August 31, 2023 edition of the Bay Area Reporter

SF Wikimedian honored

Murky future for St. James

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Fall Arts Preview: Music

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ARTS

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Fall Arts Preview: Dance

The

www.ebar.com Serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities since 1971 Vol. 53 • No. 35 • August 31-September 6, 2023

A person holds a version of the Pride flag under a giant trans flag at the 2016 San Francisco Trans March. A parental rights group is aiming to place three anti-trans initiatives on the California ballot next year.

by John Ferrannini

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number of nonprofits representing minority groups, including the LGBTQ community, are grateful for grants from the state aimed at fighting prejudice.

Governor Gavin Newsom’s office announced the $91.4 million in funding to 173 local organizations on August 23 as part of the Stop the Hate campaign of the California Department of Social Services.

The announcement also comes on the heels of a sobering 2022 hate crimes report from Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office, which the Bay Area Reporter previously reported (https://www.ebar.com/story. php?ch=news&sc=anti_hate&id=326493). It showed reported hate crime events rose 20.2% last year, including increases in crimes reported against gay men, lesbians, and trans people.

“An attack on any of our communities is an attack on everything we stand for as Californians,” Newsom stated in a news release announcing the funding awards. “As hate-fueled rhetoric drives increasing acts of bigotry and violence, California is taking action to protect those who are targeted just for being who they are. We’re bolstering our support for victims and anti-hate programs and tackling ignorance and intolerance through education to prevent hate from taking hold in our communities.”

The grants were announced shortly after the August 18 shooting death of straight ally Laura Ann Carleton, 66, who was gunned down by a man after he confronted her about a Pride flag she had displayed outside her Mag.Pi clothing store in Cedar Grove, near Lake Arrowhead in Southern California. The suspect, identified by authorities as Travis Ikeguchi, 27, fled the scene but was located by authorities and killed by police after he refused to drop his weapon.

Westside San Francisco Assemblymember Phil Ting (D) invoked the hate crimes numbers in his statement on the funding, noting that reported hate crimes against Asian Americans did decline after a precipitous spike during the beginning of the COVID pandemic.

See page 9 >>

by Matthew S. Bajko

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nable to pass their anti-transgender agenda through the state Legislature, conservative parent groups are working to put a trio of ballot measures restricting the rights of trans youth before California voters next year. It comes amid intensifying legal

and legislative actions over protecting LGBTQ youth in the Golden State.

One proposed ballot measure would restrict trans girls from playing on female athletic teams at school. A second measure would ban gender-affirming care for trans, nonbinary, and other gender-nonconforming youth.

The third proposed ballot measure would

explicitly say that school districts can forcibly out transgender students to their parents or legal guardians without their permission. Several Southern California school boards have either already adopted such a policy this year or are looking to do so.

Rick Gerharter

Queer orgs grateful for Stop the Hate state funding

See page 9 >>

New trans district EDs excited to build community power

by John Ferrannini

T

he new co-executive directors of San Francisco’s Transgender District said the conditions in the neighborhood, and in the country at large, are the biggest challenges the world’s only cultural district of its kind faces.

“It’s a very reactionary climate,” said Carlo Gomez Arteaga, a 50-year-old trans man who has been leading the district alongside Breonna McCree, a 50-year-old woman of trans experience, for the past month. “Our task as a cultural district is to be a beacon in San Francisco, and the world actually. People see us as a leader in cultural production and self-determination – building political, social and cultural power for trans people.”

McCree talked about the challenges of homelessness. LGBTQ people, and especially transgender and gender-nonconforming people, are overrepresented among the unhoused, and the Tenderloin – where most of the district is located – has long had a population living in poverty.

In addition to the Tenderloin, the trans district includes two blocks of Sixth Street (to Howard Street) South of Market, according to a map on the district’s website.

“I think the biggest challenge we all know is our unhoused population, so what we are trying to do right now is build out our rent stabi-

Karen Santos Photography

Breonna McCree, left, and Carlo Gomez Arteaga are the new co-executive directors of the Transgender District.

lization to keep our trans and nonbinary folks that are housed in their homes without adding to the abject poverty we see in the Tenderloin,” McCree said.

Since its establishment in 2017, the district has navigated and even thrived in the midst of these challenges, first with Honey Mahogany, a Black queer trans person, and then Aria Sa’id, a Black

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trans woman, at the helm. Both were co-founders of the cultural district. Gomez Arteaga and McCree will be the district’s first leaders who were not among its co-founders.

Sa’id, who recently stepped down after six years leading the district, stated the new duo “couldn’t be any more iconic.”

See page 10 >>

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<< Community News

2 • Bay Area Repor ter • August 31-September 6, 2023

Trans identity of Wikimedia awardee Gethen steers their work

by J.L. Odom

In general, Gethen’s page content reviews consist of verifying information and links and ensuring the use of credible sources.

I

t’s been the go-to hub of information for many since the early aughts, serving as an online, easily accessible encyclopedia.

But what if the information on Wikipedia’s reference pages is erroneous, lacking credible sources, minimal, or altogether absent?

Cue volunteer “Wikimedians” like Pax Ahimsa Gethen, who edits and adds to pages to ensure their accuracy and detail. Gethen, a resident of San Francisco, is a longtime contributor to Wikipedia and other Wikiprojects, namely the open-source photo repository Wikimedia Commons.

In addition to their volunteer work for Wikipedia, Gethen said they make a little money from their posts on Medium and from sponsors on Patreon.

Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales recently recognized Gethen’s efforts, bestowing the title of “2023 Media Contributor of the Year” to them as part of the annual Wikimedian of the Year Awards.

During their tenure as a contributor, Gethen – who identifies as queer, agender and transmasculine – has worked to improve the representation of nonbinary, transgender, queer, and Black leaders and activists on Wikipedia.

Wikipedia, founded in 2001 and operated by the nonprofit Wikimedia Foundation, is an open-source platform, meaning that anyone can edit its reference pages, though people are not supposed to edit their own pages. Gethen first gave this feature a try in 2008, editing rock group Led Zeppelin’s page.

And while they were a routine reader of Wikipedia entries in the years that followed, it wasn’t until their personal identity changed that they became a more active and consistent contributor.

In a phone interview, they explained, “I transitioned in the year 2013 … [a]nd after that, I started getting more interested in gender and transgender issues and social justice issues in general ... I ended up concentrating particularly on the biographies of marginalized people, especially transgender folks, nonbinary folks and Black folks – that’s what I spent the most time on.”

They’ve edited the pages of notable Bay Area queer and trans figures, such as Transgender District co-founder and former president Aria Sa’id.

“We love Pax!!!” shared Sa’id in an Instagram message to the Bay Area Reporter.

She added, “[I’m] always grateful for Pax and their commitment to sharing

Working to verify info

Gwen Park

Pax Ahimsa Gethen was recognized by Wikipedia for their contributions to the site.

my work and other amazing trans and nonbinary changemakers’ work to the world in all the ways they do.”

Other Gethen-edited pages include that of late trans activist Felicia Elizondo, current National Center for Lesbian Rights Executive Director Imani RupertGordon, Transgender Gender-Variant & Intersex Justice Project Executive Director Janetta Johnson and first openly trans Lutheran minister Megan Rohrer.

NCLR and Johnson did not respond to messages seeking comment.

Rohrer, a former bishop in the Protestant denomination, resigned in June 2022 amid accusations of racism over his firing of a Latino pastor. In March, he filed a federal lawsuit against the Sierra Pacific Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, as the B.A.R. has previously reported.

More recently, Rohrer was removed from the ministry of the ELCA, as the San Francisco Chronicle reported. (https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/ article/megan-rohrer-transgender-bishop-lutheran-removed-18182974.php) It’s all on his Wikipedia page.

In a phone interview, Rohrer said he’s run into Gethen at a couple of events.

“It was lovely to hear a little bit of their story of wanting to make trans visibility a thing … and being really proud of people who are out moving and shaking and wanting to find ways to celebrate activists who are getting cool stuff done in the world,” Rohrer said. “So I thought that was kind of neat. I was like, ‘I didn’t even know you could do that [i.e., recognizing trans people on Wikipedia] as an advocacy justice option.’”

Rohrer specifically touched up the significance of Gethen’s Wikipedia contributions when speaking with the B.A.R.

“Especially in a time where people are only being recognized after their death when they’re trans, this is really life-saving, important work to help people imagine futures and have heroes,” he said. “Even if it’s the full life of someone, and it’s the ups and downs of what they went through in their work life, helping trans people imagine living to what happens next is life-saving work. So I’m so grateful that they do it.”

Gethen has also edited the pages of people who reside outside of the Bay Area, such as actress Ivory Aquino and Raquel Willis, a Black trans activist. They’ve branched out internationally as well, contributing to the pages of LGBTQ individuals in other countries.

They’ve established a straightforward process for selecting candidates; they then add to the individuals’ preexisting Wikipedia pages or create new ones from scratch.

Explained Gethen, “Basically, I just read things on social media or wherever, and if I see an interesting person, I look them up on Wikipedia. And if they don’t have an article, and I think they should, then I’ll write one. …

And if they do have an article and it’s not in good shape, then I’ll try to update it.”

Since anyone can edit the site’s pages, Gethen has actively monitored the pages of those who are gender-nonconforming, as they are particularly at risk for inappropriate or inaccurate content, they noted.

“For transgender issues, the first thing I look at is vandalism. People are very often misgendering trans folks, especially nonbinary folks. We get a lot of vandalism on those,” they said.

When it comes to confirming a person’s gender identity, Gethen shared that they look at verified social media accounts to determine that information, seeking the person’s self-identification on platforms such as Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

It’s not always a foolproof method though due to the relative ease with which verification is possible for some social media profiles.

“It’s become more of a challenge lately now that verified accounts on X [formerly Twitter] are pretty meaningless.

So that’s something else that we need to figure out how to deal with as a community,” Gethen said.

What they don’t do is reach out directly to LGBTQ individuals whose pages they are editing, as they’ve found in the past that people then attempt to direct the content.

“Sometimes I’ve mentioned to somebody, ‘Hey, by the way, I took a photo of you’ or ‘Hey, by the way, I worked on your Wikipedia page,’ but I don’t allow anybody to dictate to me how they are portrayed on Wikipedia. I’ve had some people attempt to do that; it’s very uncomfortable. I want to make it clear to them this is not your page; it’s a page about you.”

If there is any content on a person’s page that requires adjusting, it’s important to take the right steps when it comes to requesting revisions.

Said Gethen, “I tell them, ‘If there’s any inaccuracies or vandalism, you should speak up. But if it’s just something you want to update, you should leave a note on the talk page of the article rather than edit it yourself or try to contact me directly.’ That’s the appropriate way to handle it.”

In addition to writing, editing and keeping an eye out for instances of vandalism on Wikipedia pages, Gethen adds photographs they’ve personally taken. The “2023 Media Contributor of the Year” award that Gethen received specifically acknowledges their photo contributions to Wikipedia pages and Wikimedia Commons, a media repository.

Gethen’s to thank for photos of the late Bay Area gay Black singer-songwriter and activist Blackberri, trans actor and LGBTQ advocate Laverne Cox and trans activist Gavin Grimm.

t

“Whenever possible, if I get a photo of a trans person who already has a biography, or I think should have a biography, then I can use my own photos to illustrate that biography. So that’s what I really like to do, because it’s difficult to get freely licensed photos of notable people from Wikipedia.”

They’re also responsible for adding photos of important LGBTQ historical moments and celebrations, like the Trans History Month flag raising at City Hall and Transgender Day of Visibility.

Gethen shared they’ve been a photographer for many years and have taken numerous photos, primarily in the Bay Area, while at social justice events, protests and rallies – especially after Trump’s election in 2016.

Their own trans identity, coupled with the vast amount of work they’ve put into the Wikipedia pages of various trans and nonbinary individuals, have inevitably positioned Gethen in an educator role.

Notably, they’ve participated in conversations with other Wikipedia editors about the coverage of marginalized individuals, especially those who are trans.

“As I’m sure you’re familiar with, there’s a lot of controversy about us. So I’ve engaged in discussions with fellow Wikimedians on respectful and appropriate coverage of transgender subjects,” they told the B.A.R. At the TransTech Summit in April 2023, Gethen presented “Countering Transphobia on Wikipedia.” Their talk honed in on trans biographies on the site.

“I’ve given several talks for Wikipedia editors on trans coverage. This was the opposite – giving a talk to trans folks who are not familiar with Wikipedia about how Wikipedia works,” they said.

This month, Gethen celebrated the 10th anniversary of their gender transition and their name day – two significant and joy-filled life events for anyone in the trans community. Going forward, they’d like to see more queer, trans and nonbinary folks become Wikipedians and contribute to LGBTQ-centering conversations and pages.

As Gethen noted, “There’s a well known gender gap on Wikipedia, where overwhelmingly men edit Wikipedia, but there’s even more of a transgender gap. It’s not just that very few trans people edit because there are very few trans people in society … there’s [also] a gap in knowledge. So whenever there is a discussion about something that impacts us, very few of us are available to participate in it.” t

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A

nde Stone, left, senior community mobilization manager at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, presented the Catalyst of Change Award to outgoing AIDS Legal Referral Panel Executive Director Bill Hirsh August 21 at the foundation’s Strut health clinic in the LGBTQ Castro neighborhood. The award was given by SFAF’s HIV Advocacy Network, which mobilizes the HIV community to advocate for public policies to address their needs. Hirsh

stated in a news release that he was “thrilled” to receive the award. “I believe the recognition stems from the work I have done to ensure that the city’s budget reflects the needs of some of the most vulnerable residents of our community and my efforts over many years to address the affordable housing crisis experienced by people living with HIV,” he added. Hirsh will be stepping down from leading ALRP at the end of the year.

Community News>>

t Prelim hearing set in gay Oakland murder case

August 31-September 6, 2023 • Bay Area Repor ter • 3

by John Ferrannini

T

he attorney defending the UC Berkeley employee charged in the killing of a gay Black man in Oakland earlier this year said his problems receiving evidence from prosecutors are getting resolved.

“I got a lot of it and there’s more coming,” attorney David J. Briggs told the Bay Area Reporter August 25. “I’m confident I’m going to have what I need in a short time.”

During a court appearance Briggs and Alameda County Deputy District Attorney Jake O’Malley asked Alameda County Superior Court Judge Kimberly E. Colwell to set a preliminary hearing in the case for October 17.

Briggs is representing defendant Sweven Waterman, 38, of Oakland, who has been charged with homicide in the March 4 stabbing death of Curtis Marsh, 53, also of Oakland.

Waterman has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody at the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin. In a previous interview,

Courtesy Oakland LGBTQ Community Center

Curtis Marsh was stabbed to death in March at his Oakland home.

Briggs demurred when asked about his client’s sexual orientation. Waterman is on administrative leave from his job as a senior custodian at UC Berkeley.

Marsh, who was also known as drag artist Touri Monroe, was a hair stylist and a Miss Gay Oakland emeritus who used to sing with the Oakland Gay Men’s Chorus. Originally from Iowa, friends described him as fun, helpful, and active in his church.

Briggs waived Waterman’s appearance in Colwell’s courtroom at the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse in downtown Oakland. During the hearing, Briggs told Colwell that “Mr. O’Malley and I have made significant progress on our discovery issues,” but that an initial preliminary hearing date for September 19 would be too soon, and that both he and the DA’s office agreed to move the hearing to October.

At the preliminary hearing, the Alameda County District Attorney’s office will present witnesses and evidence, and the judge will decide if there’s sufficient evidence to proceed with the charges against Waterman at trial. The DA’s office did not immediately return a request for comment.

Briggs has told the B.A.R. in past

reports that Waterman did not know Marsh, as far as he knew.

Police responded to Marsh’s home on Vernon Street in the Adams Point neighborhood just before 8 a.m.

March 4 after a report of a disturbance, Oakland Police Officer Darryl Rodgers stated in an email to the B.A.R. The “disturbance” consisted of “reports of an individual screaming,” stated Paul Chambers, the strategic communication manager for the Oakland Police Department.

When officers arrived, Oakland firefighters were on the scene extinguishing a fire.

“Upon arrival, officers located an Oakland resident with multiple lacerations,” Oakland Police Officer Darryl Rodgers stated. “The victim succumbed to their injuries and medical units pronounced the victim deceased on scene. Investigators from the OPD Homicide Section responded to the scene to begin the follow-up investigation into the circumstances surrounding the homicide.”

Man charged with hate crime in Emeryville senior housing incident

by John Ferrannini

T

he Alameda County District Attorney’s office has charged a 64-year-old man with hate crime vandalism alleged to have happened in the lobby of a senior housing facility.

Ayman Badr was charged with one count of vandalism under $400 and another of “violation of civil rights,” according to Patti Lee, a spokesperson for Alameda County DA Pamela Price.

Shortly before Lee confirmed the charges, Emeryville Police Department Sergeant Andrew Cassianos of the criminal investigative section stated to the Bay Area Reporter that the DA’s office was reviewing the case.

Badr is not in custody, according to the Alameda County Sheriff ’s office’s inmate locator; his arraignment is set for September 8 at 9 a.m. in front of Judge Sharon Djemal in Department 108 at the Wiley W. Manuel Courthouse in downtown Oakland.

The Alameda County Public Defender’s office stated to the B.A.R. that it is not presently rep-

Courtesy Apartments.com

A 64-year-old man has been charged with a hate crime for an incident that allegedly occurred at Avalon Senior Housing in Emeryville.

resenting Badr. He could not be reached for comment.

“With regards to the investigation you are referencing, there was no arrest made,” Cassianos stated.

“The Emeryville Police Department responded to a call for ser-

vice and conducted an investigation. Once our investigation was complete, the case was forwarded to the Alameda County DA’s office for review. That is where the case is now, with the DA’s office pending review.”

More information was provided

by Emeryville Police Service Manager Dutchess Z. Booze, which stated the incident – the date for which was not given – was first reported June 22 at the Avalon Senior Housing on San Pablo Avenue.

The facility did not return a request for comment.

A neighbor, believed to be Badr, “became verbally aggressive” toward a woman who put up flyers for the Juneteenth holiday, leaving her “afraid,” according to the computer-aided dispatch, or CAD, call narrative search report, which Booze sent to the B.A.R. Subsequently, the CAD report states, “the victim, who’s part of a housing committee, placed proLBGTQ+ Pride posters in the lobby on behalf of the committee.

Without provocation, an aggressive suspect verbally attacked the victim while going on an anti-gay tirade (hate speech). The suspect was interviewed and admitted to ripping down the posters. The theft of the posters was also captured on [closed-circuit television]. The victim indicated she fears for her

Neighbors told KTVU-TV (https:// www.ktvu.com/news/oakland-gaymens-chorus-member-stabbed-andkilled-in-his-home) that the perpetrator set the fire and left the front door and gate open when running away.

No motive has been given, nor the circumstances of if – or how – the two men knew one another.

Waterman has six prior convictions dating back to 2002, including felony evasion, forgery, robbery, and vehicle theft, according to Berkeley Scanner.

A memorial for Marsh was held March 11 at the Oakland LGBTQ Community Center where friends remembered him.

Marsh is one of two gay Black men who were killed in Oakland this year.

But, so far, no suspect has been found in the March 12 shooting death of Devonte Davis, police told the B.A.R. July 7. Oakland police didn’t return a request for comment on the Davis case by press time August 25. The two incidents are unrelated. t

safety due to the suspect’s threatening behavior, and she will be seeking a stay-away order.”

It is unclear if the housing committee was at Avalon Senior Housing.

Emeryville Mayor John J. Bauters, a gay man, told the B.A.R. that the resident “contacted the police when this happened, they did a report, and the police department did a good job gathering evidence and submitting it to the DA.” t The State of California offers help for victims or witnesses to a hate crime or hate incident.

This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to https://www. cavshate.org/.

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<< Community News

4 • Bay Area Repor ter • August 31-September 6, 2023

t

2 LGBTQ SF groups seek funds for Maui fire victims compiled by Cynthia Laird

T

wo San Francisco LGBTQ organizations are seeking funds to help victims of the recent wildfires in Maui, Hawaii.

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will hold “Ohana” Thursday, August 31, at 9 p.m. at the Lookout bar, 3600 Market Street in San Francisco’s LGBTQ Castro neighborhood.

Hosted by Sister Roma of the drag nun philanthropic group and Honey Mahogany, a trans person and chair of the San Francisco Democratic Party, the evening will feature the city’s storied hula dance company Nā Lei Hulu I Ka Wēkiu and DJ Bugie, along with pop-up drag performances and other surprises.

According to a news release, all funds raised will go to the Maui AIDS Foundation’s Fire Relief Fund, which is currently working to help many people who lost so much in the fires.

The wildfire broke out earlier this month and, on August 8, destroyed the historic town of Lahaina on Maui’s western side. Hundreds of people died and more are still reported missing, according to news re-

ports. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden visited the island August 21 and pledged help from the federal government, which is already on the scene.

The fundraiser is the brainchild of longtime Sisters (and partners) Saki Tumi and Penny Costal, the release stated. “We lived on Maui shortly after we met in San Francisco,” stated Tumi.

“We were greeted with open arms and made many lifelong friendships. When we heard of the unbelievable destruction and loss of life, we knew this was a chance for the Sisters to channel our community’s love to help out. We’re especially grateful to Gregg Crosby, general manager of the Lookout, for offering this terrific venue. Mahalo!”

Crosby did not return a Facebook message seeking comment, and no one answered the phone at the Lookout Monday afternoon.

Another nonprofit, the Rainbow World Fund, is soliciting donations to help with wildfire relief efforts. The all-volunteer LGBTQ humanitarian organization generally responds to natural and other disasters across the globe.

In an email to supporters, Jeff Cotter,

Courtesy the White House

President Joe Biden spoke with residents affected by the wildfires in Maui during a visit to the island August 21.

a gay man who is the executive director of RWF, wrote, “Besides the loss of human lives, animal lives, housing, businesses, and infrastructure, the impact on Hawaiian cultural legacy is devastating.

“The fire has destroyed hundreds of artifacts, thousands of historical records, and many culturally and spiritually important sites. Many of the victims were elders and leaders in their families and communities,” Cotter added.

Cotter explained that RWF is helping on a micro level.

“On a macro level, Maui’s challenges are enormous. It is easy to look at Lahaina and feel overwhelmed. But on a micro level, progress is already being made – and that is where you find the hope,” he stated. “There has been an outpouring of support from around the world.

People are opening up their homes to the survivors. Visitors are changing their plans to avoid getting in the way and to allow all resources to be dedicated to the survivors. At Rainbow World Fund, we have learned that the foundation for

change and long-term recovery after a natural disaster is always on the micro level. One-to-one. Community by community.”

RWF is also sending supplies to the Maui AIDS Foundation, and Cotter noted that the best way for people to help is to make a donation. One hundred percent of people’s donations will fund lifesaving and improving actions, Cotter stated.

