August 12, 2021 edition of the Bay Area Reporter, America's highest circulation LGBTQ newspaper

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Thrift store rebounds

Out at the Olympics

ARTS

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Seriously cinematic

The

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Serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities since 1971

Vol. 51 • No. 32 • August 12-19, 2021

COVID strikes Folsom market attendees

by John Ferrannini

T Courtesy Carolyn Wysinger

San Francisco Pride board President Carolyn Wysinger

East Bay attorney calls on SF Pride board prez to resign

by John Ferrannini

A

Lafayette attorney and longtime Democratic Party member is asking the president of San Francisco Pride’s board of directors to step down after remarks he alleges she made as he was being suspended from the Contra Costa County Democratic Party Central Committee they both serve on.

In a letter to SF Pride’s board of directors dated June 24, attorney Jason Bezis, a straight ally, alleged that Carolyn Wysinger, who serves as board president for the San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration Committee, “made extremely bigoted and slanderous comments” during an April 15, 2021 closed-door session of the body that governs Contra Costa County’s Democratic Party.

The closed-door session had been called to determine whether Bezis should be suspended from the body for violating its bylaws by allegedly supporting a non-Democratic Party candidate.

Wysinger and Peter-Astrid Kane, SF Pride’s communications manager, did not respond to multiple requests for comment for this story.

Bezis said he has not received a response from Pride to his letter.

At the time that Bezis was serving as an alternate member of the committee for state Senator Steve Glazer (D-Orinda), he filed a complaint with the state Fair Political Practices Commission against Jamie Salcido, the Democratic Party-endorsed candidate for BART District 1, according to a statement of charges that hadn’t been made public but was provided to the Bay Area Reporter.

Glazer’s staff did not return a request for comment.

Bezis maintains this complaint was made on behalf of a client, Jack Weir (a retired Pleasant Hill councilmember who endorsed Salcido’s opponent, incumbent BART director Debora Allen), and was not intended to be public, though he did contact Rachel Swan of the San Francisco Chronicle about the complaint and it is available online.

The complaint was shared on Facebook by Allen. While the BART race is technically nonpartisan, Allen had previously ran as a Republican for state Assembly in 2016. Allen ended up beating Salcido by a large margin.

Swan and the Chronicle declined comment for this story.

See page 8 >>

hey were vaxxed and waxed – but not masked.

Thousands of people descended south of Market for the first LGBTQ street fair since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic last year – Folsom Street Market Sunday, July 25 – and its associated parties and events, many of which were indoors. Many revelers didn’t wear masks.

It wasn’t until the following week, however, that the need to rein in “hot vax summer” sunk into the consciousness of partygoers due to the highly-contagious Delta variant of COVID, against which vaccines are very effective but less so than for the other variants of the disease.

Folsom Market attendee Graylin Thornton told the Bay Area Reporter that at first it didn’t seem odd to feel fatigued the Monday morning after a big weekend.

“On Saturday night I attended a bar event while masked,” Thornton, a gay man, wrote in an email. “That bar also had an outdoor area where I spent most of the time smoking a cigar outdoors. On Sunday I only attended outdoor events, which included Folsom [Street] Market and Sunday at the Eagle remaining on the patio wearing a leather mask.

I did lower the mask to smoke cigars during both of those events.

“The very first real symptom I experienced

People danced in the street at the Folsom Street Market event July 25

was a migraine headache on Tuesday morning,” Thornton, who is fully vaccinated, added. “That was followed by chills, coughing, body aches and cramps in my legs and arms. Loss of taste and appetite came a few days after.”

Thornton tested positive for COVID two days later. Some friends of his he saw at Folsom Street Market and associated events also tested positive and he said “we are in constant contact to monitor and support one another.”

The day of the Folsom Street Market, the seven-day rolling average of COVID cases in the

Gooch

city was 189. A week later it was 269 as people deduced via Facebook announcements of positive tests and in private discussions that Delta had been an uninvited guest at the party.

The city cannot say, however, how much of that can be associated with that weekend’s events.

And as the B.A.R. has extensively covered, there is no accurate data on the impact of COVID within the LGBTQ community due to myriad issues with the collection of sexual orientation and gender identity demographics.

See page 12 >>

Survey finds COVID resiliency among SF LGBTQ seniors

by Matthew S. Bajko

D

espite facing decades of discrimination and living through the horrors of the early years of the AIDS pandemic, LGBTQ seniors have long proved to be resilient. Nevertheless, those experiences have had lasting impacts on their health and mental well-being, with many queer elders struggling with isolation and loneliness.

A survey conducted among San Francisco’s LGBTQ senior community found similar results during the COVID-19 pandemic. While most were able to adjust to the various safety protocols local officials imposed to stem the spread of the virus, from mask-wearing to limiting in-person activities, many suffered from depression and felt more alone than ever before.

“I think people are more resilient than I might have expected,” said Tom Nolan, a manager of special projects at the San Francisco Department of Disability and Aging Services.

Nolan, a gay senior himself at 76, said the survey findings point to the need for more mental health services for LGBTQ older adults that are provided in a culturally appropriate manner sensitive to their life experiences.

“The big thing that came through for me was the rates of depression, loneliness, anxiety, and everything. I hope it translates into more funding for agencies that are going to do this work,” he said.

Since the beginning of the health crisis there has been no accurate data on the impact of COVID within the LGBTQ community due to myriad issues with the collection of sexual orientation and gender identity demographics, as the Bay Area

Rick Gerharter

A new survey of LGBTQ older adults in San Francisco found that many were affected during the COVID pandemic, from being lonely to not being able to access services.

Reporter has extensively covered. Researchers have tried to extrapolate what they can from the limited SOGI data that is available, while various agencies focused on the LGBTQ community have conducted their own studies into COVID’s impacts.

Such was the case with the LGBTQ Aging Research Partnership that formed in San Francisco. It included Nolan; Jesus Guillen, a gay man and long-term HIV survivor who chairs the San Francisco HIV and Aging workgroup for the city’s health department; Marcy Adelman, Ph.D., a lesbian who co-founded LGBTQ senior services agency Openhouse; and the nonprofit’s former executive director Karyn Skultety, Ph.D., who is bisexual and stepped down this summer due to moving out of state with her family.

They worked with Health Management Asso-

ciates, a national research organization, to launch the online survey of San Francisco’s older LGBTQ residents in February. The city funded $10,000 for the survey, with the LGBTQ philanthropic agency Horizons Foundation, the Bob Ross Foundation, created by the late publisher of the B.A.R., and an anonymous donor all contributing $5,000.

Its focus was on how the survey participants’ physical and emotional health had changed due COVID-19 and having to adhere to the stay-athome mandate imposed last March. It also inquired how well they were able to access needed services.

The findings are based on the 500 people over the age of 50 who answered the initial survey questions as well as a follow up survey with 107 of them conducted in April when most seniors could get vaccinated against the virus. By that point, 94% of the second survey participants had been inoculated.

Nearly 75% of the 500 respondents identified as white, roughly 8% identified as Latino, Latinx or Hispanic, 5% identified as Asian and 4.6% identified as Black or African American, with 2.8% identified as American Indian or Alaska Native. Over 40% of the respondents were between the ages of 65 and 74.

A supermajority, over 92%, identified as lesbian, gay, or homosexual. Almost 4% identified as bisexual, and almost 4% as queer. A total of 10% of the respondents fell into the category of transgender or gender-nonconforming.

Near 20% of the survey participants were able to meet their basic needs with some help, while 9% reported they didn’t have enough income to meet their needs. During COVID, the percent See page 12 >>

<< Community News

2 • Bay Area Reporter • August 12-19, 2021

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$398,918. Costa’s salary wasn’t available, but the filing showed Kelch made $108,720.

gay man has been appointed executive director of the California AsSF poet laureates to sociation of Area Agencies celebrate the life of on Aging, or C4A. Janice Mirikitani Michael Costa, who has San Francisco Public a master’s degree in public Library will hold a free Courtesy C4A policy, began the position virtual event Saturday, Michael Costa this month.

August 14, from 2 to 3:30 Costa, 69, who was a p.m. for poets to celebrate member of San Francisco’s LGBT Agthe life of Janice Mirikitani, a former ing Policy Task Force in 2012, has over city poet laureate and co-founder of 30 years of experience developing and Glide Memorial Church’s Center for implementing products, programs, Social Change who died July 29. and policies impacting older adults According to a news release, the and other vulnerable populations, acevent will feature San Francisco poet cording to a news release. laureates past and present: Tongo “Michael is joining us at a pivotal Eisen-Martin (January 2021-prestime and will build upon the strong ent), Kim Shuck (June 2017-Janusuccess of the C4A in advocating ary 2021), Alejandro Murguia for additional investments for older (July 2012-December 2015), Jack adults and people with disabilities,” Hirschman (January 2006-Janustated Victoria Jump, president of ary 2008), and devorah major (April C4A. “With his experience we are 2002-April 2004). They will join in great hands.” many esteemed poets from the According to the reBay Area, including Aileen lease, Costa has worked Cassinetto, Genny Lim, Miwith area agencies on agchael Warr, Maw Shein Win, ing, local community benefit and Nelly Wong. organizations, and state trade Ms. Mirikitani served associations, helping them as poet laureate from understand and respond to 2000 to 2002. Through opportunities in an evolvher work at Glide, along ing market and regulatory with her husband, the environment. His accomplishments Reverend Cecil Williams, Ms. Mirikiinclude gaining coverage and payment tani served the city’s most vulnerable from government and private payers resident for decades. for breakthrough drugs and medical For more information, go to technologies, evaluating opportunihttps://bit.ly/3jCOmKb. ties for new health care-social service

hybrids, and developing strategies for Q Foundation gets donation infrastructures integrating social and from Krewe de Kinque health care service provision.

Krewe de Kinque, a social and “I’m excited to join C4A,” Costa charitable Mardi Gras club based in stated. “I look forward to expanding San Francisco, has donated $7,155 the organization’s contributions to to the Q Foundation, which provides social and health policy development housing help to seniors, HIV-positive benefiting older adults and people people, and disabled adults. with disabilities in California.”

Krewe de Kinque recently closed its In his role as executive director, Cosbooks after more than a year of funta will, in concert with the C4A board draising during the COVID-19 panand executive committee, evaluate the demic. According to a news release, opportunities for the organization to Queen XVII Diane Wheeler raised continue to grow as an active advocate $1,800 during two online fundraisers for older adults and people with distoward more than $4,000 generated abilities, the release stated. C4A looks via the Network for Good fundraising forward to establishing collaborative platform. Other efforts included this partnerships to respond to initiatives year’s online Bal Masque XVIII “On such as CalAIM, the state’s group to the Radio” benefit with grand marshal advance and innovate MediCal; the Renel Brooks-Moon of the San Franstate Master Plan on Aging; and varicisco Giants. Last year’s Bal Masque ous federal Medicare and Medicaid Ball was held at the now-shuttered program and benefit proposals curCafe just before the lockdown. rently in development.

Gary Virginia, a gay man who Other agencies that serve vulfounded Krewe de Kinque, stated, nerable populations praised Cos“Members chose the Q Foundation ta’s selection. as our annual beneficiary based on its “As an association, Meals on Wheels successful operation providing direct California has previously drawn on housing assistance to the LGBTQ+, Michael’s substantial experience,” statdisabled, and senior communities in ed Daryl Twerdahl, Meals on Wheels the Bay Area, our backyard.”

California executive director.

Brian Basinger, a gay man who’s exC4A is a nonprofit organization ecutive director of the Q Foundation, representing California’s 33 area said he was grateful for the support. agencies on aging and is the leading “Thank you so very much for the voice on aging issues in the state, the support this past year and please exrelease stated. It works closely with tend our gratitude to the KDK famthe Administration on Aging, the ily,” he stated. “All told, I think it was California Department of Aging, an incredibly successful year, espeDepartment of Social Services, Decially given COVID.” partment of Rehabilitation, and key To make a tax-deductible donation provider associations. to the Q Foundation, go to https:// Costa succeeds Derrell Kelch, who qfoundation.networkforgood.com/. retired.

To learn more about the agency, go to According to C4A’s 2019 IRS Form https://theqfoundation.org/ or email 990, the organization’s budget was info@theqfoundation.org. t

Correction

San Francisco’s Door Store

t

The August 5 article “SF schools prepare to reopen with recall effort looming” should have reported that the amount of money raised by the committee backing the school board recall was nearly $330,000 as

of the end of July. Gay dad Amos Lim also clarified that when his daughter went back to school in the spring, it was only to participate in outdoor school activities for a few hours on several Fridays. The online story has been updated.

Business News>>

t Used goods store revives payments to SF nonprofits

August 12-19, 2021 • Bay Area Reporter • 3

by Matthew S. Bajko

boosting the store’s online presence and planning how to resume sales in a safe manner. They began showcasing items on their Instagram account and turned their sidewalk-fronting windows into display cases as a way for customers to see what was available when they started the curbside sales (It does not offer online sales).

In-store sales resumed on July 16 last year, with only a handful of shoppers at first allowed in and required to follow safety precautions such as mask-wearing. As the local COVID case counts ebbed, Community Thrift gradually increased its capacity limits.

“Things picked up in January and from there things have been steadily improving, both sales-wise and donations,” said Stump, 39, a straight ally who began working for the store 16 years ago in its electronics department.

Community Thrift returned to normal operations and an easing of its safety protocols for shoppers this past June 15. But now, with the Delta variant surging across the region, the store is again requiring everyone to wear masks inside the store and when dropping off donations.

“We now of course have the mask mandate in SF as well, helping us to enforce this rule,” noted Stump, adding that most of the staff is fully vaccinated.

In May, Community Thrift was financially able to send out disbursement checks for 2020 that totaled $109,025, a significant drop from the $469,451 distributed in 2019. The payments ranged from $200 to $6,700 and were calculated regardless of the charities’ donation attributions last year.

“Every one of our charity partners received a check for this disbursement,” noted Stump. “Even the charities that didn’t earn anything in sales last year were given a check.”

Those payouts were followed up in June with disbursement checks for the first quarter of 2021. A total of $59,891 was given out to the store’s

partners, this time with checks ranging from $100 to $3,100. This month, the second quarter checks will go out, totaling $130,814 and ranging from $100 to $9,200.

“As business has picked up and stabilized over the past few months, we are happy to be able to increase disbursements significantly this quarter,” said Stump. “We are here to support our charity partners; it feels really good to do that.”

Likes its business operations, the nonprofit’s search to hire a permanent executive director was put on hold due to the health crisis. Stump wouldn’t comment on the hiring process except to say he is interested in the position.

And he urged people to support the store by both being frequent shoppers and by donating goods for it to sell.

“I don’t know if the mission has changed so much as the support is really needed by these nonprofit organizations to provide the services they do, probably more so now than ever,” said Stump.

