as the state’s first bisexual congressmember in a northeast Los Angeles County district. (She resigned in 2019 and now runs her own political action committee to help elect other people to office.)

While he reported having around $50,600 in his campaign account at the start of the year, Marshall told the B.A.R. he has raised more than $500,000 for his campaign. Obernolte reported having $214,756 in cash on hand as of January 1, according to federal campaign finance reports.

Also in the primary race is Democrat Blanca A. Gómez, who serves on the Victorville City Council. She has been fighting misdemeanor charges related to two altercations she had last year.

Gay Congressmember Mark Takano (D-Riverside), expected to easily win a sixth two-year term in November, is currently the lone LGBTQ member of California’s congressional delegation. Marshall is one of three gay non-incumbents seeking Southern California House seats who could quadruple LGBTQ representation from the Golden State in Congress.

Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia is seeking the open, new 42nd Congressional District along the coast of Los Angeles County. Former federal prosecutor Will Rollins is aiming to oust from office conservative Congressmember Ken Calvert (R-Corona) in the race this year for the new 41st Congressional District that includes a large part of the Palm Springs area.

Takano and the Victory Fund

have both endorsed Garcia and Rollins. Marshall has not spoken directly to Takano about also backing his campaign but is seeking the Victory Fund’s endorsement. A spokesperson for the organization did not respond to the B.A.R.’s request for comment on whether it will do so.

“I like to say we are the strongest suited to be able to defeat Obernolte,” said Marshall.

After graduating from American University in 2006, Marshall moved to Germany. He co-founded a global research initiative for the United Nations then helped open the Berlin office for online travel agency KAYAK as its director of internationalization. He also hosted arts events and parties for the local LGBTQ community at his queer bar CLUB. He first learned of Victorville after a younger brother moved to Southern California from Massachusetts, where they grew up, and went camping with him in the area 13 years ago. In 2012, Marshall decided to live there full time after having split his time between Europe and California for several years.

A renter, Marshall drove for Uber while working on various political campaigns. He served as a staffer in Nevada on the 2020 presidential bid of U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (IVermont). Now he is largely focused full time on his own campaign but does continue to do some political consulting.

“There have been times of my life where I lived paycheck to paycheck.

I am running because it just makes me angry to think we are the richest country in the history of the world, yet we can’t effectively invest in our people,” said Marshall. “I really want to help be a part of changing that.”

To learn more about Marshall and his candidacy, visit https://www.derekmarshallca.com/ t

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Letters >> Pride and police

I just read “Pride groups grapple with police in parades” [April 7]. In 2019, antipolice and anti-corporate demonstrators blocked the Pride parade for an hour, and most people had no idea what was going on, just that there was a long holdup. Our gay sisters and brothers, both active and retired in the San Francisco Police Department

in

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(I have both as friends), haven’t murdered anyone. Speaking of corporations, are the corporate gas-guzzling buses going to be banned from the parade too, or do they contribute too much money? Just asking.

Judith Keenan San Francisco

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<< Community News

6 • Bay Area Reporter • April 14-20, 2022

CA’s 1st appointed trans judge sworn in

by Cynthia Laird

A

ndi Mudryk, the first transgender person appointed to the bench by Governor Gavin Newsom, was sworn in April 7 during an inperson ceremony at Sacramento County Superior Court. She now doubles the number of out trans jurists on the state bench.

Mudryk thanked Newsom during the event, which was livestreamed, as well as the LGBTQ and disability communities. As previously reported, Mudryk, 58, lives with brittle bone disease, stated the governor’s office in announcing her appointment. Since 2020, Mudryk had served as chief deputy director at the California Department of Rehabilitation.

“When he says ‘all,’ he means all,” Mudryk said, referring to Newsom, “including me as the first trans judge appointed to the bench and a person with a significant disability.”

Mudryk is now the second openly transgender judge in the Golden State. Victoria Kolakowski was elected to the Alameda County Superior

Screengrab

Justice Laurie M. Earl, left, administered the oath of office to Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Andi Mudryk during a ceremony April 7.

Court bench in 2010. Mudryk mentioned her during her remarks.

“I want to thank Judge Kolakowski, the first trans judge in California,” Mudryk said. “She’s paved the way and been a friend and colleague.” She added that back in 2010, it wasn’t likely that trans people would be appointed to the judiciary.

Justice Laurie M. Earl swore in Mudryk. Earl, a lesbian and former judge on the Sacramento County Superior Court, was appointed by Newsom last November to a vacancy on the state’s 3rd District Court of Appeal. She became the fifth LGBTQ person serving on one of the state’s six appellate courts and the first on the 3rd appellate court

bench when she was confirmed in January.

“I’m so honored to be here today,” Earl said. “This is truly a wonderful appointment.”

Joe Xavier, director of the state Department of Rehabilitation, noted that he and Mudryk worked on many projects together over the years.

“She is a staunch believer of the potential in persons with disabilities and has an unwavering commitment to equity,” he said.

Luis Céspedes, Newsom’s judicial appointments secretary, noted that Mudryk’s Jewish faith is important to her. She aims to adhere to the concept of Tikkun olam, he said, which translates to “repair the world.”

He referenced the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol January 6, 2021, calling it “an insurrection on our democracy,” the war in Ukraine, and the shooting deaths in the state capital early in the morning of April 3. “From K Street to Kyiv, we’ve watched bodies come and go. When her father was a youngster, he fled

t

the Nazis in Ukraine” before making his home in Michigan.

“She’s a gentle soul, kind, intellectual, courageous, and she will be an outstanding member of this bench,” Céspedes said of Mudryk Mudryk thanked her family, including her father who was watching; her son, Sam, who had to work; her son’s father and his partner; and her late mother and late sister.

She said that when her father found out she was appointed, he said it was sad that her mother was no longer with them as she would have been proud, “even though she wasn’t a doctor, she’s a judge.”

Ending the ceremony on that theme, Michael Bowman, presiding judge of the Sacramento County Superior Court, told Mudryk, “You don’t have a first name anymore, it’s just judge.”

“Congratulations on your appointment,” he said. t Full disclosure: News editor Cynthia Laird is married to Alameda Judge Victoria Kolakowski

Jones will be leaving Castro home after all

by John Ferrannini

“This struggle has already impacted my medical condition and ongtime gay activist Cleve distracted me from work that is Jones will be vacating his important to me and my commuCastro neighborhood home after nity,” Jones, a longtime HIV surviall, bringing an end to a housvor, stated. “My physician, closest ing saga that made international friends, and family have urged me headlines. in the strongest terms to consider Jones confirmed the news in a that a victory at the Rent Board statement to the Bay Area Reportwould only win me the right to reer April 12. Did You Overspend During main in an apartment where I no

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longer feel safe, further jeopardizing my health.”

The B.A.R. first reported last month that Jones was leaving the Castro due to a tense landlord dispute he was having with Lily Li Pao Kue, the new owner of the building where he’s been renting a rent-controlled unit. Jones has lived in the apartment for about a dozen years but has been involved in the neighborhood since its inception as an LGBTQ mecca.

Kue alleged Jones bringing Brenden Chadwick to live with him was against the lease. (Subsequently, Kue claimed Chadwick lived alone while Jones lived in Guerneville, and Chadwick, through Jones, has declined to comment.) Jones said that doesn’t matter due to San Francisco rent laws.

Kue then alleged Jones’ primary residence is in Guerneville, where he bought what he describes as a “very small cottage, under 1,000 square feet” several years ago after the publication of his 2016 memoir “When We Rise.” Utilizing the Costa Hawkins law, she raised Jones’ rent to $5,200 a month from $2,393.

Jones alleged Kue wanted to push

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Cleve Jones spoke at a March 27 housing rally in the Castro.

him out of the Castro unit so that she can put the unit up on Airbnb.

Kue has cameras trained on Jones’ front porch area, both agree, and is doing construction upstairs.

Jones said he wanted to use his plight to draw attention to what he considers abusive behaviors by landlords. He wanted to emphasize that while he wasn’t at risk of becoming homeless, many members of the hospitality union Jones works for, UNITE HERE, would be.

Jones, who worked with the late Supervisor Harvey Milk in the 1970s and co-founded the AIDS Memorial Quilt, held a rally in the Castro on March 27 that inspired him to reverse course and stay and fight.

“I was packing when Brenden and I decided we weren’t going to fight it,” Jones told the B.A.R. at the time. “I felt a great sense of relief – for about two hours. Then, I felt angry and ashamed.”

Jones and Kue both contend they’d win at the San Francisco Rent Board. Jones argues that since he works and receives medical care in San Francisco, it is his primary residence. Kue argues that when Jones refinanced his mortgage in March 2021, Jones said it’d be his “principal residence” for at least a year, and that this means the North Bay town – long a second home and vacation getaway for many in the LGBTQ community – is his primary residence.

Jones told the San Francisco Chronicle that the mortgage

agreement was only to provide assurance he would not lease his Guerneville property to others, or on Airbnb.

In his statement, Jones thanked those who demonstrated their support.

“I am grateful for the support of my neighbors and the larger community and hope we have at least helped to shine a light on the growing crisis of evictions in our city and beyond,” he stated. “I will continue to fight for tenants’ rights and call on the California Legislature to reform the Ellis Act and the Costa Hawkins Act and to pass meaningful legislation to protect renters and keep them in their homes.”

When asked if he’d still be in San Francisco after moving out, he responded only, “I will vacate the apartment by the end of the month.”

Kue also opted to only issue a brief statement, stating in part “I have hope again – for everyone – including Cleve to move on to the next chapter of peace and prosperity.”t

Correction In the article about the second break-in at the Castro Theatre, (online April 4 and in print April 7) it was incorrectly reported that suspect Gary Marx has an attorney. He has not been assigned a lawyer yet. The online version has been updated.

t

Community News>>

April 14-20, 2022 • Bay Area Reporter • 7

New program allows free access to state parks compiled by Cynthia Laird

C

alifornia State Parks and the California State Library have announced a new program whereby people can check out park passes at their local library for free vehicle day use entry to more than 200 participating state park units.

The program is the latest to advance safe and equitable outdoor access to all Californians, a news release stated.

“Spending time in nature is crucial to our mental health and well-being,” stated first partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom. “We’re lucky to have the largest state park system in the nation, and I’m thrilled to partner with California State Parks and the California State Library to make those spaces more accessible to California families.”

As part of the three-year pilot program, each library jurisdiction, including mobile libraries, will receive at least three state library parks pass hang tags per branch for checkout by patrons. These park passes will enter library circulation in April and May. Library cardholders will be able to check out the pass, use it, then return it for others to check out. The pass is valid for entry of one passenger vehicle with capacity of nine people or fewer or one highway licensed motorcycle at participating parks.

“Libraries are trusted community hubs where Californians know they can find what they need to work, play, and thrive,” stated Greg Lucas, state librarian. “This partnership with the state parks now allows Californians to ‘check out’ California’s great outdoors at their community library.”

The release noted that the 2021-22 state budget included initiatives to advance equitable access to state parks and open

Courtesy CA State Parks Foundation

Mount Tamalpais State Park is one of many expected to participate in the new initiative to provide free day access to library cardholders.

spaces. A $9.1 million one-time general fund investment was included in the budget to launch a state parks pilot to expand parks pass distribution, especially for youth in disadvantaged communities. The pilot includes an adventure pass program that provides free day-use passes for fourth graders and their families, the revamped Golden Bear Pass program for seniors over 62 and other groups, and the new library parks pass.

For more information, go to https:// www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=30806

Dining out for Life coming up

The San Francisco AIDS Foundation’s Dining out for Life fundraiser takes place Tuesday, April 26, when over 50 restaurants throughout the city will donate a percentage of proceeds from the day.

The funds raised will be used to promote health, wellness, and social justice for communities most impacted by HIV/ AIDS through sexual health and substance use services, advocacy, and community partnerships, according to the website.

Alert

Interested people can sign up to be volunteer ambassadors, who collect donations and are assigned a restaurant partner to promote. Ambassadors greet and thank diners the day of the event.

People can also enter sweepstakes to win prizes.

