the pride
02.21.2020 – 03.06.2020 ISSUE NUMBER 32, VOLUME 4 | FEB. 21 – MAR. 6, 2020
WWW.THEPRIDELA.COM
LOS ANGELES
⚫ 1
THE LOS ANGELES LGBT NEWSPAPER
More Money for LA Pride
City of WeHo commits more funds for LA Pride SEE MORE, PAGE 4
LA Pride in 2019
YOUR AD HERE!
Contact Judy Swartz judy@smmirror.com 310.204.4255
TAX
Photo: Morgan Genser
Samuel Moses, CPA 100 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica
310.395.9922
⚫
02.21.2020 – 03.06.2020
LOS ANGELES
2
Texas Files Suit Against California’s Travel Ban to State Texas asks U.S. Supreme Court to overturn California’s travel ban to Texas BY SAM CATANZARO Texas is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down California’s government travel ban to the state that centers around a Texas
law that allows foster care agencies to decline placements based on factors including parents’ sexual orientation and gender identity. On February 10 Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed an original action against the State of California in the United States Supreme Court, seeking to strike down California’s travel ban to states with laws that authorize or require discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression or against same-sex couples or their families. The California legislation went into effect on January 1, 2017. This restriction applies
Non-medical residential care, for persons 60 & older unable to live alone. • 24 Hour Monitoring & Supervision • Medication Assistance • Bedridden & Hospice Services • Neurocognitive Impairment Care • Assistance with Personal Care • Transportation Assistance • Companionship & Engaging Activities • Housekeeping Services • And Much More...
CONTACT TODAY (951) 807-3304 AvenidaCareVilla.com Info@AvenidaCareVilla.com
20332 Avenida Hacienda Riverside, CA 92508
Photo: Courtesy
to state agencies, departments, boards, authorities, and commissions, including an agency, department, board, authority, or commission of the University of California, the Board of Regents of the University of California and the California State University. Under California law, state-funded and statesponsored travel is prohibited to Alabama, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee and Texas. California added Texas to the ban in 2017 after Texas lawmakers passed HB 3859, which allows foster care agencies to discriminate against children in foster care and potentially disqualify LGBT families from the state’s foster and adoption system. “Our country has made great strides in dismantling prejudicial laws that have deprived too many of our fellow Americans of their precious rights. Sadly, that is not the case in all parts of our nation, even in the 21st century. I am announcing today that I am adding four states to the list of states where California-funded or sponsored travel will be restricted on account of the discriminatory nature of laws enacted by those states,” said California Attorney General Becerra. “While the California DOJ works to protect the rights of all our people, discriminatory laws in any part of our country send all of us several steps back. That’s why when California said we would not tolerate discrimination against LGBTQ members of our community, we meant it.” According to Texas Attorney General Paxton California’s travel ban violates the Constitution’s Privileges and Immunities Clause, Interstate Commerce Clause and guarantee of Equal Protection. “The law California opposes does not prevent anyone from contributing to childwelfare; in fact, it allows our state to partner with as many different agencies as possible to expand the number of safe and loving homes available to foster children. Boycotting states based on nothing more than political disagreement breaks down the ability of states to serve as laboratories of democracy while still working together as one nation—the very thing our Constitution intended to prevent,” Paxon said. Supporters argue, however, that these states’ laws are out of line with what makes California an economic powerhouse.
“These discriminatory laws in Texas, North Carolina, South Dakota, and other states are completely out of step with the values that make California the vibrant economic powerhouse that it is,” said Rick Zbur, Executive Director of Equality California. “As some state legislatures around the country choose to target and harm LGBTQ people and their families, it is imperative that California continue to denounce those actions publicly and financially. We applaud Attorney General Becerra for taking action to ensure that California is supporting the LGBTQ community and opposing discrimination both inside and beyond our borders.” “Today, the ACLU is proud to stand with our partners and Attorney General Becerra, and do our part to make freedom and justice a reality for every American – regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression,” added Ashley Morris, Organizing Director, ACLU of Northern California. The Legislature created exceptions in AB 1887 that allow travel to banned states in certain circumstances. These exceptions only apply if travel to a subject state is “required.” (Ibid.) Specifically, AB 1887 does not apply to state travel that is required for any of the following purposes: Enforcement of California law, including auditing and revenue collection. Litigation. • To meet contractual obligations incurred before January 1, 2017. • To comply with requests by the federal government to appear before committees. • To participate in meetings or training required by a grant or required to maintain grant funding. • To complete job-required training necessary to maintain licensure or similar standards required for holding a position, in the event that comparable training cannot be obtained in California or a different state not subject to the travel prohibition. • For the protection of public health, welfare, or safety, as determined by the affected agency, department, board, authority, or commission, or by the affected legislative office. • (Gov. Code, § 11139.8, subd. (c).)