People can donate online by going to https://tinyurl.com/3w9jw47j and selecting “Hawaii Fire Emergency.” Checks can be sent to Rainbow World Fund, 4111 18th Street, San Francisco, CA 94114. Write Hawaii Fire Emergency in the memo line.

Older adults can take CA survey

The first-ever needs assessment for Californians aged 55 years and older has launched, and the California Department of Aging urges older adults to fill it out online before the September 4 expiration date.

A news release noted that the Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults is not just another survey; it’s a chance for participants to shape the future. “Designed by experts and backed by solid statistical validity, CASOA empowers you to voice your needs and preferences,” the release stated.

The aging department added that responses will remain confidential. It noted that the survey also provides the department with “a significant opportunity” to gather information about sexual orientation and gender identity, ensuring that health care remains patient-centered and of the highest quality across the state.

The survey is available in multiple languages. If people have questions they can call (916) 970-9948. To take the survey, go to https://tinyurl.com/495jnkrk.

The survey takes about five minutes.

Castro mural restoration seeks donations

This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to https://www.cavshate.org/.

The Eureka Valley Neighborhood Association is seeking donations so it can complete restoration of “The Chant of the Earth, the Voice of the Land” mural on upper Market Street near the intersection of 18th Street.

Acclaimed muralist Betsie MillerKusz painted the mural in 1981, and she has been restoring the mural with the help of assistants and volunteers.

In its newsletter, EVNA President Alex Lemberg stated that the group hit a snag. “We ran out of money,” they wrote, “and the project isn’t done.”

Lemberg added that the Castro Community Benefit District has posted a fundraising link and is the fiscal sponsor of the project.

“The mural theme features an abstract, brilliantly colored depiction of the landforms behind the retaining wall, located on Market Street at 19th Street,” the CBD explained on the fundraising page. “The site is at almost the exact geographic center of San Francisco. The forms sweep along at the street level, portraying flows and fissures, uplifts and earth forces, a counterpoint to the downtown skyline visible from the site,” the CBD page stated.

The CBD noted that the mural has been restored three times, “and although it was not intended as a political statement in 1981, the crises in our lands have made it so today. After its restoration, it will be coated with a varnish intended to last another 40 years, hopefully impervious to rising sea levels or earthquakes.”

Lemberg said the goal is to raise $10,000 so that the restoration can be finished. All donations are tax-deductible and donors’ names will be included in the mural, they added.

To donate, go to https://tinyurl. com/5brwnm8a. t

Community News>>

t Future murky after St. James announces closure

August 31-September 6, 2023 • Bay Area Repor ter • 5

by John Ferrannini

T

wo weeks after San Francisco’s only medical and social service organization built by and for sex workers quietly announced that it’s shutting its doors, questions about how this hole in the city’s safety net will be filled are still unanswered.

But officials from both the city and St. James Infirmary, which will pass into history just months from now, assured the Bay Area Reporter that they’re working on it.

“I can tell you as of this morning it looks like both of our housing programs are going to have really great new homes, but I can’t say who those are,” Dana Hopkins, the chair of St. James’ board, told the B.A.R. on August 29. “You can circle back and we can share about one or another of them by the next day or two.

We’re looking for orgs that share our values, housing in particular, that are trans knowledgeable, have trans staff, and are trans competent.”

Pau Crego, a trans man who is the executive director of the city’s Office of Transgender Initiatives, stated as much August 25. As the B.A.R. has extensively reported, in 2019 the mayor’s office awarded over a million dollars to two nonprofits – St. James and Larkin Street Youth Services – to provide case management and disbursement of funds, respectively, for the city’s first rental subsidy for transgender people.

“MOHCD is in the process of identifying an organization that would have the capacity and expertise to deliver these life-saving services without interruption, but at this time a selection has not been made,” Crego stated, referring to the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development that funds the program. “OTI [Office of Transgender Initiatives] has been working closely with MOHCD and SJI [St. James Infirmary] to ensure a seamless transfer of this program.”

Crego referred “questions about SJI’s sunsetting timeline, and other questions related to SJI as an organization” to Hopkins.

When asked about how St. James’ demise affects Larkin Street, as well as where St. James’ current clients should go, Sherilyn Adams, the CEO of Larkin Street Youth Services, responded with a brief statement.

“Larkin Street Youth Services is deeply appreciative of the St. James Infirmary’s decades of service to our community,” Adams stated. “We are committed to supporting St. James Infirmary as they work to transition their programs, including Our Trans Home subsidy, to other providers over the next six to 12 months.”

‘Painful decision’

Hopkins called the decision to close a difficult one and said that as a result, St. James will close definitively over the next six to nine months.

“It was a really painful decision,” Hopkins said. “It was made with the board and the board emeritus. The decision was reached only days before there was any kind of announcement; we weren’t working on this for months without telling anyone. It’s heartbreaking, but it’s also the nature of nonprofits.”

St. James first opened in June 1999 as a health and safety clinic to provide non-judgmental services to current and former sex workers. It came about after an agreement between the late Margo St. James, a longtime advocate for sex workers, and the San Francisco Department of Public Health, whereby the city would stop nonconsensual tests for sexually transmitted infections in jails, but the sex workers themselves would run their own clinic.

Its offices are in the city’s South of Market neighborhood, once a hotspot for the city’s sex clubs, now represented by gay Supervisor Matt Dorsey.

“I was really saddened to hear the news,” Dorsey stated to the B.A.R. “I’ve always had tremendous respect for the organization, and I actually stopped by

John Ferrannini

St. James Infirmary, which provided services to sex workers and their families and was part of the Our Trans Home program, is expected to soon close its doors for good.

its new location on Mission Street shortly after I joined the Board of Supervisors to introduce myself and get an early tour.

“I think the closure is also sad because it was part of the legacy of Margo St. James, who passed away just a few years ago,” Dorsey added. “Margo was such a groundbreaking advocate for sex workers and a colorful San Francisco character for many years. That mostly preceded my time here, and I didn’t know Margo personally. But I have reached out to a couple of our mutual friends to see if

there is anything the city should do to ensure that Margo St. James’ legacy endures in some way.”

St. James died in 2021, as the B.A.R. previously reported.

Recent woes

Bay Area Workers Support, which advocates for sex worker rights and safety, issued its own statement demanding accountability and transparency.

“St. James was more than just a clinic; it was a place of acceptance, a commu-

nity space, and a source of life-changing care,” the statement reads. “Regrettably, we must address that these peer-based essential programs, such as mental health support and medical care, have already been dissolved without warning or reassigning clients to other services. The repercussions of this decision have caused harm to our community members and service providers, and they underscore the necessity for further accountability throughout the closure process.”

BAWS enumerated three specific demands: that the St. James board provide “comprehensive explanation for the closure of this cherished institution and an end to any practices that suppress current employees from speaking to the media or other stakeholders;” that it “be proactive in transitioning its programs to other community organizations that can ensure the same level of dedication and compassion for staff and participants;” and that it respond to allegations of “unsafe and unreasonable labor conditions” levied against it by Our Trans Home SF staff.

“So far, the only public response from SJI has given is to shut down entirely,” BAWS stated. “The OTH staff bravely put their jobs on the line to call out the mistreatment of themselves and the homeless trans community, and the

silence they’ve gotten in return speaks volumes.”

As the B.A.R. reported earlier this year, St. James staffers were accused of sexual retaliation against a trans woman living at the Bobbie Jean Baker House.

The city instructed St. James to pause evicting the tenant while her claims that she was being evicted because she wouldn’t accompany two staffers to a sex club were investigated.

That tenant, Blanche Kriege, told the B.A.R. that she is “saddened but not at all surprised” at St. James’ demise.

“The city (mayor’s office) bears the lion’s share of this blame,” Kriege stated.

“The indicators of SJI’s demise were public and well known to them and the BOS [Board of Supervisors]. It would appear that rather than guiding a shiftless pack of hyper-triggered juveniles (management) to practicality, they opted to enable pettiness and tantrums.”

Kriege continued that “on paper these programs do work and they do save lives. The affected parties would be well-advised to restructure the affected programs under Larkin Street Youth’s [Services] more solid track record.”

A spokesperson for Mayor London Breed did not return a request for comment for this report by press time.

See page 8 >>

Over 540 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced as legislation across the US in 2023 Many of the bills negatively impact the LGBTQ+ community’s mental health conditions.

Alameda County Behavioral Health Care (ACBH) Pride Coalition (Health Equity Division) would like to invite you to a panel discussion to acknowledge the disheartening and dangerous impact of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.

Thursday, September 7th 2023

12-1:30 pm

OUR PANEL MEMBERS WILL:

• Discuss their work advocating for our LGBTQ+ family.

• Share why this topic is important and how anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is impacting them personally.

• Offer support and advocacy moving forward.

SPEAKERS:

Poem by LaMar Mitchell Arneta Rogers Esq. Gender, Sexuality, and Reproductive Justice Program Director ACLU of Northern California Kate Jones RN, MS, MSN Director, Adult and Older Adult System of Care Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services Lillith Rudeen Student panelist

THIS EVENT IS OFFERED ON ZOOM:

REGISTER HERE

For more information contact OfficeOfEthnicServices@acgov.org

<< Open Forum

t Bonta has more school districts to sue

6 • Bay Area Repor ter • August 31-September 6, 2023

Volume 53, Number 35 August 31-September 6, 2023

www.ebar.com

PUBLISHER Michael M. Yamashita Thomas E. Horn, Publisher Emeritus (2013) Publisher (2003 – 2013) Bob Ross, Founder (1971 – 2003) NEWS EDITOR Cynthia Laird ARTS & NIGHTLIFE EDITOR Jim Provenzano ASSISTANT EDITORS Matthew S. Bajko • John Ferrannini CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Christopher J. Beale • Robert Brokl Brian Bromberger • Victoria A. Brownworth Philip Campbell • Heather Cassell Michael Flanagan •Jim Gladstone Liz Highleyman • Brandon Judell • Lisa Keen Philip Mayard • Laura Moreno David-Elijah Nahmod • Paul Parish • Tim Pfaff Jim Piechota • Adam Sandel Jason Serinus • Gregg Shapiro Gwendolyn Smith • Charlie Wagner Ed Walsh • Cornelius Washington • Sura Wood ART DIRECTION Max Leger PRODUCTION/DESIGN Ernesto Sopprani PHOTOGRAPHERS Jane Philomen Cleland Rick Gerharter • Gooch Jose A. Guzman-Colon • Rudy K. Lawidjaja Georg Lester • Rich Stadtmiller Christopher Robledo • Fred Rowe Shot in the City • Steven Underhill • Bill Wilson ILLUSTRATORS & CARTOONISTS Christine Smith

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C

alifornia Attorney General Rob Bonta this week filed a lawsuit against the Chino Valley Unified School District because its board voted last month to adopt a mandatory gender identity disclosure policy. But Chino Valley is just the first school district to have such a policy, and we expect Bonta to soon file similar lawsuits against the Murrieta Valley Unified School District and the Temecula Valley Unified School District, as their school boards adopted similar forced outing policies this month. These policies require schools to inform parents, with minimal exceptions, whenever a student requests to use a name or pronoun different from that on their birth certificate or official records, even without the student’s permission.

In Chino Valley’s case, since that lawsuit was filed August 28, the policy also requires notification if a student requests to use facilities or participates in programs that don’t align with their sex on official records, Bonta’s office stated in a news release accompanying the lawsuit.

Bonta is challenging that policy, which he says violates the California Constitution and state laws safeguarding civil rights. It has “already caused and is threatening to cause LGBTQ+ students with further mental, emotional, psychological, and potential physical harm,” the release stated.

Specifically, Bonta’s lawsuit maintains that the Chino Valley forced outing policy violates the state’s equal protection clause because it unlawfully discriminates and singles out students who request to identify with or use other names or pronouns. The district is also in violation of California’s education and Government codes, the lawsuit stated. Education Code Sections 200 and 220 and Government Code Section 11135 ensure equal rights and opportunities for every student and prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression. Finally, Bonta’s lawsuit charges that Chino Valley is in violation of the state’s constitutional right to privacy. The constitution expressly protects the right to “privacy,” including both “informational privacy” and “au-

AP/file

California Attorney General Rob Bonta

tonomy privacy.” The Chino Valley policy mandate to out trans and gender-nonconforming students against their wishes or without their consent violates that right, the lawsuit stated.

It’s true that all students should feel safe at school, both LGBTQ and straight. District policies should reflect that. The problem with Chino Valley, Murrieta Valley, and Temecula Valley is that these school boards are specifically targeting trans and gender-nonconforming students, many of whom may not feel safe at home and, as a result, schools become their primary safe space. That goes away with these forced outing policies. It’s also the case that school staff may tell a student’s parents about changes in their gender identity or gender expression with the student’s permission when the student is ready.

Unfortunately, this latest wave of forced outing policies does not do that.

It’s also true that parents and guardians often know what’s best for their kids. But when transphobic parents threaten their trans or gendernonconforming kids with kicking them out of

the house, or worse, it’s no wonder that some of these students would have great hesitation in coming out to them.

These parental rights groups don’t have students’ best interest in mind. On the contrary, as we report this week, Protect Kids California has started the process to qualify three anti-trans initiatives on next year’s state ballot. One would prohibit trans girls from playing on female athletic teams, another would ban gender-affirming care for trans, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming youth, and the third – you guessed it – would explicitly state that school districts can adopt forced outing policies. With several polls showing support for the subjects of the proposed ballot measures, if one or more qualify, California will be front and center in the culture wars again. To top it off, the anti-trans measures would compete with the constitutional amendment in which voters will decide whether to remove the “zombie” Proposition 8 language from the state’s governing document. (Prop 8, of course, was found to be unconstitutional but its language defining marriage as between a man and a woman remains in the constitution.)

Put all of this together and it’s easy to see that LGBTQ rights, particularly those of trans people, are going to be the subject of angry debate and underhanded tactics designed to persuade straight people that trans people are not deserving of equal rights. It’s a sorry state of affairs.

In the meantime, we urge Bonta to file similar lawsuits against Murrieta Valley and Temecula Valley school districts. Legal action, it seems, will be the only way for these school districts to respect students and not cause them harm by disclosing private information to their parents.

Bonta has been a steadfast ally to the LGBTQ community, and these efforts by conservative school boards are wrong and unconscionable.

These board members don’t care about the physical and mental well-being of students and are using the “parents rights” trope as a hammer. That a bunch of adults want to endanger students by taking away their privacy rights is breathtaking and frightening. t

Why CBD works

by Ali Stoddard

The short answer as to why CBD may not work for you is that your Endocannabinoid System needs to be awakened or strengthened; or perhaps the CBD strain you tried was not grown under organic conditions; or was extracted with toxic solvents; or formulated with chemicals.

For most of us, the CBD molecule needs to come from the plant and should be grown under organic conditions and third-party tested for heavy metals and toxins like pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides. Since this plant contains over 800 bioactive nutrients like omega 3s, vitamins, and polyphenols – it is best to ingest a full spectrum, whole plant, cold-processed, emulsion, tincture, capsule, or beverage. And remember, since your skin is your largest organ, make sure CBD cream has gone through the same rigorous testing.

T

here are many, many reasons why CBD, or cannabidiol, works, and a few reasons why CBD might not work for you.

CBD comes from a plant, a weed that is indigenous to every continent on this earth. The CBD molecule that is extracted from the cannabis plant acts just like the CBD molecule that we already produce in our body. That’s right, we make a CBDlike molecule and a THC-like molecule through an amazing system called the Endocannabinoid System. The CBD-like molecule is called 2-AG and the THC-like molecule we produce is called anandamide. The cannabis plant produces phytocannabinoids called CBD and THC. So, the answer to “Where Does CBD Come From?” is twofold – we make it in the body, and it is extracted from the oils of two different plants.

Both the marijuana plant and the hemp plant contain CBD. The difference is, the marijuana plant has THC in it and is regulated by the state, and only available through dispensaries. (THC is the part of the marijuana plant that creates the euphoria and paranoia; but also acts as an anti-inflammatory).

Because dispensary CBD contains THC, it will fail a drug test, cannot be taken out of the state, and is considered a Schedule 1 drug.

Conversely, the hemp plant contains virtually no THC, and is considered a dietary supplement or a vitamin, and can be sold and distributed online and through stores like CVS. Besides legislation, it is all so confusing because the hemp plant looks exactly like the marijuana plant, smells and smokes like the marijuana plant, but cannot get you high or paranoid or dizzy because of the absence of THC. Historically, the hemp plant was used for its fiber, and only in the last two decades, has it been grown specifically for its medicinal benefits.

CBD is readily absorbed through the skin and

by CBD receptors located throughout the body, including CBD receptors in the brain, the immune cells, and every organ in the body. In fact, there are more Endocannabinoid receptors in the brain than all the other brain receptors combined. The Endocannabinoid’s system of receptors, neurotransmitters, ligands, and pathways, are woefully under researched, and yet make up the most powerful,

Courtesy Ali Stoddard

Ali Stoddard

magical system in the human body.

On a minute-by- minute, hour-by-hour basis, this powerful system is dedicated toward producing balance, or homeostasis, within the body. Meaning, if we have anxiety, the Endocannabinoid System is trying to keep the neurons in the brain from over-firing. If we sustain an injury, it is the Endocannabinoid System that is attempting to send out anti-inflammatory cytokines or molecules to help contain and protect and heal. But most people’s Endocannabinoid System is dysfunctional or not working at all.

It is the CBD molecule that can awaken or jumpstart this very complicated system. CBD is one of only a few molecules or super nutrients that can awaken this system. Therefore, we see that CBD can, through the Endocannabinoid System, reverse disease states, downregulate negative gene expressions, and quell a host of conditions, ranging from ADHD, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder, to seizures, chronic pain, and autoimmune issues.

CBD feeds and strengthens this complicated system in our body that oversees perception, such as to pain, mood, inflammation and a thousand other subtle, yet important, functions in the body.

Safety

Using a clean, plant-based CBD product ensures you will not see side effects. There has never been a reported death from an overdose of CBD or THC, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. This is because when one overdoses from chemicals or opioids, the respiration, located in the brain stem, shuts off. There are no endocannabinoid receptors in the brain stem, therefore the respiration will not shut off during an overdose. The Endocannabinoid System excretes the THC and CBD naturally and easily. The human body is wired to accept and use CBD, and there does not seem to be a toxic level for CBD. This, however, is not true for THC, and research is showing that aggressive, daily use of highly concentrated THC products are causing digestive pain, dysbiosis, and more.

CBD seems to be the safest, most natural drug on the planet and is worth a try. t Ali Stoddard spent 25 years in orthopedics and pain management before learning about nutrition and plant medicine. She offers free consults, in-depth health consults, supplements, and CBD on her website: GreenAlleyWellness.com. This column is not intended as medical advice.

t

Politics >>

August 31-September 6, 2023 • Bay Area Repor ter • 7

Gay educator Hale seeks open San Jose college board seat

by Matthew S. Bajko

D

ue to the election last November of gay San Jose City Councilmember Omar Torres, the District 7 seat he had held on the seven-person board that oversees the San José-Evergreen Community College District has been vacant this year. Voters in the downtown-centered district will be voting this November in a special election for one of five candidates seeking to serve out the remainder of Torres’ term through the end of next year.

Thus, the winner will need to seek a full four-year term on the fall 2024 ballot and have a leg up as the incumbent against any opponents who also file.

Aiming to hold that frontrunner status is gay educator Clay Hale, who works for the East Side Union High School District.

“I know this is a very down ballot race and I know it is in a weird election cycle,” Hale told the Bay Area Reporter during a recent video interview about his campaign. (https://www.voteclayhale.com/) “We are trying to outreach to our voters to make sure they understand how important it is to vote in this election and what is at stake.”

Hale, 28, teaches AP government and politics at the district’s Yerba Buena High School. But two days a week he works at the campus of Evergreen Valley College assisting students from his high school who are enrolled in classes at the community college through a special program that prepares them to seek a college degree.

“I am the only candidate who spends time at the San José-Evergreen district,” said Hale, who lives in San Jose’s Japantown district with his partner of eight years, Jonathan Cruz Ishii, a former teacher who now works in the ed tech sector.

Endorsed by the national LGBTQ Victory Fund, Hale has attracted support from a number of South Bay leaders, including gay Cupertino City Councilmember JR Fruen and gay former Santa Clara County supervisor Ken Yeager, who became the first out person elected in the county with his winning a seat on the college board in 1992.

“I want to be an advocate for our students, staff, and faculty on this board,” said Hale. “I feel so often that teachers, who are in the trenches every single day of the week advocating for our students, so often our voices are not elevated to these elected boards. I think it is time we have teachers in these elected spaces to advocate for our fellow educators, our students, and our staff, and to make sure teachers get the respect they deserve, and get the pay and benefits they need to successfully thrive in our Bay Area.”

As a first-time candidate for public office who has little name recognition with voters, Hale faces a tough campaign for the seat. He also finds himself

Courtesy Hale’s FB page

Gay educator Clay Hale is running in a special election for a South Bay community college board seat.

running against another candidate, Lisanna Dominguez, with strong ties to the South Bay’s political and education circles.

Dominguez, chief of staff and strategy officer for the Silicon Valley Education Foundation, has the endorsement of Torres in the race, along with gay Oak Grove School District Trustee Jorge Pacheco Jr. Most of San Jose’s city councilmembers and its county supervisors are supporting Dominguez, a former community college student who had served as executive vice president of the Latino Education Advancement Foundation.

Also on the ballot is Santa Clara County Airport Land-Use Commissioner Diego Barragan, (https://www. diegobarragan.com/blank-3) a San Jose native who lives downtown with his wife and two kids, plus former candidates for seats on the college board educator Stephen Eckstone and Anthony Macias, a gay Republican in law school.

With five candidates in what is likely to be a low-turnout election, the victor likely will only need a slight vote advantage to win. Hale told the B.A.R. he believes he can attract a winning margin of voters if he has a strong get-out-the-vote effort.

“I feel very confident come November 7 on our chances in this election,” said Hale. “Definitely, we need to do a lot of voter education to make sure voters know what the community college is, what responsibility we have as trustees, and the impact they have as voters in this election.”

Attended community college

Hale grew up in Sacramento and entered a nearby community college, Sierra College, after he graduated high school. He eventually transferred to UC Berkeley and earned a history degree, becoming the first person in his family to graduate college.

He then landed a teaching job with his school district and moved to San Jose. He established a requirement at the school that students needed to complete a civic engagement project in order to earn their diploma.

“One of my very big passions is getting students civically engaged,” said Hale. “We are making sure our students

have the tools to be civically engaged in our communities. When they graduate high school, they have a tool chest of different civic engagement tools to address inequalities they see in Santa Clara County, the Bay Area, and our nation.”

