March 1, 2018 edition of the Bay Area Reporter

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Natali gives $20K to CBD

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Vol. 48 • No. 9 • March 1-7, 2018

Health issues, youth focus of CA LGBT bills

by Matthew S. Bajko

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Rodney Ferrell

Outgames organizers sued

by Roger Brigham

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ine months after the 2017 World Outgames in Miami was canceled, a television producer from California who had been registered to compete in tennis has filed a $5 million lawsuit in federal district court against Outgames organizers and the licensing body for breach of contract over their misrepresentations, and has asked the court to approve the case as a class-action suit.

“The Outgames were actually both a sham and a miserable failure,” the suit filed by Rodney Ferrell claims. “The representations of the Outgames organizers were lies. None of the defendants had the capacity to host, organize, or oversee the Outgames. Each of defendants knew the Outgames lacked the financial capacity to cause the event to proceed.”

Named in the suit, filed in the Southern District Court of Florida, are Miami BeachMiami LGBT Sports and Cultural League; Miami Outgames executives Ivan Cano and Keith Hart; and the Gay and Lesbian International Sport Association, which sold organizers the licensing fee for the quadrennial LGBT sports, culture, and conference event.

The 2017 World Outgames was scheduled to be held in and around Miami Beach starting during Memorial Day weekend and run May 26-June 4. Early projections made by the organizers were for 15,000 participants in sports, cultural, and conference events, and early funding was secured from local government.

Up until the last minute, host representatives were telling media outlets and athletes that everything was going according to plan and the event would run smoothly.

But various fundraising events lost money, financial goals that would secure more government backing were not met, most LGBT sports organizations declined invitations to help run the tournaments, and only 2,000 people registered for the event.

On May 26, when the event was supposed to begin and travelers from across the globe were arriving in town, Outgames organizers canceled the opening and closing ceremonies as well as all but three sports events.

See page 6 >>

Imperial royalty crowned

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he Imperial Council of San Francisco’s new monarchs, Empress Pollo del Mar and Emperor Leandro Gonzalez, receive their ceremonial crowns from Absolute Empress L Khmera Rouge, left, and Emperor XVII A.N. Jerry Coletti, right, during Coronation 53, Emerald

Rick Gerharter

City, Saturday, February 24 at the San Francisco Design Center. The monarchs were also anointed with oil, showered with coins, presented with rings, robes, maces, and a sword during the elaborate ceremony. For more photos, see Shining Stars on page 28.

he needs of youth and health issues within the LGBT community are the main focus of a bill package California lawmakers and advocacy groups are pushing during the 2018 legislative session.

Assemblyman The legislation runs Evan Low the gamut from providing services to homeless LGBT youth to addressing the needs of LGBT seniors. Also before state lawmakers are proposals to further crack down on practitioners who claim they can turn LGBT individuals straight and to issue an apology from lawmakers to the state’s LGBT community for past policies and laws that discriminated against LGBT individuals.

“Basically, what we are trying to do is continue our focus on addressing the disparities in health and well-being that LGBTQ people face,”

Gay SF Parks Alliance CEO marks first year

by Matthew S. Bajko

S

ince moving to San Francisco nearly three years ago, San Francisco Parks Alliance CEO Drew Becher has noticed that its residents have a relationship to the city’s parks and open spaces unlike anything he has witnessed in the other metro areas he has lived. The closest example, he said, may be how New Yorkers embrace their city’s Central Park and other outdoor recreational areas.

“There is a rich history here of things happening in the parks, whether it is Golden Gate Park or the Civic Center,” said Becher, 48, who lives on Telegraph Hill with his husband, Eric Lochner.

“The parks have always been important to the DNA here of the LGBT community in San Francisco. The parks have always been accepting and open to everyone. They are where people can be themselves and do what they want.”

Apart from the longer period of warm weather found here, Becher surmised more people in San Francisco are picnicking in and utilizing the city’s parks due to the lack of bugs.

“Getting a blanket and going out for a picnic that just doesn’t happen to the extent it happens here,” said Becher, who has grown a particular fondness for John McLaren Park bordering the city’s southeastern neighborhoods. “It is one of those places that is so close but you feel 10

Kelly Sullivan

SF Parks Alliance CEO Drew Becher

million miles away.”

Becher recently met up with the Bay Area Reporter at Patricia’s Green in Hayes Valley to talk about his first year overseeing the city’s main advocacy group for parks and open spaces.

“This is not a bad way to start a morning,” remarked Becher, who joined the nonprofit last March.

He replaced interim CEO Rachel Norton, who had been running the organization following the

See page 7 >>

departure of gay former CEO Matthew O’Grady.

Norton is now executive director of the California State Parks Foundation.

For the past two decades Becher has worked on national and regional park planning, advocacy, and philanthropy. He led the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society as its president and CEO and was previously the executive director of the New York Restoration Project.

He and Lochner moved to the West Coast from Philadelphia due to Lochner being hired as CEO of STEELE CIS, an online compliance company. Prior to being hired by the parks alliance Becher worked as a real estate agent.

The nonprofit is the leading advocate at City Hall for funding of the city’s numerous parks and recreation facilities. It also partners with scores of community groups that have adopted various city parks to serve as stewards of the sites.

To better meet the needs of the more than 200 groups the Parks Alliance fiscally sponsors, Becher reorganized the agency’s staff so it is focused on four distinct quadrants of the city.

Rather than have the staff working on different programs, they are now tasked with assisting the outside groups located in their part of town.

“They are the mini-mayors of those areas,” explained Becher, who is overseeing the development of a three-year strategic plan for the Parks Alliance.

See page 6 >>

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<< Community News

2 • BAY AREA REPORTER • March 1-7, 2018

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SF DA wants auto break-in task force

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Tenant Tips For Collecting A Security Deposit

Rick Gerharter

S

curity deposit because there was a lot of damage. That’s not true.”

A: Maria, thank you for raising this important issue of security deposits. It is one I have touched on before, but your question provides the opportunity to do so again. California Civil Code Section 1950.5 governs the grounds under which security deposits may be collected, held, retained and returned. “Security” means

By Chris Dolan any payment, fee, deposit or charge that is imposed at the beThis week’s question comes from Maria in ginning of the tenancy for these Fairfield, who asks: reasons: to reimburse the landlord for costs associated with Q: “My mother rented an apartment on a processing of a new tenant; that month-to-month basis. She gave the landlord first month, last month and two month’s is imposed as an advance payment of rent; to compensate the landlord for non-paysecurity, as required by the landlord. She ment of rent; to repair damages to the and the apartment manager had a dispute premises, exclusive of ordinary wear and concerning my brother and his wife, who tear; and/or for cleaning of the premises came to stay for several days. They were upon termination of the tenancy necessary noisy and upset other tenants. My mom felt to return the unit to the same level of cleanharassed by the manager’s complaints and liness it was in at the beginning of the tenmore. My mom told the manager that she ancy. was going to move out. She gave 30 days’ Section 1950.5 states a landlord may not notice. She moved out before the 30 days line service up to 100’, with access point.orWarranty included. demand receive security in an amount or and tried toMain schedule a walkthrough to get May not be combined with other value moreoffers. than an amount equal to two her deposit back. The manager said my Service limited to San Francisco County resident, 8am to 7pm. months’ rent in the case of unfurnished resimother could come back and clean the Aand locally and operated franchise. dential property,Lic# and an974194 amount equal to apartment get herowned remaining items.

The manager then changed her position and told three months’ rent in the case of furnished residential property. This is in addition to my mom she could not come back in to www.MrRooter-SFO.com any rent for the first month paid on or before clean or get her things. She also said that initial occupancy. Therefore, the collection she would not give my mother back her se-

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an Francisco District Attorney George Gascón plans to ask the city’s Board of Supervisors and mayor for about $1 million to establish a task force to address automobile break-ins.

The team would include prosecutors and analysts “solely dedicated to auto burglary investigations and prosecutions,” Gascón said at a February 21 news conference.

More than 30,000 auto burglaries were reported in the city last year, “resulting in just 481 arrests, and 391 prosecutions,” according to Gascón’s office. Citing civil grand jury data, the DA’s office said, “criminal street gangs are behind 70 to 80 percent allmonths auto burglary incidents in San ofoffour rent in advance of moving in Francisco.” was unlawful.

California Code also thatcan Gascón’sCivil hoping the requires task force the landlordand hold the security deposit for the identify prosecute the people benefit of the tenant.many Withinofa reasonable who are behind the cases. time after notification of either party’s in“Weto know thatthea tenancy, small percentage tention terminate or before the end of the lease term, the landlord shall notify the tenant in writing of his or her option to request an initial inspection and of his or her right to be present at the inspection. Pursuant to law, at a reasonable time, but no earlier than two weeks before the termination or the end of lease date, the landlord, or an agent of the landlord, shall, upon the request of the tenant, make an initial inspection of the premises prior to any final inspection the landlord makes after the

Unit within the District Attorney’s office almost three years ago to go after the individuals who were responsible for an outsized portion of crime in our community, and it the landlord to repair or clean the premises. tenant has vacated the premsuccessfully netted hundreds of If thehas landlord or landlord’s employee did ises. The purpose of the initial not domajor the work, the drivers landlord in shall provide inspection shall be to allow the crime San Francisco the tenant copy of the bill,the invoice or re- We’re tenant an opportunity to remedy and athroughout region. ceipt supplied by the person or entity peridentified deficiencies, in order going to apply this same analytical forming the work. The itemized statement to avoid deductions from the seand data intensive approach shall provide the tenant with the name,to ad-idencurity. The landlord shall give at individuals that respondresstify and the telephone number of theare person least 48 hours prior written noor entity, the bill, or auto receiptburglaries.” does tice of the date and time of the sibleif for the invoice wave of information. inspection if either a mutual time not include Thethat task force would focus on seIf,rial within the statutory 21-calendar-day is agreed upon, or if a mutually offenders involved in open cases, period, the landlord fails to provide the agreed time cannot be schedalong with probation Gerharter tenant with the requisite writtenviolations, accounting reuled but the tenant stillRick wishes views ofofjail calls, identifying suspect of the portion the security deposit to be an inspection.

Glenn Santarosa, front, and vehicles, and other areas.the entire retained, the landlord must return After the pre-departure inJohnny Friedman from San deposit In to the tenant. to a Bay Area Reporter spection, the landlord shall give response Francisco Public Works, sweep The bad-faith claim or retention by a the tenant an itemized stateemail, gay District 8 Supervisor Jeff up broken glass from a car landlord or the landlord’s successors in inment specifying repairs or cleanSheehy, who chairs the supervisors’ window Church Street terest of the security or any portion thereof ingson that are proposed to benear the Publicof this Safety and Neighborhood in violation section, or the bad-faith basis of any deductions the security Market Sunday,from February 25.

Services Committee, said doesn’t demand of replacement security, mayhesubthe landlord intends to make. The tenant landlordGascón’s to statutory damages of up shall the opportunity the periodfor ject the support proposal. ofhave individuals are during responsible thewe amount the security,investigative in addifollowing the initial inspection until termineedofadditional the vast majority of auto burglaries to twice“If tion to actual damages. nation of the tenancy to remedy identified in San Francisco,” he said in a state- In short, the landlord should return the deficiencies.

See page 6 >> ment. created a Crime Strategies excess security deposit charged and, since No later“I than 21 calendar days after the tenant has vacated the premises the landlord shall furnish the tenant, by personal delivery or by first-class mail, postage prepaid, a copy of an itemized statement indicating the basis for, and the amount of, any security received and the disposition of the security, and shall return any remaining portion of the security to the tenant. Along with the itemized statement, the landlord shall also include copies of documents showing charges incurred and deducted by

he/she denied an inspection, all the remaining security deposit. I suggest that you provide this article to the landlord with a request for a full refund. If that does not work, I suggest that you find yourself a good trial lawyer with expertise in matters of landlord tenant law.

Advocates cheer state AG’s bail stance

by Seth Hemmelgarn

Christopher B. Dolan is owner of the Dolan Law Firm. Email questions to help@ dolanlawfirm.com.

attorneys statewide to do the same.

Humphrey, 64, has been in jail ail reform advocates are cheersince May 2017 on charges of first-deing California Attorney General gree residential burglary, first-degree Xavier Becerra’s decision not to aprobbery, inflicting injury on an elder, peal a court ruling that judges should and theft of an elder. His bail has been consider defendants’ ability to pay and reduced from $600,000 to $350,000, alternatives to monetary bail. according to officials. His next court The decision stems from a San date is March 13.

Francisco case in which a man who’s Prosecutors say that during the accused of injuring an elderly neighincident, Humphrey lay in wait for bor and stealing his cologne is being his 79-year-old neighbor, who was held on $350,000 bail. disabled and using a walker, then folSan Francisco Public Defender Jeff lowed him into his apartment. Once Adachi said in a statement February he got inside the victim’s apartment, 20, the day Becerra announced his deHumphrey allegedly demanded cision, that the appellate court ruling money, took the victim’s cellphone Rick Gerharter is a “game changer.” and threw it, threatened to put a pilBecerra’s decision “confirmed lowcase over the victim’s head, and San Francisco Public Defender without a doubt that the time for stole $7 and a bottle of cologne that Jeff Adachi bail reform is now as Humphrey is the public defender’s office says was now law,” said Adachi, referring to worth $5. and determines his ability to pay, defendant Kenneth Humphrey, for Attorneys have said that a judge considers non-monetary alternatives whom the case is named. “However, in the case had violated Humphrey’s to money bail, and, if it determines many judges are refusing to follow the 14th Amendment guarantees of due [he] is unable to afford the amount DROP IN HOURS: Call Now To Make An HumphreyCOME decision.

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<< Open Forum

4 • BAY AREA REPORTER • March 1-7, 2018

Volume 47, Number 9 March 1-7, 2018 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 EDITOR Roberto Friedman BARTAB EDITOR & EVENTS LISTINGS EDITOR Jim Provenzano ASSISTANT EDITORS Matthew S. Bajko • Seth Hemmelgarn CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ray Aguilera • Tavo Amador • Race Bannon Erin Blackwell • Roger Brigham Brian Bromberger • Victoria A. Brownworth Brent Calderwood • Philip Campbell Heather Cassell • Belo Cipriani Richard Dodds • Michael Flanagan Jim Gladstone • David Guarino Liz Highleyman • Brandon Judell John F. Karr • Lisa Keen • Matthew Kennedy Joshua Klipp • David Lamble • Max Leger Michael McDonagh • David-Elijah Nahmod Michael Nugent • Paul Parish • Sean Piverger Lois Pearlman • Tim Pfaff • Jim Piechota Bob Roehr • Adam Sandel • Khaled Sayed Jason Serinus • Gregg Shapiro Gwendolyn Smith • Tony Taylor • Sari Staver Jim Stewart • Sean Timberlake • Andre Torrez Ronn Vigh • Charlie Wagner • Ed Walsh Cornelius Washington • Sura Wood ART DIRECTION Max Leger PRODUCTION/DESIGN Ernesto Sopprani PHOTOGRAPHERS Jane Philomen Cleland • FBFE Rick Gerharter • Gareth Gooch Jose Guzman-Colon • Rudy K. Lawidjaja Georg Lester • Dan Lloyd • Jo-Lynn Otto Rich Stadtmiller • Kelly Sullivan Steven Underhil • Dallis Willard • Bill Wilson ILLUSTRATORS & CARTOONISTS Paul Berge • Christine Smith ADVERTISING/ADMINISTRATION Colleen Small Bogitini VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVERTISING Scott Wazlowski – 415.829.8937 NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Rivendell Media – 212.242.6863

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Get creative with Natali’s $20K T

he Castro/Upper Market Community Benefit District has accepted a $20,000 donation from gay Castro property owner and landlord Les Natali and plans to use it for a vacancy reduction study. Ironically, Natali is responsible for a portion of the gayborhood’s high commercial vacancy rate, whether keeping properties closed for nearly two decades, as is the case with the old Patio Cafe space, or refusing to renew leases, which closed the popular Zapata Mexican Grill last summer. So, a donation from him to the CBD to further study the commercial vacancy rate is a head-scratcher.

Natali has long owned businesses and properties in the Castro. More than a decade ago LGBT community leaders filed a complaint with the San Francisco Human Rights Commission against him stemming from alleged racial discrimination at his Badlands bar in the Castro. A 2004 report by the agency found that the bar was discriminating against African-Americans, but the findings were never official because the HRC executive director at the time did not sign off on the staff report. Natali and the complainants eventually reached a confidential settlement.

There were calls to boycott his establishments and he further riled activists when he bought the Pendulum bar – historically the one bar in the Castro that catered to gay African-American men – and renamed it Toad Hall, after another former gay bar.

Nearly three years ago we reported on the Castro Merchants’ efforts to get Natali to open the former Patio Cafe as well as renew a multi-year lease with the owners of Zapata Mexican Grill on 18th Street. The group’s president, gay small business owner Daniel Bergerac, wrote that

Natali’s vacant properties were a “huge and rapidly-growing blight” in the neighborhood.

In a letter responding to Castro Merchants, Natali’s attorney Steve Goldstein wrote that Natali “wholly embraces” the association’s “credo to make the neighborhood alive and thriving.”

Well, that hasn’t worked out.

However, Natali has – again – announced that Hamburger Mary’s will open soon in the Patio Cafe space.

In the fall of 2014, the CBD conducted a retail strategy survey that was taken by 1,200 patrons both online and at various street locations in the Castro and along upper Market Street to provide better insight into who is shopping in the district and what businesses people felt were missing.

As we reported at the time, the surveys found that the most requested businesses included a bakery, butcher shop, and additional clothing stores, particularly for women. The number one retailer many survey takers said they wanted in the neighborhood is Trader Joe’s, which had twice abandoned plans for sites along upper

t

Market Street due to neighborhood concerns about parking and traffic.

Other businesses included art gallery space, ice cream, jewelry, men’s clothiers, gyms, veterinarians, specialty bookstores, and more restaurants with late night hours or outdoor spaces.

In the intervening years, some of those types of businesses and new eateries have opened.

Now the popular Art Walk occurs on the first Thursday of the month, visiting local galleries and other shops. But businesses in the neighborhood are also constantly changing.

The CBD should accept Natali’s money and put it to practical use rather than another study by pricey consultants that will likely reveal what many, including the CBD, already know: filling commercial vacancies is hard. Businesses face many challenges like high rent, neighborhood concerns that lead to city restrictions, and poor management or investment of resources. But let’s be honest and also acknowledge the elephant in the room: property owners get a tax write-off for their vacancies, sometimes benefitting them by taking a loss. When you have a site like the Patio that’s been closed for nearly 20 years, you have to wonder how sincere Natali is about filling his vacant properties.

So the CBD should get creative in accepting Natali’s donation. Start a lending circle for small businesses so that they can borrow funds if an emergency arises. Actively provide information to potential storeowners, including recruiting businesses patrons want.

Update the old retail strategy survey, but a whole new study is probably unnecessary.

The CBD has been proactive in addressing various quality of life concerns, activating spaces like Jane Warner Plaza, recruiting ambassadors to help guide visitors, and managing street cleaning crews. A fresh approach is needed to keep the Castro vibrant and gay. t

Trump’s dangerous budget moves

by Dana Van Gorder

D

uring the eight years of Barack Obama’s presidency, great progress on HIV and hepatitis C occurred as a result of his vigorous, compassionate, and competent leadership. Obama established the National HIV/AIDS Strategy, or NHAS, which has focused government, medical providers, and community-based organizations on a key set of activities that are significantly increasing the percentage of HIV-positive people aware of their status, increasing the number of diagnosed people linked to care and treatment, increasing viral suppression, and reducing new infections. Similarly, Obama established the National Viral Hepatitis Action Plan, or NVHAP, which placed much-needed emphasis on this huge but under-addressed epidemic, and established important goals for diagnosis, treatment, prevention and reductions in health disparities among people with hepatitis C. As importantly, of course, Obama and a Democratic-led Congress achieved the passage of the Affordable Care Act, which made it possible to meet the goals of the NHAS and NVHAP by extending health care coverage to millions more individuals, particularly those at middle and low incomes. The ACA has been directly responsible for gains in diagnosis and treatment of both HIV and hepatitis C, as well as for making biomedical prevention options such as pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, available to prevent new infections.

During the 2016 campaign, candidate Donald Trump did not respond to questionnaires regarding his position on HIV or hepatitis C issues. Upon his election as president, national advocacy groups prepared detailed documents for Trump’s transition team and reached out to key health staffers to discuss the potential that, with strong leadership, both epidemics could be effectively halted during the new administration’s tenure. Nevertheless, he proposed, and Congress agreed to, $43 million in cuts to the $2 billion Ryan White Treatment Modernization Act. In January, Trump dismissed

Rick Gerharter

Dana Van Gorder

all of the members of the President’s Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS who had not already resigned in disgust with him. And he has made no moves to staff the previously very important White House Office of National AIDS Policy. Of course, given the damaging appointments he would no doubt make to these positions, HIV advocates might count their blessings.

In a bit of mixed news, on February 9 after a brief government shutdown, Congress passed a two-year budget deal (which requires a final vote in one month) to lift spending caps by roughly $300 billion in the next two years, with $131 billion of that reserved for domestic programs. Many issues that have been championed by HIV advocates over the past several months were addressed in the deal, which should assure protection of the Ryan White program and other essential HIV-related programs for the time being. However, all of this increased funding failed to win the votes of most House Democrats, who were rightfully outraged over Republicans’ refusal to resolve the standoff over 700,000 Dreamers in the U.S.

No sooner had Congress agreed to protect, and even increase, domestic spending than Trump unveiled a proposed budget for 2018 that would increase defense spending while viciously cutting safety net programs, including further destruction of the Affordable Care Act, Medicaid, and cuts to HIV programs. Fortunately, there is no chance that the Trump budget will be approved, especially in light of the current direction of Congress to increase domestic spending. His budget is, however, further evidence of Trump’s contempt for those in need of government funded health and social services programs.

With the recent passage of the Republican tax reduction bill, the stage may have been set for an eventual, massive roll-back not just of the ACA, but of the entire long-standing social safety net, as well. The bill’s elimination of the individual mandate to have health coverage is expected to reduce the number of insured by 13 million, and the bill includes immediate cuts to Medicare and Medicaid. But it is the $1.5 trillion revenue reduction this alarming fiscal experiment will produce that sets up the conditions under which Republicans may finally get their wish to gut Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, the Child Health Insurance Program, financial assistance for low-income people – and many other programs upon which people depend for life’s necessities through no fault of their own.

HIV advocacy groups like Project Inform and our great partner the San Francisco AIDS Foundation will continue our hard work to protect and expand HIV and hepatitis C services. Community members who want to share in that work are encouraged to contact us at projectinform.org.t Dana Van Gorder is the executive director of Project Inform. For more information, visit http://www.projectinform.org.

Politics>>

t Out Alameda judge, education official receive support

March 1-7, 2018 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 5

by Matthew S. Bajko

A

lesbian judge on the Alameda County Superior Court and a gay man on the county’s board of education have the backing of an East Bay LGBT political group for their re-election bids this year.

The East Bay Stonewall Democratic Club last week voted to earlyendorse Judge Tara M. Flanagan and education board member Joaquin J. Rivera in their respective races on the June 5 primary ballot. As the Bay Area Reporter noted last month, retired Alameda County deputy public defender Karen Katz filed to run against Flanagan for her #11 seat on the East Bay bench.

Flanagan is the only sitting judge in Alameda County to draw an electoral challenge this year. Meeting with the Stonewall club members Wednesday, February 21, Flanagan said she has no idea why she is being challenged for her judicial seat. A former prosecutor and legal aid attorney who lives in Alameda, Flanagan was elected in June 2012 to an open seat on the East Bay bench and joined the court in January 2013.

She told the B.A.R. last week that having Stonewall’s endorsement is important, as it is “a stamp of approval” from the local LGBT community. Flanagan added that it is important for LGBT individuals to see themselves reflected on the court bench.

Michael Colbruno, who chairs Stonewall’s political action committee, characterized Katz’s campaign as “an attack on one of our judges who has done nothing wrong on the bench.” Flanagan, 54, is one of four out judges on the Alameda County court.

Katz, 60, who is bisexual, told the Bay Area Reporter this week that she chose to challenge Flanagan due to her being fined $4,500 by the California Fair Political Practices Commission in 2015 for misreporting $25,000 in loans from her friend and campaign treasurer Carol Pranka toward her 2012 judicial bid.

Flanagan took responsibility for the mistakes and said they were “inadvertent.” But Katz told the B.A.R. the errors weren’t “a technicality” and shouldn’t have occurred.

“The fact she didn’t know this is wrong is troubling to say the least.