To sign up to be an ambassador, enter the sweepstakes, and find participating restaurants, go to https://doflsf. donordrive.com/

SF career resource fair

The City and County of San Francisco’s Department of Human Resources will hold an in-person career resource fair for diverse job seekers, including persons with disabilities, who are interested in municipal employment.

The free event takes place Saturday, April 23, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Civic Center Plaza, 355 McAllister Street.

Attendees will have an opportunity to network with city agencies, community-based organizations, and other job seekers; directly engage with city recruiters and ask questions about the benefits of city employment; and learn more about different career pathway programs the city offers, including the Access to City Employment program, ApprenticeshipSF, and the SF Fellows program.

Interested people should register at https://bit.ly/37CqVOM.

Hayward seeks youth commissioners

The East Bay city of Hayward is now seeking applications from students interested in serving on its youth commission.

According to a news release, the city is looking for students eager to represent the interests, needs, and concerns of young people in the Hayward community and to provide input to elected officials in the city, the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District, and

the Hayward Unified School District about issues that affect youth.

Youth commissioner responsibilities include attending meetings, currently via Zoom, the first and third Monday of the month from September to June (except holidays), and working on special projects that address current youth issues. Applicants must be between 13-20 years old at the time of appointment and live in the City of Hayward or within the boundaries of the school district. Applicants under 18 must have parent/legal guardian consent.

The deadline for submitting applications is May 20. For more information and to apply, go to https://bit. ly/3utR37y

Santa Clara seeks commissioners

The city of Santa Clara has openings on several commissions and interested residents can apply.

There are two openings on the Parks and Recreation Commission, with the terms ending June 30, 2026. There is a full-term opening on the Planning Commission and a full term on the Senior Advisory Commission, also ending in June 2026. Finally, there is a partial term on the senior panel that ends in June 2025.

The application deadline is April 27. To apply online, go to https://bit. ly/3rird4w.

Hawaii museum exhibit to showcase gender diversity

While some U.S. states seek to curb rights of trans students and others in the LGBTQ community, Hawaii is celebrating its long history of gender diversity and inclusion this Pride season through a museum exhibit, documentary film, and children’s picture book about the story of Kapaemahu.

According to a news release from the Kapaemahu Collective, legend has it that four stones were set on Waikiki

Beach as a monument to four extraordinary mahu – individuals of dual male and female spirit – who brought the healing arts from Tahiti to Hawaii long ago. The stones have survived for centuries, but the story behind them has been suppressed and the respected role of mahu has been erased from the monument’s plaque.

The exhibit, titled “The Healer Stones of Kapaemahu,” will be at the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum June 15-October 18. It is an immersive multimedia experience that features the short film, “Kapaemahu,” newly discovered archival documents, art, and interactive elements to explain how, why, and who rendered the mahu in Kapaemahu invisible in modern times.

“This exhibition presents our Hawaiian view of gender duality as a natural aspect of the human experience,” stated Hinaleimoana Wong-Kahu, a curator of the exhibit who herself identifies as mahu.

An accompanying PBS documentary further explores how the story was shaped by foreign influences, including the presence of the U.S. military and religious fundamentalism in Hawaii throughout the 20th century. After being buried beneath a bowling alley in the 1940s, the stones were unearthed in the 1960s only to encounter a wave of prejudice and legal discrimination that resulted in mahu entertainers being forced to wear an “I am a boy” button to avoid arrest, the release stated.

The children’s book is a large picture format that tells the story of Kapaemahu through English and Hawaiian text. It is expected to be distributed for free to many schools and libraries

by LGBTQ educational groups, the release noted.

For more information, go to https:// www.bishopmuseum.org/kapaemahu/. t

Metro Maintenance Closure

Muni Metro to Close Early Thursday, April 14 through Sunday, April 24

During Fix It! Week, Muni Metro subway between Embarcadero and West Portal will close at 9:30 p.m.

On evenings when NBA Playoff games are taking place at Chase Center the subway will remain open.

On non-game evenings buses will run above ground to connect all Muni Metro stops from 9:30 p.m. through the normal end of train service at 12 a.m. during this maintenance period.

Owl service will remain unchanged.

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SFMTA.com/SubwayMaintenance

<< International News

8 • Bay Area Reporter • April 14-20, 2022

t

SF Jewish, LGBTQ leaders support Ukraine at Seder

by Heather Cassell

Standing up to bullies

S

an Francisco’s LGBTQ Jewish community spoke out against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and denounced the rash of anti-transgender legislation sweeping the United States at the recent Freedom Seder.

The Jewish Community Relations Council’s 26th annual Freedom Seder took place April 4.

More than 200 people attended the in-person sold-out event to support the Consul General of Ukraine in San Francisco Dmytro Kushneruk at Grace Cathedral in Nob Hill. Kushneruk was a guest at the Seder and was seated next to gay state Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), who is Jewish and of Eastern European descent, including Ukrainian. An additional 30 people attended the event virtually.

LGBTQ Jewish speakers also spoke out against anti-trans legislation in Alabama and Arkansas and in support of activists fighting against similar bills across the nation.

Atrocities uncovered in Ukraine

Addressing the audience, Kushneruk described the atrocities uncovered in Ukraine in Russian-occupied towns that are making headlines. The Odesa native equated the Russian invasion with World War II, calling what Russian soldiers did “execution and elimination of Ukrainians.”

Odesa, a port city and one of the hubs for Ukrainians fleeing to Europe, suffered two Russian missile attacks launched from the Black Sea targeting critical infrastructure April 3. No one was killed.

“Jews were killed by the Nazis … for one reason: because they were Jews,” he said. “Ukrainians are murdered by Russians just for the one reason – because they are Ukrainians.”

Courtesy JCRC/Anastasiia Sapon

Consul General of Ukraine in San Francisco Dmytro Kushneruk speaks to guests at the Jewish Community Relations Council’s 26th annual Freedom Seder at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco on Monday, April 4.

Kushneruk noted the effect of the indifference shown by nations in the face of World War II in the 1940s.

“During the Second World War, many countries [and] nations – they show[ed] their indifference and wasted time to save the Jewish people,” he said, noting Russians destroyed Uman, a holy place of pilgrimage for Hasidim, Orthodox Jews, in Ukraine.

“Where they have to act and react faster, maybe the consequences would be not as for Jewish people.

“That’s what we need from the world right now” – not apathy, he said. “I wish all of you not to stay aside. Not to get tired of this war. Not to be indifferent. Not to take a position of neutrality.”

Kushneruk called for continued support for Ukraine through humanitarian aid, economic sanctions, and weapons.

He told the audience that with support,“Ukrainian people will do the rest.”

“We will protect Europe, protect freedom in the whole world,” Kushneruk said, thanking the Bay Area’s Jewish community. “Because what we Ukrainians need the most is peace.

And we pray for peace to come to Ukraine as soon as possible.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has continued requesting help from NATO. By the end of last week, there were reports of dire situations for Ukrainians fleeing the war; more Russian airstrikes, killing dozens of the country’s people at a train station; and the atrocities inflicted by Russian soldiers. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres made another appeal for the war to end.

Representatives of U.N. member states voted 93-24 to suspend Russia’s seat on the Human Rights Council April 7. There were 58 abstentions.

The U.N. General Assembly swiftly adopted the resolution.

JCRC’s executive director Tyler “Tye” Gregory, a gay man, opened this Seder, which was an intercultural, multifaith celebration ahead of Passover, by stating, “One thing that I love about the Seder is that it’s all about standing up to bullies.”

Passover is the Jewish holiday that celebrates the exodus of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.

Gregory noted that this year Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, all three Abrahamic traditions, were celebrating their most important holidays of Easter, Passover, and Ramadan at the same time – a rare occurrence – and acknowledged the leaders from multiple faiths participating in the evening’s ceremony.

He told the audience whether it was Moses standing up to the pharaoh or Esther standing up to Haman or today with Ukrainian people standing up to Russian President Vladimir Putin and LGBTQ youth standing up to state lawmakers, “We stand up to bullies.”

“We say Dayenu,” which means “enough” in Hebrew, Gregory explained,“and it’s a perfect Jewish word.”

Matan Zamir, a gay man who is the deputy consul general of the Consulate General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest in San Francisco, echoed local LGBTQ Jewish community leaders’ calls.

“This is our job to stand out and call out loud,” he stated to the Bay Area Reporter after the Seder.

Wiener held a candle for the candle-lighting at the start of the Seder, stating it kept “the flame of justice alive to sustain our communities,” and that it symbolized “hope and the coming of redemption for oppressed people everywhere.”

“We pray that they will guide us in

taking action to ensure freedom for everyone,” he said.

Speaking with the B.A.R. afterward, Wiener further made the correlation between the story of Passover and how it was apt to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and LGBTQ American activists’ current battle against statesanctioned anti-transgender bills.

The story is about “a tyrant trying to destroy entire people,” Wiener said.

He called the situation in Ukraine “another version” of the story that is currently playing out, pointing to the indiscriminate bombing and mass murders of people as an “effort to effectively erase Ukraine.”

“Tonight, we bring committed fighting for justice here and around the world,” Wiener said. Of Russia’s antiLGBTQ record, which condones violence against LGBTQ people and where people disappear, he said, “We don’t need that spreading anywhere else.”

Martin Rawlings-Fein, a Jewish bisexual transgender man and community leader who read the “Identity” passage for the second cup of wine at the Seder, reminded the audience about the importance of allyship working across communities.

Yearning to breathe free

“This is something we cannot lose sight of. We can’t lose sight of the people and the human collateral,” Rawlings-Fein told the B.A.R. after the event, pointing to Ukraine and Afghanistan, especially for LGBTQ people. He noted that bisexuals are everywhere and fight for everyone; “We have a duty to really bring it up in all the uncomfortable places.”

Agreeing with Gregory, Rawlings-Fein See page 10 >>

Alert

8AX/8BX Bayshore Expresses Return On April 16, the SFMTA is bringing back service on the 8AX Bayshore Express and 8BX Bayshore Express to help reduce travel times between south side neighborhoods and downtown/Chinatown.

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Business News>>

April 14-20, 2022 • Bay Area Reporter • 9

Company aims to flip the script on female contractors

by Matthew S. Bajko

E

rica Anenberg likes to be hands on in her work, especially when it comes to home renovations. For decades she has bought properties around Southern California and fixed them up herself.

It was how she spent most of the past two years during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I never thought of it as a business until COVID hit. My wholesale retail business basically flatlined,” she recalled. “I spent the majority of COVID at Home Depot and doing what I love to do.”

When Anenberg, 52, decided to get into the home renovation space, she quickly noticed the lack of other women in the field. Most subcontractors she hired were men.

“It is still unusual to see a woman doing this,” she said.

Last year, she launched her construction and remodeling company Girl Flip with a purposefully double entendre meaning. It refers more than just to a company flipping properties, Anenberg explained.

“It is a great catchy phrase. There is the gay connotation of flipping a girl from straight to gay,” she said. “We also want to re-approach the way people are thinking about construction and see a place for women.”

There are now more than 4,000 members of the National Association of Women in Construction, started in 1953 by 16 women.

But barriers remain, with women making up just 11% of people working in the construction industry and earning four cents less of every $1 their male counterparts make.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were more than

Courtesy Girl Flip

Girl Flip founder Erica Anenberg wants to see more women in the contracting industry.

5.8 million people employed in construction and extraction occupations as of May 2021. California accounted for the most, with 663,570 people employed in the sector.

With an estimated 400,000 new construction jobs to be created in the next decade, Anenberg’s aim is to see even more women hired for the positions. Through Girl Flip she is trying to foster a community among other women in the field who can support each other and mentor those interested in pursuing a similar career.

“We haven’t been teaching women this is an opportunity that is available for them. That is the first step,” said Anenberg.

“The second step is telling women you can do this too and here’s how.”

She is partnering with WINTER, short for Women in Non Traditional Roles, which has a journeyman program for women interested in construction. And she is lining up more work for Girl Flip so she can hire oth-

er women as subcontractors, interior designers, and other positions.

“I have a Rolodex of 20 women with different levels and skills,” said Anenberg.

One such colleague is Anni Aceian, 38, a gay woman based in the Palm Springs area who has been a licensed contractor for 15 years. She took an interest in construction at 18 when she bought her first condo.

“I did all the work and saw how much I loved it,” recalled Aceian, who started out as a building appraiser.

