August 10, 2017 Edition of the Bay Area Reporter by Bay Area Reporter

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Vol. 47 • No. 32 • August 10-16, 2017

Prop Q tents measure rarely used by Seth Hemmelgarn

resolution team gets the job done, and for the other 10 percent that Q fter being one of the is and will be an effective tool to let most contentious tent encampment residents know issues on San Franthey are serious about resolving an cisco’s ballot last Novemencampment without issuing tickber, Proposition Q, which ets or getting [police] involved,” allows the city to remove said Montejano. homeless peoples’ tents “Prop Q is one tool that we have, after issuing 24-hour notice but not the only tool,” he said. “To and offering shelter, hasn’t date, we haven’t used it formally, as yet been used much. people have taken their tents down Voters narrowly passed and moved on when warned that the measure, which is now Prop Q is an available option. … known as Police Code Prop Q is not always an option as Section 169, by about 52 it depends on the availability of percent. shelter.” Seth Hemmelgarn Jeff Kositsky, director of In response to emailed questhe city’s Department of Toni Machado stands outside her tent with Peanut Butter, her rat terrier. tions about what Kositsky meant Homelessness and Supby getting “the job done,” DHSH portive Housing, which has spokesman Randy Quezada said system to use citywide, but has focused on Q been tasked with overseeing that as far as he could tell, Kositsky enforcement in the Mission,” said MontejaProp Q’s implementation, wasn’t made availwas talking about working with people to no. “There has been no involuntary removal able for an interview, but Jess Montejano, get them into “safe places,” which is often a of tents to date” by police or the Department legislative aide to Supervisor Mark Farrell, Navigation Center, but is occasionally a traof Public Works. who authored Prop Q, provided information ditional shelter, treatment, or the Homeward About 80 percent of the people noticed acfrom Kositsky. Bound program. That program provides cepted shelter, but officials couldn’t say what According to Kositsky, Montejano said, 30 one-way bus tickets to homeless people so had happened to the other 20 percent. Prop Q notices have been issued in the city’s they can be reunited with family or friends “Jeff said 90 percent of the time relationMission district. ship building through his tent encampment See page 15 >> “DHSH is putting in a more systematic

A Dr. Mitchell Lunn

Team seeks LGBTs for national health study by Matthew S. Bajko

team of health researchers based in San Francisco has been selected by the National Institutes of Health to encourage participation in a groundbreaking federal health study by sexual and gender minorities from across the country. Known as the All of Us Research Program, the study aims to enroll 1 million Americans who will be tracked by researchers for at least a decade. Participants will be asked myriad questions about where they live, their health, family, and work. The All of Us study is currently in beta testing mode and is expected to fully launch by 2018. As of now, only people 18 years of age or older are eligible to participate. A key demographic that researchers are targeting for the study is the LGBT community. To facilitate outreach to LGBT individuals throughout the country, NIH recently awarded the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation a $1.6 million grant over three years. In addition to encouraging sexual and gender minorities to join the study, the foundation team is also tasked with providing input on enrollment materials and research plans, developing customized educational programs and studying best practices in the dissemination of research results to support retention. “This is an ambitious and large project that is different in thinking about diseases,” said Dr. Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, director of the UCSF Center for Vulnerable Populations and the university’s vice dean for population health and health equity. “We are really pleased that a commitment to understanding the health of LGBT communities is going to be an important part of this unique study.” Through the wealth of information collected from the All of Us study, health officials hope to discern patterns that contribute to people’s well-being and chances of becoming sick due to a variety of factors, whether it is their personal habits or where they live. The study is part of NIH’s Precision Medicine Initiative, begun under President Barack Obama, that considers a person’s genes, environment and lifestyle in developing individualized disease prevention and treatment plans. “It turns research on its head,” said BibbinsDomingo, who is straight and one of the All of Us project principal investigators. “We want participants engaged in the study itself, not just get their blood drawn but help define what the research questions are. We want not just the numbers but engagement.” Her center is based at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, where she also works as a general internist. She has teamed with Dr. Mitchell Lunn, the co-director of the Pride Study, a longitudinal study of LGBT people and an assistant professor of medicine in the division of nephrology (kidney disease) at UCSF, on the LGBT outreach for the All of Us study. Lunn, a gay cisgender male, is also involved See page 15 >>

LGBTQ center to open in Oakland by Michael Nugent

here are an estimated 25 LGBTQ community centers in California, but Oakland has been the only major city in the state without one – until now. Oakland’s first-ever LGBTQ Community Center is scheduled to open September 7, just days before the annual Oakland Pride parade and festival. The center is located in the offices of Startup Admin Co-Munity, which is above a mobile phone store at 3207 Lakeshore Avenue, in a large, sunlit space overlooking the bustling commercial intersection of Lakeshore and Lake Park avenues. Founders Michael Nugent Jeff Myers and Joe Hawkins, both gay men, sat in the fu- Joe Hawkins, left, and Jeff Myers talked about the Oakland LGBT Community Center, which will open ture multi-purpose room of ahead of the city’s Pride festivities next month. the new center and talked about their plans. of Oakland Pride. He has also led projects on a Pride was running a deficit. “Considering the high cost of rents, we were range of issues, including housing and homeHawkins said that he and Myers incorpovery fortunate to have stumbled upon this place lessness, youth workforce development and rated the LGBT center in June, and held their to get us started and to work with such a weltraining, HIV/AIDS, and social justice issues first volunteer information session in late July. coming operator,” said Hawkins. “We are also affecting marginalized communities. “About 70 people attended,” Hawkins said in excited about the Lake Merritt area location. Myers is a former union vice president who an email. “We have four more sessions left to In 1989, this was the black gay neighborhood. met Hawkins while he was serving as the volun- accommodate the over 200 volunteer requests.” Now it’s more diverse than ever.” teer coordinator at Oakland Pride. The center is located in District 2, which is Financial support The 2016 presidential election motivated represented by Oakland City Councilman Abel Rent is $5,000 per month, Hawkins said. In Hawkins and Myers to take action. Guillen, who identifies as two spirit. July, Myers set up a GoFundMe page with a “So many of us were anxious about what is Co-Munity offers startups services, with the next and where do we go from here,” Hawkins goal of raising $50,000. As of last week, it had goal of building a successful organization and said. “Talk of opening a center had been on the yet to receive any donations and now redirects expanding, according to a news release from table since we included it in the mission state- to a donation page for the center, which accepts Hawkins and Myers. credit cards and PayPal. ment of Oakland Pride over eight years ago, but The number of LGBT centers in California “We have raised about $1,500 so far via Paydiscussions between Jeff and I accelerated after has held steady at 26 in recent years, according Pal,” Hawkins said last week. the elections. It was just the kick in the butt that to CenterLink, an association of LGBT cenHawkins said the organization is all-volwe needed to get the ball rolling.” ters. But the LGBT center in Fresno closed last In fact, one of Oakland Pride’s goals for unteer run; neither he nor Myers are taking a month (see story, page 10), dropping the nummany years was to raise enough money from salary. ber to 25, not counting Oakland, which has yet the annual event to open a community center. “We are funding the effort ourselves from to be listed. But that hasn’t happened. Revenue from the See page 14 >> Before starting the Oakland LGBT Commu- Pride events has remained flat, with no funds nity Center, Hawkins was a founding member set aside for a center. Up until 2015 Oakland

YOU MATTER AND SO DOES YOUR HEALTH

That’s why starting and staying on HIV-1 treatment is so important.

WHAT IS DESCOVY®? DESCOVY is a prescription medicine that is used together with other HIV-1 medicines to treat HIV-1 in people 12 years and older. DESCOVY is not for use to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection. DESCOVY combines 2 medicines into 1 pill taken once a day. Because DESCOVY by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1, it must be used together with other HIV-1 medicines.

•

Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.

•

Bone problems, such as bone pain, softening, or thinning, which may lead to fractures. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your bones.

DESCOVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. To control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses, you must keep taking DESCOVY. Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to reduce the risk of passing HIV-1 to others. Always practice safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with body ﬂuids. Never reuse or share needles or other items that have body ﬂuids on them.

The most common side effect of DESCOVY is nausea. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or don’t go away. What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking DESCOVY? •

All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis virus infection.

•

All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Other medicines may affect how DESCOVY works. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. Ask your healthcare provider if it is safe to take DESCOVY with all of your other medicines.

•

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if DESCOVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking DESCOVY.

•

If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information I should know about DESCOVY? DESCOVY may cause serious side effects: •

Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. DESCOVY is not approved to treat HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV and stop taking DESCOVY, your HBV may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking DESCOVY without ﬁrst talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health.

What are the other possible side effects of DESCOVY? Serious side effects of DESCOVY may also include: •

•

Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to ﬁght infections. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking DESCOVY. Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. Your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking DESCOVY if you develop new or worse kidney problems.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Please see Important Facts about DESCOVY, including important warnings, on the following page.

Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.

Ask your healthcare provider if an HIV-1 treatment that contains DESCOVY® is right for you.

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DVYC0054_D_9-75x16_BayAreaReporter_Nick_r1v1jl.indd 2-3

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IMPORTANT FACTS

This is only a brief summary of important information about DESCOVY® and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

(des-KOH-vee)

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT DESCOVY

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF DESCOVY

DESCOVY may cause serious side effects, including:

DESCOVY can cause serious side effects, including:

• Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. DESCOVY is not approved to treat HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking DESCOVY. Do not stop taking DESCOVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.

• Those in the “Most Important Information About DESCOVY” section.

ABOUT DESCOVY • DESCOVY is a prescription medicine that is used together with other HIV-1 medicines to treat HIV-1 in people 12 years of age and older. DESCOVY is not for use to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection. • DESCOVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. Ask your healthcare provider about how to prevent passing HIV-1 to others.

BEFORE TAKING DESCOVY Tell your healthcare provider if you: • Have or had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis infection. • Have any other medical condition. • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

• Changes in your immune system. • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. • Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. • Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. • Bone problems. The most common side effect of DESCOVY is nausea. These are not all the possible side effects of DESCOVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking DESCOVY.

• Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby.

Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with DESCOVY.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:

GET MORE INFORMATION

• Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. • Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with DESCOVY.

• This is only a brief summary of important information about DESCOVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more. • Go to DESCOVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5 • If you need help paying for your medicine, visit DESCOVY.com for program information.

HOW TO TAKE DESCOVY • DESCOVY is a one pill, once a day HIV-1 medicine that is taken with other HIV-1 medicines. • Take DESCOVY with or without food.

DESCOVY, the DESCOVY Logo, LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. Version date: April 2017 © 2017 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. DVYC0054 06/17

Community News>>

August 10-16, 2017 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 5

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olunteers from the Human Rights Campaign San Francisco Bay Area Jason Toy, left, Jerry Mai, and Stephen Gossman help to clean and prune Pink Triangle Park Saturday, August 5 during one of two monthly drop-in volunteer work days, spearheaded by the Castro

Rick Gerharter Gerharter Rick

Community Benefit District and the Guardeners Guild. The park is set to undergo a redesign to, among other things, help stabilize the pylons. To volunteer or to find out more about the project, go to the Guardeners Guild Facebook page.

