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Chris Allan
Matthew Burlingame
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Lauren Pulido
Ron Tackitt
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Chris Allan
Ron Tackitt
ON THE COVER
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larmundo Sullivan, founder, and executive director of Golden Rule Services (GRS), is set to receive a prestigious Black History Month Legacy Award of Excellence during the 36th Annual Sacramento Black History Month Black Expo. The awards ceremony, commemorating the 60th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, will take place on Saturday, Feb. 24, at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in downtown Sacramento.
The Black History Month Legacy Award recognizes Sullivan’s outstanding contributions to building equity and fostering opportunities within the Black community.
Born and raised in Sacramento, Sullivan co-founded GRS in 2000 with a mission to address health, education, employment, and criminal justice disparities in BIPOC communities. GRS, celebrating its 24th year, has become a respected leader in HIV prevention and education services as well as Ryan White case management services.
GRS, a minority-based nonprofit, provides culturally competent programs and services to BIPOC and LGBTQ communities. The organization, under Sullivan’s leadership, ofers essential services such as HIV and STI prevention and testing, mobile testing, Case management services and community
outreach to the unhoused population.
The Black Expo’s theme, “Progress In Process,” aligns with Sullivan’s vision, celebrating Black Excellence and honoring those, like Sullivan, who have paved the way for justice and equal rights. Sullivan’s advocacy extends beyond GRS, as he actively participates in HIV and STD advisory committees.
This award adds to Sullivan’s list of recognitions, including the Cleve Jones HIV-AIDS Leadership Award in 2018 and the Heroes in Community Service award from the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors in 2019. Sullivan’s unwavering dedication continues to impact lives and contribute to the ongoing journey toward justice and equality in the Sacramento community.
For more information visit SacGRS.org
Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent signing of Senator Scott Wiener’s Senate Bill 339 (SB 339) marks a pivotal advancement in the ongoing battle against HIV in California. This legislation, a testament to the collaborative eforts of lawmakers, healthcare professionals, and advocacy groups, aims to dismantle barriers to accessing PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis), a highly efective preventative medication for HIV. In a state where approximately 4,000 new HIV infections are reported annually, the impact of SB 339 could be transformative, particularly for the most vulnerable communities, including Black and Brown LGBTQ individuals.
SB 339’s enactment builds upon the foundation laid by Senator Wiener’s earlier legislative efort, SB 159 (2019), which was a pioneering law allowing pharmacists to furnish PrEP without a prescription. Despite its groundbreaking nature, the implementation of SB 159 highlighted significant challenges in accessibility and pharmacists’ engagement. SB 339 seeks to address these issues head-on, enhancing the legal framework to ensure more Californians can benefit from PrEP’s protective capabilities.
PrEP’s efectiveness in preventing HIV transmission is well-documented, boasting a
success rate of over 99% when taken as prescribed. Such a high degree of efcacy positions PrEP as a cornerstone in the strategy to curb new HIV infections.
However, despite its potential, the uptake of PrEP has been limited, with less than a quarter of those who could benefit from the medication actually using it. Barriers such as prescription requirements, costs, and lack of awareness have contributed to this gap in prevention eforts.
The significance of SB 339 lies in its potential to make PrEP more accessible. By allowing pharmacists to furnish up to a 90-day supply of PrEP without a
prescription and ensuring follow-up care consistent with CDC guidelines, the bill leverages pharmacies as critical access points for HIV prevention. This approach acknowledges the role of pharmacists as frontline healthcare providers and aims to integrate them more efectively into the public health response to HIV.
As this legislation takes efect, its success will depend on the continued collaboration between the government, healthcare providers, and community organizations, all working together towards a future free from new HIV infections.
As Generation Z steps into adulthood, their impact is being felt across the political, social, and cultural landscapes of the United States. Our extensive report, based on a national survey and virtual focus groups, provides a comprehensive look into what sets Gen Z apart from previous generations. Comprising both adults (18-25) and teens (13-17), Gen Z is the most racially and ethnically diverse generation in our nation’s history. Their unique perspectives are reshaping our society in fundamental ways.
Gen Z is redefining the political spectrum. They tend to lean less towards the Republican side compared to older generations, with only 21% identifying as such, similar to millennials but less than other age groups. Interestingly, over half of Gen Z teens do not afliate with any major political party, although many align with their parents’ political identities. When it comes to liberalism, Gen Z adults are more liberal than older Americans, with 43% identifying as such, a trend slightly more moderated among Gen Z teens. This generation’s political ideology is also influencing their views on voting and political participation, challenging traditional notions and practices.
Reflecting a broader cultural shift, Gen Z adults show a distinct move away from traditional white Christian afliations, with a significant number identifying as religiously unafliated. This trend, while similar to millennials, marks a stark contrast with older generations. Gen Z’s religious diversity is also mirrored in their attitudes towards church attendance and the role of religion in their lives, with Gen Z teens more inclined to attend church and find religion important compared to their adult counterparts.
Gen Z’s stance on diversity and inclusion is clear, with a strong support for afrmative action for students of color or those from poorer backgrounds. This generation also demonstrates a keen awareness of the value of education, though only half of Gen Z adults view college as a smart investment, a sentiment more optimistic among Gen Z teens. Their views extend to support for student loan forgiveness and investment in technical education, reflecting a pragmatic approach to future readiness.
In an increasingly digital world, Gen Z is at
the forefront of forming connections online through social media, gaming, and other digital platforms. However, this trend comes with its own set of challenges, especially concerning mental health. Gen Z adults report higher instances of negative emotions like anxiety and depression compared to older generations and even Gen Z teens. Their methods of forming social connections, often leaning heavily on digital platforms, might be contributing to these emotional experiences.
Gen Z’s trust in America’s political institutions is notably lower than older generations, though they participate in political activities at similar or higher rates. Their experiences with hostility and discrimination, based on race, gender, or sexual orientation, are also notably higher compared to older Americans, highlighting the ongoing challenges they face in a rapidly changing social landscape.
In conclusion, Generation Z is not just a demographic cohort; they are pioneers of a new societal paradigm. Their diverse backgrounds, liberal inclinations, and unique approaches to religion, education, and social connectivity are shaping a new future. As this generation continues to grow and exert its influence, understanding their perspectives becomes crucial for anyone looking to connect with the heartbeat of modern America.
This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Afairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate
The National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) and the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund (TLDEF), two prominent organizations championing transgender civil rights in the United States, have announced a groundbreaking merger. This strategic alliance will birth a new entity, Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE), set to spearhead the next wave of advocacy and legal battles for transgender rights nationwide. The merger is a calculated response to the escalating challenges facing the transgender community, aiming to consolidate eforts, resources, and expertise to enhance the efectiveness of the transgender rights movement.
Leading this merged powerhouse will be Andrea “Andy” Hong Marra, the current executive director of TLDEF, and Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, the executive director of NCTE. Marra will serve as the CEO, while Heng-Lehtinen will take on the role of Executive Director. Their combined leadership is poised to navigate A4TE through the complexities of national advocacy, legal challenges, and public education campaigns with a rejuvenated vigor and strategic focus.