She went on to claim she never bothered to look up the law on the FPPC website, that is unacceptable,” said Katz. “Judges have to make tough decisions every day. They have to know the law or look it up.

They are charged with upholding basic principles, and given her record, I think the people of Alameda County deserve better.”

Katz and her husband live in Oakland and have twin sons in their early 20s. The New York City native moved to San Francisco in 1982 and earned her law degree from UC Hastings College of the Law. Since leaving the public defender’s office Katz has volunteered her time as a reading tutor to children in East Oakland and coached mock trial at the high school level. She has thought about running to be a judge for several years and became serious about doing so last month.

“Why do I want to be a judge? Because I still want to serve,” said Katz.“It is something I am uniquely suited to do.”

With only two candidates in the race, whoever wins the most votes come June will be declared the victor.

Flanagan said she is taking having a challenger seriously.

“No one should take anything for granted and I don’t. I am in it to win it,” said Flanagan.

Jane Philomen Cleland

Alameda County Superior Court Judge Tara M. Flanagan speaks to members of the East Bay Stonewall Democratic Club and the Lambda Democratic Club of Contra Costa County during a joint meeting in Berkeley February 21.

County school board race

Rivera, who so far is running unopposed for a third four-year term, is one of the highest-ranking nonjudicial LGBT elected officials in the East Bay. He first ran in 2010 for the education board’s Area 1 seat, which includes the cities of Albany, Berkeley, and Emeryville, as well as the Oakland neighborhoods of North Oakland, Temescal, Rockridge, and the northern portion of West Oakland.

Rivera was the first, and so far only, out LGBT person to serve on the oversight body.

He was unopposed four years ago, and if no one files to run against him this year by the March 9 deadline to do so, then Rivera will be automatically re-elected.

“I want to continue to bring fiscal transparency and accountability for the central office,” Rivera, 52, told the B.A.R. when asked why he is seeking a third term. “I also want to keep charter schools in check, especially in Oakland as they have more than their fair share.”

A chemistry professor since 1990 at Skyline College, located south of San Francisco in the hills of San Bruno and part of the San Mateo County Community College District, Rivera lives in Berkeley with his husband, Joel Cohen. The couple do not have children.

He is one of three out Alameda County residents serving on countywide boards who are up for re-election this year. The four-year terms of East Bay Municipal Utility District board members Andy Katz, who is bisexual, and Marguerite Young, a lesbian single mom, both expire December 31.

The election for their EBMUD seats will be on the November ballot. Katz is currently vying for the open Assembly District 15 seat, and if he doesn’t survive the June primary could opt to seek re-election to his Ward 4 seat overseeing the public utility. Young told the B.A.R. this week that she plans to seek re-election to her Ward 3 seat.

Out candidate seeks South Bay school board seat

A gay married father is seeking a South Bay school board seat on the November ballot following years of complaints about how current board members are overseeing the district. Should he win, Raymond Mueller would not only be one of a handful of out elected leaders in San Jose but also only the third known person living with HIV to win elective office in the Bay Area.

Mueller, 52, is running for one of the three seats on the five-person Alum Rock Union Elementary School District Board of Trustees that will be on the fall ballot. The district oversees

24 schools educating roughly 10,000 students in kindergarten through eighth grade in several of San Jose’s poorer neighborhoods.

Two of the trustees up for re-election this year, board President Esau Herrera and Trustee Khanh Tran, are part of a trio of board members who have ignored calls to resign from parents, teachers, and former trustees upset with their oversight of the district. The other trustee up for re-election is Andres Quintero, who was recently removed as board president by the three-person majority on the education board.

Mueller is one of two parents to formally file papers to run – the filing deadline is in August – and he plans to remain in the race even if all three of the incumbents seek re-election.

“The community frequently stands at the board meetings and asks for them to hear what we are saying,” said Mueller, who chairs the district’s citizen bond oversight committee.

But the three trustees who account for a majority on the board “frequently vote against the will of the community in ways that don’t always reflect what’s best for the children,” Mueller told the B.A.R. in a phone interview about his candidacy.

Mueller is the office coordinator at Centext Legal Services, LLC. He and his husband, Jeff Leech, who works at the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, have been together 24 years and have a 12-year-old son, Tim, who is in the seventh grade at a school in the district. They live in San Jose’s Alum Rock neighborhood not far from the school district headquarters.

“Part of the reasons why I think I could help is the Alum Rock way needs a disruption,” said Mueller, who had been approached about running for a school board seat several years ago but decided the timing wasn’t right.

But after a state audit released last year called into question the board’s oversight, Mueller decided it was time for him to run and serve as an advocate for the needs of students.

“Every board meeting about this situation they have not talked about the students and their needs,” said Mueller. “I am running because there are so many things that could be so much better.”

Among his early endorsers are gay officials Santa Clara County Supervisor Ken Yeager, Campbell Vice Mayor Rich Waterman, and Assemblyman Evan Low (D-Campbell). Mueller will officially kick off his campaign at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 4.

The address will be sent to those who RSVP online at http://bit. ly/2EYbv4j.t Web Extra: For more queer political news, be sure to check http://www. ebar.com Monday mornings at noon for Political Notes, the notebook’s online companion. This week’s column reported on the LGBT statehouse candidates endorsed by the CA Democratic Party.

Barry Schneider Attorney at Law

family law specialist* • Divorce w/emphasis on Real Estate & Business Divisions • Domestic Partnerships, Support & Custody • Probate and Wills www.SchneiderLawSF.com

415-781-6500 *Certified by the California State Bar 400 Montgomery Street, Ste. 505, San Francisco, CA

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<< Community News

6 • BAY AREA REPORTER • March 1-7, 2018

t

Oakland LGBTQ center gets nonprofit status compiled by Cynthia Laird

Horizons launches nonprofit emergency loan fund

T

he Oakland LGBTQ Community Center has announced that it has received its nonprofit status from the Internal Revenue Service.

Executive Director Joe Hawkins wrote in a February 22 email to supporters “we finally have our 501(c) (3) designation letter.”

He said that center co-founder and board president Jeff Myers called him with the news.

“I jumped for joy!” Hawkins exclaimed in the email. “We were desperately waiting for this document.”

Although the center has been incorporated as a nonprofit since June 2017, it can take months to get the formal document from the IRS. Hawkins said that the document means that all donations are taxdeductible, and that is retroactive to the incorporation date, which for the center is last June.

“Now, any IRA authorized donation received since June of last year can be written off by our donors,” Hawkins stated.

There are a number of other benefits, Hawkins said, including the ability for the center to apply for grants and other public or private dollars available only to IRS-registered 501(c)(3) organizations.

In other recent news, Hawkins reported that the center’s call to start a library has been successful; over 240 books are now in bookcases at the center.

“The shelves have been categorized and community members are donating books and making our dream of an ethnically diverse, inclusive, LGBTQ literary-narrative space, inside the center, a reality,” he said.

The center is located at 3207 Lakeshore Avenue (entrance on Rand Avenue). For more information, or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit https://www.oaklandlgbtqcenter.org/.

<<

Outgames

From page 1

A city audit indicated sloppy and inaccurate bookkeeping, questionable handling of funds, and a failure to take care of even the most basic of event preparation details, such as paying for and securing of sports venues and paying for a special event permit. It also revealed the organizers had been using another organization’s nonprofit license incorrectly and without authorization.

“This left thousands of competitors stuck with nonrefundable plane tickets, hotel reservations, expended vacation days, and travel reservations,” the lawsuit says. “Other competitors had the same reservations,

<<

Parks Alliance

From page 1

His first anniversary in the job coincides with the nonprofit launching the inaugural Parks, Cities and People Breakfast Tuesday, March 6.

The sold out fundraiser will bring together local leaders, including San Francisco Recreation and Park

<<

Auto break-ins

From page 2

resources, that funding should go to the police department,” said Sheehy in an email. “If he can’t work with SFPD, he should figure out how to do so. If the district attorney does not have enough legal staff to do the job and prosecute auto burglaries, he should demonstrate why current staffing is incapable of doing so. After 24,000 auto burglaries this year and 17,000 last year, it sure has taken him

Horizons Foundation has announced its Horizons-Dorian Loan Fund, an emergency go-to center for nonprofit agencies.

In its email newsletter, the foundation said that nonprofits that serve the LGBTQ community can now receive below-market loans to help them improve their services or dealing with unplanned emergencies.

The loans, ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, will help organizations that are facing special circumstances like delays in receipt of committed grant funds, mergers, or closures. In some situations, loans may be available for retaining necessary financial expertise, Horizons stated.

Horizons said that it is grateful to the Dorian Fund and to its trustee, Chris Kollaja, “for their generous support of this new fund.”

Nonprofits can contact Marc Rand at loans@ horizonsfoundation. org to discuss their individual situations and see if a loan is a good fit.

The loan application is available at https://www.horizonsfoundation.org/wp-content/ uploads/2017/09/Dorian-LoanFund-Application.pdf.

Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS-certified each year to ensure they know about and understand the latest changes to the U.S. Tax Code.

To find an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site or for more information, including which documents to bring to the tax site, visit www. aarpfoundation.org/taxaide or call 1-888-227-7669.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS.

SF elections department. seeks polling places

The AARP Foundation is providing free tax assistance and preparation through its Tax-Aide program.

Now in its 50th year, Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service. Since its inception, the program has served more than 50 million taxpayers.

Nearly 35,000 volunteers serve low- to moderate-income taxpayers at thousands of locations nationwide.

There are many in San Francisco, Oakland, and other Bay Area cities.

The San Francisco Department of Elections is seeking polling places in several neighborhoods for the upcoming June 5 primary election.

Officials said that the department will provide 583 polling places and it has already secured 516.

Polling spaces must be well-lit, wheelchair accessible, and 300 square feet or larger.

The department works with public institutions such as firehouses, schools, and community centers for polling places, and many will be utilized in June.

Additionally, officials try to maintain the same polling stations for every election. Legal requirements, availability issues, and other factors may make some places unavailable, and when that happens, the department carefully considers a list of criteria for choosing a new location.

For specific areas where polling places are being sought, visit www.sfelections.org/tools/ map_pollsite/.

Those interested in providing a public or private space that might be suitable to accommodate voters can contact the elections department at elections.precinct@sfgov. org or (415) 554-4551.t

be assigned and approved as a class action.

The suit says Ferrell, a Los Angeles resident, reserved a room at event sponsor Ritz-Carlton South Beach as well as a rental car for about $4,100 total, and took a week of vacation to attend. He registered for two tennis events. The suit said he was notified of the cancellation “too late to cancel or miss his flight, and too late to cancel the reservations. The tennis events plaintiff was registered to compete in were canceled. The opening ceremony was canceled. Plaintiff had paid for a trip to Miami that he never would have paid for but for the lies and concealments of defendants.”

The suit also takes aim at GLISA’s role.

“By the time plaintiff arrived in

Miami, GLISA had released its own mea culpa press release to registered attendees,” the suit says. “GLISA was ‘shocked and disappointed to learn today that World Outgames Miami 2017 could not obtain permits to allow many of the planned activities to proceed.’ GLISA was clear about throwing Outgames Corp under the bus: ‘Under the license agreement entered into with World Outgames Miami 2017 (the host city organization in Miami), they had sole and full responsibility for all planning and execution related to delivery of the event.’”

The suit continues: “GLISA received payments from Outgames Corp related to the 2017 Outgames.

Outgames Corp however, quickly fell behind in its payments to GLISA as

Outgames Corp’s financial situation became increasingly dire. GLISA was thus fully aware of Outgames Corp’s precarious financial position, yet it did nothing to inform plaintiff or the class members of the potential problems with the 2017 Outgames.

Instead, GLISA continued to market and promote the 2017 Outgames and lead plaintiff and the class to believe that the 2017 Outgames would go ahead as planned.”

The suit accuses Cano and Hart of using the games “for fraudulent purposes. Hart and Cano failed to maintain sufficient, complete, and organized financial documentation for Outgames, which led to commingling of funds and the use of Outgames funds for their own personal use.” t

general manager Phil Ginsburg and Warriors Chase Arena Executive Director Eric Bresler, to discuss how parks impact the way people interact with urban environments.

The event is in addition to the group’s annual Party for the Parks that raises money for its $28 million initiative to upgrade the city’s playgrounds. Becher said he wanted

to hold a second event that was more focused on policy issues where the topics could be changed each year.

“Open space has a great impact on people,” he said.

The Parks Alliance is also planning to host a mayoral candidate forum in April to quiz the contenders for Room 200 in City Hall on their stands toward parks, open spaces, and

environmental issues. Depending on who wins the special election on the June 5 primary ballot, they could be looking to hire a new person to oversee the city’s rec and park department.

It is a job Becher told the B.A.R. he has no interest in, adding that Ginsburg “has done a Herculean job” overseeing the city agency.

“I am happy where I am. I like

the idea of bringing philanthropy to further the vision of not only rec and park but also the port commission, the public works department and any city agency focused on open space,” said Becher.

To learn more about the San Francisco Parks Alliance and its programs, visit http://www.sfparksalliance.org/. t

awhile to assess his own deficits in addressing this issue.”

Mayor Mark Farrell said he has directed Police Chief William Scott to provide information on the issue.

“Residents and tourists are at a breaking point of frustration with car break-ins,” Farrell said in a statement to the B.A.R. “Parking your car in San Francisco should not be a game of roulette, and that is exactly why I asked Chief Scott to provide a police department staffing analysis to fix the issue. At this point we need

action, not another press conference asking for a $1 million task force.”

Along with proposing the task force, Gascón also recently established an auto burglary tip line.

He said the resource “is not a replacement for a police report,” and people should still use 911 to report emergencies, but the tip line is for people who witness break-ins to provide information.

The line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and people can make reports in multiple languages.

The phone number for the tip line is (415) 553-7337.

Tips may also be provided at http://sfdistrictattorney.org/autoburglary-tip-line or emailed to SFDA.AutoBurgTips@sfgov.org.

Finally, Gascón’s office is republishing its private camera registry (http://sfdistrictattorney.org/ register-your-camera) so people can register their security devices in order to aid in law enforcement investigations.

State proposal

Courtesy Oakland LGBTQ Community Center

The Oakland LGBTQ Community Center has received its taxexempt status from the Internal Revenue Service.

Lambda Legal reception in Redwood City

Breast Cancer Action will hold its sixth annual “Acting Out – For the Health of It” variety show and fundraiser Thursday, March 15, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Brava Theater Center, 2781 24th Street in San Francisco.

There will be a VIP reception from 6 to 7 where attendees will be treated to an exclusive musical performance.

Organizers said the evening will be filled with performers who share a commitment to health justice. Bay Area musicians, comedians, and dancers will entertain the audience,

and there will be readings from BCA members.

Luna Malbroux will emcee the event. A comedian and writer, Malbroux created EquiTable, an app that made headlines for satirically solving the wage gap and providing “reparations, one meal at a time.” Her satirical play, “How to Be a White Man,” will have its second run in San Francisco beginning March 16.

Featured performers include Aireene Espiritu, Kelly Anneken, San Francisco’s Mad Mama and Bone Fide Few, and Caelyn Casanova.

The program will feature an intermission with a concession stand featuring snacks and beverages available for purchase and a silent auction with unique dining, fitness, and retail experience packages.

Tickets are $35 general admission, or $85 to add the VIP reception. For tickets or more information, visit bcaction.nonprofitsoapbox.com/actingout2018.

which while technically refundable were subject to penal cancellation provisions. All of these damages were caused by the competitors’ justified reliance upon the misrepresentations, concealments and fraud of the defendants. Every representation indicating that the Outgames would go forward was a lie. It was impossible all along, and defendants knew it. Plaintiff brings this class action on behalf of all Outgames registrants and attendees defrauded, misled, and wronged by defendants, and seeks damages in excess of $5,000,000 on behalf of himself and the class.”

None of the defendants could be reached for comment. Darin Beffa, one of the attorneys handling the case for Ferrell, told the Bay Area Reporter he is waiting for the case to

Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund will have a happy hour reception for members and interested people Thursday (March 1) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at CRU, 900B Middlefield Road in Redwood City.

Organizers said the event is an opportunity to meet new people and get an update on Lambda Legal cases that affect the LGBT community.

Breast Cancer Action benefit

AARP offers tax help

Gascón is also involved in work to address auto break-ins at the state level.

In January, gay state Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) announced Senate Bill 916, which Gascón is sponsoring. It’s meant “to close a loophole that hampers prosecutions for automobile break-ins” by allowing prosecutors “to prove that a defendant committed an auto See page 13 >>

t

Community News>>

March 1-7, 2018 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 7

Gay SJ school board trustee resigns

by Heather Cassell

E

Rick Gerharter

Assemblyman Todd Gloria

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LGBT bills

From page 1

said Rick Zbur, executive director of Equality California, the statewide LGBT advocacy organization that is co-sponsoring the legislation. “The bills are supposed to focus on the most vulnerable parts of our community.”

The lead author of two of the more influential proposals this year is gay Assemblyman Evan Low (DCampbell), who chairs the Legislative LGBT Caucus. His Assembly Bill 2943 would designate “conversion therapy” as consumer fraud in the Golden State. If the bill is adopted, then licensed professionals found to be offering what mainstream medical groups decry as junk science could be stripped of their license to practice in California.

In 2012 state leaders enacted legislation that banned mental health professionals from trying to alter the sexual orientation of LGBT youth 18 years and younger. Low’s bill would effectively expand the ban to include adults.

“Legally, the implication could be the outright prohibition of conversion therapy as a whole. That is my hope,” said Low in a phone interview with the Bay Area Reporter.

He said the legislation would apply not only to psychologists and psychiatrists but also to any medical providers who are licensed under the state’s Department of Consumer Affairs.

“Study after study has shown that conversion therapy is ineffective, damaging, and counterproductive,” stated Low in a news release announcing the bill. “It is our duty to protect Californians from such deceptive practices that will expose them to physical and emotional harm.”

Zbur told the B.A.R. that despite the earlier legislation, which survived court challenges, there are adults in California being offered conversion therapy.

“It is harder to tackle this when talking about adults who have free will and free choice. But many of these people really are subject to what we know is a practice that is fraudulent,” he said. “This is another way of extending the protections that were put in place for youth to adults.”

Low is also the lead author of Assembly Concurrent Resolution 172 that would offer an official apology for the state’s past discriminatory laws that oppressed and persecuted the LGBT community. The state’s mistreatment of its LGBT residents dates back centuries.

Low’s office has pointed to indecency statutes that allowed the police to harass and sometimes arrest people who were considered deviant or gender-bending. Also cited is a 1909 law that called for sterilizing those convicted and imprisoned for committing sodomy and oral sex acts.

The apology would also cover more recent steps taken by California, both legislatively and at the ballot box, to restrict same-sex couples from being legally wed. It is similar to the apology the Legislature issued to the Chinese community for past laws and actions taken by the state that discriminated against it.

See page 12 >>

mbattled gay San Jose school board trustee John Lindner resigned effective February 28 after being charged with grand theft in connection with embezzling from a school bond campaign account.

The February 27 school board meeting was his final meeting, said Omar Torres, a fellow gay school board trustee on the Franklin-McKinley School District in East San Jose.

Lindner, 55, a longtime trustee on the board, submitted a letter of resignation to Mary Ann Dewan, Ph.D., county superintendent of schools of the Santa Clara County Office of Education, February 21.

The letter was a single sentence,“Effective February 28, 2018, I hereby resign the position of governing board member of the Franklin-McKinley School District.”

The letter came a day after he appeared in court at a second hearing regarding embezzlement and other charges.

Lindner sent a statement to the Bay Area Reporter.

“I accept responsibility for the charges brought against me and apologize to the Franklin-McKinley School District community for the actions I took in regards to use of leftover bond campaign funds,” he wrote. “I

Courtesy Facebook

Former South Bay school trustee John Lindner

appreciate the consideration the court has given in regards to my 30 years of public service in reaching a sentence. I am committed to fulfilling its terms.”

Lindner previously told the B.A.R. that he wasn’t going to resign.

In October 2017, Lindner was fined $18,500 by the state Fair Political Practices Commission for embezzling nearly $30,000 in school campaign funds and misleading investigators.

The following month his board colleagues voted to censure him, but they couldn’t do anything beyond that due to his being elected to the board.

In December, the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s office charged him with grand theft, perjury, and violations of the state’s Political Reform Act. Lindner turned himself in and was released on $35,000 bail.

Compounding his case was the fact that the majority of funds raised were from special interests that could have placed business in front of the Franklin-McKinley board, John Chase, a prosecutor in charge of the DA’s Public Integrity Unit, told the Mercury News.

“Aggravating matters is that nearly all of the money donated in support of the school bond measure came from developers, contractors, and architects,” Chase told the newspaper. “While at the same time the defendant, who kept much of this money for his own use, was a member of the school board that makes decisions about how the bond money will ultimately be spent.”

Lindner, a retired elementary school teacher who served on the board since 2004 and was re-elected in November 2016, is potentially facing jail time and a fine of more than $250,000 if convicted on the misdemeanor counts, reported Inside San Jose.

The district serves more than 10,000 elementary and middle school students in some of San Jose’s

poorest neighborhoods, reported the Mercury News.

Some community members, board members, and elected officials who spoke with the B.A.R. in October called for Lindner to resign at that time. During the following months, a small group of persistent community members repeatedly showed up at the school board meetings and launched a Change.org petition early in February. The petition only garnered 24 signatures.

In the end, Lindner resigned due to pressure from fellow board trustees Rudy Rodriguez, George Sanchez, and Torres, said Torres, who grew up and went to school in the community.

“He lost the trust of our community,” said Torres. “We’re there to serve a population that’s already underserved and a population that distrusts ‘the system.’”

When Torres called Lindner three weeks ago to personally ask him to resign, Lindner simply said, “Thank you Omar and goodnight,” and hung up.

“That’s all he said,” Torres said.

Relieved that Lindner stepped down from the board, Torres said, “He did the right thing. It’s time for us to move on.”

Torres said it’s time for the community to move forward and to select someone to replace Lindner on the board that will work for the parents and students of the school district.t

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<< Community News

8 • BAY AREA REPORTER • March 1-7, 2018

t

Castro biz closes; another one may need permit

by Sari Staver

S

weet Inspiration, the iconic coffee shop that has served gigantic slices of seven-inch-high layer cakes for the past three decades, has joined the list of Castro businesses that are closing their doors.

Meanwhile, a complaint has been filed against a real estate office that wants to open at Market and Church streets, which could result in a conditional use permit being required.

Located at 2239 Market Street (near Sanchez) Sweet Inspiration experimented with several different formulas before announcing that March 1 would be its last day of business.

Emails to the owners, celebrity chef Ryan Scott and sandwichmeister Ike Shehadeh, were not returned at press time. Shehadeh, who launched Ike’s Sandwiches on 16th Street in 2007, now has 31 locations on the West coast.

At the same time, one of the largest empty storefronts, 2390 Market Street, at Castro, formerly occupied

by Pottery Barn, has been rented by

gay mayoral candidate Mark Leno as his campaign headquarters.

And the storefront at 1234 Castro Street, adjacent to the long-shuttered Patio Cafe, has been leased by gay District 8 Supervisor Jeff Sheehy as his campaign headquarters. Controversial landlord Les Natali, who has several vacancies in the neighborhood, owns both the Patio Cafe space and Sheehy’s headquarters.

And on another positive note for the neighborhood, South of Market-based Black Hammer Brewing is planning to open an indoor beer garden at the Duboce apartment building at 2196 Market Street (at Sanchez), according to a window sign announcing the summer opening of “Willkommen.”

But two other large storefronts in the neighborhood remain a question.

One, 2099 Market Street (at Church), is supposed to be rented to Compass Real Estate, which signed a lease to locate its office into the long vacant ground floor commercial space, according to the city planning department.

But a complaint was filed with

Sari Staver

Sweet Inspiration will close Thursday, March 1.

the city, who notified the landlord, Veritas Investments, that it may have to obtain a conditional use permit to allow a business office to occupy ground floor space.

Justin Sato, chief operating officer of Veritas, which announced the new tenants at a community meeting in January, told the Bay Area Reporter in an email that “there has been no

determination that a conditional use permit is required. At this point we are only dealing with a complaint that was filed by a member of the public, which anyone can do for numerous reasons, with or without cause, on the Compass space. We are reaching out to the city to discuss and intend to resolve.”

David Troup, chairman of the

land use committee of the Duboce Triangle Neighborhood Association, told the B.A.R. in a phone interview that “the neighborhood doesn’t need another real estate office.”

But if Veritas were to seek a conditional use permit, DTNA “would certainly listen to their case” and work with it to find a suitable tenant, Troup added.