02.21.2020 – 03.06.2020
LOS ANGELES
⚫ 3
NO JOB TOO BIG NO JOB TOO SMALL
• Family Owned and Operated • Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed • Leading Installer • Energy Efficient
800.820.2919 ALLSTATECONS.COM
⚫ 4
02.21.2020 – 03.06.2020
LOS ANGELES
WeHo Opens Nominations For 2020 Rainbow Key Awards Nominations will be Accepted Until Thursday, February 27 BY STAFF WRITER The City of West Hollywood is gathering nominations for its 2020 Rainbow Key Awards. The City’s Rainbow Key Awards recognize people who have made outstanding contributions to the lesbian and gay community. “Since 1993, the City of West Hollywood has presented Rainbow Key Awards to individuals and groups that have gone above and beyond in their service to the LGBT community. Contributions have come in many forms, including the arts, community service, humanitarian action, sports, medicine, armed services, leadership potential, benefit to the global gay and lesbian community, and more,” said the City of West Hollywood in a media release. Past honorees have included activists, artists, civic leaders, educators, community organizations, among many others.
Photo: Courtesy
Nominations will be reviewed by the City of West Hollywood’s Lesbian and Gay Advisory Board and recommendations for honorees will be referred to the West Hollywood City Council for final approval.
Nominations may be submitted electronically at: www.weho.org/RainbowKey. Nomination forms are due by Thursday, February 27, 2020 at 5 p.m. The awards presentations are scheduled to take place in May 2020.
For more information and for those who prefer a hard copy of the form please contact Jeff Book, Staff Liaison to the City’s Lesbian and Gay Advisory Board, at (323) 848-6471 ad or at www.weho.org/RainbowKey.
City of WeHo Commits More Funds Toward LA Pride on June 12 – 14, 2020. The council had many requests to consider including practical considerations like modifying the parade route to include La Peer Dr. and changes to parking along Santa Monica Blvd. Specific financial requests include adding financial support for public safety costs in an amount of approximately $2.4 million dollars.
Public safety, traffic control, Pride on Blvd. Production, Pacific Design Center, a city wide community mailer and parking enforcement services were approved. Requests for new or additional expenditures for Metro parking employee relocation, basketball courts and a transgendered brunch for the community were not approved.
50BRAZILIAN sqft 50 SQFT GRANITE SLABS GRANITE SLABS FROM $300/SLAB $200/SLAB 50 SQFT ITALIAN 50 sqft MARBLE WHITE CARRARA WHITE CARRARA SLABS MARBLE SLAB $999/SLAB FROM $700/SLAB West Hollywood City Council at 2019 LA Pride.
BY CHOLE RIVERA The 50th Annual L.A. Pride is on the horizon and the City of West Hollywood recently took action to put forward more money towards this event. On February 3, 2020 West Hollywood City Council approved a recommendation to increase financial support the 50th annual L.A. Pride in West Hollywood. The council approved recommendations for about $1.3 million in increases to fund public safety, traffic control, Pride on Blvd. Production, use of the facility of Pacific Design Center, a city wide
Photo: Morgan Genser
community mailer and parking enforcement services. The total for co-sponsorship funding from West Hollywood now totals about $4.4 million. LA Pride is an annual weekend event hosted in West Hollywood to celebrate the LGBTQ community and includes a parade, entertainment and vendors. The event, which began with the first permitted parade advocating for gay rights in 1970, is cosponsored by the Christopher Street West (CSW). The city council received financial analysis from previous years as well as recommendations for the upcoming event
While supplies last
UNIVERSAL TILE & MARBLE, INC. Tel 310-451-1900/ Fax: 310-394-1800 www.utminc.us
YOUR NO 1 SOURCE FOR NATURAL AND ENGINEERED STONES
1431 Colorado Avenue (corner 15th Street) Santa Monica, CA 90404 Stocking Distributor for Silestone and Dekton
of
a
C).