Marra emphasizes the merger’s potential to double the impact through consolidated resources, expertise, and a unified commitment to justice. This collaboration is not just about scaling operations but also signifies a transformative approach to tackling the systemic inequalities transgender individuals face in America. HengLehtinen reflects on the legacy of partnership between NCTE and TLDEF, viewing the merger as an evolution of their collaborative eforts to secure legal rights and protections for transgender people.
The timing of this merger is critical. With a record number of legislative and social attacks against transgender individuals and their rights, the formation of A4TE represents a strategic consolidation of advocacy firepower. By merging, the two organizations aim to amplify their influence, navigating the political and legal landscapes with greater agility and strength. A4TE will function as a dual entity, comprising a 501(c)3 organization focusing on litigation and public education, and a 501(c)4 aimed at policy influence. This structure is designed to champion transgender equality across various fronts, from local and state levels to the federal arena.
Shelby Chestnut, the Executive Director of Transgender Law Center, highlights the significance of this merger in the broader context of LGBTQI+ advocacy. Chestnut views it as a critical step towards ensuring that transgender voices
lead the charge against discrimination and injustice, afrming the essential role of powerful trans leadership in shaping the future of the movement.
The operational footprint of A4TE will span the nation, with ofces in New York City and Washington, D.C., and a staf working across the country to maintain, strengthen, and expand the policy and legal programs each organization is renowned for. The merger’s finalization, anticipated by the summer of 2024, is contingent upon regulatory approvals and the satisfaction of all conditions outlined in the definitive agreement.
Support for this merger has been robust, involving a diverse array of experts, firms, foundation partners, and volunteers. This includes strategic facilitation by recognized professionals, branding and digital support from leading agencies, and pro bono legal counsel from prestigious law firms. Such widespread support underscores the merger’s importance and the community’s trust in A4TE’s potential to make a significant impact.
In conclusion, the merger between NCTE and TLDEF to form Advocates for Trans Equality marks a pivotal moment in the fight for transgender rights in America. By pooling resources, expertise, and advocacy eforts, A4TE is poised to lead the transgender rights movement into a new era. This unified approach aims not only to confront the current challenges head-on but also to lay the groundwork for lasting equality and justice for transgender individuals across the nation.
This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Afairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to CA vs Hate
In a groundbreaking event, the TransLatin@ Coalition, Equality California, and the Los Angeles LGBT Center jointly hosted the first California U.S. Senate Candidate Forum on LGBTQ Issues. The forum, held at the Los Angeles LGBT Center, featured prominent Democratic contenders Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-13), Rep. Katie Porter (CA-47), and Rep. Adam Schif (CA-30), all vying for the U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the late Dianne Feinstein, who was a champion of LGBTQ rights.
The candidates, recognized allies of the LGBTQ community, addressed key issues during the event. Moderated by Dustin Gardiner of Politico and Simha Haddad of the Los Angeles Blade, each candidate had 20 minutes to respond to questions covering topics crucial to California’s LGBTQ population.
All three contenders expressed support for the Equality Act, emphasizing its significance in safeguarding LGBTQ rights. The proposed legislation, which adds sexual orientation and gender identity to federal civil rights laws, addresses various aspects of life, including employment, housing, public accommodations, and federally funded programs.
During the forum, the candidates tackled pressing issues such as protecting transgender youth, combating anti-LGBTQ discrimination in healthcare, addressing homelessness, and responding to potential challenges under a Trump administration. Despite running individually, the candidates delivered aligned views on these matters, showcasing unity within the Democratic candidates.
On healthcare, Lee and Schif advocated for expanding Medicare to become a universal healthcare program, ensuring access for Americans of all ages. All three
candidates emphasized the need to enforce anti-discrimination provisions, especially in gender-afrming care.
In California alone approximately 25% of LGBTQ youth report unstable housing. The candidates proposed solutions to make housing more afordable, with Porter asserting, “We have a homelessness problem because the rent is too damn high.” They unanimously condemned forced outing policies in schools and advocated for stronger resources for LGBTQ youth who may find themselves unhoused due to such policies.
Diferences emerged in their individual focuses such as Schif highlighting access to healthcare being a civil right, while Lee emphasized funding clinics catering to LGBTQ needs and Porter underscored the importance of mental health care expansion.
As the California Democratic primary approaches on March 5, and with the general election slated for November 5, these candidates aim to secure the Senate seat, ensuring continued Democratic representation. The state’s unique primary system, where the top two vote recipients advance regardless of party, adds an intriguing dynamic to the race. Despite diverse backgrounds, the candidates share a commitment to advancing LGBTQ rights and addressing critical issues facing California.
The California Department of Aging (CDA) and a statewide coalition of LGBTQIA+ community-based organizations and research partners are launching a groundbreaking, statewide online survey of LGBTQIA+ older adults.
“There’s no baseline data on the aging experiences and needs of older LGBTQIA+ Californians, so survey responses will help paint a current and comprehensive portrait of this community,” said CDA Director Susan DeMarois.
“Studies have shown that LGBTQIA+ individuals face significant barriers to access health care, for example,” said Kathleen Sullivan, Ph.D., executive director of study partner Openhouse. “We’re coordinating with a statewide coalition of organizations to reach as many survey respondents as possible and we encourage all LGBTQIA+ adults aged 50 and older to share their experiences.”
Despite playing a proud and central role in the history of California and communities across the state, the LGBTQIA+ population has faced
stigma and barriers to opportunity, support, and services available to them. Information and insights from the survey, gathered in support of the California Master Plan on Aging’s (MPA) equity and inclusion goals, will enable more responsive and accessible services addressing health, mental health, housing, income, caregiving, food assistance, and more.
Participation is anonymous and easy. Share your perspective in the Survey of LGBTQIA+ Older Adults: From Challenges to Resilience, now through March 31, 2024. The survey is available in English, Spanish, Tagalog, and Chinese.
Openhouse is a trusted voice in service provision to mid-life and older adults. Other partners are the Sexual and Gender Minority Health Equity Lab at the University of California, San Francisco; the Center for the Advanced Study of Aging Services at the University of California (UC) Berkeley; and the Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society (CITRIS) at UC Berkeley. To take the survey: https://aging.ca.gov/Survey_of_LGBTQIA/
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People just don’t understand you. They don’t “get” you at all. Your sense of humor goes over their heads. If you’re happy, you’re weird; if you’re angry, it makes no sense to them. You’re an enigma to most people – even sometimes, as in the new book “Interesting Facts about Space” by Emily Austin, you’re an enigma to yourself.
Enid Hughes wasn’t entirely sure why she was at her half-sister’s gender reveal party.
Truth was, Enid found those kinds of parties rather repugnant but whatever, her half-sisters seemed to want a relationship with her. She didn’t know why that, either. It wasn’t like they all grew up together or anything; their father out-and-out abandoned her in favor of his second family. It was all just so awkward.