At the community meeting in late January, Daniel Bergerac, a gay man who’s president of Castro Merchants and owns a dog-washing business in the neighborhood, ticked off a list of businesses that have left the Castro, including Chilango, Sparky’s, Crepevine, Snowbrite, and Church Street Flowers. All these businesses were tenants of Veritas, “which has a bad reputation” as a landlord, he said.

“I am really sad to lose a neighborhood institution” like Sweet Inspiration, said Bergerac. “I had hoped that two guys with experience in the San Francisco restaurant industry would be able to make a go of it there. Hopefully, someone else can take over that space and reinvent it.” t

Castro CBD accepts $20K from Natali

by Tony Taylor

A

$20,000 donation to the Castro/Upper Market Community Benefit District for the purpose of a local vacancy reduction study in the Castro came from an unlikely source: controversial local landlord Les Natali.

The donation is raising eyebrows because Natali has been criticized over the last decade for his handling of various storefronts in the city’s gay Castro neighborhood, as well as

allegations of racial discrimination.

Natali’s Patio Cafe, at 531 Castro Street, has been shuttered for almost 20 years. He was also accused of racial discrimination at his Badlands bar in the Castro more than a decade ago, though he has always denied the charges.

A 2004 report by the San Francisco Human Rights Commission found that the bar was discriminating against African-Americans, but the findings were never official because the HRC executive

director at the time did not sign off on the staff report. Natali and the complainants eventually reached a confidential settlement.

Facilitated by Eureka Valley Neighborhood Association President Mark McHale during a January 29 neighborhood meeting, McHale discussed the donation, which was made to the CBD’s District Land Use Committee specifically for vacancy reduction in the Castro/ Upper Market district.

“The intent is to raise more funds

through donations/grants to launch the next phase of a vacancy reduction program,” read the CBD meeting’s minutes.

CBD Executive Director Andrea Aiello confirmed the source of the donation to the Bay Area Reporter.

“Yes, the CBD did get a donation from Les Natali to put toward efforts related to vacancy reduction in the Castro/Upper Market [area],” Aiello said.

According to the minutes, at the CBD meeting, Aiello discussed that one of the findings from the last retail strategy project was that delays of all kinds play a significant role in vacancies. “[We] need to consider this issue,” read the meeting’s minutes.

“Yes, the city does have resources, but problems still exist.”

Aiello told the B.A.R. that “the CBD has a retail strategy committee, which is working on defining the next steps.”

The retail strategy group will reconvene to discuss and plan the new program, Aiello said.

“These funds are part of the ongoing conversation,” she added. “We are not ready to launch a program yet or use the funds. When we are ready to use the funds [and] launch a new program we will make an announcement. It often takes a while to put together a program and to use funds wisely.”

Gay District 8 Supervisor Jeff Sheehy, who is leasing his campaign headquarters from Natali, told the B.A.R. he believes “the study is a great idea,” adding, “we need to understand which factors unique to the Castro are contributing to this situation.”

Gay District 8 supervisor candidate Rafael Mandelman, who pulled together a recent meeting on commercial vacancies along the Church Street corridor, said he was “surprised” at the Natali donation.

Mandelman learned of the donation when asked about it by the B.A.R. While noting he is “a fan of the CBD” and believes Aiello “does great work,” he said he was “a little surprised” to hear about the funding from Natali.

“It certainly cannot hurt to study the problem and get a better handle of what is going on,” he said. “The best thing Les could do to help the neighborhood, though, is to activate his vacant spaces.”

A Castro resident first tipped the B.A.R. off about the donation. The

Rick Gerharter

Les Natali

resident, who asked that their name not be used, admits they’ve been outspoken about Natali’s actions in the past.

“The donation made me angry for two reasons: first, because Les is the landlord who purposely keeps vacancies on Castro Street, so it’s absurd that he wants to study a problem that he created,” the person wrote in an email to the B.A.R. “Second is that at the meeting the CBD decided that it would call the donation ‘anonymous’ to prevent the public from knowing the money came from Les because they knew people would be outraged.”

Aiello denied the accusation of keeping the donation’s source a secret. “No, [there was] never any intention to keep the donation or the source anonymous ... at all,” she said.

Natali did not return messages seeking comment.

Fliers recently taped to the Patio Cafe state it is to open as burger chain restaurant Hamburger Mary’s “next month.” According to Hoodline, Michael Spring, a spokesman for Patio Cafe, said the eatery is “shooting for an opening during the second week of March,” but “we haven’t set an exact date.”

Natali also owns Toad Hall and the two storefronts on either side of the 18th Street gay bar. To its right at the moment is Morton’s Furniture Pop-Up (4144 18th Street).

The other space is now vacant after Natali did not renew the lease for Zapata Mexican Grill, which closed last summer. t Matthew S. Bajko contributed reporting.

t

Community News>>

March 1-7, 2018 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 9

Lesbian firefighter settles plane crash suit against SF

by Seth Hemmelgarn

A

San Francisco lesbian firefighter has settled her lawsuit against the city involving her role in the aftermath of the 2013 Asiana Airlines plane crash at San Francisco International Airport that left three people dead.

In her lawsuit, Elyse Duckett claimed that fire department officials made her “the sacrificial lamb” after a teenage passenger was run over by two fire trucks and died.

Duckett said that Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White and others were retaliating against her after she’d filed complaints against the department about “disparate treatment and harassment.”

In February, the Board of Supervisors approved a $250,000 settlement in the case. Attorneys in the case agreed to settle the suit in November 2017.

Duckett, who’s black and had been with the department since 1989, “helped pioneer desegregation efforts in the SFFD,” her lawsuit, filed in May 2014, said.

Despite having video that Ye Meng Yuan, 16, had been covered in foam and run over by another vehicle, the fire department had tried to blame Duckett alone for Yuan’s death, Duckett claimed.

Fire officials leaked allegations to the media that Duckett was solely responsible for Yuan’s death, Duckett said.

When she joined the agency almost 30 years ago, Duckett was a member of the first class under a court-ordered consent decree to integrate it with women and minorities, and she led efforts to recruit other women.

But even after the fire department got an African-American chief, discrimination in the agency didn’t end, and after that chief left, Duckett had to file several Equal Employment Opportunity complaints because of

Courtesy ABC7

In her complaint, Duckett acknowledged that she’d run over Yuan, but she said the girl was “covered in foam” and not visible, and another truck had already run over her twice.

Among other problems, the onduty fire captain wasn’t at the airport when the plane crashed, and when he got there, “he did not assume command. As a result, there was no clear command structure in the critical first minutes after the crash, leading to a complete breakdown in communications and coordination of response efforts,” Duckett claimed.

Things were so bad that “more than once,” one fire official “had to physically open the door of a responding unit in order to communicate with the driver,” the lawsuit said. “This stone-age method of verbal communication is not the proper way to coordinate an emergency response.”

“The lack of proper radio communication” resulted in other problems, too. When initial responders saw Yuan on the ground, they couldn’t communicate that effectively to others. Even when two firefighters identified her body after she’d been run over, it took about nine minutes to communicate the information to command, Duckett’s lawsuit said.

A San Francisco police sergeant investigating the crash’s aftermath determined from video taken from fire trucks that one of them had been the first to run over Yuan, “twice running her over after covering her in foam.” Duckett had not been the driving that truck.

Despite the video footage, about two weeks after the crash, Mark Gonzales, the fire department’s deputy operations chief, told Duckett officials “had definitive video evidence that she had run over and killed [Yuan].”

Gonzales told her, “We have video.

Do you want to see it? I can describe it to you. Do you want me to describe it to you?” according to Duckett’s complaint, which said, “Gonzales insisted on Elyse Duckett’s guilt and questioned her in an aggressive, accusatory, and hostile manner.”

Duckett told Gonzales and others that video showed a different vehicle had first run over Yuan, they continued insisting that Duckett was responsible.

In her complaint, Duckett also said that at least one person at the fire department disclosed her “identity, contact information, and involvement” in the response to the plane crash to KGO ABC7, and the TV station broadcast a report identifying Duckett as the driver of the truck that killed Yuan. Reporter Dan Noyes cited fire department officials who didn’t want to be named as the sources for the story.

“After the improper interrogations and violations of her procedural

rights, [Duckett] suffered severe anxiety and emotional distress,” and she was “repeatedly harassed by the media” and missed work, among other problems, she claimed.

Spokespeople for the fire department, which isn’t listed individually in the complaint as a defendant, didn’t respond to an emailed request for comment about what changes in communications, triage, and training the agency has made since the crash.

Eduardo Roy, Duckett’s attorney, said that she was on vacation and not available for comment.

In a statement, John Cote, a spokesman for the city attorney’s office, said, “While the city has sound arguments and defenses in this matter, we believe this is a reasonable and prudent settlement given the facts, the legal claims and the inherent costs and uncertainty of litigation.” t

“disparate treatment and harassment by officers at the airport,” where she’d been stationed since about 1994.

“Elyse has continued to express her critical assessment of the SFFD’s administration with respect to discrimination and harassment, and their continued marginalization and patronizing of women at SFO,” according to Duckett’s lawsuit, which says she’d filed complaints about “disparate treatment and harassment for firefighters at the airport based on gender, race and orientation.”

“Elyse’s willingness to speak up regarding both the workplace environment and issues of public safety has made her a target within the SFFD,” her complaint says. “The SFFD’s efforts to place sole blame on her for [Yuan’s death] were designed to kill two birds with one stone – attempting to silence Elyse while trying to protect their own reputations by covering up the larger failures in training and leadership that led to the chaos of the Asiana 214 response, dangers that pose a continuing threat to the people of San Francisco.”

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He told reporters, “It’s difficult to say what the resno police have idenmotive is. We do know tified a suspect in the that Imer Alvarado fatal 2017 shooting of a gay would dress up in female man who’d been dressed as clothes, even though he is a woman and, they believe, a male and that he would working as a prostitute. only dress up in those Derrick Jordan Garclothes when he went out cia, 25, of Fresno, is being Courtesy Fresno Police Dept. on to the streets to work sought in the murder of Derrick Jordan as a prostitute.”

Imer Eliu Alvarado, 34, Garcia Alvarado was twice police Chief Jerry Dyer anarrested for prostitution, nounced at a news confersaid Dyer, and based on ence Friday. A $2,000 reward is being information from his friends as well offered for information leading to as from social media, Alvarado was Garcia’s arrest. known to “dress up as a female, wear a At around 3 a.m. May 17, 2017, wig, put on makeup, and go out onto police responded to a Shot Spotter the streets and work as a prostitute.” report of seven gunshots fired in the Dyer added that police are “not area of 3420 East Belmont Avenue. sure what led up to the shooting, but Alvarado was “lying in the roadway” we do know that he was shot multiple with gunshot wounds, said Dyer. He times by Garcia.” was pronounced dead at a hospital Friends of Alvarado have told the soon thereafter.

Bay Area Reporter that he was gay.

Officers located shell casings that Dyer said police “do not know police believe to be from the firearm whether or not he identified as a used in Alvarado’s killing, which octransgender or someone who was a curred near an alley that’s in a neighcross-dresser, we just know what type borhood filled with auto repair shops of activity he was in when he dressed and small houses. Other evidence as a female. I know there’s a lot of difincludes “a video from a nearby ferent speculations and preferences business that gave officers at least an out there in terms of what we would account of what occurred,” but the refer to Imer as, male or female at that footage “was not very descriptive,” time, but Imer was a male and he was said Dyer. dressed in female clothing at that time He said that when Alvarado was for the purposes of either giving the found, he “was dressed in female appearance of being a cross-dresser or clothing, including a wig and wearing being a female when he was involved makeup.” in prostitution activity.”

“As you know, this case is a result Police believe Garcia “is possibly of Imer Alvarado being dressed as a in the area,” said Dyer. It’s also “very, female and working out on the streets very possible that he has left the area, as what we believe to be a prostitute but we’re hoping he is still in Fresno that evening, based on her prior arand that someone has information rests and some other information our regarding his whereabouts.” detectives gathered,” said Dyer.

Dyer said that Garcia’s criminal

F

d’s

ntain

history includes a 2011 arrest for possession of a stolen and loaded firearm, for which he was convicted and received two years probation. He was also arrested in 2016 in a misdemeanor domestic violence case, said the chief.

Christian Beltran, a friend of Alvarado’s, told the B.A.R. last year that Alvarado had been “really lively, and full of joy.”

“He had a lot of challenges, but he always found a way to overcome them,” said Beltran. He said that Alvarado was “hard of hearing” and sometimes had difficulty speaking, but he knew sign language.

Beltran said that Alvarado lived near the scene, and his Facebook profile says he’d visited the gay bar Alibi, which is just over a mile away, within hours of the shooting.

Some neighbors have said gunfire isn’t uncommon in the area, and several people said prostitutes regularly work there.

Fresno Superior Court records say that Alvarado was charged twice in 2008 with misdemeanor counts of engaging in prostitution. The records indicate that both charges were dismissed as the result of plea deals.

Beltran said he didn’t know whether Alvarado had been working as a prostitute.

“He never really talked about it,” said Beltran.

Police are also looking for help locating the firearm used to kill Alvarado. Dyer didn’t say what kind of gun was used.

Anyone with information in the case may contact detectives Victor Miranda at (559) 621-2452 or Miguel Alvarez at (559) 621-2441. Those wishing to remain anonymous may call (559) 498- STOP (7867). t

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10 • BAY AREA REPORTER • March 1-7, 2018

Some dispensaries offer onsite consumption

by Sari Staver

A

rapidly growing number of cannabis dispensaries have opened lounges where adults can legally vape or dab, making the notion of meeting for a cup of coffee or a drink feel very old fashioned.

At the moment, there are eight locations in the city that have been approved for onsite consumption, according to Nicole Elliot of the city’s Office of Cannabis.

The approved dispensaries are: • Barbary Coast, 952 Mission Street, http://www.barbarycoastsf.org.

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SPARC retail director Robbie Rainin shows off a Volcano vaporizer.

the cannabinoids.

“If you’re not sure if you want to buy one, try it here first,” said Rainin.

In the East Bay, lounges are expected to expand into cafes sooner than in San Francisco, where regulations currently prohibit them.

Elaborate plans are underway at Oakland’s Magnolia Wellness, (161 Adeline Street, http://www.magnoliawellness.org.) where a cannabis cafe is set to open before 4/20, the unofficial pot holiday in April.

Magnolia general manager Katie Rabinowitz said that until the cafe opens, Magnolia members can vape or dab in the dispensary. Special events are held in the

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cafe, which is still under construction.

Once the cafe opens, Magnolia hopes to partner with food trucks or pop-up restaurants to provide food, while Magnolia will provide medicated condiments, salad dressings, and beverages. Thanks to its license to manufacture, the dispensary hopes to eventually sell its own line of infused products to go.

Magnolia also offers a broad range of classes and events. A cannabis book club is in the planning stages, Rabinowitz said.

“We want people to feel welcome here,” she said. “You’ll have home, work, and Magnolia.”

Dennis Peron memorial

In other cannabis-related news, here’s a reminder that the memorial and celebration of life for medical marijuana pioneer Dennis Peron will be held Sunday, March 11, from 5 to 10 p.m. at Flore, 2298 Market Street in San Francisco. Peron, a gay man, died January 27 after a long battle with lung cancer. He was 71.

For the event, Noe Street will be closed to traffic and a big tent set up for an evening of music, memories, and images from Mr. Peron’s life.

Those who would like to donate can visit https://www.gofundme.com/ memorial-for-dennis-peron.

For more information about the memorial, go to http://bit. ly/2GKWLWT. t Bay Area Cannasseur runs the first Thursday of the month. To send column ideas or tips, email Sari Staver at sari@bayareacannasseur.com.

The Olympics kiss seen round the world

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• Love Shack, 502 14th Street, http://www.loveshacksf.com.

• Harvest, 4811 Geary Boulevard and 33 29th Street, http://www.harvestshop.com/.

• Re-leaf Herbal Cooperative, 1284 Mission Street, http://www.releafherbal.com.

• SPARC, 1256 Mission Street, www.sparcsf.com.

• Urban Pharm, 122 10th Street, http://www.up415.com.

Policies and regulations vary, but most prefer that you purchase your cannabis from them and have vaporizers or dab rigs they will loan you to use on the premises.

One of the most generous policies is at South of Market’s SPARC, where patients are allowed to bring in their own medication and borrow one of the dispensary’s vaporizers or dab rigs. SPARC is awaiting its license to serve recreational customers; currently it is only allowed to sell to medical patients.

Robbie Rainin, retail director of SPARC, told the Bay Area Reporter in a recent interview that the German-made Volcanoes available for use are considered the “Mercedes of vaporizers,” retailing at over $600.

According to Rainin, consuming cannabis with a Volcano is a much more effective means of medicating, enabling someone to get 80-90 percent of the cannabinoids, while smoking, or combusting, yields approximately 20-25 percent of

t

COA 660

8/11/17 12:30 PM

F

rostbitten notes from a fortnight-plus of wintry Olympics

...

We begin with a kiss. Not just any kiss. This was a kiss for the ages, for pride, for love, for acceptance.

When freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy spotted his boyfriend, Matthew Wilkas, at the start of the men’s ski slopestyle competition, Kenworthy walked up to him, embraced, and laid one helluva smooch on him.

NBC cameras caught the moment and, lo and behold, aired it.

Finally.

Eight years ago in Beijing, NBC passed on the chance to broadcast gay Australian gold medal diver Matthew Mitcham kissing his boyfriend after his dramatic victory in the platform dive – the only dive preventing a Chinese sweep of the diving medals – and has been roundly (and justifiably) criticized ever since for not providing the same behind-the-scenes coverage of LGBT athletes that it provides heterosexual athletes.

“To be able to do that, to give him a kiss, to have that affection broadcast to the world, is incredible,” Kenworthy said. “The only way to really change perceptions, to break down barriers, break down homophobia, is through representation. That’s definitely not something I had as a kid. I never saw a gay athlete kissing their boyfriend at the Olympics. I think if I had, it would’ve made it easier for me.”

Thumb and hip problems prevented Kenworthy from repeating his medal-winning performance

NBC screenshot

Gus Kenworthy kisses his boyfriend, Matthew Wilkas, during the Winter Olympics.

from four years ago, but he emerged from these Olympics a bona fide gay sports icon. Kenworthy’s TV moment will never make up for the perceived snub in Beijing, but it just might provide hope for many young viewers.

Crossing up the cross-country world

Yeah, I know the U.S. men scored a dramatic gold medal win in curling on the final day of competition (and my boss was watching every minute of it), but I have to admit curling never really cut it for me as a spectator or participatory event. Yes, very tough, requires incredible skill, patience and concentration, but come on: sliding rocks across the ice?

For me, the sports that really show grit and athleticism are crosscountry skiing and ice hockey (oops:

more sliding of rocks on ice!) – and the U.S. women were historic in both, grabbing gold after investing decades of work into the disciplines.

The women’s triumph in hockey shouldn’t be a surprise, since they’ve won almost all of the world championships and cups there ever were, but they have come up short in the Olympics to Canada again and again and again. This time they were down late and it looked like the same was in store. But this is the same group of women who forced a showdown with their bosses for equal pay and won, and they showed the same ferocity this time to come back and seize the gold from our neighbors to the north.

And it was a neighbor to the north of our neighbors to the north who helped deliver gold in the women’s team sprint race, when Alaska’s Kikkan Randall paired with Minnesota’s Jessie Diggins to blow past Sweden down the stretch. It was the country’s first Olympic gold medal in women’s cross-country skiing and just the second medal ever in the discipline, following Bill Koch’s gold in men’s cross-country in 1976.

My first sportswriting job was in Anchorage back in the 1980s, so I cut my teeth covering Alaska’s superb skiers of the time, such as Lynn Spencer, Judy Rabinowitz, and Nina Kemppel. They put a lot of sweat equity into the sport to build it to the level it is today. Hell, I’m still feeling the glow.

The Russians are doping, the Russians are doping

I snoozed through a collectively subpar performance by the U.S. women’s figure skaters and yawned as I watched an Olympic Athlete from Russia stack all of her jumps in See page 12 >>

t

Community News>>

March 1-7, 2018 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 11

LGBT Jews left with questions after survey

by Heather Cassell

S

an Francisco Bay Area LGBT Jews were left with many questions following the release of a survey that examined the local Jewish community.

Mostly, those questions centered on the lack of information about trans and nonbinary Jewish people.

Researchers and leaders of the Bay Area’s three Jewish federations at two events in San Francisco and Palo Alto, February 13 and 14, respectively, unveiled the preliminary survey results.

For the first time ever, the federations conducted the broadest study of the Bay Area’s Jewish community.

More than 3,000 participants representing Jewish households from the 10 counties – Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, and Sonoma – responded to an online survey. A select group of respondents also participated in interviews.

The last time the federations came together to conduct a similar survey was in 2004. That survey only covered the federations’ service areas, said Danny Grossman, chief executive officer of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin, and Sonoma Counties. The Jewish Federation of Silicon Valley and the Jewish Federation of the East Bay also participated.

Jo-Lynn Otto

Jewish Community Federation CEO Danny Grossman, left, spoke about the new survey in Palo Alto and was joined by lead researchers Professor Steven M. Cohen of Hebrew Union CollegeJewish Institute of Religion and Jacob B. Ukeles, Ph.D.

In Palo Alto, Grossman was joined by lead researchers Professor Steven M. Cohen of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion and Jacob B. Ukeles, Ph.D., in discussing the initial survey findings.

The groups had five major questions they wanted the results to answer: the size of the Jewish community around the bay, where Jews were located, what the makeup of the Jewish household looked like, how people connect and engage in Jewish life, and how the Jewish community in the Bay Area is changing, growing, and evolving.

The results

The Bay Area is home to the fourth largest Jewish population in the U.S., with 350,000 Jews and 123,000 non-Jews living in 148,000 Jewish households throughout the greater Bay Area, the two researchers told the 550 audience members at both events.

The survey revealed only onesixth of the Jews live in San Francisco and that, since 2004, a migration of Jews from the city to the East Bay has occurred with one-third of the population living in the East Bay and the same number of Jews living

in the Peninsula and the South Bay. It was no surprise to audience members that the survey results also revealed that Jews in the Bay Area are highly educated, more so than the average among Jewish communities across the nation. Women hold slightly more graduate degrees than men, according to the findings.

The survey also reported that the two largest segments of the Jewish population in the Bay Area were endcaps, young and older Jews.

It also confirmed the lack of Bay Area Jews being Jewishly engaged or having an interest in participating in Jewish events, far less than Jews in the rest of the U.S., researchers found.

The diversity of the community also wasn’t surprising, particularly with a large number of households comprising of interfaith (42 percent among those 65 and older to a high of 66 percent among those 35 and under) and interracial (25 percent) where there is one person of a different ethnic community living in a house with a Jewish person.

LGBT Jews were included among the survey results, finding that one in 10 households overall, and one in five in San Francisco, specifically, include a lesbian, gay, or bisexual person.

Confirmation

The findings reflected what LGBT Jewish leaders who spoke with the Bay Area Reporter already knew anecdotally, but said it was nice to have confirmed numbers.

“The study is showing us one of the most diverse and complex communities we have here,” said Arthur Slepian, 62, a old gay man who is the founder and board member of A Wider Bridge, an organization that connects U.S. and Israeli LGBT Jews.

“I think this survey gives added weight and support to the size and the needs of our community,” continued Slepian, who also sits on the JCF board. “I’m hoping over time that the researchers will provide to us with even more light on the particular needs and issues of our community.

“This has already gotten the attention of the leaders of the community,” he noted.

The initial results provided a glimpse into the Bay Area’s LGBT Jewish community.

“I’m viewing this like a [movie] trailer or preview,” said Ilana Kaufman, a 45-year-old lesbian See page 12 >>

Unique walking tour brings queer history to life

by Alex Madison

T

here are many stories throughout the last century of LGBTQ history that haven’t been told and remain buried deep in the archives of an old library or museum. This spring, Out of Site, a performance event and walking tour, will bring that history to life.

Throughout neighborhoods and streets of North Beach on March 10-11 and 24-25, and in the Tenderloin on May 12-13 and 26-27, a team of performers will unearth the obscure, unrecognized stories of San Francisco in a time when the LGBTQ community experienced social and political oppression.

“The histories that tend to be revealed are of middle-class, gay, white men,” said Seth Eisen, founder and artistic director of Eye Zen Presents, the theater company behind Out of Site.

“There are very few books about the histories of women, trans people, and queer people of color. These are really the stories I want to push forward.”

Eisen lit up as he talked about the variety of Out of Site performances.

