San Francisco Bay Times - November 4, 2021

November 4–17, 2021 http://sfbaytimes.com

Supervisor Mandelman’s Goals for Second Term

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAMPAIGN TO REELECT SUPERVISOR RAFAEL MANDELMAN

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Supervisor Mandelman Shares Goals for Desired Second Term While Looking Back on the Last Three Years

As a disclaimer, our own team here at the San Francisco Bay Times has long known and admired Supervisor Mandelman, who is a former columnist for the paper. With us he was both professional and genuinely considerate. His leadership skills were evident, yet he never demeaned or diminished the talents of others. In that regard and more, he is in our view one of the best, caring team players we have ever seen hold office in San Francisco. He also remains the city’s only openly LGBTQ supervisor.

Shortly after the campaign kick-off event, he generously took time for an interview.

San Francisco Bay Times: Did you always desire a career in politics, and specifically politics here in San Francisco? If not, what led to that decision?

Supervisor Rafael Mandelman: For as long as I can remember, I have always been fascinated by politics and government. When other boys in my elementary and middle schools were obsessing about sports, I was avidly following elections, picking favorite Congresspeople, arguing with adults about various political issues. Following my freshman year of high school, I applied to intern in various local governmental offices and ended up spending the summer working for Doris Ward, who would become the first African American woman president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

So, it’s maybe not entirely surprising that as an adult I sought out opportunities to engage in local politics, volunteering on campaigns, serving on the boards of various community organizations and local Democratic Clubs and on City commissions, and ultimately running for and winning election to the City College Board of Trustees and now the Board of Supervisors.

San Francisco Bay Times: Instead of running for the State Assembly or perhaps another open seat this time around, you chose to run for reelection to the Board of Supervisors. What led to that decision?

Supervisor Rafael Mandelman: Being District 8 Supervisor is the best job I’ve ever had. I have the opportunity to work on solutions to our City’s biggest challenges like homelessness, public safety, and climate change. But I also get to help my constituents with their day-today concerns—getting speed bumps installed on a dangerous street or helping an entrepreneur secure permits and open a new neighborhood small business.

A little over three years into my first term, I feel like I am just getting the hang of being a good Supervisor and have a lot that I would still like to accomplish. But San Francisco still has big challenges, and during my second term I hope to use that experience to have a bigger impact on the issues that affect the lives of District 8 residents and all San Franciscans:

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAMPAIGN TO REELECT SUPERVISOR RAFAEL MANDELMAN

District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman on October 25 kicked off his reelection campaign at a birthday event at Poesia in the Castro. (He turned 48 just days beforehand.) Now in year three of his first term, he is busier than ever, with his dedicated, hardworking staff—Legislative Aides Tom Temprano, Jacob Bintliff, George Kolombatovich, and Jackie Thornhill—juggling day-to-day operations with him as he stretches out his already packed personal schedule to include fundraising, media outreach, and other efforts necessary for the reelection campaign.

homelessness and especially unsheltered homelessness, mental illness and addiction, public safety, and public transportation, to name a few.

San Francisco Bay Times: You are perhaps one of the most skilled politicians in the state to bridge the often wide and contentious divide between so-called moderates and progressives. Previously, you were even a President of the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club who also was loyal to the Alice B. Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club and served as President of the Noe Valley Democratic Club and the District 8 Democratic Club. What have you done to cultivate this skill and what would you like to see happen such that Democrats could better come together over shared goals in San Francisco?

Supervisor Rafael Mandelman: Political insiders in San Francisco perseverate on the progressive-moderate divide. In my experience, most people have a mix of views, some more conservative and some more liberal depending on the moment and the particular issue. So, I try to focus less on the labels and more on representing the values of my constituents. I do think of myself as a progressive, but I also strongly believe that the most important task for progressives in local government is not just to stake out the leftwardmost positions, but rather to demonstrate that progressive government can be effective government: that we can show compassion to our unhoused neighbors without giving up the ability to use and be proud of our shared public spaces, that we can reform our criminal justice system and dramatically reduce rates of incarceration and also tackle the outrageous and unacceptable levels of retail theft and other property crime in the City, and that we can protect the character of our neighborhoods while still making spaces for new residents looking for an affordable home.

San Francisco Bay Times: Whom do you admire in politics?

Supervisor Rafael Mandelman: I love Barack Obama, always will.

San Francisco Bay Times: So many of our longtime friends, neighbors, and coworkers have moved out of the Castro in recent years. In July of this year, it was reported that the “San Francisco exodus” is over, but it doesn’t seem like that in the Castro. The loss of such individuals, and particularly LGBTQ community members, is felt by many. What steps are you and others taking to help retain the unique character and history of the ever-evolving Castro, while helping to make it a welcoming place to live for

LGBTQ individuals and others?

Supervisor Rafael Mandelman: The Castro has been recognized worldwide for half a century as a symbol of LGBTQ liberation and an enclave for LGBTQ people like Harvey Milk to find safety, acceptance, and chosen family.

Unfortunately, many of Harvey’s contemporaries—the folks who lived through and helped make the social revolutions of the seventies, eighties, and nineties—have by now been priced out of the Castro or are hanging on by their fingernails to a rentcontrolled unit that is their only tenuous protection from exile from San Francisco in their golden years.

As Supervisor, building and retaining affordable housing for these folks, as well as newcomers to the neighborhood, has been a top priority of mine. I ensured that there was dedicated funding for neighborhoods like the Castro in our 2019 $600 million Affordable Housing Bond, worked with the Mayor to find $12 million to acquire a union hall site at Duboce and Market for a major new affordable development where we will build more than 100 units of LGBTQaffirming senior affordable housing, and set aside funds to conduct an analysis of ways to preserve and build affordable units in the Castro and other District 8 neighborhoods.

In 2019 I authored legislation creating the Castro LGBTQ+ Cultural District to allow the neighborhood to access critical resources to support queer small businesses, nonprofits, cultural institutions, and people who make the neighborhood the heart of our city’s LGBTQ community.

San Francisco Bay Times: How has the focus of your campaign changed since your last one for Supervisor, in terms of the issues that you are highlighting?

Supervisor Rafael Mandelman: We are still grappling with many of the same issues that San Francisco and District 8 faced in 2018. COVID certainly made some of them worse, although the City’s strong response to that health crisis has given me renewed hope that, if we set our minds to it and find common ground on a path forward, we can actually make progress on seemingly intractable issues like homelessness, mental health, and housing affordability that have been among my highest priorities from my first day in office.

Crime and safety are growing concerns in my district and citywide.

Property crimes like burglary, vandalism, and auto thefts skyrocketed during the pandemic and District 8 neighborhoods were among the hardest hit. I’d hear from neighbors who had their garage broken into and bikes stolen four times in a year and small business owners who had their (continued on page 22) S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES

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Another Recall Election and a Special Election in February real concerns of schools remaining closed for nearly a year while the Board dithered on frivolous issues, such as renaming 44 schools, was enough motivation for frustrated parents to organize a recall. After almost a year of baking bread, homeschooling, and having to watch Disney+ instead of more interesting content on other streaming platforms, exasperated parents filed official paperwork on February 19, 2021, to get the recall on the ballot.

Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History Louise “Lou” Fischer On October 18, 2021, San Francisco election officials confirmed that recall supporters collected enough signatures to hold a special election on February 15, 2022, to recall three School Board members: President Gabriela López, Vice President Faauuga Moliga, and Commissioner Alison Collins. The last SF-only recall election was for Mayor Dianne Feinstein in 1983 when the “OK Boomers” were dancing to “Billie Jean” and “Beat It” from Michael Jackson’s Thriller album. A huge majority of voters (80%) decided they liked Mayor Feinstein just fine and voted against the recall.

School Board Recall In a state where eating dinner at a fancy restaurant during a pandemic is enough to recall a governor, the

In order to qualify, supporters had to collect 51,325 signatures (10% of registered voters) by September 7, 2021. Proving the adage coined by author N.K. Jemisin, “There is no greater warrior than a mother protecting her child,” the campaign submitted close to 80,000 signatures. Having personally experienced situations in my work where a complaint from even a single disgruntled person is a big deal, it’s pretty bad if 80,000 people are complaining about you.

There are seven members of the Board, but only three are eligible for recall because the four other board members, elected in November, 2020, had not yet served six months in office. I signed the petition because I thought it was unfair for approximately 57,000 public school students to be stuck at home while 27,0000 students in private schools returned to in-person learning in October of 2020. The competing argument is that it’s not the best use of $8 million dollars (the cost of the special election) and maybe we could

have waited until November 2022, when these three members (elected to the Board in 2018) are up for election anyhow, but what’s done is done and here we are.

Since I wasn’t totally sure on all the issues, I checked in with my good friend and professional journalist, Joel Engardio, who laid out the reasons to vote for the recall much better than I ever could ( https://tinyurl.com/djcxnevb ).

The additional (snarky) commentary (after the bold font) is my own: 1) Board Members put ideology over the needs of students Elected officials put their own ideology over the needs of their constituents on all days of the week that ends with a “Y,” but when your constituents are parents whose children are not able to return to school, you may need to dial down your own ideology.

2) Decrease in academic performance - According to the California Reading Index, the San Francisco Unified School District is ranked 267 out of 287; only 22% of students meet their grade level. Think about that; when I was in school, a 60% on a test was a “D” and anything below was an “F.” What does that make 22%?

3) Renaming schools rather than opening schools - We can file this under “fiddling while Rome burns,” although Nero didn’t actually play fiddle; he was a talented lyre player, but given the state of SF schools, it’s likely that only 22% of all students would know that a lyre

is a small U-shaped stringed instrument or that Emperor Nero Claudius Caesar ruled Ancient Rome for 14 years, from 54 to 68 A.D. 4) Ending merit-based admission to Lowell High School Because diluting the academic rigor at the one public high school in San Francisco that produced three Nobel Prize winners and provides opportunities for some low-income, highperforming students to shine is more important than sustaining academic excellence of these high-achieving students.

5) Incompetent governance that led to financial trouble - Bad policies caused reduced enrollment, and fewer students means less state funding. Financial insolvency means possible state takeover of the public schools. For anyone who has ever attended a Passover Seder, you can start reciting “Chad Gadya” now: “then came the ox and drank the water, that quenched the fire, that burned the stick, that beat the dog, that bit the cat, that ate the goat my father bought for two zuzim.”

Assessor-Recorder Joaquín Torres In January of this year, Mayor London Breed appointed Joaquín Torres, former head of the Office of Economic Workforce and Development, to replace Carmen Chu as AssessorRecorder. Chu replaced outgoing City Administrator Naomi Kelly, whose husband Harlan Kelly was replaced as head of the SF Public

Utilities Commission by City Attorney Dennis Herrera who is being replaced by Assemblyman David Chiu (“Chad Gadya ... Chad Gadya”).

Torres originally had a year and a half to learn two new jobs: running for office and “locating all taxable property in the City, identifying ownership, establishing a taxable value, and applying all legal exemptions.” Per the SF City Charter, appointees are “required to run in the next scheduled election,” which at the time of the appointment was the statewide June 7, 2022, primary, but now is next year’s February 15 election. Joaquín is a good guy; he’s doing a good job so vote for him.

Per Senate Bill 29, San Francisco must send a vote-by-mail ballot to every active registered voter for any election taking place in 2021, so there’s no excuse to sit this one out. Elections have consequences, even small special elections; send in your ballot (or vote in person) on or before February 15, 2021.

Louise (Lou) Fischer is a Former Co-Chair of the Board of Directors of the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club and has served as an appointed and elected Delegate for the State Democratic Party. She is a proud graduate of the Emerge California Women’s Democratic Leadership program, was a San Francisco Commissioner, and has served in leadership positions in multiple nonprofit and communitybased organizations.

Local Socialists Campaign to Steer California from a Squid Game Fate

Photos courtesy of Jen Snyder

PHOTO BY WILL ZANG

Jennifer and Robert: What’s Red Bridge currently focused on?

Out of Left Field Robert Holgate & Jennifer Kroot California corporate Democrats, look out! Red Bridge Strategies is a new San Francisco-based, political consulting firm, specializing in leftist ballot measures and democratic socialist candidates. Their focus is grassroots campaigns that challenge the status quo by taking on big money with people power and disciplined strategy.

Jen Snyder and Avery Yu are shameless socialists, and the brains and brawn behind Red Bridge. Both are San Francisco natives, who met working on Dean Preston’s District 5 supervisor campaigns. They’ve won two campaigns for Preston (2019 and 2020), along with numerous left-leaning, local initiatives.

We spoke with Jen and Avery about their vision for Red Bridge.

Jennifer and Robert: You both grew up in San Francisco.

Which neighborhoods are you from?

Avery Yu: I grew up in the inner Richmond. My mom is still there.

She works as a home birth midwife.

Jen Snyder: 24th and Church. My mom ran a preschool in the basement then ended up teaching middle school. My dad is a machinist, union guy. It was a very political household. My parents are both Marxists, so everyone is happy with the work I’m doing.

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Jen Snyder: We’re working in South San Francisco on a universal preschool measure created by their local Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) chapter. We’re also working in Pasadena on a rent control campaign.

Avery Yu: Successful campaigns come down to running very effective Jen Snyder and Avery Yu field programs, talking to absolutely every voter that we possibly can, and knocking on doors, over and over again.

Jen Snyder: One of our goals is to build a socialist network across California. When you look at the places where leftist initiatives and candidates are winning, it’s places that already have big progressive infrastructures, like San Francisco, Alameda County, and Los Angeles.

We’re missing smaller areas. Many have tenants unions, DSA chapters, or labor unions, but they’re not connected and don’t know the basics of how to run a campaign.

Jennifer and Robert: You’ve both spent time as political aides for Supervisor Preston.

Did you enjoy working in City Hall?

Avery Yu: We loved working for Dean. I’m proud of the work we did during the pandemic, making sure people didn’t lose housing and creating the Safe Sleeping Site for unhoused folks.

Jen Snyder: I agree, but I was surprised by how frustrating City Hall is. I went in thinking, “Now I get to see how the sausage is made,” but I left saying, “I really want to burn down the sausage factory.”

As an example, when we did Prop I, we also had to run Prop K, because we had to make an allowance from article 34, because if you want to build housing for poor people, you have to go to the ballot, and get an allowance from article 34, but if you want to make housing for anybody else, it doesn’t matter. The government is full of frustrating catches, but

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with things like the homeless [crisis] or climate change, we don’t have time to untangle this rat’s nest of laws.

Jennifer and Robert: So, Props I and K passed. What’s the status of the social housing?

Jen Snyder: When voters passed Prop I, one would expect that the money the voters directed to social housing would go to that.

Unfortunately, that money was absorbed into the budget and was dissipated, regardless of the fact that we had hundreds of millions of dollars in surplus. You can’t even say where the Prop I money went. It’s not like dropping a marble into water that you can just fish out. It’s like dropping ink into water. We can’t follow those dollars. We worked hard on Prop I. It was a great tax the rich initiative, but the mayor took the money and used it for her own budget priorities and it didn’t go to rent relief. It’s the sausage factory again!

Jennifer and Robert: Since everyone in San Francisco government is a Democrat, how can you tell local politicians apart?

Avery Yu: It’s easy if you follow the money.

Sure, we’re all Democrats by name here and speak the rhetoric, but money from corporate and real estate interests destroys renters, workers, and the environment.

If politicians are taking that money, they’ve sold out.

Jen Snyder: Local politicians who are not voting to endorse taxes on the wealthy have obviously sold out. If they’re voting against building social housing and yet voting for building market rate housing, then they’re a phony.

Many local Democrats, like the mayor, call themselves “moderate.”

I’m not sure why anyone would want to be known as being “moderate” in this time of great unrest and inequality. Who wants to do things moderately? Incrementalism is death. You might as well be a Republican.

Jennifer and Robert: Is California ready for socialism?

Jen Snyder: Yes! General polling in San Francisco and across the state recently showed that people are more

interested than ever in taxing the wealthy to get universal programs.

There’s so much discontent these days due to capitalism. And blaming capitalism for being ruthless is like blaming a scorpion for stinging. That’s what it does!

Capitalism is so frightening that it’s even a horror genre.

There are classics like Mad Max or Brazil, and now Squid Game. Collectively, we feel life is pointless and there’s no way out of the drudgery. That’s the deep anxiety of capitalism, the frustration of battling a formidable foe with 10 billion times the funding that regular people have. But isn’t quality of life worth fighting for? That’s what I really love about socialism. We can dream of a better future.

Jennifer and Robert: But can socialist-themed science fiction be as entertaining as capitalist dystopia?

Jen Snyder: How about Star Trek?

That’s an entertaining and positive vision of socialism! No one is hungry or unhoused, and your job is in science, boldly exploring where no (continued on page 22)

ing for low-cost internet. Check them out: https://tinyurl.com/2wpuwe6e Lesbian History of Valencia Street

In the News Joanie Juster

TRUECOLORSUNITED.ORG

Transgender Awareness Week Every year between November 13–19, people and organizations around the country participate in Transgender Awareness Week to help raise the visibility of transgender individuals and address issues members of the community face, including discrimination, violence, and lack of equity in housing and economic opportunities.

There are several great resources online (GLAAD, HRC, NCTE, Trevor Project, and more) about how to be a good ally to transgender people, and also specifically to transgender youth. One other way is to support trans-owned businesses, and organizations that support the trans community. This year the Transgender District is partnering with The Okra Project (a collective that seeks to address food insecurity in the Black Trans community) in partnership with DoorDash to pro-

Speaking of Seniors: Bridging the Digital Divide The digital divide is real, causing ever-widening gaps in equity and access, particularly for already marginalized communities. Even in the tech-centric Bay Area, many are left behind due to lack of access to affordable and reliable internet connections or equipment. According to a 2018 digital divide survey, although 86% of San Franciscans have internet and basic digital literacy skills, only 60% of people over age 65 do, and over 100,000 San Franciscans either lack home broadband internet or basic digital skills. Fortunately, there are resources to help. The SF Community Living Campaign offers a broad range of classes, help desks (in multiple languages), and resources, including links for apply-

In this time when queer gathering spaces are disappearing at an alarming rate, Manny’s is offering an opportunity to explore the rich history of lesbian spaces in the Mission.

On November 9, Manny’s will present renowned educator and activist Ruth Mahaney in a discussion of “The Lesbian History of Valencia Street.” Mahaney, who left behind her conservative Midwest upbringing to become a teacher, professor, and member of the Modern Times Bookstore Collective, will discuss how Valencia Street in the 1970s and 80s provided an alternative to the Castro as a place for the lesbian community, and how visionary lesbians seeking a countercultural movement pioneered a community on Valencia Street.

Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/8xrd46pp

Queer Healing Arts Center to Present Pride Mural Paint Party On November 14 (10–noon) volunteers are asked to bring “messfriendly clothing and shoes” to this ongoing community effort to refresh/touch-up the ALL BLACK LIVES MATTER/OAKLAND PRIDE MURAL at the Lake Merritt Boating Center in Oakland.

No previous skills required! This artin-action continues Oakland’s legacy as one of the nation’s most recognized communities for progressive actions. In 2020, Kin Folkz (The Queer Healing Arts Center) partnered with Janetta Johnson (TGIJP), Guerrilla Davis (We Are The Ones), Endeavors, and 13 other Black + Indigenous QT artists to lay down the massive stencil and over 250 community members came to fill it in. As the largest + longest mural in Oakland, to date, the mural has attracted attention worldwide. https://tinyurl.com/82pcdknh

Make a Panel for the AIDS Quilt

Gert McMullin

AIDSMEMORIALQUILT.ORG

Openhouse and SAGE to Present Virtual Symposium on LGBT Elder Housing Services Save the date for the LGBTQ+ Elder Housing Services Virtual Symposium, co-hosted by Openhouse and SAGE, on Thursday, November 4 and Friday, November 5. Clinicians, housing providers, LGBTQ+ and aging advocates, and service providers will come together to discuss the housing services formulas necessary to support our aging LGBTQ+ population in affordable housing.

Tickets and info: https://openhousesymposium.org/

FOUNDSF.ORG

vide delivery and takeout meals from August 16 through December 16, 2021. Want to help?

You can make a donation here: https://tinyurl.com/d2u58pj4

In preparation for World AIDS Day on December 1, workshops will be held at the AIDS Quilt workshop in San Leandro on November 10 and 17 (one previously took place on November 3) to assist anyone who would like to make a panel for the AIDS Quilt in memory of someone who has died of AIDS. Sewing experience is not necessary, but it is helpful to come with an idea in mind of what you would like to create. Rides to the workshop can be arranged.

Information: Contact Gregg Cassin at gcassin@shanti.org Panel-making information: https://tinyurl.com/ywwmfz4z

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Data The San Francisco Board of Supervisors has unanimously passed legislation introduced by Mayor London Breed and Supervisor Rafael Mandelman to repeal Chapter 12E

of the Administrative Code and allow the Department of Human Resources to collect voluntary and confidential sexual orientation demographics from City employees and applicants. Said Mandelman, “By collecting this data, we can better track our Citywide employment equity goals, address any gaps, and identify strategies to recruit LGBTQ employees interested in public service.” He continued, “LGBTQ City employees drive our buses, fight our fires, and clean our streets. This legislation will help us to identify and address the needs of these employees and ensure that we are supporting and expanding San Francisco’s LGBTQ workforce.”

Frameline Senior Programmer Appears on Jeopardy The long-running TV game show Jeopardy received some Frameline star power on October 28 when the film festival’s Senior Programmer Peter Stein appeared as a contestant.