When she and her now ex-wife sought to become mothers, they sold off their property staging company to a woman who remained in touch with Aceian. She happened to also be friends with Anenberg and recommended she reach out to Aceian last year to hire her to oversee a project.

“I am both hands-on and a manager as well,” Aceian explained of her role on the job site. “I like to be handson all the time.”

Her main pitch for why other women should consider the construction industry as a career, said Aceian,

Courtesy Girl Flip

Anni Aceian is a licensed contractor.

is it pays well and is very enjoyable work. Plus, in housing starved California, the opportunities are plentiful.

“It is always a fun working environment, but it does get stressful,” she said.

“But there is so much advancement, and so much Erica and I can do to help train people. We want to empower everyone we can to get into this field.”

Anenberg grew up in Encino and, at 13, came out as a lesbian. But even though her mom was best friends with gay men, she couldn’t accept her daughter being gay.

“To this day, I still cry about it,” recalled Anenberg. “It was a defining moment for me that changed my life, her unacceptance of me.”

She dated both boys and girls, eventually marrying a man and starting a family with him. Their son, Ethan, is now 9 years old.

A chance encounter in 2018 at the Venice, California gay bar Roosterfish resulted in Anenberg meeting her “soul mate,” a woman living in Colorado at the time.

“We had a chance meeting and there were lightning bolts,” she said of

her first reaction to her now wife, Beth Benson, a vice president at mobile mechanics company RepairSmith.

The women have a 13-month-old girl, Emma Jane, they are raising in Woodland Hills, which borders the Santa Monica Mountains in the San Fernando Valley. Their home had been an income property Anenberg was renting out but decided to completely makeover for Benson.

“I decided I am going to do everything and make this the most incredible dream house for my girlfriend,” said Anenberg.

It led her to become a licensed contractor and an evangelist for why other women should follow suit. Through Girl Flip, Anenberg hopes to recruit more women to the profession.

“What we are trying to do is very difficult. It is probably what gay people were trying to do 20 years ago to make it more – I hate to use the word normal, but I don’t know another word for it, maybe mainstream – more mainstream and more common,” she said.

One way Anenberg is getting attention for Girl Flip’s mission is by selling “Utility Babe” toolbelts ($68-$88) in various designs and sizes suitable for women and men. The products help promote her message.

“It is a way for us to try to get exposure,” said Anenberg. “I was in fashion for a really long time and I know getting a celebrity to wear your product, that can give you the kind of exposure you wouldn’t get elsewhere.”

To learn more about Girl Flip, visit its website and online shop at https:// www.girlflip.com/ t Got a tip on LGBTQ business news? Call Matthew S. Bajko at (415) 829-8836 or e-mail m.bajko@ ebar.com.

<< Community News

10 • Bay Area Reporter • April 14-20, 2022

<<

Easter events

From page 1

And, as organizers note for those preparing to enter the contest, “The bigger the hat, the better!”

Street sign dedication

The unveiling of a street sign for newly designated Sister Vish-New Way is set for 4 p.m., April 16, at the corner of Dolores Street and Alert

<<

SF redistricting From page 2

The outcome led to bedlam and a walkout by the four other task force members Gill, Cooper, J. Michelle Pierce, and Jeremy Lee, the other queer member. The meeting again went into recess in order for the remaining task force members to regain control of the proceedings.

When they resumed the meeting, the five voted a second time to advance the map then took general public comment. Cooper, Pierce, and Jeremy Lee

<<

Out in the World

From page 8

said that the Bay Area must do everything it can to support Ukrainians – straight and LGBTQ – by welcoming those fleeing the war into the community.

Ukrainians fleeing the Eastern part of the country swelled to more than 4.5 million as of April 10, the Washington Post reported.

“San Francisco needs to be a place where we welcome a stranger,” Raw-

<<

799 Moscow Street. The free family event will feature egg hunts for kids, live entertainment, games, activities, City and County of San Francisco cars and trucks for the little ones to explore, and more, according to an email announcement. Food trucks will offer items for sale. There will be free bike valet parking courtesy of the San Francisco Bike Coalition.

For more information, go to https://bit.ly/3JqlkII t

Alley. In addition to honoring Sisters co-founder Bunch, who has used different Sister names over the years, the site is near 272 Dolores Street, the birthplace of the Sisters.

As the Bay Area Reporter previously reported, Bunch and several friends had gotten together at the Dolores Street residence the day prior to Easter in 1979 and ended up donning nuns’ habits he had brought with him from Iowa before heading out into the city.

It was the first public unveiling of the

Sisters, which today has orders in 60 different cities and 14 countries.

Bunch’s friend and fellow drag nun Sister Roma, who was elected the local order’s Mistress of Novices to assist new aspirants, first broached the idea of naming a street in honor of Bunch last June. As far as Roma and Bunch are aware, no member of the Sisters has a street named after them anywhere on the globe.

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously approved

the street name change in February. (https://www.ebar.com/news/latest_ news//313031) Sister Vish-Knew Way is a ceremonial street sign, meaning residents of the alley between Dolores and Landers streets will not have to officially update their addresses.

ended up calling into the meeting to lambast what had just occurred.

Lee made particularly personal attacks against the remaining five members, saying in effect they had gotten down on their knees to fellate Mayor London Breed, her chief of staff Sean Elsbernd, and several of her other advisers.

“You all disgust me. You are spineless. You are sellouts,” railed Lee, who was only publicly identified when the city clerk moderating the phone calls named him. “You will shake your ass and dance for a price.”

At the start of the task force’s meeting Monday, which he joined remotely, Lee apologized for his remarks to the public, his fellow task force members, Breed, and the other city officials he had named. He acknowledged they were “offensive and unbecoming for a public figure.”

They were uttered “at a moment of weakness I deeply regret,” said Lee, who added, “I want to apologize to my community as well. I have let you all down.”

He pledged to “endeavor to repair the damage that I have done and strive

to be a person of better integrity.”

But Ho responded to Lee that she could not accept his apology, telling him his comments “were homophobic, sexually driven, and degrading.”

Not only were they “unbecoming” for someone serving in such a public position, Ho added they were “verbal abuse” that came “from a place of elite, male misogyny.”

It was particularly hurtful, she said, that it came from someone she had worked with for the past seven months over hundreds of hours in a collegial manner.

“I don’t take degrading dick-sucking insults from men, and you are not forgiven,” said Ho. Townsend, however, told Lee he accepted his apology and would continue to work with him.

“It was a difficult time and a difficult moment,” he said. “There are times when many of us have done things and taken actions we later regretted.”

For information on how to join the task force’s April 13 meeting, visit the task force’s website at https://bit. ly/3LZqOvB. t

lings-Fein said, echoing Gregory.

“Welcoming is a huge part of why San Francisco is such a place that it is.”

Furthermore, Rawlings-Fein said people fleeing wars, violence, corruption, and poverty and who are migrating due to climate change “need to feel like we have their back as a nation. They need to feel like we are there for them.”

“If there’s a war somewhere and you’re running from it, you should have a place in the United States,” he said.

Gregory said the Jewish community is “deeply concerned about both LGBTQ and Jewish communities” fleeing Ukraine and seeking refuge, “we need to be able to have more refugees here.

“We have to welcome the stranger,” he said, noting the U.S. government needs to be educated about LGBTQ refugees and respond to their needs better. He pointed to the conversation about Afghan LGBTQ refugees and said it is a part of the conversation about Ukrainian queer refugees.

“The Bay Area continues to be a refuge for LGBTQ people around the world,” Gregory continued. “We’re committed to bringing the Jewish community into that fight and to making sure that we can bring in more people.”

In this case, it’s queer Afghans and Ukrainians who are “the strangers.”

“They don’t have a voice. We have to be their voice,” he said.

Gregory hopes that by “lifting up” Ukrainian Consul General Kush-

neruk at the Freedom Seder, “it inspires more of our community to get involved,” calling it “essential.”

He added from “day one” Bay Area’s Jewish community has provided humanitarian aid to Ukrainians. t

crystal clear it’s more of a pattern of his decision and his actions than a single moment.”

Catch-and-release refers to people being arrested by police, who are released when the DA’s office declines to file charges. Some are re-arrested again in other cases.

argue. Incidents such as the vandalism attacks [https://www.ebar.com/ news/news//313696] on businesses in the Castro earlier this year would, anecdotally, back them up. Burglaries, car theft, and homicides increased in 2021. Around the state, overall crime levels plummeted during the lockdown in 2020, according to the Public Policy Institute of California [https://www.ppic.org/publication/ crime-trends-in-california/] but the numbers have been climbing back up throughout California. Burglaries increased almost 50% from figures in 2019, while motor vehicle theft increased almost 30% in the same period. Homicides increased by more than 10% but, notably, they’re still down 15% from the high of 2017.

Other crimes such as assaults, robberies, larceny and theft, and rapes all fell dramatically in 2020, with rape falling more than 50% from rates in 2017. Increases in those numbers since then are climbing up from historic lows in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic.

DA Boudin

From page 1

BTQ Democratic Club backs Boudin, while the more moderate Alice B. Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club took no position.

“We endorsed Chesa Boudin in 2019 because he understands we can’t have safety without equal justice, and we can’t continue the draconian policies that made mass incarceration the new Jim Crow,” Edward Wright, the president of the Milk club, wrote in an email to the Bay Area Reporter.

“We continue to strongly support District Attorney Boudin because he’s delivering exactly the critical criminal justice reforms he promised,” Wright stated. “Even with all the disruptions of the pandemic, he’s expanded victim support services, eliminated cash bail, reduced violent crime rates through effective prosecution, tackled the corporate abuses of white collar crime, and filed the first-ever charges in San Francisco for police brutality.

“We refuse to turn back the page on reforming our broken criminal justice system, and we know the mass incarceration policies of the past will not make us safer,” Wright added.

“No district attorney can file charges for crimes that are never solved, and our biggest public safety challenge remains the 97% of cases [the San Francisco Police Department] leaves unsolved – and the wealth inequalities that drive property crimes. We hope to see a victorious Boudin administration that further expands victim support and language access services, continues to focus on addressing violent crime and reigning in corporate crimes, and works closely with community-based crime prevention programs.”

The Alice club said the membership vote didn’t meet the threshold for an endorsement.

“Without disclosing specific details of our political action committee discussions, the club was largely divided between wanting to stay out of yet another recall, not being happy with his performance as DA, or their support for Chesa – the bulk of which being the latter. Ultimately – a 60% threshold to make a recommendation wasn’t met by our PAC, and our membership vote followed suit with

t

Spring Eggstravaganza

The San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department will have its spring Eggstravaganza April 16 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Crocker Amazon Park,

Crime statistics

Courtesy Safer SF Without Boudin campaign

The Safer SF Without Boudin recall campaign held a recent rally in Portsmouth Square in Chinatown.

no position,” co-chair Gary McCoy wrote in a Facebook message.

Safer SF Without Boudin, the recall campaign led by former San Francisco Democratic Party chair Mary Jung, has been funded largely in part by a political action committee called Neighbors for a Better San Francisco Advocacy which has, so far, put more than $2.1 million into the recall effort.

The PAC is funded in large part with money from Republican billionaire William Oberndorf, as well as money from real estate and tech interests.

Jung, the San Francisco Examiner noted in 2016, “was a lobbyist who often met with Mayor [Ed] Lee on behalf of the San Francisco Association of Realtors – a group who frequently lobbies against rental protections in a renter-majority city.”

A poll commissioned by Safer SF released in March shows 68% of likely primary voters support recalling Boudin, while 32% do not. (The poll was conducted by EMC Research among 800 likely voters in San Francisco.)

In defending his record, Boudin downplayed the poll results.

“The only poll that matters is the one on Election Day,” Boudin said in an editorial board meeting with the Bay Area Reporter April 1. But he pointed out that a David Binder Research survey conducted in February “was a dramatically different poll; his poll had the pro-recall support at 44% and the opposition also at 44%. Now

I know that’s Assembly District 17 and not citywide but I can’t imagine there’s a 24-point spread between the east side and west side and that 100% of voters have their mind made up.”