Community Thrift is now open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and accepts donations any day between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. For information on the items it takes for resale, how to arrange for free furniture pickups in San Francisco, and to see the list of its charity partners, visit https://www. communitythriftsf.org/ t

living communities. For many years he was also a volunteer at Laguna Honda Hospital in San Francisco.

Romeo was an early member and supporter of Dignity San Francisco, a gay and lesbian Catholic group

started in 1973 for disenfranchised gay and lesbian Catholics. He was a member of Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church for many years, where a Mass of Remembrance will be held on Sunday, August 22, at the

10 a.m. service, followed by a gathering of friends to reminisce on his time in San Francisco, the city that he loved.

O

ver its 39 years of operations the Mission-based used goods purveyor Community Thrift Store had never missed a payment to the numerous San Francisco nonprofits it helps support. That is until last year.

The business run as a nonprofit was upended by the COVID-19 pandemic just as its for-profit retail counterparts were during much of 2020. With San Francisco officials ordering nonessential businesses to shutter at the start of the health crisis, Community Thrift shut its doors at 623 Valencia Street mid-day March 16 and remained closed until early June.

It reopened for curbside shopping on June 12, 2020 in the middle of Pride Month, a fitting return for an operation begun as a way to raise money to support local HIV and AIDS service agencies. Today, it helps support over 200 local nonprofits that run the gamut from providing art instruction to Bay Area youth and caring for animals to preserving LGBTQ history and addressing the needs of queer older adults.

People who donate items such as used clothing and furniture for Community Thrift to resell can select the charity of their choice they want the purchase of their donated goods to financially support. Community Thrift shares the sale with the designated nonprofit, with the charity’s share varying between 30% and 55% each quarter. Between 2012 and this year it will have disbursed $3 million to local charities.

Rick Gerharter

Brian Stump, interim executive director, sits in the extensive furniture area of the Community Thrift Store.

It normally sends out the disbursement checks to its nonprofit partners on a quarterly basis. But with its operations mothballed last winter through the spring, Community Thrift had to postpone the payments as it weathered the pandemic.

“We had to put the disbursements on pause during the shutdown since we weren’t operating and didn’t have any revenue streams coming in,” said Brian Stump, Community Thrift Store’s interim executive director for close to two years now. “We were focused on supporting our staff for those first several weeks with their pay and benefits. Our focus was on their well-being, that was one of our priorities during the mandated shutdown.”

While working from home the employees turned their attention to

Got a tip on LGBTQ business news? Call Matthew S. Bajko at (415) 829-8836 or e-mail m.bajko@ ebar.com.

Obituaries >> April Asbury November 20, 1960 – August 6, 2021

April Asbury, age 60, was released from the physical realm Friday, August 6, 2021. She was born November 20, 1960, in Weaverville to Bill and Janet Asbury.

She had an uncanny ability to reach people’s hearts in a deep and meaningful way. She was very tender with a hidden heart of gold. However, life wasn’t easy for her. She is survived by her four siblings: Sarah, Jeff, Joe, and Alex; niece Abigail and nephews Felix, Blake, and Blair; as well as her longtime companion, Terry Jones.

April and Jones spent nearly two decades together after meeting in 1988 at Female Trouble in San Francisco.

April had a way about her, so special, that led most everyone she met including former lovers, friends, and co-workers to remain steadfast and committed to her always.

April Asbury, left, and Terry Jones

Ruach Beverly Graffis 1946 – May 21, 2021

Ruach Beverly Graffis, a bisexual feminist activist, taxi cab advocate, and opera singer, died from physician-assisted suicide May 21, 2021. She was 74.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1946 to strict Baptist parents, she later moved to San Francisco, performing her Habanera midnights in Jon Sugar shows.

Sugar recalled that Ms. Graffis was a force to be reckoned with. Once while driving her cab a man put a gun to her head trying to rob her. She punched him in the face and knocked him out.

Ms. Graffis was instantly gracious, warmly welcoming, vastly knowledgeable, and so genuinely dedicated.

For decades, she was ever-present at campaigns, rallies, labor movement events, and in and around the Red-

stone Labor Temple building that was her political base. Ms. Graffis was not only a source of information and insight, but also a good friend, a fierce political ally, and the kind of quirky, freethinking, passionately political soul that many of us have long associated with the heart of San Francisco. A longtime labor organizer and teacher, she ended her life by self-administering legally prescribed drugs under California’s End of Life Option Act, which she publicly promoted.

She was suffering from terminal lung and heart disease and was given only a short time to live.

The San Francisco Taxi Workers Alliance, of which she was a member, hosted an online tribute in June.

Photo: Courtesy taxilibrary.org

Romeo Rosaire L’Heureux September 29, 1923 – April 16, 2020

Romeo was born in Springvale (Sanford) Maine, the son of Rosaire Jacob L’Heureux and Cedulia Godbout.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Rudi L’Heureux, and his sister, Jacqueline Campbell.

He is survived by one sister, Madelaine Pouliot, of Florida, and nieces and nephews.

Romeo graduated from St. Ignatius Commercial High School in Sanford and over the years took courses from La Salle University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the American Institute of Banking. He worked in the banking industry until he retired from the Commonwealth National Bank in 1969 as the assistant manager of the international banking division.

In retirement Romeo had an extremely busy life in the early gay community of the 1960s and 1970s in San Francisco. As was the custom at the times, the community included mutual home social visits and dinners, G-40+ activities, and afternoons with the Coffee Group at Westfield Mall.

Romeo’s activities continued into the 1980s, 1990s, and the beginning of the new century, when he relocated to the East Bay where he lived in assisted

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<< Open Forum

4 • Bay Area Reporter • August 12-19, 2021

Volume 5, Number 32 August 12-19, 2021 www.ebar.com

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Vote no on Newsom recall

B

eginning August 16, California voters will receive their mail-in ballots for the September 14 recall election of Governor Gavin Newsom.

It’s unfortunate that state law makes qualifying a recall relatively easy, but voters should not be fooled into thinking that any of the 46 candidates running to replace Newsom would improve matters in the Golden State. Quite the opposite, in fact. The leading Republican, conservative talk radio host Larry Elder, doesn’t believe in the minimum wage and is an anti-vax conspiracy spreader who urged his fans to listen to a COVID-19 vaccine skeptic, according to HuffPost (https://www.huffpost.com/entry/california-recall-larry-elder-vaccine_n_610d8baae4b0cc1278 bc0550). Another candidate, businessman John Cox, already had his shot against Newsom, losing to him by 23 points in 2018. Kevin Faulconer, the former San Diego mayor, voted for former President Donald Trump but has drawn the ire of Donald Trump Jr. for not being loyal enough.

And where to start with Caitlyn Jenner, a trans woman and former Olympian who returned from a TV shoot in Australia this week – just in time to launch a bus tour of the Golden State? She’s polling at about 3% and admitted to getting her info on the state’s homeless crisis from a neighbor who shares an airport hangar.

The recall ballot has two questions: Should Newsom be recalled (removed) from office and who should replace him. Newsom and his campaign advisers took a risk and persuaded other big-name Democrats not to run as recall candidates. That might backfire, but hopefully will not. In 2003, when then-governor Gray Davis (D) was recalled, then-lieutenant governor Cruz Bustamante (D) was a replacement candidate. He did poorly, obviously, as movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) cruised to victory. But Democrats were in an awkward position, telling people to vote no on the recall but vote for Bustamante “just in case.” This time, there is no Plan B.

Courtesy Governor’s office

Governor Gavin Newsom should be retained as the state’s leader in the recall vote.

Newsom needs a simple majority of the vote to remain in office. If he goes down, we will be left with a Republican governor who could win with a tiny percentage of the vote. (It’s not a 50%-plus 1 situation, whoever gets the most votes wins – if the first question to recall Newsom passes.)

Yikes.

Nevertheless, we recommend voting no on whether Newsom should be recalled and not voting on the second question. In our opinion, none of those candidates are qualified to run the world’s fifth largest economy. The major Republicans in the race would severely roll back the state’s progress against the COVID-19 pandemic and do not align with our values on handling other major issues like climate change, wildfires, and homelessness. Significantly for our readers, any winning recall candidate likely would curtail our progress on LGBTQ rights; as our Guest Opinion authors note below, Newsom has signed important legislation regarding trans prisoner rights, LGBTQ older adults, and HIVpositive people. There are several LGBTQ bills still pending in the Legislature that would probably be vetoed by any of the Republicans running.

So we’re gambling too, but we’re optimistic that in the end, Democrats will turn out to vote and retain Newsom. He’s up for reelection in 2022,

t

and that’s the opportunity for Republicans and other candidates to make their case for denying Newsom a second term.

What we need to discuss is Democratic apathy over the recall because that’s what will lead to Newsom’s defeat. For months, many doubted the recall would qualify. When it did several months ago, Newsom’s poll numbers were high enough to give him a comfortable margin for victory. The state reopened from its COVID lockdowns in mid-June, and for a few weeks things were OK. Then, the Delta variant took hold amid protestations by anti-vaxxers and we’ve seen COVID cases surge, especially among the unvaccinated. We think that Newsom has done a good job in confronting the pandemic over the last 17 months, aside from his unforced error of traveling to the French Laundry for dinner with people outside his household while he was telling all of us not to do that. In fact, that misstep probably galvanized recall proponents more than anything else, and we may all have to live with Newsom’s folly – but not if enough Democrats return their mail-in ballots. Among likely voters in the state, 46.3% are Democratic, 26% are Republican, and 22% are independents. Surveys have shown that Democratic voters are not motivated by the recall election, yet we need them to vote in large numbers. Voting is a right that we mustn’t take for granted. This recall vote occurs in a month when people aren’t used to voting. Historically, a large proportion of LGBTQ people have cast their ballots in every election, owing to the high stakes involved. This recall is definitely one of those times. We need to take candidates like Elder seriously – he leapfrogged over all the others in recent polling – and send him a message that his outdated views on women, science, and education are not what California needs.

Newsom is not perfect, but right now, he’s the governor we have. And he should keep his job so that the state can continue its pandemic recovery.

Return your mail-in ballot by September 14 and encourage everyone you know to do so, and vote no on question 1 about whether Newsom should be removed from office.t

LGBTQs should reject the CA recall

by Tiffany Woods and Lester Aponte

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overnor Gavin Newsom has been a champion of LGBTQ+ equality for decades. Full Stop! Ever since risking his political career for marriage equality as mayor of San Francisco, Newsom has been with us. It is now our turn to have his back. In fact, it is imperative that we do so, or risk losing decades of hard-fought – and won – LGBTQ+ protections ensuring California has some of the strongest pro-LGBTQ+ laws in the nation. This is all at risk if a Republican governor, let alone a right-wing Trump Republican, succeeds in replacing Newsom in the September 14 recall. You must vote and vote no on the recall.

Concern is growing that apathy among Democratic voters may lead to a catastrophic result in the recall election. While Democrats hold a 2-1 advantage in registered voters and a clear majority of Californians oppose the recall, polls are showing a close race among likely voters. That is because Republican voters, particularly the antimask, anti-vaccine, anti-science, and anti-equality ones, are enthused about the opportunity to take over America’s richest, most populous state.

Democrats, on the other hand, are reacting to the election with a big collective yawn. Wake up, Democrats! There is a lot at stake in this election.

California can continue to be a leader on inclusion, climate, and worker protections. Or it can sink into regressive politics.

Let us be very clear: this recall is a right-wing, Republican power grab exploiting the devastating tragedies of the COVID-19 pandemic and California wildfires, and an assault on our core democratic values. Republican policies have always been harmful to California’s diverse and intersectional LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. We remember the devastation of 2009, when then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger enacted cuts that set decades of HIV funding advocacy back 20 years, levels that still have not recovered to this day. A Trump Republican would be catastrophic. We could also lose the majority in the U.S. Senate if a seat opens and a Republican governor gets to make an appointment, jeopardizing President Joe Biden’s agenda. This is not just about California.

For the LGBTQ community, in particular, this recall is a clear and present danger. As governor, Newsom has signed into law numerous pieces

Rick Gerharter

Governor Gavin Newsom and his wife, first partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, rode in the 2019 San Francisco Pride parade – a first for a sitting governor.

of legislation strengthening protections for LGBTQ+ Californians, including: • Prohibiting insurance discrimination against HIV-positive individuals.

• Ending discriminatory treatment of LGBTQ young adults faced with registering as sex offenders.

• Ensuring HIV-positive seniors are included in the definition of “greatest social need.”

• Collection/reporting of sexual orientation/gender identity data to track the effects of COVID-19 on the community.

• Establishing the Transgender and Wellness Equity Fund, the first in the nation, creating TGI-specific housing programs, providing TGI-focused health care, and funded with $13 million in the 2021 budget.

• Allowing the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to house transgender, gender-nonconforming, intersex (TGI) individuals in a manner matching their gender identity, supporting health and safety.

• Dignity for deceased nonbinary Californians to be identified as such on their death certificates.

In July, Newsom approved a final state budget that includes $3 million for LGBTQ cul-

tural competency training for public school teachers. And last year, he appointed the first openly gay justice on the California Supreme Court, Martin Jenkins.

There are many important bills making their way through the legislative process right now that would never become law if Newsom is removed. That includes gay state Senator Scott Wiener’s (D-San Francisco) bill to repeal a law commonly known as “walking while trans,” which has led to decades of discrimination against the transgender community, particularly Black and Brown trans women.

It does not take imagination to know what a Republican governor would do about legislation and state action protecting the LGBTQ community or promoting our welfare. Anti-LGBTQ rhetoric is an important part of the Republican repertoire. And anti-trans hysteria is central to their base. We have made much progress in California since the late San Francisco supervisor Harvey Milk first urged us to come out and fight. It is no exaggeration that any more forward progress would come to a screeching halt if Republicans are able to recall our governor and install one of their own. Ballots will arrive in mailboxes starting August 16.

The choice is ours. Vote No on the recall, protect our equality! Urge your friends and neighbors to do the same. Now is the time to have those tough conversations. But that is not enough. We need volunteers to write, call, and text voters and spread the word. We need LGBTQ+ clubs organizing anti-recall events, and Pride organizers mobilizing their events to fight this recall.

We can keep marching toward equality or be stopped in our progress and shoved backwards.

Go to our Stop the Recall page on the California Democratic Party’s LGBTQ Caucus website for volunteer opportunities: https://www.cdplgbtqcaucus.org/stop-the-recall. t Tiffany Woods, a trans woman, is the Northern California co-chair and Lester Aponte, a gay man, is the Southern California co-chair of the California Democratic Party’s LGBTQ Caucus.

t

Politics >>

August 12-19, 2021 • Bay Area Reporter • 5

Out councilman Carlson seeks Contra Costa supervisor seat

by Matthew S. Bajko

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sor district have endorsed him, as has state Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa).

Martinez Mayor Rob Shroder is among those on the host committee for Carlson’s kickoff event, being held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Pleasant Hill restaurant WiseGirl, located at 1932 Oak Park Boulevard and owned by Angela Warren, president of the local chamber of commerce board.