With most of his students also the first ones in their families to attend college, Hale said he decided to seek the college board seat as a way to ensure his pupils and others like them can succeed if they enroll at one of the district’s two main campuses. It also operates San Jose City College.

“They face a lot of challenges, like having college classes being canceled so Attorney at Law they don’t have the classes they need to fulfill major requirements. They are not always aware about the opportunities community college offers for them,” said Hale. “Also, all of our students face hous• Divorce w/emphasis on ing insecurities.”

Real Estate & Business Divisions The college doesn’t currently offer • Domestic Partnerships, Support & Custody housing, something Hale said he wants • Probate and Wills to help explore if elected to the board. The www.SchneiderLawSF.com district, which has nearly 16,000 students, is also searching for a new chancellor, so the winner of the race will likely play a *Certified by the California State Bar part in selecting the person for the job, as the search is to begin this fall.

315 Montgomery St., Ste. 1025, San Francisco, CA 94104 Another issue Hale said he wants to address if elected to the board seat is pay for the college’s faculty, who also face housing constraints due to the high cost of living in the area.

“The Bay Area is expensive; San Jose is expensive,” said Hale. “Educators can not afford to save for a down payment in the Bay Area. I feel very passionate about the needs of fellow educators.”

With LGBTQ issues in schools increasingly under attack, even in California, Hale said he also entered the race to ensure LGBTQ students, faculty, and staff feel they have a voice on the college board.

“I firmly believe, now more than ever, it is important we have LGBTQ individuals elected to boards of education,” Hale told the B.A.R. “We need to be representedUntitled-3 1 8/14/23 9:41 AM throughout our boards of education to make sure we are advancing policies for our community, now more than ever. I am ready to be that advocate in San Jose.”

Should he win the race, Hale also pledged to be a vocal advocate campaigning against any anti-LGBTQ ballot measures that conservatives are able to place before California voters. There is a move to put three such initiatives on next fall’s ballot, including one that would allow school districts to forcibly out transgender students to their parents and one that would restrict the school athletic teams that trans female students can play on. (See story Page 1.)

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<< Health News

8 • Bay Area Repor ter • August 31-September 6, 2023

t

Expert panel recommends all types of PrEP

by Liz Highleyman

T

he U.S. Preventive Services Task Force released a recommendation this week calling on health care providers to prescribe all approved PrEP options for people at increased risk for HIV. The new recommendation adds tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine pills (Descovy) and long-acting injectable cabotegravir (Apretude) to its 2019 recommendation of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine pills (Truvada and generic equivalents).

The recommendation, released August 22, received an “A” grade, meaning it is well supported by scientific evidence.

The national Affordable Care Act requires private insurers to fully cover USPSTF-recommended prevention services with an “A” or “B” grade and provides financial incentives for state Medicaid programs to do so. This requirement will apply to the additional forms of PrEP in early 2025.

Public health officials and advocates hope the expanded USPSTF recommendation will help increase PrEP uptake, but the coverage requirement is jeopardized by an ongoing lawsuit by conservative business owners who claim it violates their religious freedom. As the Bay Area Reporter previously reported, a Texas judge blocked the requirement in March, but it remains in effect while the U.S. government appeals the decision.

“Expanding PrEP is a priority if we are to end the HIV epidemic,” Dr. Carlos del Rio, president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, and Dr. Michelle Cespedes, chair of the HIV Medicine Association, said in a statement.

“Unfortunately, the current court challenge to the preventive services coverage requirement, if successful, would put more people at risk for HIV and other serious infectious diseases and would be

<<

St. James

From page 5

Hopkins said that the departure of Anita O’Shea as interim executive director on August 15 – the day staff learned St. James would be shutting its doors – “has nothing to do with our sunsetting” and that reports that the board is “scaling back” staff is “absolutely not” true.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported that no reason was given for St. James’ demise – only that “Despite everybody’s best intentions, we don’t quite have the capacity to do this,” the paper reported

a major setback to efforts to end HIV as an epidemic.”

The task force recommended daily Truvada or Descovy pills or Apretude injections administered every other month; it did not address on-demand PrEP taken before and after sex. All three PrEP options are highly effective, reducing the risk of HIV acquisition by more than 99% if used consistently. All are generally well tolerated, but Truvada can cause kidney and bone problems in susceptible people, while Descovy has been linked to weight gain and elevated cholesterol.

Truvada and Apretude are approved for all individuals at risk for HIV. However, due to a lack of evidence from clinical trials, Descovy is not approved for people who are at risk for acquiring the virus via vaginal sex, such as cisgender women and transgender men.

Based on a review of medical studies, published this week in JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association, the expert panel concluded “with high certainty” that all three PrEP options offer “substantial net benefit” in reducing HIV acquisition for adolescents and adults at increased risk.

To determine whether people are at increased risk, the task force advises providers to talk with patients about their sexual history and injection drug use “in an open and nonjudgmental manner.” Factors that increase risk include having sex with a person who has HIV, having a recent sexually transmitted infection, not using condoms consistently, engaging in transactional sex, and sharing needles to inject drugs. Transgender women are at especially high risk for HIV acquisition, the panel noted.

“PrEP is an essential tool to help reduce rates of HIV in our nation,” task force member Dr. John Wong of Tufts University School of Medicine said in a statement. “To prevent HIV, it’s imporHopkins as saying – but multiple anonymous sources said that the nonprofit buckled amid mismanagement.

The B.A.R. reported on the rapid and opaque changes at St. James firsthand.

In 2020 – just weeks before the COVID pandemic lockdown – Executive Director Toni Newman announced she was departing, effective the same day, to move to Los Angeles.

Then, St. James staff and board members wouldn’t say who was in charge – going so far as to shut its doors on a B.A.R. reporter March 2, 2020 after first denying, then confirming, that there was an interim executive director.

DISPLAY OBITUARIES & IN MEMORIAMS

Courtesy Gilead Sciences Inc. and ViiV Healthcare

A new recommendation by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force adds PrEP medications Descovy, left, and long-acting Apretude to its 2019 recommendation for Truvada and generic versions of the drug for people at risk for HIV.

tant that healthcare professionals prescribe PrEP to patients at increased risk and discuss which form of this medication would be best for them.”

Cost and access

More than 36,000 people were newly diagnosed with HIV in 2021, most of them gay and bisexual men, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While white gay and bisexual men in San Francisco and other cities have eagerly adopted PrEP, uptake has been slow among gay men of color and cisgender women. The CDC estimates that about a third of the 1.2 million people who could benefit from PrEP are using it, but this ranges from just 11% of Black people and 21% of Latino people to nearly 80% of White people. Uptake of injectable PrEP has been particularly low.

“We’re still seeing that many people who could benefit from PrEP aren’t receiving this highly effective medication, The next year, St. James announced it wouldn’t be having an executive director but would be having a co-directorship.

“We discerned we’d been running as a co-directorship, and decided to go forward with that new leadership style,” O’Shea, then operations director, said at the time. “We are taking in a lot of philosophies talking about communication and the advice process [and] conflict engagement.”

But earlier this year St. James changed tact again. Hopkins said that “fundraisers wanted to see a more traditional leadership structure,” and that O’Shea stepped in as interim executive director, but was always going to leave August 15 and “did on very, very good terms.” O’Shea could

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not be reached for comment.

Future of services murky

St. James administrative assistant Trille Galli stated to the B.A.R. that there is not yet an “official end date.”

“Fortunately our remaining programs will be absorbed and carried out through new community non-profits,” Galli stated.

This was confirmed by Anne Stanley, communications manager for the mayoral housing office, who stated that “MOHCD is in the process of identifying an organization to take over the contract [for the housing subsidy] with minimal interruption to services.” But like others contacted for this story, Stan-

ley was not more forthcoming about specifics.

Crego did state, however, that there are many clinics in the area that have experience with the sex worker community, including Lyon Martin, City Clinic, the Berkeley Free Clinic, and Planned Parenthood. These agencies did not return requests for comment as of press time.

San Francisco Community Health Center was also contacted but did not respond to a request for comment. In March, the nonprofit opened the city’s first stand-alone facility dedicated exclusively to serving San Francisco’s transgender and gender-nonconforming communities.t

Obituaries >> Aldo Arias July 3, 1965 – August 15, 2023

The Bay Area Reporter can help members of the community reach more than 120,000 LGBT area residents each week with their display of Obituary* & In Memoriam messages.

particularly in Black, Hispanic, and Latino communities,” said task force member Dr. James Stevermer of the University of Missouri. “It’s critical for health care professionals to keep these disparities in mind and to have conversations with patients who are at risk about proven ways to prevent HIV, including taking PrEP.” Truvada was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in July 2012, and generic versions have been available since 2020. But Descovy (approved in October 2019) and Apretude (approved in December 2021) are still under patent, and the cost – approximately $23,000 per year for each – can be prohibitive. Gilead Sciences Inc., which makes Descovy, and ViiV Healthcare, which makes Apretude, offer patient assistance programs and copay cards for people with private insurance, but they do not always fully cover out-of-pocket costs for the medications and associated care, which includes regular lab tests.

“The USPSTF recommendation and coverage requirement will mean that long-acting injectable PrEP clients will not have to depend on pharmaceutical copay assistance,” Reina Hernandez, associate director of navigation services at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, told the B.A.R. “Because oral PrEP’s effectiveness depends on daily adherence, it is critical that we have affordable injectable options for folks who may struggle with adherence. We know that people affected by mental health issues, housing instability, anti-Black racism, transphobia, and lack of access to employment or other resources may have more difficulty with adherence. That is why ensuring equitable access to all PrEP options is a matter of racial and health justice.”

In California, Medi-Cal already covers all approved PrEP, a new state law requires most commercial health plans to cover PrEP without prior authorization, and the state has a PrEP Assistance Program as a payer of last resort. But people seeking PrEP often need patient navigators to help them negotiate the complex payment system, and those living in other states have fewer options.

“It is critical to address medication cost and insurance coverage, especially for the recently approved long-acting injectable cabotegravir and in states that have not adopted Medicaid expansion,” Drs. Albert Liu, Hyman Scott, and Susan Buchbinder of the San Francisco Department of Public Health wrote in a JAMA editorial accompanying the recommendation.

“Several groups have advocated for a National PrEP Program that provides nationwide coverage for PrEP medication, follow-up visits, and laboratory costs,” they added. “Such a comprehensive, federally funded program would be transformative in eliminating PrEP access barriers and ensuring access to PrEP for all who need it.” t

Aldo Arias, 58, passed away in his sleep on the morning of August 15, 2023, at his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Aldo was born on July 3, 1965, in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico to Arturo and Raquel Arias.

He grew up in Guadalajara, along with his brother, Arturo, and sister, Adriana. Aldo worked as a hair stylist/beautician for most of his professional career, which started in Guadalajara and continued in the United States when he immigrated in the late 1980s. He resided in San Francisco from the late 1980s until the end of 2017, when he moved to Albuquerque with his husband, Stan Wonn.

Aldo had many interests, including music, dancing, art, crochet, Mexican cuisine, plants, and pets. He was very sociable, loved to laugh, and made friends easily and for life.

In addition to his husband, Aldo is survived by his brother and sister, both of Guadalajara. He also leaves behind many other family members in Mexico, along with many other

friends he made throughout his life.

At Aldo’s request, no memorial service or funeral will be held. At a future date, his ashes will be scattered in the San Francisco Bay.

Stephen Merrell Jull-Patterson January 2, 1958 – July 30, 2023

Stephen Merrell Jull-Patterson was born in Chicago on January 2, 1958. He died at age 65 on July 30, 2023 in Sacramento, California from complications of neck cancer and pneumonia. He moved to New York City in 1981, where he performed with the First Amendment Improvisation Troupe and wrote and performed in his own one-man shows. In 2001, Stephen moved to Oceanside, California with his partner James DeMaiolo and their son Brandon DeMaiolo Patterson. Two years later, Stephen and Brandon moved to Alameda, California, adding to their family Stephen’s nieces and nephew TC Smith, Brittany Reed, and Marcus Reed-Quinn.

It was in Alameda that David Jull-Johnson joined the family, and

Stephen and David married in 2005 and changed their last names to Jull-Patterson. The six-member family settled into life with their grandmothers, gathering each week for a boisterous and humor-filled Sunday dinner.

Stephen and David moved to Woodland, California in 2017 to take care of David’s mother. Stephen’s greatest joys remained, making his Ma laugh and spending time with David sharing their lives and their deep abiding love for each other.

Stephen is survived by his mother Katheryn L. Patterson; sister Tiffany Reed, husband David; brother-inlaw Michael Johnson; daughters TC (Valentina) and Brittany, son Marcus; daughter-of-the-heart Jazmin NeVille (Garrett); and grandchildren Josiah and Zariah Anderson. He was predeceased by his grandparents, father, parents-in-law, two brothers, a sister, and his beloved son Brandon. Information about the memorial service is available through W. F. Gormley & Sons Funeral Chapel in Sacramento.

[Editor’s note: The Bay Area Reporter is reprinting this obit because the date of death was incorrect in the subhead last week. The online version has been corrected.]

t <<

From the Cover >> California are on our side,” said Jonathan Zachreson, co-founder of Protect Kids California.

Trans students

From page 1

It led Attorney General Rob Bonta to file suit this week against the Chino Valley Unified School District’s adoption of its mandatory gender identity disclosure policy. It came after Bonta’s denouncements of such policies and repeated promises to uphold the privacy rights of transgender students failed to stop other school districts from enacting them.

“We’re in court challenging Chino Valley Unified’s forced outing policy for wrongfully and unconstitutionally discriminating against and violating the privacy rights of LGBTQ+ students,” stated Bonta in announcing the lawsuit. “The forced outing policy wrongfully endangers the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of nonconforming students who lack an accepting environment in the classroom and at home.”

Along with Governor Gavin Newsom, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond has also taken a forceful stand against the antitrans policies being adopted by conservative school board members. In a recent video interview with the Bay Area Reporter, Thurmond said one of his biggest concerns is how such actions are impacting the environment in those districts’ schools for LGBTQ students.

“I am very worried about the tenor and anger it is creating in school communities, the actions of these board majorities,” said Thurmond, a former state legislator from the East Bay. “We have put out guidance to school districts that we believe students have a right to privacy as it relates to their sexual identity.”

Meanwhile, state legislators are working with Newsom and LGBTQ advocates to draft a bill that would ban such outing policies from being adopted by school boards. Gay Assemblymember Chris Ward (D-San Diego), a married father, was expected to officially introduce the legislation this week but decided to push back doing so until sometime in 2024 in order to have more time to craft its language.

“Recognizing the nuance and complexity of this work, we are continuing to refine our legislative approach in this two-year session, including working with the governor and key stakeholders, to ensure the most comprehensive and responsible legislation is proposed,” stated Ward. “Our LGBTQ caucus is fully committed to assuring that every student feels safe and supported in their school environment and that

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State funding

From page 1

“The latest statewide numbers show a decrease in hate crimes against the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community last year, indicating our investments are paying off,” Ting stated. “But we must continue building upon our work. The latest round of grants ensures victim resources and services remain available, while educational and cultural initiatives that foster greater understanding forge ahead. I remain hopeful acceptance and inclusion will win out over hate.”

Forty-five recipients, for a total of $27,107,800 in funds, are headquartered in the Bay Area or the Central Coast, which are counted together by the California Health and Human Services Agency in its table of grantees. These include San Francisco’s Community United Against Violence ($750,000), PRC ($620,000), the Oakland LGBTQ Community Center ($800,000), and Santa Barbara County’s Pacific Pride Foundation ($475,000).

Pablo Espinoza, a co-executive director of Community United Against Violence, stated to the B.A.R. that “with these funds we will build up our capacity to provide the services and programs we currently provide.”

These include emergency victim assistance, arts-based support groups, and leadership development for survi-

August 31-September 6, 2023 • Bay Area Repor ter • 9

Daylong seminar

Courtesy Assemblymember Ward’s office

Assemblymember Chris Ward plans to introduce legislation next year that would prohibit school boards from adopting forced outing policies.

teachers aren’t forced into policing and outing students. We know that lives and careers are at stake here and will be in a stronger position soon for the hard work ahead.”

When the B.A.R. spoke to Thurmond last Friday, he had yet to be apprised about Ward’s bill proposal.

He said he hoped any new legislation brought forward in the Legislature would “create full clarity with the law as it relates to the privacy of students and as it relates to their privacy around their gender identity.”

Bonta’s litigation and the proposed ballot measure could also impact what language is needed in any bill that Ward decides to introduce next year. Should the ballot measure end up being adopted by voters, it would likely supersede any bill that state lawmakers end up passing.

Proponents of the three ballot measures have come together under the banner of Protect Kids California.

They submitted them to Bonta’s office Monday, as it will be up to the attorney general to issue a title and summary for each one.

At that point the group can begin to collect the 546,651 certified signatures from registered California voters per initiative to qualify them for next November’s ballot. It plans to release the exact language of the petitions for people to sign in support of the trio of initiatives in October.

Although it doesn’t expect to begin the signature drive until November, the group is already raising funds to support the on-the-ground efforts that will be needed for it to succeed in putting the measures before voters.

“Even though the supermajority in the Capitol is against us, the people of

vors of violence, Espinoza explained.

“We will also continue our work with and training of organizations that provide other services to LGBTQ+ survivors, such as housing, legal and medical/mental health, among others, to build their capacity to listen to and properly refer LGBTQ+ survivors who disclose violence, and connect them with CUAV, and thus maintain and strengthen a network so survivors of violence receive culturally relevant and competent services,” Espinoza stated. “CUAV can in turn refer survivors out to these organizations when our clients need their assistance.”

PRC provides opportunities and services to people living with HIV/ AIDS and/or mental health conditions. Tasha Henneman, PRC’s chief of policy and government affairs, stated to the B.A.R. that the nonprofit plans to use the money to create a film “featuring some of PRC’s Black transgender clients.”

“Our hope for the film is to bring awareness of our clients’ health journeys, including as victims and survivors of hate crimes and bias,” Henneman stated. “We intend the film to be used as a tool to elevate, center, and amplify their voices and experiences, through screenings, online distribution, and in-person discussions, creating broader and greater understanding and cross-cultural dialogue, that will help to facilitate acceptance, healing, and tolerance.”

Elected to the Roseville City School Board last November, Zachreson plugged the ballot measures during a daylong “Parental Rights Virtual Open House” that the conservative California Policy Center held this month. Also taking part in it and supportive of the ballot effort is Assemblymember Bill Essayli (R-Riverside), who co-authored a bill this year that would have forced the outing of trans students but saw the legislation be killed in committee in the spring, as the B.A.R. reported at the time.

“If you are going to transition a kid, at least let the parents in on it and know what is going on so they can decide what is best for their kids,” said Essayli.

While there has already been speculation that the initiative effort won’t have the resources required to collect enough signatures to place them on next fall’s ballot – its political action committee A Students First California Committee in Support of Measures to Protect Kids has yet to report any fundraising figures – the issue has been animating conservative leaders and anti-LGBTQ lawmakers across the country for several years now. As the B.A.R.’s online Political Notes column reported August 28, the freedom of expression advocacy group PEN America detailed in a new report about what it calls “intimidation bills” that nearly 400 such legislation touted as advancing the rights of parents with school-age children have been introduced since 2021.

Among such legislation are those requiring teachers to police students’ gender expression. Of the bills submitted by lawmakers in 2023 that PEN America included in its report, 45% have an anti-LGBTQ+ provision, including the forced outing of students.

“I really believe this is going to be the issues of the next election in 2024. It is all about parental rights,” predicted Essayli.

School board actions sought

A number of conservative groups aren’t waiting for next year’s election to take action. They have joined together as the Coalition For Parental Rights to push for more school boards to adopt so-called parental rights policies. They created the website caparentalrights. com to assist parents specifically wishing to bring forward a parental notification policy in their school district.

As for the ballot measure proponents, they point to various polling

Other grantees

Other nonprofits also received state funding.

Kristin Flickinger, executive director of the Pacific Pride Foundation, told the B.A.R. that Santa Barbara just had its Pride festival on August 26.

“With Stop the Hate funding, Pacific Pride Foundation will develop a series of trainings for the Central Coast community designed to raise awareness regarding issues facing the LGBTQ+ community, including: Pronoun usage, the importance of connection for LGBTQ+ youth and for LGBTQ+ elders, anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and the harm to LGBTQ+ youth mental health, how to be a good ally, history of drag and its use today,” Flickinger stated.

“Funds will also be used for planning and facilitating the Pacific Pride Festival, including security planning, and to offset booth fees for community partners, as well as activation expenses for organizations co-creating the festival,” Flickinger added. “We will also work with Black and Latineserving organizations to cross-train organization staff, and to co-create events specifically for LGBTQ+ Black and Latine community members.”

The Oakland LGBTQ Community Center did not return a request for comment for this report by press time.

Other queer-oriented beneficiaries include the Imperial Valley LGBT Resource Center ($300,000), the North

conducted on transgender issues to argue the public is on their side when it comes to the three policy areas. For instance, they point to a Gallup poll released in June that found support for restricting transgender youth to playing on athletic teams based on the sex they were assigned at birth had increased to 69%, a jump of seven points in two years with support increasing among both Democrats and independents.

That same month polling from the more conservative Rasmussen Reports and Real Impact found 62% of California voters would be more likely to support a law if it included notifying parents of a child identifying, requesting to identify, or being treated as a gender that doesn’t align with their biological sex.

“The data clearly shows that California parents support transparency and accountable policies, making it mandatory for the school administrations to inform parents if their child is facing any of these challenges or lifestyle changes,” stated Gina Gleason, executive director of Real Impact. “Parents are attending school board meetings in droves to show that despite what the education establishment thinks, children, their well-being, and upbringing are not the responsibility of the school or state, it’s the responsibility of the parents.”

Also bolstering the ballot measure effort, contend proponents, are the findings of a Harvard Harris poll in June where 82% said they favor state legislation strengthening parental rights over their children and that 78% only support surgery to change gender and puberty blockers for people age 18 and older.

“Let’s play offense here,” said Zachreson about the decision to take the three issues regarding transgender youth rights “directly to the people of California.”

Thurmond told the B.A.R. that he agrees parents have a right to know what is occurring in their children’s schools. But he insists there are better options to address their concerns than through the anti-LGBTQ policies school boards are adopting or via the ballot box.

“I support parental rights, and parents should be involved in what their students learn in school. There are ways to do that,” he said. “Parents should be involved in all things when it comes to their children. When it comes to conversations about students’ sexual orientation or gender identity, those should take place within the family. It should not be taking place because of being forced to by a school district or mandated by a school district policy.”

Various LGBTQ and straight allied leaders are already sounding the alarm about the ballot measures or are taking preemptive stances on the specific issues they target. Transgender Assembly candidate Evan Minton, a onetime legislative aide for Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) who is seeking an open legislative seat in Sacramento next year, issued a strong denouncement of the “extremist” backed initiatives and asked his supporters to share it via their social media platforms.