For his part, Boudin argues the recall is really a Republican effort. Safer SF leaders insist, however, that 83% of its donors are Democrats or independent voters; 80% of donors have given $250 or less; and 79% of their donors are from San Francisco.

Recall supporters argued that Boudin is soft on crime during a separate editorial board meeting with the B.A.R. March 31.

“It really has become crystal clear that it’s not just one incident that catalyzed the work we’re doing together,” said Kate Maeder, a lesbian and Democratic political strategist with the Safer SF campaign, of her decision to work to recall Boudin. “It truly is a pattern of behavior and decisions that are making residents feel less safe, making victims and their families – speaking out time and time again – that they are not getting the justice they deserve. It’s everyday folks seeing their cars get broken into time and time again.

“And it’s this collective sentiment out there that Chesa’s policies, especially these catch-and-release policies of not holding police accountable, not holding drug dealers accountable, not holding domestic abusers accountable and letting folks back on the street,” Maeder added. “It’s becoming

Boudin’s critics point to rising property crimes, as well as a slew of hate crimes against Asian American and Pacific Islanders during 2020 and 2021 as further evidence of his inability – or, according to some, his unwillingness – to prosecute violent criminals.

Nationwide, incidents of antiAsian hate crimes – spurred on in part by then-President Donald Trump’s blaming of the spread of the COVID pandemic on China – skyrocketed 339% between March 2020 through December 2021, according to San Francisco State University-based Stop AAPI Hate. San Francisco saw a 556% increase in attacks and crimes perpetrated against its Asian residents over the same period, going from nine reported attacks in 2020 to 60 in 2021.

Boudin insists his office has responded to the attacks. In his office’s 2021 San Francisco District Attorney’s Office Annual Report, Boudin claims to have “improved services, outreach and outcomes for members of the AAPI community in San Francisco through a variety of approaches.”

That year “the District Attorney’s Office filed 20 cases involving hate crime allegations – most of which involved AAPI victims,” the report read.

“To name a few, we filed hate crime charges against an individual who had repeatedly targeted Chinese-owned businesses and we charged a defendant with hate crimes for a string of robberies against Asian women.”

Toward that end, in 2021 he appointed Kasie Lee as the first Chinese American woman to lead the Victim Services unit, as well as creating “a hate crime field guide for police officers to ensure they ask potential hate crime victims and witnesses the right questions to collect evidence needed to prosecute hate crimes,” the report continued.

Property crimes, too, have increased dramatically, recall supporters

Got international LGBTQ news tips? Call or send them to Heather Cassell at WhatsApp/Signal: 415517-7239, or oitwnews@gmail.com

Diversion programs

Boudin’s critics argue, as well, that he charges dramatically fewer suspects in an ever-increasing number of crimes committed since he has taken office. One case in point: More than 50% of cases of illegal gun possession in 2020-2022 were dismissed

by Boudin, according to Safer SF. Less than 4% of all cases were prosecuted as serious felonies and resulted in state prison sentences.

What Boudin has done is send more cases through diversion programs, though he said that judges are ultimately the ones who make the call about whether a defendant should go into such a program. He denied the Safer SF campaign’s statements that he drops charges against those accepted into diversion programs.

“When a judge accepts a request by the criminal defendant to go into the diversion, the charges are still there, and the case is still pending,” Boudin told B.A.R. “If the defendant fails to comply with all the court-supervised programming and other requirements, whether it be drug treatSee page 11 >>

t <<

Election 2022 >>

DA Boudin

From page 10

ment, taking prescribed medication, whether it be community services, whatever the court is requiring to be done, the case gets kicked right back to the criminal courtroom to face the original charges and the same charges and court number are reinstated.

“It gives us the optionality of guiding people toward the services and treatment they clearly need,” he added, “without losing any ability to prosecute them using traditional tools if they refuse or fail to comply with that treatment program.”

Studies have shown that defendants who complete the diversion programs recidivate 20% less frequently than those who do not, Boudin said.

Former ADA speaks out

Brooke Jenkins, a Black and Latina woman, was a former homicide prosecutor under Boudin. She left the district attorney’s office in October 2021 and is now with the recall campaign.

She was on the Zoom call with the

April 14-20, 2022 • Bay Area Reporter • 11

Safer SF campaign and insisted she shares many of Boudin’s progressive values but disagreed strongly with how he carried them out. Strongly enough to quit.

“I 100% agree we need to find and focus on alternatives to locking people up,” Jenkins said. “That’s not the solution in every case. That’s what I want to see be a focus for us. That’s something that Chesa has not done.

He has not created any sort of new creative program or worked with the public defender’s office in the courts to create a new collaborative court to address more issues that people are dealing with.”

Collaborative courts, according to the website for the California court system, “combine judicial supervision with rehabilitation services that are rigorously monitored and focused on recovery to reduce recidivism and improve offender outcomes.”

Boudin said that he’s instituting reforms that he campaigned on. He denied that his goal is to basically get rid of all prosecutions for low-level offenders.

“No, I never said that,” Boudin said.

“I stand by what I said in 2019, that we should prioritize serious crime.”

He said that he inherited 5,000 open cases from the previous DA and has been working on reducing that backlog. “Ninety-eight percent of cases do not go to trial,” he said.

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 03/18/22.

listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/28/22.

Staff turnover

Finally, Boudin’s critics have raised concern about what they say is a high level of turnover in his office since he took over in 2020.

“What we are seeing is that the high level of turnover is that cases are being repeatedly reassigned within, sometimes, days of each other, weeks of each other to new lawyers,” said Jenkins. “Most of the hires he’s making are not folks with prior prosecution experience.”

Many of his hires don’t know how to manage prosecution cases, she argued.

Two days into his administration as district attorney, Boudin fired seven prosecutors, an action he deemed necessary “in order to put in place a management team that will help me accomplish the work I committed to

do for San Francisco,” Boudin said in a statement at the time. (Previous San Francisco DA’s have also fired prosecutors upon taking office.)

Since then, many more have left, as well, but turnover, even high turnover in a district attorney’s office isn’t unusual. Throughout the United States, many DA offices see insanely high levels of turnover due to low pay (many jurisdictions in other states pay their assistant DAs and prosecutors less than $50,000 per year compared to San Francisco’s starting wage of $114,816), work load, and as Yale Law School pointed out, more lucrative opportunities elsewhere.

“In general, large U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are more likely to have positions available,” noted Yale Law School Career Development Office in a report in 2016. “Large offices also tend to be in major cities and often experience higher turnover rates because of competition with private firms that may offer higher salaries.”

Boudin said that there was high turnover in the DA’s office “well before I was DA.” “It has its downsides,” he said,

“and cases can fall through the cracks.

We’re living through a two-year period where people are rethinking their life choices and leaving their jobs. The New York Times called it the ‘great resignation.’ The recall is trying to blame it on me.”

He said he’s brought back “many former assistant district attorneys and recruited people from other offices.”

“It brings new energy and ideas,” Boudin said. “We can all agree the status quo in San Francisco was not working. Voters wanted and deserved a change. You need turnover and new identities.”

Recall backers told the B.A.R. that they support criminal justice reform.

“Since day one on this campaign,” said Maeder, ”one of our internal mottos was that we can have criminal justice reform and public safety and there needs to be a balance for both.”

If Boudin is recalled, Mayor London Breed would name his replacement. Depending on the outcome of a citywide ballot measure, that person may or may not be able to run for the job in 2023. t

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039667200

by an individual, and is signed MARWAN ZEIDAN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/03/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/03/22.

Legals >> SHEAMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-556951

In the matter of the application of WILLIAM JOHN MARSHALL, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner WILLIAM JOHN MARSHALL is requesting that the name WILLIAM JOHN MARSHALL be changed to SHILOH BEN ISRAEL. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103N on the 12th of APRIL 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAR 24, 31, APR 07, 14, 2022

AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-556952

In the matter of the application of ADONIS J’QUAN MARSHALL, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner ADONIS J’QUAN MARSHALL is requesting that the name ADONIS J’QUAN MARSHALL be changed to ASA BEN ISRAEL. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103N on the 12th of APRIL 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAR 24, 31, APR 07, 14, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-556978

In the matter of the application of CHAU LE NG, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner CHAU LE NG is requesting that the name CHAU LE NG be changed to LE CHAU NG. 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 28th of APRIL 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAR 24, 31, APR 07, 14, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039661800 The following person(s) is/are doing business as KAILI BEAUTY NAIL SALON, 2545 NORIEGA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed HUA JIANG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/02/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/15/22.

MAR 24, 31, APR 07, 14, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039662300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as MATERIALIST, 2432 WASHINGTON ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed CONOR WARD. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/15/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/15/22.

MAR 24, 31, APR 07, 14, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039649000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as WISHLIA, 160 BEMIS ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed CHRIS RICHARDSON. 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 03/04/22.

MAR 24, 31, APR 07, 14, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039656200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as PHO 808, 808 GEARY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed PAK S. WAN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/10/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/10/22.

MAR 24, 31, APR 07, 14, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039662900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as HAIRCRAFT BY SERENA, 350 WEST PORTAL AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94127. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SERENA R. GOMEZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/16/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/16/22.

MAR 24, 31, APR 07, 14, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039664900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as FIRST PEAK, 516A DIAMOND ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JOCELYN NEWMAN. The

MAR 24, 31, APR 07, 14, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039660600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SAVOR, 401 IRVING ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122.

This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MOHAMED ABOGHANEM. 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 03/14/22.

MAR 24, 31, APR 07, 14, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039666700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as LUX BLACK RIDES, 2275 19TH AVE #7, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MICHAEL MANGIAMELE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/21/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/21/22.

MAR 24, 31, APR 07, 14, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039662500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as BEAUTIFUL HANDS JANITORIAL SERVICES, 929 CONNECTICUT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed BEAUTIFUL HANDS JANITORIAL SERVICES (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/16/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/16/22.

MAR 24, 31, APR 07, 14, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039656100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as EL FAROLITO #9, 1230 GRANT AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed TAQUERIAS EL FAROLITO INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/10/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/10/22.

MAR 24, 31, APR 07, 14, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039658100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as OVERHEAD DOOR OF SANTA CLARA VALLEY; OVERHEAD DOOR COMPANY OF SANTA CLARA VALLEY, 1266 LAWRENCE STATION RD, SUNNYVALE, CA 94086. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed ENGINEERED PRODUCTS, A PAPE COMPANY (OR). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/22/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/11/22.

MAR 24, 31, APR 07, 14, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039664700 The following person(s) is/are doing business as TERRACE CAFÉ, 2100 WEBSTER ST #108, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed LEE TERRACE INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/31/11. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/18/22.

MAR 24, 31, APR 07, 14, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039664300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as EMPIRE PIZZA, 688 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed G680 GROUP, 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 03/17/22.

MAR 24, 31, APR 07, 14, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039662700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SCOTT’S CHOWDER HOUSE, 1325 FILLMORE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed SCOTT’S CHOWDER HOUSE FILLMORE STREET LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/01/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/16/22.

MAR 24, 31, APR 07, 14, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039643700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as POLK-N-POST CONVENIENCE STORE, 1101 POST ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed FOUR GUYS ELECTRONICS LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above

MAR 24, 31, APR 07, 14, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039652400 The following person(s) is/are doing business as FOUR GUYS ELECTRONICS, 1120 POLK ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed FOUR GUYS ELECTRONICS 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 03/08/22.

MAR 24, 31, APR 07, 14, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-556983

In the matter of the application of TAM MINH NGUYEN, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner TAM MINH NGUYEN is requesting that the name TAM MINH NGUYEN be changed to TOM MINH NGUYEN. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103N on the 3rd of MAY 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAR 31, APR 07, 14, 21, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-556995

In the matter of the application of IRIS BERNARDA SANCHEZ, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner X IRIS BERNARDA SANCHEZ is requesting that the name IRIS BERNARDA SANCHEZ be changed to IRIS SELENA SANCHEZ. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103N on the 3rd of MAY 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAR 31, APR 07, 14, 21, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-556993

In the matter of the application of DANIEL OTTO WACKER, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner DANIEL OTTO WACKER is requesting that the name DANIEL OTTO WACKER be changed to OTTO WACKER. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103N on the 3rd of MAY 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAR 31, APR 07, 14, 21, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557007

In the matter of the application of REED WALKER HINCKLEY BARNES, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner REED WALKER HINCKLEY BARNES is requesting that the name REED WALKER HINCKLEY BARNES be changed to REED WALKER HINCKLEY-BARNES. 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 10th of MAY 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAR 31, APR 07, 14, 21, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557008

In the matter of the application of MARISSA TAYLOR ELLISON, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner MARISSA TAYLOR ELLISON is requesting that the name MARISSA TAYLOR ELLISON be changed to MARISSA TAYLOR HINCKLEY-BARNES. 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 10th of MAY 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAR 31, APR 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039669300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as AFFORDABLE FISHING & TOURING, 26 RIDGEWOOD AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MARTIN GALLARDO MACIAS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/23/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/23/22.