Inspired by the national 2016 LGBT Historic Context Statement that was funded by the National Parks Service, which explores the way LGBTQ histories have shaped the fabric of San Francisco’s culture, each performance has been heavily researched for accuracy.

The performances focus on specific LGBTQ figures, places, and significant cultural moments. Each of the tours will stop at four to six locations, where audiences will experience site-specific performances that are as entertaining as they are valuable with theater, dance, puppetry, live music, and lots of interaction with the audience, Eisen said.

Lisa Evans, an Out of Site performer who identifies as a nonbinary black femme, plays Gladys Bentley in one of the acts. Bentley, a black lesbian blues singer of the Harlem Renaissance, performed at many gay bars throughout San Francisco in the 1940s.

Robbie Sweeny

Out of Site performers include, clockwise from left, Lisa Evans, Sarah Paradise, Ariel Harris-Porada, Silky Shoemaker, Ryan Hayes, Earl Alfred Paus, and Diego Gomez.

Bentley was openly gay and dressed in men’s clothing during a time when many lesbians hid their identity.

Evans takes great pride in their performances and said the importance of Out of Site revolves around telling stories of underrepresented LGBTQ figures, but also acknowledging the parallels of today’s LGBTQ community with the stories of the past.

“We want to express how this history meshes with today,” they said. “The stories, yes, are grounded in historical context, but are also acknowledging who we are now and giving light to who we are now.”

One of the bars Bentley performed at was Mona’s Club 440. Started by Mona Sargent Hood and her thenhusband, Jimmie, the bar is credited as being the first openly lesbian bar in the nation, having first opened in 1936 in a different location. It was a haven for many gay, lesbian and queer people of the time in North Beach.

Sargent Hood is another character represented in the walking tour.

The former locations of Finocchio’s, Black Cat Bar, and Tommy’s Place are other gay bars that are a part of the walking tour.

Stories of Jose Sarria, played by Bay

Area drag queen Landa Lakes, will be included, along with representations of the two-spirit community.

Many Native Americans came to the Tenderloin district due to the Indian Relocation Act of the 1950s.

The Bay Area literary and arts communities will also be part of the walking tour, with representations of Charles Warren Stoddard, who wrote homoerotic novels in the late 19th century; Madeline Gleason, a poet of the Beat Generation; and Marcel Duchamp, a French-American painter and sculptor associated with Dada and Expressionism who had a drag persona.

A year in the making, Out of Site was created in collaboration with walking tour company Shaping San Francisco and funded by the Creative Work Fund, Kenneth Rainin Foundation, and Zellerbach Family Foundation.

Writers include Eisen and James Metzger and the assistant director is Natalie Greene. The performances for both parts happen Saturdays at noon and 4 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15-$40 and can be purchased at http://www.eyezen.org/ out-of-site/. t

ACADEMY AWARDS NIGHT GALA BENEFITING SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA HIV/AIDS ORGANIZATIONS

Sunday, March 4, 2018 5:00 o’clock to 11:00

City View at The Metreon 135 4th St.,San Francisco

For tickets: Academy Of Friends.org

WILLIAM SALIT DESIGN

2266_AOF_AD_BayTimes_half.indd 1

2/14/18 2:04 PM

<< Community News

12 • BAY AREA REPORTER • March 1-7, 2018

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Jock Talk

From page 10

the closing seconds to snatch gold.

But I could not help but notice that all of the squeaky clean athletes from Russia, who were waved into the Olympics stripped of the national anthem and flag that represented their country because it had been banned for systematic cheating and were now marching on their own because they cross-their-hearts promised they would not circumvent the system this time, and they said they really meant it this time – I think I have the situation right – I could not help but notice they had two doping violations and were stripped of a curling bronze because of it.

Anyway, apparently as some kind of award for having only two cheaters in their midst this time, just two,

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LGBT Jews

From page 11

who is the public affairs and civic engagement director in the East Bay at the Jewish Community Relations Council.

Kaufman liked how the survey demonstrated the “beauty of Jewish life in the Bay Area” and that it was nice to see the numbers reflected the same way Jews see or experience life in the Bay Area daily.

“It gave us a lot of information about like, what’s important to different facets of the Jewish community, what their barriers are to engagement, and how to make some progress. In those ways the data was rich,” she said.

More questions than answers

However, LGBT Jewish leaders were left with many questions about the data gathered about their segment of the Jewish community that wasn’t reported.

One key piece of missing information was gender. The researchers told the two audiences that gender information hadn’t been extracted from the data to be reported in time for the unveiling. That meant that information about the transgender and nonbinary gender community wasn’t available at the initial reportbacks about the survey’s findings.

“I’m very curious about the transgender and nonbinary statistics because my gut is that we have a larger percentage here than anywhere else

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LGBT bills

From page 7

“This formalized statement is validation for our community,” said Low. “We recognize the painful hardship suffered by the LGBT community throughout our state’s history. The resolution also reaffirms our promise for preserving the rights of all people and commits us to being a fully inclusive state.”

The main objective of the resolution is to ensure that California does not repeat the anti-LGBT steps it has taken in the past, Low said. But it is also aimed at giving a boost to the call for more funding of services focused on LGBT individuals, he acknowledged.

“If you agree there has been a history of discrimination toward the LGBT community then what do we do today to adequately fund programs for HIV and AIDS or housing for homeless LGBT youth and many other issues?” asked Low. Gay state Senator Scott Wiener (DSan Francisco) has authored Senate Concurrent Resolution 110 that calls on medical professionals to postpone performing sex assignment/genital “normalization” surgery on infants and instead wait until the individuals are old enough to give their consent to the procedures. He and advocates are expected to hold an informational hearing about the issue Friday, March 2, to educate lawmakers and the public about why such surgeries on

Russia will be awarded shortly with a lifting of the ban. Nothing to see here, folks: keep moving.

Olympic legacy

Have to admit it, the Summer and Winter Olympics are inspiring TV spectacles. But it is increasingly hard to overlook the disastrous economic legacies and cruel human costs that occur before and after the TV cameras roll.

Ballooning costs and security concerns have caused fewer and fewer cities to bid for Olympic Games, and bidders now tend not to come from strong democracies concerned with human rights, but more autocratic and militaristic powers looking to flex their might and pound their chests.

Pyeongchang proved no exception.

German news media reported

that more than a fifth of the 15,000 “volunteer” workforce building the venues had quit because of squalid living quarters and crappy food.

The cost of the Olympics was supposed to be $6 billion but more than doubled. The city was patrolled by 60,000 cops and 50,000 soldiers.

There are no set plans for postOlympic use of four of the newly constructed venues.

But at least the workers and the citizens who will foot the bill have the pleasure of knowing the International Olympic Committee has a bankroll of more than $1 billion and its representatives had a wonderful time jetting in, being treated lavishly, and jetting back out.

NCAA scandal

Seems some kind of scandal in NCAA basketball has been breaking

Team San Francisco has announced a Gay Games X team Tshirt design competition, and the Federation of Gay Games said it has renewed an agreement with Nike for ordering uniforms from the apparel company at discount prices.

At every Gay Games, San Francisco has had the honor of leading the parade of teams into the opening ceremonies in honor of being the birthplace of the Gay Games.

The T-shirt that will be selected

individual counties to discover their needs, the researchers said that it was impossible to break it down to that level.

When the B.A.R. asked if anyone on the survey advisory committee identified as LGBT, Cohn said that he couldn’t comprehend why that was necessary. Edelstein said that Jewish community leaders working on the survey didn’t inquire

reflective of their gender identity – meaning, these children can grow up safe and healthy, and be exactly who they are meant to be.”

A number of advocacy groups are co-sponsoring the bill, including EQCA, the Los Angeles LGBT Center, Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, American Civil Liberties Union of California, and the National Center for Lesbian Rights. It would define “gender-affirming health care and behavioral health services” as “health care or behavioral health services that respect the gender identity of the patient as experienced and defined by the patient.” Included would be procedures that align a person’s gender presentation with their gender identity.

“This bill addresses a critical public health crisis in California: lack of access to medically necessary primary care for transgender and gendernonconforming youth in foster care,” stated Dr. Johanna Olson Kennedy, medical director of the Center for Transyouth Health and Development at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles.

“These youth need and deserve the same access to health care guaranteed to all youth in out-of-home care, and this legislation will promote the health and well-being of some of the state’s most vulnerable young people.”

Zbur told the B.A.R. that the legislation, the first-of-its-kind in the country, should have minimal costs to the agencies but reap great benefits for the youth.

“Most of these youth are covered by Medi-Cal already or take part in other health insurance programs,” he said.

“Most studies show that providing necessary medical care for transgender people adds minimal costs to the health care system.”

AB 2153 by Assemblyman Tony Thurmond (D-Richmond) would require school districts to provide teachers and school staff cultural competency training to ensure they are meeting the needs of LGBTQ students. Similar legislation in the past has been watered down or shelved due to the costs involved in offering the training.

But Zbur argued that the investment would result in various dividends.

“We would argue that while, yes, there is a cost to this bill, it is good public policy and a good investment because it results in hundreds of thousands of kids’ lives improving,” he said, noting that they are more likely “to stay in school and go to college or get a job after they graduate.”

AB 2639, co-authored by Assemblymen Marc Berman (D-Palo Alto) and Patrick O’Donnell (D-Long Beach), would establish standards for online training on suicide prevention for teachers and school staff that includes a focus on LGBTQ youth.

And as the B.A.R. has previously reported, Senate Bill 918 co-authored

by Wiener and Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) would establish $60 million in grants

for housing, services and supports for youth experiencing homelessness and require the programs be inclusive of LGBTQ youth. It also would create the Office of Homeless Youth within the California Department of Housing and Community Development.

LGBTQ older adults would be deemed “a population in need of special attention” under AB 2719 authored by Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks). It would open the door to more state funding for LGBT senior services.

Local law enforcement agencies would be required to update and strengthen their policies on hate crimes under AB 1985 by Assemblyman Phil Ting (D-San Francisco). Similar legislation was pulled last year due to concerns about the costs police departments would incur in implementing it.

“The costs probably will come back as an issue,” Zbur predicted. “But as we indicated in our 2017 Legislative Scorecard, there is no good reason for the bill to be held.”

The last of the bills introduced to date is AB 2663 by Assemblywoman Laura Friedman (D-Glendale). It would provide retroactive relief to individuals who were registered as domestic partners in municipal jurisdictions and may have had their property taxes increased due to the death of a partner. The goal is to ensure the surviving partner does not lose their home.t

white Jewish community,” said Copeland.

“I suspect that we can learn from the diverse parts of our community and how to make our community stronger,” added Kaufman.

The statistic that hit Copeland hard was the number of Jews who said being Jewish wasn’t that important to them personally.

“That is the one that kind of hits me in the gut,” said Copeland.

“That’s where our work is cut out for us,” she said. Her congregation has worked hard for several years creatively engaging the mobile Jewish population while maintaining their relationship with the congregation and connecting with new congregants.

Her concern is that people don’t see that being Jewish is a “beautiful vibrant part of their story to explore,” she said.

Being Jewish and gathering Jewishly is not simply because Jewish people are a part of a tribe; that’s never been the California way for Jews, unlike in other parts of the country.

Tribalism “doesn’t ring very true here for Jews, so we have a unique lens that opens us up,” said Copeland.

infants are unnecessary.

According to the resolution, “there is evidence that these surgeries cause severe psychological and physiological harm when performed without the informed consent of the individual.”

The resolution would be nonbinding, thus legislation banning such practices could be introduced in the future, said Zbur.

“The resolution is intended to start educating the Legislature and the LGBTQ community and the broader community on intersex issues,” he said. “It may result in future years us looking at legislative fixes that may need to take place.”

Several of this year’s bills would direct more state resources to various issues facing the state’s LGBT community. AB 2119 by gay Assemblyman Todd Gloria (D-San Diego) would require child welfare agencies to ensure transgender and gendernonconforming youth have access to clinicians who provide genderaffirming treatment consistent with established standards of care.

“We know that transgender and gender-nonconforming youth are at much higher risk for developing serious negative health conditions. This is especially true for those youth in our foster care system,” stated Gloria. “AB 2119 affirms the right of foster youth to be able to access health services

Gay Games 2018 uniforms

in the design contest will be worn by all members of Team SF in the march. The winner of the contest will be selected by the board of Team SF and win $500. Entries need to be submitted by March 21 along with name and phone number to teamsfdesign@gmail.com.

Team SF suggested designers consider the spirit of San Francisco or the Gay Games in Paris; the Team SF and Paris 2018 logos; whether the design reflects all 36 sports in this year’s Gay Games; and whether the design is transferable to other applications, such as hats.

The FGG said Nike is offering participants a 30 percent discount on customized merchandise.

Information on the program and a link to the online ordering form are at gaygames.org/NIKE-GayGames-Uniform-Program.t

about anyone’s sexual orientation, noting that Aliya Saperstein, a demographer from Stanford University, an expert in gender and racial identities, worked in consultation on questions about gender and race.

The researchers will be able to extract information about the LGB Jewish community regarding mobility, marital status, interfaith and interracial relationships, employment status, seniors, youth, socioeconomic status, queer Jews of color, and other factors.

The initial report lumped married couples together under one single heading without distinguishing if they were opposite-sex or same-sex married Jews.

The researchers told those at the Palo Alto meeting that they plan to return to the data to extract more information about the various communities and return in six weeks to begin unpacking the results. However, the results will be limited to a broad stroke across the entire Bay Area rather than being able to analyze the needs and compare Jewish communities in each county due to the “limited sample size,” researchers and Edelstein explained.

“We don’t have the ability to analyze reliably on the county level. We are in the process now of looking at the data more deeply and planning for next steps with the community,” wrote Edelstein.

When the B.A.R. asked about breaking down the information to focus on LGBT Jews living in

by far,” said Rabbi Mychal Copeland of San Francisco’s Congregation Sha’ar Zahav.

Copeland, 47 and a lesbian, hoped that the information will reveal the Jewish trans community and gain a deeper understanding by “really delving into what makes a community the most inclusive for trans people and what are the best practices across the board,” she said.

When the B.A.R. pushed for more information about when data about the Jewish transgender community would be available, Jason Edelstein, principal of Edelstein Public Affairs, responded in an email that none of the respondents identified their gender as transgender, despite being offered the option.

“So, we have no identified transgender respondents, nor would we expect any in the probability sample of 644, as national research suggests about 0.5 percent of the population with considerable variability between studies,” he wrote. “We did not ask about intersex status. At an incidence of 1 per 2,000 in the population, according to some studies, we would expect about two such respondents in our sample.”

Copeland and Kaufman said that they wanted to know more about Jews of color as well as the LGBT community and engagement in the Jewish community.

“Partially, because of the LGBT nature of our community and our urban environment across the board, our community needs to do more to understand what it means to be a person of color in a largely

Searching for funding

out while all this slushing and skating was going on, but I’ve run out of room to write about it. We’ll check back in on it in a couple of weeks to see if the whole thing has exploded.

In the meantime, wax your skis and get out on the trails. The next wintry extravaganza is just four years away.

t

Inside the study

Methodology

The independent research team led by Cohen, Ukeles, and Ashley Grosse, Ph.D. at YouGov, along with an advisory committee of Bay Area Jewish leaders examined responses and conducted interviews with a sample set of respondents.

The survey is a product of a collaboration between the Bay Area’s three Jewish community federations located in San Francisco (which covers the city all the way up through Sonoma and down to San Mateo counties), the East Bay, and Silicon Valley. The study cost $870,694, according to Edelstein, and was funded by the federations, along with Bay Area Jewish foundations and individual donors.

The Bay Area Jewish Community Digital Portrait Tool, which will allow Jewish communities throughout the Bay Area to access the survey data, will be released in the spring.

Cohen will return March 12 to report findings to the East Bay and then he will return in April for other meetings, according to Edelstein.

The San Francisco federation’s professional team will also meet with community groups and professionals regarding the survey results, he added.

To download the survey, visit https://jewishfed.org/communitystudy. t

t <<

Community News>>

Bail

From page 2

“While the DA is very supportive of moving away from the antiquated money bail system generally, we believe pretrial release decisions should be made on a case-by-case basis, within the confines of the law, with consideration of a defendant’s rights weighed against flight and public safety risks,” spokesman Max Szabo wrote in an email to reporters.

The San Francisco Public Defender’s office and the nonprofit Civil Rights Corps brought Humphrey’s case to the appellate court.

Civil Rights Corps board member and Deputy Public Defender Chesa Boudin stated, “Mr. Humphrey has been behind bars for 248 days simply because he is too poor to purchase his freedom. ... The court and the district attorney repeatedly agreed that Mr. Humphrey was safe to be released from jail – as long as he were wealthy enough to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars ransom in a case where he is accused of stealing $5. The inhumanity and injustice of conditioning freedom

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Auto break-ins

From page 6

burglary by showing that he or she broke a car window to get into the car,” according to Wiener’s office.

Currently, judges sometimes require prosecutors to show that car doors weren’t locked in auto burglary cases.

Wiener’s office said that, in December, the SFPD reported that larceny theft from vehicles had increased by 26 percent over the past year.

“The explosion in auto break-ins we’re experiencing is unacceptable, and we need to ensure our police and district attorneys have all the tools they need to address it,” said Wiener in a news release. “When residents or visitors park their cars on the streets, they should have confidence that the car and its contents will be there when they return. Damaged

on an unattainable financial condition is not unique to Mr. Humphrey; rather money bail is a deeply-embedded and discriminatory tool used to punish the poor and coerce waivers of rights every day across the state.”

According to the Northern California chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, “over 60 percent of people in California jails are there awaiting trial or sentencing,” indicating that they’re there because they can’t afford to bail out.

State Senator Bob Hertzberg (DVan Nuys), who’s been pushing for bail reform, also cheered Becerra’s decision.

“Attorney General Becerra joins a chorus of leading voices calling for attention to this issue,” that “together overwhelmingly make the case for bail reform, and for the passage of SB 10.”

Senate Bill 10, which Hertzberg authored with Assemblyman Rob Bonta (D-Oakland), would require that pretrial services agencies conduct risk assessments and recommend conditions of release for defendants pretrial, among other provisions. People arrested for certain violent felonies wouldn’t be eligible. t

cars and stolen property can significantly harm people, and shattered glass all over the ground undermines safe neighborhoods. SB 916 closes a loophole in the Penal Code that can lead to cases being dropped or charges reduced even when the evidence of burglary are clear.”

Gascón stated, “The community’s skyrocketing number of auto break-ins are a stain on our quality of life. ... This legislation will close a loophole that has allowed some suspects to escape consequences, and there are additional efforts underway that will give San Franciscans needed relief from the frustration and broken glass that has defined the city’s epidemic of auto break-ins.”

SB 916 is co-authored by Assemblymen David Chiu and Phil Ting, both Democrats of San Francisco.t

March 1-7, 2018 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 13

Legal Notices>> ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-18-553635

In the matter of the application of: NICOLLE BUNNY ROSENBERG, 2125 BRYANT ST #110, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner NICOLLE BUNNY ROSENBERG, is requesting that the name NICOLLE BUNNY ROSENBERG, be changed to BUNNY ELIZABETH ROSENBERG. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 514, Room 514 on the 22nd of Mar 2018 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

FEB 08, 15, 22, MAR 01, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037976400 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BARRETT VOICES, 535 LEAVENWORTH ST. #44, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed BARRETT EDMONDS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/29/18.

FEB 08, 15, 22, MAR 01, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037991000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BELKIS CLEANING SERVICES, 844 NORTH MELITA CT., TRACY, CA 95391. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed BELKIS MARCIA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/05/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/05/18.

FEB 08, 15, 22, MAR 01, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037976200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PLAYMAKERS MOBILE MASSAGE, 114 KIRKWOOD AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ROWENA I. LANG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/29/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/29/18.

FEB 08, 15, 22, MAR 01, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037977200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: RED BOOT PR, 1501 28TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122.

This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LAURA GOLDFARB. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/02/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/30/18.

FEB 08, 15, 22, MAR 01, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037971800 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ALL BAY AREA DUSTLESS BLASTING, 318 21ST AVE #4, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ALEXEI GURBANOV. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/25/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/26/18.

FEB 08, 15, 22, MAR 01, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037949800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PAR MADERO CLEANING SERVICES, 1743 REVERE AVE #A, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed AMILCAR A. HERNANDEZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/06/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/16/18.

FEB 08, 15, 22, MAR 01, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037974900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ROSE KITCHEN, 607 LARKIN ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed SU NGUYEN & HUNG HAU. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/29/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/29/18.

FEB 08, 15, 22, MAR 01, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037985200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CREATIVE SUSHI CATERING; IKE’S KITCHEN, 800 VAN NESS AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed IJSY WORLD KITCHEN, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/30/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/01/18.

FEB 08, 15, 22, MAR 01, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037975100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: POTTED, 3600 21ST ST #204, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SPIN STUDIO, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/23/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/29/18.

FEB 08, 15, 22, MAR 01, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037988900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HILL TOP GENERAL STORE, 1398 LEAVENWORTH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a married couple, and is signed TIMOTHY TALBOT & YOUNG MI KIM. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/17/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/02/18.

FEB 08, 15, 22, MAR 01, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037979600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ALYSSON SANTOS, 584 CASTRO ST #490, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed ALYSSON SANTOS BRANDS LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/27/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/30/18.

FEB 08, 15, 22, MAR 01, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037964200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MARIJUANA TOURS; FREE MARIJUANA TOURS, 6 CYRUS PL, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed GREEN GUIDE TOURS LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/01/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/23/18.

FEB 08, 15, 22, MAR 01, 2018

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037982200

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038003100

FEB 08, 15, 22, MAR 01, 2018 SUMMONS (FAMILY LAW) SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO, NOTICE TO RESPONDENT: HONGJUN XUN,

FEB 15, 22, MAR 01, 08, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037993600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: WOOLY PIG, 2295 3RD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed CAP SPIKE BUZZ, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/01/18.

You have been sued. Read the information below and on the next page.

PETITIONER’S NAME IS: JEREMY T. PAZ CASE NO. FDI-18-789129

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this Summons and Petition are served on you to file a Response (form FL-120 or FL-123) at the court and have a copy served on the petitioner. A letter or phone call will not protect you. If you do not file your Response on time, the court may make orders affecting your marriage or domestic partnerships, 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.courtinfo.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 following are effective against both spouses or domestic partners until the petition is dismissed, a judgment entered, or the court makes further orders. These orders 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 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, UNIFIED FAMILY COURT, 400 McAllister St, San Francisco, CA 94102; The name, address, and telephone number of petitioner’s attorney, or the petitioner without an attorney, is: Jeremy T. Paz, 1859 Fulton St, Apt1, San Francisco, CA 94117, 415-846-8770 Clerk of the Superior Court by Annie Toy, 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, quasicommunity, 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.

NOTICE – ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HEALTH INSURANCE: Do you or someone in your household need affordable health insurance? If so, you should apply for Covered California. Covered California can help reduce the cost you pay towards high quality affordable health care. For more information, visit www.coveredca.com. Or call Covered California at 1-800-300-1506.

WARNING: California law provides that, for the 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.

FEB 08, 15, 22, MAR 01, 08, 2018 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-18-553661

In the matter of the application of: ALAN DARREN CHOI, 200 BRANNAN ST # 207, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner ALAN DARREN CHOI, is requesting that the name ALAN DARREN CHOI, be changed to ALAN DARREN NAKAGIRI. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 514, Room 514 on the 22nd of March 2018 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

FEB 15, 22, MAR 01, 08, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037994900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: H J TRADING CO, 1630 45TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed PYONG HWA KANG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/07/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/07/18.

FEB 15, 22, MAR 01, 08, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037994400 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BOWTIES AND BUBBLY EVENTS, 251 CARL ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ALEXANDRA HOLLAND. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/07/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/07/18.

FEB 15, 22, MAR 01, 08, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037990800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: 9K TRAVEL, 9 KIMBALL PLACE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109.

This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JAMES F. TOSCHI. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/01/12. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/05/18.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: STUDIO HEIMAT, 690 MARKET ST #2003, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SFHEIMAT, INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/13/18.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: DIVINE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR, 88 HOWARD ST #2309, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed MILANO SOMA INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/06/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/06/18.

FEB 15, 22, MAR 01, 08, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037978500 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SF SIREN, 551 HAYES ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SF SIREN CO (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/16/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/3018.

FEB 15, 22, MAR 01, 08 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037978400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SF SIREN, 244 WEST PORTAL AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94127. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SF SIREN CO (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/03/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/30/18.

FEB 15, 22, MAR 01, 08, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037978600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SF SIREN, 2086 CHESTNUT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123.

This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SF SIREN CO (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/06/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/30/18.