Festival celebrates diversity of Filipino community by Alex Madison

s one of the largest celebrations of Filipino culture and heritage in the country, the 24th annual Pistahan Parade and Festival is as entertaining as it is meaningful. Tens of thousands of people are expected to flock to the Yerba Buena Gardens for the festival this weekend. This year’s theme, “Pride and Progress in SOMA Pilipinas,” ties closely to the one-year anniversary of the official designation of SOMA Pilipinas as a Filipino heritage district by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Al Perez, president of the Filipino American Arts Exposition, which organizes the event, said the theme represents pride in Filipino culture, but also pride in diversity. “A lot of us are immigrants and very proud of that. We’re happy to be in a place where diversity is celebrated – where we don’t build walls and we celebrate differences,” Perez said. This also includes the LGBTQ community, of which Perez is proud to be a member as a gay man. The Philippines is “very accepting” of the LGBTQ community, Perez said, and welcomes all

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A dance group marched in last year’s Pistahan parade.

people. LGBTQ performers and organizations will participate in the festival, including the Asian and Pacific Islander Wellness Center, an LGBTQ and people of color health organization, and Tita Aida, a local Filipino and LGBTQ community leader who is a longtime advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness, particularly among Asian-Americans. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will kick off the weekend Saturday,

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2 charged in Twin Peaks killing by Seth Hemmelgarn

wo people have been charged in the fatal July shooting of a gay San Francisco man at Twin Peaks. Fantasy Decuir, 20, of San Francisco, and Lamonte Mims, 19, of Patterson, California, who were arrested last week in another case, both face murder and other charges in the death of Edward French, 71. Prosecutors said Decuir was the shooter. Both she and Mims are in custody on $5 million bail. Mims had been released from custody in a different case just before French’s shooting. Police said shortly after the shooting that at about 7:50 a.m. Sunday, July 16, a man later identified as French was in the Twin Peaks lookout area when a man and a woman approached him on foot. “Witnesses reported a single gunshot,” police said. “The suspects ran to a vehicle and fled the scene. A jogger in the area administered CPR to

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Courtesy SFPD

Lamonte Mims

Fantasy Decuir

the victim and a marked SFPD unit responding to the scene summoned medical aid. The victim was transported to a hospital where he was unfortunately pronounced deceased.” In a news release this week, police said that at about 10:19 a.m. on July 28, a 53-year-old man and a 33-yearold woman were “robbed of their camera and wallet at gunpoint” at St.

Mary’s Cathedral Square, which is at Geary Boulevard and Gough Street. Investigators from Northern police station “developed information that led to the identity of the suspects in the St. Mary’s robbery,” and along with homicide unit investigators, they “developed additional information See page 13 >>

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6 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 10-16, 2017

Volume 47, Number 32 August 10-16, 2017 www.ebar.com PUBLISHER Michael M. Yamashita Thomas E. Horn, Publisher Emeritus (2013) Publisher (2003 – 2013) Bob Ross, Founder (1971 – 2003) NEWS EDITOR Cynthia Laird ARTS EDITOR Roberto Friedman BARTAB EDITOR & EVENTS LISTINGS EDITOR Jim Provenzano ASSISTANT EDITORS Matthew S. Bajko • Seth Hemmelgarn CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ray Aguilera • Tavo Amador • Race Bannon Erin Blackwell • Roger Brigham Brian Bromberger • Victoria A. Brownworth Brent Calderwood • Philip Campbell Heather Cassell • Belo Cipriani Richard Dodds • Michael Flanagan Jim Gladstone • David Guarino Liz Highleyman • Brandon Judell • John F. Karr Lisa Keen • Matthew Kennedy • Joshua Klipp David Lamble • Max Leger Michael McDonagh • David-Elijah Nahmod Michael Nugent • Paul Parish • Sean Piverger Lois Pearlman Tim Pfaff • Jim Piechota Bob Roehr •Donna Sachet • Adam Sandel Khaled Sayed • Jason Serinus • Gregg Shapiro Gwendolyn Smith • Sari Staver • Jim Stewart Sean Timberlake • Andre Torrez • Ronn Vigh Charlie Wagner • Ed Walsh Cornelius Washington • Sura Wood ART DIRECTION Max Leger PRODUCTION/DESIGN Ernesto Sopprani PHOTOGRAPHERS Jane Philomen Cleland • FBFE Rick Gerharter • Gareth Gooch Jose Guzman-Colon • Rudy K. Lawidjaja Georg Lester • Dan Lloyd • Jo-Lynn Otto Rich Stadtmiller • Steven Underhil Dallis Willard • Bill Wilson ILLUSTRATORS & CARTOONISTS Paul Berge • Christine Smith ADVERTISING/ADMINISTRATION Colleen Small Bogitini VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVERTISING Scott Wazlowski – 415.829.8937 NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Rivendell Media – 212.242.6863

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News Editor • news@ebar.com Arts Editor • arts@ebar.com Out & About listings • jim@ebar.com Advertising • scott@ebar.com Letters • letters@ebar.com Published weekly. Bay Area Reporter reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement which the publisher believes is in poor taste or which advertises illegal items which might result in legal action against Bay Area Reporter. Ads will not be rejected solely on the basis of politics, philosophy, religion, race, age, or sexual orientation. Advertising rates available upon request. Our list of subscribers and advertisers is conﬁdential and is not sold. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, and writers published herein is neither inferred nor implied. We are not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork.

A’s should reach out to LGBTs T

he Oakland A’s haven’t been making headlines much this year, enduring yet another woeful season. That all changed over the weekend, but for the wrong reasons. Outfielder Matt Joyce unloaded an anti-gay slur (“faggot”) at a fan at Friday night’s game in Anaheim, where the A’s were playing the Angels. Major League Baseball promptly suspended him without pay for two games. According to media reports, Joyce’s salary for those games, about $54,000, will be donated to PFLAG. And Joyce himself was contrite, telling reporters the next day, “I’m deeply ashamed and embarrassed for my actions. The word I did use is very uncharacteristic of me. ... There is no excuse for that kind of language ever to be used.” At least he apologized. So many athletes have shouted “faggot” or some other epithet at an opposing player or fan or referee – and yet, it continues to happen in men’s pro sports. Most of these players offer apologies just like Joyce did, and yet it continues to happen. Fans can be tough, especially when both teams are playing so poorly, as the A’s and Angels are. Professional athletes, however, should know better, and not let the heat of the moment get to them, as Joyce did. In a series of tweets, he said that the fan in question had heckled him about his family. That would be upsetting to anyone, but pro athletes should never respond to catcalls or insults. Joyce played for the Angels in 2015 and was known to southern California fans, who targeted him for verbal abuse before. Coaches and managers should continue to talk with their players about how best to handle the pressure-filled season, without resorting to name-calling. As the A’s embark on building a new stadium in Oakland, they’re going to need support, including from their LGBT fans. They are a mid-market team playing in the

shadow of the Giants across the bay (though this year the G-Men have the worst record in the majors). New team President Dave Kaval has expressed his desire to have the team be more involved with the greater community; its tagline this year is “Rooted in Oakland.” But incidents like Joyce’s are two steps back as the A’s try to move forward. The upcoming Oakland Pride parade and festival would be an ideal opportunity for the A’s to reach out to the LGBT community. The team should consider being a sponsor of the festivities, and could go the extra mile by paying for pink lights around Lake Merritt, as was done many years ago during a Pride event. The lake just happens to be near the organization’s favored site for the new stadium – adding a little pizazz for Pride weekend would send a message of inclusivity that Joyce’s words undermined.

Trump supporters slowly see the light

President Donald Trump remains very popular among the people who voted for him, but signs of strain are beginning to emerge. This week, BuzzFeed reported that Peter Thiel, a gay billionaire with a libertarian bent, is hedging his bet on Trump.

“Donald Trump’s most prominent Silicon Valley supporter has distanced himself from the president in multiple private conversations, describing at different points this year an ‘incompetent’ administration, and one that may well end in ‘disaster,’” the site reported Monday. “Thiel’s unguarded remarks have surprised associates, some of whom are still reeling from his full-throated endorsement of Trump at the Republican National Convention. And while the investor stands by the president in public – ‘I support President Trump in his ongoing fight,’ he said in a statement to BuzzFeed News – his private doubts underscore the fragility of the president’s backing even from his most public allies.” Arizona Senator Jeff Flake is one of the few Republicans willing to publicly take on Trump. In a new book, he wrote that Republicans are in “denial” about the chaos engulfing the Trump administration. Meanwhile, a new CNN poll shows that just over one-third of the country approves of the job Trump is doing, with a staggering 56 percent opposed. Trump’s approval rating, at 38 percent, is down 6 points from the April survey. Now that he’s been in office for just over 200 days, it’s dawning on more people what a disaster he and his administration are for the country. We know the news bothers Trump immensely because he’s unleashed a barrage of tweets critical of the “fake media” in an effort to rile up his core supporters. And as the Washington Post put it, the poll shows that Trump’s “safe space” is shrinking. “The president has increased his mediabashing via Twitter and staged rallies hoping to marshal his base to his defense,” the Associated Press reported Tuesday. “There are signs that his support among Republicans may be softening.” That support can’t crumble fast enough. t

Don’t believe the hype about Chicago Dyke March by Kate Raphael and Deeg Gold

omething happened at the Chicago Dyke March in June. Something involving three Jewish, Zionist women, some chants about walls, and a flag. That much everyone seems to agree on. Beyond that, the facts are intensely disputed. Even what the flag in controversy looked like is unclear; it has been described by many people who saw it as a rainbow flag with a large blue Star of David in the middle, but all the photos accompanying the thousands of articles about the incident, mostly in right-wing media, have shown a rainbow flag with a white or silver star. But when you look closely, it’s evident that those photos were not taken at the Dyke March. We in Queers Undermining Israeli Terrorism have no way to know what actually happened. We were not there. But we do know that this was no isolated incident of Jewish dykes innocently showing up with a symbol of Jewish pride that they had no idea might be controversial. We know that because Laurel Grauer, the woman at the center of the controversy, apparently contacted organizer Alexis Martinez the night before the Dyke March to find out if she would be welcome with her flag – and was assured that she would but reminded that the Dyke March was an anti-colonial and hence anti-Zionist space. We also know that A Wider Bridge, the organization Grauer works for, has a long history of provoking confrontations at queer events, and then claiming that they were the target of anti-Semitism. And we know that within hours of the incident, there were articles and op-eds screaming “anti-Semitism!” “Jewish women unwelcome at Dyke March!” “I was kicked out of the march for my Jewish flag!” all over the internet, including very prominently on white supremacist sites such as Breitbart and the

Kris Mizutani

Queers Undermining Israeli Terrorism has staged numerous protests, including this one at the San Francisco Women’s March in January, to draw attention to Palestinian issues.