K

en Carlson, a gay retired Concord police sergeant who serves on the Pleasant Hill City Council, is looking to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather by serving on the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors. Should he be elected next year, Carlson would be the first out LGBTQ person elected to the county board.

His grandfather, James Moriarty, was a county supervisor in the 1970s. Carlson, 58, is seeking the board’s District 4 seat, as incumbent Supervisor Karen Mitchoff announced in 2019 she would not run for reelection in 2022.

The district includes Concord, where Carlson spent his early childhood; Pleasant Hill, where his family moved to in the early 1970s; Clayton; and much of Walnut Creek. As far as Carlson knows, he believes he is the first out candidate to seek a seat on the five-person board overseeing the sprawling East Bay county.

“I am tired of being the first,” Carlson joked in a phone interview with the Bay Area Reporter ahead of his official campaign kickoff event Thursday, August 12.

Despite the region’s liberal reputation, the Bay Area has seen few LGBTQ people elected to the nine county boards of supervisors. To date, only those in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties have had out members.

Currently, there is one out county supervisor in the Bay Area: gay District 8 San Francisco Supervisor Rafael Mandelman. He is expected to seek a second four-year term next November, while transgender advocate Ms. Billie Cooper has filed to seek the board’s District 6 supervisor seat.

On the Peninsula out San Carlos City Councilwoman Laura ParmerLohan is running for the open District 3 seat on the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors in 2022. Should Parmer-Lohan, serving this year as her city’s mayor, be elected then she would become the first out woman to serve on the county board, likely its lone LGBTQ member, and the first mother on it in recent memory.

Having attended summits for out elected leaders held by the statewide LGBTQ advocacy organization Equality California, Carlson noticed an increasing number of out city leaders but a lack of out representation at the county level. With the race for his supervisor district being for an open seat, he decided the timing was right to mount a bid for it.

“We need better LGBTQ representation at the county level,” noted Carlson, first elected to his council seat in 2012. “That was another motivator for me. You can do even more if sitting in that county seat.”

Carlson spent 29 years with the Concord police department, retiring at the end of 2017. He is a former board president of the Rainbow Community Center, the LGBTQ center in Concord, and his husband, Jeremy, is interim executive director

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In her race to represent the sprawling supervisorial district that stretches from the coastal towns along Highway 1 in San Mateo County to the suburban cities of Atherton, San CarAttorney at Law los, and parts of Menlo Park and Belmont, Parmer-Lohan is so far the top fundraiser among the four candidates who have filed to seek the District 3 • Divorce w/emphasis on seat. The incumbent, Supervisor Don Real Estate & Business Divisions Horsley, is unable to seek reelection • Domestic Partnerships, Support & Custody next year due to term limits.

• Probate and Wills Should Parmer-Lohan, who with www.SchneiderLawSF.com her wife has two sons – one in college, the other in high school – win the race then she would be the first out lesbian elected to a board of supervisors in a *Certified by the California State Bar Bay Area county outside of San Francisco. Over the first six months of 2021 400 Montgomery Street, Ste. 505, San Francisco, CA she raised $63,559 for her campaign.

Combined with the more than $47,000 she netted last year, Parmer-Lohan has so far raised roughly $110,000 for her supervisor bid. She reported having nearly $91,250 in her account as of July 1.

“I continue to be humbled and overwhelmed by the community support I have received since announcing my candidacy,” stated Parmer-Lohan.

“With critical issues like wildfires, public health, and affordable housing, I feel a renewed urgency to hear from my neighbors about their concerns and priorities.”

Fellow candidate Menlo Park City Councilman Ray Mueller netted nearly as much as Parmer-Lohan during the first half of this year.

He reported $103,828 in donations, with nearly $90,000 in his campaign account.

Half Moon Bay resident Steven Booker, the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers’ political director and community affairs liaison since 2014, raised $49,595 for his campaign and had spent close to $15,000 as of July 1.

The other candidate seeking the seat, San Mateo County Harbor District Board President Virginia When you plan your life celebration and lasting remembrance in Chang-Kiraly had raised $80,652.10, advance, you can design every detail of your own unique memorial including $50,000 she loaned to her and provide your loved ones with true peace of mind. Planning ahead When your celebration lasting campaign. A resident of unincorprotectsyou your plan loved ones fromlife unnecessary stress and and financial burden, When you remembrance plan your celebration and lasting remembrance in allowing themlife to focus on what will matter most at that time—you. porated Menlo Park, she reported in advance, you can design every $74,529 remaining in her accountadvance, last you canofdesign every detail of your ownand unique memorial detail own memorial provide Contact usyour today about theunique beautiful ways to create a lasting legacy month. at the San Francisco Columbarium. and provide your loved ones with true peace of mind.

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Barry Schneider

Courtesy Twitter

Ken Carlson will announce his bid for Contra Costa County supervisor August 12.

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of the local chamber of commerce in Pleasant Hill.

Knowing his career in law enforcement will likely be a talking point in the supervisor’s race, Carlson told the B.A.R. he is in favor of reimagining the duties of police officers so that calls dealing with mental health issues or social services are handled by those trained in those areas. As a supervisor, he would oversee the county sheriff’s department budget.

“The reality is do you need as many cops out on the streets to do what they are tasked to do if there are other people who are better trained and qualified to provide those services,” he said.

In addition to building more housing to address the county’s homelessness issue, economic disparities must also be addressed to ensure people remain housed, argued Carlson.

“We can build you a house but it doesn’t do much good if you can’t afford to live in it,” he said.

Carlson pointed to his fiscal record as a councilman, noting that his council was able to survive the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic without making drastic reductions to the city’s budget reserves.

And while other cities struggle to fund such basic services as libraries, he noted Pleasant Hill is building a new library set to open next year.

“If you look at my record of what we have accomplished in Pleasant Hill, that is what I am taking with me to the Board of Supervisors; that fiscal sustainability,” said Carlson.

He is the second person to announce their candidacy for the supervisorial race, as Concord City Councilman Edi Birsan jumped into the race last month. Should no candidate win more than 50% of the vote in the June primary contest then the top two vote-getters will face off on the November ballot for the supervisor seat.

With more local leaders likely eying the race, Carlson wanted to also jump in early to raise money and attract endorsers. Already, the current mayors of the cities covered by the supervi-

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Courtesy B.A.R. Archive

he 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake struck just after 5 p.m. Tuesday, October 17, 1989 – just as the Bay Area Reporter was going into production for that week’s paper. While the cover of our October 19 issue looked a little different, we were able to publish on Thursday as usual and had a front-page story about how the Castro largely escaped major damage. People were using flashlights and flares to help direct traffic and some stores remained open, offering limited service.

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<< Money

6 • Bay Area Reporter • August 12-19, 2021

LGBTQs face generational wealth gap

by Finbarr Toesland

I

t’s no secret that LGBTQ+ people face a range of financial challenges that heterosexual people simply don’t need to contend with. Less discussed are the effects of financial discrimination on building LGBTQ+ generational wealth. The stereotypical view of a wealthy gay couple with no children and a sizable disposable income is just that – a myth.

In reality, the American Dream – buying a home, getting married, having kids, finding a good job, and investing in a 401(k) – is out of reach for many LGBTQ+ people, according to a survey by TD Ameritrade. Almost two thirds (35%) of LGBTQ+ millennials say they are unlikely to achieve these goals by age 40, compared to fewer than half of straight millennials. The same survey found that while the average annual income for a straight household is $79,400, the average LGBTQ+ household earns just $66,200 a year.

LGBTQ+ people are being left out of generational wealth for many reasons, including family rejection, systemic barriers, and a lack of financial education. With almost half of queer adults saying they have been excluded by a family member or close friend as a result of their sexual orientation or gender identity, according to a study by the Pew Research Center , a lack of familial financial support is a common problem for many in the community.

This combination of unique financial barriers that LGBTQ+ people face is what has led to a generational wealth gap. It’s a problem that will only affect more queer people if it’s not addressed.

Legacy financial exclusion

At every stage of life, it’s not uncommon for LGBTQ+ people to encounter financial challenges that their

Courtesy GO Banking Rates

David Auten-Schneider, left, and his husband, John Auten-Schneider, run the Queer Money podcast.

heterosexual counterparts won’t face.

Being kicked out of their homes as teens due to unaccepting parents, not receiving financial support from family for college, being removed from an inheritance – the financial cost of being LGBTQ+ can be substantial.

With the average inheritance reaching close to $177,000, according to a HSBC survey, and Cerulli Associates forecasting that up to $68 trillion will trickle down to younger generations within 25 years, LGBTQ+ heirs could collectively lose trillions of dollars through inheritance exclusion.

“Even much smaller amounts could help folks pay off debt, pay off a home, send their own kids to college, and help them with their own retirement. Many LGBTQ+ kids aren’t getting these benefits,” explained John Auten-Schneider. He is the co-owner of The Debt Free Guys blog and host of the Queer Money podcast, a leading gay money blog and podcast for the LGBTQ+ community run by him and his husband, David AutenSchneider.

Raising a deposit for a house or

apartment can be a difficult task for all people, but without financial support from family, many would not be able to fund a deposit. When David Auten-Schneider’s parents pass away, his sister will likely be inheriting upward of $1 million.

Yet, David Auten-Schneider said, he won’t receive any of this money, solely because he’s gay.

“His parents have every right to do with their money what they want, but it’s a particular disappointment that they’ll do this only because he’s gay. This, of course, means we need to plan differently for our retirement than his sister does,” explained John Auten-Schneider.

Just because the men are LGBTQ+ financial experts doesn’t mean they don’t deal with many of the same systemic challenges that impact other members of the community. Younger LGBTQ+ people also face challenges directly related to their sexuality or gender identity.

A disproportionately high number of young people experiencing homelessness identify as members of

Courtesy TikTok

Lexa VanDamme created the Avocado Toast Budget website.

the LGBTQ+ community. According to research from the Williams Institute, an LGBTQ think tank at UCLA School of Law, between 20% and 45% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ+. Lacking access to basic housing or financial support from family can set up a young person for economic disadvantage before they even graduate from high school.

Queer students also shoulder a larger student debt burden than their straight peers – to the tune of an extra $16,000.

“This has been attributed, in part, to LGBTQ+ college students assuming more debt simply to leave hostile home lives. In some cases, parents may forgo helping their queer children in favor of helping their straight children,” said John Auten-Schneider.

Knowledge is power

At the start of 2020, Michiganbased Lexa VanDamme was at her financial rock bottom. Stuck at work after a 70-plus hour workweek with no money in her bank account, bills due the next day, and a broken-down

t

car, she decided to make a change.

“I realized that I needed to face my financial situation,” said VanDamme.

“I dove deep into the online world of personal finance to learn about budgeting, debt payoff methods, saving, and investing.”

After her crash course in finance, VanDamme refinanced her credit card debt into a lower-rate personal loan, created a workable budget, and started a side hustle to make extra income. There were a few bumps on her journey: “I actually cycled back into credit card debt three different times.

I would pay it off, then eventually max it out a few months later,” said VanDamme. Still, she managed to pay off her debt by following the financial rules she had set for herself.

While trying to learn about personal finance on her own, VanDamme realized there was a need for accessible and relatable content that appealed to a wide range of people. She decided to create the Avocado Toast Budget , or ATB. Starting out as a blog just over a year ago, ATB now counts more than 400,000 followers on TikTok. “For the longest time, the loudest voices in the personal finance community were cis, straight white males and, as a queer woman, I wanted to share information and tips that were often overlooked by those creators,” said VanDamme.

For many LGBTQ+ people like VanDamme, after spending so long hiding who she really was, she wanted to live as true to herself and be as free as possible.

“This led to me ignoring my spending habits and being stuck in the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle,” she said. “Airing my financial dirty laundry brought up similar feelings of anxiety and concern I felt when first coming out. How would people react?

What would they think?”

See page 8 >>

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<< Money

8 • Bay Area Reporter • August 12-19, 2021

<<

Wealth gap

From page 6

There is already a heavy stigma around talking about personal finances, especially when people may be struggling financially.

“Since queer people often spend our lives fighting for the world to accept us and our queerness, we may be less apt to talk about our financial insecurities and struggles,” said VanDamme.

Genuine representation goes beyond just diversifying the financial content creators who receive media platforms, with the advice given by these experts also needing to be fully inclusive. “Advice tended to ignore how systems of oppression affect people of color, women, the LGBTQ+ community and more.

We know statistically that it’s easier for some to build wealth than others,” she added.

VanDamme has an ongoing series on Instagram focused on the intersectional nature of many financial issues. The series helps shed some light on the economic realities that often contribute to minority community challenges. From financial inequality that disproportionately impacts disabled people to wealth inequity and racism and the cycle of poverty, VanDamme works to educate her audience on pressing topics that matter to them.

“It’s especially important to talk about the financial challenges that trans

<<

Pride board prez

From page 1

Bezis said he came to represent Weir due to the latter’s position as “a prominent former city councilmember” and his own expertise with FPPC work.

“This was a BART race,” Bezis told the B.A.R. “I was acting on behalf of a client. ... The proceeding itself was basically a kangaroo court closed to the public and the press.”

While members of the central

people in our community face. This includes increased reports of lower wages, limited and more expensive housing options, and twice the rate of unemployment. This heavily impacts their ability to build wealth,” she explained.

Intersectional challenges

While being LGBTQ+ can underpin unique money issues, queer people of color and queer women often experience additional difficulties around financial matters.

In addition to the financial barriers faced by LGBTQ+ people, queer people of color also face a racial wealth gap. Employment discrimination, systemic inequalities, and disparities in financial education all contribute to this unequal financial playing field.

According to research from the Federal Reserve, the average white family’s wealth is eight times higher than the wealth of an average Black family. The gender pay gap also contributes to excluding women from building generational wealth, according to the latest statistics compiled by Pew Research, which show that women earned 84% of what men earned in 2020.

Carmen Perez, creator of Make Real Cents, a personal finance blog dedicated to helping people achieve financial independence, believes it’s important to have experts who are more representative of the people they’re speaking to.

“I heard a quote a while ago: ‘You committee were saying their piece, Bezis alleges that Wysinger – who sits on the body as a voting representative of the Lambda Democratic Club of Contra Costa County – displayed “deep-seated race, national origin, and gender-based animus and prejudice,” in the email’s words.

“Instead of addressing the actual charges about a BART election, Ms. Wysinger implored the body to disregard the facts and the law and punish me based upon her personal prejudices against me,” Bezis alleged.

Courtesy Facebook

Carmen Perez created Make Real Cents.

can’t be what you can’t see.’ I think that’s really important because eventually, if you don’t have a model to follow, either you have to be the first, or it’s never going to happen,” she said.

As a woman of color and a lesbian, Perez knows firsthand how important it is to address the absence of representation in financial education.

“It’s definitely one of the things we have to step back and look at in the LGBT community,” said Perez.