ic a
s
f
t,
No-Obligation 45-Day Trial3 02.21.2020 – 03.06.2020 Complimentary Lyric Consultation Invisible Hearing Device
Spaces are limited. Reservations are required. Invisible Hearing Device
Dr. Melissa Alexander, Au.D. CCC-A
⚫
Dr. Alexander has served Southern California 5 LOS ANGELES impaired since 2010. She holds a doctorate f Medical Center in Chicago, IL, and completed doctoral residency at West Coast Hearing an Our Audiologist inMeet Thousand Oaks. Prior to her doctoral studi Alexander earned a Bachelor of Arts degree f California State University Northridge, and a Arts from the University of California Santa B
We are proud to be one of the few select Invisible Hearing Device practices nationwide to earn certification as SPECIAL LYRIC EVENT Dr. Alexander is licensed by the State of Cali Month of November a Lyric Provider. During this special event, a holds her Certificate in Clinical Competency 805-284-0899 Lyric-trained hearing CALL professional will work The contact lens for your ear.™ American Academy of Audiology (CCC-A), all Dr. Melissa Alexander, Au.D. CCC-A with you to assess whether Lyric matches to train other doctors to be experts in her fie No-Obligation 45-Day Trial3 Dr. Alexander has served Southern California’s hearing Lyric is the world´s only 100% invisible, member of2010. theSheAmerican Tinnitus Associatio since holds a doctorate from Rush your hearing needs. The IfComplimentary it contact does, youlens could forwalk your ear.™ impaired Lyric Consultation Medical Center in Chicago, IL, and completed Certified Occupational HearingherConservation extended-wear hearing device you can doctoral residency at West Coast Hearing and Balance out wearing Lyric with ais the world´s only 100% invisible, Lyric in Thousand Oaks. Prior to her doctoral studies, Dr. 1 Spaces are limited.24/7 Reservations are required. at a time. wear for months Alexander earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dr. Alexander has served on the Practice Com no-obligation 45-day trial. extended-wear hearing device you can We are proud to be one of the few select wear 24/7 for months at a time.1
practices nationwide to earn certification as a Lyric Provider. During this special event, a Lyric-trained hearing professional will work with you to assess whether Lyric matches your hearing needs. If it does, you could walk out wearing Lyric with a no-obligation 45-day trial.
LYRIC SPECIAL HEARING EVENTEVENT LYRIC SPECIAL HEARING Month of November Month of Month ofNovember February CALL 805-284-0899 CALL 805-284-0899 CALL 424-738-3778
Call 805-284-0899 to Call 805-284-0899 to experience the world’s Complimentary Lyricexperience Consultation the world’s only 100% only invisible, 100% invisible, extended-wear hearing extended-wear hearing device today! device today!
No-Obligation 45-Day Trial Complimentary Lyric Consultation No-Obligation 45-Day Trial3 3
California State University Northridge, and a Bachelor of
Committee of theof California American of Aud Arts from the University SantaAcademy Barbara. and was instrumental in creating guidelines Dr. Alexander is licensed by the State of California. She regulations with compliance for au holds her Certificate in Clinical Competency standards from the American Academy of Audiology (CCC-A), allowing her She was the Doctor of Audiology at the Hou to train other doctors to be experts in her field. She is a of the American Tinnitus Association and isIn a addition inmember Santa Monica for over 5 years. Certified Occupational Hearing Conservationist (CHAOC). frequent lecturer at hospitals and communit Dr. Alexander has served on the Practice Compliance she also volunteers her time fitting Holocaus Committee of the American Academy of Audiology, with hearing aids at noguidelines cost and has a charit and was instrumental in creating for federal regulations with for audiology. program of compliance no/low standards cost aids for those in nee She was the Doctor of Audiology at the House Ear Clinic Alexander awarded a commendation by in Santa Monicawas for over 5 years. In addition to being a frequent Monica lecturer at hospitals andservice communityto centers, Santa for her the hearing she also volunteers her time fitting Holocaust survivors with hearing aids at no cost and has a charitable program of no/low cost aids for those in need. Dr. Alexander was awarded a commendation by the City of Alexander Audiology, in 2017, Santa Monica for her service to established the hearing impaired.
M aim top provider of premium hearing care in LosC Alexander Audiology, established in 2017, aims to be the
We provide concierge audiology services, one top provider of premium hearing care in Los Angeles. N hearing hearing tests, tinnitus m We provide counseling, concierge audiology services, one-on-one hearing counseling, hearing tests,aid tinnitus management, C hearing aids, hearing batteries and hearin hearing aids, hearing aid batteries and hearing aid accessories. accessories.
Learn more at www.phonak-us.com/lyric
1260 15th St., Suite P2 Learn more at www.phonak-us.com/lyric
Santa Monica, CA 90404 www.alexanderaudiology.com
1 Lyric is water resistant, not waterproof, and should not be completely submerged in water. 2 Individual replacement needs may vary. Duration of device battery life varies by patient and is subject to individual ear conditions. 3 Professional fees may apply. Annual subscription begins the first day of the trial. Lyric is not appropriate for all patients. 4 Based on results from two surveys totaling 109 patients who had worn Lyric for at least 30 days. See a Lyric Provider to determine if Lyric is right for you. Lyric, Distributed by Phonak, LLC ©2017. All rights reserved.