Washington Times, as well as in the New York Times. No self-respecting queer who genuinely cares about Jewish safety would allow herself to be used by overt anti-Semites like those at Breitbart. The playbook used by the women who were asked to leave the march is well worn. Recently the LGBT contingent in the New York Israel Day parade claimed they were the target of a homophobic attack when a group of anti-occupation queers protested in front of them. Palestinian students at San Francisco State have regularly been threatened with harsh discipline for being “anti-Semitic” after they have been attacked and harassed by Zionist students. Two weeks ago, Zionist protesters at Reem’s Bakery in Oakland attempted to have an Arab dyke arrested, claiming that they had

been assaulted; when police were shown video of what actually happened, they concluded that it was the Zionists who had attacked people. The community defenders at Reem’s knew they would need to defend themselves against false accusations. The organizers of the Dyke March did not know they were being set up. They thought they were dealing with individuals, not the well-oiled propaganda machine called “Brand Israel,” whose goal is to build sympathy for the state of Israel in progressive circles, including queer spaces. A Wider Bridge is an integral part of that strategy; its website states that it is “building a movement of pro-Israel LGBTQ people and allies. ... We believe our communities are strengthened when people move from demonizing and delegitimizing Israel to a place of understanding, empathy, and engagement.” It says nothing about promoting Jewish identity apart from the state of Israel. No doubt, people on all sides of this conflict could have communicated better before, during and after the events. Anti-Semitism exists, even in queer communities. But criticism of Israel and opposition to its discriminatory laws and ongoing theft of Palestinian land is not anti-Semitism. Faux crises and cynical manipulations make fighting anti-Semitism harder. We urge community members to look deeply into the narrative being spun and read the statements of the Chicago Dyke March Committee and the Chicago chapters of If Not Now and Jewish Voice for Peace describing what actually happened. Justice is indivisible. Justice-loving dykes cannot be divided.t Kate Raphael and Deeg Gold are members of Queers Undermining Israeli Terrorism.

Letters >>

August 10-16, 2017 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 7

Offended by Milk letter

As a native San Franciscan and gay man who knew and campaigned for Harvey Milk, I am greatly offended by the vile letter of Allen Jones [Mailstrom, August 3]. Milk was the Martin Luther King Jr. of gay liberation. Before Milk, no openly LGBT person had ever been elected to office in San Francisco. Queers were lucky to have a seat or two on the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee. Consensual gay sex was a crime in those days (until Willie Brown used his legislative smarts to get 19th century sodomy laws repealed). In the 1960s and 1970s homophobia was widespread even in “liberal” San Francisco. When I was in junior high, high school, and Boy Scouts in those years, I was regularly harassed and bullied by other kids who perceived I was gay – even though I was in self-denial. Teachers and Scout leaders would tell us that racial discrimination was bad, but would tell me that bullying and harassment I suffered was “my fault.” Milk changed all this – by living life and running for office as an openly gay man. He caused LGBT people to come out, and straight folks to accept us. Milk deserves the honor that King has obtained. As for Jones’ criticism of Milk for supporting the Reverend Jim Jones, look at history before Guyana and Jonestown: Jones was a shrewd political operator who supplied vast numbers of volunteers to liberal campaigns and causes. Pre-Guyana, Jones managed to obtain support of many other liberal leaders – including SF’s greatest political genius, Brown. I believe that both ex-mayor Brown and Milk need to be honored by the city for their great contributions to human rights, even if they were once conned into defense of Jones. By the way, I didn’t support Supervisor Hillary Ronen in the last election, but I agree with her on this issue, because she is right.

Look to history for gay heroes

Thank you, Allen Jones. We should look at gay history before we start to name so many things after one person. I was a bartender in San Francisco during the 1950s and very aware of the history of the gay movement. Many of my friends, as well as myself, worked our asses off to get where we are today. Long before Harvey Milk, we were arrested and treated like crap by both the city officials and the police department. It was against the law to be gay and to congregate. We were always looking over our shoulder. I have a feeling [former supervisor] David Campos should look more at the history before he tries to name so many things after one person. There were many that have since left us that were so responsible for what we have today. Oliver Sipple was my friend, and I was so proud of him being at the right place at the right time. We need to look at history and then make judgments on just who should be considered a hero. Milk did good but he was not alone.

Barry Schneider Attorney at Law

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Appreciated ballet review

San Francisco has a world-class ballet company and kudos to the Bay Area Reporter for having a world-class writer on your team [“Ballet pictures of social harmony,” August 3]. Paul Parish’s review of the San Francisco Ballet at Stern Grove is much appreciated by the many fans who could not attend. It will be read widely. Burl Willes Berkeley, California

Arlo Hale Smith San Francisco

Former Castro resident seeks San Mateo education post by Matthew S. Bajko

orn and raised in Ashville, North Carolina, Gary Waddell, Ph.D., grew up in a family dedicated to public service. His father was a local fire district chief, while his mother worked as a school district secretary. He followed in her footsteps in pursuing a career in education. Waddell became an award-winning school counselor in his native state, where he also was a foster parent for adolescents with emotional and behavioral disabilities. “I think something about that experience, sitting across the table from kids and hearing their lived experiences in schools, really changes who you are,” said Waddell, 54, in a recent interview with the Bay Area Reporter. Wanting to more fully come out of the closet, both professionally and socially, as a gay man, Waddell moved to San Francisco’s gay Castro district in 2003, as he had several close friends living in the city. “That was the year my father passed away as well. In a moment of reflection, I decided to move out here,” recounted Waddell. “I never looked back. I love it.” A former school principal, he is currently the deputy superintendent of the San Mateo County Office of Education overseeing instructional services and programs. He previously had served as the county education office’s associate superintendent of instruction and its curriculum services administrator. Now living in Pacifica, where he moved two years ago, Waddell is a first time candidate for public office. He is running to succeed

lesbian San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools Anne E. Campbell. “My passion has always been really around equity and ensuring schools are safe spaces where all kids can thrive,” said Waddell in a recent interview with the Bay Area Reporter. “I am doing this because I want to do something bold and make a difference.” After serving two four-year terms in the position, Campbell opted not to seek re-election next year. Her current term will end in January 2019. “It has been a true honor to serve as county superintendent over the past seven years,” stated Campbell in announcing her decision earlier this summer. “I have so appreciated the opportunity to work with the outstanding staff at the San Mateo County Office of Education, as well as with educators and partners throughout San Mateo County. We share a strong and devoted commitment to the educational success of all our county’s children and youth.” The county education office works with 23 school districts on the Peninsula with a total enrollment of nearly 94,000 students. It provides teacher training and staff development as well as fiscal oversight and legal services for the districts. Waddell, who officially announced his campaign in June, is running against another insider candidate. At the end of July Nancy Magee, the county education office’s associate superintendent for the student services division, formally announced her candidacy. She oversees direct educational

Gary Waddell, Ph.D.

services to students who are in the juvenile justice system or who are enrolled in the county’s special education program. Also under her auspices are safe and supportive schools initiatives, including emergency response and mental health coordination, foster youth, Safe Routes to School, Career Technical Education, and Special Olympics. A mother of two grown sons, Magee lives in Half Moon Bay. “After 34 years of dedicated service in education, as teacher, coach, librarian, and administrator, I am launching my first political campaign!” Magee announced via Facebook July 30. As of June 30, Waddell had raised $23,026 for his campaign and spent nearly $5,000, according to the most recent financial disclosure form. Magee, meanwhile, reported having raised $14,850 and has spent very little to date. She and Waddell are the only candidates to pull papers so far for the 2018 race. If neither captures more than 50 percent of the vote on the June primary ballot next See page 14 >>

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t SFMOMA ad campaign promotes gay Castro district 8 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 10-16, 2017

by Matthew S. Bajko

artin Puryear’s sculpture “Untitled, 1990” is paired with a photo of a similarly posed sea lion at Pier 39. A tower of the Golden Gate Bridge is juxtaposed with Mark Rothko’s “No. 14, 1968” as it utilizes the same rust orange color as the famous span. And a rainbow flag banner across the street from the historic Castro Theatre in the city’s gay district is teamed with the late gay artist Ellsworth Kelly’s rainbow-hued “Spectrum I, 1953.” The mirror-like images are part of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art’s new advertising campaign called “See Them Both.” Created by Sausalito-based advertising agency Division of Labor, the idea is to encourage tourists to visit the city’s icons and neighborhoods as well as the renowned museum, which reopened last year with the unveiling of its massive expansion into a new building. (Design firm Snøhetta modeled the expansion’s facade after the city’s infamous fog, which is also highlighted in one of the new ads for the campaign. There are 10 ads altogether.) Despite SFMOMA’s world-class art collection and popularity with locals, the museum discovered that it is often left out of “Top 10” lists describing the sites not to be missed during a visit to San Francisco. Rather than compete against popular tourist spots like Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, or the Castro, SFMOMA decided to wield the fondness for such locations to its advantage. “We are using the Castro to promote the museum. We really liked the opportunity to pair up with San Francisco icons,” explained Tracy Wada, SFMOMA’s director of marketing and sales, to merchants in the neighborhood during their monthly meeting last week. Added marketing consultant Kara Whittington, “The campaign’s goal is to drive visitors to both destinations. They should go to both the Castro and SFMOMA.” Josh Denberg, creative director for Division of Labor, believes the approach is a unique one to be taken by a museum. His team did not find any other art institution promoting itself and locales in its hometown in its advertising when

it researched the concept. “The strategy to target travelers was something that SFMOMA had been toying with and working on, so that was their assignment to us. But creatively this was all our idea as far as what we should do once they had given us the strategic direction,” Denberg said in an interview with the Bay Area Reporter. “The idea was to visually link these destinations to works of art so that people include the museum with visiting one of these destinations as well.” The Castro being a top destination for LGBT and straight tourists, the firm knew it wanted to include the gayborhood in the campaign. And with the visual connection between Kelly’s artwork and the rainbow banners “so striking and so simple,” Denberg said they knew right away it should be one of the ads. “It is one of my personal favorites,” said Denberg, who lived in the city for nearly 18 years but now lives in Marin County with his wife. “I think everybody else feels the same about it.” The ad campaign launched in late July and has since expanded throughout the city. It can be found on Muni buses, at bus shelters, on billboards, and at the baggage carousels at SFO. The ads are also geo-targeted, so they pop up when people are using their cellphones in the Castro for instance or when talking about visiting the city on social media. Castro business leaders were thrilled to see the neighborhood included in the campaign. “I think it is a great endeavor,” said real estate agent Mark McHale, who serves on the board of the Castro Merchants business association. “I think it will be very helpful for the neighborhood.” Castro Merchants President Daniel Bergerac said he hopes the ads do drive more people into the neighborhood. “What could be better? This is awesome,” he said of the free publicity for the Castro. “Drawing people to the neighborhood is vitally important.”

Lesbian-owned cafe chain expands to Oakland

The lesbian married couple behind a chain of cafes in San Francisco is opening its first location outside of the city. Paradise Park Cafe will open Thursday, August 17, at 6334 San Pablo Avenue in

doing what we think they want, we want to adapt it to what people will be looking for in a gay bar on the Peninsula.” To stay up to date on the couple’s plans for their bar, as well as other pop-up events, like their Facebook page at https://www.facebook. com/peninsulagaybar/ or send an email to peninsulagaybar@gmail. com to subscribe to the email list.

LA center acquires Gay.com

Rick Gerharter

A San Francisco Museum of Modern Art bus shelter ad for “See Them Both” is at 18th and Castro streets.