MAR 31, APR 07, 14, 21, 2022

The following person(s) is/are doing business as TRANSWAY, 350 TOWNSEND ST #827, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed VITALY DANEKIN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/21/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/21/22.

MAR 31, APR 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039668500 The following person(s) is/are doing business as SWITCH CONSTRUCTION, 98 PARKRIDGE DR #105, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LIAM MITCHELL. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/01/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/23/22.

MAR 31, APR 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039667700 The following person(s) is/are doing business as THE PATH ILLUMINATED, 1044 PINE ST #11, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed KIMBERLY RICE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/15/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/22/22.

MAR 31, APR 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039667500 The following person(s) is/are doing business as AT TRAVEL & TOUR SERVICES, 245 CLEMENT ST #5, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed YUI A. TUNG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/09/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/22/22.

MAR 31, APR 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039667300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MICHELLE WONDER SCHOOL, 7 ACEVEDO AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94132. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MICHELLE VINES. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/07/19. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/21/22.

MAR 31, APR 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039667900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as IRVING SEAFOOD MARKET, 2130 IRVING ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed XIU L. CHEN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/10/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/22/22.

MAR 31, APR 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039668100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as SEMILLA SPEECH THERAPY, 737 LA PLAYA ST #B, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ANGELA DIBERNARDO. 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 03/22/22.

MAR 31, APR 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039668900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as BAY INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL, 1660 SUTTER ST #206, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SOOTEENIE STRICKLAND. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/03/05. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/23/22.

MAR 31, APR 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039674100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as TWIN PEAKS YOGA, 4686 18TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JOSEPH A. NAUDZUNAS JR. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/28/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/28/22.

MAR 31, APR 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039646900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as GROOMING AND MORE, 1524 HAIGHT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted

MAR 31, APR 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039673900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as FREE ART, 341 11TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed YU LI GELLERMAN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/28/22.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/28/22.

MAR 31, APR 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039674200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as LUIS & CHRIS HANDYMAN CREW, 379 COLLEGE AVE, VALLEJO, CA 94589. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DAISY VALDEZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/28/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/28/22.

MAR 31, APR 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039675100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as LAHORE DI KHUSHBOO, 4445 3RD ST #310, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SHUMAILA ALI. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/29/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/29/22.

MAR 31, APR 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039671100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as NEBIA, 375 ALABAMA ST #200, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed BRONDELL, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/24/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/25/22.

MAR 31, APR 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039670200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as COMMUNITY VISION CAPITAL & CONSULTING, 870 MARKET ST #677, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed COMMUNITY VISION CAPITAL & CONSULTING (CA).

The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/20/19. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/24/22.

MAR 31, APR 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039672400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as FIGURE, 757 BRANNAN ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed FIGURE DESIGN (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/29/18.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/25/22.

MAR 31, APR 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039673200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as LITTLE DUMPLING, 59 30tTH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed PHO BERNAL (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 03/25/22.

MAR 31, APR 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039656300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MALCOLM PLUMBING AND MECHANICAL INC., 184 MENDELL ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed CAHILL & KAVANAUGH INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/20/11.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/10/22.

MAR 31, APR 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039671500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MAN OF THE WORLD MEDIA, 450 VICKSBURG ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed MAN OF THE WORLD INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/01/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/25/22.

MAR 31, APR 07, 14, 21, 2022

<< Legals

12 • Bay Area Reporter • April 14-20, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039661000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as THE SARUM SEMINAR. 1400 GEARY BLVD #6-P, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a married couple, and is signed JULIA P. FREMON & ROBERT A. SCOTT. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/01. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/14/22.

MAR 31, APR 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039668200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as GHOSTNOTE WINES, 624 ASHBURY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed B.P. FRIEDMAN WINES, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/22/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/22/22.

MAR 31, APR 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039669500 The following person(s) is/are doing business as SEETEADISH, 280 SPEAR ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed HOMETOWN TASTE (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/23/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/23/22.

MAR 31, APR 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039671700 The following person(s) is/are doing business as RICCO MEDITERRANEAN, 3145 FILLMORE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed COW HOLLOW MEDITERRANEAN DINING GROUP, 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 03/25/22.

MAR 31, APR 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039668600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as VAMPIRE SPIRITS, 1615 INNES AVE #C, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed RAFF BEVERAGE, 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 03/23/22.

MAR 31, APR 07, 14, 21, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039665100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as COOKING WITH CLASSIE; CLASSIE COCKTAILS; 2 VISTAVIEW CT, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed COOKING WITH CLASSIE LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/18/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/18/22.

MAR 31, APR 07, 14, 21, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557017

In the matter of the application of ARIEL GLIAHOU COHEN, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner ARIEL GLIAHOU COHEN is requesting that the name ARIEL GLIAHOU COHEN be changed to ARIEL ELIJAH COHEN. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103N on the 12th of MAY 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner AKIHIKO MARUSHIMA is requesting that the name AKIHIKO MARUSHIMA be changed to AKI MARUSHIMA EZAWA SIEBELINK. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103N on the 17th of MAY 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for petitioner: SUTTER C. SELLECK (SBN 290247), 649 MAIN ST #102, NUMBER 107, MARTINEZ, CA 94553; Ph. (925) 899-9130.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557015

In the matter of the application of ZIRU FAN, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner ZIRU FAN is requesting that the name ZIRU FAN be changed to ZEE FAN. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103N on the 19th of MAY 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

APR 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

In the matter of the application of VIVIAN KATE BARAD-BURDITT, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner VIVIAN KATE BARADBURDITT is requesting that the name VIVIAN KATE BARAD-BURDITT be changed to VIVIAN KATE BARAD, and the name ESTHER BARAD THOMPSON be changed to ESTHER VERA BARAD-THOMPSON, and the name MOSS EMIL BARAD THOMPSON be changed to MOSS EMIL BARAD-THOMPSON. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103N on the 12th of MAY 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

APR 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039676500 The following person(s) is/are doing business as HUGO’S HANDYMAN REMODELING, 929 CAYUGA AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed HUGO ESCOBAR. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/20/09. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/30/22.

APR 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039679100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as RED KITE MEDITATIONS, 16 COVENTRY CT, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94127. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SHONA CURLEY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/04/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/02/22.

APR 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039679200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as BUTTERMILK SOUTHERN KITCHEN, 2848 23RD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed G & GR INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/04/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/04/22.

APR 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039679500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as PEPITOS PALETAS, 161 CLEO RAND LANE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed ABEL 1950 INC (CA).

The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/04/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/04/22.

APR 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039670300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as DANIEL LEROUX; DANNY LEROUX, 2156 GROVE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed YEARS NOT DOLLARS LLC (DE). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/24/22.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/24/22.

APR 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

APR 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556781

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039676400

In the matter of the application of KUJICHAGULIA ANGELO MAILHOT SADIQ, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner KUJICHAGULIA ANGELO MAILHOT SADIQ is requesting that the name KUJICHAGULIA ANGELO MAILHOT SADIQ be changed to ANGELO MAILHOT SADIQ. 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 14th of JUNE 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

APR 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557013

In the matter of the application of ANA MARIA SALGADO, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner ANA MARIA SALGADO is requesting that the name ANA MARIA SALGADO be changed to ANA MARIA MEDICI. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103N on the 12th of MAY 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

APR 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-556997

In the matter of the application of DINA RAQUEL GUILLEN GARCIA, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner DINA RAQUEL GUILLEN GARCIA is requesting that the name JIMENA RAQUEL GUILLEN MARTINEZ be changed to JIMENA RAQUEL GUILLEN. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in 103N on the 12th of JULY 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

APR 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557016

In the matter of the application of CINTHIA ROSE SHARP, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner CINTHIA ROSE SHARP is requesting that the names CINTHIA ROSE SHARP AKA CYNTHIA ROSE SHARP AKA CINTHIA ROSE TIPTON AKA CINTHIA ROSE-TIPTON SHARP AKA CINTHIA ROSE SHARPE be changed to CYNTHIA ROSE TIPTON. 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 12th of MAY 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

APR 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557024 In the matter of the application of AKIHIKO MARUSHIMA, for change of name having been

The following person(s) is/are doing business as TEMESCAL BREWING COMPANY, 1195 EVANS ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed HUNTERS POINT BREWERY LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/01/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/30/22.

APR 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-038039000

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as RED KITE MEDITATIONS, 650 LAGUNA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business was conducted by a limited liability company, and signed by HASTI PILATES LLC (CA). The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/09/18.

APR 07, 14, 21, 28, 2022

NOTICE OF AMENDED PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF MOIRA HASTINGS SCHERER IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO: FILE PES-22-305097

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of MOIRA HASTINGS SCHERER. An Amended Petition for Probate has been filed by MEGAN HASTINGS in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. The Amended Petition for Probate requests that MEGAN HASTINGS be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. 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: MAY 09, 2022, 9:00 am, Dept. 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

APR 14, 21, 28, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557030

APR 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557027

In the matter of the application of JAMES ANTHONY COTTON, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner JAMES ANTHONY COTTON is requesting that the name JAMES ANTHONY COTTON be changed to JAMES ANTHONY SAYLES-ALLEN. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103N on the 17th of MAY 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

APR 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2022

AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-556946

In the matter of the application of SEOK MENG TAN, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner SEOK MENG TAN is requesting that the name SEOK MENG TAN be changed to SHERONE TAN. 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 JUNE 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

APR 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557021

In the matter of the application of WEI YANG CHEN, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner WEI YANG CHEN is requesting that the name WEI YANG CHEN be changed to MICHAEL WEI YANG CHEN. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103N on the 17th of MAY 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

APR 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557042

In the matter of the application of CASANOVA KAHLIL TEIXEIRA JENNINGS, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner CASANOVA KAHLIL TEIXEIRA JENNINGS is requesting that the name CASANOVA KAHLIL TEIXEIRA JENNINGS be changed to CASANOVA KAHLIL MOON. 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 24th of MAY 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

APR 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557039

In the matter of the application of MARY TERESA DUFFY, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner MARY TERESA DUFFY is requesting that the name MARY TERESA DUFFY AKA MAURA TERESA DUFFY AKAMAURA DUFFY AKA MAURA DUFFY-HAMILTON AKA MAURA T. DUFFY be changed to MAURA TERESA DUFFY. 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 24th of MAY 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

APR 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557046

In the matter of the application of PRECIOUS FAITH M TAN, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner PRECIOUS FAITH M TAN is requesting that the name PRECIOUS FAITH M TAN be changed to FAITH TAN. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103N on the 24th of MAY 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

APR 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557035

In the matter of the application of MELINA SARABI, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner MELINA SARABI is requesting that the name MELINA SARABI be changed to SATCHITA MELINA SARABI. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103N on the 19th of MAY 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

APR 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557044

In the matter of the application of SAM GAMEL YOUTOUB, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner SAM GAMEL YOUTOUB is requesting that the name SAM GAMEL YOUTOUB be changed to UNCLE SAM. 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 24th of MAY 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

APR 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557045

In the matter of the application of CAREY BESCOBY ANDERSON, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner CAREY BESCOBY ANDERSON is requesting that the name CAREY BESCOBY ANDERSON be changed to CAREY ESTELLE BESCOBY. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103 on the 24th of MAY

2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

APR 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2022

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-22-557047

In the matter of the application of JASPER STEVEN NELSON AKA JASPER STEVEN THOMAS JR. AKA JASPER S. THOMAS JR. AKA JASPER STEVEN THOMAS, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner JASPER STEVEN NELSON AKA JASPER STEVEN THOMAS JR. AKA JASPER S THOMAS JR. AKA JASPER STEVEN THOMAS is requesting that the name JASPER STEVEN NELSON AKA JASPER STEVEN THOMAS JR. AKA JASPER S. THOMAS JR. AKA JASPER STEVEN THOMAS be changed to JASPER S THOMAS JR. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103N on the 24th of MAY 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

APR 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039677900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as AYUS CONSULTING, 1995 OAK ST #11, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed CHANDRA SWENSON. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/31/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/31/22.