FEB 15, 22, MAR 01, 08, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037970300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HONEST HERB, 1770 POST ST #140, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115.

This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed BRIGHT CIRCLE, INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/25/18.

FEB 15, 22, MAR 01, 08, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037998400 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BAYSHORE SHELL, 319 BAYSHORE BLVD., SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed BAL STATIONS, INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/12/04. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/09/18.

FEB 15, 22, MAR 01, 08, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037988200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: VIOLET’S, 2301 CLEMENT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed TAVERN PROJECT LLC (CA).

The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/29/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/02/18.

FEB 15, 22, MAR 01, 08, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037988400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: UVA ENOTECA, 568 HAIGHT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117.

This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed UVA RESOURCES LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/02/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/02/18.

FEB 15, 22, MAR 01, 08, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037994700 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THOMPSON MOTORCARS, 553A CLIPPER ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed THOMPSON SALVAGE LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/07/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/07/18.

FEB 15, 22, MAR 01, 08, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037990900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PREGO PROPERTIES LLC, 1212A UNION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed PREGO PROPERTIES LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/01/12. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/05/18.

FEB 15, 22, MAR 01, 08, 2018 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-036376000 The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as: BOWTIES AND BUBBLY EVENTS, 251 CARL ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business was conducted by a general partnership and signed by ALEXANDRA HOLLAND & MEGHANN DODGE. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/18/15.

FEB 15, 22, MAR 01, 08, 2018 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-18-553705

FEB 15, 22, MAR 01, 08, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038002300

In the matter of the application of: WUN KWAN SIU TAM, 389 HOLYOKE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner WUN KWAN SIU TAM, is requesting that the name WUN KWAN SIU TAM AKA WUN KWAN SIU AKA WUN KWAN SIU TAM, be changed to WUN KWAN SIU TAM. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 514, Room 514 on the 17th of April 2018 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

FEB 15, 22, MAR 01, 08, 2018

MAR 01, 08, 15, 22, 2018

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: DZINE CABINETRY INSTALLATION, 128 UTAH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed DZINE, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/26/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/13/18.

<< Classifieds

14 • BAY AREA REPORTER • March 1-7, 2018

Legal Notices>> NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF JONATHAN SILVERMAN IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO: FILE PES-17-301478

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of JONATHAN MATTHEW SILVERMAN. A Petition for Probate has been filed by ARTHUR SILVERMAN, in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. The Petition for Probate requests that ARTHUR SILVERMAN, be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent.

The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court.

The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval.

Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Mar 13, 2018, 9:00 a.m., Dept: Probate, Rm. 204, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the latter of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined by section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code.

Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for petitioner: Mr. Arthur Silverman, 180 Red Fir Rd., P.O. Box 7903, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546; Ph. (415) 465-6616.

FEB 22, MAR 01, 08, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038005700 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BABY’S EATERY AND PALABOK, 4609 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed PATRICK JOHN ALVIR. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/08/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/14/18.

FEB 22, MAR 01, 08, 15, 2018

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038002000 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BARBER & GENT; ORIGINAL GRAPHIC ARTS, 3239 MISSION ST #A, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed IVAN GOMEZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/12/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/12/18.

FEB 22, MAR 01, 08, 15, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038001800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: QUICKDRAW PERMIT CONSULTING, 584 CASTRO ST #466, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JEREMY S. PAUL. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/15/89. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/12/18.

FEB 22, MAR 01, 08, 15, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037989800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SHANGHAI SUPERSMART INTERNATIONAL TRADE, 560 7TH AVE #1, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed VIVIAN H. WANG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/05/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/05/18.

FEB 22, MAR 01, 08, 15, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038003500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CASA MAYAH RESTAURANT, 294 TURK ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed RODOLFO MAAY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/13/18.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/13/18.

FEB 22, MAR 01, 08, 15, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038007000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CABLE CAR COFFEE, 902 MARKET ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed ASMEROM B. GUEBRMICAEL & SIMON H. ZERAI. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/15/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/15/18.

FEB 22, MAR 01, 08, 15, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038002100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ENGINEER.AI, 600 CALIFORNIA ST, 11TH FLR, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SD SQUARED NORTH AMERICA LIMITED (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/06/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/12/18.

FEB 22, MAR 01, 08, 15, 2018

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038005000

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038023800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: FOLIOAVENUE; PANCOAST BITCOIN, 3053 FILLMORE #118, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed GREENFORCE CLEAN TEAM CO. LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/14/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/14/18.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: DEJAVU PIZZA & PASTA RESTAURANT, 3227 16TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed AUNG KYI. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/26/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/26/18.

FEB 22, MAR 01, 08, 15, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038011100

MAR 01, 08, 15, 22, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038006600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: OPEN SKY COMMUNICATIONS, 520 27TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed OPEN SKY COMMUNICATIONS, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/16/18.

FEB 22, MAR 01, 08, 15, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038013000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BALLAST COFFEE, 329 W PORTAL AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94127. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed KICK-START COFFEE, LLC (CA).

The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/01/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/16/18.

FEB 22, MAR 01, 08, 15, 2018 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-036235200 The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as: CITY PIZZA & YUCATAN FOOD, 294 TURK ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business was conducted by an individual and signed by RODOLFO MAAY. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/07/15.

FEB 22, MAR 01, 08, 15, 2018 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-037332900

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as: CABLE CAR COFFEE, 902 MARKET ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business was conducted by an individual and signed by SIMON H. ZERAI. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/03/16.

FEB 22, MAR 01, 08, 15, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038015600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: TOGETHER WEDDING COMPANY, 1463 POWELL ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed YI CHEN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/20/18.

MAR 01, 08, 15, 22, 2018

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PACIFIC VENTURES & INTRODUCTIONS, 2905 HARRISON ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MA ANNA SOFIA GARCIA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/14/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/15/18.

MAR 01, 08, 15, 22, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038004700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BUNN MIKE, 300 DEHARO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103.

This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ALEX TAO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/14/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/14/18.

MAR 01, 08, 15, 22, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038008300

t

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038008500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: LONG OVERDUE, 2275 MARKET ST SUITE F, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed FRANK P. REYES. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/15/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/15/18.

MAR 01, 08, 15, 22, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038021700 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: NORCAL SALON SUPPLIES, 1501 20TH ST UNIT B, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed MICHAEL CHAU & VI DAM. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/23/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/23/18.

MAR 01, 08, 15, 22, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038011900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: WINNING COLORS INC, 850 SOUTH VAN NESS, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed WINNING COLORS INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/16/18.

MAR 01, 08, 15, 22, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038016700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MAKER & MOSS, 364 HAYES ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MATTHEW BISSINGER. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/30/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/15/18.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SOMA EATS 2, 121 SPEAR ST SUITE B7, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SOMA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/21/18.

MAR 01, 08, 15, 22, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038005500

MAR 01, 08, 15, 22, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038015700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THE HR PERSON, 550 SPRUCE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SARAH MCNAMARA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/06/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/14/18.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SULTAN’S KEBAB, 3915 24TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed FAMUS (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/20/18.

MAR 01, 08, 15, 22, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038021200

MAR 01, 08, 15, 22, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038020000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: A YEAR IN AMERICA, 4175 CESAR CHAVEZ ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LAUREL ANNE ANDERSON. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/01/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/23/18.

MAR 01, 08, 15, 22, 2018

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CN GOLD USA INC, 150 POST ST #360, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SHANGRILA EXPRESS INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/18/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/22/18.

MAR 01, 08, 15, 22, 2018 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-037483100

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR AIRPORT CONCIERGE SERVICE LEASE The Airport Commission has commenced the RFP process for Airport Concierge Service Lease. This Lease is for the operation of VIP and concierge-style services at San Francisco International Airport. The Minimum Annual Guarantee (MAG) for this Lease is $10,000.00.

The term is three years with one two-year option to extend exercisable at the Airport Commission’s discretion. Annual Rent shall be the higher of the Minimum Annual Guarantee or 8% of Gross Revenues.

An Informational Conference will be held on February 14, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. PST at the SFO Business Center, 575 N. McDonnell Road, Third Floor, Suite 3-313, Aviation Management’s Conf. Room, at SFO. Small, local and disadvantaged businesses are encouraged to participate.

Please see website http://www.flysfo.com/business-at-sfo/current-opportunities for additional information or call John M. Reeb, Sr. Principal Property Manager, (650) 821-4512.

The Youth Commission is a body of 17 San Franciscans between the ages of 12 and 23. Created by the voters in 1995 through a charter amendment, the commission is responsible for advising the Mayor and Board of Supervisors on policies and budgets related to youth. The commission is also charged with providing comment, recommendation, and feedback on all proposed laws that affect youth before the Board takes final action.

Commissioners work diligently to connect young people with one another, develop leadership skills and understanding of government, and make positive policy changes.

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The commission meets on the first and third Monday of every month at 5:15pm in room 416 of City Hall. Their standing issue-based committees meet regularly in the Youth Commission office, City Hall Room 345.

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Visit our website www.sfgov.org/yc, email YouthCom@sfgov.org, or call (415) 554-6446

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The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as: JIFFY DOG, 300 DE HARO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business was conducted by an individual and signed by ALEX TAO. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/23/17.

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us. St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude, helper of the hopeless, pray for us. Say prayer nine time a day for nine days. Thank you Jesus and St. Jude for prayers answered.

Publication must be promised.

B.K.

The annual San Francisco Summer Resource Fair will take place Saturday, March 10 11am-3pm at the County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park. The Summer Resource Fair will feature 150 summer programs, camps, classes and other services for children and youth from age 3 to 18. Many of the programs are free or low cost, and may enroll participants on the spot. The Fair is an excellent resource for families to start planning their summer, and it is a lot of fun: the Rec & Park Department will set up a KidZone with games, arts and crafts, a climbing wall, and other fun activities, Play-Well TEKnologies will host a massive Lego building project, and the SF Public Library will bring their Bookmobile and host a book giveaway.

Did you know that there is a daily pill to prevent HIV? Find out about PrEP, a daily pill to prevent HIV, through an automated mobile texting conversation. You can learn about PrEP, have concerns addressed, and even find out where you can get PrEP! You can also refer friends to find out about PrEP through the texting service.

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This program is sponsored by the Population Health Division of San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH).

CNS-3100127#

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Flood zone

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Glass pieces

Country lads

www.ebar.com/arts

Lesbian bonds

Vol. 48 • No. 9 • March 1-7, 2018

John Fisher plays his Trump card

by Richard Dodds

A drag performer (Charles Peoples III) is inadvertently chosen by Donald Trump (John Fisher) to be a cultural ambassador to Russia in Fisher’s play “Transitions” at Theatre Rhino

I

David Wilson

t was good for a laugh until it wasn’t. Like most Americans who voted, John Fisher expected the safe and sane candidate to triumph over the one who had so deliciously torn apart his fellow Republicans during the primaries. There was a play to be written, but not one about walls along the border, the decimation of Obamacare, or other political specifics of life under President Trump.

See page 22 >>

Henrik Kam

1+1= t.w.five

by Sura Wood

S

wedish figurative painter Pernilla Andersson and Brazilian photographer and screen printer Paula Pereira were working independently and had already claimed their respective aliases when they joined forces – and their pseudonyms – in 2009 to form t.w.five. Since then, the Bay Area duo, who are also a couple, have created installations exclusively made with handcut shapes of colored, adhesive-backed vinyl. The atypical medium they’ve chosen may conjure associations with childhood or dime-store craft supplies, but the themes they address with a subtle humor – architecture, infrastructure, togetherness, culture shock, technology, transportation, issues of exclusion and inclusion – are weighty.

See page 22 >>

Installation by t.w.five at the San Francisco Museum of Craft and Design (detail).

{ SECOND OF THREE SECTIONS }

Dance Around Town News of the World

By Brenda Way March 15 - 18, 2018 YBCA Theater

odc.dance/LGBTQ

J Ma oin u rch s a usi t ng 17 w LGB the ith TQ pro 20% Nig ht mo cod off ti on e P cke RO ts UD

<< Out There

16 • Bay Area Reporter • March 1-7, 2018

Her cup & her basement runneth over

by Roberto Friedman

t

invention of the tape-bow violin; and her experience as the first (and only) NASA artist-in-residence. All of it stands testament to Anderson’s genius as a creative artist, as well as to her stamina and work ethic.

Her late husband Lou Reed said that if our country had its priorities straight, we would be erecting a statue of her. Out There would put her face on our national currency.

Until then, this art-saturated tome may be the next best thing.

A

merican performance artist Laurie Anderson is one of those rare geniuses whose talents span diverse fields – music, painting, sculpture, film, storytelling, even the invention of musical instruments. The historical figures with the closest parallels to her are people like Leonardo di Vinci, Charlie Chaplin, maybe even Thomas Edison. Anderson has just published a thick art book reflecting on the last 40 years of her art-making career, “All the Things I Lost in the Flood – Essays on Pictures, Language and Code” (Rizzoli/ Electa, $75). Out There took a deep dive into it, and here’s our report.

The title and impetus for the book came from the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy in NYC in October 2012. Anderson lost all of the archival materials she’d stored in her loft building’s basement on the far West Side when the Hudson River flooded in. Writing this book was her attempt to reconstitute those artworks, or at least point to where they came from. (A related work inspired by Sandy, the recording of Anderson’s “Landfall,” a collaboration with Kronos Quartet, is just out from Nonesuch: see next item.)

This overview of Anderson’s oeuvre shows how certain themes and preoccupations in her work have

After the deluge

evolved over decades. By the time she released the album “Homeland” in 2010, we can see many of those concerns – changes wrought by technology, depersonalization, the “dramatic expansion of surveillance culture” – writ large.

“Inspired by the Occupy movement’s many branches, I wrote a lot of the songs and stories on the road in the midst of social unrest,” she writes, “sometimes literally in the middle of demonstrations.”

The book is not arranged chronologically, but it does survey her early years as an expatriate American artist in Europe in the 1970s; her magnum opus, the eight-hour-long “United States Parts 1-4” in 1983; her long

catalogue of performances ever since; and some of her more obscure excursions in the art world.

For example, four works that OT, a big Anderson aficionado, had little familiarity with are described: “Hidden Inside Mountains,” a film commissioned by Japanese Expo in Aichi in 2005; “Chalkroom,” a virtual reality work where “everything is hand-drawn, dusty and dark” (2017); and two “talking statues,” “Dal Vivo” and “Habeas Corpus.”

The former involved the projection of the image of a prisoner in Italy (1998); and the latter was a livestream image projection of a detainee in Guantanamo, Mohammed el Gharani, onto a statue in the Park Avenue Armory in NYC (2015).

Anderson admits to an interesting dynamic in her work: its si-

multaneous intimacy and distance.

“I realized that some of the best places to hide were stages,” she writes. “I could control everything – the lighting, the volume, quality, intimacy and cadence of my voice.

Even though I was saying things that seemed very personal, I never said anything truly private.” The same could be said of this volume: its author is entirely candid about her art-making, but not much personal revelation comes out in the wash.

There’s more, much more, collected here: her first use of digital filters to alter her voice at the Nova Convention in 1978 (like “being in drag” as a man); how William S. Burroughs’ use of the second person “opened new realms” for her; the dark side of “Moby Dick,” subject of her 1999 opera; her time on the Athens Olympics committee; her

Anderson also has a new CD release this month, her collaboration with Kronos Quartet “Landfall” (Nonesuch). It’s again an artistic response to the devastation from Sandy. It’s in 30 pieces, and their titles tell a narrative of the flood, e.g., “1. CNN Predicts a Monster Storm,” “3. The Water Rises,” “11. The Electricity Goes Out and We Move to a Hotel,” “28. Everything Is Floating.”

These are not “songs” but pieces for string quartet, sometimes with Anderson speaking, or with samples or effects. OT heard LA & the Kronos perform “Landfall” in Bing Concert Hall at Stanford a few years ago, but Anderson is a studio artist, and the work is most fully realized on recording. It’s a dark, haunting meditation on possession and loss, calamity and its aftermath. At her most personal, Anderson conjures up a whole watery world.

Because we pre-ordered the CD from Nonesuch, we also received an Anderson-created print, handsigned by the artist. It reads, “Some say our Empire is passing, as ALL Empires do.” State of the Union.t

as she breaks off her relationship with Lorenzo. She moves back to the old apartment where she raised Antia, and begins writing a journal reminiscing about her history.

Suddenly it is 1985 and we see the young Julieta (Adriana Ugarte) with spiky blond hair, a classics graduate on her way to her first teaching job, sitting in a train compartment opposite an older man who attempts to chat with her. Fleeing, she runs into the hunky fisherman Xoan (Daniel Grao: the gay Almodovar always chooses gorgeous men for his leads).

They become friendly, make love, and he comforts her when the middle-aged stranger she’d met earlier commits suicide, for which she feels guilty. The next scene shows the couple moving to his small coastal town after Xoan’s comatose wife has died. They raise daughter Antia with the help of initially resentful housekeeper Marian (Almodovar regular Rossy de Palma), and Julieta befriends Xoan’s former lover Ava (Inma Cuesta), a sculptress of phallic statues. Julieta travels with Antia to visit her aging parents, and is stunned to realize her father is having an affair with her Alzheimer’s-afflicted mother’s caregiver.

Julieta discovers Xoan has been reigniting his relationship with Antia, which leads to an argument.

Xoan stomps out and goes fishing, but later drowns in a storm. Antia has been at a camp where she meets and befriends Beatriz. Julieta must relay the bad news. Julieta feels tremendous guilt. Ava and Beatriz help her to cope. A few years later, somewhat recovered, Julieta is on her way to pick up the 18-year-old Antia from a retreat in the Pyrenees when she is told Antia no longer wants to see her, having discovered faith.

Julieta has no way to find her, not understanding why Antia has abandoned her. She becomes obsessed by this loss. Will Julieta find Antia?

Stock Almodovar themes such as coincidence, betrayal, fate, and ambiguous morality make their appearance. There is even a surprise LGBT twist in the plot. Almodovar continues to blend standard genres, and here we have the Hollywood women’s picture coupled with a noirish mystery thriller as to Antia’s whereabouts. The dreamlike train scene and the loyal housekeeper devoted to Xoan’s first wife recall Hitchcock, while the melodramatic elements and luxurious visual presentation pay homage to Douglas Sirk. The strained mother-daughter relationship hints at “Mildred Pierce,” with the all-sacrificing mother a nod to “Stella Dallas.”

“Julieta” was Spain’s entry for the Best Foreign Language Oscar of 2016 yet missed the shortlist. But the movie finds Almodovar in total control of his artistry, reinforcing his title as Europe’s greatest living film director.t

Vintage Almodovar

by Brian Bromberger

the loss of her daughter, transforming herself into a martyr, writing in her journal, “Your absence fills my life and destroys it from the inside.”

Almodovar is back in top form with his best film since 2006’s “Volver.”

As the foremost director of actresses since George Cukor, he once again explores the inner life of women. In “Julieta” he adapts a trilogy of linked short stories from Canadian writer Alice Munro, transplanting the action from Vancouver to Madrid.

The film opens with the middle-

B

isexual poet Edna St. Vincent Millay wrote in a letter, “Where you used to be, there is a hole in the world, which I find myself constantly walking around in the daytime and falling in at night.

I miss you like hell.” This sentiment could have been uttered by the main character of “Julieta,” the latest Pedro Almodovar film from Spain released on DVD by Sony Pictures Classics. She is obsessed by

aged Julieta (Emma Suarez) packing up her apartment ready to move to Portugal with her lover Lorenzo (Dario Grandinetti). She is crossing the street when she meets Beatriz (Michelle Jenner), a friend of her daughter who tells her she just saw Antia (Blanca Pares) at Lake Como, and she has three children. Unbeknownst to Bea, Julieta hasn’t seen or heard from Antia for years. This new information sends her into a tailspin depression, catapulting her back into the past and a sea of regrets

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t

Music>>

March 1-7, 2018 • Bay Area Reporter • 17

Music legend with changing parts turned off, but the rapturous feelings of a sometimes fierce experience remain.

The entire audience rose in unison for an extended ovation, stunned in admiration of the tireless performers and impressed by the exceptionally clear conducting of Michael Riesman and Valerie Sainte-Agathe.

Iconic is a word often used incorrectly and, like standing ovations, too easily reflexive, but no one could stay seated in the presence of Philip Glass. It may have been one more gig for him, but it was a chance for us to show sincere appreciation of a tremendous career.

Another birthday boy

Johansen Krause

Composer Philip Glass performed in Davies Hall with the Philip Glass Ensemble, students from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and the San Francisco Girls Chorus.

by Philip Campbell

A

t 81, American composer Philip Glass deserves to be called a living legend. For five decades the prolific writer has been at the forefront of music. An endless oeuvre of operas, symphonies, film scores and collaborations with poets, choreographers and rock stars is crowned by the many influential compositions written for his ensemble founded in the late 1960s.

The ongoing 80th birthday celebration finally made it to Davies Symphony Hall recently when San Francisco Performances presented the composer (still very much a working musician) with Philip Glass Ensemble under Music Director Michael Riesman, seven students from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and the San Francisco Girls Chorus (Artistic Director Lisa Bielawa and keyboards), conducted

by Valerie Sainte-Agathe.

An evening-long performance of “Music with Changing Parts” (1970) got a special out-of-town tryout at

Carnegie Hall just four days before electrifying a packed house at DSH last Tuesday. Left Coast music-lovers have always embraced the new and unusual, and seeing the fresh and intensely focused faces of the SFGC backing the famous Ensemble with additional local instrumentalists added a special sense of connection.

The seminal work has been revisited by the composer because of the success enjoyed by younger performers. He has gratefully acknowledged them “by enlarging the original score with a brass and a vocal ensemble,” adding that this presentation “is a richer version of the music, and a more satisfying completion of the original idea.”

The wisdom of his decision to expand the hypnotic and immersive score was proved by the high-energy performance. Once into the hot tub of “Music with Changing Parts,” listeners surrender to the composer’s repetitive figures, which incrementally create harmonies of growing exhilaration. Ninety spellbound minutes later, the jets are abruptly

Marco Borggreve

Violinist Vadim Gluzman performed with the San Francisco Symphony.

The San Francisco Symphony’s season-long celebration of another genuine American musical icon came to an end last week with performances of contrasting works by Leonard Bernstein. The beloved composer’s enormous legacy has been well-served by the birth centennial celebration at DSH. Guest conductor Andrey Boreyko and violinist Vadim Gluzman wrapped the party with equal shares of fun and serious expressivity.

The delightfully goofy Divertimento was a great way to start the concert. Writing in 1980 for the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s centennial, Bernstein created a happy-go-lucky parade of parodies of other composers and musical genres. It ended up sounding like a quick tour of his greatest hits. From Bernstein’s Broadway (“West Side Story” and “Candide”) to exuberant theatre works like “Mass,” Divertimento is filled with characteristic joie de vivre. Boreyko was a careful curator, but the idiomatic SFS musicians broke out with their own irrepressible enthusiasm.

The conductor was more at home with the altogether more seriousminded Serenade. Vadim Gluzman was the fine interpreter of the important violin soloist’s role. The piece is a loosely allied musical treatment of Plato’s “Symposium,” but inspiration aside, the score is unmistakably Bernstein. Gluzman essayed the deeper moments of contemplation with a beautiful lyricism. He was especially exciting in the virtuoso displays of the faster sections.

If only Boreyko had applied some of that impetus to the second half of the bill, the Shostakovich Symphony No. 5 that followed after intermission would have been a more thrilling experience. Arguably his most famous and popular work, the mighty Fifth covers more than a few of the composer’s trademark themes and stands as a testament to his innate theatrical instincts.

Moments of exquisite stillness and bittersweet contemplation are juxtaposed with frightening explosions of anger and grief. A monumental blare of Mahlerian intensity brings the work to an earthshaking final movement.

The guest conductor was careful to a fault with his shaping of the sprawling work, but Shostakovich can handle rougher treatment. The orchestra was particularly refined and sounded extraordinarily rich, but they, too, can get down-anddirty. If Boreyko had given them freer rein, the amazing 20th-century masterpiece (Leonard Bernstein was an important advocate for it) might have come to bolder life.