“Let’s be clear: these proposed initiatives are rooted in anti-trans and misogynistic beliefs,” stated Minton, who filed a lawsuit to ensure he received necessary medical care from his providers. “They’re pushed by those who deny the reality that thousands of Californians are trans and that we live in every community. They cynically exploit LGBTQ+ children as pawns to advance their narrow agenda. This manipulation is sickening and must end.”

At its meeting August 29, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors reaffirmed its commitment to genderaffirming health care for all individuals, especially youth who are transgender, nonbinary, or gender-diverse. In 2019, the county established the first health clinic in the South Bay focused on providing care to such individuals and is now working to open a Transgender Wellness Center.

“The County of Santa Clara will not sit on our collective hands while fearmongering and legislative bullying around gender-affirming care slithers across the country. These policies inflict direct harm on our children, their families, and their future,” stated District 4 Supervisor Susan Ellenberg, the board’s president who brought forward the resolution. “Gender-affirming care is health care. Santa Clara County is committed to improving the quality and accessibility of care for all residents, including all transgender and genderexpansive children.”

District 2 Supervisor Cindy Chavez, a longtime advocate for the LGBTQ community, noted the politicization around trans youth issues taking place even in the Golden State as a reason for her support for the resolution.

“I am proud that the Board of Supervisors has reaffirmed Santa Clara County’s support of gender-affirming care and LGBTQ+ rights,” stated Chavez. “The lawsuit filed this week by the state attorney general against the Chino Valley Unified School District shows that the LGBTQ+ community is under legal attack, even here in California.” t

County LGBTQ Resource Center ($565,000), the San Diego LGBT Community Center ($640,000), San Diego Pride ($550,000), the Los Angeles LGBT Center ($800,000), and the Equality California Institute ($630,000), the educational arm of the statewide LGBTQ rights organization.

“Equality California Institute is incredibly proud to receive generous funding from the Governor’s office and the California Department of Social Services to continue our existing Stop the Hate programming, which consists of resource development for LGBTQ+ survivors of hate crimes and hate incidents, as well as engaging community organizations and partners in dialogue on suggested policy changes to combat amplified hate against the LGBTQ+ community,” stated EQCA spokesperson Jorge Reyes Salinas.

Reyes Salinas also pointed to the uptick in reported hate crimes.

“With hate crimes against LGBTQ+ people on the rise – including here in the Golden State – this work is more important than ever,” he added.

Roger A. Coggan, the director of legal services for the LA center, told the B.A.R. that “we are absolutely delighted” and that it’s “something that will change the way we think about our anti-violence project.”

“This money will be used to fight hate crimes against our entire community,” Coggan said. “There’ll be a

special focus on the transgender and nonbinary communities, and we will be able to vastly increase our services at our trans wellness center in Koreatown, our south LA site, our Mi Centro site.”

San Diego Pride did not return multiple requests for comment for this report.

This is the third and largest round of Stop the Hate grants – the first, for $14.3 million, was announced in March 2022 and the second, for $30.3 million, was announced in July of that year.

Last month, the B.A.R. was awarded $100,000 through the California State Library as part of an $8.1 million grant to ethnic media outlets and media collaboratives serving communities impacted by hate incidents and hate crimes. t The State of California offers help for victims or witnesses to a hate crime or hate incident. This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program.

To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to https://www.cavshate.org/.

<< From the Cover

10 • Bay Area Repor ter • August 31-September 6, 2023

<<

Trans district

From page 1

“It’s truly an important time for the district,” Sa’id stated. “In the midst of national chaos and conservative attacks against, and misinformation about, transgender people aimed at dehumanizing our existence, the district is fighting and radically creating space for our local community to thrive. … When we started the district nearly seven years ago, we could not have imagined the incredible possibilities that have beautifully transpired. Breonna and Carlo represent so much for our community – a Black trans woman leader and a Latino trans man leader coming together to lead this impactful and historic project for transgender liberation.”

Mahogany, currently chair of the San Francisco Democratic Party and district director for Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco), stated to the Bay Area Reporter, “I am excited for this leadership change at the trans district, and I look forward to supporting the co-directors in their new role and learning about their vision for the district.”

Gomez Arteaga was most recently development coordinator for the

t

Dolores Huerta Foundation and cofounded the first Spanish-language support group for Latinx Trans men, Grupo de Apoyo Fénix, in the East Bay. (Grupo de Apoyo Fénix declined a request to comment for this report.)

“Aria, the former executive director here, with the experience I had, asked me if I’d consider applying for the executive role,” Gomez Arteaga said. “I only said I would do it if there were a trans woman, a trans Black woman, in the leadership. I thought it was important for visibility and leadership.”

McCree, who was director of community engagement for the Center of Excellence for Transgender Health at UCSF until August 28, and was a community grand marshal in this year’s San Francisco Pride parade, had not been dead-set on becoming an executive director.

“I have worked with the trans district off and on,” McCree said.

“Since Aria was leaving the position, I thought ‘why not do an interview?’

Not to apply for the position, but to sharpen my skills. So I did a mock interview with them, and they asked me if I’d take the position, and I said no. I said no, I think, twice.”

But the proposal to split tasks with Gomez Arteaga led McCree to

change her mind.

“They introduced the co-executive director model and told me about Carlo, and I knew that Carlo had some experience in the work that I needed to build upon and I thought it’d be a really good match,” she told the B.A.R. Diamond Collier, chair of the district’s board of directors, stated that the two have “deep roots in community organizing in the Tenderloin and San Francisco, respectively.” She also noted they have “extensive experience” as transgender human rights activists.

“As the district nears its seven-year anniversary, we’re excited to see both of them work together and the organization’s staff to advance our continued mission of creating spaces for and by trans people that foster economic and cultural empowerment for our community,” Collier stated.

Gomez Arteaga said that what has surprised him about the district since he’s started is the staff.

“I’m completely blown away by the talent Aria assembled here,” Gomez Arteaga said.

McCree said it’s been a whirlwind since she started at the new position – “crazy good, but still crazy.”

“Since I started I did not realize all of the front-facing work the folks were doing at the district,” McCree said. “Not only were they working to serve the trans community in the Tenderloin area, and surrounding areas, but they were also working with community leaders, elected officials, community stakeholders, and they were putting on events. Having to jump on this moving train has been a little crazy.”

One of those events was the Riot Party on August 27, an annual event now in its third year commemorating the Compton’s Cafeteria riot, a 1966 response to police violence and harassment against the trans, drag, and gender-nonconforming people that took place three years before the more famous Stonewall riots in New York City, though the exact date has been lost to history.

“I think I’m just looking forward to producing more Riot Party events for the community,” McCree said. “The community came and had a really good time.”

Gomez Arteaga talked about “political, social, and cultural power” – but the district is also keenly interested in building the trans community’s economic power.

“One of our exciting programs is our entrepreneurship development program, which started with a handful just a few years ago,” he said of the initiative that helps participants open or grow their businesses. “We see people’s dreams coming to fruition. We want these new entrepreneurs to have supports in place not only during the program but after the program.”

And Gomez Arteaga sees opportunities for expansion, too.

“We want to create opportunities to have these alums come together – for bazaars, selling events – to highlight their productions and raise visibility again,” he said, adding that the district wants to put “transgender and nonbinary artists front-and-center.”

Both Gomez Arteaga and McCree live in Oakland. McCree is a Bay Area native; Gomez Arteaga lived in San Francisco “for many years” before buying real estate across the bay.

Gomez Arteaga disclosed that the salary for the position is $132,000, which each will be receiving. He also said that the district’s total annual budget is “around $2 million.” The Transgender District, like the city’s other cultural districts, is funded largely by the city. t

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0400944

This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed CAMINO NUEVO 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 08/04/2023.

In the matter of the application of MIKA UEHARA, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner MIKA UEHARA is requesting that the name MIKA UEHARA be changed to MIKA ARAI BELLE. 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 26th of SEPTEMBER 2023 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

is conducted by a corporation, and is signed H24 SUSHI LOUNGE INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/09/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/09/2023.

Legals>> ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558134

In the matter of the application of CINDY LYNETTE MEYER, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner CINDY LYNETTE MEYER is requesting that the name CINDY LYNETTE MEYER AKA CYNTHIA LYNETTE TIMMONS be changed to CINDY LYNETTE TIMMONS. 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 2023 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

AUG 10, 17, 24, 31, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558138

In the matter of the application of GABRIELA DE VASCONCELLOS KRIEGER, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner GABRIELA DE VASCONCELLOS KRIEGER is requesting that the name GABRIELA DE VASCONCELLOS KRIEGER be changed to GABRIELA DUTRA DE VASCONCELLOS. 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 2023 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

AUG 10, 17, 24, 31, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558146

In the matter of the application of JARROD MITCHELL STANLEY, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner JARROD MITCHELL STANLEY is requesting that the name JARROD MITCHELL STANLEY be changed to JARROD MITCHELL ROSELOVE. 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 19th of SEPTEMBER 2023 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

AUG 10, 17, 24, 31, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558128

In the matter of the application of SHEILA MARY S. LAUCHENGCO, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner SHEILA MARY S. LAUCHENGCO is requesting that the name HANS SEBASTIAN LAUCHENGCO TANDOC be changed to HANS SANCHEZ LAUCHENGCO. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 12th of SEPTEMBER 2023 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

AUG 10, 17, 24, 31, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558129

In the matter of the application of SHEILA MARY S. LAUCHENGCO, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner SHEILA MARY S. LAUCHENGCO is requesting that the name HANNAH SHELEIGH LAUCHENGCO TANDOC be changed to HANNAH SHELEIGH SANCHEZ LAUCHENGCO. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 12th of SEPTEMBER 2023 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

AUG 10, 17, 24, 31, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558140

In the matter of the application of FRANCESCA SASHA OREWA, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner FRANCESCA SASHA OREWA is requesting that the name FRANCESCA SASHA OREWA be changed to SASHA OREWA UNSWORTH. 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 2023 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

AUG 10, 17, 24, 31, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558147

In the matter of the application of FRANCISCO VILLABLANCA FLOTTS, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner FRANCISCO VILLABLANCA FLOTTS is requesting that the name FRANCISCO VILLABLANCA FLOTTS be changed to FRANCIS DARIAN BRANT. 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 19th of SEPTEMBER 2023 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

AUG 10, 17, 24, 31, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558148

In the matter of the application of EMILY ROSE BANKS, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner EMILY ROSE BANKS is requesting that the name EMILY ROSE BANKS be changed to EMILY ROSE BANKS LOGEMANN. 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 19th of SEPTEMBER 2023 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

AUG 10, 17, 24, 31, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0400970

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SECURA PROTECTIVE SERVICES, 1624 SWEETWATER DR #1624, SAN LEANDRO, CA 94578. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed AHMAD FAWAD TOKHI. 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 07/24/2023.

AUG 10, 17, 24, 31, 2023

The following person(s) is/are doing business as THE BARBERSHOP AND SPA, 2301 LOMBARD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SAVY HO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/02/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/20/2023.

AUG 10, 17, 24, 31, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401010

The following person(s) is/are doing business as ALICE YEH COACHING; HEY ALICE YEH, 875 S VAN NESS AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ALICE YEH. 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 08/04/2023.

AUG 10, 17, 24, 31, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401075

The following person(s) is/are doing business as FITZ, 119 ORD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed RACHEL STEINBERG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/01/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/07/2023.

AUG 10, 17, 24, 31, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401071

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SAN FRANCISCO GUITAR STUDIO, 1714 STOCKTON ST #400, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MARK SIMONS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/05/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/04/2023.

AUG 10, 17, 24, 31, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0400985

The following person(s) is/are doing business as LOMBARD UNION 76, 2498 LOMBARD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed GAWFCO ENTERPRISES, INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/29/2006. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/25/2023.

AUG 10, 17, 24, 31, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401012

The following person(s) is/are doing business as CLEARBIT, 346 9TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed APIHUB, INC (DE). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/15/2015. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/28/2023.

AUG 10, 17, 24, 31, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401080

The following person(s) is/are doing business as FLAMINGO, 463 SANCHEZ ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed FLAMINGO SF LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/21/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/07/2023.

AUG 10, 17, 24, 31, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401036

The following person(s) is/are doing business as HOTEL JULIAN; CARLOTTA, 940 SUTTER ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109.

This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed SF VERTIGO LLC (DE). 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 08/01/2023.

AUG 10, 17, 24, 31, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401038

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SOMA HOUSE; SOMA SOCIAL, 121 7TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103.

This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed SF AMERICANIA LLC (DE). 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 08/01/2023.

AUG 10, 17, 24, 31, 2023

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-0399624

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as QUICK SMITH LOCKSMITH, 674 11TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business was conducted by a limited liability company and signed by QUICK SMITH LOCKSMITH LLC (CA). The fictitious business name statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/28/2023. The abandonment of fictitious business name statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/02/2023.

AUG 10, 17, 24, 31, 2023

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-0399541

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as THE BARBERSHOP AND SPA, 2303 LOMBARD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business was conducted by a limited liability company and signed by THE BARBERSHOP AND SPA LLC (CA). The fictitious business name statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/16/2023. The abandonment of fictitious business name statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/27/2023.

AUG 10, 17, 24, 31, 2023

AUG 10, 17, 24, 31, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0400998

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558162

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SOO FONG RESTAURANT, 3801 3RD ST #370, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124.

This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed Y & L INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/01/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/27/2023.

AUG 10, 17, 24, 31, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401026

The following person(s) is/are doing business as DACHA CAFE AND BAR, 981 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103.

This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed SKYE MANAGERS 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 08/01/2023.

AUG 10, 17, 24, 31, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401044

The following person(s) is/are doing business as ZIPPY LOCKSMITH, 674 11TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed QUICK SMITH LOCKSMITH 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 08/02/2023.

AUG 10, 17, 24, 31, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401014

The following person(s) is/are doing business as BIG BUS SAN FRANCISCO, 287 JEFFERSON ST #B, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed AI TOURS (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/31/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/31/2023.

AUG 10, 17, 24, 31, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401061

The following person(s) is/are doing business as PACIFIC HEIGHTS LIMOUSINE, 1 SANSOME ST #3500, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed PHL TRANSPORTATION AND TRAVEL SERVICES LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/03/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/03/2023.

AUG 10, 17, 24, 31, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401069

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SAN FRANCISCO VINYL, 1459 18TH ST #300, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107.

In the matter of the application of RICHARD TRUNG MINH HO & BICH TUYEN THI NGO, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioners RICHARD TRUNG MINH HO & BICH TUYEN THI NGO are requesting that the name TRI MINH HO be changed to CALVIN TRI HO. 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 21th of SEPTEMBER 2023 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

AUG 17, 24, 31, SEP 07, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558164

In the matter of the application of RAYMOND JAMES ANDREWS & KELLY BIBO HAN, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioners RAYMOND JAMES ANDREWS & KELLY BIBO HAN are requesting that the name ATLAS HENRY ANDREWS be changed to ATLAS HAN ANDREWS. 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 26th of SEPTEMBER 2023 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

AUG 17, 24, 31, SEP 07, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558163

In the matter of the application of SALIM HANHAN, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner SALIM HANHAN is requesting that the name SALIM HANHAN be changed to SALEEM HAN. 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 26th of SEPTEMBER 2023 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

AUG 17, 24, 31, SEP 07, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558141

In the matter of the application of ELIZABETH ANN ARAGON, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner ELIZABETH ANN ARAGON is requesting that the name ELIZABETH ANN ARAGON be changed to BEAR ELIZABETH ANN ARAGON. 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 2023 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

AUG 17, 24, 31, SEP 07, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558169

AUG 17, 24, 31, SEP 07, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401111

The following person(s) is/are doing business as THE AGENT COLLABORATIVE, 891 BEACH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MATTHEW WATHEN. 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 08/08/2023.

AUG 17, 24, 31, SEP 07, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401137

The following person(s) is/are doing business as WOODLEAF EATING DISORDER CENTER, 45 FRANKLIN ST #205, SAN FRANCISCO,CA 94102. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed APRIL A. VANCELETTE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/01/2007. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/09/2023.

AUG 17, 24, 31, SEP 07, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401148

The following person(s) is/are doing business as AQUA FLOWER, 542 BRANNAN ST #106, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107.

This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed GEORGIE BOTEV. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/09/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/09/2023.

AUG 17, 24, 31, SEP 07, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401135

The following person(s) is/are doing business as TEAM TONG REALTORS, 1281 25TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122.

This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ALEX YI JUN TONG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/03/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/09/2023.

AUG 17, 24, 31, SEP 07, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401154

AUG 17, 24, 31, SEP 07, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401086

The following person(s) is/are doing business as NEW PHILOSOPHERS INC., 824 ULLOA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94127. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed NEW PHILOSOPHERS INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/01/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/07/2023.

AUG 17, 24, 31, SEP 07, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401142

The following person(s) is/are doing business as BAY PROS CONSTRUCTION INC., 247 44th AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116.

This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed BAY PROS CONSTRUCTION INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/09/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/09/2023.

AUG 17, 24, 31, SEP 07, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401098

The following person(s) is/are doing business as TAINOS, 2911 KEITH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed EQUIPO GIL (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/08/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/08/2023.

AUG 17, 24, 31, SEP 07, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401099 The following person(s) is/are doing business as QUISQUEYA LA BELLA, 2911 KEITH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed EQUIPO GIL (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/04/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/08/2023.

AUG 17, 24, 31, SEP 07, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401083 The following person(s) is/are doing business as NAKORN THAI SF, 639 CLEMENT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed NAKORNTHAISF, 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 08/07/2023.

AUG 17, 24, 31, SEP 07, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0400946

The following person(s) is/are doing business as DOGPATCH ART ADVISORY; DOGPATCH FINANCIAL, 808 22ND ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed KAYLEIGH HENSON. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/01/2022. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/10/2023.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as JOY ROGUE, 166 GEARY ST FLOOR 15, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed JOY JUANITA HINES LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/20/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/21/2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401172

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0400994

AUG 17, 24, 31, SEP 07, 2023

The following person(s) is/are doing business as THE PUPPET CIRCLE, 947 WISCONSIN ST #4, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DANIEL GILL. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/14/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/14/2023.

AUG 17, 24, 31, SEP 07, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0400896

The following person(s) is/are doing business as THORNDIKE TRAVEL ASSOCIATES, 1710 CASTRO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed LESLIE THORNDIKE & JAMES GOETZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/26/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/17/2023.

AUG 17, 24, 31, SEP 07, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401156 The following person(s) is/are doing business as POTRERO 76, 401 POTRERO AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed GAWFCO ENTERPRISES, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/23/2013. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/10/2023.

AUG 17, 24, 31, SEP 07, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401059 The following person(s) is/are doing business as ANDUSTRIAL, 101 HENRY ADAMS ST #405, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103.

This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SOPHIA INTERNATIONAL, INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/02/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/03/2023.

AUG 17, 24, 31, SEP 07, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401060

The following person(s) is/are doing business as VICUÑA, 101 HENRY ADAMS ST #405, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SOPHIA VENTURES, INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/02/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/03/2023.

AUG 17, 24, 31, SEP 07, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401141

The following person(s) is/are doing business as KAMA BISTRO, 294 9TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business

AUG 24, 31, SEP 07, 14, 2023

The following person(s) is/are doing business as THE SEASCAPE INN, 4340 JUDAH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122.

This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed COLISEUM MOTEL LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/26/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/26/2023.

AUG 24, 31, SEP 07, 14, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401186

The following person(s) is/are doing business as FRESH START CLEANING BAY AREA, 548 MARKET ST #547660, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed FRESH START CLEANING BAY AREA (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/15/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/15/2023.

AUG 24, 31, SEP 07, 14, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401219

The following person(s) is/are doing business as JASMINS, 809 BUSH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed TACOREA 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 08/18/2023.

AUG 24, 31, SEP 07, 14, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558193

In the matter of the application of MAJED SALEH MOHSEN BALAWI, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner MAJED SALEH MOHSEN BALAWI is requesting that the name MAJED SALEH MOHSEN BALAWI be changed to FAIZ AHMED THABIT ALSULAIHI, and the name YARA MAJED SALEH BALAWI be changed to YARA FAIZ AHMED ALSULAIHI. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 10th of OCTOBER 2023 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

AUG 31, SEP 07, 14, 21, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401225

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SF ARTISTRY ART4U2, 1745 MASON ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LINDA ECKMANN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/16/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/18/2023.

AUG 24, 31, SEP 07, 14, 2023

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401084

The following person(s) is/are doing business as ANA’S JANITORIAL SERVICES, 151 NAPLES ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112.

This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed ANNA JANITORIAL SERVICES 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 08/07/2023.

AUG 17, 24, 31, SEP 07, 2023

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF ANNA Q WONG IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO: FILE PES-23-306521

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of ANNA Q WONG. A Petition for Probate has been filed by ALAN DIEU QUANG VUONG in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. The Petition for Probate requests that ALAN DIEU QUANG VUONG 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 13, 2023, 9:00 am, Rm. 204, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later 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: VIVIAN ZHANG (SBN 317128), LAW OFFICES OF VIVIAN ZHANG, P.C., 353 KEARNY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108; Ph. (415) 335-6998.

AUG 24, 31, SEP 07, 2023

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF BILL WONG IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO: FILE PES-23-306523 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of BILL WONG. A Petition for Probate has been filed by ALAN DIEU QUANG VUONG in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. The Petition for Probate requests that ALAN DIEU QUANG VUONG 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 13, 2023, 9:00 am, Rm. 204, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later 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: VIVIAN ZHANG (SBN 317128), LAW OFFICES OF VIVIAN ZHANG, P.C., 353 KEARNY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108; Ph. (415) 335-6998.

AUG 24, 31, SEP 07, 2023

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF HELEN CHOI POING CHU IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO: FILE PES-23-306527

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of HELEN CHOI POING CHU. A Petition for Probate has been filed by REBECCA LAM in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. The Petition for Probate requests that REBECCA LAM 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 13, 2023, 9:00 am, Rm. 204, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later 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: VIVIAN ZHANG (SBN 317128), LAW OFFICES OF VIVIAN ZHANG, P.C., 353 KEARNY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108; Ph. (415) 335-6998.

AUG 24, 31, SEP 07, 2023

SUMMONS (FAMILY LAW) SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO, 400 MCALLISTER ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102 NOTICE TO RESPONDENT: HECTOR MAURICIO DIAZ RAMIREZ, YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PETITIONER: MARICRUZ FERNANDEZ FERNANDEZ CASE NO. FDI-22-796616

You have been sued. Read the information below. You have 30 calendar days after this Summons and Petition are served on you to file a Response (form FL-120) at the court and have a copy served on the petitioner. A letter or phone call, or court appearance will not protect you.