“There’s a compounding effect because not only am I part of the LGBT community as a lesbian, but I’m also a minority, and I’m also a woman, and there’s a lot of hurdles up against a lot of folks in this space.”

“Ms. Wysinger called for my removal from the Democratic Party based on my race, national origin, and gender: ‘There’s nothing more dangerous to justice than a rules-following White man, but there’s something more dangerous than that: a rulesfollowing White man who is not even white. That is very dangerous,’” Bezis wrote, quoting Wysinger, explaining that he took notes of her comments.

“Ms. Wysinger doubled down on her ‘dangerous’ rhetoric by repeatedly stating that I was ‘terrorizing’ others,”

With more than 60,000 people following her Make Real Cents account, Perez is playing a part in democratizing access to finance. There, she does everything from break down the cost of credit to explain 401(k) company matches with easy-to-read graphics and Insta stories. Her methods are a world away from the complexity of some traditional financial advisers and tools.

“Millennials are starting to change the money game because we’re delivering advice in a way that isn’t super technical. It can be so overwhelming to watch CNBC with all these screens and tickers that don’t mean anything to you personally,” said Perez.

Increased representation in the finance space means a light can be shone on vital issues, resulting in deeper conversations that make money less taboo. “We’re finding instances where historically people who have been locked out of the finance industry, by design, are speaking up. Unlike some traditional financial advisers that give out all this jargon and talk in all these terms that many may not understand,” said Perez.

Future generations

Despite the long-standing barriers facing LGBTQ+ people in gaining access to financial education and financial services, LGBTQ+ personal finance content creators now offer a way for many to improve their financial literacy in more convenient ways

Bezis’ email continues. “‘So you are literally terrorizing. We watched the accused terrorize a trans woman in our body for the last seven to eight months. We’ve seen Black women attacked and disrespected,’ Ms. Wysinger baselessly asserted. ‘[T]he only thing I’ve seen from the accused is a pattern of attacking and disrespecting women of color and queer women.’”

Bezis took particular exception to the accusation he was “terrorizing.”

“In the weeks after September 11, 2001, I was held back from board-

than ever before. While investing early and regularly is one of the most effective ways to secure a financially comfortable retirement, it’s never too late to build wealth and support for the next generation of LGBTQ+ people. “[You can] create legacy wealth within the LGBTQ+ community by setting up your estate plan to donate to LGBTQ+ causes that will help homeless youth and [by] giving to local, younger LGBTQ+ folks you know personally,” said John AutenSchneider.

Negotiating the LGBTQ+ generational wealth gap is no small feat.

But continuing the discussion around both financial literacy and taking steps to combat systemic financial issues can go a long way to address the financial challenges impacting the LGBTQ+ community.

“The stronger we are as LGBTQ+ individuals and allies, including our financial strength, the stronger we are as a community,” said John AutenSchneider. t

Finbarr Toesland is an awardwinning journalist committed to illuminating vital LGBTQ+ stories and underreported issues. His journalism has been published by NBC News, BBC, Reuters, VICE, HuffPost, and The Telegraph. This article was commissioned by the National LGBT Media Association, of which the Bay Area Reporter is a member.

ing an airplane because I was a presumed ‘terrorist,’” Bezis, who wrote he is Greek but is “often confused for a Middle Easterner,” stated. “For Ms. Wysinger to transform a hearing about a BART election into a freewheeling forum to hurl hurtful insults at the accused suggests her contempt not only for core American constitutional values, but also for basic, universal human norms of empathy and decency.”

See page 12 >>

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Sports>>

t Out athletes score at Olympics

by Roger Brigham

N

otes on the concluded Tokyo Olympic Games as Japan figures out how much (if any) of the estimated $20 billion-plus it spent to stage the event it can recoup while the International Olympic Committee collects its $3 billion-plus.

• These Olympics were the biggest challenge to the heterosexist/genderbinary underpinnings of sports we’ve ever seen.

On the gross level there were projections that more than 180 LGBTQ+ individuals competed and won 32 medals – above the Netherlands and just shy of the total for Australia. That swamps the total “out” participation in all past Olympics, winter and summer. Highlights included gay British diver Tom Daley scoring gold and knitting a cardigan; nonbinary midfielder Quinn, who uses one name, becoming the first openly transgender athlete to strike gold, winning their medal with the Canadian women’s soccer team; and out Filipina boxer Nesthy Petecio in tears after winning silver in boxing, saying, “I am proud to be part of the LGBTQ community.

Sulong, laban! Para rin po sa LGBTQ community ang laban na ‘to.” Translation: “Let’s go, fight! This fight is also for the LGBTQ community.”

• All that historic queerness triggered predictably nasty pushback from the usual suspects. Russian media in particular referred to the gay men, lesbians, and transgender athletes in the Olympics with terms such as perverts, psychopaths, abomination, and smut. Reminded me of the campaign for California’s Proposition 8 years back.

• Tass, on the other hand, was fairly mum on the topic. The Russian news agency spent its energy bewailing Russia’s failure to win gold in rhythmic gymnastics. I mean, it was really, really worked up about it. It’s practi-

Screenshot

Out Filipina boxer Nesthy Petecio won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics.

cally threatening to take its ball and ribbon and leave the sport entirely.

• Hey, wait a minute: Weren’t the Russians banned from the Olympics because of their institutional, pervasive use of banned performance-enhancing drugs?

No, not really. They were banned from competing as a nation, their flag was banned, and the national anthem was banned. What we got instead were a ton of Russians competing under the initials ROC (no, that didn’t stand for the Republic of China, the official name of Taiwan, but Russian Olympic Committee), Tchaikovsky greatest hits for gold medal presentations, and the colors of the flag used to make a logo that looked a helluva lot like the Russian flag. As punishments go, this was about as mild as the wrist slap former judge Aaron Persky gave rapist Brock Turner.

• Belarusian sprinter Krystina Timanovskaya was ordered by team

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officials to return home early after she criticized coaches for asking her to run in a sprint for which she had not tried after it turned out that the national program, directly connected to the ruling family, had brought relay runners who hadn’t passed mandatory drug tests. Belarus attempted to whisk her away to face criminal charges, but Timanovskaya refused and was granted asylum with Poland.

Wait for Tucker Carlson to broadcast a special from Belarus praising the government for its no-nonsense handling of unruly athletes.

• One of the dirty truths of Olympic sports drug testing programs is that allowable testosterone levels are based on studies of people of European ethnic descent. You know: white folk. This has in some cases hindered the eligibility of Asian and African runners.

Take Namibian sprinter Christine Mboma, who won silver in the 200-meter women’s dash but was not allowed to run the 400-meter because she has a naturally high level of testosterone.

Why is the allowable limit of natural testosterone different for 200 meters than 400 meters? Because in order to block world champion sprinter Caster Semenya, who also has a high testosterone level, from competing, the international track federation cherry-picked her distances to require lower levels. Beatrice Masilingi of Namibia, Francine Niyonsaba of Burundi, and Margaret Wambui of Kenya have all been blocked from running by the rule. Track officials say they can run if they take medically necessary drugs to lower their natural testosterone.

See page 12 >>

August 12-19, 2021 • Bay Area Reporter • 9

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IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:  Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection.

Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months, and may give you HBV medicine.

ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:  dofetilide  rifampin  any other medicines to treat HIV-1

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider if you:  Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.  Have any other health problems.  Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.  Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:  Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.  BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other. Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

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POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:  Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.  Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that may have been hidden in your body. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.  Kidney problems, including kidney failure.

Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.  Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.  Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.  The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).

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BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, and LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: February 2021 © 2021 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0367 04/21

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<< Community News

12 • Bay Area Reporter • August 12-19, 2021

<<

COVID strikes

From page 1

Although the city’s COVID case rate just surpassed that of the nation at large for the first time since March 2020, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, the city’s contact tracing efforts are not as extensive as they used to be, a city spokesperson told the B.A.R. “San Francisco is focusing contact tracing on our most vulnerable populations to assure they receive support services for safe isolation and quarantine,” Noel Sanchez of the San Francisco Emergency Operations Center stated. “We are prioritizing efforts to support long term care facilities (both skilled nursing facilities and residential care facilities), in other congregate living facilities such as shelters, and in populations that are at risk for serious disease or where vaccination coverage may be low. We are no longer tracking the overall proportion of cases interviewed and contacts notified as this has not proven to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 cases of the Delta variant.”

Brian Johnson, a gay man who is fully vaccinated, was another partygoer who believes he was infected during the Folsom Street Market weekend.

“Wednesday after Dore Alley weekend I started having symptoms of a sore throat,” Johnson wrote, referring to the rebranded market event. “It was smoky that day in SF and I am sensitiveto it so I didn’t put much concern into the symp-

<<

Jock Talk

From page 9

If you’re keeping track, Russia was banned from competing as a team because many of their athletes were taking medically unnecessary drugs, but five black women from Africa are banned because they WON’T take medically unnecessary drugs.

Somebody hold my beer.

• Remember when the Olympics were on one free channel and you didn’t have to do a full-press internet search to find when and where the hell you could view coverage of your preferred sport? Thank goodness we now have multiple channels and streaming services and web carriers to bring it all to us provided we had paid for the right subscriptions and remembered to pay for premium coverage.

In case you missed it in all of the confusion, do yourself a favor and search out video online of Gable Dan Steveson’s gold medal match against reigning three-time freestyle wrestling world champion Geno Petriashvili of Georgia. Steveson, 21, is a relatively inexperienced freestyle wrestler who was seeded just 11 in the tournament, but did not give up a point en route

<<

Pride board prez

From page 8

Bezis alleges that Wysinger concluded her statement with the words that “I absolutely am going to be voting for this item and I encourage anyone who is in the interest of equity to do the very, very same, so we can push toward equity for queer, trans people and women of color.”

Continued Bezis: “If this had been an actual trial, Ms. Wysinger’s animus against the accused based on race, national origin, or gender that she expressed during deliberations would have been sufficient to declare a mistrial. Ms. Wysinger has perverted, self-defined conceptions of ‘justice’ and ‘equity’ that she wields as weapons to oppress others.”

Bezis’ email to SF Pride went on to compare Wysinger to former President Donald Trump, and to implore

<<

LGBTQ seniors

From page 1

of older adults with self-reported symptoms of depression increased to

tom. The next day, Thursday, it had escalated into a dry cough.”

Then on Friday morning Johnson’s phone notified him he may have been exposed to COVID six days earlier.

“I picked up the Abbott/BinaxNow instant test at Walgreens that confirmed it,” Johnson said, adding he took a more reliable test at a testing site later that day, which confirmed it the following Sunday.

Johnson lost his senses of taste and smell and said he was “thankful I didn’t have to go to the hospital, now that I am recovered.”

“I think requiring proof of vaccination ensures that everyone at the venue only has mild symptoms should anyone catch it like I did,” Johnson said.

Folsom Street Events, the organizers of Megahood 2021 – which will be held this year in lieu of the Folsom Street Fair – will be requiring that attendees at the September 26 event to be masked because there will be more than 10,000 people, triggering the city’s outdoor mask mandate, just as people have had to be masked in the city’s indoor spaces since August 3.

The weekend between Folsom Street Market and the renewed mask mandate, many of the city’s bars – including most of its LGBTQ establishments – began requiring patrons to show proof of vaccination.

Keeping an eye on Delta

Angel Adeyoha, the executive director of Folsom Street Events, which puts on the annual fetish street fairs, told the to the final. Stick with the match all the way through and to the point Steveson literally flips out. Guarantee you’ve never seen anything quite like it and likely never will again.

Taiwan and the Hong Kong Gay Games

The Taiwan Gay Sports and Movement Association is a voting member of the Federation of Gay Games, which is the licensing body that sanctions the quadrennial Gay Games. Reports this month indicate it is unlikely Taiwan will be able to have much, if any, representation when the games make their first entry into Asia next year in Hong Kong.

“We have decided not to send a national delegation as we don’t expect to be able to join as Taiwan and to ensure personal safety of the athletes,” Yang Chih-chun, president of TGSMA, told Agence France-Presse. “We won’t actively encourage individual participation since there’s no guarantee of a player’s personal safety. Under Hong Kong’s national security law, arrests can be made under any excuse.”

Yang Chih-chun said his organization would do what it could to help any Taiwan athlete who wanted to the SF Pride organization to remove Wysinger and repudiate her conduct should she not resign.

“If San Francisco Pride believes that it is acceptable to exclude people from organizations merely because of biases based on race, national origin, or gender, then it should engage in ‘truth in advertising’ and remove certain colors from its rainbow flag logo,” Bezis wrote to SF Pride. “If President Wysinger’s words and conduct represent San Francisco Pride’s actual values, then it is time for the wider Bay Area and national community to re-evaluate San Francisco Pride as an institution.”

‘A confidential internal matter’

Following the closed-door session, Bezis became the first member of the Contra Costa County Democratic Party Central Committee to be disciplined, according to the Contra 13.5%, almost three times more than pre-COVID, noted the survey report.

Feeling lonely

People of color and those with a disability had the highest percentages of

t

B.A.R. that the organization is keeping an eye on information about the Delta variant’s potential for outdoor transmissibility as Megahood approaches.

“I’m watching like a hawk,” said Adeyoha, who is queer and nonbinary.

Previous COVID variants did not spread nearly as efficiently outdoors as indoors. In fact, the fact that no COVID cases can be traced to casual outdoor interactions was one reason outdoor mask mandates were lifted before indoor ones. When the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines announced in May that “less than 10%” of COVID transmission was occurring outdoors, some virologists and epidemiologists said that was far too high a figure, according to the New York Times.

However, the Delta variant is up to 150% more transmissible than the original strain from Wuhan, China, and is up to 60% more transmissible than the heretofore dominant Alpha variant, according to Scientific American.

“We assume because Delta is more transmissible, that outdoors presents a risk,” Adeyoha said.

“These precautions have been evolving but will definitely be reevaluated – I’d like to say weekly but probably more often, just to be on target with where the city and county are when we get closer,” Adeyoha said.

In addition to a mask requirement, precautions include more open space in the Megahood footprint “so that people have more room to be distant;”

no large acts and only local acts on the five community stages; a 20-foot distance between people performing on stage and the rest of the crowd; and a map of local restaurants and bars people can patronize in lieu of a drink stand, though there may end up being a food court, Adeyoha explained.

“Those are our primary COVID mitigation efforts,” Adeyoha said. “We are working with [the San Francisco Department of Public Health] to be present, give vaccinations, give COVID tests, and help connect people with resources. That was really successful at the July event.”

Some 419 people received COVID-related services at the Folsom Street Market, Adeyoha said.

Cal Callahan, a gay man who is the manager of the Leather and LGBTQ Cultural District, told the B.A.R. he is supportive of the mask rule.

“I completely support Folsom Street’s methodology on this and sticking to masking for that big a crowd,” Callahan said. “I think that’s spot-on.”

