Happy Holidays from Castro Merchants! By Daniel Bergerac Businesses in the Castro/Upper Market neighborhood are ready for another bright, busy and exciting holiday season—with great shopping, drinking and dining opportunities. To get us all in the holiday spirit, Castro Merchants has put up lots of holiday decorations. They include the 28’ brightly decorated and lit Holiday Tree at Castro and 18th Streets; silver and red bows on the Upper Market Street Median palm trees from Valencia to Castro Streets; and—again this year—warm white lights glowing nightly on sidewalk trees along Upper Market from Dolores to Castro Streets. Santa and his Elf (musically assisted by members of our fantastic community band and choruses) already helped us light the Holiday Tree. It now glows nightly in front of Bank of America at Castro and 18th Streets. The big donor banner— thanking and listing over 100 of our 300+ members who supported the holiday decorations—is up at the Bank of America corner at 18th and Castro. Later this month, we’ll also co-host with Sha’ar Zahav (our local Congregation that welcomes all) the third annual Castro Hanukkah Menorah Lighting on Wednesday, December 13, starting at 6 pm in Jane Warner Plaza (Castro at 17th and Market Streets). All are welcome, and be sure to bring your own Menorah from home to light along with the giant one we’ll have. The Castro offers gift ideas and shopping for everyone, with selections from fashion to funky, with fun and practical in between. See, touch, compare and discuss with friendly, knowledgeable staff live and in person before you buy those special gifts, not in the dark on a flat internet screen! And, take it home then, to start wrapping when you’re ready, not after it finally arrives (maybe) on a truck. And, don’t forget to have some warm holiday get-togethers with friends and loved ones at our great selection of restaurants and watering holes. There is no need to travel to crowded shopping districts and malls—we’ve got it all right here for you in the Castro. We hope that you’ll join us this holiday season. Come out and play in the Castro! Daniel Bergerac is President of Castro Merchants
Castro Tree Lighting Ceremony 2017 Photos by Rink and Paul Margolis The Castro’s beautiful tree, dressed for the occasion, was officially lit in a ceremony held on Monday, November 27, at its 18th and Castro Street location. Joining emcee Donna Sachet were civic and business leaders, including Castro Merchants Association president Daniel Bergerac, Castro Community Benefit District’s Andrea Aiello and SFPD Captain Gaetano Caltagirone and members of Castro on Patrol.
PHOTO BY PAUL MARGOLIS PHOTO BY RINK
PHOTO BY RINK
PHOTO BY PAUL MARGOLIS
PHOTO BY PAUL MARGOLIS
PHOTO BY PAUL MARGOLIS
PHOTO BY RINK
PHOTO BY PAUL MARGOLIS
Sisters Dana and Kitty blessed the tree and all gathered. Holiday music was provided by the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band, San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus and Lesbian & Gay Chorus of San Francisco. Santa Fred Bothe and Elf Seth Morrison arrived and were met by neighborhood residents and children whose eyes were filled with wonderment as the big tree sparkled with white lights and large colored ornaments.
S AN F R ANC IS C O BAY T IM ES
NOVEM BER 30, 2017
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