North Oakland near the border with Emeryville and Berkeley. It is the fourth location for owners Rachel Herbert and Dana Oppenheim in their Park Cafe Group. The women situate their eateries near, and usually name them after, city parks, such as their Dolores Park Cafe across the street from San Francisco’s Mission Dolores Park on the edge of the gay Castro district. They also own another eatery in the vicinity of the Castro, the Duboce Park Cafe across from Duboce Park. Their third location, Precita Park Cafe, is named after, and across from, the oval green space found at the bottom of Bernal Heights. While the Paradise Park Cafe is near a city-owned park, the Golden Gate Recreation Center, it is named after the surrounding neighborhood. The menu will feature salads, handcrafted sandwiches, housemade pastas, and rotating specials. There will also be a kid’s menu as well as pastries from Oaklandowned Starter Bakery. Like at their San Francisco locations, the Oakland cafe will also serve alcohol, including local craft beers and California wines, in addition to coffee from lesbian-owned Equator Coffee. It will be open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and for brunch on weekends from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information visit http:// www.paradiseparkcafe.com.

Couple looks to open South Bay gay bar

Boyfriends Brian Roby and Michael Wright are aiming to open a gay bar on the Peninsula by next summer. They have been scouting

locations in Palo Alto, Redwood City, and Mountain View and started hosting Guerilla Gay Bar events in the area to drum up interest and support for their venture. “A variety of them used to exist here – Redwood City had three different gay bars at one time – but now there are none,” said Roby, 29, who grew up in Martinez in the East Bay. “There is nothing between San Jose and San Francisco, yet a lot of gay people live here.” Having spent the last decade working in restaurants and bars, Roby has long wanted to open his own establishment. Within a week of moving to East Palo Alto in January, he met Wright, 29, who works for Facebook and shared his dream of wanting to become a bar owner. “You put the two of us together and it is such a wonderful partnership,” said Roby, who is working as a server as the Stanford Park Hotel in Menlo Park. “It blossomed into instead of us chatting about it into wanting it to become a reality and something we decided to move forward on.” Since going public with their plans via Facebook in early July, the couple has been meeting with local officials in the trio of cities as well as Santa Clara County. They also hosted a successful meet up last month at a straight bar in Redwood City that attracted nearly 80 people. Their next Guerilla Gay Bar event will take place from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, September 23, at Molly Magees at 241 Castro Street in downtown Mountain View. “One reason for going public before opening is we want to tailor the bar to what the community wants,” explained Roby. “Instead of

The Los Angeles LGBT Center has acquired the Gay.com domain name through a donation valued at $6.9 million. Under the terms of the deal, the southern California nonprofit is barred from selling the website for at least three years. It must hold on to Gay.com through 2020 in order for the previous owner, VS Media and its flagship live cam site, Flirt4Free, to be able to claim the tax deduction from donating it to the center. For now, the center plans to direct anyone landing on Gay.com to its blog Vanguard, located at https:// vanguardnow.org/. The center recently hired L.A.based journalist Greg Hernandez, who runs the blog Greg in Hollywood, as its new communications manager whose primary role is to create new content for the Vanguard blog. It will highlight the various work center staff and volunteers are doing with the local LGBT community. Jim Key, the LGBT center’s chief marketing officer, told the B.A.R. that center officials have yet to think about how to leverage the value of the Gay.com site to support its operations or programs. The center recently broke ground on a $40 million affordable housing development for LGBT seniors, its second, that will include units for youth. The 135 units of housing, as well as a 100-bed shelter for homeless youth, are set to open in 2019. Demand is expected to far exceed the capacity of the new Anita May Rosenstein Campus in Hollywood. “It will be interesting to see what opportunities will be present three years from now, or what it may be valued at three years from now,” said Key of the website domain. “We haven’t begun to think about it.” Gay.com was originally founded in 1994 and its parent company bought the San Francisco-based See page 14 >>

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<< Community News

10 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 10-16, 2017

Panel discusses need for LGBTQ museum by Brian Bromberger

hose interested in exploring a new LGBTQ history museum recently discussed a series of questions that need to be addressed before such a project becomes a reality. Queer historians and others gathered at the GLBT History Museum to talk about the project, which has been a priority of the GLBT Historical Society in recent years. The goal of the July 25 panel discussion, “The Making of a Queer Museum,” was to offer a multigenerational conversation about the role of museums in preserving and presenting the history and culture of marginalized communities. Having occupied the 4127 18th Street address in the Castro since 2010, the GLBT History Museum lease is set to expire in 2020. Historical society officials, who oversee the museum, don’t know where it will go next, but Terry Beswick, the society’s executive director, wants a larger space. The panelists’ remarks, plus observations and comments from those who attended, will also contribute to San Francisco’s Citywide LGBTQ Cultural Heritage Strategy, part of the San Francisco Planning Commission’s project to preserve and promote LGBTQ cultural heritage in San Francisco. The final report will be sent to the Board of Supervisors to guide the city in its budgeting and determine what buildings, programs, and services should be protected. Queer independent museum consultant Paul Gabriel laid out a series of questions that need to be addressed before a new queer museum could become reality, though he said there were no definite answers. “Are we going to be an identitybased museum, a challenge considering how diverse our community is, or are we going to be a general access institution?” he asked. Gabriel said that when he started thinking about the possibility of an LGBTQ museum in the late 1990s, he was shocked to discover there was no dedicated exhibition space for anything queer in the city. The historical society opened its Castro museum in 2011. Queer public historian Gerard Koskovich, a founding member of the historical society, noted how only 50 years ago, museums were

Brian Bromberger

Connie Wolf, left, discussed LGBTQ museum issues with Paul Gabriel, Alfredo Pedroza, and Gerard Koskovich at the GLBT History Museum.

places where masterpieces of the culture were displayed for the edification of visitors. The authority of the museum itself established which narratives of the past would be rendered legitimate and which would be disregarded, he said. “The result was that certain groups were left out, especially LGBTQ people,” Koskovich said. “Since then, we’ve had to queer museums in at least two ways. First, we had to take apart the concept of museums and reimagine such places as something other than cavernous halls full of displays where the dominant culture forms the task of who belongs and who does not, to transform them into more open flexible enterprises. “Secondly, we had to queer the content of the museum by connecting the institution to alternative networks of production and transmission of critical knowledge the LGBTQ communities have developed in the many decades during which our stories were excluded from traditional museums,” he said.

Preserving LGBTQ stories

Despite LGBTQ people and community-based organizations being vulnerable to displacement having to pay high rents for space and activities, “we must still come together

to make sure our stories are not forgotten,” Koskovich said. Alfredo Pedroza, a gay man and a board member of the Mexican Museum, which is preparing for the completion of its permanent home in downtown San Francisco’s Yerba Buena arts district, stressed the idea of intersectionality, where marginalized communities’ stories are made relevant to other people. Pedroza gave an example of intersectionality in an exhibit being planned on synagogues in Mexico. “You look at the cross sections of the types of stories you can tell so you can establish bridges between communities. How many people understood there was such a huge community of Jewish people in Mexico, but now they will,” he said. Connie Wolf is a lesbian and board member of the Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture. She focused more on the nuts and bolts of running a museum. “To build a museum takes a village and it always takes longer than expected,” Wolf said. “When you physically build a museum, it’s not racing to the finish line to get the doors open, but only a starting line. Once you open the doors, a new set of concerns are raised, such as keeping the museum’s mission strong, as everyone will come up to you asking

how you can do it differently.” She gave an example of wanting to start a youth program for high school students when she was director of the Contemporary Jewish Museum similar to a successful one she had begun during her tenure at the Whitney Museum. A donor came forward saying it was a great idea and they would underwrite it as long as all the kids were Jewish. But Wolf went to the board chair and said that she had envisioned a dialogue that crossed boundaries. The museum declined full funding for that program, believing it should be open to everyone. Wolf also cautioned, “making a museum relevant to younger generations is harder than you think and it never stops.” The Contemporary Jewish Museum was not just interested in preserving the past, but making ideas of the past relevant for today. Pedroza pointed out that the historical society wouldn’t be starting from scratch due to the years of archival material it has already collected. He also noted that no one has told the full LGBTQ story. Gabriel reminded the audience that the historical society began as a rescue operation because, especially during the height of the AIDS epidemic, archival-worthy material was

being thrown away or destroyed. “Historical silence is complete death,” he said. “If we don’t preserve our history ourselves, we are dead.” He referenced an experience of going to the National Portrait Gallery and seeing Gertrude Stein’s portrait, but no mention that “she was a dyke.” “In that gallery there is not one openly out gay person,” Gabriel said. “We are invisible. We have no face in our national capital. LGBTQ people need to be mainstreamed at every level, hiring, fundraising, membership, curation, etc. We have to be more than gay night during an Andy Warhol exhibit. It is a difficult conversation to have and museums are afraid of fucking it up, excuse my language, and creating anger. So we have to take a leadership role.” Gabriel also said that a majority of visitors to the GLBT History Museum are from outside of the Bay Area, mostly beyond the U.S., and that half are non-LGBTQ. Wolf stated another role the historical society can play is one of collaboration. “A few years ago, the Contemporary Jewish Museum was working on a show about Gertrude Stein and heard SFMOMA was going to do one on the Stein family collections. So we sat down and said, what if we did both shows at the same time. Go to SFMOMA to see the Picassos and Matisses and come to us to hear the stories behind the paintings and collecting, especially about Gertrude and Alice [Toklas]. It wound up being a great moment because we each did what we were great at doing, which helps you find out who you are as an institution.” Koskovich said that the historical society is taken for granted, but that community members must take responsibility to sustain, nurture, and help it grow. Its existence has a national and international footprint, he added. Pedroza observed that all these identity-based museums exist because the “community came together saying we want it, we demand it, we deserve it, so they rallied, fought, and brought together the resources to collaborate with local government.” t People interested in taking the 10-minute LGBTQ Cultural Heritage Strategy survey can do so at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ LGBTQCulturalHeritage.

Fresno LGBT community center, nonprofit close by Seth Hemmelgarn

resno’s long-standing LGBT community center and Gay Central Valley, the nonprofit that runs it, have announced their closure. The community center shut down its office August 1, but the phone line and website (https:// www.gaycentralvalley.org) remain open for now. Although the center is closed, facilitated groups will continue to have access to the space through September 1. Gay Central Valley board President Chris Jarvis cited the lack of other people willing to take over and health problems as key reasons for Gay Central Valley shutting down. “This has been one of the hardest decisions of my life,” said, Jarvis, 55, who’s served as board president since 2012. “I’ve hung on as long as I could.” Like others on the board, Jarvis’ work with the center has been as a volunteer. His paid job is at a wheelchair manufacturing company.

events, and everything else. “After they see the scope of what we do, it can be daunting to people.” It got to the point where there were only two board members left – Jarvis and Kaylia Metcalfe-Armstrong, who quit in June. The budget for the center was about $23,000 a year “just to keep the doors open.” There were an average of about 240 phone calls per month and 80 office visitors. In a Facebook post announcing the center’s Seth Hemmelgarn closing, Jarvis said the orChris Jarvis ganization had struggled financially over the years. But “We all do this with full-time he told the Bay Area Reporter that jobs and lives and families and in the end, it had about $20,000 children,” he said. “It wears over left over. The center’s been asking time.” Jarvis has also been dealing other nonprofits to submit rewith an inflammatory eye disease quests to get a share of the money. known as Scleritis. “I hope the community at some The center’s been through point is able to open another com“many boards over the years,” said munity center, and I’m happy to Jarvis. “... It’s a huge, huge commithelp out with that,” he said. ment to be a board member,” since After existing as a group of it means handling operations,

websites, Gay Central Valley officially became a nonprofit in 2009. The Fresno center opened in 2010. The nonprofit also helped establish a community center in Merced, but that ultimately closed. The Fresno operation offered a place for people to have support groups and plan events for their own organizations, among other services. Zoyer Zyndel, who chairs Trans-E-motion, said his group had used the center for board meetings and organizing events like the Transgender Day of Remembrance. Zyndel expressed confidence that other organizations will make space available now that the Fresno center’s closed, and he said that Fresno’s LGBT community, which is already “fairly large for a ‘rural’ area,” is growing. The city’s annual Pride festival gets an average of about 3,000 people. “It’s one of the larger events in Fresno.” “I think it’s very unfortunate, but I’m grateful for the years we did have the center,” he said.