The Leather and LGBTQ Cultural District has adopted some safety protocols of its own for its monthly second Saturdays event, Callahan said.

“We talked at length all weekend and we are going ahead with it, because it’s an outdoor event,” Callahan said. “We will require masks of volunteers, vendors, and staff. Our understanding is that we can’t legally insist on masks because it’s a public street but we will be highly recom-

mending them as people come in.”

There will be no food and drink at the event itself, Callahan said.

The location of the event, which begins Saturday, August 14, at noon, has been changed to 12th Street between Eagle Plaza and Folsom Street due to the reactivation of public transit lines. The first three iterations of the event took place on Folsom Street between Ninth and 10th streets.

Thornton told the B.A.R. that Folsom Street “did their part to protect attendees as best they could with the information they had at the time.”

“I do believe they should re-evaluate the decision not to provide water or food,” Thornton stated. “Attendees were forced to use the bars or local stores which made it impossible to avoid indoor crowds. Outdoor water and snack tents may help ease the burden of the local businesses.

I’m not sure proof of vax is enough but it’s a start. Maybe some sort of registration system requiring recent test results.”

Adeyoha said that a proof-of-vaccination requirement for Megahood would be impossible.

“The city is not in favor of that since we are on a public street,” Adeyoha said. “That would require a very different fencing requirement and our permit doesn’t allow for it.”

Thornton concluded that “I do believe there is a solution which will allow the street fairs to continue, provide outdoor refreshments free of charge and keep attendees safe.” t

participate individually.

HK2022 organizers responded with a statement on the Gay Games website that said, in part, “Since the beginning of the Games in 1982, participants have been taking part in the games on an individual basis, transcending national and geographic boundaries.

TGSMA is an official member of the Federation of Gay Games, the governing body of the Gay Games, and has participated in previous games. We are glad to hear they remain supportive of the Hong Kong Games and have announced they will assist any Taiwan participants interested in attending on an individual basis. We warmly welcome our friends from Taiwan to join us at the Hong Kong Games.”

It is true that athletes and artists do not attend the Gay Games as representatives of nations. It is just as true that they march into opening ceremonies behind banners denoting the nations from which they come. In the 2018 Gay Games in Paris, organizers made them march behind a “Taipei, China” banner but the athletes themselves proclaimed themselves as being from Taiwan and carried their own signs and flags stating the same.

That was their form of self-identi-

fication and expression of pride, two values the Gay Games are intended to celebrate. In Hong Kong, under the tightening control of the mainland Chinese government, such identification and expression of pride could result in arrests.

The mainland People’s Republic of China has never had sovereignty over Taiwan but has made clear its intentions to impose its will on the island nation and has consistently pressured countries and corporations not to use the name Taiwan or allow the country’s name or flag to be used at events.

Gay Games organizers have asked “participants and visitors to respect and observe local laws and customs during their stay in Hong Kong.”

Those laws do not include anti-discrimination protection for LGBTQ+ individuals, same-sex marriage, or direct democratic elections.

“We think the safety of Taiwanese athletes is a priority, and if our rights and safety cannot be fully protected, I’m afraid I must refuse to lead the team to participate in the Gay Games,” Yang Chih-chun told Singapore-based Channel News Asia.

EuroGames 2021 get started

Costa Herald, when the six-year veteran of the group received a one-year suspension after being found guilty of violating the bylaws. He can attend meetings but cannot vote on agenda items.

Katie Ricklefs, the chair of the Contra Costa County Democratic Party Central Committee, did not respond to a request for comment.

Robyn Kuslits, who represents Contra Costa County supervisorial District 4 on the committee, was one of two signers-on of the statement of charges against Bezis.

Kuslits, a genderqueer transwoman who is board president of Contra Costa County’s Rainbow Community Center and a past president of the Lambda Democratic Club of Contra Costa County, stated to the B.A.R. that she is “disappointed to hear Mr. Bezis intends to make closed session matters public.”

“The complaint issued against Mr. Bezis is a confidential internal matter for the Democratic Party of Contra Costa County, and was resolved in closed executive session per internal procedures based on Robert’s Rules of Order,” Kuslits wrote July 8. “I am grateful for the many members who stood with me and spoke truth to power during the extremely stressful months as the complaint was resolved. I am also grateful for the fairness and professionalism displayed by local party leadership in ensuring a just and equitable outcome was delivered. I have no further comment at this time.”

Wysinger has served on Pride’s board of directors since 2018, and as president since 2019.

Bezis told the B.A.R. he believes that his suspension was an act of revenge because he’d filed a complaint with the county party and the

state party over the local Democratic Party’s endorsement of Wysinger last year during her ill-fated run for West Contra Costa Unified School District Area 5 trustee.

Bezis said his complaint was because he believed the vote to endorse Wysinger was irregular because it was held a second time (after a first vote had not reached the necessary threshold) after the committee had moved on to another item of business.

“One or two of the other candidates had already left the meeting,” Bezis said. “After this was over I didn’t like it, and other people didn’t either, so I filed a complaint. ... I have nothing against her personally, it’s just that we have rules.”

That complaint was later dismissed, Bezis said. t

possible depression, both during and prior to COVID and the stay-at-home mandate. More than one in four TGNC respondents and respondents who live alone may have had depression during COVID, according to the survey.

Nearly 8% of the respondents said they had seriously thought about committing suicide in the past 12 months.

During COVID, nearly 65% reported feeling lonelier than before the pandemic began. Over 80% said they felt

isolated from others, with almost 40% saying they often felt isolated.

Notably, 20% of the older adults scored the highest score possible on the

The 2021 EuroGames are scheduled to open next week in Copenhagen, Denmark and Malmö, Sweden in conjunction with WorldPride.

“We have approximately 2,000 athletes competing in 22 sports,” EuroGames spokesman Steve Taylor said.

“Tournaments begin Tuesday 17 August and run until Friday 20 August.

We haven’t had to change the sports program because of COVID-19 regulations, but it has impacted on the number of attendees. However, we’re still super excited for a brilliant, diverse EuroGames welcoming athletes from more than 50 countries.”

Last year’s EuroGames set for Düsseldorf, Germany were canceled because of COVID restrictions. Diving, basketball, bridge, curling, cycling, esport, and ice hockey were all included in the original EuroGames bid but were subsequently dropped. The event will offer badminton, ballroom dancing, beach volleyball, bowling, chess, dodgeball, field hockey, figure skating, floorball, golf, half marathon, 5k- and 10k- road runs, handball, soccer, squash, swimming, synchronized swimming, tennis, track and field, triathlon, volleyball, and water polo. t

See page 13 >>

t <<

Community News>>

LGBTQ seniors

From page 12

Loneliness Scale, suggesting high degrees of loneliness, according to the survey. It also found that during the pandemic 11% of the older adults reported they had three or more days with no contact with another person, compared to less than 4% before the pandemic.

While a majority of the respondents turned to a close friend or their partner or spouse for emotional support, 12% said they had “no one” to reach out to for solace. Cisgender men were most likely to say they were on their own in terms of emotional support.

During COVID 29% who wanted to receive mental health services via appointments over the phone or video (telehealth) were able to get them. Another 14% said they wanted such telehealth services but could not get them.

Of those who were receiving telehealth services at the time of the sur-

August 12-19, 2021 • Bay Area Reporter • 13

vey, about 35% said they were very likely to continue using them even when other options are available.

Another 40% were somewhat likely.

About one-fourth of respondents were somewhat or very unlikely to continue to use telehealth services once other options are available.

Mental health counseling was the highest unmet need – at almost 17% of all respondents – that the survey found. POC respondents reported higher levels of unmet needs for counseling, medical care, technology and medication assistance than any other group.

People living with HIV said they most needed economic help, while people with disabilities reported the highest need for assistance with chores.

“This survey provides unsurprising yet valuable information about the need

for culturally appropriate mental health services for LGBTQ+ older adults, especially those who identify as Black Indigenous People of Color,” stated Shireen McSpadden, who is bisexual and was executive director of the city’s aging department at the time the report was conducted but is now director of the city’s Department of Homelessness and Supportive Services.

One of the more positive findings in the survey was that 83% of the older adults were using virtual communications more than ever to stay connected with their friends and family. Most was done via phone calls, with 87% of the older adults saying they have phone contact with people. About 85% said they text, with 82% saying they connect via email.

About 75% reported connecting by video chat. More than half (52%) said

they had attended live virtual events in order to have social connections.

“As a gay senior myself, technology doesn’t come really easily to me. I have to say over the past year I have become much better at it,” said Nolan, who now regularly uses Zoom and other virtual meeting platforms. “The survey showed a lot of people were never on it before. They had to become familiar with it to communicate with seniors and family.”

Another upside in the survey was that 80% of the older adults noted something positive that came out of the pandemic for them. Their answers ranged from being able to spend more time with loved ones and being more creative to picking up a new hobby and having more time to reflect on their lives.

As for the roughly 100 people who were contacted again in the spring, 68% were feeling better due to the vaccines being available. Most felt more optimistic, safer, relieved, and less stressed.

Conducted before the Delta variant took hold this summer and led to renewed safety protocols being imposed, the follow up respondents reported being more comfortable going out in public, meeting up with friends and family, riding public transportation, and shopping for groceries again at the store.

Nolan said the survey findings will be used to guide his department’s services going forward and help LGBTQ senior advocates as they push for more resources from various governmental agencies. He noted that one survey finding showed many of the respondents are fearful the nonprofits they have come to rely upon will not survive the pandemic.

“They are concerned the organizations they have counted on in the past for social needs might not survive past COVID,” said Nolan.

The full report can be found on Openhouse’s website at https://www. openhousesf.org/. t

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039415700

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556492

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039401500

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF PAUL A. SIERON IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO: FILE PES-21-304652

Legals>> ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-55643300

In the matter of the application of VANESSA MARIE LIU, 950 HARRISON #221, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner VANESSA MARIE LIU is requesting that the name VANESSA MARIE LIU be changed to VANESSA LOVE. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103 on the 17th of AUGUST 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 22, 29, AUG 05, 12, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039399200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as KING KONG MOVING, 1788 19TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MICHAEL NIU. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/09/21.

JULY 22, 29, AUG 05, 12, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039384700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as YOUNG VIOLINS, 620 7TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ZI YANG LIANG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/01/99.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/30/21.

JULY 22, 29, AUG 05, 12, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039400900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as AMY DESIGN CO., 150 28TH ST #12, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed AMY YOUNG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/23/20.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/09/21.

JULY 22, 29, AUG 05, 12, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039415500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as INFINITY MINER, 566 YALE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SHAWN MITCHELL. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/19/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/19/21.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SPOT-ON; PINPOINT PERSUASION; 222 COLUMBUS AVE #210, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed STEELWILL INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/15/09. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/19/21.

JULY 22, 29, AUG 05, 12, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039405900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as CHUNG | NAMONT, 4071 24TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed CHUNG NAMONT LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/13/21.

JULY 22, 29, AUG 05, 12, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039407500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as VICO CAVONE, 4248 18TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114.

This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed PARTENOPEA COMPANY LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/14/21.

JULY 22, 29, AUG 05, 12, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039412100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as VIC’S WINEHOUSE ON FILLMORE, 1870 FILLMORE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed VICTORIA WASSERMAN ENTERPRISES LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/15/21.

JULY 22, 29, AUG 05, 12, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039416900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as FTA, 313 IVY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed 415 NATIVE LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/29/20.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/20/21.

JULY 22, 29, AUG 05, 12, 2021

JULY 22, 29, AUG 05, 12, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039416500

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556497

The following person(s) is/are doing business as VACATION RESORT TRAVEL SERVICES, 567 24TH AVE #203, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LILLIAN DO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/28/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/20/21.

JULY 22, 29, AUG 05, 12, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039394400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MACKENZIE WAREHOUSE, 3260 26TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed S.F. AUTOMOTIVE PARTS WAREHOUSE, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/29/82. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/08/21.

JULY 22, 29, AUG 05, 12, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039408300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as PUNJ LIQUOR, 2301 VAN NESS AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed PUNJ ENTERPRISE INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/14/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/14/21.

JULY 22, 29, AUG 05, 12, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039413200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MEDITERRANEAN AROMA, 900 16TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed PURELY MEDITERRANEAN INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/16/21.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/16/21.

JULY 22, 29, AUG 05, 12, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039408000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as GROCERY OUTLET VISITACION VALLEY, 2630 BAYSHORE BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SUB EK INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/13/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/14/21.

JULY 22, 29, AUG 05, 12, 2021

In the matter of the application of PHONETHIP JU & RICHARD JU, 343 25TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioners PHONETHIP JU & RICHARD JU are requesting that the names PHONETHIP JU be changed to CINDY PHONETHIP JU, VINCENT BEAR JU be changed to BEAR JU, and OLIVER LUCKY JU be changed to LUCKY JU. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103 on the7th of SEPTEMBER 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556500

In the matter of the application of JIAN QUAN HUANG, 1927 TARAVAL ST #1, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner JIAN QUAN HUANG is requesting that the name JIAN QUAN HUANG AKA JIAN HUANG AKA JIAN Q. HUANG be changed to ADAIR HUANG. 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 2ND of SEPTEMBER 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021 AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556252

In the matter of the application of MARIA LUCIA MAZZEI, C/O SCOTT T. OKAMOTO (SBN#233779), LAW OFFICE OF SCOTT T.OKAMOTO, 1832 BUCHANAN ST #202, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner MARIA LUCIA MAZZEI is requesting that the name MARIA LUCIA MAZZEI AKA MARIA LUCIA BLEDNYH be changed to MARIA MAZZEI BLEDNYH. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103N on the 2ND of SEPTEMBER 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021

In the matter of the application of GINA S. LEE, 2309 NORIEGA ST #6, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner GINA S. LEE is requesting that the name GINA S. LEE be changed to GINA SOFIA LEE. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103 on the 7th of SEPTEMBER 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556508

In the matter of the application of RAMON GAMALIEL CAZARES RAMIREZ, 787 CHENERY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner RAMON GAMALIEL CAZARES RAMIREZ is requesting that the names RAMON GAMALIEL CAZARES RAMIREZ AKA RAMON GAMALIEL RAMIREZ AKA RAMON G. RAMIREZ AKA RAMON RAMIREZ be changed to RAMON GAMALIEL CAZARES RAMIREZ. 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 7th of SEPTEMBER 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039390800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as PEOPLES STORE, 2949 18TH ST #408, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed BATHRAM ONUOMA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/07/21.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039418100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as UNION SQUARE FLOWERS, 100 STOCKTON ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed PATRICIA E. LEE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/07/99. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/21/21.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as THE ENCHANTING PLACE, 311 4TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed KAT & MEI SKINCARE INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/01/07. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/12/21.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039416300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as FOOD FOR ALL, 594 JOY LANE, MILL SPRING, NC 28756. This business is conducted by a corporation and is signed SARAGRAHI (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/20/21.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039392400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as RTC DISCOUNT CARD, 461 SECOND ST #454T, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed CORDOBA CORPORATION (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/09/01. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/07/21.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039420300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as AADHYA, 350 BAY ST #1, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed ABHISRI 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 07/22/21.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039392900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as BEN’S DRY ICE; BAY AREA DRY ICE; 232 RICHLAND AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed BORDELON INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/23/13. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/07/21.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039422500

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039418700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MML ARCHITECT, 1990 34TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MY MY LY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/01/21.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/23/21.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039414800 The following person(s) is/are doing business as KID ABELHA, 16 TOLAND ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed KELLY CRISTINA CANDIDO DE JESUS OLIVERA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/17/21.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039389300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as PIZZADERO SLICE HOUSE, 559 DIVISADERO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed DABCO, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/21/21.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039429000 The following person(s) is/are doing business as CALIFORNIA STREET CANNABIS CO. AT CLEMENT, 235 CLEMENT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed GNARLY NARWHAL LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/26/21.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-038869400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as AMERICANA FLOWER BROKERS, 640 BRANNAN ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JONATHAN MICHAEL GOMEZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/01/00. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/06/21.