That whole thing still depressed Enid’s mother, years later, which Enid thought about as she spent party-time surreptitiously texting space facts to her mom. Space facts were comforting, and a way of checking in. She also sometimes texted women she’d met online, random hook-ups she’d had with zero plans on ever seeing any of the women again.
Usually, that was a way to avoid a mess but she’d recently learned that she’d been duped into seeing someone who was married and things got complicated when the woman’s wife found out. Yes, Enid was a lesbian, so what? When she was younger, she thought of boys and marriage but she eventually decided that love was for everybody else.
For real, who would put up with someone who thought her apartment was being cased, or who had a serious phobia of bald men and their smell? Nobody in their right mind would put up with a woman
who was obsessed with true-crime podcasts or who loved the stars, planets, and the moon, or who texted a pre-written message when she wanted to break up.
Who’d want to date someone who was constantly being watched?
Don’t be surprised if you’re mystified when you first start “Interesting Facts about Space.” Don’t be surprised if you squirm, either, because it’s an uncomfortable read.
Which doesn’t mean that you won’t want to continue.
Enid’s story is compelling but as a character, she’s hard to categorize and author Emily Austin doesn’t make that easy to figure out. Enid’s not gregarious or particularly friendly; her odd-duck ways are charming and abrasive with the lightest whif of humor, but she’s also depreciative and sad and that doesn’t abate – which may not make her very likable but you still won’t quit her. So why not?
Because you know something’s coming. Like or dislike, Enid’s quite the conundrum until you get toward the end of this story and the whole thing pivots. Suddenly, everything you’ve read, every angsty comment and weird quirk is turned upside down and you will be, too.
It’s a nice pay-of, if you can warm up to the quirkiness of this story and stick around. Until then, you may wonder why you’re immersed in “Interesting Facts about Space.” A few pages in, and you’ll understand.
words and photos by Chris Allan
Nestled in the Caribbean heart of the Lesser Antilles almost all the way to Venezuela, Saint Lucia is a gorgeous tropical island full of breathtaking scenery and romantic ambiance. Nature lovers adore the island’s lush rainforests, drive-up volcano and pristine beaches, while the party crowd finds plenty to enjoy at the luxurious beachfront all-inclusives. Top-tier celebs like Oprah (who reportedly owns a home there), Matt Damon, and Justin Bieber have all raved about the beauty of the island, whose landscape is most famously known for its UNESCO-recognized Pitons, two giant lava spires. ofered stunning sea views and a plantationstyle balcony for enjoying fresh tropical fruit each morning. We took the week to explore the island via public transit and taxis, and had what is still our most romantic dinner ever in a mangrove stand on magnificent Marigot Bay.
Ten years ago we chose Saint Lucia (the only country named after a woman) as our honeymoon destination. Besides the cultural and natural attractions, the logistics were relatively easy: an upper-middle-income Caribbean island that does not require a visa, the Eastern Caribbean dollar is interchangeable with the U.S. dollar, and its long tug-of-war between the French and English resulted in English as the ofcial language.
We booked a self-catered apartment at delightful family-run lodging Villa Beach Cottages. Located just out of Castries, the busy but manageable capital, Villa Beach
Five years later, we stopped back in for the day during a Caribbean cruise and headed up the hill to the famous Pink Plantation House for an amazing lunch with views after a tour at the island’s fantastic rum distillery. We love Chairman’s Reserve Spiced rum!
This year we return to celebrate our ten-year anniversary. We’ll rent a car (yes,
they drive on the “other” side) for more independent exploration and once again stay at Villa Beach before heading south into the lush rainforest of their sister resort and cocoa plantation, La Dauphine. We’re excited to explore Soufrière, the island’s former French capital.
However, for LGBTQ couples wanting a romantic vacation in Saint Lucia, you’ll want to consider the legal landscape. Like other former English colonies, Saint Lucia still has “buggery” laws on their books. Technically, same-sex male relations are illegal (not so for us gals), but apparently never enforced. While there are protections for queer folks
within the island’s domestic violence and employment laws, other anti-discrimination protections do not yet extend to sexual orientation and gender identity.
That being said, at least two resorts apparently actively welcome LGBTQ guests: couples-only StolenTime resort by Rendezvous and all-inclusive wellness resort Body Holiday. Still, as a lesbian couple returning for our third visit, we’ve yet to experience anything other than a warm or at least professional welcome from Saint Lucians. It’s no wonder that the country won the 2023 “Best Caribbean Island” Readers Choice Award!
rom a legal perspective, marriage is a contract between two people who are choosing to subject their relationship to hundreds of state and federal laws. Definitely, not romantic. The good news is that while the State of California provides default laws that govern your marriage, there are ways to opt out of the defaults by executing the appropriate legal documents. These documents help protect the rights of spouses and their wishes. So, before you say “I Do,” or shortly thereafter, make sure you have discussed these issues and put these documents in place: contracts between a financial institution/administrator and the person who owns the account. These are extremely important because for estate planning purposes they generally trump any outside instructions. Individuals often forget to regularly review and update all of their beneficiary designations. In fact, most people rarely, if ever, update them and this can cause a nightmare when the account owner passes away.
These documents contain instructions about a number of crucial estate planning decisions: Who has legal authority to manage and use their assets when either spouse becomes incapacitated? Who inherits each spouse’s assets when they die? Who is in charge of managing and distributing the assets when both spouses are unable to? Most importantly, having a Living Trust in place allows for the management and transfer of assets upon incapacity and post death without the need for the court to be involved.
These VERY IMPORTANT estate planning documents allow for the appointment of an agent to act on one’s behalf to make crucial financial and medical decisions in case of incapacity. These documents are imperative for every adult and important to have even after getting married. Because of the privacy laws nowadays, even spouses do not have automatic authority over many of these issues.
Beneficiary designations are essentially
In estate planning, title means everything! Title dictates to whom and how an asset is transferred at death and who has control over it during lifetime. Proper and formal titling of all of the major assets is imperative to ensure that the assets go to whom the individual wants in the way they want it to happen. These assets include houses, bank accounts, investment accounts, and businesses.
Take time to sit down together to discuss these issues to make sure you have an understanding of each other’s wishes. Then, take action individually or together to formalize those wishes by executing the appropriate legal documents. This ensures that the government does not get to dictate how these important personal matters are handled.
Have you ever had an Uncle Howdy who made every family gathering about himself? My lordy, we couldn’t have a life event of any sort, celebrate any change of seasons, or even celebrate the kids’ coming of age without Uncle Howdy showing up saying it’s really all about him.
“No, Uncle Howdy, this is not your birthday.” “No, Uncle Howdy, we are not celebrating the day you got out of jail.” “No, Uncle Howdy, please sit down and let others talk.” But that’s Uncle Howdy, always taking over our celebrations as if they were always about him.
Oh, did I say Uncle Howdy? I meant religion.