If you do not file your Response on time, the court may make orders affecting your marriage or domestic partnership, your property, and custody of your children. You may be ordered to pay support and attorney fees and costs. For legal advice, contact a lawyer immediately. Get help finding a lawyer at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp), at the California Legal Services website (www.lawhelpca.org) or by contacting your local county bar association. NOTICE – RESTRAINING ORDERS ARE ON PAGE 2: These restraining orders are effective against both spouses or domestic partners until the petition is dismissed, a judgment is entered, or the court makes further orders. They are enforceable anywhere in California by any law enforcement officer who has received or seen a copy of them. FEE WAIVER: If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. The court may order you to pay back all or part of the fees and costs that the court waived for you or the other party. The name and address of the court are: Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, 400 McAllister St. San Francisco, California 94102. The name, address and telephone number of petitioner’s attorney, or petitioner without an attorney is: MARICRUZ FERNANDEZ FERNANDEZ, 4961 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. Date: 06/16/2022. Clerk of The Court, Tim Kyu, Deputy.

STANDARD FAMILY LAW RESTRAINING ORDERS: Starting immediately, you and your spouse or domestic partner are restrained from: 1. Removing the minor child or children of the parties, if any, from the state without the prior written consent of the other party or an order of the court; 2. Cashing borrowing against, canceling, transferring, disposing of, or changing the beneficiaries of any insurance or other coverage, including life, health, automobile, and disability, held for the benefit of the parties and their minor child or children; 3. Transferring, encumbering, hypothecating, concealing, or in any way disposing of any property, real or personal, whether community, quasi-community, or separate, without the written consent of the other party or

August 31-September 6, 2023 • Bay Area Repor ter • 11

an order of the court, except in the usual course of business or for the necessities of life; and 4. Creating a nonprobate transfer or modifying a nonprobate transfer in the manner that affects the disposition of property subject to the transfer, without the written consent of the other party or an order of the court. Before revocation of a nonprobate transfer can take effect or a right of survivorship to property can be eliminated, notice of the change must be filed and served on the other party. You must notify each other of any proposed extraordinary expenditures at least five business days prior to incurring these extraordinary expenditures and account to the court for all extraordinary expenditures made after these restraining orders are effective. However, you may use community property, quasi-community property, or your own separate property to pay an attorney to help you or to pay court costs. WARNING – IMPORTANT INFORMATION California law provides that, for purposes of division of property upon dissolution of a marriage or domestic partnership or upon legal separation, property acquired by the parties during marriage or domestic partnership in joint form is presumed to be community property. If either party to this action should die before the jointly held community property is divided, the language in the deed that characterizes how title is held (i.e. joint tenancy, tenants in common, or community property) will be controlling, and not the community property presumption. You should consult your attorney if you want the community property presumption to be written into the recorded title to the property.

PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION (DIVORCE) OF MARRIAGE. CASE NO. FDI-22-796616. We are married. Petitioner has been a resident of this state for at least six months and of this county for at least three months immediately preceding the filing of this Petition. Date of marriage:12/31/2016, date of separation: 03/20/2018, time from date of marriage to date of separation: 1 year, 4 months. There are no minor children. Divorce of the marriage based on irreconcilable differences. Terminate (end) the court’s ability to award support to Petitioner & Respondent. Separate property: There are no such assets or debts that I know of to be divided by the court. Community & quasi-community property: There are no such assets or debts that I know of to be divided by the court. Maricruz Fernandez Fernandez, signed 06/16/2022.

AUG 24, 31, SEP 07, 14, 2023

SUMMONS FIRST AMENDED COMPLAINT, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO, NOTICE TO RESPONDENT: JOHN REYNOLDS, JR., AN INDIVIDUAL; AND DOES 1-10, INCLUSIVE; YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: RECOLOGY INC., A CORPORATION AUTHORIZED TO DO BUSINESS IN CALIFORNIA CASE NO. CGC-19-578961

NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days.

Read the information below. You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff.

A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo. ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web Site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo. ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. The attorney for Plaintiff: TERESA M. BECK (SBN 149763), JAMES J. REYNOLDS (SBN 109658), KLINEDINST PC, 501 WEST BROADWAY #600, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101; TEL. (619) 400-8000; TBECK@ KLINEDINSTLAW.COM; JREYNPOLD@KLINEDINSTLAW.COM. 08/07/2023, Clerk of the Court, William Trupeck, Deputy.

SUMMONS FIRST AMENDED SUBROGATION COMPLAINT, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO, RECOLOGY, INC., A CORPORATION AUTHORIZED TO DO BUSINESS IN CALIFORNIA, PLAINTIFF, V. JOHN REYNOLDS, JR., AN INDIVIDUAL; AND DOES 1-10, INCLUSIVE, DEFENDANTS. CASE NO. CGC-19-578961 Plaintiff RECOLOGY INC. (“RECOLOGY” or “Plaintiff”) alleges against JOHN REYNOLDS, JR. (REYNOLDS”), and DOES 1 through 10, inclusive (collectively, “Defendants”) as follows: 1. At all times mentioned herein, Defendants, and each of them, were residents and/or domiciliaries of the State of California and/or operating and/ or working in the State of California.

2. At all times mentioned herein and material hereto, RECOLOGY was and is a corporation entered, authorized, and licensed to do business in the State of California and is self-insured for workers’ compensation insurance. 3. At all times mentioned herein and material hereto, Miguel Oropeza was acting within the course and scope of his employment for RECOLOGY. 4. This court has jurisdiction over this action, and venue lies in this county because the actions leading to this case occurred in this county. The Plaintiff RECOLOGY has spent considerable time and money attempting to locate Defendants without success. 5. The true names or capacities, whether individual, corporate, associate or otherwise, of Defendants named herein as Does 1 through 10, are unknown to Plaintiff who therefore sues said Defendants by such fictitious names and Plaintiff will amend this complaint to show their names and capacities when the same have been ascertained.

6. At all times mentioned herein and material hereto, RECOLOGY was the employer of Miguel Oropeza while Miguel Oropeza was acting within the course and scope of his authority as such, and with the permission and consent of RECOLOGY; and at all relevant times, RECOLOGY was self-insured for workers’ compensation. As a result, RECOLOGY was required to pay compensation to Miguel Orpoeza in the amount of $277,540.58 as set forth below, and seeks recovery of the compensation paid and other damages.

FIRST CAUSE OF ACTION As to all Defendants (Subrogation) 7. On August 31, 2017, Miguel Oropeza was employed by RECOLOGY and performing work for RECOLOGY as a sanitation engineer at Castro Street and Market Street in San Francisco, California, when REYNOLDS, who was driving a BMW, struck the body of Miguel Oropeza with REYNOLD’s BMW (“the INCIDENT”), causing significant physical and emotional trauma to Miguel Oropeza. 8. At all times relevant hereto, REYNOLDS negligently operated his vehicle to cause the damages alleged herein. 9. At all times mentioned herein and material hereto, Miguel Oropeza, through his Employer, RECOLOGY, was entitled to and did receive, and continues to receive, workers’ compensation insurance benefits paid by RECOLOGY for injuries attributable to the INCIDENT. 10. The negligence of Defendants was the proximate cause of the injuries sustained by Miguel Oropeza, and of the damages incurred by RECOLOGY in providing workers’ compensation benefits relative thereto. 11. Miguel Oropeza was seriously injured as a result of the INCIDENT. 12. Miguel Oropeza filed a workers’ compensation claims with RECOLOGY relative to the ATTACK. 13. As of the filing of this Complaint, RECOLOGY has paid workers’ compensation benefits to/on behalf of the Miguel Oropeza as a result of injuries sustained from the INCIDENT, in the amounts specifically set forth in the Prayer for Damages below long with other damages incurred in the amount of $277,540.58. 14. RECOLOGY may step into the shoes of Miguel Oropeza and pursue the rights and remedies of Miguel Oropeza against Defendants. 15. RECOLOGY may recoup its payments directly from Defendants. 16. As of the date of this filing, Defendants have failed to pay RECOLOGY the full amount of the damages sustained by RECOLOGY, and such damages continue to be incurred.

DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL Pursuant to Code of Civ. Proc. Section 631, RECOLOGY demands a trial by jury in this action of all issues so triable.

PRAYER FOR RELIEF RECOLOGY prays for judgment against Defendants in the amounts paid out in Worker’s Compensation Benefits and other Damages set forth below: 1. For Worker’s Compensation Benefits paid in the amount of $141,282.96. 2. For attorneys’ fees incurred herein in the amount of $55,000; 3. For costs in the amount of $2,744.82; 4. For interest on the above damages in the amount of $78,512.8; 5. For total damages of $277,540.58, and 6. For such other and further relief as this Court deems just and proper.

KLINEDINST PC DATED: August 7, 2023 By: s/James J. Reynolds. Teresa M. Beck, James J. Reynolds, Attorneys for Plaintiff RECOLOGY INC.

AUG 24, 31, SEP 07, 14, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558168

In the matter of the application of VIVIENNE CHATEAUX, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner Vivienne Chateaux is requesting that the name Vivienne Chateaux be changed to Vivienne Châteaux. 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 26th of SEPTEMBER 2023 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

AUG 24, 31, SEP 07, 14, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558187

In the matter of the application of SCOTT CARON, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner SCOTT CARON is requesting that the name SCOTT DOUGLASS CARON AKA SCOTT DOUGLAS CARON be changed to SCOTT DOUGLASS STRONG. 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 15th of OCTOBER 2023 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

AUG 24, 31, SEP 07, 14, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558188

In the matter of the application of BARBARA SARAI CARON, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner BARBARA SARAI CARON is requesting that the name BARBARA SARAI CARON AKA BARBARA SARAI CISNEROS ROTUNDO be changed to BARBARA SARAI STRONG. 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 15th of OCTOBER 2023 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

AUG 24, 31, SEP 07, 14, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558181

In the matter of the application of BENJAMIN KRAMERROACH, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner BENJAMIN KRAMER-ROACH is requesting that the name BENJAMIN PETER KRAMER-ROACH be changed to BENJAMIN PETER EMBER. 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 31st of OCTOBER 2023 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

AUG 24, 31, SEP 07, 14, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558182

In the matter of the application of CATHERINE HELEN BERNER, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner CATHERINE HELEN BERNER is requesting that the name CATHERINE HELEN BERNER be changed to CATHERINE HELEN EMBER. 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 31st of OCTOBER 2023 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401191

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401165

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MACONDRAY, 2209 POLK ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed SHAKEY JAKES, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/12/2018. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/16/2023.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as RINCON FLOWERS, 101 SPEAR ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed GARY A. THORN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/01/1993. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/11/2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401192

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0400968

AUG 24, 31, SEP 07, 14, 2023

AUG 31, SEP 07, 14, 21, 2023

The following person(s) is/are doing business as HIGH HORSE, 582 WASHINGTON ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111.

This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed GILT EDGE BAR, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/26/2019. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/16/2023.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as GREEN JANITORIAL SOLUTIONS, 4559 MISSION ST UNIT 2, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed HIPOLITO ORTEGA. 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 07/24/2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401193

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401303

AUG 24, 31, SEP 07, 14, 2023

AUG 31, SEP 07, 14, 21, 2023

The following person(s) is/are doing business as THE YERBA BUENA, 141 2ND ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed YERBA BUENA BAR, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/30/2022. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/16/2023.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as HAIRLUVAH’S WIG ROOM, 5700 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ASHLEY SMITH. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/28/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/28/2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401183

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401236

AUG 24, 31, SEP 07, 14, 2023

AUG 31, SEP 07, 14, 21, 2023

AUG 24, 31, SEP 07, 14, 2023

The following person(s) is/are doing business as BEST COAST COLLECTIVE, 1828 PINE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109.

This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed BLAKELY HULL LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/01/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/15/2023.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as NEXTLEVEL CONSULTING, 271 VERNON ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94132.

This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed CESAR VIANA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/2006. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/21/2023.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558191

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401226

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401237

In the matter of the application of BOR XIONG, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner BOR XIONG is requesting that the name BOR XIONG be changed to LANA JIANG. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 10th of OCTOBER 2023 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

AUG 24, 31, SEP 07, 14, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558192 In the matter of the application of YU CAO, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner YU CAO is requesting that the name YU CAO be changed to WESLEY CAO. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 10th of OCTOBER 2023 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

AUG 24, 31, SEP 07, 14, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558196

In the matter of the application of IRINA BARYSHNIKOVA, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner IRINA BARYSHNIKOVA is requesting that the name IRINA BARYSHNIKOVA be changed to IRINA KALIKA. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 12th of OCTOBER 2023 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

AUG 24, 31, SEP 07, 14, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558126

In the matter of the application of VICTOR ANDRIEV, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner VICTOR ANDRIEV is requesting that the name VICTOR ANDRIEV be changed to VIKTOR ANDREIEV. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 12th of SEPTEMBER 2023 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

AUG 24, 31, SEP 07, 14, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401215

The following person(s) is/are doing business as PACIFIC LEGAL INSURANCE SERVICES, 50 CALIFORNIA ST #1500, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ANGELA R. ROYAL. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/15/1998. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/17/2023.

AUG 24, 31, SEP 07, 14, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401049

The following person(s) is/are doing business as FOUR MILE CLEANERS, 2200 LANE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124.

This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed HYE YUN SHIN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/01/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/02/2023.

AUG 24, 31, SEP 07, 14, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401239

The following person(s) is/are doing business as AK CONSULTING, 1060 BUSH ST #203, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109.

This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JOSE ANTONIO AGUILAR-KARAYIANNI. 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 08/22/2023.

AUG 24, 31, SEP 07, 14, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401052

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SCENTUALITY OILS, 345 WILLIAMS ST OUTSIDE OF, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed YOVANDA K. DIXON. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/02/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/02/2023.

AUG 24, 31, SEP 07, 14, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401208

The following person(s) is/are doing business as HOMELIGHT, 100 CALIFORNIA ST #800, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111.

This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed HOMELIGHT, INC. (DE). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/16/2018. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/17/2023.

AUG 24, 31, SEP 07, 14, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401138

The following person(s) is/are doing business as CAFE TERMINUS, 16 CALIFORNIA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111.

This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed ALCYONE, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/2013. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/09/2023.

AUG 24, 31, SEP 07, 14, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401139

The following person(s) is/are doing business as NATOMA CABANA, 90 NATOMA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed ALCYONE, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/2013. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/09/2023.

AUG 24, 31, SEP 07, 14, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401140

The following person(s) is/are doing business as TEQUILA MOCKINGBIRD, 86 2ND ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed ALCYONE, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/2013. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/09/2023.

AUG 24, 31, SEP 07, 14, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401190

The following person(s) is/are doing business as HARLAN RECORDS, 18 HARLAN PL, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed HARLAN RECORDS, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/12/2022. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/16/2023.

AUG 24, 31, SEP 07, 14, 2023

AUG 24, 31, SEP 07, 14, 2023

AUG 31, SEP 07, 14, 21, 2023

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MMM CONSULTING LLC, 548 MARKET ST #696556, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed MMM CONSULTING LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/02/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/18/2023.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as HAIKU FILMS, 271 VERNON ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94132. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed NANCY M. VALDIVIEZO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/01/2007. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/21/2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401234

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401315

AUG 24, 31, SEP 07, 14, 2023

AUG 31, SEP 07, 14, 21, 2023

The following person(s) is/are doing business as FIG & THISTLE, 313 IVY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed 7582 LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/01/2013. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/21/2023.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as PUFF & PASSION, 5246 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112.

This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ABDULSALAM ABOZAID. 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 08/29/2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401246

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401006

AUG 24, 31, SEP 07, 14, 2023

AUG 31, SEP 07, 14, 21, 2023

The following person(s) is/are doing business as 10 MINUTE BREAK, 1067 DOLORES ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed SF BLESSINGS, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/21/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/22/2023.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MOMO’S & MORE, 493 PINE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SPICE ROUTE (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 07/27/2023.

SUMMONS (FAMILY LAW) SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO, 400 MCALLISTER ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102 NOTICE TO RESPONDENT: LUKA KRSTIC, YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PETITIONER: EILEEN JIANGCASE NO. FDI-23-798481

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401176

AUG 24, 31, SEP 07, 14, 2023

You have been sued. Read the information below. You have 30 calendar days after this Summons and Petition are served on you to file a Response (form FL-120) at the court and have a copy served on the petitioner. A letter or phone call, or court appearance will not protect you.

If you do not file your Response on time, the court may make orders affecting your marriage or domestic partnership, your property, and custody of your children. You may be ordered to pay support and attorney fees and costs. For legal advice, contact a lawyer immediately. Get help finding a lawyer at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp), at the California Legal Services website (www.lawhelpca.org) or by contacting your local county bar association. NOTICE – RESTRAINING ORDERS ARE ON PAGE 2: These restraining orders are effective against both spouses or domestic partners until the petition is dismissed, a judgment is entered, or the court makes further orders. They are enforceable anywhere in California by any law enforcement officer who has received or seen a copy of them. FEE WAIVER: If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. The court may order you to pay back all or part of the fees and costs that the court waived for you or the other party. The name and address of the court are: Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, 400 McAllister St. San Francisco, California 94102. The name, address and telephone number of petitioner’s attorney, or petitioner without an attorney is: EILEEN JIANG, 2514 CLEMENT ST #2, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121; (626) 213-0585. Date: 08/15/2023.

STANDARD FAMILY LAW RESTRAINING ORDERS: Starting immediately, you and your spouse or domestic partner are restrained from: 1. Removing the minor child or children of the parties, if any, from the state without the prior written consent of the other party or an order of the court; 2. Cashing borrowing against, canceling, transferring, disposing of, or changing the beneficiaries of any insurance or other coverage, including life, health, automobile, and disability, held for the benefit of the parties and their minor child or children; 3. Transferring, encumbering, hypothecating, concealing, or in any way disposing of any property, real or personal, whether community, quasi-community, or separate, without the written consent of the other party or an order of the court, except in the usual course of business or for the necessities of life; and 4. Creating a nonprobate transfer or modifying a nonprobate transfer in the manner that affects the disposition of property subject to the transfer, without the written consent of the other party or an order of the court. Before revocation of a nonprobate transfer can take effect or a right of survivorship to property can be eliminated, notice of the change must be filed and served on the other party. You must notify each other of any proposed extraordinary expenditures at least five business days prior to incurring these extraordinary expenditures and account to the court for all extraordinary expenditures made after these restraining orders are effective. However, you may use community property, quasi-community property, or your own separate property to pay an attorney to help you or to pay court costs. WARNING – IMPORTANT INFORMATION California law provides that, for purposes of division of property upon dissolution of a marriage or domestic partnership or upon legal separation, property acquired by the parties during marriage or domestic partnership in joint form is presumed to be community property. If either party to this action should die before the jointly held community property is divided, the language in the deed that characterizes how title is held (i.e. joint tenancy, tenants in common, or community property) will be controlling, and not the community property presumption. You should consult your attorney if you want the community property presumption to be written into the recorded title to the property.

AUG 31, SEP 07, 14, 21, 2023

The following person(s) is/are doing business as COMPASS; COMPASS II REFERRAL NETWORK, 891 BEACH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed COMPASS CALIFORNIA II, INC. (DE). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/24/2017. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/15/2023.

AUG 31, SEP 07, 14, 21, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401256 The following person(s) is/are doing business as TSING TAO RESTAURANT, 3107 CLEMENT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed XUE’S RESTAURANT INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/14/2005. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/23/2023.

AUG 31, SEP 07, 14, 21, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401276

The following person(s) is/are doing business as LE MARCHE CEZANNE,1426 18TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107 . This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed LF MARKET, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/12/2022. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/24/2023.

AUG 31, SEP 07, 14, 21, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401279 The following person(s) is/are doing business as THE NEW NAILS, 2291-2293 CHESTNUT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123.

This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed NGO AND DANG CORPORATION (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/23/2022. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/24/2023.

AUG 31, SEP 07, 14, 21, 2023

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-0396268

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as ST. FRANCIS FOUNTAIN, 2801 24TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business was conducted by a limited liability company and signed by CONFUSION BOREDOM LLC (CA). The fictitious business name statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/11/2002. The abandonment of fictitious business name statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/22/2023.

AUG 31, SEP 07, 14, 21, 2023

Classifieds Hauling>> Hauling 24/7

AUG 31, SEP 07, 14, 21, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401242

The following person(s) is/are doing business as GABY’S FAMILY CHILDCARE, 94 RAE AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112.

This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MARIA GABRIELA MADRIGAL H. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/08/2021. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/22/2023.

AUG 31, SEP 07, 14, 21, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401250

The following person(s) is/are doing business as ALWAYS MOBILE NOTARY, 88 TOWNSEND ST #215, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107-6021. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed CHRISTOPHER KELTON. 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 08/23/2023.

AUG 31, SEP 07, 14, 21, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401252

The following person(s) is/are doing business as WING KEE FOODSTUFF COMPANY, 1036 QUESADA AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed PING LAU KWAN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/06/2015. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/23/2023.

AUG 31, SEP 07, 14, 21, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401255

The following person(s) is/are doing business as STUDIO SPIGGY, 268 BUSH ST #3839, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DANLI LIANG. 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 08/23/2023.

AUG 31, SEP 07, 14, 21, 2023

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The survey should only take 10-15 minutes. Your identity and answers are completely confidential and will be used to contact the winner of a random drawing for $500. You must complete at least 75 percent of the survey to qualify for the prize drawing. Entrants will be added to our newsletter recipients. One survey per person/email is allowed and must be submitted by midnight (Pacific Time) October 1, 2023. Survey results will be published in the October 26 issue of the B.A.R. If you have any questions about the survey, please contact our office at (415) 861-5019.