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as WE BE HONEY, 122 BAKER ST #3, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117.

This business was conducted by an individual and signed by MICHELLE BIYAL. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/18/19.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039387400

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-038813700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as 48 PULLS, 622-B 25TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ADAMS BOUNSOUK. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/02/21.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/02/21.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039415400 The following person(s) is/are doing business as KAYE THE LABEL, 2186 CALIFORNIA ST #23, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed AYEYI ABOAGYE & KRYSTELLE MARIE SAGUIN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/01/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/19/21.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as K FIVE FIFTY, 550 KEARNY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business was conducted by an individual and signed

by ALVIN HONG QING LIANG. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/02/19.

JULY 29, AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039429900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MULTIFORM ADVOCACY SOLUTIONS (MAS), 275 FIFTH ST, 4TH FL, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LUCY QUACINELLA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/25/06. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/27/21.

AUG 05, 12, 19, 26, 2021

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of PAUL A. SIERON, C/O SCHNEIDER LAW, 315 MONTGOMERY ST #1025, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104. A Petition for Probate has been filed by GUIDO NUNEZ MUJICA in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. The Petition for Probate requests that GUIDO NUNEZ MUJICA 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: AUGUST 25, 2021, 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 in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for petitioner: BARRY SCHNEIDER, ESQ. (SBN #62668), SCHNEIDER LAW, 315 MONTGOMERY ST #1025, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104; Ph. (415) 781-6500.

AUG 05, 12, 19, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039356100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as POLK STREET ANIMAL HOSPITAL, 1830 POLK ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SVG ANIMAL HOSPITALS, 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 05/27/21.

JUNE 24, JULY 01, 08, 15, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556518

In the matter of the application of NIPUN GARG & SURABHI MITHAL, 250 KING ST #1000, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner NIPUN GARG & SURABHI MITHAL is requesting that the name RIYAAN GARG be changed to JAY GARG. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103 on the 14th of SEPTEMBER 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

AUG 05, 12, 19, 26, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556495

In the matter of the application of BOLORMAA LEE, 1727 FILLMORE ST #408C, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner BOLORMAA LEE is requesting that the name BOLORMAA LEE be changed to BOLORMAA TSOGTBAATAR. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103 on the 9th of SEPTEMBER 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

AUG 05, 12, 19, 26, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039430300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as GOSFRENTALS.COM, 48 HAIGHT ST #1, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DEBRA J. MILLIGAN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/07/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/28/21.

AUG 05, 12, 19, 26, 2021

<< Classifieds

14 • Bay Area Reporter • Date 00-00, 2020

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039419200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as PALM AND MILK, 350 JUDAH ST #503, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed GERALDINE LECUYER LOUVEL. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/12/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/22/21.

AUG 05, 12, 19, 26, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039427900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as BYC CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE, 150 FILLMORE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed NAE MOON PARK. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/17/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/24/21.

AUG 05, 12, 19, 26, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039430000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as LIZLAND, 739 CLEMENTINA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LIZ MAMORSKY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/27/21.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/27/21.

AUG 05, 12, 19, 26, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039432400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as CITYDOGS, 1125 PACIFIC AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed KAREN LIU. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/29/21.

AUG 05, 12, 19, 26, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039434900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as THE SWORD AND ROSE, 85 CARL ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed PATRICK F. FERRY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/13/85. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/30/21.

AUG 05, 12, 19, 26, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039432700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as HARM REDUCTION PRACTICE, 1195 VALENCIA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed CLAUDIA FIGALLO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/01/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/29/21.

AUG 05, 12, 19, 26, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039400300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as DELIS JANITORIAL, 86 REDDY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DELIS REYES. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/11/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/09/21.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039425700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MINI OF SAN FRANCISCO; MINI OF SF; SAN FRANCISCO MINI; MINI SAN FRANCISCO; 1675 HOWARD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SAN FRANCISCO-B, 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 07/24/21.

AUG 05, 12, 19, 26, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039431400 The following person(s) is/are doing business as DOMO GROUP; EXCALIBUR ESCROW A NONINDEPENDENT BROKER ESCROW; CAL AMERICAN ESCROW A NON-INDEPENDENT BROKER ESCROW; CGL LIFESTYLE NETWORK; CORCORAN GLOBAL LIVING; CGL REFERRAL NETWORK; CORCORAN GLOBAL LIVING COMMERCIAL; 2282 MARKET ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed EXCLUSIVE LIFESTYLES, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/28/21.

AUG 05, 12, 19, 26, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039427600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SHELL BUILDING, 100 BUSH ST #218, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed 100 BUSH CORPORATION (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/19/07. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/24/21.

AUG 05, 12, 19, 26, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039420000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as BATTERY TAI SHING CORPORATION, 100 BUSH ST #218, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed BATTERY TAI SHING CORPORATION (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/19/07.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/22/21.

AUG 05, 12, 19, 26, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039437100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as ANITA JEWELRY, 500 GRANT AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed JADE MOUNTAIN INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/04/10. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/30/21.

AUG 05, 12, 19, 26, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039437400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as LIFELONG MASSAGE AND BODYWORK, 870 MARKET ST #1017, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102.

This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed LIFELONG INDUSTRIES (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/03/10.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/30/21.

AUG 05, 12, 19, 26, 2021

AUG 05, 12, 19, 26, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039436600

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039437500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as LEMON HOUSE MAINTENANCE, 777 TENNESSEE ST #201, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MANFREDO MATUTE VELIZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/30/21.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/30/21.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as LIFELONG INDUSTRIES INC, 2136 CALIFORNIA ST #16, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed LIFELONG INDUSTRIES (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/01/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/30/21.

AUG 05, 12, 19, 26, 2021

AUG 05, 12, 19, 26, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039441700

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039394000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as JONES PAINTING GROUP, 165 DAKOTA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ERIC JONES. 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 08/03/21.

AUG 05, 12, 19, 26, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039416700 The following person(s) is/are doing business as AER, 1361 44TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed EDEN MCELHANEY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/20/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/20/21.

AUG 05, 12, 19, 26, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039436800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as WE BE HONEY, 545 HAIGHT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed BEN SLOR. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/30/21.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/30/21.

AUG 05, 12, 19, 26, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039440400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as ROBERT CROCKETT’S ENVIRONMENTAL MAINTENANCE & REPAIR SERVICES, 785 NORTH BRANNAN ST #307, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ROBERT CROCKETT. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/02/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/02/21.

AUG 05, 12, 19, 26, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039440300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as LYT LOL LIGHTEN ORGANIZE LETGO, 855 MCALLISTER #D, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed LAINEKA POWELL BATTLE, YOLANDA RUFFIN & TIMOTHY J. BATTLE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/19/19. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/02/21.

AUG 05, 12, 19, 26, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039432100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as LAMBHARDT HOLDINGS, 737 HURON AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed THOMAS LAMB & BENJAMIN NEIDHARDT. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/31/21.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/29/21.

AUG 05, 12, 19, 26, 2021

The following person(s) is/are doing business as AMERICAN RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF CHINESE MEDICINE, 855 STOCKTON ST #203, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed HEILONGJIANG UNIVERSITY OF CHINESE MEDICINE U.S.A. CAMPUS (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/08/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/08/21.

AUG 12, 19, 26, SEP 02, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039429600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as LA VACA BIRRIA, 2962 24TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed WORK HARD LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/01/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/27/21.

AUG 05, 12, 19, 26, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039423000 The following person(s) is/are doing business as HOUSTON, 15 KENWOOD WAY, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94127. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed WITH HOUSTON, LCC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/29/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/23/21.

AUG 05, 12, 19, 26, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039395300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as AUTOMAT, 1801 MCALLISTER ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed AUTOMAT RESTAURANT LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/21/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/08/21.

AUG 05, 12, 19, 26, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556430

In the matter of the application of MATTHIAS SIRK, 1190 HOWARD ST #321, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner MATTHIAS SIRK is requesting that the name MATTHIAS SIRK be changed to RAYMOND MATTHEW MULLER. 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 SEPTEMBER 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

AUG 12, 19, 26, SEP 02, 2021

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF DAVID WILLIAM BOWE IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO: FILE PES-21-304665

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of DAVID WILLIAM BOWE, C/O MATTHEW M. SHAFAE (SBN #255879), SHAFAE LAW, 1500 OLD COUNTY RD, BELMONT, CA 94002. A Petition for Probate has been filed by WILLIAM BOWE in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. The Petition for Probate requests that WILLIAM BOWE be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority.

A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: SEPTEMBER 01, 2021, 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 in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for petitioner: MATTHEW M. SHAFAE (SBN #255879), SHAFAE LAW, 1500 OLD COUNTY RD, BELMONT, CA 94002; Ph. (650) 389-9797.

AUG 12, 19, 26, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556532

In the matter of the application of MARY ELLEN DAVIS, 1983 10TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner MARY ELLEN DAVIS is requesting that the name MARY ELLEN DAVIS be changed to MARY LUNA REISSMAN. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 16th of SEPTEMBER 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

AUG 12, 19, 26, SEP 02, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556539

In the matter of the application of JANNAH GARFIO, 333 FREMONT ST #509, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner JANNAH GARFIO is requesting that the name JANNAH MARIE GARFIO be changed to JANNAH MARIE YUTKOVITZ. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103 on the 21th of SEPTEMBER 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

AUG 12, 19, 26, SEP 02, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039411400 The following person(s) is/are doing business as CABALLEROS BEAUTY HAIR SALON, 5255 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ISABELLA GARCIA CABALLERO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/15/21.

AUG 12, 19, 26, SEP 02, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039442400 The following person(s) is/are doing business as JACKIE’S CLEANING SERVICES, 145 BROAD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ULISER N. BAMACA GONZALES. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/02/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/03/21.

AUG 12, 19, 26, SEP 02, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILEA-039408600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as KAY & MIA, 5282 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed VAN TIEU MA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/01/21.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/15/21.

AUG 12, 19, 26, SEP 02, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039429300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as PREFERRED REALTY GROUP; PREFERRED APPRAISAL SERVICES; 350 JUDAH ST #505, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed STEPHEN WILSON. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/05/07. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/26/21.

AUG 12, 19, 26, SEP 02, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039444500 The following person(s) is/are doing business as HAPPY LAND FAMILY DAYCARE, 309 CARDENAS AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94132. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed XIULING WU. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/04/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/04/21.

AUG 12, 19, 26, SEP 02, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039429200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as HOLYLEE ROOFING CO, 1362 POWELL ST #17, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed KOCK K. CHOW. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/04/96. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/26/21.

AUG 12, 19, 26, SEP 02, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039436700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as THOMAS & SONS CONSTRUCTION, 109 LOUISBURG ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MARK LO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/21/96. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/30/21.

t

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039453400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as BANH MI HOUSE, 2701 SAN BRUNO AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed BABAS CAFÉ (CA).

The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/28/15. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/10/21.

AUG 12, 19, 26, SEP 02, 2021

AUG 12, 19, 26, SEP 02, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039448300

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039447200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as TRIADICAN MARKET, 540 LEAVENWORTH ST #201, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed NATHAN W. MCBRIDE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/05/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/06/21.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as LAST CALL BAR, 3988 18TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed DENIM AND WHISKEY 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 08/05/21.

AUG 12, 19, 26, SEP 02, 2021

AUG 12, 19, 26, SEP 02, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039407400

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039431100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as INN ON GROVE, 465 GROVE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed CHIRAG INVESTMENT COMPANY (CA), SUBASH L. PATEL & PRAKASH L. PATEL. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/13/21.

AUG 12, 19, 26, SEP 02, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039432900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as WL CLEANING SERVICES, 26 ROCK HARBOR LANE, FOSTER CITY, CA 94404. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed LUCIANO GUALBERTO DE SOUZA & WELLIKA RIBEIRO MIRANDA SOUZA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/28/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/29/21.

AUG 12, 19, 26, SEP 02, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039421800 The following person(s) is/are doing business as STANLEY STEEMER, 5913 3RD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed VASHNO INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/24/94. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/23/21.

AUG 12, 19, 26, SEP 02, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039442000 The following person(s) is/are doing business as NATURAL RESOURCES, 1051 VALENCIA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed NATURAL RESOURCES ALL FAMILIES FOUNDATION (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/01/19. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/03/21.

AUG 12, 19, 26, SEP 02, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039426600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as CAFÉ BUNN MI, 417 CLEMENT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed BUNN MI INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/06/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/24/21.

AUG 12, 19, 26, SEP 02, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039430700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SAN FRANCISCO DENTAL PARTNERS, 22 BATTERY ST #910, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed JASMINE D. BHUVA, D.D.S., 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 07/28/21.

AUG 12, 19, 26, SEP 02, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039451200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as CALIFO ELECTRIC, 362 MOULTRIE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed CALIFO ELECTRIC INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/20/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/09/21.

AUG 12, 19, 26, SEP 02, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039415100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as TEEBSI; TODAY VOYAGES; 790 EDDY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed GO WEST TOURS (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/17/21.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as FLUID COOPERATIVE, 900 NAPLES ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed FLUID COOPERATIVE LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/28/21.

AUG 12, 19, 26, SEP 02, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039437900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as THE CHECK-IN, 201 OCEAN AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed CHECKIN LLC (CA).

The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/03/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/02/21.

AUG 12, 19, 26, SEP 02, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039416200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as STARR SPIRITS; MONTEREY DELI; 499 MONTEREY BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94127. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed ORBIT SPIRITS LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/20.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/19/21.

AUG 12, 19, 26, SEP 02, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-03947400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as D’MAIZE, 2778 24TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110.

This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed D’MAIZE LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/05/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/05/21.