APR 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039678200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as ZAIN’S LIQUOR, 34 3rd St, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MOHAMMAD A. ZUGHAIYER. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/05/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/31/22.

APR 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039681500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as GUSEVAPHOTO, 4239 ANZA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94127. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed VALERIIA BURKATOV. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/06/22.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/06/22.

APR 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039681100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SAN FRANCISCO BAY COMPUTER SERVICES, 4830 MISSION ST #101, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed EDUARDO F. SANCHEZ DUARTE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/06/22.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/06/22.

APR 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0396X82200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as ESSENTIAL DEBRIS HAULING, 1370 CALIFORNIA ST #311, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ANATOLIY KULYA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/07/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/07/22.

APR 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039683100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as SHE.HER, 2108 SUTTER ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed BRETT GLICKMAN. 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 04/08/22.

APR 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039683200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as LA TROKITA, 2963 24TH ST #A, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed VANESA SANCHEZ. 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 04/08/22.

APR 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039679600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as ABOVE/BELOW, 690 MARKET ST #702, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JOSHUA KATZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/10. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/05/22.

APR 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039682900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as PAOLA GALLARDO DAY CARE, 1190 MISSION ST #301, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed PAOLA GALLARDO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/06/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/08/22.

APR 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039675300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as HOME RANCH LAND REALTY, 1160 BATTERY ST EAST #100, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JUAN CHAVARRIA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/25/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/29/22.

APR 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039685100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as JOY NAIL SPA, 3636 CESAR CHAVEZ ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DOMINIC CAY NGUYEN. 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 04/11/22.

APR 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039680500 The following person(s) is/are doing business as PHO DAY, 59 30TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed PHO BERNAL (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 04/05/22.

t

APR 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2022 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039668800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as VCMA, 415 VALENCIA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed VALENCIA CORRIDOR MERCHANTS ASSOC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/12. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/23/22.

APR 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039681800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as CHUY’S FIESTAS TAQUERIA II, 710 POST ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed CHUY’S FIESTAS RESTAURANT 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 04/07/22.

APR 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039686100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as NGUYEN PROPERTIES, 301 TOCOLOMA AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by a married couple, and is signed DOMINIC CAY NGUYEN & JENNY NGUYEN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on . The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/01/95.

APR 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039669000 The following person(s) is/are doing business as HELIOTROPE, 415 VALENCIA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed HELIOTROPE LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/01/09. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/23/22.

APR 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039656400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as GOLDEN STATE GRAMS, 4348 3RD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed GOLDEN STATE GRAMS 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 03/10/22.

APR 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039682100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as HPJ COACHING, 821 IRVING ST #225162, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed AO&FO LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/07/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/07/22.

APR 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2022

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039682500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as FLYING RAIJIN, 1737 POST ST #320, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed SUSANO GROUP LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/09/22. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/07/22.

APR 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2022

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-038428900

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as HIDI SUEN PHOTOGRAPHY; PMP COCO, 3065 CLAY ST #302, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business was conducted by a limited liability company and signed

by VIRTUOSO COLLECTION LLC (CA). The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/10/18.

APR 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2022

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Great Freedom Love in the face of injustice

Franz Rogowski and Thomas Prenn in Great Freedom

A

t a time when Ukrainians are being killed and dying for their freedom, Austrian writer/director Sebastian Meise’s exquisite film Great Freedom couldn’t have arrived in Bay Area theaters at a more opportune time. In his press notes, he orients his movie in a political context.

“We see today how conservative forces are once again growing stronger around the world and, without too much opposition, are endangering hard-won democratic rights,” he’s said. “We find ourselves in a situation where we need to think about what kind of world we want to live in. One in which discrimination and oppression are commonplace, or one in which all people can develop freely and without constraint.”

Winner of the 2021 Cannes Jury Prize and Austria’s entry in the Best International Film Oscar for last year (shortlisted, but incredibly didn’t make the final five nominees), Great Freedom depicts a stirring portrait of gay resistance and resilience against post-war German injustice in a world where love is forbidden by law and punished with imprisonment. The fact that its message is as relevant today as it was in 1945 speaks to the ongoing criminalization and ostracism of LGBTQ people globally and how fragile a foundation on which queer rights stand even in “liberal” Western nations (i.e. Poland, Hungary, Russia).

Great Freedom is a fictional excoriation of Paragraph 175, first incorporated into German law in the 1870s, which made sex between men a crime resulting in incarceration. The law was expanded and used as a pretext by the Nazis to imprison people in concentration camps. Then

Sarah Shook

Q-Music: Queering the country

room with him, but after noticing the camp number tattoos on Hans’s forearms, in a rare compassionate moment, using a crude homemade kit he disguises them to hide their origins, sparing Hans further abuse from other prisoners.

As time progresses, they move from suspicion to mutual backscratching (the straight Viktor will let Hans fellate him for favors) to grudging respect to mutual dependence as confidants, in what will become both men’s prime relationship for decades.

Hans protests by having sex with whomever and whenever he wants, manipulating prison rules and disobeying prison guards, ironic since he’s been put in a place designed to deny sex yet lives in a same-sex environment in which myriads of opportunity to engage in it are available.

West Germany kept the law for decades, arresting as many individuals as the Nazis, even though the allies were supposed to be liberators, not persecutors, like their enemies.

We meet Hans Hoffman (Franz Rogowski), rescued from a Nazi concentration camp as a gay Jewish man, then sent directly to prison to serve the remainder of his sentence. For gay men, the Nazi horror didn’t end in 1945.

Bittersweet paradox

We follow Hans through three periods, 1945, 1957, and 1968, where he is repeatedly imprisoned for violating Paragraph 175, incriminated by sexual encounters in public bathrooms shot by police surveillance cameras behind a two-way mirror.

Initially his cellmate, a convicted murderer, junkie, and virulent homophobe Viktor (Georg Friedrich), doesn’t even want to be in the same

See page 14 >>

by Gregg Shapiro

with her delightful and unforgettable stage persona beginning in the mid-1980s, queer country artists including Sarah Shook and Adrianne Lenker might never have dared to do what they’re doing today. Nightroamer (Abeyance/ Thirty Tigers), the new full-length album by Sarah Shook & the Disarmers, picks up where the alt-country band left off with its 2018 album Years. The 10 songs are a showcase for Shook’s powerful and emotive voice, particularly on the songs “If It’s Poison,” “Been Loving You Too Long,” “Talkin’ to Myself,” and the title tune. Be sure to check out “I Got This,” which reveals a funkier side to Shook and her bandmates.

W

ith insane anti-LGBTQ laws popping up all over the land (and the world, for that matter), now’s a good time to remind ourselves (and our enemies) about the significant contributions of artists from our community.

Makeover (Nonesuch), the marvelous 14-track k.d. lang remix album, was released in May of 2021, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Consisting of remixes of eight lang songs (with a few appearing more than once), Makeover could easily have been a hit with the club crowd eager to get moving on the dance floor.

Still, plenty of folks found ways to move at home during the lockdown, and it wouldn’t be surprising to learn that Tony Garcia’s Movin’ Mix of “Just Keep Me Movin’,” Greg Penny’s St. Tropez Mix of “Miss Chatelaine,” Love to Infinity’s Radio Mix of “The Consequences of Falling,” Junior Vasquez’s Main Mix of “If I Were You,” and Ananda’s Sweet Bird of Summer Extended Mix of “Summerfling,” aided in various home workout routines.

Now that things are opening up again, and the weather’s warming up, it would be a good time to rediscover this overlooked gem as the soundtrack for your runs, long walks, or bike rides.

Without k.d. lang, who paved the way for LGBTQ country acts

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<< Theatre

14 • Bay Area Reporter • April 14-20, 2022

Women on the verge

Kevin Berne

The cast of María Irene Fornés’s Fefu and Her Friends at A.C.T.’s Strand Theater.

by Jim Gladstone

A

s she welcomes seven luncheon guests into the drawing room of her posh manor house, domineering den mother Fefu dispenses aphorisms like casually tossed grenades.

“My husband married me to have a constant reminder of how loathsome women are,” is her very first line, which Fefu immediately, if unconvincingly, disarms by explaining that she’s not being literal, but is interested in “exciting ideas” and provocations “to grapple with.”

The same can be said for the whole of Fefu and Her Friends, Irene Maria Fornes’ oblique psychosocial puzzle play, now being mounted in a luxe American Conservatory Theatre production at the Strand Theater.

Revealing the often ugly underbellies of upper-crusty characters in arch,

mannered dialogue (“I’d like it if you’d like me. You think it’s unlikely”) and menacing non-sequiturs that hang in the air like axe blades, this academically heralded but rarely produced play immediately brings to mind the work of Fornes’ admirer, contemporary and fellow trafficker in the domestic oblique, Edward Albee.

That impression is confirmed by a third-act piano rendition of Franz Schubert’s setting of Shakespeare’s Two Gentlemen of Verona verse, “Who Is Sylvia?,” which poses questions about the potential disjuncture between a woman’s superficial beauty and inner kindness. That poem also happens to provide the subtitle for Albee’s own later play The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?, one of many Albee works that have been directed, to great acclaim, by A.C.T. Artistic Director –and the director of this production–

Pam MacKinnon.

If such echoes and connections summon up your inner literary detective, you’ll feast on Fefu’s immersive ambiguities. But if your taste in theater leans toward meat and potatoes conclusiveness, you’re likely to leave less than sated.

Like a game of Clue, the play’s action takes place in multiple rooms of a house. And while the all-woman cast of seven is remarkably well-balanced, scenic designer Tanya Orellana stands out in a true star turn.

After the opening act, which takes place on the Strand’s main stage, the audience is divided into four groups which are each guided a different location in the building. Backstage, in a tented bedchamber, Julia (Lisa Anne Porter) is tended to by Sue (Leontyne Mbele-Mbong) after being plagued by hallucinations and unspecific memo-

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A carpet of astroturf, diorama-like floral displays and an enormous nature video transform the lobby into a garden where Fefu (Catherine Castellanos, wry and commanding) and Emma (Cindy Goldfield, a personified chuckle) have a tete a tete about genitalia.

The black box Rueff Theater on the Strand’s third story is divided into two separate settings: a warm dark study piled with books and chessmen where the normies of the gaggle, Cindy (Jennifer Ikeda) and Christina (Sarita Ocón) burrow into oblivion; and a perfectly detailed 1930s kitchen with checkerboard linoleum floor and stamped tin ceilings where lesbians Cecilia (Marga Gomez) and Paula (Stacy Ross) spat and hanker.

Richly detailed costumes by Sarita Fellows and perfect props assembled

by Janice Gartin (The cocktail trolley is to die for!) add to the thrill of spending time in these splendid scenarios.

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After each subset of the audience has visited this full quartet of scenes, they reconvene in the main auditorium as the cast returns to the main parlor set for a final, if inconclusive, act that incorporates fantastical visions, gunplay and bloodshed.

Written in the 1970s and set in the 1930s, Fornes play is chockful of aperçus about women’s status in bourgeois America. Many of her characters’ eccentricities seem like blooms that have been forced by a stifling environment. At the same time, Fornes gives these women the rare privilege of commanding the stage on their own. Or perhaps not commanding, but sharing, moving, thinking and regrouping in ways generally unacknowledged both on both stage and in society.t

Catherine Castellanos (Fefu) and Sarita Ocón (Christina, background) in María Irene Fornés’s Fefu and Her Friends.