Stein was all smiles on the program, but admitted to The Jewish News of Northern California that the lights were blaring, the studio was incredibly noisy, and tensions were high. “It is quite stressful in the moment,” he said. Nevertheless, he was excited to appear on the show with new host Mayim Bialik and ended up as the third-place winner. For his effort he will receive a check for $1000 within 180 days.

The Sisters Are Giving It Away: Deadline November 15 The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence not only promulgate joy and expiate guilt, but they also provide financial support to many grassroots projects and organizations that have limited access to funding. Application forms are available now for their 2021 Saturnalia Grant Cycle, with applications being due by November 15 at

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Is Your Approach to Money Based on Fear? most fearful, knowing that they have the farthest to fall if they can no longer afford the private jet and have to fly Ryanair.

If you’re dealing with your own fearbased mindset when it comes to money, I suggest trying a peace-ofmind mindset instead. Spend some of your money getting on top of what is holding you back or perhaps taking risk off your plate altogether. Here are some ways you can do that:

Money Matters Brandon Miller The Colombian singing/songwriting/hip-shaking sensation Shakira is so popular, she only needs one name to be known the world over. The reigning “Queen of Latin music” began performing as a teen and hasn’t slowed down one bit, even though her estate is now worth in excess of $350 million. Asked why she continues to work at a feverish pace despite her wealth, Shakira recounted a childhood lesson of seeing her father lose his business and their comfortable life evaporate.

Knowing how easily it could all disappear, she chooses to keep taking the stage.

Hearing her story didn’t surprise me at all. Money experiences from youth tend to have an outsized influence on how we spend, save, and generally handle money as an adult. And even though our financial circumstances may be way different than that of the folks who raised us, we still tend to repeat their patterns, good or bad.

Like Shakira’s fear, losing the money you’ve accumulated is one of the most common worries when it comes to finances. As you age, you have fewer years to earn and make up for any losses you might experience. Even young people with healthy portfolios worry some calamity beyond their control could wipe out their funds for the future. And, of course, the wealthiest are often the

Third-Party Assessment Sometimes all it takes to dispel your fears is having a professional run the numbers for you. Ask them to forecast your situation if all of your nightmare scenarios come true. A realistic look at where you stand and how that plays out over time may help you see that your worries are unfounded.

Money Therapist For some people, money fears are so deeply felt that no amount of number crunching can overcome them.

Financial stress can creep into all areas of your life and make you more miserable than you need to be. Financial therapy—yes, it does exist!—can help you get to the root of your attitudes or negative money behaviors, and change how you think and feel about money.

Guaranteed Income Via Annuities Annuities may be another useful tool for helping you feel more secure about your money lasting the rest of your life. They get a bad rap (not always undeserved), but the right ones can be a smart investment for some people. Basically, what you’re doing is giving an insurance company a lump sum and they guarantee that you will receive regular payments starting immediately or in the future. Longevity annuities, for example, don’t start paying out until your 80s.

Regular Allowance This can be a super simple way to recreate the secure feeling of a pay-

check. Have a set amount of money you need for expenses and fun taken from your various income sources— Social Security, retirement accounts, savings, etc.—and funneled into one bucket each month.

Fixed vs. Variable Income Balance If you want to be free of the market’s fickleness, set your monthly allowance by your fixed-income sources.

Add up the amount you receive from Social Security, pension, annuities, and other sources of guaranteed income and this is how much you will always have to spend on food, shelter, utilities, and necessities, plus taxes, insurance, and other obligations. Variable income sources like stocks and rental income (your property could become un-rentable) can be used for discretionary items such as travel and even more shoes.

After working hard for your money, you deserve to enjoy it. Shedding your financial fears and finding peace-of-mind might be just the ticket.

Which takes me back to Shakira, still working hard selling tickets and albums to adoring fans. Her hips may not lie, but as for all of us, they may not shake and shimmy as well as they used to one day. Let’s hope that by then, she has made peace with her extraordinary wealth just as she has with her extraordinary talent.

Brio does not provide tax or legal advice, and nothing contained in these materials should be taken as such. The opinions expressed in this article are for general informational purposes only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or on any specific security. It is only intended to provide education about the financial industry. To determine which investments may be appropriate for you, consult your financial advisor prior to investing.

Any past performance discussed (continued on page 22)

Two Performance Coupes for Fun and the results on the Veloster add up to lots of zing. So, while both of this week’s coupes—the BMW M440i and Hyundai Veloster N— spark from different backgrounds, they pack plenty of excitement with divergent flavors.

Auto Philip Ruth “God, that car was fun to drive!”

That’s what a current car-shopping client said about the BMW 3-series.

Another client drove a bunch of different brands before selecting an X1, as it reminded him of driving sporty cars in Europe.

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These reactions show that, despite the technology layered on today’s BMWs, they still have a beguiling effect on car buyers. BMWs drive with a rare sense of balance and purpose, both in the controls and the vehicle’s reactions. “You’ll never get bored with it,” is my fallback line when a client rolls up their sleeves to probe a BMW’s lofty limits. Add an M to the 4-series name, and you get a car honed for “highly-dynamic driving fascination.”

Hyundai, on the other hand, is known for value-priced vehicles for the family. Hyundai is one letter away from BMW with its N Brand models groomed for performance,

The tested Veloster N came fullyequipped at $33,255, while the BMW added more than $10,000 in options for a $71,870 bottom line.

Personalization with BMW’s extras is one of the brand’s indulgent charms, and here, the $1,950 “Dravit Grey Metallic” paint and $1,450 “Oyster Vernasca Leather” create an aura of depth and luxury.

Meanwhile, the Veloster N’s “Performance Blue” finish is simple and eye-catching. Jump into the thick sport seats and push Start, and the exhaust from the 275-horsepower turbo four blats to life. Hyundai says its N cars are “meant to be driven hard on the race track,” and the immediate responses and tingling power back that up. The Veloster N’s relatively lightweight and flickable nature mean you don’t need track time at Laguna Seca to enjoy it—it’s enormously fun as a city whip.

The bigger and heavier BMW is also very gratifying to drive as a mature thoroughbred. Its 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six cranks out 382 horsepower, which unfurls to the wheels with creamy smoothness. The 19-inch tires on the tester—part of a $1,500 package with bigger brakes— kept a vise grip on the road, though the BMW’s steering felt more relaxed than the Hyundai’s.

BMW M440i

Hyundai Veloster N

Inside, the BMW is impressive. The 4-series was new for 2021 and shares much of its innards with the venerable 3-series. That means solid materials and an elegant user interface, although M440i’s low roof had me dialed in pretty tightly into an otherwise roomy atmosphere.

The Hyundai’s interior is typical of an inexpensive muscle car, with ample tech and solid ergonomics, but some hard plastic surfaces. Those are balanced by the neat “N Light” feature, which illuminates an N badge in each of the front seatbacks.

Both the M440i and Veloster N are big fun to drive with their own style of enthusiasm. You wouldn’t get bored with either of them.

Philip Ruth is a Castro-based automotive photojournalist and consultant with an automotive staging service.

Message from Leadership

It’s About Time!

GGBA CALENDAR

By Michael Gunther drive the plan. So, with Terry now aboard, here are the major strategic initiatives we are focusing on over the next five years:

Can you imagine running your business entirely with volunteers instead of employees?

I would venture to say your business might have a challenging time building a long-term sustainable model. I would also be so bold as to say that the consistency of services and the growth of your business would be impacted. In fact, most organizations would eventually fold, or never reach their full potential.

Goal #1: Become the Community’s Premier Business Association The GGBA will collaborate with other chambers, especially LGBTQ+ and other minority chambers (e.g., Latinx, Asian, Black), to share resources and support. We will elevate our transgender businesses and work to create new opportunities for trans businesspeople throughout the Bay Area. We aim to become the “go to” for trans business support and resources.

Well, this suggests the converse may also be true: Hire an amazing team and your organization will grow and your services will improve while also building a foundation for long-term sustainability. With this notion in mind, the Board of Directors of the Golden Gate Business Association (GGBA) are proud to announce that we have hired our first full-time Executive Director in over a decade. And not just any Executive Director, but an individual with experience building and advocating on behalf of numerous LGBTQ+ organizations over decades.

The GGBA will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024 and I am confident that, with Terry’s leadership, we will be celebrating renewed success in achieving our Five Year Vision.

In preparation for an Executive Director’s arrival, we began crafting a plan that envisioned what the organization could become with a team of employees, volunteers, and supporters to

GGBA Member Spotlight Lisa Orrell of The Orrell Group and The Launch U Lab is an expert on leadership development and personal branding, and how the two work together to develop a next-level leadership mindset to create positive changes in workplace culture. A global Keynote Speaker, awardwinning Author, Thought Leader, and Certified Leadership and Success Coach, Orrell offers fun, motivating educational programs via her businesses, which have received extensive media coverage in major national and local news outlets including, now, the San Francisco Bay Times!

GGBA: Please tell us more about yourself and The Orrell Group.

Lisa Orrell: For the past 15-years, I have been a Keynote Speaker and Author of four books. As such, I’m known as “The Chief of Change” and my main mission is to inspire, motivate, and educate employees to be better leaders to make the workplace a better place. I really love what I do for a living and have been fortunate to get booked by a lot of cool companies, like Pfizer, Pepsi, and Salesforce.

And, off-stage, I’m a Certified Leadership & Success Coach who works with Professional Women.

GGBA: Why did you decide to create your business?

Lisa Orrell: I started a marketing agency in Silicon Valley (at the ripe old age of 26) where I remained CEO for 20 years. Then burn-out hit me. I realized my true passion was to be a speaker and write books, so I went for it. And that journey is also what inspired me to recently start a second business, The Launch U Lab. A lot of women feel career burn-out like I experienced and are seeking career options that provide more fulfillment and freedom. So, in addition to being a

Goal #2: Build Up Assets, Staff, and Volunteers

PHOTO BY RINK

Terry Beswick has experience reimagining and rebuilding organizations like the Castro County Club and the GLBT Historical Society. He has experience reshaping and reestablishing solid foundations for the groups he worked for that allowed them to thrive and strive for their full potential. On top of that, he has advocated for our community with organizations from the Human Rights Campaign Terry Beswick to the White House. He brings a solid track record of building teams, membership, and supporters that allow an organization to excel and fulfill their missions.

The GGBA’s website and social media platforms will become renowned for informative content that provides local LGBTQ+ businesses with answers to questions, resources to grow their businesses, and more. GGBA’s social media presence will be active and informative, giving GGBA the ability to become influencers in the business association arena. A new GGBA app, available to members, will provide highly engaging, exclusive content.

Strengthening the organizational structure and attracting toptier professional staff will give the GGBA the clout to achieve our goal of becoming the premier business association.

Purchasing our own building in the Castro will give GGBA the opportunity to sustain our long-term growth while building our employee team, with an Executive Director at the helm.

Building a solid relationship with the GGBA Foundation, with grant funding from the foundation earmarked for education and business development, will further GGBA’s mission. GGBA will successfully graduate more than 150 businesses through our “Grow the Bay” incubator program.

The board will transition to a governing board with working staff, and the advisory board will be activated to engage with the (continued on page 22)

Lisa Orrell, CPC: ‘The Chief of Change’

Keynote Speaker, I now also help women turn their purpose or passion into income, as a side hustle or new career, like I did.

GGBA: Who are some of your role models, and especially those who helped to inf luence your business?

Lisa Orrell: I have a ton of “wellknown” ones, but my biggest is/was my Dad. My parents divorced when I was 12 and I chose to stay with Dad because I was much closer to him. And he always encouraged me to pursue my dreams, whereas my Mom put me down for being a “dreamer.” Entrepreneurship baffled her. In her mind, if you weren’t working for someone else, it wasn’t a “real job.” So, my Dad’s influence definitely gave me the confidence to be an entrepreneur. And it’s his positive influence that also molded me for my most important job: being a good parent to my awesome son.

GGBA: Why did you decide to join the GGBA, and how long have you been a member?

Lisa Orrell: I only recently joined and can’t wait to get really involved! It’s an amazing organization and I look forward to making new, likeminded friends. It’s so

Photos courtesy of Lisa Orrell

Tuesday, November 9 November Make Contact Member to Member Networking 5:30 pm–6:30 pm Meet new and established members for several rounds of breakout rooms sure to help foster connections in the GGBA family.

Via Zoom (link to be sent 1 hour before event start) https://tinyurl.com/7teyy5nu Thursday, November 11–Sunday, 14 San Francisco Transgender Film Festival 2021 (See page 25 for more information.) https://sftff.org/ Thursday, November 11 GGBA Power Pitch - Fall 2021 This first Virtual Power Pitch of 2021 will be a pre-kickoff to our in-person Power Pitch during the Power Lunch 2022. Four member LGBT Certified Business Enterprises (LGBTBE) will be pitching to our partners, our membership, and hopefully you! https://tinyurl.com/439eph52 Thursday, November 11 11th Annual California Cable Supplier Diversity Symposium 9 am–12 pm The Symposium will engage, educate & strategically connect diverse suppliers with important Cable Industry trends and opportunities. Meet Supplier Diversity representatives, Buyers, and Prime Suppliers in this virtual 1-day event. https://tinyurl.com/2wp93tm6 Friday, November 12 The Academy’s Legends Awards 2021 6 pm–10 pm (Reception from 6 pm–7 pm at The Academy, Ceremony from 7:30 pm–8:30 pm at the Swedish American Hall) Honoring Dr Tim Seelig, Artistic Director & Conductor, San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus and the National LGBTQ Center for the Arts, as well as community award recipients. Hosted by Sister Roma, Donna Sachet, and Liam Mayclem. https://tinyurl.com/27hsx24r Wednesday, November 17–Friday, November 19 NGLCC Back to Business (B2B) Summit A Solidarity Rally, Awards Gala, breakout sessions, one-on-one Matchmaker meetings, and more will be held. https://tinyurl.com/v4uph4s7

Lisa Orrell with son Jenner

important to surround yourself with supportive people, and it’s even more important to support others along their journey. So, I’m really excited to be a ne w GGBA member.

GGBA: What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of starting their own business?

Lisa Orrell: One of my fave quotes, courtesy of Nike, is “Just Do It.” But make sure you have great mentors, a good busi-

Wednesday, January 19, 2022 GGBA New Member Orientation 12:30 pm–1 pm Via Zoom Whether you’re a brand-new member or a seasoned networker, you may attend this event!

This session will help you: Learn more about the history of the GGBA; Introduce you to new members in your cohort; Learn simple ways to get involved to grow your business and relationships. https://tinyurl.com/2evzx8kk

ness coach, and solid support professionals (i.e., bookkeeper, CPA & attorney). And having a supportive significant other makes a big difference. Luckily, my partner Kelly is cool with the rollercoaster ride of being with an entrepreneur. Plus, make sure you have the stomach to pivot fast! Like many other business owners affected by Covid, I got nailed. I had every speaking gig for 2020 cancelled within 48 hours in March of 2020. So, I had to adjust my offerings quickly. As a business owner, you have to be agile and adaptive.

Lastly, if there’s one thing I would have changed along my self-employed journey, it would’ve been to join an org like GGBA early on. That would have been extremely helpful over the years, so I’m grateful to be a member now!

The Orrell Group: http://www.theorrellgroup.com/ The Launch U Lab: https://launchulab.com/

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Love Wins in Switzerland as the Struggle Continues

6/26 and Beyond Stuart Gaffney and John Lewis In late September, voters in Switzerland supported the freedom to marry by a nearly 2–1 margin in a nationwide referendum, making that nation the 30th country in the world with marriage equality.

Over a billion people worldwide now live in nations with marriage equality. Swiss weddings will begin in July 2022.

ILGA-Europe Advocacy Director Katrin Hugendubel termed the vote “a huge achievement,” remarking to Euronews that “it’s been a very long process following the tireless efforts of activists over the years.” Indeed, it was a needlessly long struggle to make Switzerland the 17th nation in Europe with equal marriage rights. Back in 2013, public polling showed over 60 percent of Swiss people supported the freedom to marry, with that number soaring to over 80 percent by 2020. But conservative political interests were able to stall progress for years.

When the Swiss government finally enacted marriage equality in late 2020, opponents collected sufficient signatures to put the matter to voters in this fall’s referendum.

The Swiss election brought back painful memories of Proposition 8. We in California know all too well the cost of putting our

basic civil rights up to a popular vote. Like the Yes on 8 campaign of 13 years ago, the anti-equality Swiss campaign used cruel, exclusionary slogans such as, “Yes to marriage and family No to marriage for everyone,” to try to sway voters. We were delighted and gratified that Swiss voters emphatically rejected that message, and instead embraced same-sex couples and LGBTIQ equality.

The Swiss success now makes neighboring Italy the only major Western European nation without marriage equality. Although Italy enacted civil unions in 2016, progress toward equal marriage rights and full LGBTIQ equality faces major challenges there because of the outsized influence the Vatican and other very conservative interests play in the country. Just last week, the Vatican and those interests successfully pressured the Italian Senate to reject legislation that would have made violence against LGBTIQ people, as well as women and disabled people, a hate crime. The Independent characterized the Vatican’s efforts as “unprecedented.”

Reuters reported that “the Vatican feared that the law could lead to the criminalization of the Church in Italy for refusing to conduct gay marriages, for opposing adoption by homosexual couples, or refusing to teach gender theory in Catholic schools.” Perhaps the Vatican doth protest too much with its overstated argument. Indeed, many may consider the Vatican’s long history of anti-LGBTIQ attitudes, edicts, and actions to be “criminal” in a rhetorical sense.

It would not be the first time the Catholic Church and criminality would be closely linked in recent times. Just last month, an independent French commission issued a 2,500-page report, finding that French Catholic clergy had sexually abused approximately 216,000 minors since 1950 in what it termed a “massive phenomenon,” kept hidden by a “veil of silence.” The commission’s head described the Church as having maintained “profound and even cruel indifference” for what it had done.

In response, the Pope expressed his “sadness and pain for the

trauma” the victims had suffered. He declared: “It is also my shame, our shame, for the inability of the Church for too long to put them at the center of its concerns.”

The phrase “profound and even cruel indifference” could also describe the Vatican’s attitude toward LGBTIQ people in Italy and around the world.

Just as the Catholic clergy’s sexual abuse has had long-lasting repercussions for their victims, the Catholic Church’s antiLGBTIQ religious and political rhetoric and actions have devastating consequences on countless LGBTIQ people. We long for the day when a Pope expresses his “sadness and pain for the trauma” the Church has inflicted on queer people and speaks of his “shame” and the Church’s collective shame for all the harm it has perpetrated against LGBTIQ people.

We are confident that the Italian LGBTIQ movement will persevere. And we celebrate the message and promise of the marriage equality movement: “Love Wins.” LGBTIQ Swiss and millions of their supporters made that dream come true in Switzerland in September in a vote ILGA’s Hugendubel assures “resonates across borders.” Switzerland now joins Ireland as the second nation to enact marriage equality resoundingly through a nationwide vote.

We know that love will continue to win elsewhere as long as our community continues to keep those words and their promise as our loadstar.

John Lewis and Stuart Gaffney, together for over three decades, were plaintiffs in the California case for equal marriage rights decided by the California Supreme Court in 2008. Their leadership in the grassroots organization Marriage Equality USA contributed in 2015 to making same-sex marriage legal nationwide.

David Chiu Is New SF City Attorney On Monday, November 1, Mayor London Breed led the swearing in ceremony in the North Light Court at San Francisco City Hall as David Chiu assumed the reins as City Attorney. The ceremony was kicked off by a performance with drumming and traditional lion dancers.

PHOTOS: SFMAYOR.ORG

Chiu, the son of Chinese immigrants, was joined by his wife Candace Chen and his five-year-old son Lucas. His parents, Han Lien Chiu and Doris Chiu, also attended.

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GLBT Fortnight in Review It’s All Greek to Them Book banning is one of our themes this week, specifically books about race and gender identity presented in public schools. It’s hardly a new phenomenon, but it seems as if it’s getting worse as a Texas lawmaker demanded that school districts check their shelves for hundreds of titles and a white Virginia mother complained that her son was disturbed by having to read Toni Morrison’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel Beloved.

Few of us, I’m guessing, have read the GLBT and gender books that are now creating controversy around the country. Melissa’s Story, a book about a transgender fourth grade girl, has apparently been the number one most censored book for the last three years, according to the American Library Association. The award-winning book tells the story of a “boy” named George, aka a transgender girl named Melissa, who wants to be selected as the female lead in the school play. I don’t have to read it to know that there is no sex in this book. For God’s sake, it’s a kid’s book, and its only problem is that it features a transgender middle schooler.

Another big hoo haw surrounds Gender Queer, a graphic memoir written for high school students by Maia Kobabe. In a Washington Post op-ed, Kobabe expressed confusion at why the book was only now generating headlines, some two-and-a-half years after publication. “One of the charges thrown against the book was that it promoted pedophilia—based on a single panel depicting an erotic ancient Greek vase,” Kobabe noted.

“Others simply called it pornography, a common accusation against work with themes of queer sexuality.”

In the op-ed, Kobabe recounts how difficult it was to come to terms with being nonbinary, only becoming comfortable in their mid-twenties. The memoir was written with struggling teenagers in mind, like the reader who wrote in to say: “My mom and I read your book. I loved it! I related to almost everything you said. I felt so understood and not alone. I think my mom understands me better and I’m more confident in confiding in her since she read your book. Thank you so much for creating your memoir!”

I know it’s a little Hallmark, but still.

So far in Texas, several large school districts have blown off the request for a book inventory, others are considering the demand, and some are complying. A different Texas lawmaker has accused Kobabe’s book of possibly being “criminal for its representation of minors participating in sexual activities.” Consensual sex between teenagers possibly violates some law somewhere, but last I checked, tasteful writing about it does not. Otherwise, we could have arrested Agatha Christie for murder.