Spanish conductor Pablo HerasCasado makes a welcome return to DSH this week with more Shostakovich, featuring SFS Concertmaster Alexander Barantschik in the Violin Concerto No. 2.t

10th Anniversary Concert Dawn Harms, Music Director & Conductor Patricia Racette, soprano Tickets & Info: http://BARS-SF.ORG CHARGE - BY - PHONE / INFORMATION: (415) 392-4400 Tickets Available at CITY BOX OFFICE, 180 Redwood Street

Saturday, March 3, 8pm Herbst Theatre 401 Van Ness

Mahler Symphony No. 1 Selections from Showboat Medley of Songs of Edith Piaf

The Bay Area Rainbow Symphony (BARS) is a 501(c)(3) organization

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<< Film

18 • Bay Area Reporter • March 1-7, 2018

Stage & page to screen & Oscars

by Tavo Amador

A

lthough film is considered a director’s medium, it’s equally dependent on writers. Thus, from their inception, the Academy Awards honored screenplays. Following is a look at selected Oscarwinning and -losing scripts based on other works.

Gay George Cukor’s superb “Little Women” (1933) benefitted enormously from Victor Heerman’s and Sarah Y. Mason’s cinematic, Oscarwinning adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s novel. Charles Brackett and Jane Murfin also helped pen it. Robert Riskin won for adapting Samuel Hopkins Adams’ “It Happened One Night” (1934), which became the first (and for 40 years, the only) film to earn Oscars for Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, and Screenplay.

“Gone With the Wind” was 1939’s big winner, collecting eight statues, including one for Sidney Howard’s screenplay. But Ben Hecht and John Van Druten, among others, helped adapt Margaret Mitchell’s bestseller.

Still, the film shortchanges the novel. Next year, Donald Ogden Stewart won for “The Philadelphia Story,” based on Philip Barry’s play, but Robert E. Sherwood’s and Joan Harrison’s more cinematic version of “Rebecca,” directed by Alfred Hitchcock and based on bisexual Daphne DuMaurier’s suspenseful novel, was better.

“Ca s a bl a n c a” (1943) won Best Picture, Director, and for writers Julius J. Epstein’s, Philip G. Epstein’s, and Howard Koch’s adaption of Murray Burnett’s and Joan Alison’s unproduced play “Everybody Comes to Rick’s.” Uncredited Casey Robinson penned some scenes, and at times it seemed almost every writer at Warners worked on it. Amazingly, the film appears seamless. In 1944, the Academy erred big time by honoring Frank Butler and Frank Cavett for the treacly, now unwatchable “Going My Way,” based on Leo McCarey’s story, which also won for Best Picture, Director, Actor, and Supporting Actor. Far better in most of those categories was Billy Wilder’s “Double Indemnity,” which he and Raymond Chandler adapted from James M. Cain’s novel. Wilder’s “The Lost Weekend” (1945) would earn Best Picture, Director, and Adapted Screenplay, by Wilder and Charles Bracket. It was based on Charles R. Jackson’s searing novel about alcoholism.

In 1950, Joseph L. Mankiweicz transformed Mary Orr’s “The Wisdom of Eve” into “All About Eve,”

winning six Oscars, including Best Adapted Screenplay. In 1951, Michael Wilson and Harry Brown won for “A Place In the Sun,” improving Theodore Dreiser’s “An American Tragedy,” but the Oscar should have gone to gay Tennessee Williams’ adaptation of his seminal play “A Streetcar Named Desire.”

Williams lost again in 1956 when his “shocking” version of his “27 Wagons Full of Cotton” became “Baby Doll.” Instead, James Poe, John Farrow, and S.J. Perelman won for the dated rendering of Jules Verne’s “Around the World in 80 Days.” In 1958, Alan Jay Lerner’s script for gay Vincente Minnelli’s “Gigi,” derived from Collette’s novel, became the first musical to win. In 1959, Wilder and I.A.L Diamond’s “Some Like It Hot” inexplicably lost to Neil Patterson for “Room at the Top,” based on John Braine’s novel.

In 1962, Horton Foote’s screenplay of Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” earned him the prize.

A conservative Academy honored Robert Bolt for adapting his “A Man for All Seasons” (1966), rather than Ernest Lehman for his version of gay Edward Albee’s groundbreaking play “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” In 1968, Roman Polanski’s inspired screenplay based on Ira Levin’s “Rosemary’s Baby” lost to James Goldman’s adaptation of his pretentious, anachronistic play

“The Lion in Winter.”

The 70s began well with Ring Lardner, Jr. winning for “MASH,” adapted from Richard Hooker’s novel. But in 1971, Ugo Pirro and Vittorio Bonicelli’s beautiful rendering of Giorgio Bassani’s novel “The Garden of the Finzi-Continis” lost to Ernest Tidyman’s tiresome “The French Connection,” taken from Robin Moore’s book. In 1972, Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather” and Bob Fosse’s “Cabaret” dominated the awards. The former won Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay by Mario Puzo (based on his novel) and Coppola, edging out Jay Allen’s dazzling version of gay Christopher Isherwood’s “Berlin Stories.” Coppola and Puzo won again for 1974’s “The Godfather Part II.” Next year, “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” joined “It Happened One Night” in garnering six major awards, including one for Lawrence Haubman and Bo Goldman’s adaptation of Ken Kesey’s novel. In 1979, the Academy was again cautious, selecting Robert Benton for “Kramer vs. Kramer,” taken from Avery Corman’s novel, rather than Francis Veber, Edouard Molinaro, Marcello Danon, and Jean Poiret for their hilarious look at a gay male couple’s marriage in “La Cage Aux Folles.”

James L. Brooks’ adaptation of Larry McMurtry’s “Terms of En-

t

dearment” won the 1981 writing award, part of a sweep. Peter Shaffer’s dazzling screen version of his play “Amadeus” earned him the 1983 Oscar. Ruth Prawer Jhabvala’s splendid screenplay of gay E.M. Forster’s “A Room With a View” garnered her 1986’s award.

Christopher Hampton won for his 1988 adaptation of his play “Dangerous Liaisons,” based on Choderlos de Laclos’ magnificent novel.

Michael Blake won in 1990 for adapting his “Dances with Wolves,” but Donald Westlake deserved it for scripting his “The Grifters.” In 1992, Jhabvala won again for another Forster novel, “Howard’s End.” Steven Zaillan collected 1993’s prize for transforming Thomas Kennealy’s “Schindler’s List.” James Ellroy’s gripping novel “L.A. Confidential” deservedly earned Curtis Hanson and Brian Helgeland’s brilliant screenplay the Oscar. Bill Condon’s haunting adaptation of Christopher Bram’s novel about gay director James Whale won the 1998 award.

The new century has favored screenplays about gay men. In 2004, Larry McMurtry’s and Diana Ossana’s powerful script for the landmark tragic gay romance “Brokeback Mountain,” taken from Annie Proulx’s story, garnered the award.

Graham Moore’s poignant “The Imitation Game” (2013), based on Andrew Hodges’ book about prosecuted gay genius “Alan Turing: The Enigma,” collected the prize. Tarell Alvin McCraney’s gay coming-ofage play “In Moonlight All Black Boys Look Alike” was beautifully adapted by Barry Jenkins and McCraney, retitled “Moonlight,” and won them and the film Oscars.

Will James Ivory’s exquisite adaptation of Andre Aciman’s “Call Me

By Your Name” make it two years in a row for a gay love story?t

Tehran confidential

by David Lamble

W

StevenUnderhill PHOTOGRAPHY

TS HEADSHO S PORTRAIT EVENTS

StevenUnderhill.com StevenUnderhillPhotos@gmail.com

415 370 7152

elcome to a beautifully animated looking-glass world.

In “Tehran Taboo,” opening Friday at the Roxie, a collection of cartoon adults and kids take us on a perilous excursion through a country our president has consigned to limbo.

You don’t have to buy the Trump gospel to get an uneasy feeling about this part of the world where adult women have to get their husbands’ permission to do virtually anything at all. In their desperate search for freedom and happiness, four young people from the Iranian capital are compelled to challenge the taboos of a restrictive, authoritarian Islamic culture. In a rotoscope form of animation where the movements of live actors are in effect traced on the screen, these “toons” use their own voices, creating a realistic effect for a foreign-set melodrama with touches of magic realism.

Director Ali Soozandeh deftly transcends the technical gimmick to give us an experience much like Richard Linklater’s 2001 feature “Waking Life.” Soozandeh gets beats that range from poignant to tragically funny, using a first-rate voice cast starring Farhad Abadinejad, Jasmina Ali, and Rozita Assadollahy. “Tehran Taboo” shares other attributes with “Waking Life,” including its setting a fantastical tale in a climate that’s insufferably hot, depicting a society with a reputation that ranges from dogmatic to

intolerant to religiously absurd. The sight of three enemies of the state hanging from streetlamps becomes all the more compelling because it’s rendered in what Americans have regarded as a medium reserved for telling stories to kids.

The filmmakers reserve most of their sympathy for their female characters, who are treated by men, ranging from naive to brutish, as little more than slaves and whores.

The rotoscope animation allows some bolder bedroom scenes because the medium softens but does not diminish the urgency of the message.

The film also succeeds by staying firmly inside the Iranian bubble, not allowing the views of Iran’s foes, from Mecca to Washington, to color the time we spend inside this despotic universe. We get many views

of the seedier side of a world where religious hypocrisy is the least of the toxic behaviors on display. The director keeps us concerned about the fate of a mute boy, of a woman who presses a one-night-stand to restore her virginity so she can be plundered anew by some jackass who will own her adult life, of a young man trying to purchase a fake hymen made in China, and of a young boy who watches baby kittens murdered by pious folks.

“Tehran Taboo” is edgy, experimental, laugh-out-loud funny, a window on a crazy urban center where men smoke, swear, and abuse their inferiors with wild abandon. All this and the G-word: Gay, not God, pops up briefly as a sign that the movie is almost over and we’re free to fret once more about the T-word.t

Kino Lorber

Scene from director Ali Soozandeh’s “Tehran Taboo.”

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<< Books

20 • Bay Area Reporter • March 1-7, 2018

First ladies with a Potomac passion

by Tim Pfaff

F

or as long as I can remember, I’ve wondered at the “Boston marriage” – not what it is, but how sturdy an institution it has seemed, how well, all things considered, it worked. Two of my spinster high school English teachers “shared an address,” and my German and Latin teachers cohabited at another. I swear there was no talk of it, because the community was so small, and my ears so acute to any such gossip, I would have heard it.

Only last October Penguin published Susan Quinn’s nonfiction “Eleanor and Hick: The Love Affair that Shaped a First Lady.” Its account of the long-term affair of long-term First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and reconstructed journalist Lorena Hickok was hardly about a Boston marriage, but rather, about a Potomac passion, something unique.

Now hard on its heels comes Amy Bloom’s “White Houses” (Random House), a novel based on the same historical record. The books had to have been “in the writing” at approximately the same time, and one

wonders how Quinn and Bloom could not have met in the archives, a fantasy with its own sizzle.

“It’s all fiction,” a wise writing teacher once told me, and it’s the novel, I have to say, that has won me over. That teacher also told me that a writer doesn’t really “have” her character until she can hear that charac-

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ter’s voice – the outloud one. Bloom has chosen Lorena Hickok’s, and it’s so clear and strong you read in its acoustic. I don’t know whether Bloom tried other voices, but I’m prepared to believe that Lorena’s – Hick’s – just took over.

Early on, the hick Hick (her own joke), South Dakota-born, circus-veteran, intrepid Associated Press reporter tells us this: “I was stubborn trouble at home, and almost a woman. I had a nice singing voice and when things were not too bad, my father took me to church and sat in the front pew (like a paying customer, he said) and made sure I got a solo.”

Bloom even lets Hick tell us about her speaking voice: “I sound like the hayseed I am and the smoker I was and the drinker I expect I’ll continue to be.”

As this captivating book’s narrator, it’s considerately blunt, compassionately unsparing, reliably truthtelling and strong-pulsed. And

it’s the master of its own cadence, clipped and to the point in its journalistic guise, then vaulting at the sheer thrill of storytelling.

As Eleanor shows sympathy for Lorena’s difficult past, “I don’t say anything. I don’t say, the two of the worst days in my life so far have been when my father raped me and that day in the White House, ten years ago, when I waited for you from morning to night, while everybody watched. I waited so long I ran into Franklin twice and got scalded by his grinning sympathy.”

The words brim with sound and sense, the “grinning sympathy” that of a wheelchair-bound Commander-in-Chief with a wandering eye of his own and no hesitation about letting his mistresses hoist him into bed. “He was the greatest president of my lifetime, and he was a son of a bitch every day.”

At its bustling, boozy craziest, the Roosevelt White House was a haven of mutual regard and decency compared to the current one – where, by the time this appears the latter-day Hicks may have been shown the door past which Hope is abandoned. Roosevelt already knew where his uncomplaining wife’s eye was wandering when he brought Hick into the unruly fold as a researcher and writer in Harry Hopkins’ Federal Emergency relief project, which gave her a Washington job and a bedroom in the White House.

Bloom also has a gift for telling her/ their story out of chronological order without once confusing or losing her reader. Some of her most masterful transitions are as invisible as the seams of the dresses she describes with the acuity of Alexander Chee.

There were other women – Hick’s tempestuous romp with opera diva Ernestine Schumann-Heink is a howler – and the women’s own affair was, if the love of each other’s lives, also a dynamic, mutually enlivening relationship in need of continual, often painful redefinition.

But it’s the rapture that overpowers every other aspect of this liaison carried on in as exposed a spot as two dykes could have found, and not infrequently on the cliff ’s edge of exposure and scandal.

Still, some of their getaways have the zing of Lucy and Ethel’s Excellent Adventures, and the bodily revelries have the pith of Sappho with the specificity of Whitman. It gets even more candid than the following, but the celebration of lesbian love at the pitch of this passage elevates this book: “Every woman’s body is an intimate landscape. The hills, the valleys, the narrow ledges, the riverbanks, the sudden eruptions of soft or crinkling hair. Here are the plains, the fine dry slopes. Here are the woods, here is the smooth path to the only door I wish to walk through. Eleanor’s body is the landscape of my true home.”t

many people in one place in my entire life!” His movie has just been released on DVD by Samuel Goldwyn, and on viewing it one can understand Lee’s amazement. Both he and the film are rooted in a remote, sparsely populated area, West Yorkshire near Britain’s Pennine Mountains, the famous moorlands.

This bleak landscape has a way of seeping into the lives of the people who inhabit it. Lee’s debut is one of the finest in queer film history, assisted by a spellbinding chemistry between the two lead actors.

We are drawn into a struggling family farm where stroke-ridden father Martin Saxby (Ian Hart, excellent) and elderly grandmother Deidre (Gemma Jones, terrific) are dependent on irresponsible son/ grandson Johnny (Josh O’Connor, a revelation) to keep things running.

The pressures become unbearable on him, with friends having fled the area to college. His only outlets to relieve loneliness are binge drinking and furtive sex with local guys – not even looking at them, expressing disdain when one postcoital man asks him “to have a pint.” When Johnny neglects a pregnant cow, leading to the death of her calf, Martin hires Gheorghe (Alec Secareanu, stunning), a Romanian migrant, to work during birthing season. At first hostile, Johnny calls him Gypo, for Gypsy. But the confident, friendly Gheorghe is skillful and tender with the animals, knowing tricks such as skinning a dead lamb, then wrapping its coat around a runt so the mother sheep will accept him.

Martin sends them away to repair a fence.

Unable to fight his feelings, the emotionally numb Johnny has sex

with Gheorghe outside in the mud.

Their union brings more sensual exploration as the days pass. Martin is hospitalized with another stroke, so the two men are in charge of running the farm. Gheorghe cooks, puts daffodils on the table, almost tames the wild Johnny. Gheorghe finds the gritty countryside beautiful, and helps Johnny to see his homeland in a different light. But, reacting to the enormous pressures of running the farm once Martin is totally incapacitated, Johnny acts out, and Gheorghe leaves for Scotland. Johnny slowly realizes how much he needs Gheorghe. But can he get him back?

Some critics have disparagingly called this movie “Brokeback Moors.” There is no doubt that in a few scenes Lee is paying homage to that landmark film, especially when Johnny wears the departed Gheorghe’s work sweater, aching for his

return. But “God’s Own Country” is more upbeat, and less a coming out story than Johnny debating whether he’s worthy of love. In a scene where he screams in desperation, “I don’t want to be a fuck-up anymore,” the transformative power of love is revealed, and the dilemma becomes whether or not he can convey those feelings to Gheorghe.

The gay sexuality here is realistic, along with casual nudity, so there is no doubt that these two men are passionate for each other. The film is raw and naturalistic, and we see every body fluid, human and animal. Farm life is unrelenting in its demands, and its economy extends to the minimal dialogue that makes “God’s Own Country” seem like a silent movie in spots, dependent on gestures. Viewers might want to use the subtitle/close-caption option, as there is frequent use of English slang that will be unfamiliar to American viewers, but you always know what’s happening.

The movie is pro-immigration, supporting the contributions that refugees can make, as Gheorghe is more proficient at running a farm than Johnny, but it’s never overtly political.

Here a first-time director, who won the 2017 Sundance Film Festival’s World Cinema Director award, universalizes a remote area and makes these almost illiterate farmers believably attractive, even shattering stereotypes, as the grandmother is not the homophobe one might expect. Whether or not O’Connor and Secareanu are gay, they make you believe Johnny and Gheorghe and their romance are real.

“God’s Own Country” is the best LGBTQ film of 2017.t

Over the moors

by Brian Bromberger

W

hen writer-director Francis Lee appeared at last year’s

Frameline after showing his film “God’s Own Country” to a standing ovation at the Castro Theatre, he remarked, “I’ve never seen this

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Film>>

March 1-7, 2018 • Bay Area Reporter • 21

The Castro Theatre does March

by David Lamble

O

scar winners and runners-up feature heavily in the Castro Theatre’s March schedule. A dash of classic French cinema adds spice to this cold and unpredictable month.

Lady Bird This coming-of-age comedy tracks the adventures of a Catholic high school girl (Saoirse Ronan) as she struggles to escape her Sacramento life with dignity and the hope of landing on her feet in Manhattan. Lady Bird can be charming when it suits her, but it seldom does. A romantic fling with a fellow drama nerd turns sweetly platonic when he abruptly stumbles out of the closet. Writer/ director Greta Gerwig’s script involves Ronan and Laurie Metcalf squaring off as a feisty daughter/ mother combination. Kudos also to “Call Me by Your Name” co-star Timothée Chalamet as a wickedly bad-boy prom date. (3/6) Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri In this darkly comic drama from irreverent playwright/ filmmaker Martin McDonagh, Mildred, a grieving mother (an incendiary performance from Frances McDormand), leases three billboards outside her small town aimed at provoking police chief Willoughby (Woody Harrelson) into finding the person who raped and killed her daughter. Things come to a boil when the chief ’s deputy (Sam Rockwell), an emotionally retarded bully egged on by his vengeful mother, is drawn into the case.

In Bruges Two Irish hit men (Brendan Gleeson and Colin Farrell) hide out in the quaint tourist town Bruges, Belgium after assassinating a priest and accidentally kill-

ing a choirboy. The men are fleeing from the law and from the blowback from their leader, a hot-tempered crime boss (Ralph Fiennes) who wants to rub them out for killing the boy. The guys exchange wisecracks and start to crack up as the implications of their foul deeds start to sink in. (both 3/7) The Shape of Water Mexican master storyteller Guillermo del Toro casts an otherworldly spell with this visually imaginative fable set against the backdrop of 1962 Cold War America. In the high-security government lab where she works as a cleaner, Elisa (Sally Hawkins), a mute woman, is trapped in a life of lonely isolation. Elisa’s world is up-ended when she and co-worker Zelda (Octavia Spencer) stumble upon a top-secret experiment. Michael Shannon gets to play a very dark hand as the film’s major heavy, while veterans Richard Jenkins, Doug Jones and Michael Stuhlbarg

fill in the gaps. (3/8, 9) I, Tonya From the wrong side of the tracks in Portland, Oregon, former competitive figure skater Tonya Harding was never fully accepted in the figure skating community for not being the image of grace, breeding and privilege, despite her being naturally gifted in the sport. A national champion, world championship medalist, Olympian, and the first American woman to complete a triple axel in competition, she is best known for her association to “the incident”: the 1994 leg bashing of her main opponent, “nice girl” Nancy Corrigan. Oscar nomination for veteran Allison Janey as the mother from hell. (3/12, 13) Playtime (France/1967) Director Jacques Tati guides us through a futuristic Paris. Columnist Art Buchwald narrates for English-language viewers. Tati appears as his fabled Mr. Hulot character.

Faces Places 89-year-old veteran

‘Dyke Central’ now streaming

Mynah Films

Scene from director Florencia Manovil’s serialized web series “Dyke Central.”

by David-Elijah Nahmod

I

n “Dyke Central,” Florencia Manovil’s independently produced, serialized web series, three lesbians share a sun-drenched house in Oakland. The series follows them on their search for love and friendship with the community around them. “Dyke Central,” now streaming at Amazon Prime, was shot in Oakland and features a diverse cast. Actors are African American, Latina, Asian, white, cisgender and transgender.

“Having main characters of diverse ethnicities and gender expressions was actually one of the motivating forces in the creation of ‘Dyke Central,’” Manovil told the B.A.R. “Most people in our queer community in the Bay, and many other parts of the country and the world, don’t see any TV characters that actually reflect who they are.

Especially not back when ‘Dyke Central’ was conceived.”

Manovil feels that this is because the people who make the decisions at TV networks are not from marginalized or underrepresented communities. “So you have to look

to indie content for that diversity of representation,” she said. “Thankfully, though, that’s starting to change. Mainstream entertainment is beginning to understand that diversity doesn’t mean tacking on a gay or person-of-color friend to a cast of straight white people.”

People of color are front-andcenter in “Dyke Central.” With good humor, the series follows their day-to-day lives as they try to navigate their relationships. Tai Rockett and Comika Hartford are a delight as Alex and Jackie, a somewhat dysfunctional lesbian couple.

Further complications arise when the house’s new roommate turns out to have a “past” with another roommate.

“Dyke Central” raises serious questions. In the second episode one woman takes offense to the casual usage of the word “dyke” among the other characters. She feels the word is a derogatory slur.

“I know that viewers of past generations and/or who live in other parts of the country feel that way,” Manovil said of her own usage of the word. “That’s why I wanted to make that episode: to have that

conversation out in the open. I completely respect people’s own feelings about and relationship to the word. I hope they can also respect and understand that this particular community and these characters feel ownership and pride around the word. To them, it’s a descriptor without negative connotations.

“I don’t have a fixed agenda when I create artistic work,” Manovil said.

“It stems more from a need to express. Different people will relate to different parts of it: characters, relationship dynamics, themes. My goal is simply to offer, as best I can, an authentic representation of a slice of queer life in Oakland at a particular moment in time.”

Produced on a low budget, “Dyke Central” is a labor of love. “Roughly, the budget was $7,500 per episode,” Manovil said. “Although we did crowdfund a small amount back when we were shooting, got a couple very generous gifts, and also received the Frameline Completion Fund, the bulk of Season 1 was financed through personal loans that I’m still paying off.”

So far there’s no word on whether or not there will be a second season, but if there is, viewers might notice some changes. “Things have shifted in some very noticeable ways in the Bay over the last few years, and those characters and our community are definitely affected by it,” said the auteur. “If I ever get to make a second season, that would be present. The housing crisis, rapid gentrification and how it affects different communities and characters. The desire always being to offer an authentic representation that many can relate to.”

10 episodes of “Dyke Central” are now streaming on Amazon Prime.t

of the French New Wave movement Agnes Varda teams up with young photographer JR to tour France snapping pictures of people and places. (both 3/15) Get Out In former comic/firsttime African American director Jordan Peele’s horror tale, a young black man (Daniel Kaluuya) is invited to meet his white girlfriend’s parents. Peele has noted in press chats, “‘Get Out’ has my worst fears realized as a black man in this country, from the evil white girl who’s been lying to you to the lacrosse stick – those things are foreign to me.” (3/16) The Post Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep star in Steven Spielberg’s drama. The Washington Post published the Pentagon Papers, detailing Vietnam War history, against fierce opposition from Nixon and his henchmen. The fallout led to the Post’s probe of Watergate and Nixon’s downfall. (3/20, 21) Raising Arizona In this screwball comedy, a childless couple (Nicolas Cage and Holy Hunter) steal a baby from a set of quintuplets, and all hell breaks loose. With John Goodman and Francis McDormand.

High and Low (Japan/1963) Master director Akira Kurosawa’s kidnap drama is based on mistaken identity. (both 3/22) Beauty and the Beast SingAlong Disney’s animated version of this childhood classic returns.