In a Facebook exchange with the B.A.R., Metcalfe-Armstrong, whose resignation is effective this fall, said her departure is “based on a combination of ongoing medical issues, family needs, and my desire to explore other forms of community involvement.” She’s also returning to school. “I am sad that GCV is shutting down but hopeful that other groups will continue the work we started. I will, of course, continue to be an active member of the Fresno LGBT community,” she said. The center’s inventory, which includes books, clothing, event supplies, and other materials, will be donated to people and groups “working to help the community in Fresno and the Central Valley,” Gay Central Valley said on its website. The nonprofit will donate funds to other Fresno organizations supporting the LGBT community. Those requesting inventory items or financial donations may send an email to info@gaycentralvalley.org until August 15.t

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<< Community News

12 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 10-16, 2017

New rabbi settles in at LGBT synagogue by Heather Cassell

aking over leadership of Congregation Sha’ar Zahav is a dream come true for Rabbi Mychal Copeland, who is excited and proud to lead the LGBT synagogue in San Francisco. “I have dreamt about this kind of role for many years,” said Copeland, who is a lesbian and assumed her new job July 1. The synagogue, founded in 1977, is celebrating its 40th year. Copeland’s arrival at the synagogue is beshert, a Yiddish term

meaning “meant to be,” said Michael Chertok, president of the board at Congregation Sha’ar Zahav. “I think that we feel that way about her and she feels that way about us,” said Chertok, a gay man. Chertok noted that Copeland’s experience dovetailed perfectly with the congregation’s new vision. “[She] really had her finger on the pulse of what people are looking for in terms of spiritual meaning, practice, and community,” said Chertok. “We were really impressed with that in terms of her wisdom around Judaism and spirituality practice.

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She’s brilliant. “She also just has a real genuine warmth in connecting with people,” he added.

Leading into the future

Copeland, 46, has spent her life working on cutting edge issues, such as education and interfaith relationships, through the lens of Jewish spiritual practice. She’s been a rabbi for more than 13 years. Copeland was attracted to Congregation Sha’ar Zahav not only because she could merge her Jewish and LGBT identities, but also because of its community and strong lay leadership. The community has grown organically from its roots in the 1970s with an “emphasis on recognizing the divine in every individual,” she told the Bay Area Reporter. She also appreciates the congregation’s diverse community. She’s particularly interested in continuing her work with interfaith families, working with transgender members, and working with San Francisco’s interfaith community. “This community is constantly challenging and celebrating what’s best in Judaism and challenging those places ... that need innovation and transformation,” said Copeland. The difference is that now the

Rabbi Mychal Copeland

community is openly stating its inclusivity while maintaining its roots and values in the LGBT community, she said. Chertok agreed. “We want to make this a place where everyone is welcome, everyone experiences the warmth and comfort of a chosen family,” he said. “We bring a queer perspective. We bring our core values.” Copeland, who is committed to having an interfaith dialogue specifically around LGBT issues, said the synagogue has a role to play as “we build on those values as it has

opened the doors to everybody who is looking for inclusive place.” “I’m excited to be a part of a large and vibrant inter-religious community,” she said, stating that she is also interested in adult education, particularly about religion, given the current political climate. She noted that there has been an uptick in anti-Semitism over the years, but that religious-based hate crimes aren’t limited to the Jewish community, pointing to attacks on Muslims and Sikhs. “There is, unfortunately, a mood of fear and people closing down rather than seeking new knowledge,” said Copeland, who hopes to be a part of the solution. “We refuse to be defined by that or have our agenda defined by that as a community.” Copeland said it’s important to stay vigilant around LGBT issues as a barrage of anti-LGBT attacks coming from the White House regularly make headlines. “Religions tend to get pitted against LGBTQI issues in overly simplistic ways on our national stage,” she said, talking about the effect of proposed legislation that harms LGBT people. “We are seeing only one brand of religion because See page 14 >>

Queer open studios in SF, Oakland

compiled by Cynthia Laird

n an effort to being more visibility to Bay Area queer artists, Creative Labor and the Queer Cultural Center are joining with several venues to

bring San Francisco and Oakland their first queer open studios. “There are many queer artists who just want to be artists first and don’t consider their queerness as something they want to foreground, and that is fine,” Rudy Lemcke, queer open studios organizer, said in a news release. “But there are many artists and art spaces who ... celebrate how queerness shapes their world and how this queerness informs their art practice. This is what queer open studios is about.” The first weekend kicks off Friday, August 11 at 4 p.m. with an art walk through San Francisco. People should meet at the LGBT Community Center, 1800 Market Street. There will be an exhibit at the center. Art Saves Lives, featuring 20 artists, will have a reception from 6 to 9 p.m. at 518 Castro Street. There will be an opening reception for Mexico City artist Felix D’Eon at Strut, the men’s health center in the Castro, from 8 to 10 p.m. at 470 Castro Street. On Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. six queer art spaces will be exhibiting work at the LGBT center. Exhibits will also be held at Openhouse’s Bob Ross LGBT Senior Center, 65 Laguna Street. In Oakland, the opening party takes place Friday, August 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Qulture Collective, 1714 Franklin Street. Oakland’s open studios will be held Saturday and Sunday, August 19-20 from noon to 5 p.m. at various venues. For a listing of the artists and venues for both cities, visit http://www.creativelabor.org/qos2017.

Project Open Hand goes mobile

This week, Project Open Hand officially launched its new mobile program, a pop-up vehicle that goes into some of the most vulnerable neighborhoods in San Francisco to provide clients

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7/31/17 12:55 PM

Rick Gerharter

The Hartford Street Zen Center, photographed by Rick Gerharter, is part of the open studios exhibit at the Bob Ross LGBT Senior Center at Openhouse.

access to services right in their own communities. The agency provides groceries and meals to people living with HIV/AIDS and other medical conditions, as well as seniors. Agency officials said in a newsletter announcement that people can look for two new vehicles with “Food=Love” signage on the road. For more information about the agency, visit http://www.openhand. org.

SPCA to host Animal Film Festival

The San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is bringing the Animal Film Festival to the city for the first time Saturday, August 19 from noon to 4 p.m. at its Mission Street campus, 250 Florida Street. Taking place in the Geraldi Building, the event features awardwinning films from all four years of the annual Animal Film Festival that takes place in See page 14 >>

Commentary>>

August 10-16, 2017 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 13

SF marches against trans military ban by Christina A. DiEdoardo

or over a hundred years, San Francisco has been known as “The City that Knows How.” On July 26, the Castro – once again – showed the world why. That morning, President Donald Trump issued three tweets declaring that trans people were barred from serving in the United States military “in any capacity” because Trump considers trans service members to be a “distraction.” “I’m really getting tired of getting told everything is a distraction,” Kenzi Connor, a Castro resident and queer leather trans woman, said that night to an enthusiastic crowd assembled for an emergency demonstration against the change. “Our lives are not a distraction.” In an impressive display of organization, a group calling itself The Resistance San Francisco put the event together just hours after Trump’s latest transphobic cri-de-Twitter made international headlines. Connor addressed those cisgender queers who asked “the most marginalized people to stand aside and fight your battles for you and to rally against Proposition 8 and [who said] ‘Don’t worry, your turn will come, we’ll be there for you. “Well, that time is now,” she said. Led by members of the Sparkling Pink Pandas Scooter Club, about

Twin Peaks

From page 5

that identified the suspects” in French’s killing as the same suspects in the St. Mary’s robbery, police said. Last Thursday, August 3, Decuir was charged with robbery and conspiracy. Mims was charged with robbery, conspiracy, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle, and committing an offense while out on bail or while released on his own recognizance from a prior offense, police stated. Then, on Monday, August 7, Decuir was charged with homicide, robbery, and use of a firearm in commission of a crime, police said, while Mims was booked for homicide, robbery, and being a principal of a crime and using a firearm in the commission of a felony. In court Tuesday, August 8, Assistant District Attorney Michael Swart said Decuir “is the shooter caught on video,” and Mims has admitted to police that he robbed French. (Alex Bastian, a spokesman for the DA’s office, later said prosecutors think that Mims was “aiding or abetting” Decuir.) Swart said that Decuir is in an East Bay hospital. Her condition and the reason why she’s been hospitalized weren’t disclosed. Sheriff’s Department records show she was transported to jail sometime after Tuesday’s hearing. After retired Superior Court Judge Donna Hitchens set bail for Decuir and Mims at $5 million apiece, Swart told her they should each be held on $10 million bail. He called the lower amounts “an insult” and said it was over prosecutors’ “vehement

300 people answered Connor’s call by marching down Market Street toward City Hall. As in the days of the late Supervisor Harvey Milk, the cry of “out of the bars, into the streets!” rang out down Market Street from Noe Street to Van Ness until the crowd reached City Hall, which was lit up in pink, white, and blue to honor the colors of the trans flag. After the march, spokespersons for the Pentagon announced that it would not put Trump’s demand for a ban into effect until it received direct orders to do so. According to published reports, Admiral Paul Zukunft, commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, went even further in defying Trump’s tweets, declaring that he would not “break faith” with the 13 trans people who were presently serving openly in the Coast Guard. Zukunft may have greater leeway on this issue than his colleagues in the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. Although the Coast Guard is considered an armed service, it falls under the Department of Homeland Security rather than the Department of Defense and so Zukunft takes orders not from Secretary of Defense James “Mad Dog” Mattis (who has opposed trans people serving openly in the military in the past, though some claim he has changed his mind) but from acting DHS Secretary Elaine Duke, who is not known to objections.” No pleas in French’s shooting were entered Tuesday, and their arraignment was continued to Friday, August 11.

July release

In July, a judge had released Mims in another case. Bastian said that case was related to Mims’ charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and having his misdemeanor probation revoked after being convicted of receiving stolen property. He was also on felony probation from a San Mateo County case. Bastian said that Mims had been freed after the city’s Pretrial Diversion Project had done an assessment and suggested that Mims be released “with certain conditions.” “We have a disagreement with how that assessment was calculated,” said Bastian, and the DA’s office is talking to the pretrial diversion office about how the agency scores risk assessments. However, he said, “The final arbiter and decider of custodial status is the judge.” A call to the pretrial diversion office wasn’t returned. Court records indicate that in November, Mims was charged with stealing a car, several counts of burglary and buying or receiving stolen property, conspiring to commit a crime, giving false information to a police officer, and possessing burglary tools. He pleaded not guilty to most of the charges but pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor charge of receiving known stolen property. Bastian said that Mims had been accused in “a theft-related incident in the Twin Peaks area.” Swart said in court that Mims had been ordered to stay

Obituaries >> Cleophas E. Pierce December 7, 1979 - June 5, 2017 Cleophas E. Pierce was born in San Francisco December 7, 1979. He confessed Christ at an early age as a Pentecostal. He attended McAteer High School. He received

his advance education at Georgetown. Cleophas was a social worker who was compassionate and loving. His longest employment was at Larkin Street Youth Services. He was fun to be around and will be missed. He departed this life June 5, 2017. He leaves behind 13 siblings. He was predeceased by another sibling and his mother and father. If you need or want to contact anyone about this, email cdpierce6_sf@yahoo. com.