Outrage Speaking of skool daze, I guess a class from Wilton Manors Elementary went on a field trip to the gay-owned Rosie’s bar and grill.

You may remember Wilton Manors as the Florida community where, as of 2018, the mayor and the entire city commission are gay. Let’s just say, it’s a very GLBT-friendly city, just north of Miami, so the fact that a local restaurant is gay-owned is par for the course.

At any rate, kids from the school have been visiting Rosie’s on field trips for ten years or so. There, they learn about how a restaurant oper-

By Ann Rostow ates, and order from a special kids’ menu that does not include the provocatively named regular options like: “Rhoda Cowboy,” or the “Young Ranch Hand.” The class is also escorted by local police, who help the children learn about traffic enforcement and whatever. It’s an educational day.

This time around, when teacher and school board member Sarah Leonardi posted about chaperoning the group on Twitter, she drew several hundred responses, including death threats and a barrage of anger.

According to the Miami Herald, Leonardi’s friends and family have also been threatened, and the restaurant is getting hate calls from outside the area.

“Broward School Board member takes little kids to a gay bar on a field trip, forcing them to wear masks ‘to keep them safe,’” wrote Christina Pushaw, the press secretary for Governor Ron DeSantis, mischaracterizing the restaurant. A spokesman for the Florida Department of Education said an investigator has been dispatched to the area to see if there is a “legally sufficient complaint.” What does that mean exactly? Legally sufficient for what?

Criminal action? Sanctions? Against whom?

I’ve been covering GLBT news for some 25 years, and I’ve watched hostility against our community weaken and fade for most of that time. This year, 2021, I can see it gaining strength; part and parcel, not of the Trump era, but of the postTrump era—an era of open resentment and backlash and frustration against everything that is not male, straight, and white. I feel suspended in time. Not in a good way.

We Have a Smith Problem This is why, as I’ve said before, these days I am loathe to criticize anyone on the left, including the so-called “woke” campus activists who err on the side of fastidious political correctness. But still, there is much to criticize.

Over those 25 years, we as a community have rarely stopped our activism long enough to celebrate our progress and congratulate our fellow citizens on coming around. Instead, we’ve assigned ourselves a permanent victim status, and look for ways to present everything in that light.

The problem then is that our audience becomes steeled to a pattern of complaint and indifferent to real harm when it appears. The first two stories in this column? That’s real harm. Book banning, accusations of pedophilia and crimes for no reason, death threats for routine actions, possible investigations over nothing.

These are precursors of tyranny.

Yet while that’s all going on, I read that an activist at Smith College is complaining about how there are no tampon machines in the men’s room, where it’s technically possible that one day a transman with his period might get stuck without protection.

Oh my God, you guys! They’re passing laws against transgender students playing sports and banning books about gender and you’re worried about the one in a million guy who is a) trans, b) hanging out at a predominately women’s college, c) having his period, d) walking around with his period but without any pads or tampons, and e) willing to spend a quarter for a “regular” sized tampon that few people actually use but which for some reason are the only ones stocked in the tampon machines—

which are always empty to begin with.

To put this in perspective, I have had periods every month for decades and have never had occasion to use a tampon machine. As an interesting aside, I’m happy to see that (the empty) tampon machines are increasingly free of charge, and tampons themselves no longer taxed as luxuries. Because really, did all those guys in charge of this industry up until recently think that our preference for something other than, let’s say washable rags, was self-indulgence?

“Dear Diary, Today I splurged on a box of chocolates and some Tampax, ‘just because!’ $15.95 but worth every penny! Hope Larry doesn’t find out!”

Scare Tactics I have been ignoring a number of scary opinions about the threat to marriage equality implicit in the rise of right-wing jurists and the boldness of conservative lawmakers. Because, as implied earlier, I’m tired of the notion that everything we’ve achieved can be tossed aside in an instant if we are not vigilant.

Or that despite any progress, we are still a despised minority of social misfits living in an overwhelmingly hostile society.

One of those opinions points to a letter written by a Texas lawmaker to the state Attorney General making the case that private citizens don’t have to recognize same-sex marriage in the state.

In a tweet, the Lincoln Project throws gas on the fire, warning: “Legislative leaders in TX issued

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Roland Schembari and Bill Hartman, Co-Founders Randy Alfred, Founding News Editor 1978 Kim Corsaro, Publisher 1981-2011

Alternative Housing: Reality Check ter, illegal residential units, RVs, mobile homes, and tiny houses in Bay Area cities. This position demonstrates being really out of touch and promotes subtle propaganda that suggests we’re making significant progress in solving a crisis by adopting more solutions like these. In fact, the reality is that the “alternatives” are chosen because there are not better options for a growing number of people living here.

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Social Philanthropreneur Derek Barnes Have you ever wondered what people mean when they use the term “alternative housing”? Does it induce visions of safe and aspirational environments for the thriving human spirit, or make you think of substandard places of shelter where facilities and amenities are scarce and barely meet minimal levels of expectation?

For most, it’s probably somewhere in the middle but leans toward the latter scenario.

Comparatively speaking, what is it an alternative to or substitute for when more adequate housing isn’t available? What baseline are we using in the comparative analysis?

These are vital questions to consider in our quest to identify root problems and solve the Bay Area housing crisis.

There is internal anxiety when I hear our leaders and legislatures make statements that suggest people are “choosing to live” in inadequate shel-

As an advocate for many Bay Area housing providers, I support more development of safe and affordable homes, greater homeownership, and increased innovation in the industry. Treating accessory dwelling units (ADUs), tiny homes, RVs, and mobile housing like traditional single-family homes may make sense, theoretically. While this might increase the inventory of available homes, the devil is always in the details and execution. Fast-tracking development also has consequences. For example, if we make exceptions or have fewer requirements to place or operate mobile/non-stationary housing, where might we loosen compliance mandates and restrictions operating more traditional housing structures to achieve parity?

Today, there’s so much focus on the cost of building homes and less emphasis on the cost of maintaining housing that many property owners and managers must endure. We have both an inventory and an operating overhead crisis. With new homes in the Bay Area costing between $600– $800 per square foot (sqft) to con-

struct, we can’t just build our way out of this crisis, as most experts already know. For new home affordability, we need to get that down below $250 sqft—which is why “alternatives” seem so attractive. For many cities, the current reality is that the vast majority of “affordable housing” has already been built. This includes alternative forms of housing that are often owned or managed by small independent rental owners/ operators.

We have to reform and innovate housing policy, zoning, and onerous operating restrictions if we’re ever going to realize the several million units of additional housing Governor Newsom campaigned on to close this enormous gap.

Not without some flaws, Senate Bills 8–9–10 are extraordinary pieces of recent legislation that attempt to create ease in the housing industry addressing density, costs, and policy.

Legislation can only get us to a certain point. Compliance, accountability, and commitment are also needed.

For example, while there might be “permitted zoning” for ADUs, there’s evidence that building ADUs in municipalities still takes way too long, costs too much, and meets with too much resistance and uninformed bureaucracy.

Communities like Neighborship in West Oakland may pave the way for alternative and affordable forms of housing to keep people sheltered cost-effectively—if they are healthy and can operate safely. Reducing

municipal red tape and creating incentives (or penalties) is a priority, so other neighborhoods and homeowner associations adopt a YIMBY attitude. The collective goal should make it easier to operate, cut bureaucracy, and create equitable incentives/penalties. In turn, this will lower construction costs, reduce building times, and bring down operating expenses.

As we look to solutions that promise alternative and affordable housing, we should also be wary of legislation or policies that pit renters against property owners (and vice versa).

These political tactics can be a distraction, do little to increase the housing stock, and create more operating overhead for rental property owners/managers, typically small family businesses. Unvetted legislation and policies can also restrict new construction.

Ultimately, it shifts the burden of decades of underproduction in California to small rental property owners who don’t have similar restrictions or protections on skyrocketing operating and building costs. Good legislation and policies should promote more development of alternative and affordable housing.

Derek Barnes is CEO of East Bay Rental Housing Association ( www.EBRHA.com ). He currently serves on the boards of Horizons Foundation and Homebridge CA. Follow him on Twitter @ DerekBarnesSF or on Instagram at DerekBarnes.SF

CONTRIBUTORS Writers Rink, Sister Dana Van Iquity, Ann Rostow, Patrick Carney, Leslie Sbrocco, Heather Freyer, Kate Kendell, Heidi Beeler, Gary M. Kramer, Joanie Juster, Julie Peri, Jennifer Kroot, Robert Holgate, Eduardo Morales, Dennis McMillan, Tim Seelig, John Chen, Rafael Mandelman, Jewelle Gomez, Phil Ting, Rebecca Kaplan, Leslie Katz, Philip Ruth, Bill Lipsky, Elisa Quinzi, Liam Mayclem, Karen Williams, Donna Sachet, Gary Virginia, Zoe Dunning, Derek Barnes, Marcy Adelman, Jan Wahl, Stuart Gaffney & John Lewis Brandon Miller, Jamie Leno Zimron, Michele Karlsberg, Randy Coleman, Debra Walker, Howard Steiermann, Andrea Shorter, Lou Fischer, Brett Andrews, David Landis Photographers Rink, Phyllis Costa, Jane Higgins Paul Margolis, Chloe Jackman, Bill Wilson, Jo-Lynn Otto, Sandy Morris, Abby Zimberg, Kristopher Acevedo, Darryl Pelletier, Morgan Shidler ADVERTISING Display Advertising Standard Rate Cards http://sfbaytimes.com/ or 415-503-1375 Custom ad sizes are available. Ads are reviewed by the publishers.

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JUSTER (continued from page 5)

ROSTOW (continued from page 9)

11:59 pm. Grants are typically $250 to $1,000, with preference to underfunded, small organizations and projects providing direct services to underserved communities.

They said, “We have a vision that encompasses diverse communities and groups that have a common interest in human rights, people of every gender, gender identity, race, class, age, and sexual orientation.” The list of their most recent grant recipients confirms their dedication to that vision.

To apply: https://www.thesisters.org/grants

an opinion stating legalized gay marriage shouldn’t be permitted in the Lone Star State because they feel state law trumps the SCOTUS ruling in Obergefell v Hodges.”

And the Award Goes To …

It’s gala season—both virtual and in person—and many of our community’s leaders are being honored for their service. This list is far from comprehensive as of press time, but here’s a sample of individuals being recognized for their outstanding work: Honey Mahogany (PRC); Jewelle Gomez, Daniel Nicoletta, Frances Franco Stevens, and Tiny Valentin Aguirre (GLBT Historical Society); and Nina Turner, Laura Thomas, Gary McCoy, Bishop Megan Rohrer, Sasha Perigo, Stephen Torres, and Paul Aguilar (Harvey Milk Democratic Club). Organizations being honored include SF AIDS Foundation, GAPA, Castro Community on Patrol, BAAHS, Eviction Defense Collaborative, and the SF Office of Transgender Initiatives Trans Advisory Committee. And a special shout-out to Bare Chest Calendar, being honored for raising over $2 million for PRC and AIDS Emergency Fund (now part of PRC) over the past 38 years. Well done, everyone!

Every Little Bit Helps Just when we thought the phrase “swirling bomb cyclone” was hyperbole created by meteorologists starved for attention, the deluge on October 24 taught us it was the real deal. If you were fortunate enough to get through the storm safe and dry, please consider paying it forward to those who had to endure the storm out in the elements.

Clean, dry socks are always needed by those living on the streets, as well as other items to improve their comfort and safety, especially as winter approaches. Project Homeless Connect has a page of useful items you can donate, as well as an Amazon wish list where you can have items sent directly to them. https://tinyurl.com/3dzmchaj Volunteer Opportunities in the Age of COVID During the pandemic, as offices closed and events were cancelled, many of us missed volunteering for our favorite organizations and causes. As the Bay Area starts opening up again, we want to hear about volunteer opportunities, including ones that can be performed remotely or safely.

Contact me at jjbaytimes@gmail.com Joanie Juster is a long-time community volunteer, activist, and ally.

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As far as its legal foundation, the letter itself is risible. But it doesn’t say marriage should not be permitted. Private citizens are regular people, who have nothing to do with “permitting” marriage rights in the state of Texas or anywhere else. No individual can be forced by law to recognize my marriage any more than civil rights laws can force racist people to change their views. The letter points out that state law still outlaws marriage, but as others noted, Texas state law still outlaws gay sex.

So what? Many states retain outdated laws on the books, even though they are unenforceable.

This is a roundabout way of saying, however, that I’m starting to be less complacent about our legal future. I have the sense that there is substance behind some of these warnings, yet there is a certain amount of work required to get to the bottom of that. Since I have a tendency to avoid work, I have yet to pursue this in depth. Maybe next week.

Fast Money I actually have no problem working. That’s just part of the amusing persona I like to project as the first-person narrator of this column.

In fact, I spend quite a long time researching, although much of this effort never sees the light of day. Why not? Because it is totally irrelevant to our rubric.

For example, I see that I spent half an hour this morning immersed in the story of the “Squid Game” cyber currency scam, in which some 40,000 “investors” were left high and dry after buying non-fungible products that turned out to be worthless. As The New York Times explained: “The cryptocurrency, called Squid, began trading early last week at a price of just one penny per token. In the following days, it drew attention from a number of mainstream media outlets. By early Monday, it was trading at $38 a token on a cryptocurrency exchange called Pancakeswap ... . In a 10-minute span later on Monday, the token’s value grew from $628.33 to $2,856.65, according to CoinMarketCap, a crypto data

tracking website. Then, five minutes later, it traded at $0.0007.”

I put investors in quotes because someone who would spend real money on a fake cryptocurrency is not an investor, per se. I guess there’s no harm in buying tokens at one penny. But even then, the fact that these can’t be sold without using a complicated two-for-one scheme on something called “Pancakeswap,” is what we veteran investors call “a red flag.”

I was just reading an article about how women are better investors than men, mainly because they don’t trade as often. And it seems from a glance at the reddit trading discussions that the pandemic has lured a lot of boyz into the stock market and cryptocurrencies in search of a quick buck. Good luck, fellas. I’ve got a couple of tulip bulbs I can sell you.

Gay Sports So, I was watching Monday Night Football the other evening, and out of the blue a linebacker named Willie Gay hopped in front of a pass and gave the Chiefs a pick six to start the game. Thanks to my relentless pursuit of news about all things “gay,” I was aware that Gay had recently suffered some emotional problems and was thankful for the support of his team and fellow Chiefs.

That reminded me that it’s been a while since I’ve caught up with basketball star Rudy Gay, whom I now see had surgery off season and is recovering from an injury to his right heel. Get better soon, Rudy. As for golfer Brian Gay, he finished 12th at the Bermuda Championship. Not bad at all, man.

And finally, the Mexican national soccer team will play its next two World Cup qualifying games without fans after the crowd yelled antigay slurs, in violation of FIFA rules.

The Mexico Football Federation was also fined about $110,000 for “discriminatory behavior by supporters.” I love this. I imagine it must be frustrating for the Mexican officials, who are not in control of the fans. But I also know it’s possible to stop this kind of mob abuse, and this is how it’s done. arostow@aol.com

A Time to Give Thanks November 2, which is All Souls Day or Día de los Muertos as highly recognized in Mexico. Each country has their way of starting the holiday season with gifts, holiday seasonal foods, and gatherings.

Nuestra Voz Eduardo Morales, Ph.D. The holiday season is upon us.

Consider this as a time to give thanks to friends and family, and to be grateful for what you have. There are numerous opportunities for us to share with those who are important in our lives as well as with those who are less fortunate and are going through difficult times.

Many of us often, for example, forget to meaningfully thank those who help us through services such as mail delivery, the management of the city and county in which we live, protection of neighborhoods, cleaning streets, and the numerous benefits we receive through our social networks. At AGUILAS, my nonprofit organization located in the SF LGBT Center serving the Latinx LGBT community, we take time in November—through a Thanksgiving social event scheduled for Thursday evening, November 18—to recognize and give thanks to those who have helped the agency and its participants by volunteering, as well as to the staff for their dedicated work throughout the year.

Fall Holidays in Latin America In Latin America, various countries start the holiday season right after

December 12 for many Catholics of Latin heritage is the day to recognize and celebrate la Virgin de Guadalupe or la Virgen Morena (the Brown Virgin), who is now known as the blessed virgin of the Americas as declared by Pope John Paul II in 1994. Although several countries have an image of the Virgin Mary with which they uniquely identify, the Roman Catholic Church has only recognized three appearances or apparitions of the Blessed Virgin. These recognized apparitions are respectively known as: Our Lady of Fátima, who appeared at the Cova de Iria in Fátima, Portugal; Our Lady of Lourdes, who appeared at the Massabielle Grotto just outside of Lourdes, France; and La Virgen de Guadalupe or la Virgen Morena, who appeared on a hill called Tepeyac in Mexico City, Mexico.

Many towns and cities throughout Latin America have patron saints who are celebrated during Las Fiestas Patronales. These fiestas in honor of particular patron saints can occur over a week’s time throughout the year with fairs that include parades, rides, venders at various booths, music, and a wide range of foods for participants to enjoy.

These celebrations, combined with the recognition of La Virgen de Guadalupe on December 12, enhance the year-end holiday season.

For many Latin American countries, this season starts on November 3 and continues until January 6, which is the day of the Epiphany or Día de los Reyes. This day recognizes the visitation of the three wise men, or

Photos courtesy of Dr. Eduardo Morales

whom some refer to as the three kings to the holy family. It is on January 6 when Latinx families give various holiday gifts to their children. After January 6, several Latin American countries start preparing for the Carnival celebrations in each of their towns.

In this season of giving thanks, here are some helpful tips to engage, to be grateful, and to give thanks. An important first step is to focus on oneself; to establish a level of selflove and respect, and to be grateful for all that you have. Some may think this is selfish or self-indulgAriel view of the City of San Juan, Puerto Rico ing, but it can help to make There are numerous you feel satisfied and better able to organizations you can interact and engage with others in a volunteer for, assisting meaningful way. People sense the joy others who are in need. within you as you share and partake You can check the interin the season of giving thanks. With net for various organithat in mind ... zations that are in need Treat yourself well. of volunteers during this Our Lady of Providence, the holiday season.

Patroness of Puerto Rico Spend time doing things that you enjoy, and treat yourself well. Once a day, try to have a sit-down meal using the plates and glassware you reserve for special guests. This is a simple way to treat yourself and enjoy your meal.

Do some activities that you enjoy, such as going to the movies, theater, museums, visiting friends, and more.

Re-engage with friends you might not have seen for a while and whose company you enjoy.

Keep in touch with family members who love and care for you, and try to do the same for them.

Try new things and explore other cultural customs.

Invite friends to your home for a visit and enjoy their company.

Explore how people of other cultures give thanks during this season.

Exercise either at home or at a gym.

This will help to elevate your mood and keep you healthy.

Re-engage with your own traditions and customs.

Give back to others.

If you decide to travel, consider Puerto Rico. As of September 30,

The Basilica de San Juan Bautista in Old San Juan

2021, Puerto Rico is among the three jurisdictions in the U.S. with the highest doses of vaccines administered against COVID-19. When compared to U.S. states, this U.S. territory has vaccinated the largest share of its eligible population against COVID-19 and has America’s lowest rate of new coronavirus tests ( https://tinyurl.com/yruzd96c ).

Masking and social distancing are required in Puerto Rico as is being fully vaccinated or having a negative COVID-19 test. It has been reported that 81.1% of the population have received at least one dose of the vaccine and 78.3% are fully vaccinated.

As a territory of the U.S., a visa and passport are not needed. People are friendly there, the food is very flavor-

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Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors, welcomed LGBTQ+ community members, friends, and family to the team’s LGBTQ+ Night on Thursday, October 28. The evening marked a welcome return for the event, which for 2020 was not held due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

San Francisco Bay Times team members assisted with plans and coordination for the first such event held at Oracle Arena in Oakland, during 2017 and again in 2018. In 2019, our group was on hand for the first LGBTQ+ Night at the new Chase Center.

This year, a large and spirited contingent of San Francisco Bay Times columnists, readers, and supporters attended, including columnists Donna Sachet, Lou Fischer, and Joanie Juster, along with Juan Davila, Leticia Lopez, Amy Myers, and more. Each LGBTQ+ attendee with a ticket to the game received a commemorative Warriors’ LGBTQ+ t-shirt.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GARY VIRGINIA

The 2021 LGBTQ+ Night was held in conjunction with an official NBA game with the Warriors versus the Memphis Grizzlies. The Warriors lost in overtime, but by all accounts, it was a highly competitive game. Groups were also attending representing SF Pride, the Oakland LGBTQ Community Center, and others.

The evening’s program included the National Anthem performed by the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus’ acapella ensemble The HomoPhonics, a half time performance by CHEER San Francisco, ringing of the Warriors’ cable car bell

by San Francisco Compton’s Transgender Cultural District Founder Aria Sa’id, and more. Special advisor to Mayor London Breed, Clair Farley, represented the Mayor’s Office.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF JUAN R. DAVILA

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PHOTO COURTESY OF JUAN R. DAVILA

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https://www.nba.com/warriors/

By Donna Sachet

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“Life’s a banquet. And most poor suckers are starving to death.

So, live, live, LIVE!” – Auntie Mame

n keeping with the descriptions in our most recent columns, San Francisco seems to be noticeably emerging from the long winter of this pandemic, as fears and precautions are beginning to melt away and socially minded people anxiously return to public events. COVID is by no means a thing of the past, but with proper planning and guided by sensible, healthy adjustments, we can see a brighter future on the horizon.