MS-052307 937CLNEW4V
L
650 Alamo Pintado Rd., Suite 101 Solvang, CA 93463 www.alexanderaudiology.com
650 Alamo Pintado Rd., Suite 101
LOS ANGELES ⚫ Calls for LGBTQ CA Supreme Court
02.21.2020 – 03.06.2020
6
Sen. Scott Winer and Assemblymember Todd Gloria send letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom BY KERRY SLATER
Two prominent state politicians are urging Gov. Gavin Newsom to nominate an LGTBQ judge to fill a vacancy on the California Supreme Court. Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Assemblymember Todd Gloria (D-San Diego), on behalf of the California Legislative LGBTQ caucus, sent a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom asking him to nominate an LGBTQ judge to the vacancy on the California Supreme Court. With Associate Justice Ming W. Chin retiring, Governor Newsom is able to nominate a new judge to the Supreme Court. The text of the letter follows: Dear Governor Newsom, On behalf of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, we encourage you to seize the historic opportunity presented with the retirement of Associate Justice Ming W. Chin by nominating to the California Supreme Court its first openly LGBTQ-identified justice. California has many highly qualified LGBTQ candidates, including appellate
Photo: Getty Images
Calls for LGBTQ CA Supreme Court Judge
justices, trial judges, legal scholars, and attorneys. Nominating an LGBTQ justice would send a powerful message of California’s leadership and values, and it would highlight the success California has achieved in making the state’s judiciary better reflect its rich diversity. The
time has come for an openly LGBTQ justice to sit on our state’s highest court.” Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), Assemblymember Todd Gloria (D-San Diego) Equality California Executive Director Rick Zbur celebrated the announcement saying: “Throughout his career, Governor Newsom
has elevated LGBTQ+ leaders to ensure our government reflects the diversity of the people it serves. We now have an historic opportunity to put a qualified openly LGBTQ+ justice on California’s highest court and ensure LGBTQ+ people are represented in every level of our justice system.”
Transgender Care Services Coming to Baldwin Park BY STAFF WRITER
SEEKING ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY Westside Law firm specializing in Community Association Law seeks an attorney with 5 -10 years’ experience. We provide a competitive salary and excellent benefits.
Please contact: attyhire@adamsstirling.com
A new Planned Parenthood center opening soon in Baldwin Park will provide transgender care services to a historically underserved community. With days away from its official opening, the Planned Parenthood Baldwin Park Health Care Center has already provided reproductive and sexual health services to more than 100 patients, according to the organization. Planned Parenthood Pasadena & San Gabriel Valley (PPPSGV) say they expect to see 5,000 patients at the Baldwin Park health care center in its first year of operation. Leaders say the Baldwin Park health care center is providing critical, needed services to a historically underserved community in greater Los Angeles region. It’s the community’s first and only abortion provider, as well as the region’s sole provider of transgender care services. “The San Gabriel Valley LGBTQ Center is excited for the Grand Opening of the Baldwin Park PPPSGV Health Center because it will provide LGBTQ culturally competent care, including TransCare and access to PrEP and PEP (meds that can prevent HIV infection) to the Central San Gabriel Valley. The Health Center’s community space would also provide a safe space in a centralized location for our
Photo: Courtesy
Peer Support Groups to meet,” said Aaron Saenz, Board President of the San Gabriel Valley LGBTQ Center. Additional services include the provision of birth control, sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention and treatments, cervical cancer screenings, and PEP/PrEP HIVprevention medications. Appointments can be made online at pppsgv.org or by calling 626.798.7266. “Opening a Planned Parenthood health center in Baldwin Park is a big moment for us because our research showed us that there was a need, and that was proven on the day we opened our doors,” said Sheri Bonner, President & CEO of PPPSGV. “We saw an influx of patients coming into our health center for sexual and reproductive health services. It’s been so rewarding to be able to provide these key health services to the Baldwin Park community and see the positive impact we’ve had and will continue to have.” A community partner soft opening event was held on Jan. 22, the 47th anniversary of Roe v. Wade – the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling declaring access to abortion a constitutional right.