Christina DiEdoardo

Holden Karau of the Sparkling Pink Pandas Scooter Club prepares to lead the Castro march against Trump’s trans ban.

have taken a public position on the question. Currently, there is a vibrant debate within the trans community as to whether we should volunteer to serve in the U.S. military. Some oppose the idea, contending the military has a dark role both in defending imperialism as well as amplifying the oppression of marginalized groups here and abroad. While there is much justice in these arguments, it’s my position that it’s impossible to have an honest discussion about whether trans people should lend their talents and lives to the military if we lack the

Court Department 9 in Fairfield. In legal ability to do so openly. March, a video that showed a Vallejo Also, as many have pointed out, police officer severely beating Hall the battle isn’t only about career opwhile he was arresting him sparked portunities any more than the fight allegations of police brutality. Both for marriage equality was exclusively are being charged with assault. about marriage. In both cases, the East Bay Homes Not Jails is givgoal was to remove an indicator of ing a seminar on “Radical First Aid/ our perceived inferior status. Health and Safety” at 7:30 p.m. We’re also pretty good at what we Saturday, August 12 at Omni Comdo, as shown in the eloquent July 26 mons, 4799 Shattuck Avenue in tweet from Anthony Oliveira, Ph.D., Oakland. Presenters will show how a film and culture critic in Toronto, to counter threats like pepper spray to those who backed the trans ban: and share lessons on personal safety “Last time y’all pissed off a trans at actions, including some learned person in service she brought ur at the Standing Rock occupation. intelligence community to its knees The San Francisco Young Demo& u just picked a fight w ALL OF Best Wedding Photographer crats and Local 2 of UNITE HERE THEM.” as voted by BAR readers are teaming up with activist Cleve Oliveira, of course, was referring Jones for a teach-in on “Intro to to Chelsea Manning. Organizing: Changing Hearts and Challenge accepted, Trump. Minds.” It starts at 6:30 p.m. MonUpcoming Resistance day, August 14 at 209 Golden Gate opportunities Avenue in San Francisco.t The Anti-Police Terror Project is looking for courtroom volunteers to Got a tip? Email me at christina@ support Dejuan Hall and Jesse Buna diedoardolaw.com. at their court date at 3 p.m. Friday, August 11 in Solano County Superior

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away from the area. Best Wedding Photographer as voted by BAR readers Public Defender Jeff Adachi, who’s representing Decuir, requested dis415 covery in the case Tuesday and wasn’t 370 available for comment immediately after court. 7152 WEDDINGS, HEADSHOTS, PORTRAITS Private attorney Randy Knox, who’s stevenunderhill.com · stevenunderhillphotos@gmail.com representing Mims, said outside the courtroom that he didn’t yet know many details about the case. 8/1/17 10:13 AM “It would be irresponsible forSteven-2x3.indd 1 me to say anything at this point,” he THIS IS THE said. “There’s enough suffering to go around already.” Mims, who appeared in court Tuesday, declined an interview request from the Bay Area Reporter earlier in the day. and Susannah Greason Robbins, executive director of the city’s Film Comformerly the Neptune Society mission, said in an email to the B.A.R. shortly after French’s killing that he’d “worked as a location manager for more than 40 years in San Francisco and the Bay Area, finding and photographing our beautiful treasures.” Greason Robbins stated, “As a result of Ed’s creative eye, many of these have been showcased in numerous commercials over the many years. He mentored numerous location assistants and shared with them his eye for beauty, his wry wit, and his ability to work with all types of people and personalities. The film community and Film SF mourn the loss of Ed. He will be greatly missed.” George Slack, a longtime friend of French’s who attended Tuesday’s hearing, said, “Clearly, this is upsetting to all his friends and family.” Several people came to court in support of Decuir but declined to comment.t

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14 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 10-16, 2017

LGBTQ center

our own pockets but are in urgent need of financial support,” Hawkins said. He said that he is applying for multiple grants to cover general operations and hopes to get funding to allow his position to be paid part-time, along with a paid parttime volunteer coordinator. Hawkins and Myers said that community support is essential in making the Oakland center a success. “We are actively fundraising for the center, and although we are seeking grants, we need a diverse stream of funding to make this work, and that means donations

from our LGBTQ community and allies,” Myers said. Added Hawkins, “This is really challenging financially. This is the time when this is needed, especially with hate crimes up, we need a message that we’re not going anywhere.” According to the state attorney general’s 2016 report that was issued in July, hate crimes based on the victim’s sexual orientation were up by 10 percent between 2015 and 2016, as the Bay Area Reporter recently noted. In terms of city help, Guillen has pledged $1,000, Hawkins said. In an email, Guillen confirmed the donation, noting the money will come from his officeholder account.

Guillen said he is “looking forward to welcoming” the center to the neighborhood, and he also cited the change in political climate as a reason for the community to have a meeting space. “The cruel, deliberate, and misguided attacks from the Trump administration against the LGBTQ community nationwide underscore the need for – and the essential value of – an LGBTQ center in Oakland,” he said in an email. According to its website, the Oakland center is seeking interested community members to help plan services for health, trans people, families, and youth. Initially, the center will be open Friday nights and Saturdays for group

meetings. Myers is president of the board. Other board members are John T. Hansen, Reality Relliford, and Michael Rood. While Hawkins and Myers both have past connections with Oakland Pride, they have started the new center on their own. “This is not Oakland Pride; they’re not funding it. Hope they will be able to help. We want to work with them and hope Oakland Pride wants to make a formal relationship,” said Hawkins. While the city has not yet been involved, aside from Guillen’s support, Hawkins said that is the goal. “The community needs that,” he said.

Myers said it’s important for Oakland to have an LGBTQ center. “The local LGBTQ community needs a physical space in which to gather and share resources. This marginalized community – the LGBTQ community, and especially LGBTQ people of color, youth, seniors, and transgender individuals – it’s really important for all of us to be united and to be able to support each other, and we believe that this new center is the missing link that will facilitate that” Myers said. Lesbian City Councilwoman Rebecca Kaplan (at-large) did not respond to a request for comment.t

directors declined to disclose her salary and the synagogue’s annual budget.

She met her wife, Kirsti Copeland, 45, at Harvard Divinity School in Boston in 1994. Six years later she received her rabbinical degree from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Pennsylvania. The couple married in 2000 in New Jersey long before same-sex marriage was legal and were active in the battle for marriage equality. They have two children and Copeland asked that their names not be published due to privacy concerns. Kirsti Copeland oversees the Office for Student Affairs in the School of Engineering at Stanford

University, according to her biography on the university’s website. Copeland and her family returned to the Golden State, where she served as rabbi at the first Hillel at UCLA in 2001 before she was tapped to be the spiritual leader at the Hillel at Stanford in 2003. She held that position for 11 years before becoming the director of InterfaithFamily Bay Area for the past three-and-a-half years, she told the B.A.R. Copeland is the founder of the Rosh Hodesh (translated New Moon) project. It has a network of

more than 100 groups for teen girls to help strengthen their self-esteem and spirituality around the U.S., according to her biography. She is also an author and a certified yoga instructor. Copeland often blends Judaism and yoga together and plans to host a monthly service at Congregation Sha’ar Zahav that incorporates yoga.t

gay Supervisor Ken Yeager was successful in securing $1 million in new funding to expand services to the LGBT community. Part of that funding request was for a transgender services program manager and applications for that position are now being accepted. The program manager will serve as a key trainer, mediator, and facilitator for the trans community in the areas of medical care, employment, and mental health services; housing; and criminal justice. “While the current administration in Washington appears to be committed to turning back the clock for transgender people and the larger LGBT community, here in Santa Clara County we are moving forward,” Yeager said in a news release.

He added that the county has also begun providing care to homeless trans youth through a pair of weekly clinics specifically focused on transgender health issues. A third weekly clinic focused on homeless trans adults will begin offering services in the coming months. For the transgender services program manager position, applications are being accepted by the county’s Employee Services Agency through August 30. For information, visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/santaclara. At the DeFrank center, a contract position is available for operations coordinator. According to a Facebook post, the job is 15-30 hours a week. The deadline to apply is August 30. Resumes and cover letters

should be sent to fabulous@defrank.org.

reportedly responded, with the L.A. center’s plans for the site deemed the worthiest. “The Los Angeles LGBT Center provides services for more LGBT people than any other organization in the world,” stated Flirt4Free Executive Vice President Brad Estes. “I’m very happy to announce that the future of Gay.com will go on within their extraordinary organization.”

Fillmore merchants to help LGBT center

For the second year in a row merchants in the city’s Fillmore district are helping to raise money for the San Francisco LGBT Community Center. The event is also a way to introduce LGBT shoppers to the neighborhood’s retail offerings. The annual Shop OUT Day takes place August 26 and will see 19 stores in the neighborhood donate 10 percent of all sales that Saturday

to the LGBT center. Staff from the local nonprofit will also be on hand that day to explain what services and programs the center offers. Participating stores include Alexis Bittar, Atelier Cologne, Eileen Fisher, Fitness SF, Gallery of Jewels, Gotherx, Hi Ho Silver, Invision Optometry, Jigsaw London, Jonathan Adler, Lilith, Margaret O’Leary, Renaissance Salon SF, Space NK, Spice Ace, Superga, Toujours Lingerie, Wine Jar, and

Zinc Details. “We want to support and highlight the great work that the center is doing for SF,” stated Vas Kiniris, the executive director of the Fillmore Merchants Association who also owns Zinc Details.t

from cooking demonstrations to boxing, a popular Filipino sport, will be set up in the garden. Yerba Buena Gardens’ connection to the Pistahan dates back to the origin of the festival. The construction of Yerba Buena Gardens in 1991 displaced more than 4,000 Filipino families as part of the Yerba Buena Redevelopment Area. In honor of the community

that once worked, lived, and influenced the neighborhood, the gardens worked with various Filipino organizations to start the festival. “For us, it’s a way to reclaim our land. To celebrate a community that used to be here and preserve our culture,” Perez said. The issues tied to gentrification still cloud the South of Market neighborhood. Perez said the

designation of the area as a cultural district will hopefully spark an influx of business and, in turn, the return of Filipinos. The festival, in fact, was the first event held at the gardens and is one that Linda Lucero, executive and artistic director of the Yerba Buena Garden Festival, said has been a privilege to host. “We are thrilled to have

partnered with Pistahan for more than two decades. It is the epitome of the Filipino people, art, culture and food,” Lucero said.t

– creative, visionary, and an advocate for all children,” stated Gordon. Four of the county’s five supervisors have also endorsed Waddell – Supervisors David Canepa, Warren Slocum, Carole Groom, and Don Horsley – though Horsley also endorsed Magee. Both candidates are advocates for LGBT students. Among Magee’s campaign platform, under the heading of “Safe and Supportive Schools,” she lists “positive school climate work and anti-bullying efforts,” as well as wanting

to support marginalized youth, including those who identify as LGBTQ and/or transgender. Fostering a safe school environment for all youth, whether they are LGBT or straight, is also a key concern for Waddell. His campaign slogan is “Standing Up for Kids.” “I have made my career largely about advocating for kids and making sure schools are safe places for all kids regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or immigration status,” said Waddell. “It is what I get passionate about.”