Another successful Divas & Drinks filled The Academy on October 21 with convivial conversation, shared priorities, and healthy networking. DJ Rockaway rejoined us, as did the Bacardi team, led by Heather Freyer, offering specialty drinks. Being so close to Halloween, it was only logical to have a costume parade to kick the night off, led by yours truly in a gold recreation of the Egyptian beauty Cleopatra. Other costumes referenced super-heroines, horror film characters, or less definable personalities, but the coup d’etat was an entrance from the Village People, as YMCA blasted over the sound system, featuring Bay Times columnist Lou Fisher and her partner Amy Myers. Lou was then surprised by a birthday celebration, complete with a cake bearing her likeness, gifts from sponsors of the night, and the birthday song, led by Amy. When your life is as public as Lou’s, it is hard to keep such things a surprise, but this was a complete success.

Name That Tune followed, pitting returning champion Team Dykes on Bikes ® against the colorful Team Village People, who emerged victorious. Meanwhile, guests enjoyed food provided by KASA Indian Food, Nosh’s Dirty Popcorn, Kokak Chocolates, and Olive This, Olive That. Nanoshka Johnson of Nosh’s Dirty Popcorn, a local entrepreneur and creator of several successful businesses, shared a few words about women-owned businesses and networking at The Academy. Always looking for new faces in the crowd, we noticed SF Pride’s Board Vice-President Nguyen Pham and Lisa Williams and returning fans of Divas & Drinks Jimmy Consos of Grubstake (recently approved for its remodeling and high-rise of housing) and Gary Virginia (instrumental in gaining that approval from the Board of Supervisors). The most anticipated moment of the evening came when the winning raffle ticket holder won two seats for Wanda Sykes at Nob Hill Masonic Center the next night. This event fell right in the middle of troubling weather reports and with the outdoor patio area being so popular for these gatherings, there was some concern that attendance would be light, but true to form, San Francisco rose above those concerns and once again filled The Academy. Look for Divas & Drinks to return in January with a very special theme and recognizable guest of honor!

After a short break, the Bearrison Street Fair returned on Saturday, October 23, to the delight of the Bear Community and their many admirers.

We co-emceed a portion of the afternoon’s entertainment on the main stage with Mark Paladini, introducing Probe 7, lively performers from Oasis, and crowd-favorite and headliner Big Dipper. Rarely have we seen an audience wait so patiently and rush to the stage so enthusiastically as when Big Dipper delivered his set, joined by local bear enthusiasts in self-affirming dance routines. The phrase in his bio that will stick with us is “thick boy confidence,” asserting a powerfully inclusive message with wit and wisdom. Kudos to the organizers and many volunteers who made sure that Bearrison Street Fair returned to the San Francisco calendar, especially Prince Wolf who ran a seamless, professional stage, making everyone feel valued and appreciated.

October 28 was LGBTQ+ Night at Chase Center with the Golden State Warriors! Over 18,000 fans streamed into the arena to celebrate the return to active play for this championship team and to recognize the growing relationship between our community and professional sports. On the court, in addition to a nail-biting game, HomoPhonics, a small ensemble of the SF Gay Men’s Chorus, sang the National Anthem with rich harmony and beautiful phrasing, CHEER SF displayed amazing acrobatic routines and boundless energy, and various leaders of our community were present, including Aria Sa’id and Clair Farley. Off the court, we joined Gary Virginia, Wanda Whitaker, and Rusty Best in one of the luxury suites for a first-hand and firsttime experience that can’t be beat. Thanks to the generosity of a dear friend, we were treated to a full bar, hot and cold food, and spacious living room setting in which to relax between moments on the court. Late in the game, we were delighted to welcome Alysha Lofton, Group Sales Account Executive for the Warriors, to our little oasis. She and the entire Warriors operation are anxious to build more bridges with the LGBTQ+ Community, so watch the Bay Times for upcoming opportunities.

Finally, we took a rare trip out of our beloved San Francisco to visit a place that has become practically a second home for us: Santa Barbara. It has little to do with the “other” royalty residing there, nor the proximity of Oprah Winfrey, but rather the invitation, hospitality, and friendship of Erik Nickel & Michael Loftis, two of the sweetest and most fun-loving people on the planet. They hosted an elaborate Halloween party at their home where costumes were de rigueur and the thematic décor was le meilleur des meilleurs. Orange pumpkins abounded, creeping fog entranced, and a mystic mushroom garden glowed in black light, as a juggler and contortionist astounded guests and a mermaid swam languorously in the pool.

The science fiction and fantasy theme called for eeriely glowing fixtures and pulsating galactic lights, jettisoning the house into a fantastical future. Even we followed the theme, forsaking our signature red for neon green! Delicious bountiful food and plentiful wine and cocktails, creatively presented, completed the picture. We hear that San Francisco enjoyed a revival of sorts for Halloween, but we know for sure that there was at least one party in Santa Barbara that did it right!

Upcoming events, as our readers will see from the accompanying calendar, promise a busy November and December, so get that vaccine, take that booster, and get social again! Top of the list, with all modesty, is the return of a live and inperson Songs of the Season, Tuesday & Wednesday, December 14 & 15, at Feinstein’s at Hotel Nikko. As you’ll undoubtedly remember, our annual cabaret fundraiser came to a close after 25 years, but with the expert production skills and professional connections of Brian Kent, it lives on, continuing to raise money for PRC and to bring the magic of holiPHOTO BY SHAWN NORTHCUTT

Friday, November 5 Mighty Real, PRC’s annual gala Live & In-Person Awards to Joel Grey, Honey Mahogany, Bare Chest Calendar, & Tito’s Food, drink, formal presentation Four Seasons Hotel, 757 Market Street 6 pm $100 & up www.prcsf.org Wednesday, November 10 Harry Denton Celebration of Life For friends of the legendary SF host Harry’s Bar, 2020 Fillmore Street 5 pm Friday, November 12 2021 Legends Awards Honoring Tim Seelig of the SF Gay Men’s Chorus Awards to Tita Aida, Leo Herrrera, Scott Peterson Music by the Oakland Interfaith Choir, Melanie DeMore Hosted by Sister Roma, Liam Mayclem & Donna Sachet Swedish American Hall, 2174 Market Street 6 pm - Reception at The Academy 7:30 pm – Awards Ceremony at the Swedish American Hall $40–$80 www.academy-sf.com Sunday, November 14 Michael Pagan Celebration of Life Informal gathering of friends Donations to Openhouse Harris’ Restaurant, 2100 Van Ness Avenue 11 am–3 pm Monday, November 29 Castro Holiday Tree Lighting Hosted by Donna Sachet Music, elected officials, & community Bank of America, Castro Location 6 pm Free!

Thursday, December 2 Drag Queens on Ice Union Square Holiday Ice Rink Top drag queens take to the ice 8 pm Free!

Monday, December 6 Tree of Hope Lighting Rainbow World Fund Origami decorated holiday tree Grace Cathedral, 1100 California Street 7 pm Free! www.rainbowfund.org Sunday, December 12 Birthday Cabaret & Celebration Celebrating José Sarria, hosted by Emperor XLVIII, A.N., William Bulkley Emceed by Imperial Crown Princess Katya Smirnoff-Skyy Martuni’s, 4 Valencia Street 4–6 pm Tuesday and Wednesday, December 14 & 15 Donna Sachet’s Songs of the Season Presented by Brian Kent Holiday Cabaret benefits PRC Feinstein’s at Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason Street 8 pm $25 & up www.prcsf.org

day music to San Francisco. Watch this column for upcoming details and contact this columnist for sponsorship opportunities and ticket sales.

After this long and despondent pandemic, Donna Sachet’s Songs of the Season presented by Brian Kent is just what we need.

Donna Sachet is a celebrated performer, fundraiser, activist, and philanthropist who has dedicated over two decades to the LGBTQ Community in San Francisco.

Contact her at empsachet@gmail.com

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Napa: Beyond the Wineries collected some of my personal favorites for my loyal readers.

The Gay Gourmet David Landis It used to be that a trip to the Napa Valley meant bypassing the sleepy town of Napa, heading directly to the bucolic hills and wineries of the Valley.

Not anymore.

The town of Napa is now abuzz with activity—prominent restaurants, one of the region’s best food markets, a plethora of wine tasting rooms, hip hotels, haberdasheries, a river promenade, even a jazz club—and more. In fact, a weekend trip to the Valley isn’t complete anymore without a stop in this delightful burg.

Years ago, downtown Napa was a shell of its current self. Floods, wildfires, and an earthquake made locals take another look at how to preserve the town for the future. Credit several Napa visionaries—Harry Price (who inspired the downtown river walk, now named for him), former Mayor Jill Techel, and developer Todd Zapolski—for turning lemons into lemonade. What happened? A revitalized and energized walkable downtown with a gorgeous flood-control river promenade and vitality on every corner.

The Gay Gourmet recently spent an extended weekend discovering how inviting this town is, and I’ve

One of the anchors of Napa’s new downtown is the design-forward Archer Hotel Napa, which was home base for our extended weekend jaunt. Located on First Street, smackdab in the middle of downtown, this hotel has a lobby that opens into a captivating threestory atrium in its lobby; the celebrity chef-driven Charlie Palmer Steak restaurant (overseen by Executive Chef Francisco Lopez, Jr); a rooftop spa (which just reopened with gemstone treatments) and swimming pool; and my personal favorite, Sky & Vine, the hip rooftop bar and restaurant. Oh, and did I mention how dog-friendly the hotel is?

First things first: our suite—with panoramic Valley views on three sides—had a modern mid-century vibe with an inviting living room to read a book while sipping the best of the Valley; a generous kitchenette with ample counter space, complete with (of course!) a wine cooler, a refrigerator, Keurig coffee machine, and microwave; a gorgeous modern two-sink bath, separate bathtub and shower and private toilet area; and a colorful backlit art mural wall separating the bathroom from the main bedroom. For the pooches, the suite also has its own dog bed and recommendations for pet-friendly wineries nearby. (Alphonse and Gaston approved!) The king-size bed was comfortable enough for two grown men to sprawl comfortably. Best of all? Our suite included a beautiful balcony with its own fireplace where we could enjoy cocktails while admiring the mountain—and city—views.

While they don’t take reservations, the hotel’s rooftop Sky & Vine is the hip and happening place to be. We even had cocktails (with the dogs!) while a storm powered through downtown. Luckily, half the bar and restaurant is covered and the other half offers firepits and magnificent views from every cor-

ner. The food is what you would expect—but elevated: bar food with quality ingredients. Sky & Vine has a full bar with innovative craft cocktails like the Pisco-inspired Cusco’s Escape, as well as a wine list that is small but well-curated.

My personal food recommendations are the red pepper hummus with just enough zing served with homemade pita bread, as well as the yummy and moist smash burger with a 7-ingredient secret sauce and American cheese on a brioche bun, accompanied by extra crispy fries. Our party also enjoyed the jumbo shrimp cocktail (and they do mean “ jumbo”) and “Frankie’s hot wings” with celery, carrots, and ranch dressing. Ask for server Riah, whose welcoming style (and handmade Negroni) made our day. Peter Triolo, Archer Hotel Napa’s dynamic Food & Beverage Director, even told me they’re about to open a second bar devoted to whisky and will install a pizza oven soon. All in all, Archer Hotel Napa is a luxurious, relaxing, and delicious must.

While staying at the hotel you can either have breakfast downstairs or, as we did, opt to walk down the street on your morning dog walk to Starbuck’s. It’s at the corner of First and Main and has an ample outdoor dining area. Nearby, there’s a charming riverfront park, Veteran’s Memorial Park, at Third St. and Main—close enough for one’s daily dog outings. ( Just make sure your dog is leashed and that you pick up.)

Downtown, there’s also another hotel property worthy of note: the River Terrace Inn. While we didn’t stay there, the rooms look gorgeously appointed and its riverfront location just off the beaten path gives the hotel a quiet elegance. We did make it to Alba, the Inn’s restaurant, to enjoy cocktails (with the dogs) on its cozy, loungelike patio overlooking the Napa River. According to the restaurant, the menu “highlights shareable, seasonal small plates to pair with wine and craft mixology, featuring Napa Valley local products and natural ingredients.” The terrace offers lives music on Fridays and Saturdays and the inviting firepits

are welcome on those chilly autumn or winter Napa evenings. Best of all, the terrace hosts monthly “yappy hours” for our four-footed pals!

Another place to stay downtown is the charmingly renovated Victorian, The George. We didn’t stay there, but our friends raved about the sumptuous accommodations, the proximity to downtown, and the delicious breakfasts.

While you’re downtown, be sure to take a stroll along the river promenade (there are numerous restaurants with outdoor terraces— more on that later) and head over to the Oxbow Public Market, a mini Ferry Building type marketplace filled with gourmet food eateries and offerings. Some of my favorites include: modern Japanese cuisine at Eiko’s at Oxbow, Hog Island Oyster Bar, Kara’s Cupcakes, and Oxbow Cheese and Wine Merchant. The surrounding neighborhood now sports the grassy Oxbow Commons for leisurely meandering, numerous indie restaurants, bars, shops, and wine tasting rooms—well worth an afternoon of browsing.

Check out Model Bakery, Whole Spice, Fieldwork Brewing, Napa Valley Distillery, and the Culinary Institute of America at Copia for starters. Also downtown and worth noting is the Blue Note Napa jazz club at Napa’s old Opera House (re-opening November 11). It’s an outpost of the famous New York club and has live performances regularly.

So, let’s get to the food.

It used to be that to find great food you’d need to head towards Yountville or St. Helena. Not so anymore. Downtown Napa is now a foodie destination as well.

Along the riverfront, a not-to-be-missed foodie haven is the splashy and sophisticated Japanese-California eatery Morimoto Napa, located on Main Street with a giant patio overlooking the Napa River.

Their COVID protocols are exemplary: vaccine cards are a must and the host takes everyone’s temperature upon arrival. The wine list tends toward California offerings.

Besides a well-balanced Negroni, our party ordered the Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc, a perfect, dry and clean complement to the start of our meal. The restaurant has more than twenty sakes on order: our friends selected the house hot sake, which they declared a winner.

Morimoto’s menu is prime for sharing, so our party ordered several starters. Hot edamame with a dusting of sea salt began our meal, and next we sampled the tasty and popular rock shrimp tempura, served with crème fraiche two ways: with tangy wasabi aioli and spicy kochujang sauce. We continued with Morimoto’s tofu miso soup— among the best anywhere—with a white miso broth, not overly salty and abundant with large chunks of silky tofu. We then shared four pieces of immaculate maguro sushi that melted in our mouths; a super fresh tempura shrimp roll and softshell crab roll; and a perfectlycooked braised black cod with a ginger-soy reduction, a dish for which we wanted to lick the plate.

The cheesecake souffle was calling our name for dessert, but, alas, we were too full to indulge.

Also along the riverfront is the French-inspired Angele Restaurant. We had been there on a previous trip and loved it, but a rainstorm intervened this weekend and we weren’t able to visit. Next time! Another great downtown spot is the Italian restaurant Oenotri, with a beautiful courtyard patio.

There, we sampled a buttery homemade pasta sprinkled with black truffles, alongside a Provence-style Lobo rosé wine from a local Napa Valley winemaker. For dessert, we opted for the cheese plate, which included: a buttery San Joaquin Gold cow’s milk; a mellow Point Reyes Bay Blue; and the semi-soft Boschetto al Tartufo, a sheep’s milk from Italy—all delicious!

Other recommended dining spots include the local’s (and my) favorite, Bistro Don Giovanni (BDG).

This Yountville mainstay boasts a luxurious outdoor dining lawn adjoining the vineyards. From start to finish, the food is authentically Italian. We had a lovely lunch, starting with glasses of: spar-

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tions. Gott’s focuses its charitable efforts on K–12 education in the Bay Area. Last year, the company donated more than $14,000 from its Day of Giving.

San Francisco’s famed Top of the Mark is now offering a “Champagne Experience,” a new partnership between champagne maker Piper Heidsieck and Astrea Caviar, with two new custom-made champagne carts.

The craft-cocktail destination Comstock Saloon just re-opened October 26 and welcomed new chef Ian Begg of Naked Lunch San Francisco fame.

Ice cream made with upcycled cookies, malty beer, and 14 years of ice cream ingenuity? Yup, only at Bay Area favorite Humphry Slocombe, which just debuted its Stout & Ginger Cookie Ice Cream. $1 from every sale goes to the nonprofit Food Shift. kling Domaine Carneros Brut by Taittinger; Monticelli Brothers red blend; Ott rose; and a Negroni with 209 gin, which might become my new go-to gin (although I am partial to the Napa Valley gin, Loch & Union).

From there, we tried the pear and insalata misto salad with candied walnuts, pomegranates, butter lettuce, goat cheese, and a muscatel vinaigrette—as well as the reliable Caesar salad with homemade, crispy croutons. BDG’s moist, homemade focaccia is served with its own olive oil and well worth the drive alone. Whenever I return, I can’t resist BDG’s mouth-watering Mandilli handkerchief pasta— light and airy—with a piquant Genovese basil pesto. It’s a dish that is utterly addictive. Since this second course was a pasta, I had to order a glass of my favorite Chianti, the Tenuto di Arceno, a light but dry example from the Chianti region. My husband opted for the traditional pasta Bolognese (he finished every bite) and our friends chose the special fettucine with sausage, porcini mushrooms, tomato, and Parmigiano. For dessert, we sampled the aromatic sea salt caramel gelato with the hard chocolate shell; and the creamy single malt butterscotch pudding. In short, everything on the menu deserves a five-star rating.

Perhaps a new fave is the glamorous RH Yountville, which I’ve written about before. But it’s so good, it bears mentioning again.

Lunch there is like taking a trip to Provence or Tuscany. At the outdoor tables, you’re nestled among hundred-year-old olive trees—but the inside also beckons with luxurious chandeliers and a fountain that enchants adjacent diners. This time around, we chose the Mosel white wine (dry, but slightly sweet), the Whispering Angel rosé (dry, with strawberry notes), the Roederer sparkling rosé, and the Pierre Sparr ruby red sparkling rosé, a Cremant that was more full-bodied. For lunch, we split RH’s smashburger with “sharp American” cheese and a dijonnaise sauce, a just-off-thefarm green salad with feta cheese and avocado, the creamiest potato purée you’ve ever tasted, a tender lobster roll on a brioche bun, and crispy French fries. Put RH on your foodie destination list now!

So that’s it on the Napa food and travel front for this issue. Next time, we’ll continue our Napa sojourn with winery visits to Alpha Omega winery, Artesa, and Chandon! Stay tuned!

Bits and Bites Thanksgiving notes: This year, One Market Restaurant offers its classic three-course Thanksgiving menu on Thursday, November 25. For $85 per person or $49 per child 10 & under, the menu will feature dishes such as a Caramelized Pear & Arugula Salad, Roasted Willie Bird Turkey, and Pumpkin Tart. Pickup for orders is November 24 only. Villon Executive Chef Jason Fox at the San Francisco Proper Hotel has curated a four-course prix fixe menu, showcasing the seasonality of California ingredients ($105 per person, $40 for children under 12). Festive beverages are available, including vintage bourbons or reserve wine pairing ($45).

The San Francisco Proper offers indoor and heated outdoor seating. International Smoke’s Michael Mina and Ayesha Curry will celebrate Thanksgiving with a buffet of fall classics and sweets on Thursday, November 25, from 11 am–6 pm. Highlights include Roasted Cauliflower with tahini, pomegranate and pistachio; Cedar-Smoked Salmon, Wagyu Prime Rib with smoked beef jus and horseradish cream; Smoked Turkey with cranberry and truffle gravy; Apple Cobbler; Pumpkin “It’s Its”; Inga’s Pecan Pie; and a special menu of kids’ bites including Chicken Tenders, Mini “RibWiches,” and Macaroni and Cheese. $89 per person and $39 for kids 12 and younger. You can also enjoy International Smoke in your home with its International Smoke Thanksgiving Feast to Go menu. There will be pick-up orders and delivery of International Smoke via MINA Family Kitchen. Order by Tuesday, November 23, and pick up inside PABU Restaurant at 101 California Street; delivery via Tock ( https://tinyurl.com/49dx579k ).

Highlights include Butternut Squash Soup with toasted hazelnuts and pumpernickel croutons; Truffle Caesar Salad with onion crema, truffle vinaigrette, and parmesan; Smoked Turkey Breast with truffle gravy; Asiago Stuffed Potatoes; Cornbread Stuffing; and Apple Crumble Pie for dessert. $299 per package that serves four. There will be minimal heating and prep required at home, and instructions will be included. For its annual Day of Giving, Wednesday, November 17, Gott’s Roadside will donate 20% of all sales from its locations in St. Helena, Napa, San Francisco, Palo Alto, Marin, and Walnut Creek to local education founda-

Fabrizia Lemon Baking Company wasn’t on the Gay Gourmet’s radar—but I recently sampled the company’s products with my friends Ellen and Dale.

The limoncello biscotti have a softer texture (no dipping required) and a nice lemon flavor balanced with almond; they’d be delicious with a cup of vanilla rooibos tea. The company’s limoncello cookies are perfection: a nice lemon taste and we loved the chewy texture. And the limoncello itself?

Marvelous!

that has been a best value San Francisco favorite since 2015.

The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel re-opened its restaurant, Fredericks, which honors the hotel’s founder. The restaurant has relocated to its original hotel location and Michelin-star chef Daniel Corey presides over the kitchen.