(3/23-25, 30-4/1) A Fantastic Woman The 2018 Best Foreign Film Oscar nominee from Chile opens in the shadows, within a poorly-lit Santiago nightclub. Orlando (Francisco Reyes), an aging textile manufacturer, is celebrating his young lover’s birth-

day. Marina (transgender singer/ actress Daniela Vega) is blissfully happy. Following a night of erotic bliss, Orlando becomes seriously ill, dying in a local hospital the next morning. For Marina, this tragedy kicks off a cascading series of unfortunate events, as Orlando’s conservative, mean-spirited family come after her, imploring the local authorities to tie her to Orlando’s death, to deprive her of every trace of her unconventional relationship.

At a moment of global conflict on issues of freedom and identity, the filmmakers call for a cleansing burst of empathy. (3/26-27) Bob Flambeur (1955/France) Jean-Pierre Melville’s crime caper classic is the tale of a determined gang attempting to rob a wellguarded casino. With Roger Duchesne, Isabel Corey, Andre Garet and Howard Vernon.

Rififi (1955/France) Jules Dassin helms a first-rate cast in this suspenseful jewel-heist drama. The cast is a 1950s French jewel: Jean Servais, Carl Mohner, Robert Manuel and the director under an alias. (both 3/28) Mulholland Drive Director David Lynch attempts to top himself with this LA noir. A young aspiring actress’ attempt to solve a mental mystery is executed with the usual Lynch fireworks and weirdness.

With Naomi Watts, Justin Theroux, Ann Miller, Robert Forster, Brent Btiscoe, Lee Grant, Katherine Towne and Scott Wulf.

Play It As It Lays Indie director Frank Perry helms this offbeat treatment of a Joan Didion novel that benefits from the masterful chemistry between Anthony Perkins and Tuesday Weld. (both 3/29)t

<< Theatre

22 • Bay Area Reporter • March 1-7, 2018

<<

John Fisher

From page 15

“What I found fascinating was the inner workings of his personal family life, which seems to be so much about what’s going on in the seat of power,” Fisher said recently.

The result is “Transitions,” a comedy-thriller-farce that Theatre Rhinoceros is presenting at the Gateway Theatre. “I don’t imagine we can do anything about bringing him down or changing his attitudes, but by looking at him from a different angle, it may help illuminate things.”

The play not only riffs on the curiously complicated relationship between Donald and Melania, but also their Russian counterparts in Vladimir Putin and ex-wife Lyudmila. The connecting figure between these two families is a drag performer named Ruby, inadvertently chosen as part of a cultural exchange with Russia.

Fisher wrote the role of Ruby for Charles Peoples III, who appeared previously at Rhino in “The Legend of Pink” and “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.” “Ruby is very focused, always knowing what she wants, and I think that is true of a lot of people

<<

t.w.five

From page 15

They start with found images they project onto panels, then meticulously construct their projects by applying strips of vinyl. Their latest show, a site-specific installation at the Museum of Craft and Design that is smaller than their street murals or recent large-scale commissions for Google and Facebook Headquarters, focuses on the concept of home, a powerful symbol of self, identity and the fantasy of an ideal life that’s an especially potent subject for artists who are immigrants living far from their native lands. The exhibition features portraits of a half-dozen innocuous, contemporary houses whose curtainless windows allow an unobstructed, voyeuristic view of the unfazed occupants’ daily lives, hinting at untold stories lurking beyond our line of sight. A woman in pink curlers carries her cup of morning coffee; an older man in a white robe sits alone, huddled on his bed in a spare room; a father in a black anarchy T-shirt plays with his child; a sci-fi movie with a flying saucer appears on a flat-screen monitor in someone’s living room. Across from these unveiled abodes, in the same small gallery, are several stacked “boxes” with uniform facades suggesting a

living on the outside,” Fisher said. “They’ve had to adopt a very strong attitude toward life, and she ends up saving the world.”

The roles of Trump and Putin and of Melania and Lyudmila are played by the same performers. Katie Rubin is double cast as the first ladies, and Fisher is shuttling between Trump and Putin.

“The back-andforth is part of the fun of it, but from a dramaturgical point of view, I think Trump wants to run his country like Putin runs his, and that’s one of the dangers of the age we are living in.”

Fisher says he is playing Theatre Rhino’s John Fisher, who is doing Putin as a much more level- triple duty on “Transitions,” has begun headed individual than he does auditioning for roles at other theaters.

Trump. “Putin is not someone always responding emotionher, and people may be a little bit ally to every situation, but trying annoyed by that,” Fisher said. “And to utilize whatever tools are at his I also might get in trouble for what disposal. I see him as a very focused I’m saying about the child.” leader of a horrible regime.”

Barron Trump is an offstage Fisher views Melania as someone character who is very much a pawn who may have started out as a trobetween Melania and Donald, and phy wife, but seems to have a strong the 11-year-old is also a symbol for independent streak. “I see the makTrump’s need to prove his virility by ings of a potentially heroic figure in siring a child long past the point of

genetic responsibility. Fisher does invoke the term “special needs” in reference to Barron, a sotto voce rumor that has been floating around for a while. “That speaks to something very personal in me,” Fisher said. “When I found out that at my age, I shouldn’t be having children, that was a blow to my ego.”

Almost every Rhino season has a play written, directed, and starring Fisher, not to mention a vast variety of characters he plays during the season in works by other authors. He also just happens to be the executive director of the theater. Asked if he cast himself in all these choice roles because of a) convenience, b) cheaper labor, c) enjoyment, or d) a giant ego, he replied, “Yes, to all of the above.”

Fisher sees himself as part of a tradition of queer theater artists who do it all, citing Charles Ludlam, Charles Busch, Ronnie Larsen, and D’Arcy Drollinger. “It was my great good fortune to be able to do that in graduate school at Berkeley,” Fisher said, “and then it translated into the city.”

Fisher has begun auditioning for roles away from Theatre Rhino, and

t

last fall won a best-actor award for “A History of World War II: The D-Day Invasion to the Fall of Berlin” at the United Solo Festival in New York. His 70-minute personal take on the war, including a confusing childhood attraction to Nazi officers and their uniforms, may get a local production at the Marsh this fall.

Still, he’s deep into planning the 2018-19 Rhino season. “We’ve gotten permission to do ‘Sister Act’ with men in drag in the two leads, the roles that Whoopi Goldberg and Maggie Smith played, which I think is pretty cool.” And he’s considering “The Boy From Oz” with non-traditional casting for the Peter Allen role. “I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t have someone in mind,” he said. “I just don’t think it has to be a white guy from Australia in that role.”

After nearly 15 years at the helm of Theatre Rhino, Fisher still feels his engines are revved. “I’ve got more energy, more ambition, more spunk, and less frustration,” he said.

“There are so many obstacles just to put on theater, and sometimes you wonder if it’s worth it, but I persist.”t “Transitions” will run through March 17 at the Gateway Theatre. Tickets are $15-$40.

Call (800) 838-3006 or go to www.therhino.org.

largely vacant apartment complex.

When not at their day jobs – Andersson is a creative manager at Zazzle; Pereira teaches photography at Cal State Hayward – they’re working at their Palo Alto studio, located midway between their homes in San Jose and San Francisco, and fielding a volley of questions from inquisitive journalists like Yours Truly. Below are edited excerpts of their answers.

Sura Wood: What’s the importance to you of being what you’ve called “one non-gender neutral person making art?” t.w.five: We both are pretty gender-fluid, and we never felt that our work specifically addressed gender roles. Our interests and curiosity are about being human. For reasons we don’t really understand, it seems very important to people to know which gender category to place us in. People who know our work, but don’t know us, assume we are male artists.

Why and how did you choose aliases?

Paula, who’s originally from Brazil, was using t.w., which stands for “thirsty walls,” while doing her street art in SF in the late 90s.

Her English was pretty broken, so when she saw all the naked, plain walls she felt they looked “thirsty.”

Courtesy the artists

t.w.five working on an earlier installation.

Pernilla, who came from Sweden and studied painting since the early 90s in the US, felt that using “five” kept her work gender-neutral and allowed it to be seen as bold and expressive, instead of “emotional,” which happened to her and many other female painters around her.

How did two self-described loners adjust to collaborating?

At first the thought of collaborating with someone was so alien to

us. We were reluctant, but once we got in the gallery space, the flow was so easy and synchronized that we just continued collaborating. It has been almost nine years, and we love creating together.

You not only work together but are a couple. How does the personal affect the professional and vice versa, and what are the up- and down-sides of having a personal partnership with your artistic collaborator? t.w.five has existed almost as long as our relationship, and we have learned how to separate the two things and stay focused and devoted to our art-making. By having art and a relationship we created a deep connection and a different sense of what it is to share a life together.

What was the genesis of the MCD installation?

We were looking for architecture that invited the viewers to be a part of “someone’s every day.” We both grew up in neighborhoods where it was common to keep the shades open and allow people to get a glimpse inside their homes.

Doing so makes you feel included somehow, and has a huge sense of comfort. That feeling seems lost to us now.

Henrik Kam

Installation by t.w.five at the San Francisco Museum of Craft and Design (detail).

Why vinyl?

We thought it would be fun to work in a totally different medium from the ones we knew. We love the way it looks, the way it feels, and especially love to see people’s

reaction when they look at our work from a distance and think it’s a painting, then realize it’s all tape and hand-cut.

How does the collaboration work?

We usually go home and brainstorm separately. When we meet, we show each other our thoughts for a specific project, and most of the time we have similar ideas. In the studio, we always do everything together. We work on the same pieces on different parts of it; then we switch and work on what the other one was doing. Believe it or not, we like and dislike the same things, a great plus for two people working together.

What are some of the individual personality traits, respective strengths and artistic styles that make it successful or cause friction?

Pernilla has a very painterly and expressive eye, and Paula sees things more bold and graphic.

We complement each other that way. Personality-wise, we are so different, maybe due to our very different backgrounds: a Brazilian and a Swede. At this point we’ve lived here longer than in our own countries. We share a lot of the same stories about the joys and struggles of making a life away from home, which has made our connection even stronger.t Through May 20. www.sfmcd.org.

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On the Tab

Arts Events

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Karrnal Knowledge Vol. 48 • No. 9 • March 1-7, 2018

www.ebar.com V www.bartabsf.com

Curtain Calls

for Queer Space?

by Juanita MORE!

I

grew up in the East Bay and as a freshman on my way home from high school, I would pass five gay bars and a newsstand/liquor store that I would slide into once a week and spend my time turning the pages of After Dark, Interview and Penthouse magazines. This is where I learned that San Francisco was queer, Studio 54 was alive and beautiful naked men did exist. I was soaking in an entirely new world that my teachers weren’t teaching me. At night I would sneak out of the house after family dinner to cruise the parking lots of the bars where I was too young to get in. By my sophomore year in high school, I was fully committed to dating girls by day and sucking dick by night.

Around this time I met a guy who was a senior at my school; let’s call him “Betty.” Betty called me “Madge.” He also cruised the parking lots at night. One evening he said to me, “You’re gay, and I’ve got a car, so let’s go to San Francisco this weekend.” We did, and we went regularly thereafter.

Looking back, I realize that he was an amazing mentor. He relished in showing me everything he had already been experiencing in the City. Gay liberation was in full swing.

He showed me all of the spots: where the leather daddies hung out, the parks where you could have sex at night, the guys with mustaches, Levi’s and flannel shirts called Castro clones, where the drag queens performed, and so on. From the beginning, he taught me it was okay to be gay and that there was an entire world right there just waiting for us.

Polk Gulch was the place to be. It was the place where the community first celebrated its holiest of high holidays, Halloween, and where parades, marches, and protests took place. The streets were lined with gay bars, and by day the storefronts were a menagerie of retail shops that catered specifically to their queer audience. One of my favorites was a vintage clothing shop called Matinee, where I would buy rayon shirts and men’s suits from the ‘40s. There were a handful of sex arcades located within just a few blocks of each other. The last of those queer respite centers closed just a little over three years ago.

Betty easily passed for twenty-one and got into all the bars. There was The Giraffe at Hemlock (the original neon sign still hangs outside, faded and unrecognizable to almost everyone passing by), Rendezvous (now a church), Kimo’s, N’Touch (which is now owned by the same people that recently bought the Gangway), Buzzby’s, and White Swallow.

In all, there have been a staggering 79 queer establishments along just a dozen blocks of Polk Street since 1950.

I got kicked out of every one I entered. It was exhilarating

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shopping sprees as a teenager were gone, as were many of the symbols of San Francisco’s gay revolution.

During the day, the vibrant gay scene was replaced by a handful of young, straight guys hooking for quick dope money off of elderly queer men.

For a moment, things picked up and it became vogue to throw a party in one of the still-existing gay bars that were still hanging on in the neighborhood. The Gangway had its share of one-offs and monthlies, though the regular patrons never really embraced them.

The Rendezvous turned a blind eye to the insane shenanigans that young club promoters were dreaming up, like the “live art” that consisted of a friend sitting in a kiddie pool filled with spaghetti and red sauce, while I leaned over and whispered through a forced grin, “Don’t you dare touch my couture with that mess.”

The Motherlode was as busy as ever, in the space now occupied so well by Diva’s. I got into the swing of things and staged a few drag shows at Kimo’s, which closed down in 2011. For years, after a night out, I’d end up at the Grubstake. It was my favorite late night spot –where I’ve eaten just about everything on and off the menu– and my photo still hangs over the first booth where it’s been for over 20 years.

In February of this year, the Gangway closed its doors for the last time. There was no ceremony, no goodbye party, hardly any chance for queers to gather one last time under its iconic façade, a ship’s bow jutting out of the building, stuffed with men and boys charting a course for a more tolerant and welcoming world.

Cleve Jones and I recently took a stroll down Polk Street, which quickly turned to mourning all of our old haunts. It feels like it’s been curtains away for queer spaces for quite some time. There are many people out there fighting to keep them alive, but just as many who shrug those efforts off as the nature of the beast. I don’t want to shrug it off.

Cleve had a beautiful idea to lay wreaths in front of every storefront that was once a gay Top: Juanita MORE! will lead a bar, and we’re going to do it.

March 10 commemoration of closed On March 10 at 4pm, let’s remember Polk gay bars in the Polk district.

Street, and let’s reclaim it. Join me, Cleve Jones, Below: Closed gay bars in the Polk the GLBT Historical Society, History is Resisdistrict include 1. Maple Leaf tance, the LGBT Center, Lower Polk Neigh2. The Gangway 3. New Bell Saloon bors and the Middle Polk Neighborhood As4. The P.S. and 5. The Yacht Club sociation in front of The Gangway (841 Larkin Street), where we’ll begin that procession to lay wreaths in remembrance of Polk Gulch’s viand frightening, never knowing where the night would brant LGBT past. We’ll have music, we’ll have take me. Betty was smart and always let me hold onto the speakers, we’ll have drinks together, and we’ll dream of a car keys, which I used to my advantage, courting tricks future that is informed by our shared past. for romps in the backseat while waiting for him to get Whatever comes next, I want it to honor and rememback and drive us back home over the Bay Bridge. ber those trailblazers that made Polk Street come to life.

By the early ‘90s, the neighborhood had changed. I And that also means making it an affordable place for moved into the apartment I live in now ––it’s probably queers to live. I want Polk Gulch to reclaim its queer identhe one I’ll die in–– just two blocks east of Polk Street. tity with galleries, restaurants, and retail shops owned The AIDS crisis had taken many lives, and many of the and operated by our community. I want San Francisco to bars as well. The stores that had inspired my weekend be really, really gay again.t

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{ THIRD OF THREE SECTIONS }

Juanita MORE! photo: Gooch Gangway photo: Dan Nicoletta Other Bar photos: courtesy GLBT Historical Society, Henri Leleu Collection

Commemorating the gay bars of Polk Street

<< On the Tab

24 • Bay Area Reporter • March 1-7, 2018

For full listings, visit www.ebar.com/bartab

On the Tab

Thu 1 Ava Vukic & Frank Silletti @ Feinstein's at the Nikko The father-daughter duo perform songs made famous by Liza Minelli and Judy Garland. $20-$45 ($20 food/ drink min.) 8pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. feinsteinsatthenikko.com

1-8

The Monster Show @ The Edge

Elaine Elias @ Yoshi’s Oakland

NightLife @ California Academy of Sciences The museum parties return. March 1, Plant Lover Edition with DJ Luiza Sa Davis; March 8: Curious Creature, with DJ Jamie Jams, biologist demos and science experts. $12-$15. 6pm-10pm.

55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. calacademy.org/nightlife

Picante @ The Cafe Lulu and DJ Marco's Latin night with sexy gogo guys. 9pm-2am. 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com

Queer Karaoke @ Club OMG KJ Dana hosts the weekly singing night; unleash your inner American Idol; first Thursdays are Costume Karaoke; 3rd is Kinky Karaoke 8pm.

43 6th St. www.clubomgsf.com

RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars @ Oasis

La Bomba Latina @ Club OMG Drag show with DJ Jaffeth. $5. 9pm2am. 43 6th St. www.clubomgsf.com

Elaine Elias @ Yoshi's Oakland The Grammy-winning singercomposer performs a series of Latin jazz concerts. $38-$75. 8pm & 10pm.

Mar. 3 at 7:30pm & 9:30pm. Mar. 4 at 7pm. 510 Embarcadero West. www.yoshis.com

Friday Night Live @ El Rio Enjoy the weekly queer and LGBTfriendly live acoustic concerts. $5pm.

3158 Mission St. www.elriosf.com

Gaymer Night @ SF Eagle

Star Trek Live @ Oasis

Electronic music/live docustyle music night, with Nina Grae and Brad Wolfe opening. $15-$20. 7pm. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

Sundance Saloon @ Space 550 The Country-Western line-dancing two-stepping dance events celebrates 18 years. Free-$5. 5pm-10:30pm. Also Sundays. 550 Barneveld Ave. www.sundancesaloon.org

Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie's Lounge Disco guru DJ Bus Station John spins grooves at the intimate retro music night. $5. 10pm-2am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com

Fri 2 Bear Trap @ Lone Star Saloon DJs Paul Goodyear and Chaka Quan play at the bears & music party. 9pm2am. 1354 Harrison St. www.lonestarsf.com

Academy Awards viewing party at the cinema, with beer, wine, gourmet boxed dinner, contest and prizes, red carpet, casual dress. $20-$40.

5pm-11pm. 1118 4th st., San Rafael. https://rafaelfilm.cafilm.org

Strip down with the strippers at the clothing-optional night. $20. 9pm.

729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

RedWood Carpet @ Driftwood Academy Awards viewing party with ballot contest, prizes, food and more. 5pm-11:30pm. 1225 Folsom St. https://www.driftwoodbarsf.com/

Squirrel Nut Zippers @ Freight & Salvage, Berkeley

Viewing party for the new season special of the popular drag competition show, cohosted by Sister Roma and Honey Mahogany, with porn prizes, lipsynch contest and more. $10-$25.

7pm. 298 11th St. sfoasis.com Back by popular demand, another hilarious stage adaptation of a classic Star Trek episode, "Turnabout Intruder," with Leigh Crow, Laurie Bushman, Allison Johnson, Ammo Eisu, and guests star Sue Casa. $27-$40.

Fri-Sun 7pm. Thru March 17. 298 11th St. sfoasis.com

Naked Night @ Nob Hill Theatre

Watch the Academy Awards with commentary by Heklina and Ethylina Canne. 4pm-10pm. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

Fri 2

The weekly drag show with host Sue Casa, DJ MC2, themed nights and hilarious fun. $5. 9pm-2am. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

Awards Night @ Rafael Film Center, San Rafael

Red Carpet Party @ Oasis

March

Video games on multiple screens for a nerd-gasmic night. 8pm-2am. 398 12th St. at Harrison. sf-eagle.com

The Glow Show @ Oasis

Latin Explosion @ Club 21 The popular Latin club includes drag shows, with gogo guys, drink specials and table reservations available. $10$20. 10pm-3am. 2111 Franklin St., Oakland. www.club21oakland.com

Mister Drummer 1979 Tribute @ SF Eagle DJs Josh Cheon and Matthew Paul spin retro grooves at the Leather Alliance Weekend event; wear your vintage leather gear. Coincides with Cigar Night. $10. 9pm-2am. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

Paulo Szot @ Feinstein's at the Nikko Tony Award-winning musical theatre and opera star ( South Pacific revival) performs classics, Broadway and jazz songs. $45-$80. 8pm. Also March 3.

Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. https:// www.feinsteinsatthenikko.com/

Stank @ Powerhouse Shirts off, armpits savored, prizes given, gogos shake it, DJ Guy Ruben. $5. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

Uhaul @ Oasis The popular women's dance party, with DJs Goodboy and Jibbz. $15.

20pm-2am. 298 11th St. sfoasis.com

Sat 3 Celebrating David Bowie @ Regency Ballroom Tribute concert with musicians who worked and toured with Bowie. $44$60. 8pm. 1300 Van Ness Ave. www.celebratingdavidbowie.com

t

The veteran jazz-pop-retro-cool band returns, performing music from their first studio album in 10 years, with Davina and The Vagabonds. $35-$40.

8pm. 2020 Addison St., Berkeley. https://www.thefreight.org/

Up the Awards @ Roxie Cinema Annual screening of the Academy Awards, with beer, snacks, Stev Sechovic's oddball clips during commercials, and a general fun irreverant ambiance. $15. 3:15-10pm.

3117 16th St. roxie.com

Vice Tuesdays @ Q Bar Queer femme and friends dance party with hip hop, Top 40 and throwbacks at the stylish intimate bar, with DJs Val G and Iris Triska. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com

Wed 7 Charles Busch @ Oasis The master of drag theatre stops in with his new show, My Kinda '60s, a Broadway, pop and standard set of songs. $30-$45. 7pm. Also March 8.

298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

Hump @ Powerhouse DJ Jim Collins spins vinyl grooves at the weeknight event. $5-$10. 10pm2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

Pan Dulce @ Beaux The hot weekly Latin dance night with drag divas, hosted by Amaya Blac and Delilah Befierce, with gogo studs. $6. 9pm-2am (free before 10:30pm).

2344 Market St. clubpapi.com

The Rubens @ Café du Nord The talented Australian blues-rock band performs. $12. 7:30pm. 2174 Market St. therubensmusic.com

Daddy's Boy @ DanzHaus Dance and sexy play party for daddy types and those who crave them. $5$15. 10pm-3am. 1275 Connecticut St. www.ticketfly.com

Wed 7

Go Bang! @ The Stud

Charles Busch @ Oasis

Celebrate disco classic grooves and remixes with DJs Steve Fabus, Sergio Fedasz, birthday boy Prince Wolf and guest Bus Station John. $8. 9:30pm2am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

Golden State Bear Contest @ Lone Star Saloon Contest for bear representative, with prizes. 4pm-8pm. 1354 Harrison St. www.lonestarsf.com

Mother @ Oasis Heklina's popular drag show, with special guests and great music themes. DJ MC2 plays grooves. March 3 is a Hollywood Babylon night. $15.

10pm-3am (11:30pm show). 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

PowerBlouse @ Powerhouse Juanita MORE! and Glamamore's monthly drag makeover night; this month, Johnathan Xavier; plus DJs Lyddle Jean and John Fucking Cartwright. $5. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

They Might be Giants @ The Fillmore The fun pop group eprforms. $30.

9pm. Also March 4, 8pm. 1805 Geary Blvd. at Fillmore. thefillmore.com

Woof, Frolic @ SF Eagle The monthly pup play afternoon (3pm-6pm) and the fursuit dance night (8pm-2am) combined! $8-$12.

398 12th St. at Harrison. sf-eagle.com

Zepparella @ Great American Music Hall The women's Led Zeppelin tribute band performs all the hits; Beaux Cheveux and Daniele Gottardo open. $19-$44 (with dinner). 9pm. 859 O'Farrell St. slimspresents.com

Sun 4 Academy of Friends Gala @ City View, Metreon The 38th annual Oscar-viewing party and benefit for numerous local AIDS/ HIV nonprofits, with an 'Under the Big Top' circus theme; enjoy food, winetasting, desserts, live entertainment, grooves with Polyglamorous DJs, and a screening of the Academy Awards. $200-$750. 5pm-11pm. 135 4th St. www.aof2018gala.eventbrite.com

Mon 5

Thu 8

Gaymer Meetup @ Brewcade

Circle Jerk @ Nob Hill Theatre

The weekly LGBT video game enthusiast night includes big-screen games and signature beers, with a new remodeled layout, including an outdoor patio. No cover. 7pm-11pm.

2200 Market St. brewcadesf.com

Dominic Pacifico and Casey Everett lead the interactive downstairs arcade naughty fun before their Mar. 9 & 10 stage shows. $20. 9pm.