Before Uncle Howdy, families and friends gathered for births, deaths, marriages, middle of winter, emergence of spring, and many other celebrations of our passing of time and age with a variety of unique traditions. Traditions established relationships, one’s value in society, and gave us positive esteem for ourselves and others. Ah, those were happy times. Ask any early Neanderthal.
Let’s explore what we could do without Uncle Howdy in, say, a wedding, shall we? I’ll go first.
A marriage, of course, joins two things, like a marriage of lemon juice and yogurt make a zesty drizzle for your smoked paprika baked chicken. The marriage of two people, as you know, is the legal documentation useful later for determining inheritance, custody, adoptions, and other matters now that the two are joined in a zesty drizzle of harmony. Sometimes more zest than harmony, but that’s another column.
A wedding, though, is cake! Well, it is for me, anyway. The wedding is a party. That’s when Uncle Howdy likes to show up. You know a wedding is just for fun, though, right? There is nothing legally required about having a wedding, and certainly nothing required about inviting Uncle Howdy. (That said, many people do leave one of the marriage requirements for the wedding celebration so they can do it in public: having a deputy of the state say the required sentence. It helps guests feel more involved to hear this sentence said at the party. You know, ”by the power vested in me by the state of …”) Consider ways to make your wedding (the cake part) a fun, happy party without Uncle Howdy! We did! Our friends and family still talk about it to this day.
Let’s look at what we did:
- Free, unlimited wine tasting bar open early with live acoustic duo
- Seating at round conversation-friendly dinner tables
- Community center amid beautiful trees
- Live band with hardwood dance floor
- Catered dinner
- Choice of two cakes
- No boring photo collage of us as kids, but a fun Muppet music video instead
- Casual dress requested
- Emcee to kick it of and point out bathrooms
- A friend acted as our deputized state ofciant
- No led prayers
- No line of maids and groomsmen, just one best friend each
- Walked in to 3 meaningful pop songs like “In My Life”
- Hilarious “Everything You Wanted To Know About A Lesbian Marriage But Were Too Afraid to Ask” on everyone’s dinner plate. The night’s agenda was on the back.
One good friend took my wife aside as guests were dancing and eating, saying, “If I knew a wedding could be like this, I’d have totally done it this way!”
The same is true for any celebration such as our winter and spring holidays, celebration of a birth, naming a newborn, turning 16, or any other time we gather. Even sad life events such as deaths can let people feel comfortable and valued, instead of letting Uncle Howdy make it all about himself, his rules and his stories, as he tends to do.
If you like Uncle Howdy, invite him to sit with you, but don’t let him take over unless asked to do so by the hosts. Not everyone is comfortable around Uncle Howdy, particularly many LGBTQ+. We thank you for respecting that. Party on!
*No reference to the retired WWE wrestler Uncle Howdy is intended.
Little Activisms encourages readers to consider small changes we can make to help social causes, and to feel good about ourselves for taking small risks. Judy Saint is President of the Greater Sacramento Chapter of Freedom From Religion Foundation and author of The Pleasant Atheist Adult Coloring Book available on Amazon. She and her wife live in Roseville, CA.
Sby Chris Narloch
ome performers seem immortal, and the great Chita Rivera, a star of stage and screen for decades, who died recently at the ripe old age of 91, was one of those artists.
Not widely known outside of New York City, Ms. Rivera was a regular on Broadway stages from her first musical in 1950 (“Guys and Dolls”) to her last show in 2015 (“The Visit”).
A legendary dancer, singer, and actress, Chita was a triple-threat talent who occasionally appeared on the big and small screens, but live theater was her true love and claim to fame.
On stage, Chita originated such iconic roles as Anita in “West Side Story,” Velma Kelly in “Chicago,” and the title character in “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” only to see those roles immortalized on screen by other actresses.
I had the good fortune to see Rivera on the Broadway stage three times, including her show-stopping role in a fantastic revival of “Nine” that starred Antonio Banderas, Jane Krakowski, and Laura Benanti.
Chita was also sensational both times I saw her in concert, at Feinstein’s in Manhattan and later at Harris Center for the Arts in Folsom, CA.
Although I never met Rivera, I did have the honor of interviewing her over the phone once, and she was everything I hoped she would be – warm, funny, and very down-to-earth. When I asked her the temperature in New York City, she responded with an expletive to describe the rainy weather outside her window.
That was Chita Rivera – one of the best Broadway broads of all time – who lit up every stage she ever appeared on.
ill she hit the stage on time? Don’t bet money on it, although that lawsuit filed recently by some of her (former?) fans after a very tardy NYC show may have put the fear of God in her.
Then again, this is the Material Girl we’re talking about, and I doubt she has turned over a new leaf just because of a pesky little legal challenge. With the inflated prices Madge is charging for tickets these days, she can aford to fork over some money to her ticked of fans.
Although I have never met Madonna, I’m not really a fan of her celebrity persona – which is the opposite of down-to-earth. To that, the singer would probably say “Bitch I’m Madonna,” which is also the title of one of her recent songs.
If we’re being honest, Madonna hasn’t made a great record in many years, but she is still the Queen of Pop (pre-Taylor Swift anyway), and her string of hits in the ‘80s and ‘90s – and the quality of those recordings – is virtually unrivalled.
So, it will be fun to hear those classic hits once again, when Madonna graces the stage of Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center, on Saturday evening, Feb. 24. There were still plenty of tickets available last time I checked, and – who knows? – she might even surprise us and show up on time.
Yeah, right.
Oby Chris Narloch
ne of my favorite queer performers of all time is about to return to the Bay Area, in a new production that sounds fabulous. Yes, Taylor Mac is back, and if you saw his recent HBO documentary/concert film (“Taylor Mac’s 24-Decade History of Popular Music”), then you already know he is a genius.
Cal Performances presents the centerpiece of its 2023-24 season with the West Coast premiere of Taylor Mac & Matt Ray’s “Bark of Millions: A Parade Trance Extravaganza for the Living Library of the Deviant Theme,” on Friday and Saturday, February 23 & 24 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, February 25 at 3 p.m. in Zellerbach Hall, on the Berkeley campus.
MacArthur Fellow, Kennedy Prize winner, and Pulitzer Prize finalist Taylor Mac and Obie Award-winning composer Matt Ray collaborate on this epic four-hour spectacle, which is part rock opera and part reimagined pride parade.
Intended as both a celebration and a gift to the queer canon, the production features 55 original songs, one to mark each year since the first Gay Pride parade held in 1970, making it, in Taylor’s own words, “54 songs plus an extra as a cherry on top.”
Every song in this marathon production is inspired by a diferent queer person in history, spanning from ancient Egypt to leaders of the drag movement in America. Through music, dance, and drag spectacle, the production subverts and deconstructs conventional narratives and joyfully, transgressively celebrates queerness in all its forms.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit https://calperformances.org
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s not too late to order some sexy sleepwear or manly unmentionables for your Boo, or for yourself.