The New York Times’ list of the top 50 U.S. restaurants includes these local favorites: Mister Jiu’s, Nari, The Marshall Store, and The Anchovy Bar. For More Information Visit Napa Valley: https://www.visitnapavalley.com/ Archer Hotel Napa: https://archerhotel.com/napa Charlie Palmer Steak at Archer Hotel Napa: https://tinyurl.com/2twrf48u Sky & Vine at Archer Hotel Napa: https://tinyurl.com/jr87esjv Starbuck’s Napa: https://tinyurl.com/ydfjhhkx River Terrace Inn: https://tinyurl.com/teza6fjx Alba restaurant at the River Terrace Inn: https://tinyurl.com/42jz8eum The George:

Alpha Omega Winery: https://www.aowinery.com/ Artesa Vineyards & Winery: https://www.artesawinery.com/ Chandon Winery: https://tinyurl.com/atfsau8a One Market Restaurant: https://onemarket.com/ Villon at the San Francisco Proper Hotel: https://tinyurl.com/2933f96j International Smoke: https://internationalsmoke.com/ Gott’s Roadside: https://www.gotts.com/ Top of the Mark at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel: https://tinyurl.com/e95b5uf4 Comstock Saloon: https://comstocksaloon.com/ Humphry Slocombe: https://tinyurl.com/mejt7z3k Fabrizia Lemon Baking Company: https://tinyurl.com/zanzznpb Bake Away: https://tinyurl.com/4cy5cahp AYO Almond Yogurt: https://ayoyogurt.com/ Trestle: https://www.trestlesf.com/ Fredericks at The Clift Royal Sonesta Hotel: https://tinyurl.com/ewat7jzw

https://www.thegeorgenapa.com/

Oxbow Public Market: https://oxbowpublicmarket.com/

I like that young chef Sahana Vij has written a new book, Bake Away, about how baking fosters creativity and connection.

Even better, she is donating 100% of the proceeds to No Kid Hungry, a campaign run

by Share Our

Strength. No Kid Hungry fights child hunger by distributing grants to schools, food banks, and community organizations across the U.S. to help them get what they need to feed our kids.

AYO Almond Yogurt has come out with a new cookbook comprising thirty-six recipes for breakfast, snacks and desserts. The recipes are created by or inspired by fan favorite chefs and influencers and all include the company’s signature yogurt.

Culinary Institute of America at Copia: https://www.ciaatcopia.com/

After occupying The Vault Space (now The Vault Steakhouse) as a pop-up, Trestle has now returned to 531 Jackson Street along with its $39, three-course prix-fixe menu

Bistro Don Giovanni: http://bistrodongiovanni.com/

Morimoto Napa: http://morimotonapa.com/ Angele Restaurant & Bar Napa: https://tinyurl.com/ttbrbs5c

RH Yountville restaurant: https://tinyurl.com/4kt6x2f7

Loch & Union Gin: https://lochandunion.com/ David Landis, aka “The Gay Gourmet,” is a foodie, a freelance writer, and a retired PR maven. Follow him on Instagram @GayGourmetSF or email him at: davidlandissf@ gmail.com Or visit him online at: www.gaygourmetsf.com

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Flower Power: The Wines of Free Range Flower Winery Leslie Sbrocco: What is your background?

Sbrocco Sips Leslie Sbrocco Beauty in a bottle is what Aaliyah Nitoto has brought to life as founder of the East Bay-based Free Range Flower Winery. I discovered Aaliyah’s wines several months ago and was incredibly impressed with the uniqueness and delicacy of her creations. She is changing the “wine” world one bloom at a time.

The history of flower wine dates back thousands of years. Ancient

Aaliyah Nitoto: I studied biochemistry and biology at Mills College and eventually became very interested in health and nutrition. I worked as a nutrition consultant studying herbology, but always had an interest in wine and winemaking. When I learned about flower wine, suddenly it clicked that I could tie my passions together.

Leslie Sbrocco: How did you begin this project?

Aaliyah Nitoto: I’ve always loved lavender and all sorts of herbs, spices, and flowers. I began researching online how to make wine from things other than grapes because I was full of curiosity. I mean you can have tomato or rhubarb versions so I thought for sure

of African American Vintners.

(Leslie note: I’m also a huge fan of Phil Long and the Longevity Wines. Take a look at my Instagram videos for an interview I did with Phil at https://tinyurl.com/u4pwwcz2 ) Wines The beautifully packaged and labeled bottles are available throughout the San Francisco Bay Area including select Total Wine & More stores. I recommend learning more at the Free Range Flower Winery website where you can order the wines, too. https://tinyurl.com/byy2ufe9 “L” Lavender Wine $23 This lightly sparkling libation is delicate with aromas of lavender and juniper. It’s dry on the palate with a crisp finish. Sample alongside sushi or with Aaliyah’s ideal pairing: fried chicken and waffles.

Egyptians used lavender flowers to craft complex libations and the history of American wines certainly includes those made from flowers.

I remember as a kid growing up in Illinois and going to visit my Uncle Earl and his family in the middle of Midwest farmland. We’d often see Earl enjoying the wine he’d made from dandelion flowers and waxing poetic about how good it was.

Once I got a watered-down sip and remember it as light and herbal.

Uncle Earl laughed at me as my face puckered up with the bitterness of the beverage.

These days, flower wines don’t carry the clout they once did, but everything old is new again. I consider Free Range Flower Winery on the wine world’s cutting edge.

Recently, I had a chance to catch up with Aaliyah to learn more about her passion project.

I could do it. I did make it hard for myself, though, with my first—and signature wine—being the sparkling “L” Lavender wine. It’s challenging enough to make wine, but then I wanted to use a natural and sparkling process, too. It was blissful ignorance because only then I realized how difficult it was! After making small batches, I added organically grown RoseHybiscus and Marigold bottlings. I’m now experimenting with other exciting combinations including pineapple guava flower. I call it “wild crafted” wine.

Leslie Sbrocco: What does the future hold?

Aaliyah Nitoto: We have been working in a small shipping container based in Oakland, so space has been a big consideration as we grow. I’m thrilled to say that we are partnering with Longevity Wines (https://www.longevitywines.com) and Phil Long, one of the industry leaders in California’s Livermore Valley wine business.

He is not only a mentor to me but is the president of the Association

RoseHybiscus Wine $30 This lightly hued red will have familiar flavors for those who enjoy grape-based wines such as Gamay or Pinot Noir. Its floral aromas, silky texture, and dry-styled finish pair with food options from pungent cheeses and charcuterie to Shakshouka.

Marigold Wine $30 Golden in color with a profile similar to a buttery Chardonnay, this unique sip sports pineapple and melon aromas with a rich texture. Think Vietnamese dishes as a perfect partner.

Author, speaker, wine consultant, and television host Leslie Sbrocco is known for her entertaining approach to wine and food. She has won multiple Emmy Awards for her work on PBS, which includes hosting the series "Check, Please! Bay Area" and "100 Days, Drinks, Dishes & Destinations." www.LeslieSbrocco.com

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Mai Tai means “out of this world” in Tahitian. It’s the perfect name for this irresistibly exotic cocktail.

Combine fresh, zesty ingredients with Bacardí Cuatro for full-flavored enjoyment.

MAI TAI

Cocktails With Heather Heather Freyer

1 1/2 ounces Bacardí Añejo Cuatro Rum 1/2 ounce lime juice 1/4 ounce orgeat 1/2 ounce Orange Curaçao 1/4 ounce simple syrup

Step 1 BUILD Combine all ingredients into a shaker

Step 2 SHAKE Add ice and shake vigorously

Step 3 STRAIN Strain into a highball glass with crushed ice

2 dashes of orange bitters Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake mixture vigorously.

Strain into a highball glass filled with crushed ice.

Garnish with a mint sprig, an orange slice, and a lime wedge.

https://www.bacardi.com/us/en/where-to-buy/ Heather Freyer is a beverage expert who is the Vice President and General Manager for Open West States at Bacardí USA. Previously she was with Trinchero Wine Estates, Castle Rock Winery, Cost Plus World Market, and more.

This Month at the Castro Farmers’ Market Side Hustle! Unique Side Dishes for Your Thanksgiving Feast This Thanksgiving, take a break from your traditional recipes and change it up with some new and interesting side dishes to serve with the big bird. Yes, it’s nice to enjoy favorite dishes that have been handed down through the generations for this special day, but it’s also good to shake things up sometimes. Add a new side dish or update an old one— maybe it will be so popular with your guests that it will become a new tradition to be passed down!

At your local farmers’ market, you’ll find sweet potatoes, winter squash, apples, grapes, Brussels sprouts, persimmons, pomegranates, onions, greens, and even baked goods for your feast. Try these scrumptious recipes for a bit of a twist on your traditional Thanksgiving side dishes.

Twice-Baked Winter Squash Transform your acorn or butternut squash by twice-baking them, just as you would a potato. Bake, scoop out, and mash with a little butter and maple syrup, spoon back into squash shells, reheat, and top with pecans. Or stuff them with your turkey stuffing.

Market Mash Add some market-fresh herbs and goat cheese to your mashed potatoes. They will add an unexpected and delicious flavor to your spuds. Or mash up carrots to add to them. You can also add caramelized onions or bacon on top.

Balsamic Bacon Brussels Roast some Brussels sprouts and button mushrooms with bacon and balsamic vinegar. Cut sprouts in half, toss with olive oil and balsamic, and roast until browned and crispy. Or roast fresh green beans the same way.

Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.

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TATO FRIES BAKED SWEET PO oes 2 pounds of sweet potat 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon 5 spice blend

1 teaspoon salt er 1/2 teaspoon black pepp F. Cut the sweet Preheat the oven to 40 0° to 1/2-inch wide and potatoes into sticks 1/4 em with the oil. Mix 3 inches long, and toss th in a small bowl, and er the spices, salt, and pepp potatoes. Spread t ee sw e th toss them with d baking sheets. Bake wedges out on 2 rimme the bottom, about 15 until brown and crisp on until the other side ok minutes, then flip and co s. Serve hot. te nu mi 10 is crisp, about Sweet Potato Fries Make it casual with baked fries instead of a sweet potato casserole. See recipe.

Apple Pear Salad Toss fresh greens, chopped apples, pears, red onion, and walnuts. Add a sprinkle of goat cheese or blue cheese, and toss with your favorite vinaigrette. This is a refreshing starter for a heavy meal.

Quick Add-Ins Add fresh rosemary and grated Parmesan cheese to your crescent rolls, jalapeño to your cornbread squares, pomegranate seeds or almonds to salads, chopped apples to cabbage salad or slaw, or mashed sweet potato or pumpkin purée to your biscuits.

Stock up for your Thanksgiving feast at the Castro Farmers’ Market by visiting Fifth Crow Farms from Pescadero for Brussels sprouts and root vegetables, Rainbow Orchards in Camino for crisp apples and pears, Ken’s Top Notch for sweet grapes, Pirate Creek Bees from Sunol for sweet local honey, and Rodin Farms for persimmons and nuts.

Help your farmers while helping others. Farmers have had a rough year with water shortages and drought. Please keep farmers farming and purchase your Thanksgiving produce at your local farmers’ market! Your farmers will appreciate it and you won’t find better produce anywhere.

Debra Morris is a spokesperson for the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association (PCFMA). Check out the PCFMA website for recipes, information about farmers’ markets throughout the region and for much more: https://www.pcfma.org/ NOVE MB E R 4 , 2 0 2 1

By Debra Morris

Carlos Jáuregui: ‘Pride Is a Political Response’ Photos courtesy of Bill Lipsky, PhD

Faces from Our LGBT Past Dr. Bill Lipsky The Palace of the Argentine National Congress (Palacio del Congreso Nacional Argentino) in Buenos Aires on August 20, 2021, was “illuminated with the colors of diversity” to remember author, historian, and activist Carlos Jáuregui on the 25th anniversary of his death, and in “honor of his legacy of struggle and freedom” for LGBT people. Known as the Day of Activism for Sexual Diversity (El Día del Activismo por la diversidad sexual), the annual observance celebrates one of the most important social and political leaders in the history of the nation.

Jáuregui embraced activism in 1981 after attending his first gay pride parade in Paris. “I cried like never before when I saw the first march,” he remembered. “It was incredible.” He had discovered that “it was possible to organize as a community,” to build a “clear, concrete political movement that fought for very precise demands”: human rights for LGBT people. Although he had no experience as a political activist, he

de la Comunidad Homosexual Argentine.” Their loving embrace was the first time two gay men freely and openly declared their homosexuality in the national media while also showing the deep affection they could have for each other.

By the time Jáuregui completed his term as Alberto Fernández with his son Estanislao Fernández president of the human community, Jáuregui never CHA in 1986, he was the most fastopped advocating for equal rights. mous homosexual in Argentina: apAt the time of his death in 1998, he pearing on television, writing artiwas campaigning to add a clause to cles for magazines and newspapers, the Constitution of the City of Buepublishing the pioneering La homonos Aires that prohibited discriminasexualidad en la Argentina (Homosexualtion based upon sexual orientation. ity and Argentina), working to change A week later, the Statutory Assempublic views of HIV, and openly disbly unanimously approved a statecussing the challenges he had living ment of principle that declared simwith the virus. Still, he had few legal ply, “Todas las personas tienen idéntica rights as a gay man. When his partdignidad y son iguales ante la ley.” (“All ner Pablo Azcona died in 1988, he people have identical dignity and are was forced to move from the apartequal before the law.”) ment they shared.

In 1991, Jáuregui co-founded Gays por los Derechos Civiles (Gays-DC or Gays for Civil Rights) with his friend and activist César Cigliutti, calling it a “less homocentric” organization than CHA. The next year the two men brought together a group of community leaders to plan a march to increase the visibility of the LGBT communities of Buenos Aires and to celebrate their existence.

Not everybody The National Congress of Argentina illuminated in colors honoring the agreed it was a LGBTQ+ community (August 20, 2021) good idea, but “was certain that I had found what I Jáuregui insisted. “We have to take really wanted to do.” the streets. It’s for our rights.”

Jáuregui returned to Argentina in 1982. After the repressive military dictatorship was overthrow and democracy restored the next year, he became instrumental in shaping the philosophy and establishing the goals, strategies, and tactics of a new generation of LGBT activists. Early on he recognized that visibility was “the strongest resource that the gay movement has.” Not only would it empower LGTB people to feel free and proud, but it also could eventually change public opinion about a community and a movement that was misunderstood by so many.

In April 1984, he co-founded and became the first president of the Comunidad Homosexual Argentina or CHA (Argentine Homosexual Community), in large part because he was willing to be public about his sexuality; at a time when LGBT people had no legal protections—many feared what the attention might bring them—but Jáuregui welcomed it. For him, visibility was not only a matter of pride, but also it was a form of political activism. “In a society that educates us for shame,” he wrote, “pride is a political response.”

Jáuregui promoted visibility any way he could. The following May, all of 26 years old, he became very public when he and activist Raúl Soria, 24, appeared on the cover of the Argentine magazine Siete Días (Seven Days), identified as “Membros

On June 28, at night and in the middle of winter in his country, Jáuregui led the first Marcha del Orgullo LGBT de Buenos Aires (LGBT Pride March) for “freedom, equality and diversity.” The 200 or so participants—many wearing cardboard masks so they would not risk their livelihoods or their lives—found only empty streets, however, until they reached the Plaza de Mayo in front of the Presidential Palace (Casa Rosada). There they discovered a teachers’ demonstration just ending, but the media still present.

Jáuregui did not live to see the world he envisioned become a reality, but because of his leadership, strategy of visibility, and pride and his example, Argentina is now among the most advanced countries in the world to guarantee human rights for LGBT people. Same-sex couples may legally marry and adopt children together. Conversion therapy is banned.

Gender diversity is recognized and citizens may change their name and gender on their birth certificates and identity cards through a simple administrative procedure. Sex reassignment surgery and hormone therapy are available through their public or private health care plans.

This year, President Alberto Fernández, whose son is a student and popular drag performer (and who used a rainbow flag as a pocket square at his father’s inauguration), signed a decree adding “Category X” to national identity documents and passports for non-binary, intersex, gender neutral, and gender non-conforming persons. (The U.S. issued its first passport with a “Category X” last month.) “There are other identities besides that of man and woman, and they must be respected,” Fernández explained. Jáuregui would have wept with joy.

Bill Lipsky, Ph.D., author of “Gay and Lesbian San Francisco” (2006), is a member of the Rainbow Honor Walk board of directors.

The reporters, intrigued by protestors carrying posters that identified them as “Transsexuals for the Right to Life and Identity” and the “Argentine Gay Lesbian Integration Society,” among others, stayed to cover it. They demanded the repeal of the laws that criminalized homosexuals, transvestites, and transgender people; legislation that allowed people to record their chosen name and gender on legal documents; and a statute recognizing civil union or marriage equality.

Although the event was widely reported, laws guaranteeing equality would not be enacted for another decade.

Inspired by the belief that all of us belong to the same

Carlos Jáuregui (right) with Raúl Soria on the cover of Siete Días, May 7, 1984.

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GGBA (continued from page 7)

MANDELMAN (continued from page 3) storefront windows smashed so many times that they were considering closing for good. I strongly support alternatives to policing and incarceration where those alternatives make sense. However, I also do believe in community policing and I believe that public safety requires the detention and effective rehabilitation of serial offenders.

San Francisco Bay Times: Focusing on the current issues highlighted by your campaign, you have been active in addressing homelessness and mental health problems. Without getting into too much detail, please update us on the 17 individuals who were identified last year as being among the most troubled, and troubling, in the Castro. Can you share a few of their particular stories and what happened to them?

Supervisor Rafael Mandelman: My office maintains a list of people in District 8 who present a danger to themselves or others in the community in the hopes of getting more focused and sustained attention on them from the City. We regularly update and share the list with relevant City departments, as individuals on it commit new crimes or get into other trouble. It is enormously frustrating to see the same very sick and/ or troublesome people languishing on the streets for months and years. Unfortunately, that list has now grown to 35 individuals.

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) prevents us from knowing too much detailed information about public health interventions to help them, so oftentimes we aren’t fully aware of good outcomes like someone being placed in residential drug or mental health treatment programs. But we have heard about at least a few tragic outcomes.

Mary Botts, whom many neighbors referred to as Princess Leia because of the way she would wear her hair up in buns that recalled the Star Wars character, was one such sad story. She could often be found in Jane Warner or Harvey Milk Plaza, in the bus shelters, sometimes lying on the sidewalk outside Hot Cookie, often darting out into traffic and back. Her fear and anxiety were palpable even to a casual observer.

I, and just about every person who encountered Mary, could see that she was struggling. Lots of folks, including my office, tried to get her help.

We appealed to City departments to intervene— to come up with a plan, to get her into treatment, to do something. And I know that the City tried, in the way that the City tries. There was no shortage of City contacts with Mary: HOT (Homeless Outreach Team), EMS (Emergency Medical Services), DPH (Department of Public Health), SFPD (San Francisco Police Department) all engaged with her. But it wasn’t enough.

Mary became one of the nearly 700 people who died from an overdose last year. And her passing was all the more infuriating because she didn’t have to die. I strongly believe that folks like Mary need to be conserved to keep them safe and alive until they are able to take care of themselves.

San Francisco Bay Times: For each of the issues of focus—homelessness/mental health, public safety, affordable housing, the climate crisis, and public transportation—please share your primary goals, providing as much specific information as possible in terms of active legislation and/or planned efforts to remedy these challenging, long-term issues.

Supervisor Rafael Mandelman: I’m happy to share some of the work we’ve done and are doing in each of these areas!

Homelessness/Mental Health • Authored legislation for San Francisco to implement housing conservatorships for unhoused individuals suffering from severe mental illness and substance use disorder and pushed for expansion of the City’s use of its existing conservatorship tools.

• Authored legislation to require the City to provide shelter for any unhoused person willing to accept a safe exit from the street.

• Championed Street Crisis Response Teams to provide alternative non-police response for individuals suffering from mental health crises.

• Convened and Co-Chaired the 2019 Methamphetamine Task Force to propose improvements to City response to rising meth use and overdoses.

• Supported drug sobering centers to provide alternatives to emergency room, jail, or the street for individuals suffering from drug intoxication.

Public Safety • Opposed budget reductions in police training, academies, and overtime to make sure we are able to maintain and increase the diversity of the Police Department and meet critical staffing needs.

• Supported expansion of community policing efforts like neighborhood foot patrols.

• Worked with neighbors, the Police Department, and the District Attorney to facilitate the arrest and charging of drug dealers, violent offenders, and serial burglars.

• Investigated the Superior Court’s repeated pretrial release of individuals on ankle monitors, even when those individuals have repeatedly violated the terms of prior releases.

Affordable Housing • Introduced legislation to curb monster homes while allowing fourplexes Citywide to encourage production of more units affordable to everyday San Franciscans.

• Worked with Mayor Breed to acquire a parcel for the development of more than 100 units of permanently affordable LGBTQ-affirming senior housing in District 8.

• Worked to identify existing sites and secure funding for additional permanently affordable developments in District 8.

• Authored legislation to prevent landlords from reducing housing services to longtime tenants.

Climate Crisis • Authored and passed the City’s declaration of climate emergency.

• Authored and passed legislation requiring that new construction be all-electric to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings (currently 40% of San Francisco’s greenhouse gas emissions).

• Authored legislation establishing new onsite water reuse requirements for large new developments and directing the PUC (Public Utilities Commission) to investigate and report back on additional opportunities for water recycling Citywide.

Public Transportation • Convened the 2019 Transit Reliability Working Group to identify barriers to Muni service improvements and strategies to overcome them.

• As Chair of the County Transportation Authority and Vice Chair of the Transbay Joint Powers Authority, I worked to secure funding to bring Caltrain and High-Speed Rail to the heart of Downtown.