02.21.2020 – 03.06.2020
LOS ANGELES
⚫ 7
LGBTQ+ Representation in the Entertainment Industry
Continuing its commitment to lead the push for diversity, equality and inclusion of quality LGBTQ+ content in entertainment, ClexaCon is returning to Las Vegas for its fourth consecutive year. Taking place April 16-19 at The Tropicana Hotel, ClexaCon – the largest multifandom event for LGBTQ+ women, gender nonconforming individuals & allies – will celebrate the illustrious individuals who make the entertainment industry’s progressive and prolific LGBTQ+ community so powerful and diverse with a packed program of panels, meet and greets, celebrity autographs and photographs, and workshops from an elite community of LGBTQ+ gamechangers, industry tastemakers, media influencers and actors. “LGBTQ+ representation continues to matter and more so now than ever before. This is why the Con continues to provide educational resources for the community to aid in the push for better and equal representation. Its goal is to teach and motivate more LGBTQ+ individuals to participate in creating the stories that actually reflect America’s evolving cultural landscape,” ClexaCon said in a media release. According to GLAAD 2019 report LGBTQ representation in films is up, but less diverse. ClexaCon is hoping to actively be a pioneer in the movement to challenge the tropes and champion lesbian, bisexual and queer women and gender nonconforming individuals behind and in front of the camera. The con hopes to
drive the conversation on how to move into and adapt to a more inclusive entertainment future. “We believe that it is vital to support and nurture LGBTQ+ women and non-binary creators so that they are able to write authentic stories and push for better representation in all aspects of the entertainment industry moving forward,” said Danielle Jablonski, one of ClexaCon’s co-directors and producers. Leading by example, ClexaCon’s core team is made up of a diverse group of LGBTQ+ people including queer, lesbian, bisexual, trans and non-binary team members. More than 50% of the featured guests and the vast majority of speakers at the convention identify as LGBTQ+. Some of the key panels are zooming in on topics such as: • LGBTQ+ actors playing LGBTQ+ roles • Transgender representation • Bisexual representation • Queer people of color representation • Improving representation in front of and behind the camera • Supporting LGBTQ+ content creators to tell our stories ClexaCon 2020 has assembled one of its most eclectic, stellar and diverse roster including L Word icons from the original series and from The L Word: Generation Q, with a reunion of original cast members Kate Moennig (The L Word, Ray Donavon), Leisha Hailey (The L Word) and Sarah Shahi (The L Word, Person of Interest) for the first time at a U.S. convention.
Photo: Courtesy
Other guests include Amy Acker (The Gifted, Person of Interest), Amber Benson (Buffy The Vampire Slayer), Felicia Day (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Supernatural, The Guild), Jaime Murray (Warehouse 13, Spartacus), Jes Macallan (Legends of Tomorrow), Maisie Richardson-Sellers (Legends of Tomorrow), Janet Varney (Legend of Korra), Lyrika Ocano (Marvel’s Runaways), among many others. About half of these featured guests this year are attending ClexaCon for the first time, bringing fresh perspectives and experiences to the conversation about LGBTQ+ representation.
Also new this year is the addition of a music showcase with several featured LGBTQ+ musicians, a cabaret event featuring LGBTQ+ performers and Karaoke. These events join an already stacked schedule that includes a full film festival, a burlesque show, a pool party and late-night parties. ClexaCon will also be donating a portion of the proceeds from the annual event, Cocktails for a Change, to LGBTQ non-profits The Victory Fund Alliance and Project Q, as well as WIRES Australia. For more information go to: ww.ClexaCon.com
⚫ 8
02.21.2020 – 03.06.2020
LOS ANGELES
Cirque Du Soleil’s Equality Night at Dodger Stadium Camp, Chaunte Wayans, Jacob Tobia, Jaicy Elliott, VINCINT, Betty Who, Nik Dodani, Ethan Hethcote, Garrett Clayton, Isis King, John Halbach, Laith Ashley, MacDoesIt, Madam Muse, Ethan Hethcote, Mark Miller, Mollee Gray, Stephanie Rice,Tré Melvin and Willam Belli. VOLTA is organizing Equality Nights to benefit local LGBT community charities in the cities where the show tours. The Los Angeles LGBT center provides free or lowcost services across the LGBT community in health, social services and housing, culture and education, leadership and advocacy.
Scenes from Cirque Du Soleil’s Equality Night at Dodger Stadium
Proceeds benefiting Los Angeles LGBT Center BY CHOLE MARIE RIVERA On Thursday, February 13 Cirque Du Soleil
Photos: Photography by Lorenzo
hosted Equality Night, with a portion of their proceeds benefiting the Los Angeles LGBT Center. The message of Cirque Du Soleil’s new show VOLTA is to “celebrate diversity and to embrace everyone’s uniqueness” according to a press release. Stars who walked the rainbow carpet included luminaries such as Bobby Berk, Kyle Krieger, Max Emerson, Carter The Body, Alexandra Grey, AmbersCloset, Anna
02.21.2020 – 03.06.2020
LOS ANGELES
⚫ 9
Man Charged for Series of LGTBQ Attacks in Culver City Joshua Immanuel Ebow charged for Culver City and West Los Angeles attacks BY SAM CATANZARO A former delivery driver has been charged with a series of alleged attacks on members of the LGBTQ community in Culver City in West Los Angeles over a one-week period during the holiday season. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced Thursday that an amended
complaint was filed against Joshua Immanuel Ebow (dob 5/11/89), charging him with two felony counts each of assault with a deadly Photo: CCPD w e a p o n Joshua Immanuel Ebow and battery, and one felony count of exhibiting a deadly weapon. Additionally, the complaint includes one misdemeanor count of exhibiting a deadly weapon. In addition, the claim also alleges the defendant committed a hate crime.