This Valentine’s Day, the gay owned sports brands Addicted and ES Collection USA are pairing together some of their sweetest looks. Both labels were founded by Eduardo Suner, an out and proud fashion designer known for pushing the envelope with his stylish, sexy, and very wearable men’s underwear, swimwear, and sportswear.
Addicted items tend to lean more cheeky-and-fun while ESCollectionUSA is a bit more refined and sophisticated. Both are extremely sexy and guaranteed to add sugar and spice to every man’s Valentine’s Day activities.
Please visit: ESCollectionUSA.com and AddictedUSA.com
ew movies in theaters include a dynamite documentary from one of the world’s greatest filmmakers, a sweet romcom from Finland, the latest action flick from Matthew Vaughn, and a filmed play starring Andrew Scott.
Argylle
Any film that begins with Henry Cavill and Dua Lipa doing a sexy dance to a Barry White song is my kind of movie. Critics have been very hard on this wacky spy spoof, but I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially the starry cast, which includes lead actress Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, Catherine O’Hara, Samuel L. Jackson, Bryan Cranston, John Cena, and Ariana DeBose. After fifteen minutes, I realized the film was going to be one preposterous twist after another, so I just sat back and enjoyed every crazy, funny minute of it. Oh yeah, the cat is cute too. Currently in wide theatrical release.
Fallen Leaves
This charming Finnish film failed to nab a hoped-for Oscar nomination as Best International Feature recently, which is too bad because that stamp of approval would have caused more people to seek out this low-key, bittersweet romcom about two lonely straight people who meet at a karaoke bar and begin a bumpy relationship. Lead actors Jussi Vatanen and Alma Poysti don’t look like the movie stars in American romcoms, and their realistic performances are extremely moving. “Fallen Leaves” was still playing at Sacramento’s Tower Theatre when we went to press.
Anselm 3D
The great German director Wim Wenders has been making movies for more than five decades, and he is still at the top of his game, with one movie from last year (“Perfect Days”) in contention for an Oscar as Best International Feature this year and this terrific documentary now in theaters. Shot in stunning 6k resolution and subtly beautiful 3D, the new film, a fascinating portrait of painter and sculptor Anselm Kiefer, demands to be seen on the big screen. “Anselm 3D” was still playing at Sacramento’s Tower Theatre when we went to press. 3D glasses included with admission.
My current queer crush, Andrew Scott (“Fleabag,” “All Of Us Strangers”), brings multiple characters to life in a radical new, one-man theatrical adaptation of Chekhov’s “Uncle Vanya,” which was captured on film for this National Theatre Live presentation. Scott is reportedly terrific in the play, and since he is also sexy as hell, I will be first in line to see “Vanya” when it screens at Sacramento’s Tower Theatre for two evenings only, on Feb. 22 and 28, 2024
If you’ve never attended “Broadway Backwards” in New York City, the fabulous LGBTQ+ celebration is worth adding to your bucket list.
This exquisite evening of love, community and unparalleled performances is the only annual Broadway event custom-made for the LGBTQ+ community and its friends and allies.
By taking familiar songs in the Broadway canon and transforming them into queer anthems and love ballads, “Broadway Backwards” tells our stories through classic Broadway showtunes.
Cherished legends, storied stars and rising talent will put queer twists on favorite musical numbers when this beloved benefit concert takes over the New Amsterdam Theatre, for one night only, on Monday evening, March 11
For more information, please visit www.broadwaycares.org
After three Broadway Sac shows almost in a row, we have a break until mid-April when “Annie” takes a bow. Not to worry, theater fans. Outword has you covered with these three, intriguing local productions.
Capital Stage
Twenty-one-year-old college basketball sensation Khady Salama makes it to March Madness, but does so during Ramadan, the holiest month of the year in Islamic culture. Khady must choose between observing the traditional Muslim fast or breaking it to keep herself in top shape to compete in the tournament.
Cap Stage’s first-rate production of “American Fast” stars the fantastic foursome of Victoria Nassif, Rula Gardenier, Atim Udofa, and Vernon Lewis, and it deals with such ambitious topics as sexism, racism, sports celebrity, religious discrimination, and the pressures on young athletes.
That’s a lot for one play to bite of, but “American Fast” is at once substantial, enlightening, and very entertaining. Nassif is always on the move during the show, frequently pretending to play basketball in the intimate stage space, and the other players are also perfectly cast.
Director Benjamin T. Ismail keeps the action moving and never allows the messaging to get heavy-handed. In short, “American Fast” is another winner for Capital Stage and for fans of local theater. The play performs through Feb. 25 in Sacramento. Go to https://capstage.org
Green Valley Theatre
Conceived by Jonathan Larson Award-winner and two-time Susan Smith Blackburn Prize-finalist Julia Jordan, with book and lyrics by Jordan and music and lyrics by indie rock singer/songwriter Juliana Nash, “Murder Ballad” is billed as “a steamy and fun thriller with a razor’s edge.”
This is the dramatic story of a love triangle gone wrong, centering on Sara, an uptown girl who seems to have it all, but whose downtown past lingers enticingly and dangerously in front of her. The musical explores the complications of love, the compromises we make, and the betrayals that can ultimately undo us.
“Murder Ballad” sounds tailor-made for the very talented and adventurous folks at Green Valley Theatre. The show will perform through March 3, at the Cal Cap Black Box Theatre in Rancho Cordova, CA. Visit https://greenvalleytheatre.com
by Chris Narloch
UC Davis
Triggered by a hate crime which brought attention to the lack of hate crime laws nationwide, “The Laramie Project” is a riveting contemporary drama that reflects the inhabitants of a rural American community.
Written by Moisés Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project, including alumnus Greg Pierotti (M.F.A., dramatic arts, ’16), the drama chronicles the reaction to the 1998 murder of gay University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard in Laramie, Wyoming.
The play’s text draws on hundreds of interviews conducted by the theatre project’s company with inhabitants of the town, company members’ own journal entries, and published news reports.
The Department of Theatre and Dance will present the play Feb. 22–March 2, in UCD’s Main Theatre, Wright Hall. For more information, go to https://arts.ucdavis.edu
Polyamorous relationships refer to intimate relationships where individuals have multiple romantic partners at the same time, with the knowledge and consent of everyone involved. This contrasts with monogamous relationships, where an individual has only one romantic partner.
In polyamory, people believe that one person can’t meet all their needs for love and connection, so they have multiple partners. These relationships are all about being super honest and clear with each other, and they can look diferent for everyone. Some people might have one main partner and others on the side, while others treat all their partners equally.
The big thing about being polyamorous is talking openly and making sure everyone is cool with the situation. This isn’t cheating because everyone knows and agrees to it. It takes a lot of understanding yourself and being good at handling emotions, since managing several relationships can get complicated. Polyamory is becoming more known and accepted as a way some people choose to live and love. It’s opening up conversations about how there are many diferent ways to have relationships and feel connected to others.