• Currently working to identify potential new revenue for the Transportation Authority, MTA (Municipal Transportation Agency) and BART to improve reliability of local transportation systems.

San Francisco Bay Times: Your staff is tremendous and has a reputation, as do you, for being incredibly dedicated and hardworking. Are they planning to stay on your team should you be reelected?

Supervisor Rafael Mandelman: I have been enormously fortunate to have a great team working with me these last three years, and I certainly hope they will be with me for a long time.

San Francisco Bay Times: Looking back on your current term as Supervisor, what have been some of the most memorable moments for you?

Supervisor Rafael Mandelman: There has been no shortage of amazing moments, but I think some of the most inspiring arose from the creative ways the community found to celebrate Pride during the pandemic: the lighting of the illuminated pink triangle on Twin Peaks for Pride during that dark first year of the pandemic and then again for the whole month of June this year (thank you, Patrick Carney and Ben Davis); the mass gathering of labor and queer community outside Allen Baird’s home organized by Cleve Jones and the Teamsters during this year’s Pride to let the longtime labor activist and friend of Harvey’s know we had not forgotten him; the screening of LGBTQ films in Oracle Park (congratulations, SF Pride and Frameline!); the grassroots marches led by queer people down Polk Street this year and last (thank you, Alex U. Inn and Juanita MORE!).

San Francisco Bay Times: Please mention anything else that you would like for our readers to know.

Supervisor Rafael Mandelman: Just many, many thanks to the Bay Times for your continued coverage of our diverse community. https://www.rafaelmandelman.com/

HOLGATE/KROOT (continued from page 4)

MORALES (continued from page 13)

one’s gone before. Seriously, who wouldn’t rather live in the Star Trek universe instead of the Squid Game world?

ful, they have great music, and the activities are festive.

https://www.redbridgewins.com/

Spanish and English are spoken throughout the island since the school system for decades has been bilingual. They have natural reserves to visit, beaches, museums, and theaters, and Old San Juan is a favorite destination that you should not miss.

Upon returning from the island, keep in mind that Puerto Rico is excluded from CDC requirements and you do not need to provide a negative COVID-19 test result to return to the mainland (according to travel guidelines reported by Discover Puerto Rico).

Jennifer Kroot is a filmmaker known for her award-winning LGBTQ themed documentaries, including “The Untold Tales of Armistead Maupin” and “To Be Takei.” She studied filmmaking at the San Francisco Art Institute, where she has also taught. She is a member of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

A humanitarian, as well as a designer, Robert Holgate is dedicated to critical social issues. With his hands-on approach to philanthropy and social justice, he supports the advancement of local and national social causes.

For more information: https://www.rhdsf.com/

MILLER (continued from page 6) during this program is no guarantee of future results. Any indices referenced for comparison are unmanaged and cannot be invested into directly.

As always please remember investing involves risk and possible loss of principal capital; please seek advice from a licensed professional.

Brio Financial Group is a registered investment adviser. SEC Registration does not constitute an endorsement of Brio by the SEC nor does it indicate that Brio has attained a particular level of skill or ability. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where Brio Financial Group and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advice may be rendered by Brio Financial Group unless a client service agreement is in place.

Brandon Miller, CFP®, is a financial consultant at Brio Financial Group in San Francisco, specializing in helping LGBT individuals and families plan and achieve their financial goals.

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Spruce up your home to ref lect the seasons.

Decorate and revitalize your living space to enjoy the holiday season. If you have a knack for decorating, help others to spruce up their homes for the season, too.

Shop at farmers’ markets and otherwise be mindful of the seasons. It is good for the environment and promotes better mental and physical well-being.

Plan in advance.

Consider handcrafting some gifts for those you want to thank and please.

The holiday season can be stressful to many, and especially when things are done in a compressed period of time. Try to prepare for this holiday season throughout the year so that the stress of doing it in a specific time period is minimized. Plan how you want to spend the holiday season early in the year to take advantage of specials and availabilities. The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly made things more difficult than usual. By planning throughout the year, you can minimize unforeseen circumstances.

Meanwhile, enjoy this season of thanks!

Eduardo Morales, PhD, is a founder of AGUILAS, where he serves as Executive Director. He is also retired Distinguished Professor at Alliant International University and is the 2021 President of the National Latinx Psychological Association.

staff and membership. The board of directors will include 21 active members who exemplify the full diversity of the Bay Area.

Goal #3: Create Engaging and Educational Events GGBA will launch a quarterly sponsor event to enable our membership to engage with our corporate sponsorship pipeline. Additionally, a national retreat will provide GGBA members the opportunity to connect with other LGBTQ+ business associations across the country to share ideas, resources, support, and make key connections. A 50th anniversary celebration will be hosted in 2024 to celebrate GGBA’s successes in achieving the goals of our Five Year Vision. GGBA’s signature Make Contact events will be enhanced to ensure at least 50% of GGBA members are attending and providing valuable networking opportunities.

We will also institute a mechanism to quantify the revenue members can attribute to their GGBA membership.

Goal #4: Get Political GGBA will elevate its community presence by being a go-to business association for local elected officials.

Consistent access to local politics enables GGBA to pursue its mission on behalf of the membership.

Political involvement by GGBA staff, members, and board will also elevate GGBA’s capacity to create meaningful positive change.

Goal #5: Expand Successful Sponsorships and Memberships Aiming high for dream sponsorships will enable GGBA to further its mission and achieve its goals. A total of 50 new sponsors will be attained within the next five years.

Areas for sponsorship expansion include nightlife, restaurants, and promotions. Dream sponsors include all prominent corporate entities in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Membership numbers will consistently top 1,000, and GGBA will become the largest LGBTQ+ chamber in the nation.

I realize these are lofty goals. But think what a 47-year-old organization could create with a committed team, elevated sponsors, energized volunteers, and engaged members.

We will have the ability to truly better the Bay Area for our wonderfully diverse community, enhance the next generation of LGBTQ+ business leaders, and build the collective wealth of our member businesses.

With this opportunity, we can truly create a more prosperous and equitable future for ourselves and our entire LGBTQ+ family.

It’s about time!

Michael Gunther is the President of the board of directors of the Golden Gate Business Association. He is the Founder and Senior Consultant of Collaboration Business Consulting: https://collaboration-llc.com/

Santana Family Mural Unveiling

Photos by Juan R. Davila/Special to the San Francisco Bay Times

Members of the San Francisco Bay Times team attended the Friday, October 29th ceremony at the 24th and Mission BART station for the unveiling of a new mural by artists Crayone and Mark Bode celebrating the family of Afro-Latin blues-rock fusion artist Carlos Santana. The mural also depicts Santana’s parents and his brother Guillermo “Jorge” Santana (1951–2020), who was like his sibling an accomplished musician, as well as Jorge’s son Salvador.

Born in Jalisco, Mexico, the 10-time Grammy winner Santana moved with his family to San Francisco when he was young, and he and his relatives retain close ties to the Bay Area.

At the ceremony, a traditional native Aztec blessing by MiXCOATL was followed by guest speakers Salvador Santana, Mayor London Breed, Leo Rosales, Lisa Brewer, Roberto Y. Hernandez, and world-renowned guest of honor Carlos Santana. https://www.santana.com/

Dykes

With Drills Tip of the Week

By Julie Peri

Hanging Pictures in Drywall vs. Plaster

Take Me Home with You!

The first step for hanging a picture or artwork on a wall is knowing what material your wall is made out of. Most walls are either drywall or plaster. Drywall is made of gypsum in between two sheets of paper that are attached to the studs of the wall. Plaster walls are created by attaching lengths of wood to the studs of the wall and applying several coats of plaster over the top. Plaster is more common in older homes, drywall in newer homes.

Fitness SF Trainer Tip of the Month Jesus at Transbay "The Deadlift is a truly versatile exercise. Your upper body & lower body are working together in simultaneous motion, as your legs are doing the pushing and your arms are doing the pulling.”

"My name is Wallace!

I'm a sweet and sensitive soul, and I'm searching for my human best friend.

At six-yearsold I've outgrown my puppy energy, and I'm looking for a quiet and calm home where I can settle down. Do you think we might be a good match? Then please come meet me, because I'm full of love and can't wait to find my special someone."

Drywall is softer and thinner than plaster walls, and nails can be hammered into drywall without usually causing damage. Plaster is more brittle and can crack or chip, so you will always want to pre-drill a hole in the plaster before adding any hardware, such as a nail, screw, or anchor.

When hanging artwork, your best bet is to find a stud to drive a nail or screw into. Studs often can hold up to 100 pounds regardless of your wall type. If you can’t use a stud, you will want to use an anchor and screw. If you don’t use an anchor, the screw will pull out. Each anchor and screw can hold up to 20 pounds, so if what you are hanging weighs more than that, you can use two anchored screws to support the weight.

The type of anchor you use will be determined by the type of wall you have.

For drywall, you can use a drywall anchor or a toggle bolt. A drywall anchor is typically plastic with a split at the bottom that expands out as you add the screw, keeping the screw secure in the wall. A toggle bolt is a bolt with metal hinged wings around it that folds in one direction to go into the pre-drilled hole in the wall and opens once through the hole to brace against the back of the wall. This type of anchor can hold up to 40 pounds.

Drilling into plaster requires a little more care and consideration. You always want to pre-drill your hole, regardless of the type of fastener you are using and if your fastener is going into a stud. You can put a piece of tape on the plaster before drilling the pilot hole to prevent cracking. If you are not drilling into a stud, you will use anchors that are specially designed for plaster because plaster walls are typically much thicker than drywall, so drywall anchors will likely pull out of the plaster.

There are some plastic anchor options that work well for plaster called expansion anchors. Expansion anchors expand to grip hard, brittle masonry, which has a consistency similar to plaster. You can also order specialized plaster anchors, toggle bolts, or molly bolts. A molly bolt is a bolt with a metal sleeve around it. When it is inserted into a pre-drilled hole and tightened, the sleeve expands, bracing it against the back of the plaster and lathe.

We hope you enjoyed this tool tip. Join us for more fun tips at our workshops!

Dr. Jennifer Scarlett and Pup

Wallace is presented to San Francisco Bay Times readers by Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, the SF SPCA’s Co-President. Our thanks also go to Krista Maloney for helping to get the word out about lovable pets like Wallace.

To apply to meet Wallace, visit https://www.sfspca.org/adoptions/

Tore Kelly, Director of Creative & Social Media for Fitness SF, provides monthly tips that he has learned from professional trainers. For more information: https://fitnesssf.com/

Introduction to Tools Workshop, November 20, San Francisco Introduction to Tools Workshop, December 11, San Francisco For more information about these and other events, go to: https://www.dykeswithdrills.com/workshops Julie Peri is the Founder and Director of Dykes With Drills. https://www.dykeswithdrills.com/

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LGBTQ News & Calendar for the Bay Area CELEBRATING FOUR DECADES (1978–2021)

The San Francisco Transgender Film Festival Returns Online This Month!

Program 2 (Shorts program) Nimzo On the anniversary of the day his sister died, Nimzo decides to confront the retired air traffic controller responsible for the plane crash. Starring acclaimed Los Angelesbased trans actor D’Lo. Directed by Adelina Anthony.

Film fans rejoice: the 24th San Francisco Transgender Film Festival (SFTFF) returns online this November 11– 14—offering up seven new programs celebrating cuttingedge transgender and gender nonconforming filmmaking.

And this year, all tickets start at $0+ sliding scale (donations are welcome)! All films will be Closed Captioned for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing audiences.

Program 3 (Must be 18+ to watch) (Shorts program) Shaving/Shorn Shaving/Shorn brings the sensuality of the shaving ritual with an array of array of sound and image to almost a coital frenzy. Shot in black and white, Shaving/Shorn’s rustic textures and dramatic lighting give off a slight horror vibe. Directed

by Lorin Murphy.

SFTFF was founded in 1997 as the world’s first transgender film festival. It continues to blaze a path independent from mainstream festivals by holding true to its DIY, quirky, community-based social justice, and artist-driven roots.

“This year’s films feature trans and gender-non-conforming communities’ resilience, strength, talents, resilience, sexuality, friendship, humor, and courage,” says Artistic Director Shawna Virago. From thrillers, music videos, rom-coms, and documentaries, to animation and social justice themed films, this year’s festival literally has something for everyone.

Program 4 (Shorts program) JTHIII Kyler O’Neal is in a state of limbo, grieving the relationship and the image of heteronormative bliss. Luka Fisher and Celeste X emerge from a magical dimension to combine forces and bring Kyler back to her power in a feminist resurrection ritual, leading to the rebirth of Kyler. Directed by Alan Amaya.

Program 5 (Shorts program) Put the Brights On A look at transgender people who choose to live outside the city. This film is part of the larger conversations around the rural/urban divide.

Directed by Ray Rea.

JTHIII

Even though San Francisco movie theaters have reopened, SFTFF recognizes that many communities still do not feel safe squeezed in shoulder-to-shoulder at indoor theaters. Virago says, “We’re super committed to making the festival as safe as possible for all our communities, especially those that are immunocompromised, and as long as any threat of COVID-19 remains, we know that offering our festival online remains the only way to stay truly safe!”

Queen Tone aka BLACK RAGE

Program 6 (Shorts program) Ni Aquí/Ni Allá Centering on a conversation with their mother, the movie by filmmaker Ley Comas charts their struggle to find a middle ground between them and their family with respect to their gender identity.

Directed by Ley Comas.

Shaving/Shorn

Virago adds, “In the face of ongoing national legislative attacks against trans people’s rights, along with the long line of cisgender comedians, writers, and politicians who express transphobic ideas, SFTFF offers a joyful, powerful antidote and injection of love and hope.”

Indeed, SFTFF is celebrated for featuring truly brave, innovative filmmaking that thrives outside the glossy mainstream.

Program 7 (Shorts program) CODA An homage to the emotions that dance allows to leak and bloom. Starring NEVE, this film is NEVE’s yawp on how much we have endured, and how much more we have to face. It is a meditation on freedom, expression, embodiment, and what it means to survive. Directed by Victoria Duflot and the Global Media Lab.

Nimzo

Ni Aquí/Ni Allá

SFTFF 2021 Highlights

What: 2021 San Francisco Transgender Film Festival (SFTFF)

Program 1 (Shorts program) Queen Tone aka BLACK RAGE Filmed in a makeshift, plastic-covered room during COVID-19 quarantine, Queen Tone aka BLACK RAGE responds explosively to the constant demand for Black queer and trans women and femmes to ignore or set aside their anger— arguing that Black joy and Black rage are not, and must not, be mutually exclusive. Black rage is Black joy. Directed by LeahAnn “Lafemmebear” Mitchell.

QUEER POP QUIZ

When: November 11–14, 2021 All seven Programs are available for viewing November 11–14, 2021 (Please note that Program 3 is an 18+ program.)

Where: Online (All films are Closed Captioned for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing audiences) CODA

Tickets: Pay-what-you-can at: www.SFTFF.org

MARVEL-OUS

The new action film Eternals marks several milestones for the Disney Marvel series, including the first deaf and South Asian superheroes and this: A) first same-sex marriage in a Marvel film B) first Marvel lesbian role for Angelina Jolie C) first gay kiss in a Marvel film D) all of the above S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES

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New Original Planetarium Show Living Worlds Opens November 5 at the California Academy of Sciences

Living Worlds started receiving accolades even ahead of its San Francisco premiere: on October 9, 2021, Living Worlds was named the winner of the 2021 Dome Fest West #BestOfEarth award for Science and Education.

The film received a warm welcome from the industry in its Global Festival Premiere at four film festivals worldwide from October 8–10, 2021: Dome Fest West in Los Angeles; the FullDome Festival in Jena, Germany; Fulldome UK in Plymouth, United Kingdom; and at the Dome Under Festival in Melbourne, Australia.

Just as life was taking hold on Earth, Mars was losing its capacity to support abundant life. Zipping across its barren, cratered surface, viewers see evidence of hydrothermal activity that could once have provided energy for life, tour a region of sunken canyons known as Nili Fossae, and imagine what future missions to Mars might look like. From here, our journey takes us to Saturn’s moon Enceladus, going deep below its icy crust into a vast, world-spanning ocean.

We envision the Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor (EELS)—a snake-like future spacecraft concept that worms its way through an icy crevasse to test the ocean’s waters for microscopic organisms.

Although Earth’s current spectral fingerprint is viewable even from many light years away, it shows a world out of balance, with signs of unnatural pollutants and escalating carbon dioxide threatening to warm our planet dangerously. As viewers are brought back to our planet, we are afforded a glimpse into a hopeful future: dry lands turn green, biodiversity flourishes, and the planet pulses with life. Living Worlds asks audiences to imagine a future in which technology enriches our planet, and to reflect on ways we can

CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

Carboniferous Swamp

The Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor (EELS) depicted on Saturn's moon Enceladus

Reconstruction of a Mars landscape 26

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LGBTQ+ Intersectional Identities in STEMM

partner with our living world to regenerate and strengthen life on Earth.

Living Worlds will play every day in the Morrison Planetarium following its in-house premiere on November 5. Later this fall, Living Worlds showtimes will be available on the Academy’s daily calendar online. During every Morrison Planetarium show, a presenter will share a live update on the latest scientific discoveries and data that inform our knowledge of life in our universe and beyond. https://tinyurl.com/jnseud35

NASA/JPL/MSSS/CALTECH/ESA/ CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

“Living Worlds follows the odyssey of life on our planet and the exploration of its possible alien abodes beyond Earth,” said Dr. Nathalie A. Cabrol, astrobiologist and the Director of the Carl Sagan Center for Research at the SETI Institute. “It brings together attention to details and scientific rigor while always keeping it as a priority to make it visually stunning. Living Worlds is a journey through time and space, where life is both the observer and the planetary

As we ponder what forms life might take in the Solar System and beyond, Living Worlds encourages viewers to consider how a deeper understanding of our own planet can aid in the search for life across the cosmos. We are taken back in time hundreds of millions, then billions of years— before humans, before flowers, before dinosaurs or forests—to a world that looked very different from the one we call home today. To a time when microscopic life may have plunged our entire planet into a deep freeze, land and oceans almost entirely covered over by ice and snow. This episode changed our planet forever, setting the stage for other forms of life to take hold and illustrating how Earth and the life it supports evolve in tandem.

NASA/JPL/CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

“Living Worlds takes viewers on a journey to answer some of our biggest questions: How does understanding life’s influence on our planet inform our search for life elsewhere—and what would it mean to find evidence for extraterrestrial life?” Ryan Wyatt, Senior Director of Morrison Planetarium and Science Visualization at the California Academy of Sciences, said. “To ponder these existential quandaries, we dig deep into cutting-edge science, combining the expertise and research of hundreds of scientists across dozens of disciplines and leveraging simulations and data from around the globe. We hope that viewers will come away with a deeper understanding of our living world in a cosmic context, and that they will be inspired to seek an active role in regenerating life on Earth.”

Living Worlds begins the quest for life right here on Earth, in the stark, rugged Atacama Desert of northern Chile, a place with environmental conditions so extreme that scientists run experiments there to simulate trips to Mars. Yet it retains life-friendly “microclimates” that are home to a multitude of living creatures, such as the single-celled Cabrolae amoeba, named in honor of Dr. Cabrol. Zooming out to look at Earth from space, viewers are given a new lens through which to see its pale deserts, blue oceans, and green forests: these colors indicate a planet that harbors life. Using spectral data direct from astrobiology researchers, we see what colors reflected by a planet can reveal about the chemistry of its atmosphere, and we learn how, by teasing apart different wavelengths of light, we can uncover a planet’s spectral fingerprint and detect signs of life.

Saturn's moon Enceladus showing erupting geysers NOVE MB E R 4 , 2 0 2 1

Oliver Nguyen, Environmental Scientist (This series of profiles from the California Academy of Sciences New Science exhibit tells first-person stories of LGBTQ+ women and gender minorities of color working in STEMM—science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine—professions.)

My former self, known as “Annie,” was someone my parents expected to be a graceful Vietnamese woman with long, black hair.

Instead, I dug my hands in the earth, I wore men’s work clothes, and I dreamt of exploration through tropical jungles and uncovering new species.

In Vietnamese-American families, the term “conservation,” or Bảo tồn thiên nhiên, is a luxurious word, heavily laden with implications of something frivolous, only meant for Cau- Oliver Nguyen casian men with financial means. My first introduction to the concepts of environmental justice and biology drew from my time working at the local community farm. I kept this job a secret from my parents, making sure to scrub my nails clean every time I came home.

To me, being queer in STEMM means having to tell yourself that you deserve to be here, and having to figure out who’s safe and who’s not. But it also means finding a community with people who are changing the world through research, and changing science through being their brilliant, queer selves. https://www.calacademy.org/exhibits/new-science-exhibit

CAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

Narrated by Daveed Diggs, Living Worlds is the eighth original in-house production by the Academy’s awardwinning Visualization Studio. The breathtaking, thought-provoking show carries viewers across our globe and to the farthest reaches of space in a quest to understand life as an essential quality of our home planet.

Along the way, we see how light and color can help planetary scientists spot a living world, even from great distances. From the awe-inspiring expanses of space, to microscopic amoebas living high in Chile’s Atacama Desert, to the ice-covered ocean of Saturn’s moon Enceladus, Morrison Planetarium’s 75-foot dome will immerse viewers inside cutting-edge visualizations and hyper-realistic virtual environments.

experiment now on a quest to figure out its own origin.”