On Dec. 25, 2019, Ebow is accused of attacking a man and brandishing a knife at a pizza restaurant in Inglewood. Several days later, Ebow allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed a man at a fast-food restaurant in Culver City. On Jan. 1, he allegedly assaulted a man in West Los Angeles with a knife. A day later, the defendant is accused of stabbing another victim at a store in Culver City. Ebow was later found and arrested on January 3. The crimes were allegedly committed by the defendant because he perceived the victims to be gay or members of the LGBTQ community.
Prosecutors are recommending bail be set at $250,000. If convicted as charged, Ebow faces a possible maximum sentence of 14 years in state prison. Ebow was arraigned Thursday in Department W31 of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Airport Branch. Deputy District Attorney Richard Ceballos of the Organized Crime Division is prosecuting the case. Anyone who believes they may have been a victim can call the Los Angeles Police Department at (310) 444-1529 or the Culver City Police Department at (310) 253-6311.
LIVE MAINE
Lobster
Addressing LA’s Increase in Syphilis
Special
42
$
95
*2 LB. STEAMED MAINE LOBSTER CHOICE OF 2 SIDES SERVED WITH HOT DRAWN BUTTER
Legislation introduced to allow expanded rapid testing BY CHOLE MARIE RIVERA February 4, Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) introduced legislation to address the increase in syphilis infections across the state. SB 932 will authorize HIV counselors to perform rapid syphilis tests (RST). The inexpensive test is simple to administer and produces results in about 10 minutes. Los Angeles has the highest incidence of syphilis in the nation in 2017 and continues to rise, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Syphilis may be transmitted through sexual contact or from mother to child. Syphilis is divided into four stages, with different symptoms associated with each stage, according to the CDC. A person with primary syphilis generally has at least one sore at the original site of infection. Syphilis is treated with antibiotics. According to the CDC, new STI infections are increasing in all parts of California, and with the highest rates occurring among young people ages 15-24, people of color, and gay and bisexual men, and other men who have sex with men. Previously, HIV counselors were authorized
Photo: AIDS Healthcare Foundation.
to perform rapid HIV tests, but not rapid syphilis tests. In addition, SB 932 will require HIV counselors to undergo an HIV counseling training course that has been certified by the Office of AIDS. In a study published in the Journal of Sexually Transmitted Diseases in 2019, researchers found that RSTs identified all early cases of syphilis. The CDC recommends you get tested regularly if you have a partner with syphilis, are a man who has sex with men or a pregnant. “This legislation will help California address its STI epidemic by ensuring that people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, youth, women, and other communities experiencing high rates of infections can access HIV, HCV, and STI testing from a singular, properly-trained test counselor in a safe and trusted setting,” said Joe Hollendoner, CEO of San Francisco AIDS Foundation. If you would like to be tested, here are some clinics offering testing at multiple locations: • AIDS Healthcare Foundation www.aidshealth.org • The Los Angeles LGBT Center https://lalgbtcenter.org/health-services/ hiv-related-services/hiv-std-testing • Planned Parenthood www.plannedparenthood.org/ planned-parenthood-los-angeles • The Los Angeles County STD hotline (800) 758-0880 provides information on free testing Sam Catanzaro contributed to this report.
MONDAY & TUESDAY *APPROXIMATE WEIGHT
1
$ 00
OYSTERS SELECT OYSTERS ON THE HALF SHELL
ALL DAY WEDNESDAYS Since 1977
ENTERPRISE FISH CO.
174 Kinney St., Santa Monica • 310-392-8366 225 State St., Santa Barbara • 805-962-3313 Pricing For Santa Monica Location Only www.enterprisefishco.com
LOS ANGELES ⚫ “And Then We Danced” Sweden’s Entry for Best International Film
02.21.2020 – 03.06.2020
10
Under the deft, delicate hand of Swedish
director Levan Akin, who is of Georgian descent And Then We Danced is a tender love
story that combines the long-standing tradition
Photo: Lisabi Fridell, Courtesy of Music Box Films. L-R: Ana Makharadze (Sopo) and Ana Javakishvili (Mary) in And Then We Danced.
Ana Javakishvili as Mary and Ana Makharadze as Sopo in “And Then We Danced.”
Photo: Lisabi Fridell, Courtesy of Music Box Films.