When I was cohabitating with my two committed partners, the term “throuple” wasn’t a thing yet. In fact, we didn’t know anyone else in a similar relationship. Today, however, it’s more widely accepted that there are an infinite number of ways your relationship might look, and there are no rules except the ones you and your partners decide on (if any). This is just a small bit of insight on some of the most important parts of our specific arrangement, which weren’t obvious to us in the early days.
Sleeping with three sounds fun, doesn’t it? Mostly it is! But what happens to the person in the middle if they want to get up during the night? What if they get hot and need to throw a leg out? Come to think of it, how do three people even fit on a bed? Keep reading.
Pro Tip 1
This probably seems obvious, but start with finding the biggest bed that fits in the room. While a standard King is the widest bed at 80”, I suggest instead that you consider a California King. It’s not as wide as a King, but at 84” long, it’s the perfect size… when flipped the opposite way. So the width becomes height, and vice-versa. The downside may now be that the height is too short for anyone 6 feet or taller. In that case, you’ll probably want to stick with a standard King, which you can still turn sideways for extra width. For lovers who like to cuddle, you’ll have plenty of room to roll. For those who need extra leg room, everyone gets their own piece of the pie, so to speak.
Pro Tip 2
To avoid trapping the middle person like a mummy on a bad first date; you’ll want to have two sets of top sheets and two comforters. Make the bed with a standard bottom sheet and then overlap the two top sheets in the middle. Same with the two comforters. Now the person in the middle has their own way in and out, and can free themselves via the foot of the bed without disrupting the sleep of the others. If you’re worried about what the bed looks like when it’s made up, you can simply use one comforter for daytime, and add the other one at bedtime. If you like a headboard, there are heaps of DIY options that you can work into your extra wide setup.
Pro Tip 3
Change sleeping positions from time to
time. We all like our “spot” on the bed, but when one person is always in the middle, this means the two on the outside are never in casual contact with one another, which reduces the level of intimacy shared between those two partners. Changing positions not only gives everyone a chance to be in the middle, but encourages each partner to share close space with one another.
Pro Tip 4
When traveling, you may not always find a King bed, especially out of the U.S. In that case, be specific when asking about bed sizes and request two or even three beds if needed. Maybe you all don’t get to sleep together, but you can still have sex or watch TV together and then go your separate ways for actual sleep. The addition of a sofa is a nice option as well, in case one partner wants to bail out of a tight sleeping arrangement. More than once, we rented homes with multiple bedrooms, and made one bedroom our primary space to hang out, while keeping the other rooms for actual sleep. Don’t Forget How to be Two Sharing a life with more than one person can be really exciting, fulfilling and like most relationships, a little crazymaking. Imagine those early days of being super in love with someone, and now triple it. It’s pretty awesome, and intense. But, it’s easy to get lost in love, so to speak. Naturally, you’ll probably want to spend all your time together. That’s why it’s even more important to remember that you (and your partners) are going to need some space.
Pro Tip 5
Each individual will benefit from some time without the others. Equally, each twosome will appreciate having some time without their third. So be sure to designate time for everyone - whether it be an extended trip, an overnighter, or just a few hours. Each set of partners can make some
plans together, and as the third who stays home that night (or vacates to give the other two some time alone), relish in the time on your own.
Make it even more fun for all three of you by helping to organize the private time for the others. Coordinate a special date for them by making dinner reservations, buying them
tickets to a show, or booking a hotel for the weekend. If you don’t have resources to create a big production, you could also invite them to stay in a second bedroom together for the night, or make them a bed in the living room and set them up with a favorite movie or TV show. Even simple gestures can go a long way in keeping everyone happy.
Pro Tip 7
Have a conversation with your partners about how much interaction everyone is comfortable with while the other two are spending time together alone. Maybe it’s agreed upon that communication will be minimal during that time; limited to brief check-ins. Or, perhaps it’s more fun for everyone if the third person is along for the ride to some degree, perhaps by sharing texts with the others and hearing about their experiences as they happen. Simple communication can help avoid anyone feeling truly left out, or worse yet, as if they aren’t getting the time they need either alone or with one of the partners.
The best and worst things about relationships are even bigger when you add another person into the mix. Keep this in mind as your relationship builds, and try to keep your flow of dialogue as open as possible. Like any healthy relationship, you can overcome the hard parts if you just remember that In this case, communication is a three-way street.
Ihave always been queer. I have lived as an openly gay man since my freshman year of high school. Queerness was a part of all of my earliest friendships, and my teen sexual exploration years were spent primarily behind closed doors with my male peers.
As an adult I’ve had a steady stream of romantic relationships varying in length from weeks to a couple of years. For the sake of transparency, I was chronically unfaithful. Despite that fact, I remain on great terms with most of the men I have been romantically linked to.
In 2015 I moved to Sacramento, California and had my final closed relationship, which ended amicably. A couple of years of being single, and living my best life followed until I met my partner Reagan.
We lived nearly an hour apart so we began our relationship open, and for the first year things worked harmoniously. I had my own space to live the way I wanted, and also the love and support that comes from having a supportive boyfriend. In late 2019 we moved to Oakland together.
The pandemic was a real test on our relationship. For the first time we had to rely on only each other to meet all of our needs, and that pressure nearly ended our relationship on a few occasions. We ultimately got through it, and in late 2020 we moved again, this time into the heart of San Francisco where the ‘open’ phase of our relationship went into overdrive.
Grindr in San Francisco is unlike any place on earth. I have to scroll several times just to get of of my own block, whereas in many parts of the world the nearest person could be miles away. I quickly made a few friends with benefits, but I was starting to realize that it wasn’t sex that I was ultimately seeking, it was something more.
In San Francisco there are a myriad of relationship styles on display all around me so I began to read about the rainbow of romantic possibilities to see if something felt familiar. Polyamory: the practice of engaging in multiple romantic (and typically sexual) relationships, with the consent of all the people involved.
My romantic life flashed before my eyes at first glance. The faces of the men I have loved, and in most cases still love. The frequent infidelity, the struggles with cohabitation all pointed to polyamory. After reading a few books on ethical non-monogamy, including the classic The Ethical Slut I came out to myself as polyamorous.
My first date with Jose was full of deep conversation, laughter, afection and mind-blowing sex. We met on Grindr, and he wasn’t looking for a serious relationship, but I knew right away this would be more than a hookup. I suspect he did too as we began seeing each other every week. Within a few months I fell head-over-heels in love with him and for a few more months I held that as a secret, afraid to say it for fear of ruining everything.
I began to date another sweet guy named Andrew around this time, and as I began to manage three relationships the strangest thing began to happen at home. I felt closer and more interested in my partner, my confidence began to improve, my communication style became more open, more honest, more authentic.
I formally came out to my partner as poly. Reagan is very intelligent, and quickly began reading books and having difcult conversations with me. We moved forward as a poly-mono couple, and I finally felt free to own my feelings.