Arts & Culture Best Art Museum

 Asian Art Museum  Contemporary Jewish Museum  de Young Museum  GLBT Historical Society Museum  Legion of Honor  Museum of Craft and Design  Museum of the African Diaspora  Oakland Museum of California  Pacific Pinball Museum  San Jose Museum of Art  SF MOMA  Walt Disney Family Museum ✎

Best Nature or Science Museum

 California Academy of Sciences  Exploratorium  SF Botanical Gardens  SF Conservatory of Flowers ✎

Best Ballet Company

 Alonzo King Lines Ballet  Ballet22  Ballet San Jose  Diablo Ballet  Oakland Ballet  Post:ballet  San Francisco Ballet  Smuin Contemporary Ballet ✎

Best Modern Dance Company

 Amy Siewert’s Imagery  AXIS Dance Company  David Herrera Performance Company  Epiphany Dance Theatre  Joe Goode Performance Group  ODC Dance  PUSH Dance Company  RAWdance  Robert Moses’ Kin  Sean Dorsey Dance  Zaccho Dance Theatre ✎

Best Ethnic/International Dance Company  Abhinaya Dance Company  Barangay Dance Company  Chitresh Das Dance Company  Likha-Pilipino Folk Ensemble  Nā Lei Hulu I Ka Wēkiu  Ong Dance Company  Theatre Flamenco of San Francisco ✎

Best Classical Venue

 Davies Symphony Hall  Herbst Theatre, Veteran’s Building  War Memorial Opera House  Old First Church  SF Conservatory of Music ✎

Best Live Music Venue

 The Chapel  The Fillmore  Fox Oakland  Great American Music Hall  Greek Theatre, Berkeley  Masonic Hall  Paramount Theatre  Regency Center  SF Jazz  The Warfield ✎

Best Small Music Venue  Café du Nord  The Lost Church  The New Parish  Thee Parkside  Rickshaw Stop  El Rio ✎

Best Theatre Company

 American Conservatory Theater  Aurora Theatre  Berkeley Repertory Theatre  New Conservatory Theatre Center  Ray of Light Theatre  Shotgun Players  Theatre Rhinoceros ✎

Best Choral Group

 Chanticleer  East Bay Gay Men’s Chorus  Lesbian/Gay Chorus of SF  Rainbow Women’s Chorus (San Jose)  SF Gay Men’s Chorus ✎

Community

Best LGBTQ Event

 Folsom Street Fair  Imperial Court of SF Coronation  Juanita MORE!’s Pride Party  SF Pride Parade and Celebration  SF Drag King Contest  Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Easter Celebration ✎

Best SF LGBTQ Cultural District  Castro LGBTQ Cultural District  San Francisco Leather & LGBTQ Cultural District  Transgender District ✎

Best LGBTQ Fundraiser

 Compassion (Shanti)  Light in the Grove (AIDS Memorial Grove)  National Center for Lesbian Rights gala  Santa Skivvies Run (SFAF)  Soiree (LGBT center)  Reunion (GLBT Historical Society) ✎

Best LGBTQ Nonprofit

 Bay Area American Indian TwoSpirits  GLBTQ+ Asian Pacific Alliance  Horizons Foundation  LGBT Asylum Project  Project Open Hand  Transgender Law Center ✎

Best LGBTQ Community Center

 Billy DeFrank LGBTQ Center (San Jose)  Coast Pride (Half Moon Bay)  Oakland LGBTQ Community Center  Pacific Center for Human Growth (Berkeley)  Rainbow Community Center (Concord)  San Francisco LGBT Community Center  San Mateo County Pride Center  Solano Pride Center  The Spahr Center (Marin) ✎

Best LGBTQ Sports League

 SF Fog Rugby Club  SF FrontRunners  SF Gay Basketball Association  SF Gay Softball League  SF Pool Association  SF Tsunami Water Polo ✎

Best Pro Sports Team

 Golden State Warriors  Oakland Roots (soccer)  San Francisco 49ers  San Francisco Giants  San Jose Earthquakes  San Jose Sharks ✎

 Mohammad  Olga T  Russ Rich  Lady Ryan  Brian Urmanita ✎

Best Drag Queen

 Au Jus  Ava LaShay  Bebe Sweetbriar  Black Betty Towers  Carnie Asada  D’Arcy Drollinger  Donna Sachet  Elsa Touche  Evian  Glamamore  God’s Lil Princess  Grace Towers  Holotta Tymes  Intensive Claire  Joie de Vivre  Juanita MORE!  Jubilee  Landa Lakes  LOL McFiercen  Mama Celeste  Mercedez Munro  Mutha Chucka  Nicki Jizz  Peaches Christ  Rahni NothingMore  Raya Light  Rock M. Sakura  Rosie Petals  Sister Roma  Sue Casa  Sugah Betes  Suppositori Spelling  Trangela Lansbury  U-Phoria ✎

Best Drag King

 Wonder Dave  Lisa Geduldig  Marga Gomez  Jesus U Betta Work  Nick Leonard  Justin Lucas  Sampson McCormick  Natasha Muse  Ronn Vigh ✎

 Alex U. Inn  Arty Fishal  Chester Vanderbox  Chico Suave  Clammy Faye  Dicky Love  Fudgie Frottage  Kegel Kater  Kit Tapata  Leigh Crow  Madd Dogg 20/20  Mason Dixon Jars  Mickey Finn  Pepe Pan  Vegas Jake ✎

Best DJ

Best Faux Queen

Nightlife

Best Comic

 Carrie on Disco  Siobhan Aluvalot  Don Baird  Blackstone  Brown Amy  Bus Station John  Hawthorne  Steve Fabus  Sergio Fedasz  Paul Goodyear  David Harness  Page Hodel

 Alotta Boutté  Black Benatar  Bruja Palmiero  Crème Fatale  Fauxnique  Miss Shugana  Trixxie Carr  Scarlet Astrid ✎

Best Bartender

 Andy Anderson, 440 Castro  Michael Breshears, Lookout  Robbie Cheah, Oasis  Miguel Chavez, Hole in the Wall  Steve Dalton, SF Eagle  David Delgado, The Cinch  Heather Dunham, Wild Side West  Lauren Eggen, Beaux  Charlie Evans, Lone Star Saloon  Captain Ficcardi, White Horse  Gage Fisher, SF Eagle  Jeffrey Green, Twin Peaks Tavern  Kurtis Janitch, Beaux  Erick Lopez, The Edge  Johnnie Wartella, Pilsner Inn ✎

Best Live Nightlife/Cabaret Performer

 Connie Champagne  Spencer Day  Russell Deason  Sony Holland  Barry Lloyd  Kippy Marks  Kim Nalley  Carly Ozard  Suzanne “Kitten on the Keys” Ramsey  Katya Smirnoff-Skyy  Paula West ✎

Best Live Band

 Commando  Gravy Train  Homobiles  The Klipptones  Lipstick Conspiracy  Lolly Gaggers  Middle-Aged Queers  Planet Booty  Secret Emchy Society  Velvetta ✎

Best Gogo Dancer

 Connor Hochleutner  James Kindle  Emerson Silva  Chad Stewart  Koji Tare  Colin Stack-Troost  Michael Tempesta  Paul William  Lucy Dorado  Jella Gogo  Chloe Rainwater ✎

Best Nightlife Photographer  Marques Daniels  Gooch  Kid With a Camera  Fred Rowe  Darryl Pelletier  Tom Schmidt/Dot  Shot in the City  Steven Underhill ✎

Nightlife Venues & Events Best Cabaret Venue

 Bay Area Cabaret at the Venetian Room  Feinstein’s at the Nikko  Hotel Rex  Martuni’s  Oasis ✎

Best Drag Show

 Mascara at Eureka Valley Rec. center  Princess at Oasis  Reparations at Oasis  Oaklash in Oakland  Monster Show at The Edge  Wednesdays are a Drag at Port Bar ✎

Best Nightlife Event

 Bearracuda at Public Works  Beatpig at The Powerhouse  Cubcake at Lone Star  Disco Daddy at SF Eagle  Daytime Realness at El Rio  Frolic at Folsom Foundry  Mango at El Rio  Polyglamorous at Public Works  Powerblouse at The Powerhouse  ShangriLa at The EndUp  Sundance Saloon at Space 550  Uhaul at Jolene’s ✎

Best New Venue

 Feelmore Social, Oakland  Fluid510, Oakland  Lyon & Swan, SF  Town Bar & Lounge, Oakland ✎

Best Castro Bar  440 Castro  The Café  The Edge  Lookout  Midnight Sun  Moby Dick  Pilsner Inn  Toad Hall  Twin Peaks ✎

Best SoMa Bar

 Driftwood  Hole in the Wall  Lone Star Saloon  Oasis  The Powerhouse  SF Eagle ✎

Best Dance Club

 Beaux  DNA Lounge  Folsom Foundry  Great Northern  Midway  Oasis  Public Works  Space 550 ✎

Best East Bay Bar

 Feelmore Social  Port Bar  Town Bar & Lounge  The White Horse  Club 1220  The Brave Bull, Modesto ✎

Best Cocktails

 Blackbird  Ginger’s Trois  Martuni’s  Port Bar, Oakland ✎

Best Beer Selection  440 Castro  SF Eagle  Pilsner Inn  Toronado ✎

Best Wine Bar  Blush  Decant SF  Pause  Swirl ✎

Best Leather Event

 Folsom Street Fair  International Ms. Leather and International Ms. Bootblack Weekend, San Jose  Up Your Alley Street Fair  Mr SF Leather  Ms SF Leather ✎

Dining

Best Castro Restaurant  Beit Reima  Blind Butcher  Catch  Che Fico  Lark  Vico Cavone ✎

Best Late Night Restaurant  La Frontera  Grubstake  Orphan Andy’s  Toyose  Ler Ros ✎

Best Brunch

 Café Mystique  Corridor  Devil’s Teeth Bakery  Jones  Kantine  Starbelly  Wooden Spoon ✎

Best Upscale Restaurant  Farralon  Flour & Water  Frances  Rich Table  Spruce  Tartine Manufactory ✎

Best Asian Restaurant  Asia SF  Le Colonial  Izakaya Roku  Mahilla  Mama Ji’s  Mister Jiu’s  Saucy Asian  Palette Tea House  La Toyose ✎

Best Italian Restaurant  Il Casaro  Café Zoetrope  La Ciccia  Cotogna  Lupa  Mano  Poesia  Ragazza  SPQR  Vica Cavone ✎

Best Mexican Restaurant  Bonita  Don Pistos  Matador  Nopalito  Padrecito  Papito  Puerto Alegre ✎

Best Middle Eastern Restaurant  Beit Reima  Old Jerusalem  La Mediteranee ✎

Best Soul Food Restaurant  Brenda’s Oakland  Everett & Jones BBQ  Sol Food ✎

Best Bar Menu

Best Bakery

  Thorough Bread   Devil’s Teeth Baking Company  Boichik Bagels ✎

Best Dessert

 B. Patisserie  Bi-Rite  Bob’s Donuts  Castro Fountain  Mitchell’s  Creamery  Humphry Slocombe  Milkbomb Ice Cream  Salt & Straw  Stella Pastry  20th Century Café ✎

Best Coffee Shop  Blue Bottle  Flywheel  Haus  Philz  Spike’s  Verve  Wicked Grounds ✎

Weddings & Destinations

Best Place to Buy Furniture IKEA Maker & Moss Norden Living Room & Board Stag & Manor ✎

Best Domestic Getaway

Best Grocery Store (chain or independent)  Mollie Stone’s Markets  Safeway  Trader Joe’s  Gus’s Market  Rainbow Grocery ✎

Best Health Care Provider  Kaiser Permanente  Sutter Health  UCSF  Stanford Healthcare ✎

Best Pharmacy

 AHF Pharmacy  CVS Specialty Pharmacy  Walgreens ✎

Services & Shopping

Best Gym

 Bank of America  Chase  Redwood Credit Union  SF Federal Credit Union ✎

Best Cannabis Dispensary

Best Bank/Credit Union

Best Barber Shop

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 Raul Salazar  Steven Underhill ✎

Best Wedding Reception Venue

 City Club of San Francisco  Hibernia  Julia Morgan Ballroom  Legion of Honor  Terra Gallery ✎

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 Community Thrift  Goodwill  Out of the Closet (AIDS Healthcare Foundation) ✎

Best Variety Shop

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Best Place to Buy Sex Toys  Good Vibrations  Mr S Leather  Rock Hard ✎

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 Transform 1060  Eros  Steamworks Berkeley ✎

Enter Your Information to Qualify for the Prize Drawings Name: City/Town:

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Survey results will be published in the October 26 issue.

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Cory Weaver

Fall Arts

Preview

By Philip Campbell

W

e’re back in business, back to school and it’s time to plan your autumn concertgoing. Single tickets and subscriptions are on sale now. So, grab a pumpkin spice latté and look at some tempting offerings of the new season.

Back to classics fall music preview

San Francisco Opera

SFO is first out of the gate with a 101st season designed for diverse tastes. Get in the mood with the annual free “Opera in the Park” on Sunday, September 10 at 1:30pm, featuring artists from the fall season in Golden Gate Park Robin Williams Meadow.

“Il Trovatore” by Giuseppe Verdi September 12–October 1. David McVicar’s bold production returns. Inspired by the art of Francisco Goya, his powerful vision of the saga of revenge and thwarted love includes some famous tunes, including the “Anvil Chorus.” Angel Blue (SFO’s “Porgy and Bess”) and Arturo Chacón-Cruz star.

“The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs” September 22-October 7. SF Composer (and DJ) Mason Bates and Pulitzer-winning writer Mark Campbell bring their co-commissioned work back to where it all began. Bates fuses ‘classical’ music with the world of electronica with a deft blend of lyricism and innovation. And really, who could resist a singing Steve Wozniak? SFO favorite Sasha Cooke is Laurene Powell Jobs.

October 15-November 1 “Lohengrin” by Richard Wagner. New Zealand tenor Simon O’Neill tackles the daunting title role, the answer to a maiden’s prayer. Former SFO Adler Fellow soprano Julie Adams is his damsel in distress Elsa.

“Omar” music by Rhiannon Giddens (and libretto) and Michael Abels. November 5–21, 2023. Another co-commissioned Bay Area premiere, “Omar”

San Francisco Opera will perform “Omar”

chronicles Islamic scholar Omar Ibn Said’s journey from West Africa to enslavement in South Carolina.

Imprisoned after an attempted escape he records his transcendent story in Arabic. As a founding member of The Carolina Chocolate Drops, Rhiannon Giddons has impressively expanded a major career; winning a few Grammy’s, a MacArthur Fellowship, and a Pulitzer Prize (for “Omar”) along the way.

“The Elixir of Love” November 19-December 9: Donizetti’s sunny, funny cavalcade of dazzling vocal pyrotechnics ends the fall season with jovial tenor Pene Pati (SFO Adler Fellow 2016-2017) in the lead with soprano Slávka Zámečníková, making her SFO debut as the object of his affection Adina. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave. www. sfopera.com

celebrating the Alexander String Quartet’s 35th Anniversary as SFP’s Quartet-in-Residence. The organization offers many high caliber chamber concerts, but there are intimate vocal recitals as well.

Top of the list for fall is renowned British tenor Ian Bostridge’s appearance with pianist Wenwen Du on Saturday, October 21, 7:30pm. They begin SFP’s “Art of Song Series,” which continues in January 2024, with an evening devoted to Schubert’s deeply reflective song cycle “Wintereisse.” Bostridge has even written an award-winning book on the piece, “Schubert’s Winter Journey: Anatomy of an Obsession.” Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave. www.sfperformances.org

SF Performances

The San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) recently announced its fall concert series, which includes artist residencies, visiting guest art-

San Francisco Performances opens its 44th season Friday, September 29 with a gala and concert

San Francisco Conservatory of Music

ists, and faculty and student concerts. More than 90 percent of are free and open to the public.

Ian Bostridge’s concert at SF Performances in October is in partnership with his residency and master class at SFCM Friday, October 20, 7:30 PM in the Barbro Osher Recital Hall, 200 Van Ness Avenue. If you want to binge on Bostridge and Schubert, here’s your chance. 50 Oak St. www.sfcm.edu

San Francisco Symphony

The San Francisco Symphony’s (SFS) Music Director Esa-Pekka Salonen enters his fourth season with programming characteristic of his brand as an exceptional composer himself and enthusiastic collaborator with other groundbreaking musicians.

From the Opening Night Gala on September 22 and annual “All San Francisco Concert” on September 23, which honors local social service and neighSee page 15 >>

Petipa Awards Gala: World Ballet Stars

Nā Lei Hulu I Ka Wēkiu dance company

For one night only, San Francisco will be the center of the ballet universe, with a star-studded gala performance by some of the world’s most renowned dancers, and a celebration of the winners of this year’s Petipa Awards: iconic prima ballerina and choreographer Natalia Makarova and the late Pierre Lacotte, a revered French ballet choreographer and historian, perhaps best known for his role in helping Rudolf Nureyev defect from the Soviet Union.

Dancers from Paris Opera Ballet, Staatsballett Berlin, Teatro alla Scala, Dutch National Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Compañía Nacional de Danza, and Astana Opera Ballet will perform a diverse range of classical and contemporary works, including the U.S. premiere of “Grand Pas Electrique” from Petipa’s long-forgotten ballet “Bluebeard.” $180-$1240. September 23, Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave. www.cityboxoffice.com

CONTEMPORARY DANCE

Fall into dance concerts

by Philip Mayard

BALLET

O

“The White Feather, A Persian Ballet Tale”

ver the past few years, the Bay Area’s dance community has demonstrated remarkable resilience through innovative virtual performances, outdoor showcases, and hybrid formats that prioritized safety without sacrificing artistic expression. Collaborations among dancers, choreographers, and organizations have not only sustained the community but also fostered a spirit of unity that continues to fuel its evolution and growth in the post-pandemic era.

This fall you can experience the vibrant pulse of San Francisco through dance performances that showcase a diverse array of styles and cultures. From site-specific contemporary works to traditional staged performances that celebrate a spectrum of rich international heritages, these programs offer a unique opportunity to be moved by the passion and talent of our community during this season of dance.

As part of a highly successful national tour, artistic director Tara Ghassemieh, former San Francisco Ballet principal dancer Vitor Luiz, and a full company of international ballet dancers present “The White Feather, A Persian Ballet Tale,” commemorating the first anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s arrest and death in Iran, an event that provoked an international women-led uprising. Amini was a 22-year-old woman who died under suspicious circumstances in Tehran, following her arrest for allegedly not wearing a hijab.

The ballet explores the rich history of Iranian art and the untold story of the Iranian National Ballet, the country’s only state dance company that was closed down during the Islamic revolution in 1979.

Hailed as “extraordinarily beautiful, powerful, and informative,” (Los Angeles Dance Chronicle), “The White Feather” looks to be an inspiring launch to the Bay Area’s fall dance season. $35-$195. September 9, Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave. www.cityboxoffice.com

Smuin Contemporary Ballet

Smuin Contemporary Ballet’s 30th anniversary season kicks off in grand style with, “Salsa ‘til Dawn,” a world premiere work by one of America’s most sought-after dancemakers, Darrell Grand Moultrie, whose resumé includes choreography for American Ballet Theatre, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Beyoncé, and Savion Glover.

The program also features the return of James Kudelka’s riveting ballet in cowboy boots, “The Man in Black,” set to the music of Johnny Cash, and “Tutto Eccetto il Lavandino (everything but the kitchen sink),” a dynamic neoclassical work by internationally acclaimed choreographer Val Caniparoli. $25-$89. September 15-October 7; Lesher Center for the Arts, Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, Cowell Theatre at Fort Mason. www.smuinballet.org

Bellwether Dance Project

Founded by Bay Area dance luminary Amy Foley in 2015, Bellwether Dance Project took a big step forward last year with its first home season at ODC Theatre. Bellwether returns to ODC for its second home season with two world premieres: “Aurora Sad Magic,” a work inspired by an old legend that explained the aurora borealis as the dancing souls of lost loved ones, and “Whether or Knot,” a solo work set to a poem by Meriweather Campbell, a lifelong friend of Foley’s.

The program also includes the revival of the company’s popular “Let Slip the Witches,” a dance for five women responding to the archetype of the witch, which Foley notes, is both ancient and timely. She says, “The witch is by turns both magical and mundane, frightening and nurturing, a powerful figure of both exile and desire.” $25-$75. September 14-16, ODC Theatre, 3153 17th St. www.odc.dance

RAWdance

Since 2004, San Francisco’s award-winning RAWdance has pushed the boundaries of contemporary dance through a mix of performance, curation, and collaboration. The company’s newest project, the world premiere of “Loving Still,” See page 16 >>

t

Fall Arts Preview: Music >>

August 31-September 6, 2023 • Bay Area Repor ter • 15

THE BAY AREA’S

MOST AWARD-WINNING THEATRE COMPANY *

2023/2024 SEASON

NOLLYWOOD DREAMS Terry Lorant

Alexander String Quartet at the Herbst Theatre

<<

Music

Friday, September 22, Ensemble for These Times performs “TransFrom page 14 formations.” A concert about kinds borhood organizations, through weekly of physical, biological, emotionconcerts in autumn, Davies Symphony al, environmental, and musical Hall is home base for musical discovery transformations features Arnold and excitement.

Schoenberg’s “Transfigured Night,” In programs reflecting Esa-Pekka arranged for piano trio, and works Salonen’s vision, the SFS presents a seaby Darian Donovan Thomas, Lisa son-long blend of four Bielawa, inti figgisconcerts described as “Sigvizueta, and Franz nature Salonen.” SeptemSchreker. ber 29 to October 1, the Sunday, October maestro presents first SFS 15, Monica Chew performances of “Herald, performs “Best Holler and Hallelujah!” by Friends.” The Oakjazz giant Wynton Marsaland composer and lis with “An Alpine Sympianist presents a phony” by Richard Strauss program of paired and Tchaikovsky’s glorious works that she enjoys Violin Concerto featurhearing side-by-side. ing guest artist Leonidas Joshua Uzoigwe, Ali Kavakos.

Osman, Stacy FahOctober 6 & 7, “Inrion, Emahoy Tsege terplay: Pekka Kuusisto” Mariam Gebru, DmiSalonen joins violinist Petri Shostakovich, and kka Kuusisto for the world Ulvi Cemal Erkin premiere of the SFS commake highly agreemissioned “Convergence” able companions. Old by composer Jesper NorFirst Church, 1751 din. The concert includes Composer/pianist Sacramento St. “Naïve and Sentimental Monica Chew at Old w w w. o l d f i r s t c o n Music” by Bay Area/Inter- First Concerts certs.org national superstar composer John Adams.

October 15, violinist Lisa BatiashNew Century vili, cellist Gautier Capuçon, and pianist Chamber Orchestra Jean-Yves Thibaudet as they join forces November 2-5, 2023, violinist Danin piano trios by Joseph Haydn, Maurice iel Hope and mezzo-soprano Kelley Ravel, and Felix Mendelssohn.

O’Connor invite us to ‘journey into the November 3-19, “California Festival: beyond’ with a program called “VisitaA Celebration of New Music” is a twotions.” Described as music for communweek, statewide festival featuring more ing with spirits the bill includes a chorus than 50 organizations and ensembles of eight voices in a candlelit setting. presenting innovative music composed Nineteen string players comprise during the last five years.

NCCO’s conductorless ensemble that

SF Symphony

San Francisco Symphony concerts include violinist Lisa Batiashvili, cellist Gautier Capuçon, and pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet together on Oct. 15.