From page 13

Challenging the brutal dehumanizing prison system, he’s repeatedly beaten and forced into solitary confinement, stripped of everything but his underwear and plunged into pitch blackness, save for the occasional confiscated lit cigarette.

The film centers on two ‘romances’ Hans has in prison, one in 1968 with a young teacher also captured in the same restroom sting operation, whom he helps exonerate to his own detriment, the other in 1957 with the unstable Oscar, perhaps the love of his life, leading to a tragic ending.

We learn little about Hans’s life outside the prison or even what he does for a living, aside from the fact he sews in the prison sweatshop. Yet there is always something profoundly decent about him, both in the way he asserts his own dignity, as well as how he treats others, despite the trials he must endure.

Stumbling onto a 1969 magazine article declaring Paragraph 175 is dead and stating to Viktor, “I’m legal now,” he will be released. What happens when he tastes liberty (the film’s title is derived from the name of a Berlin gay bar he visits) will form the bittersweet paradoxical conclusion.

With its sparse dialogue and concentration on long stolen non-verbal moments, the film would never have worked as extraordinarily as it does without a charismatic lead. Famed German actor Franz Rogowski has the best role of his distinguished career (Happy End, Transit, A Hidden Life) so far. He recalls the early Montgomery Clift in his brilliant ability to use body language and spasmodic physicality to convey emotions, especially warmth, intimacy, and accessibility, but also an aloofness that suggests complexity and mystery.

One is drawn immediately to Rogowski’s eyes, seducing the viewer with romance and a kind of childlike innocence, not to mention a raw, alive,

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absorbing demeanor that almost pops out of the screen. Friedrich is almost as mesmerizing and the chemistry they produce is palpable and believable.

Outlaw lives

Paragraph 175 wasn’t totally abolished until 1994, destroying at least 100,000 lives. Not until 2017 did the German parliament allow those charged under the law to have their records expunged and offer a pittance settlement, but only a scant few out of tens of thousands have applied.

Writer/director Sebastian Meise

This shameful episode is still not even taught in schools.

Meise and co-writer Thomas Reider did speak to men prosecuted or imprisoned under Paragraph 175, but many were reluctant to share their experiences, still feeling the sense of stigma attached to the law and their own ostracism from society.

Don’t let the film’s minor drawback of confusingly jumping between time periods or non-linear narrative deter you from watching what will likely be this year’s #1 LGBTQ movie. Meise notes that in one out of three countries today, homosexuality is still illegal, sometimes punishable by life imprisonment or even death. So cautionary tales like Great Freedom are both necessary and salvific.

While Hans pays a price for whom he loves, unable to turn off who he is or unashamedly deny his heart’s desires, the movie argues he ultimately finds freedom within the limitations of the prison walls and liberation within the confines of his own mind. His very existence is rebellion and an indictment of homophobic rehabilitation.

Meise argues despite controlling and unjust systems, humanity cannot be totally destroyed by institutions, that our longing for freedom as well as our need for closeness, intimacy and love will overcome the oppression.

This tender empathetic film about perseverance and nurturing love, which is real freedom, will steal your heart, but also strengthen your resolve to oppose all institutional attempts to criminalize queer desires and identities. Great Freedom may be the best queer film in the last half decade and simply cannot be missed.

Note: For those wishing to learn more about Paragraph 175, especially its impact on Nazi concentration camp internees, the 2000 documentary Paragraph 175 by gay filmmakers Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Freidman and narrated by Rupert Everett, is highly recommended.t www.riversidestudios.co.uk

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<< Books

16 • Bay Area Reporter • April 14-20, 2022

A wee boy’s own story

Sarah Blesener

Author Douglas Stuart

by Tim Pfaff

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here doesn’t have to be penetration for there to be incest, and there doesn’t have to be desire for there to be rape. These are among the easier lessons Douglas Stuart has carried forward from his Booker Prize-winning debut novel Shuggie Bain into its follow-up, Young Mungo (Grove).

What it shares with its predecessor is a brutal honesty about the loathing with which the wider world responds to same-sexuality rendered in prose of blunt-force power.

It organizes itself around the same lurid elements (to call them themes would be to pretty them up) that made Shuggie Bain a sensation: grinding poverty, violent sex, multivalent incest, kitchen abortion, and non-competitive alcoholism, to name only the provables.

What’s added if not strictly new is a boy-on-boy first-love story. But even

that plays out as a nightmarish inversion of Romeo + Juliet, translated into Protestant v. Catholic Glasgow gang wars, a West End entertainment by and for the plebs – West Side Story without the dancing.

It bears all the marks of a book that needed to be written, and individual readers will decide if it needs to be read. It’s stern, strong stuff that keeps coming at you ‘out of the blue,’ just as you think the shock has worn off. In no sense is Young Mungo an easy read, and in no sense is Stuart the reader’s friend.

If that weren’t enough, Stuart makes you work for your entertainment. At the sheer content level, Young Mungo trades in a Cormac McCarthy level of human-on-human violence, but even that becomes gruesomely familiar.

Warrior-like, Stuart puts up other impediments.

At 400 pages, it’s long, but what makes it seem far longer is the lan-

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guage, larded with a transliterated Scottish dialect that insists on “no” for “not,” “nae” for “no,” and “aw” for “all” and assumes that non-Glaswegian readers will work out that “scheme” means “hood” as in neighborhood, “weans” are children (“wee-uns,” I’m guessing; everything is bloody wee), and “dreich” is “awful,” or the opposite of “guid.” The dialect is not confined to the dialogue and slows a non-Scot reader down. Not a few words look to be neologisms, however brilliant.

Boundary-free fluidity

Then, too, no detail is too insignificant to escape mention. Adjectives sandbag sentences. “Mr Donnelly reached inside his thick blazer and pulled out a thin wallet.” Such as there’s style at all, it’s in verbal collisions.

There’s much ado about most everything except the big stuff. The boys’ first kiss, convincingly long delayed, is said to feel, to Mungo, “like hot but-

tered toast when you were starving. It was that good.”

Narrative time frames swim with an alcoholic, boundary-free fluidity and the plot can –and often does– turn on a dime. It has three basic threads: the horror of 15-year-old Mungo’s daily life, spinning around an incestuous relationship with his mother, “Mo-Maw”; the feardrenched tenderness of first love as it springs itself on Mungo and the “papist” James; and a “fishing trip” in which Mo-Maw discharges Mungo to the ministrations of two alcoholic ex-cons, to make a man out of him.

The threads are interwoven, the stories interleaved, if not at regular, reliable intervals.

The fishing expedition keeps elbowing its way onto center stage, much as one comes to resist it.

Mungo’s companions are an older man they call St. Christopher and a younger one Mungo calls Gallowgate. It’s no surprise when, camped out on the shores of the remote lake that the men deny is home to the legendary Loch Ness Monster, the two men visit Mungo in his tent with the trauma of first anal rape. There is big-time payback, but you’ll find no spoilers here.

Tender as it genuinely is, the love story that has seized almost all of the novel’s advance publicity is a subplot.

Sexually, the boys get little farther than what adults would deem foreplay, though it’s altogether credible. (In this novel, so unstinting in its descriptions of the male body, we see only the one cock we don’t want to.)

Cool, boy

Young Mungo does turn out to have a great, overarching theme: abandonment and the fear of it and the inseparability of the two. Family members, parents mostly but by no means exclusively, are forever ghosting each other. Even his older sister Jodie, one

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of the novel’s most sympathetic secondary characters, makes good on her threat to leave Mungo for university.

James keeps pigeons in a doocot (dovecote) that is the novel’s equivalent of Juliet’s balcony. The constant in his conversations with Mungo is his intention to get far away from the scheme as soon as possible, an escape to which Mungo is neither invited nor forbidden. It’s an unsparing enactment of the core fear of first gay love: being left or being left behind. There’s a “somewhere” for these guys, a place for us, but just for now in their world no one feels pretty, and it’s their job to be cool, boy, real cool, and above all not get found out.

Young Mungo frequently reminded me of Jamie O’Neill’s At Swim, Two Boys, a 2002 Irish version of fundamentally the same story, if a novel more grounded in history and politics. Like Shuggie, it was painstakingly crafted for a decade at the night reception desk of a hotel. O’Neill did not undertake his novel because he thought he was a writer, and it’s a core part of the Stuart mythology that he, too, pre-Shuggie, identified not as a Scottish writer but as a New Yorkbased designer.

Stuart is surely no ordinary writer, and to call Young Mungo literary fiction is almost to dismiss its genius. It’s titanic, bold, and unapologetically terrifying. The ending has more cadences than a Mahler symphony. The framing device is a phantasmagoric AA meeting worthy of Malcolm Lowry’s Under the Volcano (and as devoid of recovery).

The writing is as clumsy – and sure – as Melville’s, and at its most potent knocks you sideways. You can, if not judge, gauge this book by its cover.t Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart (Grove Press), $27. www.groveatlantic.com

On being gay and Catholic

by John Ferrannini

I

n his new memoir, Coming Out and Coming Home, Stan JR Zerkowski writes about how he never intended to be a national spokesperson for LGBTQ Roman Catholics.

But Zerkowski said that for us all, “There is a plan in the end” we can’t necessarily control.

Zerkowski, the executive director of the LGBTQ Catholic-affinity group Fortunate Families and director of Catholic LGBT ministry for the Diocese of Lexington, told the Bay Area Reporter that he wrote his memoir so that people might see “There is hope, there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Yes, you read that correctly.

Zerkowski is openly gay and not only a church employee, but the head of ministry to queer people in the diocesan structure.

His boss, the Most Rev. John Stowe, the bishop of Lexington, wrote the forward.

“JR has been very instrumental in helping the local church minister to the LGBT community – he’s really challenged me to be more open to the LGBT community, so I was happy to write that,” Stowe told the B.A.R. Stowe said he hasn’t had any pushback for writing the forward to the book, but has been criticized for his relatively more liberal approach to LGBTQ people.

“I’ve gotten all kinds of pushback before,” Stowe said.

The Catholic Church officially teaches that homosexual actions are sinful and that, therefore, LGBTQ people should remain celibate.

Zerkowski said that the book covers his journey “from marginalization to ministry.”

“The story I share shows that even

Author Stan JR Zerkowski

though one can be terribly marginalized and treated poorly – even having to hide part of who they are for a long time – those things can lead to coming out and coming home,” Zerkowski said.

Zerkowski has been employed for 11 years by the Diocese of Lexington, Kentucky.

“My book talks about years of pain,” Zerkowski said. “Years of being told ‘Don’t present yourself for communion.’ Years when my own pastor was asking inappropriate questions about my life.”

Zerkowski said that when he did come out, he threw himself into working in the community. He helped spearhead two groups for LGBTQ students at Catholic high schools and helped facilitate the first Pride interfaith service in Lexington.

Zerkowski “never had a desire to be a national person, a speaker.”

“I never believed I would have a ministry under the auspices of the diocese,” he said, but “as doors opened I walked through them.”

More recently, he began leading the LGBT ministry with the diocese at Historic Saint Paul Church, and founded Fortunate Families.

The B.A.R. spoke with Zerkowski for an article last year about Greg Bourke, a plaintiff in the Obergefell v.

Hodges case that legalized same-sex marriage, who also wrote a memoir.

Zerkowski said that the book was “two years in the making.”

“Some of it was written for a monthly publication here in the Bluegrass [LGBTQ magazine],” Zerkowski said. “Some of it was based on articles in LinQ,” which is another magazine.

Zerkowski had the book published through Butler Books, not for want of another publisher, but because he trusted publisher Carol Butler, he went with her.

“I never did any of this to build my name or be a big seller,” Zerkowski said. “I did this to end up in Catholic schools so students can say ‘There’s hope for me. There’s hope in this church.’

“When we can be our authentic selves, and we can be honest about who we are, that’s when we really shine through,” he said.t Coming Out and Coming Home, Stan JR Zerkowski, Butler Books www.butlerbooks.com

t

Film>>

April 14-20, 2022 • Bay Area Reporter • 17

Hypochondriac Must-see gay horror film

Devon Graye and Zach Villa in Hypochondriac

by Laura Moreno

H

ypochondriac is a much anticipated now-released LGBTQ horror film. Written and directed by Addison Heimann (writer of Kappa Force among others), it features a very talented cast: Zach Villa (who played the real life serial killer Richard Ramirez in American Horror Story Season 9), Devon Graye (I Don’t Feel at Home in This World Anymore), Madeline Zima (Californication), Chris Doubek (Boyhood), Marlene Forte (Knives Out), and Paget Brewster (Criminal Minds). The film is produced by Bay Dariz and John Humber.