“I love you,” I said one night, staring into Jose’s eyes. He replied instantly, “I love you too.” I cried. He kissed me on the forehead and held me tight, and I knew that I had found it. It wasn’t his love specifically that I was looking for, it was the freedom to give and receive love however it comes my way. Knowing he felt the same way was the cherry on top.
Now I say I love you all the time, If I feel it, I say it.
The last two years have been a steady cycle of communication, conflict, understanding and growth. Overcoming jealousy, setting boundaries, and respecting your partner’s humanity and desires are all crucial. Polyamory comes with a world full of possibilities, but as with any serious relationship, each poly connection comes with its share of sacrifice and compromise. Coming out again, 25 years later, this time as polyamorous has been the learning experience of a lifetime. My view of love has been forever changed, and my life is better for it.
Christopher J. Beale is an award winning journalist and media host. christopherjbeale.com
with Matthew Burlingame
For 28 years, we have been Sacramento’s resource for LGBTQ+ information, politics, entertainment and we have helped connect and maintain our community.
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February is Black History Month in which we celebrate Black Americans and honor their achievements and cultural impact.
From Marsha P. Johnson and Bessie Smith to Laverne Cox and Lil Nas X, the contributions of Black LGBTQ individuals are invaluable. Too often, they find themselves struggling to attain full acceptance within either community due to the intersection of their identities in both. This issue we invite you to honor our local Black LGBTQ icons and along the way, attend some fun events.
Experience the groundbreaking work “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/ When The Rainbow Is Enuf” by Ntozake Shange, directed by Voress Franklin. This powerful choreopoem follows seven women navigating racism, oppression, and sexism, weaving their stories through poetry, music, and dance. Catch this impactful performance in partnership with St. Hope at the Guild Theater, 2828 35th St. in partnership with St. Hope, playing through Sunday, Feb. 25. Celebrationarts.net
Celebrate Black History Month at the Old Sugar Mill, 35265 Willow Ave. in Clarksburg, on Sunday, Feb. 18, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the “Black History Month Art Show & Crafters Event,” featuring art, vendors, crafters, shopping, and more. Enjoy wine tasting at any of our 14 tasting rooms, indulge in food trucks on-site, and bring the whole family— all ages are welcome! This event is sponsored by Cain Event Planning & Sankofa Gallery. Oldsugarmillweddings.com
The Rainbow Chamber hosts their monthly networking mixer on Tuesday, Feb. 20, from 6-7:30 p.m. at Mansion Apartments, 1517 H St. Network with professionals, enjoy refreshments, and connect with the LGBTQ+ community. Free for members; $10 for non-members. Registration is required for this monthly networking event. Rainbowchamber.com
Have a laugh at “Artmix: Giggle” on Thursday, Feb. 8, from 6-9 p.m. at Crocker Art Museum, 216 O St. Experience an evening of laughter as the museum transforms into a late-night comedy club. Enjoy side-splitting stand-up comics, a hysterical improv show by STAB! Comedy Theater, and explore the humorous side of the collection with “Fauxcents” comedian-led docent tours. Crockerart.org
Capital Stage is ofering “A Capital Afair at The Citizen Hotel” on Saturday, Mar. 9 This annual gala, the theater’s premier fundraising event, promises an exquisite evening with champagne, award-winning cuisine, Di Arie Wines, live entertainment, a live auction, and the exciting announcement of their 20th Anniversary Season. Don’t miss this celebration at Capital Stage, 2215 J St. Capstage.org
Join the festivities at Mardi Gras Carnaval on February 17, 2024, in Old Sacramento. Two vibrant party locations, Old Sacramento Waterfront (Embarcadero) and Freeway Gardens, will host a combined audience of
over 50,000. The Krewe of Gumbo parade, led by Louisiana Sue & Friends, starts rolling at 1 p.m. Enjoy a day filled with parades, food, drinks, live music, and more. Don’t miss the excitement! Mardigrascarnaval.com
Embark on a thrilling evening of suspense and dining with “Murder on the Delta King” on Wednesday, Feb. 14, at 6 p.m. Hosted by The Delta King at 1000 Front St., this event promises a delectable three-course dinner and an engaging whodunit murder mystery dinner show. Secure your tickets for a night to remember! Deltaking.com
Get in on the fun on Sunday, February 11, at 8 p.m., at FACES Nightclub, 2000 K St., for a dazzling evening with drag performer “Plasma” from RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 16. FACES.net
Experience the West Coast Premiere of “Mystic Pizza,” a delightful musical adaptation of the beloved 1988 rom-com that launched Julia Roberts’ career. Grab your tickets for one of six performances from Feb. 28 - Mar. 3 at the Harris Center, 10 College Pkwy in Folsom. Don’t miss the magic, love, and nostalgia set to the iconic tunes of the 80s and 90s! HarrisCenter.net
Kick of Valentine’s weekend with a Rombauer Wine Tasting at Sheldon Wine Shop on Friday, Feb. 9, from 4-7 p.m. Indulge in exquisite wines at 8361 Sheldon Rd. in Elk Grove. Savor the flavors and enhance your Valentine’s Day celebration with a delightful selection at this special wine tasting event. Sheldonwineshop.com
Do you have events, birthdays, or announcements to share? Feel free to send them to matthew@hengemedia.com.
huck E. Cheese, the beloved family entertainment brand that has been delighting families for decades, is excited to extend the Chuck E. Cheese experience beyond the fun centers with the launch of the Chuck E. Cheese and Friends Party Cookbook with Weldon Owen publishing.
Chefs, mini chefs, and party planners should get ready to eat and dance the day away! In the Chuck E. Cheese and Friends Party Cookbook, the gang has fun and tasty parties they want to share with everyone. From Chuck E.’s Game Night party to Jasper T. Jowls’ Howlin’ Hootenanny and Helen Henny’s All-day Breakfast Sleepover, there’s a party for every occasion!
Each party is chock full of delicious, themed recipes – from tasty Vamples for your next Halloween party and French toast dippers for the next kid’s slumber party, to Bella’s favorite quesadilla pizza from her Festive Fiesta, and more! Accompanying the recipes are exclusive fun games, jokes, links to video dance parties, and other activities to make each party even more memorable. Share some of Pasqually’s hilarious jokes, listen to DJ Munch’s remix of “Chuck E.’s Happy Dance,” or cut loose with the spring sensation that’s sweeping the nation, the “Spring Break Breakdance.”
Available for presale now on Walmart, Amazon, Target, and on the Chuck E. Shop, the Chuck E. Cheese and Friends Party Cookbook is a celebration of the joyous moments shared with family and friends and captures the essence of the fun and joy of the Chuck E. Cheese characters.
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Do you miss posting pictures of your food on social media? We do too! So, we would like to highlight your food pics here in the pages of Outword. Email your pics to graphics@outwordmagazine.com along with a one sentence description or location, and include your name. You can also tag your image with #outwordtastebuds and we will check them out. This isn’t a contest, it’s just for fun. Here are two more “gourmet” images. Now activate those buds!
by Mikey Rox
Share the love on Feb. 14 with our thoughtful Valentine’s gift picks for everyone you like and lust.