PAUL SCHENK/LUNAR AND PLANETARY INSTITUTE/CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES

Premiering November 5, 2021, the California Academy of Sciences’ newest original, all-digital planetarium show, Living Worlds, takes viewers on a revealing exploration of the ways life has transformed Earth’s surface and atmosphere over billions of years, and invites audiences to journey through the cosmos in search of life in our Solar System and beyond.

Sister Dana Sez: Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun

By Sister Dana Van Iquity Sister Dana sez, “The disgraced President T-rump, who told more than 30,000 lies while in office, is launching his ‘Truth’ social media platform. Great news if you enjoy alternative reality AKA mistruth!”

THE GLBT HISTORICAL SOCIETY presented a virtual REUNION on October 21 with cohosts Juanita MORE! & Sister Roma. Gala Co-chairs were Kylie Minono and Emperor 36 John Weber (who said he will be donating his future archives to the Historical Museum, as the first African-American Emperor, in 2008). Special speakers included California Attorney General Rob Bonta, SF Mayor London Breed (who announced $12 million set aside in the budget towards making a permanent home for the GLBT Historical Museum), California State Assemblymember (and now SF City Attorney) David Chiu, California Board of Equalization Member Malia Cohen, California State Assemblymember Evan Low, SF District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, California State Assemblymember Phil Ting, and California State Senator Scott Wiener. Interim Co-Executive Directors Andrew Shaffer and Kelsi Evans spoke of the many accomplishments of The Society— including bringing the original 1978 rainbow flag remnants designed by Gilbert Baker aka Sister Chanel 2001 into the Museum. Former executive directors, Terry Beswick and Susan Stryker, also spoke.

(Read about Beswick’s new position on page 7 of this issue.)

For decades, The Society has celebrated History Makers at their fall Gala. The award is given annually to individuals for significant artistry and contributions to LGBTQ history and culture. The History Makers Awards went to Jewelle Gomez (a fellow Bay Times columnist), Daniel Nicoletta, and Frances "Franco" Stevens.

And the Clio Award, presented to a group or individual for advancing understanding of LGBTQ history and culture, went to Tina Valentin Aguirre.

PHOTO BY RINK

SEAN DORSEY DANCE company streamed a filmed excerpt of their dance, LOU (2009). To create Lou, Dorsey researched the lifelong journals of Lou Sullivan (1951–1991), a transsexual gay man who lived and died in San Francisco and was a trail-

blazing activist, organizer, and writer.

Sullivan broke down countless barriers for trans people and was literally a friend to hundreds and inspiration to thousands. Before his death from AIDS complications in 1991, Sullivan bequeathed 30 years of his journals, letters, and papers to the GLBT Historical Society in order to leave a companion for other transgender people, to educate and open minds, and to ensure that the progress he had struggled a lifetime for would not be lost. The film included the heartbreaking and stirring duet “Perfect Day,” featuring dancers Sean Dorsey and Nol Simonse with audible quotes from Sullivan�s diary and music by Storm Miguel Flores.

Also on October 21, producer/ comic Lisa Geduldig gave us her always funny, every third Thursday monthly LOCKDOWN COMEDY show on Zoom that featured Scott Blakeman (from NY, standing in for Karen Williams, who was suddenly ill), Avi Liberman (LA), Dhaya Lakshminarayanan (SF), and from SF & Florida: The Geduldig “Sisters” (Lisa & Mama Arline Geduldig).

On November 18, 7 pm, Lockdown Comedy continues its Zoom show with these comedians: Cynthia Levin, (LA), Dauood Naimyar (Oakland), Symply Courtney (Austin), and Lisa Geduldig (SF) and her 90-year-old mom Arline (Florida). https://tinyurl.com/4db8ke6f Sister Dana sez, "When I hear the vaccine updates saying that they should be mandated—I take note that I really should date a man and help this health crisis!”

We SISTERS OF PERPETUAL INDULGENCE and THE BEARS OF SAN FRANCISCO held our inaugural BEARRISON STREET FAIR. Everyone was welcome to celebrate who they were or who they wanted to be as we promoted body positivity, diversity, inclusivity, and community. It was a fair for every bear and their friends on October 23, noon–6 pm at 11th and Harrison Streets. The latter day, teeny tiny droplets of rain occasionally bearly discouraged us courageous bear folx.

There was live wrestling and many, many booths with alcohol, merch, and various orgs’ info available. Of course, my fave is always the BARE CHEST CALENDAR guys with those hunky chests helping to raise a treasure chest for charity. The main stage performances climaxed with the BOYS OF BEARLESQUE and an Oasis drag takeover. There were DJs all day gettin’ us dancin’; and we certainly enjoyed the “VIP Bear Garden” also serving this vodkalovin’ nun with NEFT voddie!

Congratulations and deep respect to Dr. Rachel Levine, Assistant Secretary for Health, becoming the first transgender four-star officer across all eight uniformed service branches! “We have a unique opportunity with President Biden and Vice President Harris for equity, fairness, and inclusiveness for all aspects of life but especially for the LGBTQ community,” she said.

“I have always been proud to advocate for the LGBTQ community and serve as a role model that everything is possible and there are no limitations.

I hope this really inspires LGBTQ youth.”

Sister Dana Van Iquity (Dennis McMillan) at the 2017 Songs of the Season benefit with featured performer Sharon McKnight.

Sharon, profiled by Bay Times columnist Jan Wahl in this issue, will be performing at a REAF fundraiser in December.

(continued on page 32)

Senator Sinema, who once condemned (continued on page 36) S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES

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Openly Gay Producer of Senior Moment and Film’s Star William Shatner Overcome Senior Stereotypes 90-year-old actor William Shatner on October 13 became the oldest person to fly into space when he rocketed into the great beyond aboard the Blue Origin. Best known for playing Captain Kirk in the Star Trek franchise, Shatner had actually just wrapped up shooting of his latest film, Senior Moment, produced by out and proud Gina Goff of Goff Productions. While billionaires have been criticized for their space exploits, many of us watched in awe as Shatner climbed the many steep steps to board the rocket and looked as cool as Captain Kirk after landing back on Earth’s terra firma.

Shatner, who is a vegetarian and remains an accomplished athlete, is helping to shatter senior stereotypes not only with real life exploits such as the space voyage, but also with his character Victor Martin in Senior Moment, a romantic comedy-drama now streaming on multiple platforms.

Goff shared with the San Francisco Bay Times what it was like working with Shatner, female lead and no senior slouch either Jean Smart, and tackling ageism in Hollywood.

San Francisco Bay Times: Congratulations on the success of your latest film, a star-studded rom-com. Why aren’t more feel-good movies like this made in Hollywood?

Gina Goff: That’s a great question.

When I first read the script, I loved it and also saw a big built in underserved audience for mature audiences, as well as anyone looking for a feel-good movie. I’m not sure why more movies like this aren’t made, except I believe there is a disconnect between the studio executives and what most audiences really want to see.

San Francisco Bay Times: What was it like working with William Shatner?

Gina Goff: It was awesome! As an actor he was a total pro on set, very professional and on a mission to help make a great movie. I’m now very friendly with Bill, and as an out gay independent producer, he has been such an inspiration and support for me.

San Francisco Bay Times: Did it surprise you to learn that William Shatner recently journeyed into space?

Gina Goff: (Laughing) Nothing really surprises me with Bill, so no, I was not surprised he traveled to space. He’s a risk taker, an adventurer, and he’s very active in his life.

Bill swims daily, rides horses, races cars, is busy with his acting career, writing books, recording albums, and has generously donated his time and resources for great charitable causes. He works non-stop to this day at the ripe young age of 90.

San Francisco Bay Times: Did he mention anything about his space trip plans during the Senior Moment filming?

Gina Goff: Not really. The filming was before his trip to space.

San Francisco Bay Times: Did his daredevil nature reveal itself during your film shoot?

Gina Goff: Bill did the actual car racing scene on the racetrack in the movie.

San Francisco Bay Times: How did he prepare for his role in Senior Moment?

Gina Goff: Bill was very actively involved in input to his character with our director, who did some rewrites on the script prior to filming. Bill also mentioned that being 28

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Photos courtesy of Gina Goff

sequestered away in Palm Springs for four weeks allowed him to really prepare for his role as Victor Martin.

San Francisco Bay Times: Many of us also are familiar with Senior Moment actress Jean Smart. We remember Producer Gina Goff and Actor William Shatner on the set of Senior Moment her from her Designing Women days.

What was it like working with her?

Gina Goff: Jean is a wonderful person to work with, super talented and a wonderful human being.

What a year she has had both Lisa Lloyd, Christopher Lloyd, Gina Goff and Maria Morrison professionally and personally.

Her performance in Hacks is stellar and she was incredible in Mare of Easttown. And, yet after winning another Emmy recently, her fifth one, and all of her success this year, sadly she lost her husband Richard Gilliland, shortly after our movie was released in March. Professionally, they are now calling Jean Kaye Ballard & Gina Goff the “Meryl Streep of telesaying to me the day I spent with her vision.” She has earned it! During on set, “I’m so glad to see a woman filming in Palm Springs, there was in charge!” That really meant a lot record-breaking heat. Jean found an to me, and for those strong woman ice cream truck and surprised all of like her who came before us, it made the cast and crew with ice cream! It it possible for me to see myself as the was such a nice surprise. She’s a real sole producer of a movie. sweetheart!

San Francisco Bay Times: We San Francisco Bay Times: Your don’t often see Palm Springs movie’s casting was diverse, as a movie backdrop, which with both older actors and sevis surprising because it is so eral prominent actors of color. scenic. Did you enjoy filmWas this intentional? ing there and would you do it Gina Goff: We cast this movie to again? look like Palm Springs, California.

Gina Goff: Yes, and yes! We loved Much to our surprise after casting filming there and the community all 36 of the roles, we found out we was very supportive in every way. qualified for the SAG (Screen Actors Our car sponsor was Todd Blue of Guild) diversity incentive. We felt Indigo Auto Group who gave us all very proud about this at the time. of the cars in the movie for free. The It was before the #MeToo moveRiviera Hotel (now Margaritaville ment was in full force and before Resort) became our hotel sponsor Frances McDormand made her and gave us amazing deals. The famous award speech about “inclulist goes on. I’m not sure why more sion rider.” movies aren’t shot there. Even movies San Francisco Bay Times: In with the title Palm Springs were not your cast, we noticed a few filmed in Palm Springs! I’m hoping other famous cameos throughto get the television series spinoff out like Kaye Ballard, Ruta from Senior Moment made and will Lee, and Wesley Eure. How did definitely film it in Palm Springs you come about having them in when that happens. your movie?

San Francisco Bay Times: Your Gina Goff: Since we were filming film has an all-too-rare focus a movie in Palm Springs, we wanted on older characters: their lives, to involve the community and peoloves, and ambitions. Shatner, ple who actually live there. We put (continued on page 36) some feelers out with people we knew who lived in Palm Springs and reached out personally to try to include them. We were very lucky to get Kaye, Ruta, and Wesley to join in the fun.

We also tried to get Barry Manilow and Suzanne Somers who live in the area, but that didn’t happen. Sadly, Kaye Ballard passed away before the release of our movie, so she never got to see it. She Actor Esai Morales and Producer Gina Goff on the set of was such an icon and kept Senior Moment

Photos by Rink The Day of the Dead was observed by LGBT community members, including San Francisco Bay Times team member Juan R. Davila, who dressed for the Mexican holiday and visited some favorite Castro and Mission locations, including the Healing Cuts barber shop on Market Street.

Among the organizations taking note of the day was Maitri where the Altar of the Día de Los Muertos was on display. Bay Times photographer Rink observed a Halloween wreath with a Day of the Dead theme that was for sale at the Castro Stitchery and Mask Shop.

The Day of the Dead is celebrated October 31 through November 2 with variations. The holiday originated in Mexico where it is presented as a holiday of joyful celebration rather than mourning.

Its origins are tied to the Western Christian Allhallowtide observances of All Hallow’s Eve, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day.

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Capitola Sea Witches

Photos by Jo-Lynn Otto

Since 2015, a group of friends based in Capitola has dressed up on Halloween for their stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) outing. In 2016, the name “Sea Witches” was adopted. A new tradition was born, and each year the group’s enthusiasts dress up in their finest seaworthy witch garb and gather at Capitola Beach for a paddle. This year more than 100 participated. Our thanks to South Bay-based photographer Jo-Lynn Otto for capturing images for the San Francisco Bay Times. Check out the Sea Witches video: https://tinyurl.com/stdxmz36

Top of your stack Jay’s Gay Agenda (YA fiction) by Jason June There’s one thing Jay Collier knows for sure: he’s an anomaly as the only out gay kid in his small rural Washington town.

While his classmates constantly discuss their heterosexual relationships, Jay can only dream of his own firsts. From debut novelist, Jason June, comes a unique story that is as fun as it is moving. It’s a sexpositive story about the complexities of first hookups, first loves, first breakups, and first heartbreaks. At the core of Jay’s Gay Agenda is how to stay true to oneself.

The Death of Vivek Oji (fiction) by Akwaeke Emezi While dealing with a detached father and overprotective mother, Vivek suffers disorienting blackouts. Additionally, he often experiences moments of abject loneliness as he grapples with the complexities of not being able to be openly gay in a repressed Nigerian community. As adolescence gives way to adulthood, Vivek finds solace in friendships with the warm, boisterous daughters of the Nigerwives, foreign-born women married to Nigerian men. His closest bond, though, is with Osita, the worldly and outgoing cousin who masks a guarded private life. As their relationship deepens on several levels, the mystery of Osita gives way to a heart-stopping act of violence in a moment of exhilarating freedom. The Death of Vivek Oji is a quick read that is wholly absorbing. This is author Akwaeke Emezi’s (they/them) impressive followup to the novel Freshwater, which was named a New York Times Notable Book.

Paradise: One Town’s Struggle to Survive an American Wildfire (nonfiction) by Lizzie Johnson On November 8, 2018, the people of Paradise, California, awoke to a mottled gray sky and gusty winds. Soon the Camp Fire was upon them, gobbling an acre a second. Less than two hours after the fire ignited, the town was engulfed in flames, the residents trapped in their homes and cars. By the next morning, eighty-five people were dead. As a reporter for

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RECOMMENDATIONS FROM BOOK PASSAGE the San Francisco Chronicle, Lizzie Johnson was there while the town of Paradise burned. She saw the smoldering rubble of a historic covered bridge and the beloved Black Bear Diner and she stayed long afterward, visiting shelters, hotels, and makeshift camps.

Drawing on years of on-theground reporting and reams of public records, including 911 calls and testimony from a grand jury investigation, Johnson provides a minute-by-minute account of the Camp Fire. This is considered the definitive firsthand account of America’s deadliest wildfire in a century. It stunned the nation and shook a community to its core, but this riveting piece of news reporting puts forth an infinitely important cautionary tale by an impressive journalistic talent.

Upcoming Events Wednesday, November 10 @ 1 pm (live online) - Hitha Palepu, We’re Speaking: The Life Lessons of Kamala Harris We’re Speaking provides inspirational lessons about life, work, and overcoming adversity—drawn from Kamala Harris’s norm-shattering ascent to Vice President of the United States.​Kamala Harris is one of our country’s most awe-inspiring political figures, dawning on a new age as the first—but not last—Black and AsianAmerican female Vice President. Having spent her entire career smashing glass ceilings and influencing the next generation of young women, Harris has completely redefined what it means to be a woman in politics. In We’re Speaking, Palepu connects illuminating stories from Harris’ unique biography with tactical advice that will teach you to own the power of your multitudes, act on and embrace your ambition, and develop your unique voice and style. Best of all, We’re Speaking will leave you feeling empowered to follow in Harris’ footsteps—shattering glass ceilings of your own as you live the life of your dreams!

Wednesday, November 10 @ 5:30 pm (in-person/ticketed event at Dominican University) - Lidia Matticchio Bastianich in conversation with Noah Galuten, A Pot, a Pan and a Bowl From the beloved TV chef and best-selling author comes a collection of her favorite recipes for flavorful, no-fuss Italian food that use just one pot or pan (or two.) Don’t miss this companion cookbook to the public television series Lidia’s Kitchen: Home Cooking. Lidia Bastianich—doyenne of Italian cooking (Chicago Times)—makes Italian cooking easy for everyone with this new, beautifully designed, easyto-use cookbook. Here are more than 100 homey, simple-to-prepare recipes that require fewer steps and fewer ingredients (not to mention fewer dirty pots and pans), without sacrificing any of their flavor.

Saturday, November 13 @ 7:30 pm (live/ticketed event at Masonic Auditorium, SF) - Katie Couric in conversation with actor Leslie Jordan Katie’s new memoir Going There is a completely riveting and ultra-honest story of her rise to the top of the broadcasting world, complete with high highs and heartbreaking lows. This fall, she—along with some very special celebrity guests—are visiting cities across the U.S. for incredible conversations that’ll leave you inspired and enthralled. https://www.bookpassage.com/

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Off the Wahl Jan Wahl

Since Sharon also does a wonderful Mae West one woman show, I asked who was happiest, Mae or Sophie.

She responded, “Well. Mae got laid a lot, I mean a lot. Sophie not so much, due to weight issues and religion. Both were very successful in their careers, so that was definitely a happiness.”

A 1989 Tony nominee for “Best Leading Actress in a Musical” (Starmites) and a 1986 SF Pride Grand Marshal, Sharon also does a remarkable show about three Betty’s: Betty Hutton, Betty Grable, and Bette Davis. I’m hoping she’ll come back to the Bay Area with this one.

But at least she will be here very soon. Maybe she’ll sing my favorite funny, “Santa Lost a Ho,” but she’s not promising! I am thrilled to welcome the holiday time with Sharon again as we celebrate for a great cause: The Richmond Ermet Aid Foundation presents Help is on the Way XX: Feliz Navidad on December 5 at the Brava Theater Center. This fine organization was founded in 1994 by two women who had lost their sons to AIDS. Ken Henderson and Joe Seiler have led the fight,

With all the previous talk about divas, I’m thinking about other great dames that get out there and belt. We have Ethel Merman, Judy Garland, and Ella Fitzgerald, but I’m taking a turn to the movies with catty moments on film between women. Many of us immediately think of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? It’s kinda wonderful that Bette and Joan hated each other in real life.

There are so many juicy stories about the making of the film.

I was fortunate to interview Ginger Rogers, who absolutely hated Katherine Hepburn when they made the delightful Stage Door. Footlight Parade with Cagney and Blondell has one of the great diva lines: “Get out of here, Countess. As long as there are sidewalks, you’ll always have a job.”

Sometimes what is set up as rivalry can be just the opposite. Regarding Gentleman Prefer Blondes, Jane Russell told me that Marilyn Monroe was a great friend and they did nothing but help each other through that fabulous film. In Libeled Lady, classy Myrna Loy adored costar Jean Harlow, according to Myrna’s terrific autobiography Being and Becoming. Pal Joey was set up for Rita Hayworth and Kim Novak to despise each other, yet both women became lifelong friends.

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Sharon McNight as Sophie Tucker

Academy of Friends (AOF) vice president Matthew Denckla and board chair Howard Edelman with performing artist Sharon McNight at the AOF Holiday Party at Gump’s. (2013)

Sharon McNight sang at REAF’s Help Is on the Way for the Holidays 2011.

Sharon McNight performed at Songs of the Season at the Halcyon lounge in November 2017.

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Though Mae West was younger than Sophie, they were not that far off from each other in many ways. Mae is the closest thing I will ever have to a spirit animal, someone who deeply influenced my life and behavior. Please check out the amazing documentary feature on her, Mae West: Dirty Blonde, on “American Masters” for PBS.

Singer Sharon McNight performed at Donna Sachet’s Songs of the Season at Beatbox in December 2015.

Back to Help Is on the Way for the Holidays ... I’ll see you there. Look for the hat.

For tickets and more information: https://tinyurl.com/yrf847pf Jan Wahl is a Hollywood historian, film critic on various broadcast outlets, and has her own YouTube channel series, “Jan Wahl Showbiz.” She has two Emmys and many awards for her longtime work on behalf of film buffs and the LGBTQ community. Contact her at www.janwahl.com

Sharon McNight (second from left) with (l-r) Beach Blanket Babylon star Val Diamond, Songs of the Season host Donna Sachet, and California State Senator Mark Leno. (2012) S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES

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When Sharon performs Sophie, it is funny and poignant, exploring her life and loves. Sharon said: “Soph got married to get out of the house, and married three times.

Her true love was performing and being an entrepreneur, always setting up a card table after her show to sell her book. She was in love with her career, starting as nobody singing in her parent’s restaurant, heading to New York cabaret; takes some balls.”

Their holiday fundraiser is fun and festive, with fabulous performers like Bruce Vilanch, Paula West, Lisa Vroman, Shawn Ryan, and others. There are libations, an auction, and great-looking Santa’s helpers—all getting us in the holiday spirit. This year’s show will benefit Project Open Hand, which provides nutritious meals to many in need.

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Sharon does a show called Red Hot Mama, an homage to the outrageous Sophie Tucker. Sharon told me for the San Francisco Bay Times, “I love her strong will, independence.

She was out there on her own as a woman, not the easiest job ... oh, brother.” When Bette Midler does her own Sophie Tucker, we laugh at the Bruce Vilanch-written stories and jokes. Wonderful ... and a great way to bring Sophie back to new generations.

with friends and colleagues, to provide aid for HIV/AIDS programs, hunger and homeless organizations, and underserved youth and families.

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I’ve been in the audience for Sharon McNight for many years. This fabulous comedienne and singer holds the stage, original yet also bringing to mind two of my favorite performers: Mae West and Sophie Tucker.