WEST HOLLYWOOD VICINITY
7719 Lexington Ave.
$950,000
819 N Detroit St.
$1,425,000
732 N Vista St.
$1,641,000
8718 Rosewood Ave. $1,960,000 9031 Elevado St.
$2,000,000
7728 Hampton Ave.
$2,100,000
745 N Laurel Ave.
$2,220,000
465 Westmount Dr.
$2,260,000
528 Norwich Dr.
$3,250,000
2019 vs. 2018
of exciting Georgian folk dancing, which just about every child learns growing up, with the awakening of forbidden feelings that could result in violence and ostracization from one’s peer group. Young Merab, exquisitely acted and danced by Levan Gelbakhiani, grew up in a family of dancers, beginning with his grandfather and grandmother, who danced at La Scala, and later passed down the tradition to his now divorced mother and father. Dancing since he started walking, this gifted dancer is enrolled in a dance class in Tbilisi, under the strict, almost cruel direction of Aliko, wonderfully played by Kakha Gogidze who has no tolerance for anything but sheer perfection. Merab trains vigorously in the hopes of some day being accepted into the most prestigious dance company in Georgia – the National Georgian Ballet. His dance partner
in the extremely complex, heart-thumping routines is Mary, another wonderfully skilled dancer played by Ana Javakishvili. Both on the dance floor and socially, they are the best of friends and although Mary would like to take their relationship to the next level, something holds Merab back from such a commitment. Unfortunately, every family has one problem child and his older brother David, well played by Giorgi Tsereteli, fits the bill as the son who drinks and gambles and fails to show up to dance class consistently and eventually is thrown out of the rehearsals. One day, a new dancer named Irakli, sensually played and danced by Bachi Valishvili, joins the ensemble. Merab is mesmerized by his dancing and new feelings arise inside of him, which he doesn’t know how to process. With his family finances in short supply,
NUMBER SOLD: 9 DOWN 25%
MEDIAN PRICE: $2,000,000 UP 12.68%
AVERAGE PRICE: $1,978,444 DOWN 12.47%
SPECIALIZING IN WESTSIDE REAL ESTATE & COMPLETE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
MURRAY A. WEISBERG
A S S O C I AT E M A N A G E R | 2005 P R E S I D E N T B H / G L A A R DRE#00916751
310.729.6156
mw729@aol.com w w w.rodeore.com
Rodeo Realty
LOCAL EXPERTISE, GLOBAL
Photo: Lisabi Fridell, Courtesy of Music Box Films. Giorgi Tsereteli as David and Ana Makharadze as Sopo in a somber wedding scene from And Then We Danced.
02.21.2020 – 03.06.2020
LOS ANGELES
L-R: Bachi Valishvili as Irakli and Levan Gelbakhiani as Merab in And Then We Danced.
Photo: Lisabi Fridell, Courtesy of Music Box Films.
Illuminating the fun, carefree spirit of these young dancers, some of them are invited to spend a weekend at Mary’s lovely home in the country. Swedish cinematographer Lisabi Fridell beautifully captures the fun scenes of free form dancing, lots of smoking, and a wonderful outdoor picnic where the dancers are seated at a long table ladened with fabulous ethnic food, which by the way, we see throughout the film. Mary always offers her cigarettes, which she says are from London because “The Georgian cigarettes are cigarettes the Europeans won’t smoke.” It is during this fun-filled weekend that Merab and Irakli connect in a most tender physical resolution and Merab is free at last
⚫ 11
to admit to himself the truth of his sexuality. But when Irakli strangely disappears, Merab’s dancing is severely impacted and some of the other dancers now refer to him as a “homo.” When Irakli finally resurfaces, his truth is not something this young dancer was expecting. In one of the most dramatic scenes in the film, Merab auditions for the slot, and his pulsating, heartbreaking dancing will leave you breathless. Director Akin has directed this film with deep attention to the life and times of these teenagers capturing the hearts and souls of this highly gifted group of dancers who are also outstanding actors – sometimes a difficult combination to achieve. He shot the love scenes between Merab and Irakli in the most exquisite, highly artistic manner leaving to one’s imagination exactly what was transpiring. For the tender Merab, this is his first homosexual experience, forbidden in an ultraconservative country, and we see the angst of a first love and the innocence, excitement, and ultimate disappointment from that ever so brief encounter.
Photo: Lisabi Fridell, Courtesy of Music Box Films. Director Levan Akin shoots a scene with Merab played by Levan Gelbakhiani.
@ROMANCEATTACKRH
OPEN 24 HOURS 19266 E Walnut Dr N Rowland Heights, CA 91748 626.854.3575 Photo: Lisabi Fridell, Courtesy of Music Box Films. L-R: Bachi Valishvili as Irakli, Levan Gelbakhiani as Merab and an unidentified dancer in And Then We Danced
Merab contributes to the upkeep of their extremely modest home by turning over his meager salary and occasional tips earned working at a local restaurant where he packs up leftovers and brings them home for dinner. His grandmother basically runs the household as his mother sleeps away most of the day. Although there is almost abject poverty, the family dynamic is warm, affectionate, and supportive. With their electricity turned off because of lack of payment, in what David considers a grand gesture, he arrives home with enough cash to turn the lights back on, but the source of this income is dubious. Back at the studio, feeling both threatened and attracted to the new, sexy dancer, Merab shows up early every day to practice the very complex, physically demanding routines. Not only is he fascinated by this Adonis of a man with a “bad boy” air about him, he is also in competition with him for that coveted spot with the National Georgian Ballet. Bypassing Mary, the dance master teams the two of them up where they dance a routine fraught with sexuality at the end of which he warns, “There is no sexuality in Georgian dance.” Eventually the two of them make the cut and will audition for that prized spot.