School finances are likely to be a key issue in the campaign, predicted Waddell, as the county education office has seen its state funding kept flat in recent years and it isn’t expected to increase anytime soon. “The county office will be flat funded for many years into the future, so we have to be disciplined and smart about the kinds of services we can offer,” he said. “It is a challenge that will not only be a focus for this race but for the next decade.” t

Web Extra: For more queer political news, be sure to check http://www.ebar.com Monday mornings at noon for Political Notes, the notebook’s online companion. This week’s column reported on Equality California’s rebranding itself. Keep abreast of the latest LGBT political news by following the Political Notebook on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/politicalnotes. Got a tip on LGBT politics? Call Matthew S. Bajko at (415) 829-8836 or e-mail m.bajko@ebar. com.

From page 1

New rabbi

From page 12

there is only one brand of religion that gets the attention.” Religious institutions and leaders with progressive values need to be heard and seen, she said. “Much of that conversation needs to happen around religion,” she said. “This is a big part of why I’m so excited about this role. To be in a place with progressive values that is unabashedly a religious institution. It’s profound right now.” Copeland and the board of

News Briefs

From page 12

Grass Valley, California. The festival is being held in conjunction with the SPCA’s NBC Clear the Shelter event, where all adoptions of animal companions are free, said SPCA spokeswoman Jennifer Taylor. The program includes several films, such as “Love Unleashed,” a documentary that explores the deep emotional bond between humans and their beloved senior dogs, and “Sit, Stay, Ride,” about dogs that ride in the open air of motorcycle sidecars. The Animal Film Festival is produced by the nonprofit Center for

Business Briefs

From page 8

PlanetOut in 2001. Eight years later Here Media Inc. bought the website, only to sell it in 2016 to VS Media Inc. for an undisclosed amount. Rather than hold on to the site, the company decided to donate it to a nonprofit and requested proposals via its Gay.com Charity Challenge. Five LGBT charities

Filipino festival

From page 5

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Yerba Buena Gardens. Traditional Filipino food from the “Philippine Caravan” will offer a variety of Pinoy dishes and feature exhibitors from the Philippines. Music and cultural performances will be held on the main stage while interactive booths

Political Notebook

From page 7

year, then they will both advance to the November general election ballot. Should Waddell win the race, he would be the highest-ranking countywide LGBT official on the Peninsula. He has endorsements from gay former state Assemblyman Rich Gordon (D-Menlo Park) and gay state Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco). “Gary is the kind of leader that we need in San Mateo County

California native

Copeland grew up in Long Beach, California before moving to the East Coast for divinity school in Boston, and rabbinical school in Philadelphia and New York. She previously worked at an LGBT synagogue as the Cooperberg-Rittmaster Rabbinic intern at Congregation Beit Simchat Torah in New York, the world’s largest Jewish LGBTQ community, she said.

Animal Protection and Education, based in Grass Valley. Proceeds from the San Francisco showings will benefit CAPE and the SF SPCA. Tickets are $25 for all sessions or $10 for a single session. Children under 12 are free. For tickets and a complete list of films and times, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ animal-film-festival-on-tour-sfspca-tickets-35918477132.

South Bay job opportunities

Santa Clara County and the nonprofit Billy DeFrank LGBTQ Community Center in San Jose have each announced separate employment opportunities. In Santa Clara County, as the Bay Area Reporter recently reported,

For more information, or to make

For more information about Rabbi Mychal Copeland, visit http://www.mychalcopeland.com. For information about Congregation Sha’ar Zahav, visit http:// shaarzahav.org.

AIDS grove has more room in Circle of Friends

The National AIDS Memorial Grove has announced that it has room for 22 more names in its Circle of Friends. While the grove initially said that last year would be the final year to engrave names in the Circle of Friends, it said in an August 4 email that space remains for additional names. The cost for engraving is $1,000. The deadline to order is August 25. For more information, visit http://www.aidsmemorial.org/ circle-of-friends.t

Got a tip on LGBT business news? Call Matthew S. Bajko at (415) 829-8836 or e-mail m.bajko@ ebar.com.

Both the parade and festival are admission free and open to the public. Yerba Buena Gardens, 750 Howard Street, will host the festival August 12-13. For more information and a schedule, visit http://www.pistahan.net.

t <<

Community News>>

Prop Q

From page 1

who can offer support. Asked about how the city is tracking what happens to people who are removed from their tents, Quezada said the agency’s improved its data system. “Once fully implemented, the online navigation and entry system will give us a lot more insight into how people are utilizing the broader homeless services system,” he said.

Data lacking

The city doesn’t have many statistics on what happens to people when they do leave their tents. Workers don’t track where people go after encampments are “resolved,” but “we do continue to work with them and are able to engage them through the Homeless Outreach Team or other touch points that they make with the system,” said Quezada. “As we continue to deploy the new online navigation and entry system, we will have better insights into the movements of people and improve our ability to deliver services and make connections.” In recent years, the city’s been developing more Navigation Centers, rather than just relying on traditional homeless shelters. The centers allow people to bring their belongings and pets and stay with their partners, among other benefits. But in June, the San Francisco Public Press reported that “After two years, fewer than a quarter of the nearly 1,200 people who entered the first two Navigation Centers have been placed in verified long-term housing. ... More than one-quarter of all who have passed through since 2015 have become homeless again.” Quezada couldn’t immediately verify those figures, but he said the agency “is working to create more pathways out of homelessness,” such as creating more Navigation Centers

and expanding the supply of permanent supportive housing. “Also, we are piloting the use of rental subsidies for adults,” he said. “Rental subsidies have been used to help families exit homelessness, and we are exploring this type of intervention with adults.” Montejano said the ballot measure was meant to “supplement” DHSH’s work, rather than be “a panacea to homelessness or tent encampments.” “The intent of Prop Q was to send a strong message to San Francisco residents that more than anything, we believe individuals living in tents on our streets is not OK,” he said. Toni Machado, 55, who’s been staying in a tent on San Bruno Avenue in the city’s South of Market area, said she hadn’t heard of Prop Q. Machado, who’s bisexual, said she hasn’t received any formal removal notices to leave the area, but members of the city’s Homeless Outreach Team have told her, “You better move before the cops come here and take all your stuff.” “We’ve got to keep moving all the time,” she said. Couper Orona, a 44-year-old lesbian who’s been staying in a tent on Division Street, about two blocks from Machado, said Prop Q “gives no help whatsoever.” “Most of us would be willing to move ... if they had some place else for us to go,” said Orona. She said she’s already on “every housing list you can imagine,” and when she stayed in a Navigation Center, “they weren’t able to find me housing within 30 days. ... They kicked me out with nothing but for me to go back to the street.” And like many homeless people who have talked to the Bay Area Reporter, Orona said, “The shelters are worse than the streets.” Among other problems, she said, there’s “a lot of mental illness” in the shelters.t

Health study

From page 1

with PRIDEnet, the community engagement arm for the Pride Study that includes more than 40 partner organizations around the country, including health organizations, community centers, and national organizations that support or serve sexual and gender minority people. He suspects the work PRIDEnet is already engaged in gave the foundation team an edge with their application to oversee the All of Us study’s LGBT recruitment efforts. While there is no set target for how many LGBT people NIH would like to see participate in the All of US study, Lunn told the Bay Area Reporter that the bare minimum he would like to see is 40,000 LGBT people. With the country’s LGBT population estimated to be 4 percent, Lunn said it is fair to want to see a similar percentage of the 1 million people in the All of Us study be sexual and gender minorities. “The title of the study is All of Us. They are taking a very communityengaged approach to make sure it really does represent everybody and not just well-to-do white folks who are more typical to take part in health studies,” said Lunn. The focus on recruiting LGBT people for the new federal study comes amid a flurry of efforts at the local, state, and national levels to ensure sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) questions are included in not just health studies but all manner of government forms and surveys, as the Bay Area Reporter noted in a recent three-part series about LGBT data collection efforts. The NIH has been in the forefront on the issue. Last October it designated sexual health minorities a health disparities population, opening the door for more research into

August 10-16, 2017 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 15

Legal Notices>> FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037678400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: DESKABLE, 6923 CALIFORNIA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ZAREH SARKISSIAN . The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 07/01/17. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/12/17.

JULY 20, 27, AUG 03, 10, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037676700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: JENNY’S RESTAURANT, 91 6TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SHI YAN YAO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 07/11/17. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/11/17.

JULY 20, 27, AUG 03, 10, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037658700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PERPETUAL GARAGE DOORS, 1728 OCEAN AVE #236, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JONATHAN CHOW. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 06/15/17. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/27/17.

JULY 20, 27, AUG 03, 10, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037658600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MERITAGE CELLARS, 254 JULES AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JONATHAN CHOW. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 06/16/17. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/27/17.

JULY 20, 27, AUG 03, 10, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037673800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THE PARTNERS TRUST; PARTNERS TRUST; PT COMMERCIAL, 1699 VAN NESS AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed PACIFIC UNION INTERNATIONAL, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on NA. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/10/17.

JULY 20, 27, AUG 03, 10, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037675500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: FEVE ARTISAN CHOCOLATIER, 2210 KEITH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed FEVE CHOCOLATES LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/01/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/11/17.

JULY 20, 27, AUG 03, 10, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037661200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ESSENTIAL INVESTMENT CAPITAL, 2820 PACIFIC AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed KAC FAMILY INVESTMENTS, LLC. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on NA. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/28/17.

JULY 20, 27, AUG 03, 10, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037684100

Dr. Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo

the LGBT community’s health risk factors. Lunn said he doesn’t expect to see that commitment change, despite recent moves by the Trump administration to remove SOGI questions from federal surveys. He noted that the president had reappointed NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins and that the director of the agency’s Office of Extramural Research, Dr. Michael Lauer, remains in place. “Francis Collins has a demonstrated track record of being supportive of LGBT people and including them in NIH research,” said Lunn. The federal agency’s decision to include LGBT people from the beginning of the All of Us study, and seek their input on its development, “is historic,” noted Lunn. “It is a very historic time for LGBT people in this country,” he said. “This is really the first time LGBT people are being involved in the design, development and implementation of an incredibly ambitious and large federal health study.” t To learn more about the All of Us Research Program, visit https:// www.joinallofus.org.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MOSHI MOCHI CREAMERY, 945 TARAVAL ST #281, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed SAY YA! PHOTOBOOTH, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/17/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/17/17.

JULY 20, 27, AUG 03, 10, 2017 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO 400 MCALLISTER STREET, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102 FILE CNC-17-553186

In the matter of the application of: LEONORE SABATINO AKA LEONORE FAITH CONNER AKA LEONORE CONNER AKA LI MOON, 1283 5TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner LEONORE SABATINO, is requesting that the name LEONORE SABATINO AKA LEONORE FAITH CONNER AKA LEONORE CONNER AKA LI MOON, be changed to LI MOON. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 514, Room 514 on the 14th of September 2017 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 27, AUG 03, 10, 17, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037695400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: DOMA SUSHI BAR, 433 PRECITA AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ADRIANA HONG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on NA. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/24/17.