Esa-Pekka Salonen conducts two Festival programs, including first SFS performances of his own “Kínēma,” the world premiere of SFS commissioned “Drowned in Light” by Jens Ibsen, and first SFS performances of Gabriella Smith’s “Breathing Forests.” Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave. www. sfsymphony.org

Old First Concerts

For over 50 years, Old First Concerts has presented diverse programs of classical, jazz and world music. The handsome historic space has excellent acoustics and the performers are high merit.

Wide-ranging repertory includes works and performances by women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ community.

makes musical decisions collaboratively, resulting in an enhanced level of communication. Daniel Hope, an international star in his own right, serves as Music Director and Concertmaster.

“Visitations” imaginatively features Paul Dukas’s “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” and Argentinian composer Ariel Ramírez’s beautiful Misa Criolla. Composer Nicolás Lell Benavides premieres a new work commissioned by NCCO for violin and strings “Doña Sebastiana” (Lady Death) of the American Southwest. Three of the four performances, in Berkeley, Tiburon and San Francisco, are part of the “California Festival: A Celebration of New Music.” Concerts will be at various Bay Area venues. www.ncco. org. t

SEP 28 - NOV 4

BY JOCELYN BIOH

GUYS AND DOLLS

NOV 16 - JAN 13

BASED ON A STORY AND CHARACTERS OF DAMON RUNYON BOOK BY ABE BURROWS AND JO SWERLING MUSIC BY FRANK LOESSER

MY HOME ON THE MOON

JAN 25 - FEB 24

BY MINNA LEE

THE 39 STEPS

MAR 7 - APR 20

BY JOHN BUCHAN ADAPTED BY PATRICK BARLOW

THE GLASS MENAGERIE

MAY 2 - JUNE 15

BY TENNESSEE WILLIAMS

EVITA

JUNE 27 - SEP 7

MUSIC BY ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER LYRICS BY TIM RICE *San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle Awards, 2012 - 2023

Pictured: The cast of A Chorus Line (2023).

GET TICKETS: SFPLAYHOUSE.ORG 415-677-9596 450 POST STREET AT POWELL ON UNION SQUARE

<< Fall Arts Preview: Dance

16 • Bay Area Repor ter • August 31-September 6, 2023

t

Chris-Hardy

Smuin Contemporary Ballet

San Francisco Trolley Dances

For 20 years, Epiphany Dance Theatre has presented its enormously popular San Francisco Trolley Dances program in, on and around the city’s public transit system, free of charge.

The program, which draws hundreds of dance fans and curious MUNI riders, is a communal experience bringing together a diverse group of dance artists, encouraging people see dance in new ways, while connecting neighborhoods and participants to San Francisco’s history, culture, architecture, natural environment, and social fabric.

This year’s Trolley Dances highlight San Francisco’s downtown district, the Exploratorium and Fisherman’s Wharf. Performances include sitespecific works by Nava Dance Theatre, Blind Tiger Society, Jean Isaacs, Kinetech Arts, Jennifer Perfilio Movement Works, Loco Bloco, and Epiphany Dance Theatre.

Free. Oct 21-22, various San Francisco locations. www.epiphanydance.org

Helena Palazzi

RAWdance’s Yebel Gallegos and Ryan T. Smith in ‘Loving Still’

<<

Dance

trans, queer, and gender-nonconforming dancers, with an original sound score and commissioned music.

The performance is followed by an interactive lobby experience of visual artworks entitled “Postcards from the Future” and “The Futurist Pledge,” a self-declaration of each audience members’ commitment to a life filled with joy, pleasure, love, and well-being. $15-$50. September 29-October 1, Z Space, 450 Florida St. www.seandorseydance.com

From page 14

is inspired by Huge Nini and Neal Treadwell’s stunning 2020 book, “Loving: A Photographic History of Men in Love, 1850s-1950s,” which features over 300 previously unpublished photos of men representing “the love that dare not speak its name.”

In response to the collection, ten male dancers will perform a series of intimate duets that aim to bring these extraordinary photographs to life. A selection of the images, which span members of the military to heirs of high society, will be reproduced in large format and displayed in the gallery throughout a two-month residency.

Additionally, the company will explore the queer roots of the venue’s historic Jackson Square neighborhood.

Ticket price TBA, December 8-10, 836M Gallery, 836 Montgomery St. www.rawdance.org

PUSH Dance Company

PUSH Dance Company kicks off its 18th home season with a celebratory grand opening performance event at its new BIPOC Artists Sanctuary home in downtown San Francisco. The program will encompass site-specific performances on all four floors of the building, as well as on the outdoor stage in a neighboring park.

The centerpiece of the evening will be the world premiere of “Performable Posthumanism” by PUSH Artistic Director Raissa Simpson, a multidisciplinary work exploring the potential outcomes of AI technology in the judicial system for people of African descent. $15-$50. October 15, PUSH Artists Sanctuary, 447 Minna St. www.pushdance.org

Sean Dorsey Dance

Emmy Award-winning trans artist Sean Dorsey returns to San Francisco with his namesake company as part of a ten-city international tour of “The Lost Art of Dreaming,” a powerful amalgamation of heartstopping dance, intimate storytelling, and elegant queer partnering. The work is performed by an ensemble of five

Urban Bush Women

It’s been many years since the remarkable Brooklyn-based performance ensemble Urban Bush Women has performed in the Bay Area. So it’s exciting that Cal Performances will welcome them back to the intimate Zellerbach Playhouse with “Hair & Other Stories,” a full-length dance-theater work exploring race, identity, and beauty through the lens of Black women’s hair.

A participatory performance work of activism and engagement, audience members are encouraged to move, com-

NEW CONSERVATORY THEATRE CENTER I N A S S O C I AT ION W ITH SEASON PRODUCERS Michael Golden & Michael Levy Robert Holgate Lowell Kimble Ted Tucker

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS David Meders Eve & Niall Lynch

PRODUCERS Laurence Brenner & Angelo Figone Maurice Kelly & Eric Jansen

Alexa Treviño

David Herrera Performance Company

ment, reflect, and bear witness to this highly engaging work, rooted in personal stories gathered from participants at “Hair Parties” the company hosted with women across the country. $36-$72. December 1-3, Zellerbach Playhouse, 2413 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. www.calperformances.org

INTERNATIONAL David Herrera Performance Company

Órale! – a common interjection in Mexican Spanish slang expressing approval or encouragement – brings to the Z Space stage a joyful evening of contemporary dance in celebration of the Latinx/e experience. The evening features ten Bay Area dancers performing choreography by artists from across the U.S., who will explore the vibrancy, complexity and richness that their communities bring to American culture. $20-$40. September 7-9, Z Space, 450 Florida St. dhperformance.org www.zspace.org

The beginning of a legend.

WORLD PREMIERE COMMISSION

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APR15-OCT 1-MAY15, 8, SEPT 2023 2022

TICKETS AT NCTCSF.ORG BOX OFFICE: 415.861.8972 25 VAN NESS AT MARKET ST.

World Arts West Dance Fest San Francisco’s World Arts

West Dance Festival returns to the Presidio with a remarkable lineup of artists presenting dances from Mexico, India, Nicaragua, Brazil, West African, Spain, Tahiti and more, set against the beautiful backdrop of the Bay in the new Presidio Tunnel Tops park, all for free.

Dance groups include Calpulli

Tonalehqueh, Diamano Coura West African Dance Company, Melissa Cruz Flamenco, Mona Khan Company, Nicaragua Dance Ensemble, Ruth Asawa SF School of the Arts world dance group, and Te Pura O Te Rahura’a. Join in interactive demos with artists, enjoy international food offerings from the Presidio Pop Up food trucks, and revel in the power of dance.

Free/register. September 10, Presidio Tunnel Tops, 210 Lincoln Blvd. www.worldartswest.org

Yerba Buena Gardens ChoreoFest

One of the city’s most popular outdoor performing arts festivals returns with two weekends of dance, spotlighting the creativity and diversity of the Bay Area community. Pack a picnic and sunscreen and get ready for a truly international dance experience.

The first weekend of ChoreoFest showcases contemporary works by Fullstop Dance; dances fusing classical Chinese movement, modern, and ballet

by Lily Cai Chinese Dance Company; “queer creation stories” by Seeds and Sequins; and eye-popping, contortionistic, TURF (Taking Up Room on the Floor) dance moves by Oakland’s original turf dancing crew Turf Feinz.

The second weekend spotlights contemporary works by PUSH Dance Company; multi-ethic, multi-genre dances See page 23 >>

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32106-CAS-WLD-Bay Area Reporter-Roof-9.75x16-05.24.23-FA.indd 1

5/24/23 4:05 PM

<< Fall Arts Preview: Theatre

18 • Bay Area Repor ter • August 31-September 6, 2023

Robbie Sweeny

Gabby Momah and Mikee Loria in ‘Wolf Play’ at Shotgun Players

Lois Tema

Adam Kuve Niemann and Henry Halkyard in ‘Before the Sword’ at New Conservatory Theatre Center.

Engage with the stage curtains up for fall arts theater

by Jim Gladstone

“I

think differently after seeing this play,” said Elizabeth Carter of “Wolf Play,” which she’s directing for Berkeley’s Shotgun Players in a much-anticipated production that opens this weekend.

What more could one wish for from a night at the theater?

The best plays and musicals not only entertain us, they make us see the world afresh.

Whether by revealing unsung delights of everyday life, provoking us to examine the nuances of human psychology, or exposing us to new modes of storytelling, they ask us not to sit back and relax, but to lean in and engage.

Our attendance and engagement are critical at this moment. Over the last few years, local and regional theaters have struggled mightily. The pandemic changed habits, hitting the performing arts particularly hard.

From now through the end of the year, Bay Area companies are mounting a remarkable variety of productions, wildly varied in style and content.

If you’ve allowed yourself to slip into streaming somnolence, it’s time to rise up, get out and support local theater.

Here are some of the season’s most intriguing offerings.

‘Wolf Play’ and ‘Hedwig’ at Shotgun Players

“As the queer mother of a middle-

Monday 8am

(last seating 9:45pm)

Tuesday 8am

(last seating 9:45pm)

schooler, one of the things that resonates with me most about this show,” said director Carter of Korean-American playwright Hansol Jung’s script, “is the sense of helplessness that young people can feel in a system that’s not well designed to support them.”

This multi-layered, tonally quirky piece, which incorporates puppetry and allegory in telling the story of an adop-

Take that wig down from a shelf as John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask’s hit Broadway musical “Hedwig and the Angry Inch” returns to the Bay Area in a new production directed by Richard Mosqueda. The Tony-winning trans rock favorite plays Oct. 28 through Dec. 3 ($34-$50).

Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., Berkeley. www.shotgunplayers.org

‘Nollywood Dreams’ at San Francisco Playhouse

‘Nollywood Dreams’ at San Francisco Playhouse

Billy Crudup in ‘Harry Clarke’ at Berkeley Rep

Playwright Kheven LaGrone’s ‘Group Therapy’ at Theatre Rhinoceros

tion gone wrong, won acclaim in its recent Off Broadway debut.

“Allow yourself to go for the ride,” encouraged Carter, “The emotions in this play can catch you off guard. You’re asked to root for the supposed Bad Guy.” $15-$36. Sept. 2-Oct. 1.

‘Before the Sword’ at New Conservatory Theatre Center

significantly outpacing Hollywood.

The play employs a feather-light touch in pointing out the global influence of American media while simultaneously celebrating Nigerian culture.

The production is a showcase for a pair of multi-faceted local theater dynamos. Fresh off her comedic coup playing the lead role in Magic Theater’s hit “Josephine’s Feast,” local legend Margo Hall directs. And rising Bay Area theatermaker Tanika Baptiste plays one of the leads here before taking the directorial reins at Theatre Rhinoceros’ “Group Therapy” (see below). $30-$125. Sept. 28-Nov. 4. 450 Post St. www.sfplayhouse.org

Open Daily!

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Wednesday 8am (last seating 9:45pm)

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NCTC kicks off their season with an exciting world premiere commission.

“Before the Sword” is an imaginative exploration of events that may have inspired “The Sword in the Stone” and other Arthurian tales by acclaimed author T.H. White, who few readers realize was gay. Andrew Alty’s stage adaptation plays Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. More on that in next week’s issue.

Also this fall, NCTC brings us Harrison Rivers’ mother-son coming out drama, “We Are Continuous” (Oct. 20–Nov. 26) and some wickedly Grinchy holiday counter-programming in “Ruthless,” a backstage musical with bitchy bite (Dec. 1–Jan. 7). $25-$45. 25 Van Ness Ave. www.nctcsf.org

‘Adventures with Alice’ at Montalvo Arts Center

It’s rare for We Players to remount one of their elaborate interactive outdoor productions. So if you didn’t get a chance to catch this linguistically delicious, snappily-costumed spin on Lewis Carrol’s classics when it frolicked through Golden Gate Park last spring, make haste to chase the white rabbit on the peninsula.

Actors and audiences are on the move throughout the two-hour production, following that rushing rabbit around the grounds of Montalvo and stumbling upon witty storybook scenarios. While youngsters aged six and older are welcome, this is truly a show for all ages. A tip for the grown-ups: That bunny goes great with a gummy. $25-$55. Sept. 28-Oct. 8. Montalvo Arts Center, 15400 Montalvo Road, Saratoga. www.weplayers.org

t

There’s sudsy fun in store at this soapoperatic, sit-com silly delight by the Ghanian-American writer Jocelyn Bioh (“School Girls: The African Mean Girls Play”). Set in Lagos, amidst the titular Nigerian feature film industry, which produces around 1000 movies a year,

‘Mame’ at Gateway Theater

While some might argue that “La Cage Aux Folles” is the only Jerry Herman musical about gay family dynamics, I beg to differ. While the too-frequently produced and latelyshowing-its-age “Cage” takes the subject on directly, Herman’s earlier, less frequently revived “Mame” is a barelyveiled celebration of the lesbian aunts and guncles who help introduce their proto-queer nephews and nieces to all things worldly and fabulous.

After last year’s knockout 42nd Street Moon production of “Merrily We Roll Along,” I’m looking forward to the company’s refurbishment of this classic with a hummable score featuring “We Need a Little Christmas” and “Bosom Buddies.”

Fun fact: Patrick Dennis, the sexually fluid author of the 1955 comic novel that “Mame” is based on, gave up his writing career in the early 1970s, eventually finding work as a butler for Ray Croc, the CEO of McDonald’s.

To paraphrase Mame: Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are eating McNuggets. $35-$80. Nov. 2-19. $35-$80.

Gateway Theater. 215 Jackson St. www.42ndstmoon.org

‘Harry Clarke’ at Berkeley Rep

Hollywood and Broadway star Billy Crudup, winner of an Emmy for “The Morning Show” and a Tony for Tom Stoppard’s “The Coast of Utopia,” plays 19 different characters over the course of David Cale’s trickily plotted oneman drama, being remounted here after acclaimed New York runs in 2017 and 2018.

Form and function dovetail beautifully here. The title character is himself a chameleon, a midwestern American who inveigles his way into posh society and dangerous situations by taking on an alternate persona. Depending on how you interpret the play, Clarke is gay or bisexual; some queer audiences may take umbrage at the connection of bisexuality and an unstable personality.

If you’re fascinated by the craft of acting, “Harry Clarke” provides a unique opportunity.

The 2018 New York production was recorded for Audible, so you can listen to Crudup perform the entire play before seeing it live. It should be fascinating to consider his techniques for switching characters vocally in advance of watching his physical transformations on stage.

Single tickets avail. Sept. 13. Nov. 15-23. 2015 Addison St. www.berkeleyrep.org

‘Group Therapy’ at Theatre Rhinoceros

Oakland playwright Kheven LaGrone (“The Legend of Pink,” “Pillow Talk,” “A Little Miracle”) returns to the Rhino with a seriocomic piece that’s perfectly scaled for the company’s intimate new home in the heart of the Castro. It consists of a series of therapy sessions among a group of Black men at odds with the fact that they’re turning 40.

The freedom of youth and the responsibility of adulthood are juxtaposed as each of the quintet briefly takes the spotlight to share the details of his own story.

“I think these guys are all faced with the question of whether life is something that’s behind them or that’s ahead of them,” said Rhino Artistic Director John Fisher, who says that reading the script evoked memories of watching “The Bob Newhart Show” as a kid.

“As a person who’s never been in therapy,” he said, “I find it fascinating to get a sense of the process.” $17.50-$35. Nov. 9–Dec. 3. 4229 18th St. www.therhino.org t

<<Fall Arts Preview: Pop Music

20 • Bay Area Repor ter • August 31-September 6, 2023

Clockwise from UL: Ryan Beatty, Jessie Ware, Kim Petras, Noah Reid,

Todrick Hall

t

Josh Thomas

Quirky queer pop & comedy one-night-only acts to catch pointedly marketed to young girls.

After a burst of bubblegum success, he fired his management, leading to legal hassles which keep him from putting out new music until 2016.

When he did so, it was as an openly gay 20-year-old whose electronically augmented, gently psychedelic ballads are a far cry from his sheeny teen beginnings. He’s collaborated with hip-hop collective Brockhampton and Tyler the Creator as well as releasing three compelling solo albums, the latest of which is the dreamy Laurel Canyon-leaning “Calico.” $22. Sept. 13. 628 Divisadero St. www.theindependentsf.com

by Jim Gladstone

A

n esoteric collection of pop acts and comedians with distinct queer appeal will make their way through the Bay Area this season.

Here are some of the most intriguing.

Todrick Hall at The Curran

Between controversies, kerfuffles and reality TV debacles (“The Real Friends of WeHo” anyone?), dancer, rapper and choreographer Hall puts his head down and werks. Regularly recording new music and constantly touring, Hall is an admirably industrious booster of queer pride and visibility. His effort shows.

The last time he played the Bay Area, at the UC Theatre in Berkeley, Hall and a phalanx of dancers put on a ferociously energetic twohour spectacle, with polished video, pointed lyrics and fantastic costuming. After his “Velvet Rage Tour,” Hall, who has done several past stints on Broadway, says he’s putting a moratorium on pop shows for a few years. So catch him while you can. $36-$66. Sept. 12. 445 Geary St. www.sfcurran.com

The name sounds familiar, huh?

In all likelihood you’ve only heard him sing one song though: the gentle, acoustic version of Tina Turner’s “The Best” with which his character, Patrick Brewer, serenaded David Rose, played by Dan Levy, in “Schitt’s Creek.”

Ohhhh, that cutie patootie?! Affection for the series may be enough to draw curious listeners to hear cuts from his three strummy, affable, albums. Just a reminder; he’s straight.

Oct. 11. $40. 420 Mason St. www. augusthallsf.com

Ryan Beatty at The Independent

Jessie Ware at the Regency Ballroom

“They Wanna Fuck” and “Throat Goat” pretty much establish a new genre: Blissphamy. $59.50-$69.50.

Oct. 29. 99 Grove St. www.billgrahamcivic.co

prised to be watching him through binoculars from the stands of an arena. You’ll be happy to say you saw him early on.

And hey, while Kesha’s latest album “Gag Order” has performed

Noah Reid at August Hall

“What’s Your Pleasure?” “That!

Feels! Good!” Asked and answered.

The two latest albums from this UK star –who has never quite cracked the American market– are lush dance floor gems evocative of Chic.

Beatty, who grew up outside of Fresno, deserves your attention. The 27-year-old gay singer-songwriter has been releasing music since 2012, but his early material was polished pop, featured on Radio Disney and

Provocative Unpredictable Moving

Among the characters in this new In these stories we meet, among collection of stories, we meet a men‘s others, a men’s sexual abuse sexual abuse therapy group; one of therapy group; one of its memits members and his aging father; a bers and aging confronting father; aa 96-year oldhis gay writer 96-year-old writer confrontyoung queergay interviewer; a little boy ing aterrified young of queer interviewer; his Barbies at night;aa little boy man terrified of Vegas his Barbies retired at a Las roulette withaa drunken college student; attable night; teenager introduced teenager in 1971 introduced to gay to agay life watching The Boys in life bySome watching Boys in the the Band. findThe peace within Band. Some finddo peace themselves, some not.within But the all warring elements of themselves, are embraced with fierce insight some do not. But all are embraced and compassion. with insight and compassion.

“Westerfield’s characters live in the gray spaces that have become so difficult to talk about in our absolutist culture. Each is drawn with brave complexity and weary resiliency.”—Jeff Rufus Byrd, Performance Artist

Goes On, Without the World Understanding AVA I L A B L E AT

This is soulful, grown-up music that will make the perfect soundtrack for a great date night. Not a first date though; maybe a third. $39.50$54.50. Oct. 11. 1300 Van Ness. www.theregencyballroom.com

& rattlinggoodyarns.com

John Cameron Mitchell with Amber Martin

John Cameron Mitchell with Amber Martin @ Zellerbach Hall

Samantha Bee

Samantha Bee at the Palace of the Fine Arts

The presence of former “Daily Show” correspondent and “Full Frontal” star Bee has been much missed. Sharp, smart and bracingly feminist, Bee brings back her sting on a new comedy tour called “Your Favorite Woman” that she’s written to “celebrate the fact that women are fully f*cking cool, despite what six Supreme Court Justices and her Instagram feed seem to think.” $39.50 $79.50. Oct. 14. 3601 Lyon St. www. palaceoffinearts.com

Mitchell, the original Hedwig (The angry inch one, not Harry Potter’s owl), put on a long, deep and genuinely thrilling show when he last played a Cal Performances show three years ago. Martin was singing backup that evening, but has since played two solo gigs at Oasis, channeling Bette Midler and Janis Joplin.

She blew the roof off, like some fiery, wiry version of cabaret-era Brigitte Everett. This co-headlining show is the best blast of ’90s New York the Bay Area has hosted since Kiki and Herb swung by last Christmas. $40-$110. Nov. 4. Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley. www.calperformances.org

pretty much per its title, there’s no denying the stupid joy in singing along to the banger choruses of “TiK ToK,” “Die Young,” and “We R Who We R.” $55-$75. Nov. 17. 1807 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. www. thefoxoakland.com

Josh Thomas at the Castro Theater

He’s queer, he’s autistic and Australian. He’s not Hannah Gadsby and he doesn’t have a pouch. Thomas, whose two streaming sitcom series, “Please Like Me” and “Everything’s Gonna be Ok” deserve to be seen by much broader audiences is a singular talent. If Adam Sandler’s stage persona is aptly described as a manchild; Thomas’ is a manchild

Kim Petras at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium

Sam Smith swept through the Bay Area earlier this week, but autumn brings the opportunity to catch his co-Grammy-winner for their gleefully sleazy earworm duet, “Unholy.”

If that song was a surprise coming from smoothie Smith, whose slow walk away from his heartbroken choir boy origins has never fully taken, it’s par for the coarse from Petras, the subject of a “New Yorker” profile earlier this year.