AUG 12, 19, 26, SEP 02, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039441800 The following person(s) is/are doing business as FRY DADDY’S, 1171 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed FRY DADDY’S LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/03/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/03/21.

AUG 12, 19, 26, SEP 02, 2021 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-037849000

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as PIER 2 MARKETING; PIER2MARKETING; PIER 2 MARKETING OF CALIFORNIA, LLC; PIER 2 MARKETING OF CALIFORNIA; PIER2 MARKETING; 38 KEYES AVE #119, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94129. This business was conducted by a limited liability company and signed by PIER 2 MARKETING, LLC (TX). The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/15/17.

AUG 12, 19, 26, SEP 02, 2021 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-038158900

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as LAST CALL BAR, 3988 18TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114.

This business was conducted by an individual and signed by KEVIN HARRINGTON. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/24/18.

AUG 12, 19, 26, SEP 02, 2021 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-039320600

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as DEXISION CONSULTING, 1101 PACIFIC AVE #501, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business was conducted by an individual and signed by ANGELO FRANCHINI. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/10/21.

AUG 12, 19, 26, SEP 02, 2021

AUG 12, 19, 26, SEP 02, 2021

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 Yelp reviews

by Brian Bromberger

O

Seriously cinematic and Champagne, a wacky drag satire of 1970s sexploitation films. Busch’s material has worked far better on stage than on film. In its favor, the improbable plot is well-paced.

Another Hollywood-themed entry is Boulevard! A Hollywood Story, directed by the famed gay documentarian Jeffrey Schwartz; The Fabulous Allen Carr, Tab Hunter Confidential, Vito, I Am Divine, and Wrangler: Anatomy of an Icon, all stories about gay artists related to Tinseltown.

Boulevard tells the story of actress Gloria Swanson’s attempt to make Sunset Boulevard into a musical with the help of Dickson Hughes and Richard Stapley, two young songwriters and romantic partners. With her performance as Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard, former silent screen star Gloria Swanson made the greatest comeback in Hollywood history.

Swanson hoped the film would usher into

Paul Phillips and Ron Romanovsky in a 1980s publicity photo

Romanovsky and Phillips Gay music duo’s fascinating, groundbreaking history

by Michael Flanagan

A

music biography of the duo Ron Romanovsky and Paul Phillips on Allmusic.com calls them “easily the most popular out-of-the-closet singing duo in history” and refers to them as “the most successful gay group in the history of the community.” Whether or not you rank them that way on your own personal list of gay musicians, it’s obvious that they made a huge impact.

From the very start they were busy, in 1982 and 1983 at venues in San Francisco like The

Outfest LA’s choice flicks

Death and Bowling

Irene Young

utfest LA will be held August 1322 with outdoor events, indoor screenings for vaccinated attendees, and streaming for those wishing to experience the festival from their own home. The nearly 200 hand-picked films represent every genre and include the voices and stories from the entire rainbow of the queer community, including a significant number of first-time directors. More than 50 international films in 15 languages will screen on the festival’s 39th anniversary.

The Sixth Reel will make its world premiere at Outfest LA, marking the screen return of Charles Busch, the author and star of such plays as Vampire Lesbians of Sodom and The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife, as well as the film versions of his plays, Psycho Beach Party and Die Mommie Die. The Sixth Reel is the story of obsessive, down-on-his-luck, somewhat disreputable movie collector Jimmy (Busch).

After his close friend dies, he discovers in his apartment a legendary lost silent mystery film (London After Midnight, starring Lon Chaney) and must decide whether to cash in or deliver it to the right hands before it is lost forever. Jim is surrounded by his social circle of ardent movie collectors, who want to sell the film to the highest bidder and get their cut, including Tim Daly (playing a shifty bisexual film historian), Margaret Cho (as a mean-spirited greedy gobetween), and Julie Halston (the grief-stricken widow and sister of the deceased friend).

This screwball caper comedy set in contemporary Greenwich Village is old-school stereotypical drag camp we’ve seen many times before. It lacks the seedy sass of last year’s Shit

Valencia Rose and the Baybrick/Clementina’s in San Francisco, and down the Peninsula at places like the Stanford Coffee House. They were also featured on KGO and in print with reviews of their shows in the Bay Area Reporter.

The chances they took are inspirational.

Paul quit the bookstore and joined Ron as full-time musicians. They took a gamble and toured the country. They would go on to record six albums, tour the U.S., Canada and Australia, and perform at two different Marches on Washington and numerous Pride events throughout the country.

In our expansive interview, it was enjoyable

other leading roles, but she was over 50 and in the public’s mind, the character of Norma and the actress Swanson were one and the same.

Disappointed, Swanson began to envision a musical stage adaptation of the film. Looking for their big break, two struggling songwriters agreed to her proposal and carted away to Swanson’s Palm Springs mansion to create the musical together.

After the success of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical version of Sunset Boulevard, Hughes took the score he wrote with Stapley and refashioned it into a cabaret act called “Swanson on Sunset” which also tells the story of the failed production itself. Richard Stapley (reassuming his original name), now an aging out-of-work actor, hears about the production and dramatically reenters Hughes’ life with seismic results.

Boulevard, while a valiant effort, isn’t as captivating as previous Schwartz

documentaries, though it retains their perky, effervescent style. Ultimately, Boulevard is a bit of a downer, as all three players couldn’t escape the curse of aging in a youth-obsessed industry, as the film and subsequent musical defined the rest of their lives. Still, this is a riveting indictment of Hollywood values.

Swanson, Stapley, and Hughes are poignant if not sad, casualties of a bygone era.

Long-gone trailblazers have captivated filmmakers for years. A recent entry in this genre is AIDS Diva: The Connie Norman Story, the self-described “post-operative transsexual, HIV-positive, ex-drag queen, ex-drug addict.”

Norman was a tireless advocate for PWAs, gay and trans rights, an intersectional pioneer who built bridges between a wide range of diverse communities. After leaving her Texas home at

to listen to them complete each other’s thoughts and give each other space to complete their own thoughts. It’s a testament to their 40-plus years as friends and their working relationship.

And then I heard about the Valencia Rose and that it was going to open and that it was going to be a dedicated performance space or cabaret type venue for gay and lesbian artists.

As soon as I heard it was open I called them up and we got invited to perform at gay comedy (night) just by going down and auditioning for one of the owners. So it made all the difference in the world to have a venue that I felt comfortable in, where people were coming to hear gay entertainment.

Phillips: It really was responsible for molding us and forming us as performers.

Michael Flanagan: Your first international tour was 1983 and you went to Bangor Maine, Champaign Illinois, Minneapolis and Portland for the first record. Was it a revelation to you as to how you were received on college campuses?

Romanovsky: I guess it was a bit of a revelation I suppose, it was probably the thing that kept us going, because we had so many problems on that tour. We had tons of car problems, our van broke down, and we had some health issues along the way. There was a lot of down time. It was about 18 cities in four months. The response kept us going. You could tell that people were really happy to hear music that spoke to their experience, to the gay experience.

Phillips: On that first tour I’m not sure that we performed all that many college campuses - we did a couple, but I’m not sure they were produced yet by gay and lesbian organizations.

Romanovsky: I know we played in Steven’s Point Wisconsin at the University and Champaign Urbana, I think it was gay groups that invited us.

Phillips: But as our career progressed, college campuses became a huge market for us in terms of either producing us on campuses or gay groups producing us and eventually (in 1993) we played at the National Association for Campus Activities conference…and from there we started being produced more often by the student association as opposed to the gay groups or the women’s groups. We were incredibly well received (at the NACA), we got a huge standing ovation, and we were the first openly gay act to play on the main stage there.

Talk about the Valencia Rose and how important it was in your career.

Romanovsky: I was already starting to write gay songs when I met Paul, and I wanted to perform, but the problem was there wasn’t a venue that I felt comfortable doing that in. I didn’t want to just perform in a bar. I think I performed at Fanny’s a couple of times. That was kind of okay, but it really wasn’t quite my speed.

See page 16 >>

As independent musicians you had trouble with Master Track in Hayward, when they refused to record your cassettes.

Were there people you could ask for advice or were you making it up as you went along?

Romanovsky: As we started to get to know some of the women in the women’s music scene, we got advice from them. The other resource we depended on a lot was a publication called the Gayellow Pages, which oddly was green. Every city had community organizations, bars, all kinds of different gay places.

Phillips: At one point we were even using the listings in the Bob Damron’s guide (Bob Damron’s Address Book). If there was a city that came up that we thought, “Well, we’ve never been there, we want to go there.” If the Gayellow Pages didn’t produce any groups we would go to the Damron’s guide and look and see if they had any bars or clubs or organizations listed.

Probably the thing we owe the most to is a book called How to Make and Sell Your Own Records (Diane Sward Rapaport, 1979). We read that thing from start to finish and referred to it regularly. When we made our first album we didn’t know two-inch tape. We had never done any kind of recording aside of recording on cassettes, and that album was totally made wrong. We didn’t know what we were doing, but we had this determination that was. In hindsight, it was mostly just being pig-headed and working our ass off.

In that book, it said, “Start a mailing list.”

So, at every single concert we did, we talked about the mailing list and it was out at our table at the entrance. By the time our career See page 16 >>

<< Film & Music

16 • Bay Area Reporter • August 12-18, 2021

Left: The Sixth Reel Right: Boulevard! A Hollywood Story

<<

Outfest LA

From page 15

age 14 and living on the streets, she had gender reassignment surgery in 1976. After becoming HIV+ in 1987 Norman became heavily involved with ACT UP LA. “We’re in clear and present danger every moment that we do not fight back with everything we’ve got,” says Norman in a film clip. “We must rise from the grief and denial to take back our lives.”

Norman pioneered an innovative radio program, then co-hosted a weekly queer cable television show, and wrote a biweekly column, “Tribal Writes” in the San Diego LGBTQ newspaper Update, among other achievements. She had a happy ten-year marriage to a gay man. She died of AIDS in 1996.

With a rich use of archival footage, media interviews, home movies, photographs, and interviews with friends and colleagues, AIDS Diva strongly argues that Norman shouldn’t be forgotten. Many of her comments seem as pertinent today as they did in the 1980s.

Activist documentaries are alive and well as depicted in Gemmel and Tim, a wrenching look at two gay black men, Gemmel “Juelz” Moore, 26, and Timothy “Tim” Dean, 55, who in 2017 and 2019 respectively, died of a meth

<<

Romanovsky/Phillips

From page 15

ended in 1999, our snail mail list was somewhere between 12,000 and 14,000 names.

Romanovsky: It’s funny to be because it’s the kind of thing that mainstream businesses do now.

They’re always trying to get your email address every time you buy something online or in a store; direct

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overdose at the West Hollywood apartment of white businessman and Democratic political donor/ activist Ed Buck. Initially the police classified their deaths as accidental overdoses, though interviews with witnesses whom Buck also victimized, claimed Buck deliberately injected the meth into Moore and Dean, to force them sexually to do what he wanted.

Gemmel was part of the gay Ballroom/Pose culture of LA. His mother and close friends protested at City Council meetings and outside Buck’s home to get an investigation and pressure law enforcement to charge Buck with homicide. Some Council members seemed to protect Buck. After two years of demonstrating –and a third man’s overdose in Buck’s home– federal charges were leveled against Buck, with a resulting trial finding him guilty on all nine counts.

Aside from the victim’s supporters, no one comes out of this film looking good, especially the media who negatively portrayed Gemmel as an escort and Tim as a former gay porn star, implying that because of their past they almost deserved their fate.

What is most disturbing is that these heinous crimes occurred in the progressive, mostly queer community of West Hollywood, meaning queer folk of all races and

classes everywhere are vulnerable to (white) men in power victimizing vulnerable LGBTQ+ people.

Death and Bowling is an odd “meta-critique on trans representation” about X, a trans actor. Susan, the captain of the Lavender League (amateur-bowling lesbians) dies, and X is asked to speak at her funeral. Alex, Susan’s estranged transgender son, appears unexpectedly at the service. Both X and Alex, attracted to each other, inherit Susan’s hand-drawn map of the desert location to scatter her ashes. They are accompanied on their journey by Arnie (Susan’s widow), Gio (Arnie’s son and X’s confidante, a queer Tamil-Sri Lankan-American butcher), and

marketing. But they didn’t do that back then. I’m not saying we invented it. We were in the right place at the right time, because the Bay Area was so gay, and because there were a lot of people making independent records.

Not just the Women’s music labels, Olivia and Redwood.

Phillips: The other thing I just real quick wanted to mention is Master Track (the company that refused to duplicate their cassettes);

Throughout our career we ran into homophobia like that.

We just kept running into that; four or five times at least we had that happen.

Joyce (Susan’s best friend, a Black body-positive gym dominatrix).

The description alone betrays the innovative, avant-garde nature of the film with a non-linear, fragmented narrative style, which some will find off-putting. The movie features an almost entirely transgender cast (some non-actors) in both trans and non-trans roles, made by a majority trans crew. It’s also one of the few films to depict queer desire between trans men.

Viewers often will question what’s happening in sections of the film.

Trans-ness as a performance is disorienting and challenging to the notion of binary and fixed gender.

Kash seeks cinematically “to provide more freedom of fictional space for queer performance and storytelling.”

A documentary short with a local angle presents a thrilling ride in The Beauty President, which bears similarity to the “Brief But Spectacular” segments on the PBS News Hour that profiles new perspectives and passionate firstperson narratives.

Beauty begins with the bellowing declaration, “If a bad actor can be elected president,” (referring to Reagan) “why not a good drag queen,” soon identified as Joan Jett Blakk (a blend of Divine, David Bowie, and Grace Jones), who in 1992 became the first drag queen write-in candidate for President.

How did you wind up performing at Great American Music Hall? You sold it out several times.

Romanovsky: It took a long time. I mean, I say that now, but in retrospect it seems like everything happened very quickly. But at the time, we just kept knocking on their door.

Yeah, we blew them away. It’s one thing I don’t mind bragging about.

They really didn’t have any faith in us, and I think they finally booked us on a Tuesday night. It was in July 1986 (July 15) after Trouble In Paradise came out. That was our second record. We had been trying

New Adjusted Hours

Wednesday 8am

www.outfest.org

Read the full feature on www.ebar.com

Lisa Means

Romanovsky and Phillips at the National March on Washington

for a year and a half to get booked there and they said, “Oh, you’ll never sell the place. It will never work,” and we just kept bugging them.

I think the fact that Teresa produced that album helped give us some more cred, because at that time Holly Near and Chris Williamson were all playing there. They finally did it and we sold it out. It was incredible.

We played there maybe four or five more times and the last time it was starting to dwindle, but we had several packed shows there.

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The still charismatic Terence Smith tells the story of his drag persona campaign, the highlight being Blakk’s stealth appearance at the New York Democratic National Convention in full drag, “bringing queer issues to the campaign right here right now in a dress.” Many thought it was a publicity stunt, but Smith proclaims rightly, “at some point I realized I made a little dent in history.”