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F Frameline Welcomes Audiences Back to the Historic Castro Theatre Frameline on October 20 announced that it will welcome audiences back to San Francisco’s historic Castro Theatre with Frameline Fall Showcase being held on November 11 and 12, 2021. This two-day event will feature four in-person screenings, including the San Francisco Bay Area premiere of Mayor Pete; the 4K restoration of the 1971 classic Tricia’s Wedding; the Grindr-produced scripted series Bridesman; and the French drama and Cannes Film Festival favorite Paris, 13th District.

Tickets ($16 per screening) are on sale now by visiting www.frameline.org “We are delighted to welcome movie lovers from around the San Francisco Bay Area back to the glorious, familiar setting of the Castro Theatre to celebrate togetherness and the best in LGBTQ+ cinema,” says Frameline Executive Director James Woolley.

“Frameline’s Fall Showcase will give audiences a taste of the full in-person festival we have planned for Frameline46 in 2022.”

“The Frameline Fall Showcase is an exciting snapshot of the full Frameline Festival experience already in the works for 2022,” adds Frameline Director of Programming Allegra Madsen. “The first evening of the showcase are glimpses of different types of queer political participation, both inside and outside our nation’s power structures. The second evening is a look at the fluidity of sex, sexuality, and shifting modern relationships norms. At times, both evenings are hilarious, poignant, sexy and, at all times, representative of the best in queer cinema.”

Tricia’s Wedding November 11 @ 6 pm (Immediately following the screening, musician-actor-drag performer extraordinaire, Birdie-Bob Watt, will emulate the Cockettes with a number composed for their shows in the 1970s, embodying their provocative, and often subversive repertoire.)

In a brand new 4K restoration funded by Frameline and the Outfest UCLA Legacy Project, Tricia’s Wedding is the world-famous Cockettes’ irreverent reenactment of First Daughter Tricia Nixon’s nuptials to Edward Cox on June 11, 1971. Television correspondent Hurtme O. Hurtme covers the affair and interviews the star-studded guests, including Queen Elizabeth, Jacqueline Onassis, Barbra Streisand, the pope, Elizabeth Taylor, Coretta King (as played by disco superstar Sylvester), and frisky lovers Prince Charles and Mick Jagger. But when Eartha Kitt spikes the punch with LSD at the reception, all hell breaks loose. Filmed to premiere on the same night as the televised wedding, Tricia’s Wedding is a landmark of queer cinema and San Francisco LGBTQ+ history. This wild political satire even held a secret screening to Nixon’s top aides in a hidden bomb shelter at The White House.

Mayor Pete November 11 @ 7:45 pm A riveting documentary from Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Jesse Moss (Boys State), Mayor Pete brings viewers inside Pete Buttigieg’s campaign to be the youngest President of the United States, providing an unprecedented intimacy with the candidate, his husband Chasten, and their ambitious team. From the earliest days of the campaign to his unlikely, triumphant victory in Iowa and beyond, this film reveals what really goes on inside a campaign for the highest office in the land—and the myriad ways it changes the lives of those at its center. Recently appointed U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Buttigieg serves as the first openly LGBTQ+ Senate-confirmed Cabinet member in U.S. history. Mayor Pete not only showcases the political strides made by Buttigieg, a former military officer who served in Afghanistan, but also how far LGBTQ+ rights have come in the decade following the recall of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Join Frameline for this special Veterans Day screening in the Castro, home of California’s LGBTQ+ civil rights movement.

Mayor Pete Director Provides Insight on Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg Moss focuses on Buttigieg’s sexuality, and his messages of belonging, which extend beyond the gay community. Mayor Pete also addresses issues of race and privilege that dogged Buttigieg’s campaign (as well as his time as mayor of South Bend, Indiana).

In a recent Zoom interview, Moss chatted with me for the San Francisco Bay Times about Buttigieg and his new documentary, Mayor Pete.

Gary M. Kramer: How much access to Secretary Buttigieg did you have while making the film?

Film Gary M. Kramer Jesse Moss’ documentary, Mayor Pete, featured in the Frameline Fall Showcase on November 11 at the Castro Theatre and out November 12 on Amazon, follows the first out gay presidential candidate, Pete Buttigieg, and his spouse Chasten on the campaign trail. The film combines interviews with Buttigieg with fly-on-the-wall footage of his efforts on the ground in Iowa for the caucuses to his various stump speeches, debates, and appearances.

Jesse Moss: We started filming in March 2019 and wrapped right before Super Tuesday, when he dropped out and endorsed Biden. We shot a postscript interview with him in fall 2020 before the election. And we did another shoot with him in D.C. after he got appointed [to be the Secretary of Transportation].

Gary M. Kramer: At the beginning of the film, Chasten suggests you talk with Pete about achieving. Can you talk about that?

It shows how you gained insight to Pete through his husband.

Jesse Moss: To me the question that Chasten frames—that he is asking which is after the campaign is over—is for Pete to answer. But the story that unfolds in front of us provides enough answer

for the audience to decide for themselves, was Pete able to be his authentic self or not? And what does that really look like?

I don’t think there is a definitive yes or no.

I like that it’s Chasten who poses the question. I think Pete provides the answer in the story that Jesse Moss we see unfold in front of us.

There were questions I put to Pete that he struggled to answer or couldn’t answer then. Maybe he could answer them now. Sometimes it would depend on the day how open he was. What I found that it was powerful to hear him talk about being closeted as a young man growing up in South Bend, and I want to see those things lived in real time in front of us, and sometimes that leaves questions unanswered, or leaves only fragments for us to consider, but that is OK. Gary M. Kramer: You include several episodes of Pete being grilled about race and white privilege. I like that you show both sides of the issue, and why Pete lacked traction with the Black community. What are your thoughts on that f law in his campaign?

Jesse Moss: It’s hard to know what’s a flaw and what’s a structural challenge a candidate faces and what challenges arise from conditions in the body politic and the country, and what are rooted in the candidate’s own mistakes or weaknesses. In hindsight, it is inevitable that race has become such

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an important dimension to the story, which was before the death of George Floyd and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, but it anticipates that and the challenge of the party of knitting together the fractious forces and groups.

If you are a white candidate in this moment, how are you reaching out to and connecting with Black voters? He was working with the community in South Bend, but the [police] shooting was a nightmare scenario. [It was a] raw, unvarnished, and kind of existential challenge to his campaign, to see him deal with it head on and take criticism for it. This was part of Pete’s coming of age and dealing with the racial reckoning that we as a country are dealing with it; Pete processing it as we all are processing it. He has his unique responsibilities as the mayor of a community with a large African American population and as someone who is asking the country to elect him president so he can deal with these problems. Pete will be the first to say he has a lot to learn.

Fall Showcase with Fall Showcase, November 11–12 Bridesman November 12 @ 6 pm In an even gayer variation on My Best Friend’s Wedding, actor and comedian Jimmy Fowlie (The Other Two) hilariously assumes the Julia Roberts role as Terry, a shamelessly self-absorbed twink on a mission to sabotage his childhood best friend Judith’s (Sydnee Washington) wedding by seducing the groom—which is no big deal anyway since marriage is a sham and monogamy is a lie, right? Over the course of a weekend full of minor meltdowns, Titanic-themed bachelorette parties, and afternoon quickies with Uber drivers, Terry tries to keep Judith’s other BFF Muriel (Shannon DeVido)—not to mention the fussy wedding planners and the rest of the neurotic bridal party— from spoiling his plans. Is Terry struggling to let his “forever partner” Judith go, or is his thirst for her hunky fiance ́ too much to contain? Can�t it be both?

With sassy one-liners and celebrity namedrops coming at you at lightning speed, Bridesman marks the first scripted series produced by Grindr, with all six episodes screening here in full.

Paris, 13th District November 12 @ 7:45 pm In one of the queer highlights at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, Oscar-nominated director Jacques Audiard (A Prophet) teams up with cowriters Céline Sciamma (Portrait of a Lady on Fire) and Léa Mysius (Ava) for this stylish mosaic about the erotic and romantic entanglements of a diverse, sexually fluid quartet of Parisians whose lives intersect in the city’s 13th arrondissement. Just as quickly as handsome, Black teacher Camille (Makita Samba) moves in with Émilie (Lucie Zhang), the new roommates hook up, complicating the dynamics of their living space. Meanwhile, on a fateful night out, Nora (Noémie Merlant, also of Portrait of a Lady on Fire fame) is repeatedly mistaken for a kinky camgirl named Amber Sweet ( Jehnny Beth, of the band Savages), which sparks a desire to connect with her online doppelgänger. Adapted from a trio of stories by frequent New Yorker illustrator Adrian Tomine, Paris, 13th District captures romance in the 21st century with both a fresh, vibrant energy and a timeless spirit.

All ticketholders must be fully vaccinated with valid ID. To enter the Castro Theatre, please bring a photo ID and proof of vaccination (either your physical vaccination card, a picture of your vaccination card, or a digital vaccination record). Masks are required for all ticketholders and must be worn at all times. https://www.frameline.org/showcase

Gary M. Kramer: Mayor Pete will certainly interest political junkies. What are your thoughts about showing the behind-the-scenes innerworkings of Pete’s campaign?

Jesse Moss: What was interesting to me about debate prep is not the nuts and bolts but the therapeutic dimensions to it. He’s not being given lines, or segmenting voters, or being given phrasing. It’s about [his strategist] Liz Smith challenging him to find within himself a way to connect with people emotionally—which is hard for him because that’s not his strength; his composure is. I think audiences are super-sophisticated and the machinery is exposed now in ways that they weren’t [before]. I didn’t go in with any illusions. The challenge for me—they did let me in to the room where it happened—was to choose the moments where the narrative story lived for us, which is in Pete’s journey. Chasten frames it succinctly. Be himself and be all things to all people, which is what you need as a candidate, and what that journey looks like and what scenes matter in that trajectory. © 2021 Gary M. Kramer Gary M. Kramer is the author of “Independent Queer Cinema: Reviews and Interviews,” and the co-editor of “Directory of World Cinema: Argentina.” Follow him on Twitter @garymkramer

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Halloween Returns to Castro Street

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Costumed revelers were out in force on Halloween Eve 2021, October 30, along Castro Street and throughout the district. Easing of pandemic restrictions and Halloween falling on a weekend this year made this fall’s celebration especially festive and memorable.

A peaceful promenade—ensured, in part, by squads of highly visible SFPD officers—extended on Market Street from Noe to Castro and on Castro Street from Market to 18th and somewhat beyond toward 19th. The 18th Street corridor of favorite hangouts was also packed with costumed characters.

Our community’s creativity was fully on display with outfits including King Louie, Egyptian boy toys, hardhat wearing construction men, a father beekeeper holding his baby bee daughter (her first ever Halloween), an enormous glowing jellyfish, a burly Wicked Witch of the West with a pigtailed Dorothy, and so much more.

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Dancing to a brass band in Jane Warner Plaza (Sunday, October 31)

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San Francisco Bay Times volunteer coordinator Juan Davila garnered much praise as Medusa. He and our team are already looking forward to next year’s Halloween in the Castro. As memes suggested, horror icon Elvira’s coming out this year surely makes Halloween an official LGBTQ+ holiday.

Divas & Drinks - ‘October Splendor’ Halloween Party

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The latest in the Divas & Drinks @ The Academy event series, “October Splendor,” was held on Thursday, October 21, with Halloween and birthday themes.

Emcee/host Donna Sachet, dressed as Cleopatra, opened the program with a dramatic entrance as “Walk Like an Egyptian” played. To a chorus of applause and cheers, a parade of costumed partygoers followed Sachet, descending from The Academy’s main level into the garden/patio area.

The final costumed troupe, a group of six dressed as The Village People, led a spirited dance to “YMCA.” Their organizer, Amy Myers, a well-known Bay Area musician and actress, presented the penultimate moment of the evening by revealing San Francisco Bay Times columnist Lou Fischer as the surprise guest. Fischer’s actual birth date occurs on Halloween, October 31, but Myers led a birthday singalong and Fischer received a special photo birthday cake along with personally crafted items presented by Audrey deLucia and Fran Herman of ellaprint.

Music for the evening was provided by DJ Rockaway, presented by Olivia Travel, and included a Name That Tune contest between Team Dykes on Bikes® and Team Village People.

Former GGBA president and local entrepreneur, Nanoshka Johnson, founder of Nosh’s Dirty Popcorn, introduced a new Holiday Season gift offer collaboration, comprised of her own business’ popular products with those of Kokak Chocolates and Olive This Olive That. Owners of the three businesses met through the Divas & Drinks event, which has led to other successful collaborations.

Representatives of Bacardi, the Divas & Drinks beverage sponsor, presented themed drinks, including the refreshing Hocus Pocus Punch, warm and spicy Witches Brew, Gould Fashioned (with actual edible gold dust), and Fire & Blood (presented in a giant toy “syringe”) all created with famous brands from Bacardi.

Special thanks for supporting the evening go to artist Amy Myers, KASA Indian Eatery founder Anamika Khanna, Nosh Johnson, Carol Gancia of Kokak Chocolates, Janell Pekkain of Olive This Olive That, Audry deLucia and Fran Herman of ellaprint and from the Bay Times team: Juan Davila, Leticia Lopez, and Jamie Botella, who dressed as an ultra-feathery big chicken for the festive pre-holiday night.

Plans are underway for a mega Divas & Drinks party in January, so stay tuned! ellaprint: http://ellaprint.com Nosh’s Dirty Popcorn: https://noshdirtypopcorn.square.site Kokak Chocolates: http://www.kokalchocolates.com Olive This Olive That: http://www.oliveithisolivethat.com The Academy: https://www.academy-sf.com/

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COVID Testing & Vaccines in the Castro Photos by Rink The parking lot behind Walgreens at 18th and Castro Street (4116 18th Street) is the location every Saturday for a neighborhood COVID Testing & Vaccines Hub. The service is presented by the Castro LGBTQ Cultural district with assistance from the South of Market Health Center. Testing and vaccinations are available 11am-5pm through the end of 2021.

To find out more, call 415-861-3136, ext 1.

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Trump tax cuts as “a bad deal for Arizona” that “explodes the federal debt, likely raises taxes on many small businesses, and makes it harder for Arizona families to get ahead,” is wishing that those very same tax cuts remain in place.

Sister Dana sez, "Is this some kind of weird Dr. Jekyll/ Mr. Hyde Tony-awarding dramatic situation?! Or will the Final Act curtain reveal all the actors getting an overwhelming standing ovation?!"

of an artistic life beyond New York City; from his friend Michael, who has moved on from his dream to a life of financial security; amidst an artistic community being ravaged by the AIDS epidemic. With the clock ticking, Jon is at a crossroads and faces the question everyone must reckon with: What are we meant to do with the time we have? It is certainly the time to check this out! In theaters November 12 and on Netflix November 19

A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC is now playing at the GATEWAY THEATRE, presented by 42ND STREET MOON. This romantic farce is based on the Ingmar Bergman film Smiles of a Summer Night, where couples meet, part, and reunite during a glorious “Weekend in the Country” —all under the watchful eyes of the wry family matriarch and a harmonizing Greek chorus. The beautiful Stephen Sondheim score contains his biggest hit in “Send in the Clowns.”

This is The Moon�s first main stage production in 20 months! https://tinyurl.com/4b6pc9wx

The mission of the HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN is possible with the time and dedication of the people who work tirelessly on a myriad of issues, programs, and initiatives. There are dozens of HRC staffers who partner with hundreds of volunteer board members and steering committees across the country. Through this partnership, for over 40 years, HRC has activated a nationwide network of 3 million plus members. We joined them in their virtual HRC IN ACTION LIVE! event on October 28 in support of the most dedicated activists and advocates to learn how HRC always takes action for Equality. I believe we need their help especially with upcoming midterm elections for an LGBTQ rainbow wave. Interim President Joni Madison welcomed us “with a future worth fighting for.”

Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner LinManuel Miranda makes his feature directorial debut with tick, tick…BOOM!, an adaptation of the autobiographical musical by Jonathan Larson, who revolutionized theater as the creator of RENT. The film follows Jon (Academy Award nominee and Tony Award winner Andrew Garfield), a young theater composer who’s waiting tables at a New York City diner in 1990 while writing what he hopes will be the next great American musical. Days before he’s due to showcase his work in a make-or-break performance, Jon is feeling the pressure from everywhere: from his girlfriend Susan, who dreams

Inspiring speakers included Board Chairs Jodie Patterson, Morgan W. Cox III, Liz Balcom, Percy Brown, Volunteer Director Kipp Colvin, Senior Vice President Jay Brown, Director Transgender Justice Initiative Tori Cooper, Director Historically Black College Program Leslie Hall, MSW, Director HIV Health and Equity J. Maurice McCants Pearsall, Senior Director Programs and Partnerships Ellen Kahn, Frank Gonzales

and Stephen Chukumba of Parents for Transgender Equality Council, Director Strategic Outreach Nik Harris, Federal Club Community Manager Alex Kaye, Senior Development Officer - Major Gifts David Yu, White House and Senior Advisor on LGBQ+ Engagement Reggie Greer, Deputy National Campaign Director Justin Unga, Associate Regional Campaign Director Narissa Rahaman, Virginia House of Delegates Danica Roem, State Legislative Director Cathryn M. Oakley, Texas State Director Rebecca Marques, Alabama State Director Carmarion D. Anderson-Harvey, and Directors of Litigation Sarah Warbelow and Jason E. Starr.

We also enjoyed lively singing from artist and transgender advocate Shea Diamond. https://www.hrc.org/ PRC’s annual celebration of hope, resilience, and pride, MIGHTY REAL, is returning to the elegant Four Seasons Hotel on Friday, November 5, 6 pm. Come for an uplifting and unforgettable evening of incredible cuisine, wine, entertainment, and fun! https://prcsf.org/ Explosive new reports claim that AT&T has been integral in the creation and success of One America News: a network that (even worse than Fox-TV) through the spread of harmful lies about the 2020 election and COVID-19, has repeatedly put the health and safety of the American people in jeopardy.

Sister Dana sez, "Hello, AT&T? Wrong number!!!"

for example, clearly is still vibrant and striving to reach major goals. Do you plan to focus on senior characters in your films again in future, and what do you hope viewers of Senior Moment take away from this film that might benefit their own lives?

Gina Goff: I’m definitely open to storytelling with older characters in my future films and series because that audience has been neglected by Hollywood and there are some very interesting and funny stories to tell.

What I hope viewers will take away from Senior Moment is two things: inspiring older adults that there is a full, vibrant and active life to live, and, finally, you are never too old to fall in love!

San Francisco Bay Times: For those who haven’t seen Senior Moment yet, where can they view it?

Gina Goff: Thanks for asking!

(Laughing) You can see the movie on Apple TV, Amazon, Fandango Now, Vudu and a few others, as well as most recently on Showtime Network.

It’s also available on DVD at all major retailers, including Walmart, Target, and Best Buy. You can always go to our website to keep up with everything: www.seniormomentmovie.com

QUEER POP QUIZ ANSWER (Question on pg 25)

C) first gay kiss in a Marvel film At the Hollywood premiere of Eternals, filmgoers cheered and clapped when Brian Tyree Henry who plays Phastos (a master inventor who is gay) kisses his partner as they fear the world might end.

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Round About - First Annual Bearrison Fair Photos by Rink

San Francisco Bay Times photographer Rink was among those who attended the first ever Berrison Fair held on Saturday, October 23, at the intersection of Harrison and 11th Streets. The fair—a collaboration between the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and the Bears of San Francisco—promotes body positivity and inclusion. As the organizers wrote, “Miss bear hugs? So did we.”

The fair was one of the first new events to launch after the pandemic shutdowns, and plans are in the works for the 2nd Annual Bearrison Fair in October 2022. https://www.bearrison.org/

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Round About - Halloween Sunday, 10/31 Photos by Rink

STREETCAM

Halloween 2021 held special meaning this year. It was on a weekend, coincided with the timing of the Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival in Golden Gate Park, and marked the first major Halloween celebration since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Days and nights before October 31, revelers descended on the Castro before the celebrations on actual Halloween night occurred. Many on that night gathered in Jane Warner Plaza for impromptu music and dancing, as seen from the 24/7 live-streaming Castro Street Cam.

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San Francisco Bay Times photographer Rink was there for much of the celebrating, and provided us with this look at a very memorable All Hallows Eve in San Francisco.

Castro Street Cam: http://sfbaytimes.com/castro-street-cam/

http://sfbaytimes.com/

Come see our variety of new wooden bowls from Lipper International!

Block chilly air from coming through your front door’s mail slot with this sleek magnetic flap designed in the U.K. We stock the MagFlap Magnetic Letterbox Draft Stopper in white and silver finishes for $39.99.

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ince our founding in 1936, Cliff’s Variety has been constantly growing and evolving in response to the needs of our customers. Our buyers strive to keep our selection fresh, ontrend and competitive.

We carry the best of everything from hardware & tools to cookware, garden supplies, toys, crafts, and gifts.

We also offer re-keying and lock repair, knife sharpening, glass, acrylic & wood cutting. Light fabrication, pipe threading, and cable crimping are among the many other services we offer at Cliff’s Variety. If your project has gone a little beyond your abilities, we’re here to help. https://cliffsvariety.com/

As Heard on the Street . . . What are your plans for Thanksgiving? compiled by Rink

Diana Sciarretta

Brad Chapin

Jen Chan

Raoul Thomas

Alex Upchurch

“Cat sitting in a fabulous house”

“Enjoying a holiday dinner at home with a new roommate”

“I am grateful to be invited for a home-cooked culinary Friendsgiving”

“I will be cooking at home for friends and companions.

Then a movie.”

“Volunteering at the Tenderloin Tessie holiday dinner”

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