729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. thenobhilltheatre.com

Musical Mondays @ The Edge

Women's Comedy @ Ashkenaz

Sing along to shows tunes on video, lip-synched, and live, at the Castro bar. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

Celebrate International Women's Day at a smart comedy night with Priyanka Wali, Eloisa Bravo, Mary Carouba, and Lisa Geduldig. $15$20. 8pm. Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center, 1317 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley. http://www.ashkenaz.com

Piano Bar 101 @ Martuni's Sing-along night with talented locals, and charming accompanist Joe Wicht.

9pm. 4 Valencia St. at Market.

Underwear Night @ 440 Strip down to your skivvies at the popular men's night. 9pm-2am. 440 Castro St. 621-8732. the440.com

Tue 6 High Fantasy @ Aunt Charlie's Lounge Weekly drag and variety show, with live acts and lip-synching divas, plus DJed grooves. $5. Shows at 10:30pm & 12am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com

Thursday Night Live @ SF Eagle Rock bands play at the famed leather bar. $8. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

Thursdays Rock @ Lone Star Saloon Hard rock, metal and arena rock night with DJ Andy Castle. 8pm-12am. 1354 Harrison St. www.lonestarsf.com

Throwback Thursdays @ Qbar Enjoy retro 80s soul, dance and pop classics with DJ Jorge Terez. No cover.

9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com

March 1-7, 2018 • Bay Area Reporter • 25

Lois Tema

t

Arts Events>>

Arts Events March 1-8

Thu 1 Classic & New Films @ Castro Theatre Mar. 1: Lesbians Who Tech + Allies Career Fair (9am-6pm) thru Mar. 3.

Mar. 6: Lady Bird (7pm, 9:15). Mar. 7: Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2:45, 7pm) and In Bruges (4:55, 9:10). Mar. 8 & 9: The Shape of Water (4:30, 7pm, 9:30). $11-$16. 429 Castro St. www.castrotheatre.com

The Compton’s Cafeteria Riot @ New Village Café The Tenderloin Museum presents the world premiere of Collette LeGrande, Mark Nassar and Donna Persona’s stage story of the historic pre-Stonewall San Francisco uprising of Tenderloin drag queens, with a dozen performers. $60 (includes a ‘breakfast for dinner” meal). 1960s attire and drag encouraged. Thu-Sat 8pm. Thru March 17. 1426 Polk St. http://bit.ly/2mvz8ZY

Fri 2

A Fatal Step @ The Marsh Jill Vice’s solo show about a hardboiled detective, told by a femme fatale. $20-$100. Thu 8pm, Sat 8:30pm. Thru Mar. 3. 1062 Valencia St. www.themarsh.org

Jazz Search West @ Various Venues New weekly jazz singer/musician showcases and competition. March 1, $10, 7pm at The Sound Room, 2147 Broadway, Oakland. $40 series pass. Various dates thru Semi-Finals April 18 and Finale April 24 at Yoshi’s Oakland. www.livingjazz.org

Liss Fain Dance @ ODC Theater I Don’t Know and I Never Will, an immersive performance installation about personal letters. $20-$30.

Thu-Sat 8pm. 3153 17th St. www.lissfaindance.org

Lucia Berlin: Stories @ Z Below Word for Word’s staging of short stories by the acclaimed late author. $20-$75. Wed-Thu 7pm. Fri-Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm. Thru Mar. 11. 470 Florida St. www.zspace.org

Non-Player Character @ Creativity Theater SF Playhouse’s world premiere of Walt McGough’s drama about video game competitors and online revenge. $30. 7pm. Thu 7pm, Fri-Sat 8pm. Also Sat 3pm. Thru Mar. 3. 221 4th St., YBCA. www.sfplayhouse.org

Office Hour @ Berkeley Rep Julia Cho’s new drama about a troubled student and a teacher’s attempts to help him. $30-$97.

Tue, Thu-Sat 8pm. Wed & Sun 7pm, and Sun 2pm. Thru March 25. 2025 Addison St., Berkeley. http://berkeleyrep.org/

Swivel: Hinge: Return @ CounterPulse

Megabytes the Musical @ Shelton Theater

Wax Poets’ dance exploration of bodies in protest and mobile vs. immobile responses. $20-$35. ThuSat 8pm, thru March 3. 80 Turk St. www.counterpulse.org

Morris Bobrow’s comedy song revue about the frustrations of technology. $25-$30. Fri & Sat 8pm. Extended thru May 5. 533 Sutter St. http:// www.megabytesthemusical.com/

Vietgone @ Strand Theater

Ragtime @ Berkeley Playhouse

American Conservatory Theatre’s production of Qui Nguyen’s moving road trip comedy about three Vietnamese immigrants who trek across 1970s America. $25-$55.

Tue-Sat 7pm or 7:30pm (some 2pm), thru April 22. 1127 Market St. www.act-sf.org

Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens’ musical adaptation of E.L. Doctorow’s novel about early 1900s New York immigrants gets a local production. $22-$40. Thru Mar. 18. Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave., Berkeley. www.berkeleyplayhouse.org

Fri 2 24 X 24 @ McCroskey Mattress Company Second series of gorup piano concerts; 24 pianists performs 24 sections from Bach’s Well-Tempered Clavier, Part II. $20. 6:30pm9:30pm. 1687 Market St. http://bit.ly/2oz6Rmt

Alex Girard @ Strut Opening reception for Muse, the artist’s exhibit of gender-shifting photo portraits. 8pm-10pm. Thru March. 470 Castro St. www.strutsf.org

Bamboozled @ City Club, Berkeley Central Works Workshop’s production of Patricia Milton’s new play about a Daughter of the Conferacy swindled out of historic heirlooms. $30-$35. Thru Mar. 18.

2315 Durant Ave., Berkeley. www.centralworks.org

Born Yesterday @ SF Playhouse Garson Kanin’s 1946 comedy gets a stylish revival at the downtown company’s stage. $35-$60. Thru Mar. 10. 450 Post St. https://www.sfplayhouse.org

Empowerment in Print: LGBTQ Activism, Pride & Lust @ GLBT History Museum

Three weekends of new dance works by choreographers from SF, LA and elsewhere. $10-$25. Sat & Sun 7:30pm. Thru Mar. 4. 3316 24th St. www.bcfhereandnow.com

En Mas’ @ MOAD

It’s Only a Play @ NCTC

For full listings, visit www.ebar.com/arts

Black Choreographers Festival @ Dance Mission Theatre

RAW Dance Presents @ SAFEhouse for the Arts March 2 & 3: New dance works by Adric Alvaro and Jyoti Vaidee. March 8 & 9: Sam stone, Juliet Paramor and Vertika Srivastava. $10-$20. 8pm.

145 Eddy St. www.safehousearts.org

The Wedding Singer @ Victoria Theatre Bay Area Musicals’ new production of the Tony-nominated musical based on the Adam Sandler film. $35-$100. Thu-Sat 8pm, some 7:30pm. Thru Mar. 17. 2961 16th St. www.bamsf.org

Weightless @ Z Space World premiere of Kate Kilbane and Dan Moses’ genre-bending rock show take on Ovid’s tale of Procne and Philomela, sisters who fight gods and distance to reunite; set in a nightclub speakeasy, with different nightly opening acts. $10-$150. Thru March 18. 450 Florida St. http:// www.zspace.org/

Sat 3 Bay Area Rainbow Symphony @ Herbst Gala concert features soprano Patricia Racette; Mahler’s Symphony No, 1, excerpts from Showboat, Edith Piaf songs and more. A portion of proceeds go to The Trevor Project. $25-$45. 8pm. 401 Van Ness Ave. www.bars-sf.org

En Mas’: Carnaval and Performance Art of the Caribbean, an exhibit of colorful costumes, videos, ephemera from Carnaval culture. Thru Mar. 4.

685 Mission St. moadsf.org

Magnificent Magnolias @ SF Botanical Garden Visit the lush gardens for winter Magnolia displays, plus many other trees and plants. Free entry with SF proof of residency. $5-$10 for others. 7:30am-closing. 9th Ave at Lincoln Way. https:// sfbotanicalgarden.org/

SF Hiking Club @ Briones Park Join GLBT hikers of the SF Hiking Club for a nine-mile loop hike in Briones Regional Park. Carpool meets 8:30 at Safeway sign, Market & Dolores. (707) 720-3097‬. www.sfhiking.com

Sweeney Todd @ San Jose Stage Company Stephen Sondheim’s wickedly amazing musical about a serial-killing barber gets a local production. $32-$72. Wed-Thu 7:30pm. Fri-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm. Thru March 18. 490 South First St., San Jose. https://www.thestage.org/

Win Win 6 @ Clif Bar Headquarters, Emeryville Annual benefit exhibition of works by developmentally-challenged artists. Win unique artworks, with food, drinks, DJ Bill Zindel. $50.

4pm-6pm. 1451 63rd St., Emeryville. https://niadartstore.org

Sun 4 Casanova: The Seduction of Europe @ Legion of Honor See Rococo finery in an 80-work tour of paintings, furniture and lavish objects. Thru May 28. Also, Séraphin Soudbinine, Lynn Hershman Leeson, Framing the Body, Mummies and Medicine and other exhibits of classical and modern art. Free/$30.

Lincoln Park, 100 34th Ave. www.legionofhonor.famsf.org

Noe Valley Word Week @ Folio Books The annual literary festival includes readings, panels and parties, several local LGBT authors, plus SF Poet Laureate Kim Shuck, Naturalist Obi Kaufman and more. Mar. 6, 7pm: Queer Words with Bud Gundy ( Somewhere Over Lorain Road ).

3957 24th St. Thru Mar. 10: Authors sale at Cliché Noe Gifts, 1pm-5pm, 4175 24th St. www.friendsofnoevalley.com

Opening reception for a new mini-exhibit of periodicals from the collection. $5. 7pm-9pm. March 8: Colorful & Unconventional: A History of San Francisco’s Queer Art Scene, a panel talk on many artists, from Minor White to Jerome Caja. $5. 7pm. Also, Angela Davis: OUTspoken, a new exhibit of art and ephemera about the historic lesbian activist and scholar. Also, Faces of the Past: Queer Lives in Northern California Before 1930, part of the Queer Past Becomes Present main exhibit. $5. 4127 18th St. www.glbthistory.org

Diane Barnes’ solo show about recovering from a stroke. $20-$100.

Sat 5pm, Sun 2pm, thru Mar. 4. Also Mar. 15-29, Thu 8pm & Sun 2pm.

1062 Valencia St. themarsh.org

A Streetcar Named Desire @ Marines’ Memorial Theater African American Shakespeare Theatre Company’s new production of Tennessee Williams’ dramatic classic. $35. Mar. 4, 10, 11, 17, 18. 609 Sutter St. african-americanshakes.org

Mon 5 John Beauparlant @ Blush Wine Bar Jackie Kennedy collage works by the local artist. Thru March 11. 476 Castro St. blushwinebar.com

William Blake in Color @ William Blake Gallery Exhibit of classic plates in the new gallery of historic art by the 18th- and 19th-century poet and illustrator. Mon-Fri 10am-5pm.

Sat 11am-5pm. 49 Geary St. #205. www.williamblakegallery.com

Tue 6 Unearthed @ California Academy of Sciences Exhibits and planetarium shows with various live, interactive and installed exhibits about animals, plants and the earth. $20-$35. Mon-Sat 9:30am-5pm. Sun 11am-5pm. 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. 379-8000. calacademy.org

Wed 7 The Retrieval @ SFAC Gallery Kenyatta A.C. Hinkle’s solo exhibit of works visualizing the disappearance of Black women in California, and with traditional Nigerian Egungun costumes. Thru April 7 (closing reception, performance 5:30pm7pm). 401 Van Ness Ave. www.sfartscommission.org

Steven Saylor @ Books Inc., Berkeley The prolific gay author of Roman history novels and mysteries reads from his latest, The Throne of Caesar. 7pm. 1491 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. Also March 15, 6pm at Book Passage, 1 Ferry Bldg., SF. www.booksinc.net www.stevensaylor.com

Thu 8 Diasporic Alchemy @ SOMArts Cultural Center Opening reception and performances for a new exhibit, Transforming Ancestral Traditions into Ritual Futurisms, curated

by Louis Chinn and missTango, featuring shamanic and mythological subjects. 6pm9pm. Thru April 5. www.somarts.org

The Elephant Man @ Hillbarn Theatre, Foster City Tony-winning drama about John Merrick, a disfigured man who became a celebrity. $27-$52.

Thu-Sat 8pm. Sat & Sun 2pm.

Thru Mar. 25. 1285 Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City. www.hillbarntheatre.org

It’s Only a Play @ NCTC Tony-winning playwright Terrence McNally’s 11th production at NCTC shares the story of a nervous playwright awaiting reviews at a cast party. $25-$50. Wed-Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm thru April 1. 25 Van Ness ave., lower level. www.nctcsf.org

My Stroke of Luck @ The Marsh

Ocean Filmfest @ Cowell Theatre

Thu 8

Diasporic Alchemy @ SOMArts Cultural Center

15th annual aquatic film festival, with features and short films from around the world. $8- $220 (full fest pass). Thru Mar. 11. 2 Marina Blvd, Fort Mason. www.oceanfilmfest.org

26 • Bay Area Reporter • March 1-7, 2018

Playmates and soul mates...

<< Leather

t Volunteering is good for you!

by Race Bannon

A San Francisco:

1-415-692-5774 Megamates.com 18+

“A sense of camaraderie, empowerment, a way to afford to attend events that otherwise might not be an option,” said Garfold.

“Since I found I learned a lot more about myself, including what I feel passionate about and what skills I have (or learned), I believe it’s a great way to grow as a person, too.”

Hoffman-Wade mentioned even more things she gets out of volunteering.

“I get to laugh a lot while using my unique skills to connect with others,” she said. “I’m also benefited by learning from amazing people who have done so much more than me. It is Rich Stadtmiller the practical application of service. I guess it comes Dahn van Laarz (left), Vice President, and down to it makes me feel Angel Garfold (right), President, of the good, even when it is hard. San Francisco Bay Area Leather Alliance.

In the ‘80s it was because no one else stepped up to If you have ever paid out $200 help and although it was hard holdto raise $100 for charity or left one ing death and still loving meeting to attend another, you life, I worked with amazmight want to check if you have, as ingly strong women and Stadtmiller often jokes, Voluntitis. men. Some of my most I think everyone should conendearing and longsider volunteering for something. lasting friendships Anything. Whatever resonates with came from volunteeryou. Muhammad Ali put it this way. ing for small organiza“Service to others is the rent you tions.” pay for your room here on Earth.” I On a lighter note, while agree with him. volunteering can certainly be an enjoyable and fulfilling Crawling the Castro part of a person’s life, it can also be Sometimes volunteering isn’t somewhat habit forming, and can about helping a group or cause ditempt people to over extend themrectly, but instead creating someselves to the point of burnout. thing to benefit others. Such was Addressing this, Rich Stadtmiller the case this past Saturday when formed the semi-tongue-in-cheek Matt Welch, Mr. Bay Area Cub 2017, organization, “VoluNon, the ostook it upon himself to organize a tensibly mythical support system Leather Invasion bar crawl through for compulsive volunteers.” Their the Castro, and it was a blast! motto is “Don’t beat yourself up. Let Starting at The Lookout, the waxus help.” ing and waning crowd of about 100 leathered and geared kinksters proceeded to politely invade The Mix, Midnight Sun, Twin Peaks Tavern, 440 Castro, Toad Hall, finally ending up at The Edge for their monthly Code night.

This event testifies to the power of one person taking it upon themselves, using nothing more than a Facebook event page and some networking effort, to create a fun event for so many people.

So, yes, you can volunteer to help clubs, organizations and events, but sometimes volunteering means you take it upon yourself to create something wonderful for all to enjoy.

word you often hear in the leather scene is “service,” usually referencing service to community. I’m not one to tout what are often referred to as leather values, service being one of them, because I feel such values are essentially human values that everyone should abide by, not just the kinky among us. But service to others is a rather good value to adopt regardless.

One way to offer service to one’s fellow humans is volunteering. The organized elements of the leather and kink world run mostly on the energy of volunteers. Whether it’s a play party, social event, education class, or whatever, most of them are produced and run by volunteers.

I could make a pitch here that your community needs you. That service to the community is noble.

While it’s true that all communities need volunteers and such contributions are indeed noble when done with the right intention, I’ve not typically found that altruism and self-sacrifice are top-level motivators when it comes to luring volunteers to help.

So, instead, I’m going to appeal to pure, unadulterated selfinterest. Volunteering benefits “you” as much or more than it does the communities in which you do it. Yes, volunteering doesn’t just help others, it has a direct impact on your own happiness, well-being and growth. This view is also supported by solid research.

Volunteering can: replace a sense of loneliness and isolation with a sense of belonging; create stronger bonds between those working together; spawn new and closer friendships; improve one’s mental health; reduce depression; develop improved self-esteem; increase one’s fitness if your duties involve lots of movement; improve overall health; keep one’s mental acuity sharp and more resistant to decline as we age; develop networks of people with whom you can share information, skills and career opportunities; and much more.

Bottom line, volunteering is a win for the communities you serve, but just as importantly it’s a win for you as you garner the many benefits your contributions bring about.

I have dozens of good friends who are avid volunteers, but my space here is limited. So, I asked just three of them what benefits they receive from volunteering.

Dahn van Laarz is a long-time volunteer and served as the President of the San Francisco Bay Area Leather Alliance for many years, now serving as its Vice President.

Angel Garfold was elected as President of the Alliance recently and has volunteered in many capacities for years.

Deborah HoffmanWade is another local I’ve long admired for her dedicated volunteer work.

Dahn offered this as something he sees as a big benefit from volunteering.

“A sense of belonging to their tribe,” Dahn offered. “Many people are shyer than they let on and volunteering is a way for them to feel both like they belong and are apTop: Rich Stadtmiller Bottom: Joe Mazza preciated. Also, there’s Top: The always smiling and fashionably the satisfaction at creatdressed Deborah Hoffman-Wade. ing something and seeing Bottom: Rich Stadtmiller, one of the leather others benefit and feel scene’s most dedicated volunteer event connected.” photographers, and founder of VoluNon. Garfold gets this from volunteering.

Leather Alliance Weekend To highlight yet another volunteer-driven happening, the big annual Leather Alliance Weekend series of events hosted by the San Francisco Bay Area Leather Alliance is finally here. It all takes place this coming weekend, March 2-4, 2018.

Tickets are sold on the event page, but if you’re unable or don’t want to buy tickets online, the producers have assured me there will be tickets sold at the door for all events.

The Weekend offers a formal dinner, vendor fair, educational and social programs, the Mr. San Francisco Leather and San Francisco Bootblack contests, and more.

Check out the entire weekend’s schedule and ticket information at www.leatherallianceweekend.org.t

For Leather events, visit www.ebar.com/bartab Race Bannon is a local author, blogger and activist.

You can reach him on his website, www.bannon.com.

t

Karrnal Knowledge>>

March 1-7, 2018 • Bay Area Reporter • 27

40 years of fornicatin’ flix

Bruce of Los Angeles

What’s a pretty boy like Bob Koklick doing with such an improbable name?

by John F. Karr

got a typical Gage set up. Blue collar dudes easing a sometimes ret was 40 years ago this month that calcitrant and perhaps str8 buddy I started writing my Karrnal colinto sex. umns. I’d held off a couple weeks This tension-wrought slow slide because I wanted my first review to into perhaps transgressive buddybe Joe Gage’s Kansas City Trucking sex had been Gage’s taut approach Co. Well, as it turned out, Kansas for years. Not this time, though, City wasn’t going to play until the when its execution is so truncated end of August, and I just couldn’t and lackadaisical that it doesn’t have wait any longer to unleash my pen much effect. The plotting is vague on porn. in its presentation. We hardly know Do you remember back then what West Texas Park & Ride is, or when porn palaces showed film, like who these characters are. Turns out an actual movie theatre, and adverthat we’ve got some kind of untised what was coming up next week dercover investigators, coercing or in the B.A.R.? And do you rememleading their subjects into sex acts. ber that my column was then called I think. I didn’t pay too much attenPorn Corner? That was a leftover tion; it was all so mumble-jumble. from a page of press releases comOne hoary and nearly laughable panies submitted to laud their own technique the movie clings to is the movies. According to them, every ancient yet standard way of ending a movie was “The hottest film ever scene. You know, the guys cum, the made!” Come to think viewpoint slides us up a wall, of it, I was brought on or out the window, and the to replace those press screen fades to black. We releases that masquerget that in every scene aded as reviews. here. There’s no wrap I gushed when I up at a scene’s end, finally got to have my just one more camera say about Joe Gage’s ride up the wall into first outing. It was fade-out. a movie, I wrote, “of And there’s nothing such excellence of conception and special about the quality of the imexecution that it became a classic age, the videography, or the editing. moments after its initial release.”

As for sets and set dressing; well, I credited its “careful structure, forget it. Things are pretty barren. unique frame of mind, and quiet And the underplayed reading of though strong sense of humor.” lines, which I think Gage hit upon Especially sensational was the moas a way to camouflage amateur ment in the truck’s cab, when experformers, is so uninflected that perienced trucker Richard Locke “acting” seems more like a lack of coaxed his young sidekick into acting. hauling out his dick, and then whisHowever. Although all the perpered that galvanizing instruction, formers have been better served else“Go on, spit on it. Make it slippery.” where, we do get to appreciate once Kansas City Trucking, I concluded, more the curvaceous plentitude of is “the ultimate jack-off film.”

Luke Adams’ svelte body and juicy Taking note of my 40th Annicock (upon being arrested by unversary, I seized upon a brand new dercover cops for a crime the script Joe Gage movie as a swell career didn’t make fully comprehensible bookend. Titan Men issued West to me, he falls back on that ancient Texas Park & Ride in January. It’s porn segue-to-sex, “There must be something I can do”).

There’s also the only slightly becalmed feistiness of Jeremy Spreadums; the weighty cock and copious cum-blast of Tex Davidson; the huge, rumpled dong of personable Matthew Bosch; the towering size of Jason Vario; and especially, the sleek and slightly stolid Dakota Rivers.

After working from 2005 to 2012, Rivers took a break, and finally returned to porn a year ago. At 40, he’s still handsome, smooth and sleek bodied, and just a little bit inscrutable. As a cockfor-hire, he’s been subject to the varying standards of many companies. So I guess he’ll survive the TitanMen.com lackluster package of Bronzed Dakota Rivers is pretty stern this outing. Gotta admit, about pummeling pale Matthew Bosch, though, his fuck does pick in West Texas Park & Ride. up steam. And though Mr. Bosch positions himself

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so Rivers can cum all over his beard, most of River’s forceful blasts soar right over Bosch’s head.

Ultimately, though, I found West Texas Park & Ride tired. Or could it be me? After 40 years, have I lost my juju? So this will be my last regularly scheduled column. But I don’t expect to be gone. Could be I’ll make an unannounced appearance now and then. But starting now, you can list me on the masthead as Porn Writer Emeritus.

I could wax nostalgic on many a subject. But I’m more amused to clock the fads I’ve lived through.

I was quite unsettled by the craze for spitting in people’s faces and mouths that the age of AIDS ushered in. I’m relieved that those ludicrous gas masks have nearly disappeared, along with the puppy vogue.

But heaven forbid, the double penetration fuck (DP) is being superseded by the Triple-P. Does one need see have an asshole stretched this far? Watching my face fall is more than enough skin games for me, thank you. And as for cock cages, well, I don’t go for anything that obscures my view. I am the guy, after all, who declared my life’s aim was to see everybody naked with a hard-on at least once.

I leave you with two upbeat parting shots. An ad I recently saw in a 1990 B.A.R. asked, “Why work for a living? Dance Naked Onstage and JO for Appreciative Gentlemen.”

What a laugh. Just ask the guys who get it hard and cum four times a day if that’s not work.

And amongst some photos by Bruce of LA, I just found a model with this classic name: Bob Koklick.

Was this lovely blond kid born with that name, or did Bruce convince him it was clever? Nobody used such a provocative nom de porn back in the ‘50s. Oh, well. I’d sign up fast if asked whether I wanted to koklick for a living.t

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<< Shining Stars

28 • Bay Area Reporter • March 1-7, 2018

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ew Empress Pollo Del Mar and Emperor Leandro Gonzales were crowned at the Imperial Council’s annual coronation gala, held at the SF Design Center Galleria on February 24. Crowned royals spanning many years were in attendance, and at festive drag shows and fundraisers over the weekend. http://imperialcouncilsf.org/ See plenty more photos on BARtab’s Facebook page, facebook.com/lgbtsf.nightlife. See more of Steven Underhill’s photos at StevenUnderhill.com.

Read more online at www.ebar.com

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call (415) 370-7152 or visit www.StevenUnderhill.com or email stevenunderhillphotos@gmail.com