Blakk’s presidential run was motivated by the US government’s negligence of the AIDS crisis. When Blakk is interviewed and asked about people shaking their heads at her, she replies, “They don’t know beauty when they see it. They should be shaking their heads at George Bush being President and not doing a damn thing about AIDS or healthcare.”

Blakk ran on a platform of abolishing the police and transferring funds for the military budget to that of education, but the real goal was to bring visibility to queer issues to the campaign.

“I’m the beauty president and once elected everything will become beautiful.”

This is a message of which we can never hear enough.t

Left: AIDS Diva: The Connie Norman Story Right: The Beauty President

Open Daily!

Proudly serving the community since 1977.

t

Irene Young

Left: A 1989 photo shoot. Right: Paul joins Ron for a duet at the Burro Alley Café in Santa Fe in June 2011

In the mid-1980s, Paul and Ron moved to Santa Fe, where they continue to live today. Paul has retired from the music industry, but Ron is still an active local musician in New Mexico, and has continued to release music and play with other musicians.

The legacy of Romanovsky and Phillips lives on in works like Dirk Alphin’s documentary Stand Up, Stand Out, a film on gay comedy at the Valencia Rose (Alphin was the Rose’s operations manager) as well as their music.

The story of how two young San Franciscans met, started their own label, and made music for nearly two decades is more, however. It’s a testament to what persistence and bridge-building between communities –and fighting back against prejudice and homophobia– can accomplish. There continues to be much we can learn from their lesson.t www.romanovskyandphillips.com

Read the full interview, with selected music videos, on www.ebar.com

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<< TV & 50 in 50

18 • Bay Area Reporter • August 12-18, 2021

Smart TV The Lavender Tube on ‘Hacks,’ ‘Days of Our Lives,’ & more

Left: Hannah Einbinder and Jean Smart in Hacks Right: Carl Clemons-Hopkins in Hacks

by Victoria A. Brownworth

H

ave you seen HBO’s Hacks yet?

Why not? It’s funny as hell, quite queer, nominated for Emmys and last month was picked up for a second season. Co-created by Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs and Jen Statsky, all of Broad City fame, Hacks is must-watch TV and another reminder that HBO is back, baby.

We forget how many years we’ve been watching Jean Smart; since Designing Women. Now she’s popping up in everything (she was fantastic in Mare of Easttown, Watchmen and Dirty John) and who says an actress pushing 70 can’t still be a star?

Smart money (sorry; couldn’t resist) says yes. In Hacks, Smart plays Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas stand-up comedian and total diva. (There is a scene where, dressed in a soignée orange caftan and picture hat, she frisbees her laptop into her pool in a fit of pique as she calls out to her assistant that they will need to go to the computer store; pitch perfect delivery.)

But times have changed and

Deborah’s material hasn’t. The ‘Queen of Comedy’ is on the cusp of irrelevance, the worst possible thing for a diva like Deborah, who is used to being a star. She started in Vegas with 2,500 shows and now the head of the casino where she has been a headliner is pushing her out and –she might be a second act for– Pentatonics!

To say this series is laugh-outloud funny in a darkly acerbic way and that Smart is pure genius in a role that seems to have been written totally for her is to understate, not hyperbolize. Smart is brilliant. The laughs are real, even as they often are painful.

Hacks isn’t just for laughs. It delves deep into how hard it is for women to get star status and how easily women can lose their place at the table, and given far less slack than men.

Enter Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder). Ava is a Gen Z comedy writer who has totally screwed her life with an ill-considered tweet that left her miserable and unemployable, a victim of the much-touted cancel

ERECTILE CTION DYSFUN

culture. (Einbinder’s mother is Laraine Newman, one of Saturday Night Live’s original Not Ready for Prime Time Players, so she comes by comedy genetically.)

Ava is hired to make Deborah relevant to a new audience. Their initial meeting is wild and goes awry almost immediately. Deborah looks her up and down and asks her flatly, “Are you a lesbian?” Deborah wants to know why Ava is “dressed like Rachel Maddow’s mechanic.”

Ava explains in detail about who she is and ends with, “I’m bi.”

Einbinder is bi in real life and has said in interviews that the lack of representation of bisexuality in popular culture had left her with no models, which makes her role as Ava all the more important personally. There’s none of the standard erasure of bisexuality in Hacks.

How Ava and Deborah find their footing –as individuals and as a comedic partnership– is what makes Hacks resonate. Smart is off-the-charts spectacular, but Einbinder holds her own against that powerhouse. Ava’s angst, her sense of loss, her humor; it’s all very real and true. Just as Deborah’s rage at being aged out is very real and guttingly honest.

There are a plethora of secondary characters who give the series more layers, among them Marcus, Deborah’s chief operating officer.

Marcus is played by Carl ClemonsHopkins, who identifies as queer and non-binary, and who made history by being the first non-binary actor to be nominated for an Emmy for their

standout performance in the series.

Clemons-Hopkins wrote a very compelling column for The Hollywood Reporter about masculinity, gender variance and coming to terms with their nonheterosexual self.

There’s much, much more to be said about this series and there are other characters to watch, notably Deborah “DJ” Vance Jr., Deborah’s daughter (Kaitlin Olson), Wilson ‘the water cop’ (out actor Johnny Sibilly), Ruby, Ava’s ex-girlfriend (Lorenza Izzo), Marty Ghilain, CEO of the Palmetto Casino (Christopher McDonald), Jimmy, Deborah and Ava’s manager (Paul W. Downs, a co-creator of the series), Damien, Deborah’s personal assistant (Mark Indelicato), and Tony-winner Jane Adams plays Nina, Ava’s mother.

This is a tale of two women on the edge, dealing with the hazards of their femaleness, their comedic craft, endemic sexism and the vicissitudes of a fluctuating and often pernicious industry. There’s a lot here and Smart and Einbinder are tremendous, so watch it.

Soap and change

Will Horton (Chandler Massey) and Jackson “Sonny” Kiriakis (Freddie Smith) were Days of Our Lives first same-sex super-couple, launched by the series in 2012.

They were the first queer couple to have a male-male wedding in U.S. daytime drama history in 2015. (All My Children had the first lesbian wedding years earlier, as we wrote way back in 2009.)

But then Will was murdered in 2015. But, this being a soap opera, he was resurrected in 2017. Then last February, in an unpopular

t

move, the actors were fired and their storyline ended in September.

Rumors of a return have been floating ever since. And Days also flirted with a les/bi storyline in May between Chanel and Allie.

Now, there’s good news/bad news about Will and Sonny. The couple is not coming back to Days, but to a limited series spin-off where Freddie Smith will not be playing Sonny. Sigh.

NBC Universal’s streaming service Peacock announced August 2 that it has ordered Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem, a five-episode limited series spinoff of the NBC soap. Days alum and Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Rinna will be the lead character, reprising her role as Billie Reed. Rinna will appear opposite Days vets Deidre Hall (Marlena), Drake Hogestyn (John) and James Reynolds (Abe).

Chandler Massey reprises as Will while Sonny was recast with Zachary Atticus Tinker, known for his role as Fenmore Baldwin on The Young and the Restless.

Smith and his wife, Alyssa, posted a video to their YouTube channel The Freddie and Alyssa Show where Smith, who has played Sonny since 2011, explained his decision was to not return to Days. Smith also recorded a video message for Tinker, congratulating him on assuming the role.

So, not much air time in five episodes and only available on Peacock, but we’ll take it.t

Read more, including Jeopardy host troubles and Russian TV shows’ hatred of Olympic athletes, on www.ebar.com.

Chandler Massey and Freddie Smith in Days of Our Lives.

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n addition to the disastrous earthquake (see this week’s News edition of our series), 1989 was full of AIDS: protests, drug treatments, the Nov. 16 eight-page wall of obituary photos, and a staged reading of a new play about AIDS by Tony Kushner titled Angels in America.

The April 13 advance article invited readers to two nights of staged readings of the work-in-progress.

They might not have known that theatre history was about to be made. Writer Will Snyder was prescient enough to state that “theater-goers [would] take part in an exciting process–watching the development of a potentially exciting new play” for a mere $12.

But while mentioning the other characters (Stephen Spinella as Prior Walter), the article focuses more on the question, “Can Republicans be gay?” specifically, the devious Roy Cohn (played by Bruce Williams) who is mentioned as lusting after Walter (the two characters never meet in the finished script). And a photo of Director Oskar Eustis is mistakenly identified as playwright Kushner.

Nevertheless, it’s interesting to have found possibly the earliest B.A.R. reference to the play, which later went on extended local runs, a Tony-winning Broadway run, the Pulitzer Prize win, and Emmys for the HBO adaptation.

The world spins forward.

Enjoy more vintage reading at https://archive.org/ details/bayareareportert

t

Drag & Film>>

August 12-18, 2021 • Bay Area Reporter • 19

Kings’ quarter century Drag King Contest Celebrates 25 years

by David-Elijah Nahmod

O

n August 22 the San Francisco Drag King Contest will commemorate its 25th year with a rollicking show at Oasis. Drag king legend Fudgie Frottage will co-host the evening along with former presidential candidate, the fabulous Joan Jett Blakk. Mo B. Dick will make a special guest appearance as well as serve on the panel of celebrity judges, along with Leigh Crow, Jota Mercury, Fontaine Blue and the beloved icon Sister Roma, who will participate in the proceedings via Zoom. Over the years Sister Roma has been a mainstay of the contest.

“After I went to my first show I was hooked,” Roma told the Bay Area Reporter. “Fudgie invited me to co-host which gave me Drag King contest producer Fudgie the opportunity to really see how Frottage rides co-host Sister Roma. hard these Kings work and all of the humor, talent and passion said. “I am so glad that D’Arcy they bring. Plus, it’s a blast! I keep and her top-notch team rallied to coming back because they keep find new ways like Oasis TV and inviting me. It’s honestly one of my Drag Queen Deliveries to keep favorite gigs of the year.” the club open during 2020. After Roma is delighted that the show the success of the telethon, it’s is taking place at Oasis, which nearly clear that the LGBTQ community went out of business during the around the globe recognizes the COVID-19 lockdowns. But owner importance of this safe place, event D’Arcy Drollinger found a number space, cabaret, nightclub. It really of creative ways to keep the club is an Oasis for all of us.” going, including staging an online Proceeds from the event will telethon that raised more than benefit PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful $250,000.

Support) and Rocket Dog Rescue.

“Oasis could not be a more “The Oasis is the best and D’Arcy appropriately named club,” Roma Drollinger is a powerhouse genius

‘Game of Bones,’ the 24th SF Drag King Contest at Oasis in 2019.

to have kept the place operating all through the past year,” added Fudgie Frottage. “The Oasis is the epitome of Queer Family, family with talent galore. I am very grateful for my Oasis family.”

Frottage points out that the San Francisco Drag King Contest is the longest running contest of its kind. He noted that this year might have marked the 26th year of the contest had they not skipped last year.

“To think that young kings have been inspired by the show and that many of us recently celebrated 25 years in the business with a Drag King legends show is amazing,” he said. “It’s an honor and to see how drag kings have evolved and are winning major drag king competitions like Dragula and Drag Queen of the year.”

Frottage promises that a good time will be had by all. The show will follow a pageant format with an opening number. There will also be an all-star segment featuring past winners and title-holders, followed by the contest. To commemorate the contest’s 25th anniversary there will be posters and videos from years past in the club before the show. Food will be provided by chef Xan DeVoss of Fox and Lion Bread.

“To sustain an event for 25 years is a heroic feat, and the SFDK is well known all over the globe,” said Mo B Dick. “I applaud Fudgie Frottage’s terrific promotional skills. He has worked tirelessly to produce a fantastic contest year after year. This certainly is drag king history at its finest.”

Dick also spoke of why he keeps coming back to the contest: because they’re fun, entertaining, and unpredictable.

“San Francisco has always had the wildest, wackiest, weirdest drag shows, so I look forward to the merriment every year,” he said.

“Cheers to SFDK 25 celebrating its silver jubilee.”

Frottage wants to assure attendees that all safety protocols will be in place in order to maximize the safety of the kings and the audience.

Pray Away Documentary investigates “ex-gay” scam

by David-Elijah Nahmod

P

ray Away is a film about the “ex-gay” movement. It focuses on Christian ministries who claim that they can “cure” homosexuality through prayer.

A large portion of the film is about Exodus, a Christian organization founded in the 1970s by a group of “ex-gay” men who wanted to share their “cure” with others. Those men are all interviewed in Pray Away. All of them now admit that conversion therapy, as it’s more commonly known, doesn’t work. They now all live as out gay men, and they live with regret.

One of them is told that he has

blood on his hands, his eyes welling up with tears as he recalls that conversation.

And conversion therapy indeed does harm. Just ask Julie Rodgers, a former “ex-lesbian” who is prominently featured in the film.

While still in her teens, Rodgers became involved with a conversion therapy ministry called Living Hope. later Rodgers admits to her female fiancé that she regularly burned herself during those years.

“I’m sorry,” her fiancé whispers, as Rodgers fights tears. The two have since married in a wedding ceremony that’s seen in the film.

The film’s most stunning example of what a sham conversion therapy

Netflix

A scene from Pray Away.

is comes when the story of John Paulk is told. Years ago Paulk was the official face of Exodus. He and his wife went on talk shows and spoke of leaving the “homosexual lifestyle” and of falling in love with each other.

They had two children together.

In a vintage 60 Minutes interview, Paulk tells journalist Leslie Stahl that he’s not even tempted by same sex attraction. But Paulk was lying.

Throughout his years with Exodus, Paulk struggled with his attraction to men.

In a newly-shot interview Paulk recalls being recognized in a gay bar when he was at the height of his Exodus celebrity. He tries to cover his face with his hand as a photographer follows him down the street. He said that he didn’t know that he had entered a gay bar, that he had just gone in to use the rest room. No one believes him. With his cover blown, Paulk is fired by Exodus.

Though hard to watch in parts, Pray Away is a well-made film.

It blows the lid off the phony ministries who do this kind of work and exposes them for what they are.

It’s an important film that needs to be seen, and hopefully will be seen by people who are considering joining an ex-gay ministry.

Pray Away streams on Netflix.t

Read the full review on www.ebar.com.

Proof of vaccination is required before entry, and everyone will be wearing masks. There will also be complimentary hand sanitizer available. The contest will also stream on Oasis TV for those who don’t have proof of vaccination, or who might not be feeling up to an in-person event just yet.

“The audience can expect to be delighted and dazzled by loads and loads of talent,” he said.

Sister Roma had her own unique way of describing the evening.

“I can’t say too much about Fudgie and Mo except that you haven’t lived until you’ve been in the middle of a drag king sandwich,” she said.t The 25th anniversary Drag King Contest, Sunday, August 22, 7pm. $20-$435. Oasis, 298 11th St. http:// www.sfdragkingcontest.com/ https://www.sfoasis.com/events

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