▼
BAY AREA REPORTER . eBAR.com . 19 August 2010
COMMUNITY
NEWS
Rick Gerharter
Drop in money to Pride partners
he San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration Committee, represented by board treasurer Belinda Ryan, left, and Executive Director Amy Andre, right, distributed nearly $132,000 to the community partner groups during a volunteer appreciation party Tuesday, August 17 at the LGBT Community Center. The funds represent a portion of beverage and gate receipts. Last year Pride gave out $180,265.31 so this year’s payments represents a decrease of about $48,000.
T
Laird loses state Senate race by Matthew S. Bajko gay candidate came up short in his bid for an open state Senate seat this week, dealing a blow to Democratic Party hopes they could control the budgeting process in the Legislature without Republican help. Instead, former Assembly minority leader Sam Blakeslee (R-San Luis Obispo) won the race for the Central Coast’s 15th Senate District seat, defeating former Assemblyman John Laird. Blakeslee will succeed former Republican Senator Abel Maldonado, who resigned after Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger tapped him earlier this year for the vacant lieutenant governor post. In a statement released shortly after the polls closed Tuesday, the governor congratulated Blakeslee on his win.
A
John Laird came up short in his bid for a vacant state Senate seat.
“Senator-elect Sam Blakeslee has proven during his time in the Assembly he is a dedicated public servant committed to fiscally responsible policies, and I congratulate him on his victory tonight,” stated the
governor. “Senator-elect Blakeslee has been a fantastic member of the Assembly and I look forward to continuing to work with him in the Senate. Voters deserve representatives in Sacramento who will fight for the people of California above all else, and Senator-elect Blakeslee is a prime example of someone who rises above the politics of Sacramento.” According to unofficial returns Wednesday, Blakeslee bested Laird by nearly 5 percentage points. With nearly all votes counted, Blakeslee garnered 77,107 votes or 48.8 percent while Laird, a former assemblyman and Santa Cruz mayor, received 69,649 votes or 44.1 percent of the ballots cast. “I knew all along it was a risk. But when all is said and done, I think it was a good one to take,” Laird told
page 16
▼
2
Pride hits the South Bay compiled by Cynthia Laird an Jose’s downsized LGBT Pride weekend takes place Saturday and Sunday (August 21-22), and while there is no parade this year, the festival promises fun for everyone, organizers said. The weekend kicks off with the annual free community day at Discovery Meadow Park. This year’s theme is “Changing Times, Changing Hearts, Changing Minds” as San Jose Pride turns 35. The community day will N EWS feature local entertainers, including Diamond John’s Revue, and the Blair Hansen Band; it’s also the fourth year for the popular women’s music festival. Sunday’s festival has a $15 per person admission, although discount tickets can be purchased for $10 on Saturday only at the festival site. Headliners include Christian Chavez, Kristine W., Erika Jayne, and Raven. Other attractions at the festival include a country western dance area, family games, a bounce house, and rock-climbing wall. Club Papi will once again sponsor the community dance tent. For more information, visit www.sanjosepride.com.
S
Street, right next door to the center. On that day, the eatery will donate 15 percent of all food proceeds to the Lighthouse. Robert Whitehead, president of the Lighthouse board, said the benefit takes place during lunch and dinner. Whitehead, who noted the center is struggling to stay open, hopes this event will build on earlier summer benefits held at the World Famous Turf Club. The cafe is open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; dinner hours are 5 to 9 p.m. Reservations are preferred and can be made by calling the restaurant B RIEFS at (510) 582-2558. Additionally, donations can also be made directly to the center and sent to 1217 A Street, Hayward, CA 94541.
c
Benefit for Hayward LGBT center The Lighthouse LGBT Community Center in Hayward will be the beneficiary of a dining event Thursday, August 26 at the A Street Cafe, 1213 A
GMC to hold auditions The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus will hold auditions next week. As with previous years, an open rehearsal takes place Monday, August 23 where potential members can get a taste of what it’s like to be a part of the chorus family, said Executive Director Teddy Witherington. A pre-audition clinic will be held Tuesday, August 24. Artistic director Kathleen McGuire, who last week announced she was stepping down at the end of the year, said that first tenors and basses are needed, but all voice parts are welcome. The clinic and open rehearsal take place at 7 p.m. at 44 Page Street. The auditions are Wednesday, August 25, also at 7 p.m. at the same location.
“We are folks who would not normally mix, brought together by love of music and love of community. When we gather and sing, it’s magical,” said chorus board president Michael Tate. For those who are looking for a head start with social activities, there is a fundraising party, “Solid Gold Disco,” at the Arc of San Francisco, 1500 Howard Street, on Saturday, August 21 at 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.sfgmc.org.
Out and Equal mixer The Out and Equal Workplace Advocates Bay Area affiliate will be having a networking event at Teatro Zinzanni, Pier 29 at Battery Street in San Francisco, Tuesday, August 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The event is free, featuring appetizers, a no-host bar, and raffle prizes. For more information, email sfbay@outandequal.org.
Kendell at Commonwealth Club National Center for Lesbian Rights Executive Director Kate Kendell will be speaking at the Commonwealth Club Thursday, August 26 as part of the club’s August “Ascent of Women” series. As one of the very public faces of NCLR, Kendell has been front and center in the LGBT community’s fight for equal rights in housing, parenting, and of course, same-sex marriage. The evening begins with a networking reception at 5:30, followed by the program at 6. Tickets are $8 for club members and $20 for nonmembers. The location is the club’s San Francisco office, 595 Market Street. For more information, visit tickets.commonwealthclub.org.▼