That the 30-year-old, Germanborn Pop Tart (Pop Strudel?) is a transwoman feels largely immaterial at this point. That she records some of the catchiest, trashiest Europop around is what matters most. Let’s hope that along with cuts from her new album, “Feed the Beast,” she pays plenty of attention to the craziness of her prior release, “Slut Pop,” which was the centerpiece of her bonkers 2022 Outside Lands set.

Kesha and Jake Wesley Rogers

Kesha & Jake Wesley Rogers at the Fox Theater

She may almost be over, but he’s only just begun. With the face of an angel, the wardrobe of Elton John and songwriting talent that bridges rock, pop and country, the gay 26-year-old Missouri-born superstar-in-the-making is not to be missed. Last time he was in town, Rogers had Bimbo’s in the palm of his hand.

This time, it’s the Fox. And a few years from now, I wouldn’t be sur-

prodigy. Oversensitive, immature, extraordinarily witty and slyly intelligent, he makes you want to cuddle him and pummel him in quick alternation. To pre-game, check out Thomas’ semi-sincere podcast “How To Be Gay.” $35-$55. Nov. 18. Castro Theater. www.apeconcerts.com

t

Fall Arts Preview: Arts >>

The Wolfgang Tilmans exhibit, “To Look Without Fear” at SFMOMA

Yayoi Kusama at SFMOMA

Picture this

by Robert Brokl

A

rt exhibits to look forward to this Fall run the gamut from spectacles to the more scholarly.

Art viewers inclined toward Barbieheimer blockbusters will flock to the Yayoi Kasuma exhibit at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, opening Oct. 14, featuring her popular Infinity Mirrored Rooms. Kasuma emerged as a transgressive Bad Girl artist, getting attention for soft stuffed phallus sculpture and nude happenings at unlikely locations like the sculpture garden at New York’s Museum of Modern Art, like her impromptu 1969 event entitled “Grand Orgy to Awaken the Dead.”

She checked herself into a psychiatric hospital in Japan, where she lived for years. Now, at 94, her mirrored rooms and obsession with colorful polka dots and forever-young persona has made her a Blue Chip art world darling, with worldwide museum shows. Kasuma’s Infinity Rooms join the roster of immersive productions of work by Dali, Matisse, Dali, even Hockney most recently, that have proven major draws.

Expect crowds and ticketing competition.

Also at SFMOMA, the Wolfgang Tilmans exhibit, “To Look Without Fear” is a comprehensive exhibition of the influential artist’s work to date, charting the development of his practice from the 1980s through the present, across multiple genres of photography. From early experiments with a photocopier to ecstatic nightlife images, intimate sometimes homoerotic portraits, incisive documentation of social movements.

Nov. 11- March 3, 2024.

151 3rd St. www.sfmoma.org Other local venues feature work just as exciting, without the circus, for those with a preference for more “traditional” artwork.

August 31-September 6, 2023 • Bay Area Repor ter • 21

“Portrait of Henry VII of England,” by Hans Holbein the Younger, “The Tudors,” at the Legion of Honor

museum and gallery highlights for fall

There’s still time to catch the “The Tudors: Art and Majesty in Renaissance England” exhibit at the Legion of Honor, through Sept. 24, at its only West Coast venue. The monarchs used art to “project royal gravitas,” soft power. The trip would be worth it just for the Hans Holbein portraits, including his much-reproduced, stunning Henry VIII painting, from Rome’s Palazzo Barberini. Another rare painting of a monarch depicts Queen Elizabeth I, just as resplendent but less rotund, by Nicholas Hiliard.

Visit for the paintings, but stay for the tapestries and textiles, sculpture and jewelry, and other treasures. Potentates need not be philistines, too.

100 34th Ave. www.famsf.org The ongoing exhibit “What Has Been and What Could Be” at Berkeley’s University Art Museum/Pacific Film Archive continues into 2024. Ignore the odd title, and welcome the opportunity to see more of the museum’ permanent collection. The BAM/PFA’s distinctive Brutalist museum on campus was vacated for this repurposed but unfortunately smaller structure downtown, with no permanent collection display.

This sprawling show attempts to correct that deficit, with fine examples of early curatorial efforts to promote African-American artists, and devotes a room to East Bay artists.

(Jay DeFeo’s work always a delight, but in this category?)

Some gems, tucked away in the “Still Life” section, include an especially elegant Paul Wonner piece, and a rather somber, green Richard Diebenkorn painting, a riposte to Matisse’s exuberant monochromatic “Red Studio.”

The late gay collector extraordinaire, Eli Leon, who stuffed his Oakland cottage with quilts by female, mostly East Bay, African-Americans (most of

which were donated to the BAM/PFA by his estate), gets his due, with a wall label and rotating examples from his collection. On view now is a vibrant Rosie Lee Tompkins quilt. Other extraordinary pieces include the iconic, small but potent, portrait of an armed Aunt Jemima by Betye Saar, and an arresting photograph of the abolitionist and former slave Sojourner Truth, a cartes-de-virite cardboard postcard marketed by Truth herself to fund her efforts.

2155 Center St., Berkeley. www.bampfa.org The Oakland Museum of California presents “Por El Pueblo: The Legacy and Influence of Malaquias Montoya,” opening Oct. 6, in the Great Hall. Montoya’s posters and prints reflect his long legacy as an activist artist, founder of the Mexican-American Liberation Front, and professor at UC-Davis, in the Department of Art and Chicana/o Studies.

Montoya’s enormous impact upon succeeding generations of artists is documented with examples of their work. Photographs and other more personal material will enlighten viewers about this titular Chicano artist, the son of a migrant farmworker family. A timely exhibit, on the heels of the OMCA’s popular Angela Davis exhibit, in the midst of the ongoing demagoguery over immigration.

1000 Oak St. www.museumca.org “See You Space Cowboy …

From Hokusai to Hiphop,” at the Fine Arts Gallery, San Francisco State University, should be an important contribution to the documentation of the outsized role in visual culture Japanese art, from ukiyo-e woodblock prints to anime and manga, has played over the centuries, “recurring motifs that crossed lines of art, fashion,

Malaquias Montoya poster at the Oakland Museum of California Art

memes, international animation, and popular culture in general.”

Sublime Hokusai woodblock prints on loan from the Sutro Library headline the show, reflecting his major contribution to Western artists who seized upon his innovations. The contemporary artist Sylvia Solochek Walters, SF State professor emerita, takes woodblock printing, using exacting reduction printing techniques, in a

more personal direction. Craig Nagasawa references Godzilla, from the 1954 Japanese horror movie.

Anime-inspired skate decks reflect the democratic, something-for-everyone, worth the trek with no advance booking and timed entry, even. 1600 Holloway Ave. www.gallery.sfsu.edu See page 23 >>

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

ODC/Dance and ODC Theater Winter 23/24 Season December 2, 2023 - March 31, 2024 Explore the exhilirating viruosity of ODC/Dance and captivating artistry by acclaimed choreographers at ODC Theater!

Learn more and get tickets at:

odc.dance/winterseason

Whit Forrester

‘What Has Been and What Could Be’ at the Berkeley Art Museum/Pacific Film Archive

<< Fall Arts Preview: Books

22 • Bay Area Repor ter • August 31-September 6, 2023

t

Autumn reads, part 1

by Jim Piechota

FICTION

Dawson describes all these details (including the idyllic lesbian romance) impeccably, as the suspense and the dread is expertly ratcheted up page by page. Dawson’s 2022 dystopian sci-fi novel “The Violence” horrifically depicted a physical syndrome whereby random people experienced “storms” of murderous behavior.

Here, she focuses in on two women enamored with each other, but one harbors insanely skewed intentions. Perfect for reading by a Jack-o’-lantern’s light, this slow-burning, exquisitely squirmy exercise in queer psychological terror will leave you unsettled.

‘Bloom’ by Delilah S. Dawson, $22.99 (Titan) October Behind this gorgeously rendered Sapphic love story lies menace, manipulation, and so much more. At 27, Ro is a bookish, awkward academic pining for connection when she meets Ash, a seemingly gentle, sensual beauty who runs a booth at the local farmers’ market. Ash inherited the farmland from a relative and is reveling in the many benefits of living off land surrounded by bucolic splendor.

‘Family Meal’ by Bryan Washington, $28 (Riverhead) October This latest from award-winning author Washington comes on the heels of the stunning novel “Memorial” and features Cam, a man grieving the death of his partner Kai, who returns to his Houston birthplace to enter rehab and collect himself. A dead-end bar job leads him to old friend TJ’s family bakery to work and keep afloat.

The story shifts perspective several

Here we are once again with another fall round-up of books coming to shelves near you. The range is diverse and effortlessly intriguing, running from a lesbian love affair gone awry to exquisite body horrors with worms, and onward through Podunk drag queens, kink aficionados, Golden Girls, and even a “Jeopardy” winner! Happy Autumn. Enjoy this first installment of fascinating fall reads.

times from Cam to Kai, then to TJ’s multiple, complicated affairs at the bakery. All these shifts are jarring initially, but then everything begins to gel into a sophisticated story about grief, community, love, and the fragility and preciousness of life. This is another winner from a writer who spins gold from the lives of his gritty queer characters.

‘Brainwyrms’

by Alison Rumfitt, $17.99 (Nightfire) October The award for queer gross-out novel of the season goes to trans woman author Rumfitt, whose 2021 debut “Tell Me I’m Worthless” shocked readers with the story of a British transgender girl who returns to a haunted house to face her worst fears. Here, in her novel’s futuristic U.K. setting, she excels yet again by piling worms on top of open wounds, in mouths, in eyes, and into sex rituals as well.

Frankie, a spirited trans woman, is dismayed by the area’s sharp increase in violent transphobia, some of it encouraged by a children’s author who strikes an uncanny resemblance to another popular Brit writer who lost favor with her readership after vocalizing her transphobic viewpoints. When Frankie meets nonbinary Vanya, all rules for sex and parasites, or sex with parasitic worms, go out the window as the story delves into body horror with the kind of gore that requires a strong stomach.

Even so, author Rumfitt has a point to make and she makes it clearly, even though her perspective is covered in abrasive dialogue, taboo sex, blood, sexual violence, and guts. This is transgressive, hardcore, queer grotesque storytelling that even comes with an opening disclaimer.

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YA FICTION ‘Dragging Mason County’ by Curtis Campbell, $19.99 (Annick press) October As an openly gay kid in high school, Peter Thompkins just wants to get through it and survive. But his big bad mouth tends to get him into trouble, which is exactly the case after one such verbal tussle with another gay schoolmate. What’s worse: the ordeal was memorialized on video and uploaded onto the socials, and now everyone hates him. Nothing like teaming up with drag bestie “Aggie Culture” to produce Mason County’s first queen-size drag show to save his tarnished reputation.

This is a character-driven tale, so the

drag queens lead with spicy one-liners while the others contribute defensive quips where they can. This is sassy fiction for queer teen readers who identify with the show scene, the drag scene, the high school melodrama scene, or with the defiant outcast scene. There’s something for every high-schooler here.

MEMOIR ‘Congratulations, the Best Is Over!’ by R. Eric Thomas; $26.99 (Ballantine) August Thomas’ memoir-in-essays movingly reflects on the author’s 2017 return to his Baltimore hometown with his minister husband in tow. There’s lots of “toxic relationship with the city” rhetoric to parse through with his therapist, but in other essays, suburbia is analyzed from a gay male point of view, as are being Black and gay in America, and how depression has the power to pivot a life from sunny to cloudy over the course of a few minutes. It’s all about the “shock of life,” he writes, and with grace, humor, and immense wisdom, Thomas’ confessions show us how to live despite the bumps and the bruises.

NON-FICTION ‘The Golden Girls: A Cultural History’ by Bernadette Giacomazzo, $36 (Rowman and Littlefield) This fascinating and illuminating analysis of the television classic that never seems to grow old is the creation of author Bernadette Giacomazzo, who gifted the 1980s comedy program “In Living Color” with the same treatment a few months back in early 2023. Here, she describes “The Golden Girls” series as groundbreaking in its unvarnished depiction of the aging community represented by these four dynamically “complete, full women” who pulled no punches with dialogue, theme, and mood, though they got their points across with humor and class.

In these ladies’ new definition of friends-as-family, viewers were immediately hooked and remained so season after season. Show fans are in for a treat

as the book deep dives into each character’s personality, their best lines, and most iconic traits. Giacomazzo’s cultural consideration of this iconic series is not to be missed.

‘Superfreaks: Kink, Pleasure, and the Pursuit of Happiness’ by Arielle Greenberg, $28.95 (Beacon Press) August Kinksters rejoice! This imminently accessible, nonjudgmental tour of erotic fetishism by noted BDSM authority Greenberg delves into the risqué subject of kink with the piercing pinch of a patent leather spiked heel. Sections feature the histories of several kinky trailblazers, the dynamics behind the psychological exchanges of partner power and privilege, a compatibility quiz for couples, and a reference glossary for every piece of kinky gear imaginable.

Whether you enjoy your sex liberally seasoned with safe words and raunchy role play or altogether stuffed into a skin-tight zentai suit, this just-published tour of sexual diversity will become your new go-to guide.

‘In The Form of a Question’ by Amy Schneider, $28 (Avid Reader Press) October While transgender author Schneider is best known for holding the “Jeopardy” two-month, 40 consecutive-game championship run which snagged her a staggering $1.3 million, she is also an engaging writer in this winning autobiography. She discusses her childhood growing up inquisitive and increasingly intelligent, right into her advanced schooling where she received a doctorate in computer science.

She writes about her vocal advocacy on trans rights, her opinions on restroom controversies, and how having ADD aided her in becoming such a stellar gameshow contestant. There are chapters on love, drugs, and politics, yet only a closing chapter on the actual “Jeopardy” episodes that garnered her fame, and that’s just fine. Schneider is a fascinating personality and well worth reading about with or without the game show cred. t

t <<

Fall Arts Preview >>

August 31-September 6, 2023 • Bay Area Repor ter • 23

Dance

From page 16

by the female-identified artists of Mix’d Ingrdnts; South Asian Kathak dance

by Noorani Dance Company; and an eclectic mix of works by David Herrera Performance Company, one of only a few predominantly Latinx-focused modern dance companies in the U.S. Free. September 23 and 30, Yerba Buena Gardens, Mission St. at Third. www. ybgfestival.org

Nā Lei Hulu I Ka Wēkiu

Founded in 1985, Nā Lei Hulu I Ka Wēkiu is known for its unique contemporary style called “hula mua” or “hula that evolves,” blending traditional movements with non-Hawaiian music including opera, electronic, alternative, and pop.

Through chant, movement, song, and dance, “Ritual,” the company’s world premiere production, is an exploration of the role that rituals play in Hawaiian culture.

Given the recent devastating fires in Maui, there has perhaps never been a more important time for audiences and performers to gather and feel the aloha spirit, and to rediscover the power of ritual, reaffirming how it creates meaning, binds us together, and invigorates our lives.

<<

Lydia Daniller

Sean Dorsey Dance

$35-$55. September 23-24, Presidio Theatre, 99 Moraga Avenue. www.naleihulu.org

San Francisco International Hip hop DanceFest

Celebrating its 25th anniversary under the direction of legendary San Francisco dance artist Micaya, the SF International Hip Hop DanceFest is the first-ever festival dedicated to the artistry and diversity of the hip hop dance form in a professionally curated, non-competitive environment. The festival

Hayim Heron

Urban Bush Women’s Hair & Other Stories

has become a global phenomenon, drawing performers and fans from around the globe.

This year’s festival showcases work that draws from b-boying, breaking, popping, locking, whacking, boogaloo, clubbing, house, and urban dance, in addition to other styles such as modern, salsa, merengue, and Afro-Cuban. In addition to the vast array of performances, a number of special 25th anniversary events will be held, including

Noorani Dance Company at Yerba Buena Gardens ChoreoFest

freestyle sessions for kids, a “Soul Train”-style onstage contest, and an anniversary gala.

Ticket prices TBA. November 1112, Palace of Fine Arts, 3601 Lyon St. www.sfhiphopdancefest.com t

Art

From page 21

“Staying Power: Women Artists Through the Decades” runs at SHOH Gallery through Sept. 23.

Prominent, primarily East Bay artists including Jam Wurm, Livia Stein, Hilda Robinson, and Kim Anno will be represented by their current work, alongside work from the 1980s, usually an intriguing premise for a show. 700 Gilman, Berkeley. www.shohgallery.com Gallery Wendy Norris showcases Pakistani-American artist Ambreen Butt, with her solo exhibit, Nov. 9 through Dec. 23, entitled “Lay Bare My Arms.” She “explores the complexities of contemporary global politics, female identity and living as a Muslim in the United States,” combining her training in traditional Indian and Persian miniature painting in Lahore, Pakistan, with topical themes and more contemporary techniques and scale.

436 Jackson St. www.gallerywendinorris.com Any visit to the Castro district

Jackson Karlenzig

Castro Art Walk

should include stops at the small galleries that mostly showcase LGBTQ contemporary artists. Each of these galleries are part of the first Fridays Castro Art Walk. Read our coverage in last week’s issue, and visit www.castroartwalk.com 2358 MRKT, 2358 Market St. www.2358mrkt.com

The GLBT History Museum, 4127 18th St. www.glbthistory.org MAG Galleries, 18th St. www. mag-galleries.com Schlomer Haus Gallery, 2128 Market St. www.schlomerhaus.com Strut SF, 470 Castro St. www.sfaf. org/locations/strut

Going Out Gooch

f our fall arts features aren’t providing enough like Disco Daddy at the SF Eagle (see photo); Iexpansive arts options to amuse, then check out our this week and every week on www.ebar.com. online listings, also with nightlife fun

Hayim Heron

“See You Space Cowboy…From Hokusai to Hiphop” Hokusai woodblock prints at San Francisco State University

Queer Arts Featured, 575 Castro St. www.queerartsfeatured.com On August 24 at 5pm, Queer Arts Featured will transform its gallery space into the interactive two-month project, “Wet Paint: A Work in Progress.” Curator Devlin Shand describes it as “a living, collaborative group art piece.”

“We hope to give everyone the opportunity to try something new, something bold, and something beautiful together!” he said. “Come as you are.

All skills levels and creative expressions are welcome. There will also be Queer A.F. artists in the gallery to encourage, guide, and connect!” t

Cal Performances music

U N I V E R S I T Y

O F

dance

C A L I F O R N I A ,

theater

// 2023–24 Season

B E R K E L E Y

calperformances.org | 510.642.9988 Ai Weiwei with Peter Sellars and Orville Schell Ai Weiwei’s World of Art Lost and Found: A Conversation About Life, Art, and Politics Returning to the Berkeley campus for the first time in 15 years, renowned artist and human rights activist Ai Weiwei discusses issues of exile, imprisonment, repression, and advocacy.

Ezra Klein

A Liberalism That Builds Incisive New York Times columnist and hugely popular podcast host Ezra Klein reflects on “liberal governance that routinely fails to achieve liberal outcomes” in a talk that explores the difficulties Democratic governments encounter when working to build real things in the real world.

The Triplets of Belleville Cine-Concert Benoît Charest, composer and conductor Le Terrible Orchestre de Belleville Composer Benoît Charest leads his eightpiece orchestra in a live version of his Oscarnominated score from the charming animated French feature film The Triplets of Belleville.

Sep 24

Oct 5

Oct 21–22

BAY AREA PREMIERE

Sheku Kanneh-Mason, cello

John Cameron Mitchell and Amber Martin in

ZELLERBACH HALL

Los Angeles Master Chorale Music to Accompany a Departure A Cal Performances Co-commission Grant Gershon, conductor Peter Sellars, director Peter Sellars, Grant Gershon, and singers of the Los Angeles Master Chorale reunite to perform Heinrich Schütz’s Music to Accompany a Departure, a deeply personal meditation on what it means to say goodbye during times of struggle.

ZELLERBACH HALL

British cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason returns to Berkeley with a program that includes staples by Bach, Britten, and Cassadó, alongside works composed especially for him by Welsh composer Gwilym Simcock, English composer Edmund Finnis, and Cuban composer Leo Brouwer.

ZELLERBACH HALL

Cassette Roulette

Tony Award-winning star of stage and screen John Cameron Mitchell teams up with international cabaret powerhouse Amber Martin for Cassette Roulette, an irreverent and hilarious evening of songs and stories—all chosen by the hand of fate and the artists’ unpredictable game of “cassette roulette.”

Oct 28

Nov 1

Nov 4

San Francisco Symphony

Brad Mehldau Trio

Kristin Chenoweth

ZELLERBACH HALL

Esa-Pekka Salonen, conductor Carey Bell, clarinet

ZELLERBACH HALL

Brad Mehldau, piano Larry Grenadier, bass Jeff Ballard, drums

ZELLERBACH HALL

For the Girls

Musical comedy diva and winner of Emmy and Tony Awards for both her singing and acting, Kristin Chenoweth presents an evening of unforgettable songs made famous by great women singers who have inspired her, from Doris Day’s “When I Fall In Love” to Barbra Streisand’s “The Way We Were,” Peggy Lee’s “I'm a Woman,” and Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.”

The dynamic and versatile San Francisco Symphony returns to Berkeley with music director Esa-Pekka Salonen in a oneof-a-kind program showcasing the world premiere of a new work

by Jens Ibsen, Salonen’s own Kínēma, and Stravinsky’s cinematic and propulsive Symphony in Three Movements.

Grammy-winning jazz pianist Brad Mehldau has entered the canon of great jazz piano trio leaders, and here is joined by longtime bandmates, bassist Larry Grenadier and drummer Jeff Ballard, for an evening of probing original compositions and expertly reimagined jazz standards.

Nov 10

Nov 11

Nov 15

American Railroad

The English Concert

BAY AREA PREMIERE

Harry Bicket, conductor

Hair & Other Stories

ZELLERBACH HALL

Silkroad Ensemble with Rhiannon Giddens

The Grammy-winning, genre-defying Silkroad Ensemble embarks on a new initiative that explores the creation of the Transcontinental Railroad through the contributions of African American, Chinese, Irish, Indigenous, and other communities, their cultures, and their music.

ZELLERBACH HALL

Handel’s Rodelinda

Lucy Crowe (Rodelinda), soprano Iestyn Davies (Bertarido), countertenor Eric Ferring (Grimoaldo), tenor Christine Rice (Eduige), mezzo-soprano Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen (Unulfo), countertenor Brandon Cedel (Garibaldo), bass-baritone

Britain’s premier early-music ensemble returns, performing Handel’s masterwork Rodelinda—a story of enduring marital love that remains steadfast through every adversity.

Nov 17

ZELLERBACH HALL

Nov 19

ZELLERBACH HALL

ZELLERBACH HALL

Urban Bush Women The formidable Brooklyn-based performance ensemble Urban Bush Women visits with Hair & Other Stories, a full-length dance-theater work exploring race, identity, and concepts of beauty through the lens of Black women’s hair.

Dec 1–3

Z E L L E R B A C H P L AY H O U S E