Centrolina V-Day Pasta Kit
Washington, D.C.-based Centrolina’s seasonally inspired restaurant menu gets the delivered-to-your-door treatment with Chef Amy Brandwein’s holiday gift baskets featuring four handmade pastas and fromscratch sauces, including heart-shaped beet ravioli with ricotta and lemon butter, a mushroom and black trufe ragu, sunchoke tagliolini and oyster cacio pepe, and chestnut pappardelle, among other elevated-Italian recipes that you and your lil’ meatball can whip up on date night. $175, CentrolinaDC.com
Moon Bath Bomb
Stars aligned for that little meet-cute you told everybody about on TikTok, and you can trust the universe to provide ample relaxation when you plop Zodica Perfumery’s Moon Bath Bomb in the tub – there’s a specific formulation for every sign – which promises vibe-setting aromatherapy, activated charcoal for deep cleansing, and skin-soothing olive oil for the self-love glow-up you’ve been waiting for. $18, ZodicaPerfumery.com
Nexgrill Ora Pizza Oven
Heart-shaped candy clichés are much more palatable when the contents within are made in Paris instead of Hershey, Penn., and your intended will be sufciently satisfied with La Maison du Chocolat’s selection of premium confections – including melt-in-your-mouth ganaches, pralinés and bouchées, oh my –available in festive and indulgent 14- and 44-piece boxes. $60-$140, LaMaisonDuChocolat.com
SproutWorld’s set-of-eight Love Edition pencils set themselves up for seedspreading jokes given Cupid’s context, but the real sentiment is sweeter: Plant the lead-free, graphite writing utensils (engraved with romantic quotes on certified wood) in potted soil and enjoy striking flowers and fragrant herbs in one to four weeks. $15, Amazon.com
Not a fan of fancy dining out? Slip into those grey sweats he won’t let you wear in public, top of the Veuve, and fire up Nexgrill’s Ora 12 portable propane pizza oven wherein a to-temp cordierite baking stone will cook your personalized pies to perfection at up to 900 degrees. That’s burnin’ love, baby. $299, HomeDepot.com
February
Contact Julie Ebe to get your event on the
Outord Happy Hour @Badlands
Faces - PLASMA Meet & Greet- (RuPauls Drag Race)
Rainbow Chamber Networking Mixer @ Mansion Apartments
River City Brewing Co. Dinner with Prime Timers @5:30
Lunch with Prime Timers at Buckhorn Grill (howe) 11 am
Mystic Pizza @ Harris Center
SIX the Musical - Broadway Sacramento
Mama’s Makin’ Bacon
Drag Bingo @ Mango’s
Outord Happy Hour @Badlands
Preservation Hall Jazz Band @ Harris Center
Rainbow Chamber Networking Mixer
Rainbow Chamber’s Business and Community Excelence Awards & Expo
L’AMOUR SHOPPE 2531 Broadway, 916-736-3467l
ELK GROVE ACURA
ElkGroveAcura.com
866-345-7984
ELK GROVE AUDI
AudiElkGrove.com
866-345-7984
ELK GROVE DODGE, CHRYSLER, JEEP 877-399-4262
ElkGroveDodge.com
ELK GROVE SUBARU
877-360-0259
ElkGroveSubaru.com
ELK GROVE VOLKSWAGON
ElkGroveVW.com 888-427-5431
BADLANDS 2003 K St., 916-441-6823 SacBadlands.com
FACES 2000 K St., Sac, Faces.net
THE BOLT
2560 Boxwood St., Sac., 916 649-8420 • SacBolt.com
THE DEPOT 2001 K St., Sac, 916-441-6823 TheDepot.net
HEALING TOUCH CHIROPRACTIC
Dr. Darrick Lawson, 1919 21st St, Ste. 101, 916-447-3344 www.FixMyBack.com
WEAVE
916-920-2952 (24/7) www.weaveinc.org
TRI COUNTIES BANK www.tricountiesbank.com
WELLS FARGO www.wellsfargo.com
ERIC GROVE, DDS
KENDALL HOMER, DMD 9216 Kiefer Blvd., STE 5 916-363-9171 • grovehomerdentists.com
LA COSECHA
916-970-5354 LaCosechaSacramento.com
ROSCOE’S BAR & BURGERS
916-898-3631 Roscoes916.com
SCOTT’S SEAFOOD - ON THE RIVER 916-379-5959 ScottsSeafoodontheRiver.com
MIDTOWN FINANCIAL Al Roche, 1750 Creekside Dr. Suite 215, 916-447-9220 MidtownFinancial.net
STEELE FINANCIAL PARTNERS
Judy Steele, Financial Advisor 916-846-7733 www.steelefp.com
PERFECTION HOME SYSTEMS
916-481-0658 www.HotCold.com
ATTICMAN HEATING / AC / INSULATION 916-545-1025 www.AtticeManHVAC.com
CAPITAL CITY AIDS FUND 1912 F Street, 916-448-1110 PlayButPlaySafe.org
ONE COMMUNITY HEALTH 1500 21st St., 916-443-3299 onecommunityhealth.com
RIVER BEND MEDICAL ASSOC. www.rbmafamilydocs.com
HARD ROCK HOTEL AND CASINO HardRockHotelSacramento.com
FRIENDS OF THE SAC. PUBLIC LIBRARY
8250 Belvedere, Ste. E, 916-731-8493
CROCKER ART MUSEUM 916-808-7000 CrockerArt.org
CAMERON YEE, O.D. 6407 Riverside Blvd., 916-395-0673 DrCameronYee@aol.com
BROADWAY SACRAMENTO
Safe Credit Union Performing Arts Center 916-557-1999 BroadwaySacramento.com
CREST SACRAMENTO 1013 K Street crestsacramento.com
HARRIS CENTER 10 College Parkway, Folsom, CA 95630 916-608-6888
HarrisCenter.net
MONDAVI CENTER UC Davis mondaviarts.org
EARTH GUARD PEST SERVICES 916-457-7605 contact@earthguardpest.com
PUCCI’S PHARMACY
3257 Folsom Blvd., 916-442-5891 www.puccirx.com
COLDWELL BANKER
Mark T. Peters, 916-341-7794 www.MarkPeters.biz
LYON REAL ESTATE
Tanya Curry, 916-698-9970
TCurry.GoLyon.com
MCMARTIN REALTY
Brian McMartin, 916-402-4160 brian@brianmcmartin.com McMartinRealty.com
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If we can remove tumors, let’s remove hunger. If we can rebuild bodies, let’s rebuild communities. If we can give second chances at life, let’s give first chances at opportunity.
Now is the time for better. Building a better future where we all come together for a common goal — to transform lives.
Because we believe every person deserves access to health care and to be well.
We believe in pushing forward — to find the next cure, to solve the next problem.
For our patients. For our employees. For us all.