The main character, Will, is played

by Villa, who studied at the Juilliard School and Interlochen Arts Academy. He is perfectly cast as a likable young Hispanic gay artist (a potter) who seems to have all of life’s advantages, including the support of an understanding boyfriend.

Refreshingly, the LGBTQ commu-

nity is featured prominently in the film while no big deal is made of Will’s gay identity. Perhaps there is something inherently queer about the horror genre, just as narcissism is inherently inward looking and homoerotic, perhaps even feminine. At any rate, Hypochondriac further demonstrated that queers certainly do horror skillfully, particularly psychological horror.

The film takes a sudden turn when Will’s bipolar mother comes back into his life after ten years of silence, it pushes him over the edge, plunging him back into the trauma of his childhood.

The film gives hints that his mother’s mental condition either resulted from –or was very much exacerbated by– her marriage. His father prefers to coldly, silently call the police on her rather than address her complaints, escalating the situation when things could have been handled much better.

In similar fashion, although minus his parents’ cruelty, Will refuses to discuss his growing fears and trau-

mas with his boyfriend, even though he’s encouraged to open up. Here too, there seems to be a mismatch.

Although Will and his boyfriend have a very good, accepting relationship that is infinitely healthier than his parents’ sick marriage, it becomes clear that his boyfriend has no way of understanding what makes Will tick.

This is painfully clear in the scene of Will stretching out on the bearskin rug, marveling that he can feel the amazing power of the beast. In contrast, the boyfriend feels nothing. They just aren’t on the same wavelength.

Left to face his demons alone, the fear and trauma progressively manifest throughout his body until he becomes horrifyingly, hauntingly ill. If only he had had a friend who understood what he was going through.

For example, years ago I encountered a young man who confessed that he felt he had a wolf spirit following him like the one Will has in the film.

In the film, the wolf is depicted as a person wearing an almost-humorous wolf outfit, but the actually experience as described to me by this young man was very damaging to him. The wolf

Zach Villa in Hypochondriac

might be a symbol of one’s personal greed. He felt the trouble started when he saw a werewolf movie that he very much began to identify with.

But I would be remiss if I did not mention the cure: he claimed that overcoming mental detours is as simple as remembering one’s north, like a compass. For him, it was praying, fasting and casting out his demons ‘in Jesus’ name,’ in the certainty that God did not create us to be trapped in fear. He worked very hard to also heal the root of his greed, which is a sense of lack, and to replace it instead with a feeling of being supported by the universe and all of creation. You are here because you belong here. And you are supported by every molecule and atom.

The end of the film, too, is hopeful.

Although the wolf is still with Will in the last scene, they have found a way to co-exist peacefully. Perhaps the answer was as simple as not going down the rabbit hole of fear of illness. Just say no and release the past, demanding to live his life on his own terms as he deserves to be able to do.

Hypochondriac is Addison Heimann’s long-awaited first feature film.

He confided in a press statement, “Hypochondriac is the story of my mental breakdown. Not an exact retelling, but an emotional one – taking my broken heart at the time and turning into something that feels exactly how it felt to lose control. I’m thrilled to be partnering with XYZ to elevate such a personal story about my life in hopes that maybe people will see it and feel less alone in their struggle.”

“Addison Heimann is one of the most exciting genre filmmakers out there and Hypochondriac is an incredible feature debut,” said XYZ’s Head of Domestic Distribution, James Shapiro. “It’s a fact that Horror has always been queer and Addison’s goal in life is to elevate and empower LGBTQ characters in the genre space and I’m beyond excited to help him do that.”

Heimann’s previous short films and web episodics have been screened at Outfest, the Chicago International Film Festival, Fantasia, Inside Out, Atlanta International, the Nashville Film Festival, and the New York Television Festival to name a few. His work is available online on Dust, Omeleto, Film Shortage, and Revry.

Hypochondriac debuted at SXSW on March 14. XYZ Films is distributing the film digitally and nationwide in US theaters.t ww.xyzfilms.com

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<< Music

18 • Bay Area Reporter • April 14-20, 2022

Buckley sings Sondheim

t

brilliant pianist named Christian Jacob who I’ve worked with for about twelve years now. We’ve released six CDs. I’ve released nineteen CDs, and I work with amazing jazz musicians.

Christian is a brilliant composer, arranger, and pianist. He scored three of Clint Eastwood’s most recent films and is a seven-time Grammy nominee. I’m very blessed to work with him.”

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Betty Buckley

by David-Elijah Nahmod

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n a career that has lasted more than forty years, Betty Buckley has done it all. She has starred on television, played major roles in movies, recorded numerous albums, performed in cabaret, and appeared to great acclaim on Broadway, most notably in Sunset Boulevard and Cats, winning the coveted Tony Award for the latter. In a phone interview with the Bay Area Reporter, as she was preparing for a recent gig at Feinstein’s at the Nikko, Buckley said that she has enjoyed everything she has done.

“I don’t think in terms of favorites,” she said. “I just like what I’m doing at the moment and feel really blessed to get to work with people I really admire.”

She shows no sign of slowing down.

Buckley spoke to the B.A.R. about her new album Betty Buckley Sings Stephen Sondheim, in which she celebrates the lyrics of one of the greatest songwriters in musical theater history.

The album features twenty-four tracks and covers songs from throughout Sondheim’s illustrious career. The album opens with “Children Will Listen” from Into the Woods. She begins the song softly, her voice gradually building to a crescendo as she underscores the emotional impact of this powerful warning to parents, cautioning them to be careful of what they say in front of their children.

On “Not a Day Goes By,” from Merrily We Roll Along, Buckley almost weeps with her voice, beautifully conveying the gut-wrenching impact of a

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song in which a woman realizes that the person she loves is lost to her. It’s a sad but beautiful tune, and Buckley sings it for all its worth.

Those familiar with Buckley’s career will not be surprised by how much feeling she puts into each song. When she sang “Memory” in the original Broadway company of Cats, her powerful vocals brought down the house each night.

“It was an honor,” she said of the Tony Award she won for that performance.

Her new album is a greatest hits compilation, comprised mainly of songs that she had previously recorded, though there are two new tracks included. Her appearance at Feinstein’s was in support of the new album. She also performed at Joe’s Pub in New York City a few weeks prior.

“I have a glorious band,” she said.

“I have this incredible collaborator, a

Buckley is also an enthusiastic member of the Sondheim fan club.

“He’s obviously one of the greatest lyricists/composers that’s ever been a part of musical theater,” she said. “I feel that we’re all so blessed to have been on the planet and to have been part of the musical theater community in his generation. His music has meant a lot to me. I’ve sung at a couple of his big birthday celebrations. I sung with the Harlem Boys Choir at his 77th birthday celebration. I was the original witch in Into the Woods in the first Broadway workshop.”

Buckley added that she’s been grieving for the loss of Sondheim, who passed away in November, 2021 at the age of 91.

“He was such an icon,” she said. “He meant so much to so many of us; still does.”

In addition to her singing, Buckley is continuing with her acting career.

She is currently playing Lorraine Maxwell, a recurring character on Law and Order: SVU. “She’s the chief of the trial division,” Buckley said. “So that’s been a blast. I’ve played attorneys in the past, but they created this role for me this season, and it’s been a real joy to be on that set.

I’ll be shooting my fourth episode in early May.” Buckley has also done two films with M. Night Shyamalan, the well-known director who brings psychological horror films to the screen, often with bizarre trick endings.

“I love Night,” she said. “The second film I did with him, Split, I got to co-star with James McAvoy.

He wrote the role of the psychologist James’ character is working with for me, which is a real gift. I was also in his film The Happening. He’s such a joyous man, he’s like a shiny little kid, he’s so much fun to be around and to work with on the set. He’s full of life, wit, and humor.”

Betty Buckley has indeed done it all.

Her new album concludes with a rousing rendition of “I’m Still Here” from Sondheim’s Follies, perhaps the finest show business anthem ever written for a woman. In the song, an actress who has more years behind her than ahead of her looks back upon a career that she has survived with strength, resilience, and sheer talent.

After more than forty years, Betty Buckley is still here and going strong.t

Adrianne Lenker of Big Thief

Q Music

From page 13

Adrianne Lenker of Big Thief wrote 19 of the 20 songs on the hipster country-folk band’s new double album Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You (4AD); the 20th song she co-wrote with bandmember Buck Meek. The otherworldly hoedown twang of “Spud Infinity” features a jaw harp and a fiddle, while album opener “Change” is an example of the moodier side of country. A number of these songs, including “Red Moon,” “Dried Roses,” “The Only Place,” and the overtly queer “12,000 Lines,” wouldn’t be out of place on a Melissa Carper or Sad Daddy album. Big Thief also See page 19 >>

t

Drag Brunch>>

April 14-20, 2022 • Bay Area Reporter • 19

Pop Up Brunch @ Beaux photos by Steven Underhill

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obby Friday’s Pop Up Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays at Beaux is a hoot, as shown in Steven Underhill’s photos from the April 9 event. With shows at 12:30pm and 2:30, food’s tasty and drinks flow. Make your reservation today. 2344 Market St. www. beauxsf.com Enjoy more nightlife albums at facebook.com/lgbtsf.nightlife And see more of Steven’s work at www.stevenunderhill.com

Joe Troop

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Q Music

From page 18

stretches its sound to encompass other styles on songs such as “Time Escaping,” “Blurred View,” “Little Things,” “Flower of Blood,” “Wake Me Up to Drive,” and “Simulation Swarm.”

Joe Troop, the queer leader of the Latin-influenced American band Che Apalache, has returned with his latest solo album Borrowed Time (Free Dirt). An outstanding banjo player, and vocal musical activist if there ever was one, Troop gets things started with “Horizon,” declaring “Mother Earth is burning,” and issues the climate call to arms “Call your

friends and neighbors/What is right is right/Let us not give in to Earth’s damnation.” Amen, brother! “Love Along the Way,” from which the album gets its title, calls out the leaders in charge of the “mucked up system that don’t give a damn.” And so it goes, with the justice system taken to task on “The Rise of Dreama Caldwell,” and a “mercy is for everyone” plea on “Mercy for Migrants.

Troop even takes a moment to celebrate the “greasy pride” of “two-cent queers and pork chop queers,” on the wondrous “Purdy Little Rainbows.”

Rebel Songs (End Hits) is exactly the right title for the new album by pansexual Nathan Gray (of posthardcore band BoySetsFire).

The dozen tracks are a call to action, to “listen up, raise your fist in the air” (as Gray sings on “Look Alive”) by a band featuring trans guitarist Jaelyn Robinson and bi backing vocalist Becky Fontaine. A worthy soundtrack for a long-awaited revolution.t

STARTING AT $25!

McGEGAN CONDUCTS

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM Friday, April 22, 2022 • 8pm Paramount Theatre Nicholas McGegan, conductor Natasha Makhijani, violin Ellen Geer, narrator LIBBY LARSEN: Evening in the Palace of Reason WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART: Violin Concerto No. 5 “Turkish” FELIX MENDELSSOHN: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

ELLEN GEER

NICHOLAS MCGEGAN

SE ASON FINALE:

LEONARD SLATKIN CONDUCTS

A CHILD OF OUR TIME

Friday, May 20, 2022 • 8pm Paramount Theatre

ORDER NOW FOR THE BEST SEATS! 510-444-0802 • OAKLANDSYMPHONY.ORG

Meet thousands of creatures under one living roof, and you’ll help us make ecosystems more resilient across the planet. Because every visit supports our mission to regenerate the natural world.

Make a reservation at calacademy.org AQUARIUM + PLANETARIUM + RAINFOREST + LIVING MUSEUM

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Wander Woods Spring Festival March 26-April 17

Splash, create, and explore.

Celebrate the arrival of spring with fun festivities for the whole family in our newest outdoor space.

3/23/22 12:46 PM