Presented by: Music Box Films Distribution: Music Box Films & Totem Films Production Companies: French Quarter Film, Takes Film, RMV Film, Inland Film, Ama Productions, SVT Written & Directed by: Levan Akin Produced by: Mathilde Dedye, Ketie Danelia Cinematography: Lisabi Fridell Editor: Levan Akin, Simon Carlgren Music: Zviad Mgebry & Ben Wheeler Set Designer: Teo Baramidze Sound Editing: Beso Kacharava Costume Designer: Nini Jincharadze Running Time: 113 Minutes Principal Cast List: Levan Gelbakhiani (Merab,) Bachi Valishvili (Irakli,) Ana Javakishvili (Mary), Giorgi Tsereteli (David,) Kakha Gogidze (Aliko,) Ana Makharadze (Sopo) Genre: Feature Film Language: Georgian (English Sub-Titles) Rating: Unrated
40% Off Anal Douches! xXx Arcade has 100+ HQ Channels Massive Clearance on Lingerie! Wide Selection of Adult Toys + Vibrators Andrew Christian Clearance! Adult Arcade + Group Viewing Straight Size + Plus Size Lingerie + Shoes + Wigs
⚫
02.21.2020 – 03.06.2020
LOS ANGELES
12
Get Your Project Started Today: 818.381.5199
PLANT NOW! SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’s PREMIUM NURSERIES!
FREE PLANTING On All Specimen Size Trees!
HOLLYWOOD Style HEDGES
TRUCKLOADS ARRIVING DAILY!
TOTAL INSTANT PRIVACY • BLOCK UNWANTED VIEWS • REDUCE WIND & NOISE
• PODOCARPUS • CAROLINA CHERRY • JAPANESE BLUEBERRY • WAX LEAF PRIVET • BAY LAUREL • JAPANESE PRIVET • EUGENIA • & MANY MORE!
BIGGEST IN CALIFORNIA
MTRAEESS&SPAILVMSE!
PIRU QUEEN PALMS INDIAN LAUREL COLUMNS
$ HUGE INSTANT TREES NOW FROM JUST 699EA
PROFESSIONALLY PLANTED & GUAR
ANTEED
AVOCADO, CITRUS, FRUIT & MORE!
3 super Trees or Palms
3-5 yr old trees
599 $799 $899
$
YELLOW SELECT
RED SELECT
PURPLE SELECT
Professionally Planted & Guaranteed
3 Huge Trees or Palms
6-8 yr old trees
FICUS NITIDA
1,699 $1,999 $2,299
$
YELLOW SELECT
RED SELECT
PURPLE SELECT
NOW 12 SoCal
LOCATIONS MON-SAT 7:30-5:30 SUNDAY 9-5
MOONVALLEYNURSERIES.COM 199.99 trip charge delivers any order within 20 mile radius of nursery. Other areas higher. Free planting offer valid for specimen trees and larger. Crane and equipment included up to 60’. Not valid with any other offers. Some restrictions apply. Excludes packages and wholesale prices. 50% off discount is from original box price. Unless noted, ad is valid 10 days from issue date and all offers are for in stock items. Pricing applies to the locations listed. Other areas may vary. $
Amazing Specimen & Near mature trees, Palms & More! KING PALMS
RESORT STYLE DATE PALMS
Greater Los Angeles Locations 1 N. HOLLYWOOD - 11745 Sherman Way, N. Hollywood, CA 91605
818.738.7773
2 IRVINE - 6500 Alton Pkwy., Irvine, CA 92618
949.777.6560
3 HUNTINGTON BEACH - 21251 Bushard St., HB, CA 92646
714.907.4106
4 Malibu - 29081 W. Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, CA 90265
424.383.6965
5 Redondo - 17715 Amie Ave., Torrance, CA 90504
310.997.4495
6 FILLMORE - 3906 E. Telegraph Rd., Fillmore, CA 93015
805.556.4462
7 LA VERNE - 3000 B St., La Verne, CA 91750
909.280.0855
8 MURRIETA - 36705 Briggs Rd., Murrieta, CA 92563
951.387.3066
9 Chino - 5211 Edison Ave, Chino, CA 91710
909.342.6449
$ 3,999EA NOW ONLY JUST 1,999EA
$
FROM
26 94
Wholesale Open to Public
31 85
CSLB 941369 C-27
67 43 52
9 78