JULY 27, AUG 03, 10, 17, 2017

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037691600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PHUNG YAM ASSOCIATES, 1946 GREAT HIGHWAY, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed PHUNG YAM. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 03/01/17. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/20/17.

JULY 27, AUG 03, 10, 17, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037692400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PACROBAN, 6254 GEARY BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed FARAHIM ALILI. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 07/20/17. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/21/17.

JULY 27, AUG 03, 10, 17, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037678300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ALEX GONZALEZ US PHOTOGRAPHY, 59 LEE AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ALEX GONZALEZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/12/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/12/17.

JULY 27, AUG 03, 10, 17, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037668800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: JULIT’Z CLEANING, 60 KENT CT #8, DALY CITY, CA 94015. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JOSE MENA POLO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 07/01/17. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/05/17.

JULY 27, AUG 03, 10, 17, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037688800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CATHERINE PYNE INTERPRETING SERVICES, 530 17TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed CATHERINE PYNE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/19/17.

JULY 27, AUG 03, 10, 17, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037691000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MAIKU, 1574 BUSH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MICHEL JEW. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 07/20/17. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/20/17.

JULY 27, AUG 03, 10, 17, 2017 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-031517200 The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as: YOGA MAYU, 2051 HARRISON ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business was conducted by a married couple and signed by ROBERT DONALD & GIZELLA DONALD. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/20/08.

JULY 27, AUG 03, 10, 17, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037683600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: YUPPIE PUNKS, 210 POST ST #1112, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ASHLEY BERMAN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 07/07/17. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/17/17.

AUGUST 03, 10, 17, 24, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037685900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: OUTSIDE THE 18, 2108 HAYES ST #4, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JORDAN HUGHES. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/17/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/18/17.

AUGUST 03, 10, 17, 24, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037688700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PERCHO’S CONSTRUCTION, 7 CHANSLOR CIRCLE, RICHMOND, CA 94801. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed PABLO RAMIREZPEREZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/19/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/19/17.

AUGUST 03, 10, 17, 24, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037690200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: IMMERSIVE PERSPECTIVES, 1510 EDDY ST #1507, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MEGAN O’CONNOR. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/20/17.

AUGUST 03, 10, 17, 24, 2017

SECOND AMENDED NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF OTTO E. HOFFMAN IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO 400 MCALLISTER ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102: FILE PES-17-300996

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of Otto E. Hoffman. A Petition for Probate has been filed by: Werner Heisserer and Mario Alberto Avila in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. The Petition for Probate requests that Mario Alberto Avila and Werner Heisserer be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: August 30, 2017, 9:00 A.M., Probate Dept. Rm. 204, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined by section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for petitioners: Mr. Aaron M. Palley (260544), 6200 Antioch St. #202, Oakland, CA 94611; Ph. (510) 339-0233

AUGUST 03, 10, 17, 2017 ------------------------------------------FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037697500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ON SHORE CONSTRUCTION PLUMBING & BOILERS, 343 MORAGA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MARK JOSEPH LINARES. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 07/31/83. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/25/17.

AUGUST 03, 10, 17, 24, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037699300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: FLEUR DE SEL, 308 KEARNY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MAHER BAZLAMIT. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on NA. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/25/17.

AUGUST 03, 10, 17, 24, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037668600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SF CHURCH, 906 LAKE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed U DREAM CENTER INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 07/05/17. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/05/17.

AUGUST 03, 10, 17, 24, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037695800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THE RETAIL CANNABIS ASSOCIATION, 345 FRANKLIN ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is COALITION FOR COMMON SENSE REGULATION INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/24/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/24/17.

AUGUST 03, 10, 17, 24, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037701200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PACIFIC UNION COMMERCIAL BROKERAGE, 1699 VAN NESS AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed PACIFIC UNION INTERNATIONAL, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/03/09. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/27/17.

AUGUST 03, 10, 17, 24, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037701300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PARTNERS TRUST GROUP, 1699 VAN NESS AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed PACIFIC UNION INTERNATIONAL, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on NA. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/27/17.

AUGUST 03, 10, 17, 24, 2017

<< Classifieds

16 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 10-16, 2017

Legal Notices>> FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037700200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CALIFORNIA MOVERS LOCAL AND LONG DISTANCE MOVING COMPANY, 1888 GENEVA AVE #504, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed EMPIRE MOVERS USA INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 05/20/17. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/26/17.

AUGUST 03, 10, 17, 24, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037692100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PARTIES THAT COOK, 271 FRANCISCO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed I MORRISON, INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 05/02/17. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/21/17.

AUGUST 03, 10, 17, 24, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037696300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MANNY’S, 1305 1/2 CASTRO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed MANNY’S (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 07/24/17. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/24/17.

AUGUST 03, 10, 17, 24, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037703400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: TALES OF THE DRAGON; LOOKING GLASS COLLAGE; YE OLD STAINED GLASS & CURIOSITY SHOP, 1661 TENNESSEE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a married couple, and is signed STEVEN C. WILSON & S. GAIL MITCHELL WILSON. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 10/22/12. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/28/17.

AUGUST 03, 10, 17, 24, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037688300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: LIGNE ROSET, 111 RHODE ISLAND, SUITE E, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed CEMA LRSF, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on NA. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/19/17.

AUGUST 03, 10, 17, 24, 2017

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF ELLA LOUISE MORGAN, AKA ELLA L. MORGAN, ELLA MORGAN IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO: FILE PES-17-301101

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of ESTATE OF ELLA LOUISE MORGAN, AKA ELLA L. MORGAN, ELLA MORGAN. A Petition for Probate has been filed by KIM LEWISDAVIS in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. The Petition for Probate requests that KIM LEWIS-DAVIS be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: August 28, 2017, 9:00 A.M., Rm. 204, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined by section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for petitioner: Roger D. Wintle, Esq. and Marialorena Relos, Esq., The Heritage Law Group, a P.C., 152 North Third St, Suite 550, San Jose, CA 95112; Ph. (408) 925-0144; 408-925-0146.

AUGUST 10, 17, 24, 2017

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037704100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: YOGA MAYU, 4159 B. 24TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed GIZELLA DONALD. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/05/15. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/31/17.

_______________________________ AUGUST 10, 17, 24, 31, 2017 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-17-553227 In the matter of the application of: RENALDO POULIN, 524 TARAVAL ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116, for change of name having been ﬁled in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner RENALDO POULIN, is requesting that the name RENALDO POULIN, be changed to RENALDO JOSEPH PAULIN. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 514, Room 514 on the 12th of September 2017 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

AUGUST 10, 17, 24, 31, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037713700

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AUGUST 10, 17, 24, 31, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037702400

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AUGUST 10, 17, 24, 31, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037709800

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AUGUST 10, 17, 24, 31, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037681700

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AUGUST 10, 17, 24, 31, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037702000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: DENTAL IMPLANT AND ORAL SURGERY OF SAN FRANCISCO, 2001 UNION ST, SUITE 280, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SONG DENTAL PRACTICE, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 07/24/17. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/28/17.

AUGUST 10, 17, 24, 31, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037707800

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The following person(s) is/are doing business as: L AND O BAGEL, 328 MASON ST #10, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed L AND O BAGELS LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on NA. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/02/17.

AUGUST 10, 17, 24, 31, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037682900

AUGUST 10, 17, 24, 31, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037705700

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The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HTL 587, 587 EDDY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed 587 EDDY ST. LLC. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 06/01/17. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/01/17.

AUGUST 10, 17, 24, 31, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037694500

AUGUST 10, 17, 24, 31, 2017

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: TABOR CLEANING SERVICES, 2945 THIRD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed BCG CLEANING INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 07/21/17. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/21/17.

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037709900

The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (hereinafter referred to as “BART” or “District”) is a California Rapid Transit District intends to engage the services for WHEEL RAIL OPTIMIZATION (“CONTRACTOR”) RFP No. 15CQ-400, to provide services hereinafter, more particularly described in Exhibit 1, Attachment A, Scope of Services. The District presently intends to enter into a one (1)-year Agreement with four (4), one(1)-year options for a total of five (5) years with the CONTRACTOR selected. Accordingly, the District is now accepting proposals from proposers (“Proposers”) for consideration for the selection of a CONTRACTOR to implement the Scope of Services specified in Section II below of this Request for Proposals (“RFP”). PROSPECTIVE PROPOSERS WHO ARE NOT CURRENTLY REGISTERED ON BART’S PROCUREMENT PORTAL TO DO BUSINESS WITH BART, ARE REQUIRED TO REGISTER ON THE BART PROCUREMENT PORTAL ON-LINE AT HTTPS://SUPPLIERS.BART.GOV/ IN ORDER TO OBTAIN SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS, UPDATES, AND ANY ADDENDA ISSUED ON LINE. PROPOSERS WHO HAVE NOT REGISTERED ON THE BART PROCUREMENT PORTAL PRIOR TO SUBMITTING A PROPOSAL, AND DID NOT DOWNLOAD THE SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS FOR THIS SOLICITATION ON LINE SO AS TO BE LISTED AS AN ON-LINE PLAN HOLDER FOR THIS SOLICITATION, WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR AWARD OF THIS AGREEMENT. Proposer Should Note That This Agreement Is Subject To The District’s Small Business Program That Includes A Preference Of 5% Of The Lowest Responsible Proposer’s Price, Up To A Maximum Of $250,000, For A Certified Small Business Prime Consultant Submitting A Proposal On This Agreement. Proposer’s Attention Is Directed To Sections I.f And I.g In The Rfp Which Set Forth The District’s Small Business Program Requirements. Inquiries Regarding The District’s Small Business Program Shall Be Directed To The District’s Office Of Civil Rights, 300 Lakeside Drive, 16Th Floor, Oakland, Ca 94612, Telephone At (510) 464-6100, Or To Bart’s Website At: www.bart.gov/Ocr. A Pre-Proposal Meeting Will Be Held On Friday, August 4, 2017 At 10:00 A.m. In The Bart Offices Located At 300 Lakeside Drive, 17Th Floor Conference Room No. 1700, Oakland, Ca 94612. Prospective Proposers Are Informed That The Pre-Bid Meeting Is Not Mandatory. Proposals Must Be Received By 2:00 P.m., Local Time, August 29, 2017 At The Address Listed In The Rfp. Submission Of A Proposal Shall Constitute A Firm Offer To The District For One Hundred And Eighty (180) Calendar Days From Date Of Proposal Submission. Upon Conclusion Of The Pre-Proposal Meeting, Please Direct All Questions Concerning The Scope Of Services And Other Administrative Issues Of This Rfp To Steve Alva, Contract Administrator, Via E-Mail At Salva@Bart.gov. Please note that all forms shown on the Exhibits must be used in submitting a Proposal in order for the Proposal to be responsive. Any questions regarding the Small Business Preference, please contact Stella Becerra at sbecerr@bart.gov. Thank you for your interest in District procurements. 8/10/17 CNS-3038602# BAY AREA REPORTER

Potent drama

Tycoon type

Street scene

Yes, Yeomen

Vol. 47 • No. 32 • August 10-16, 2017

www.ebar.com/arts

Queer comics shine

D’Arcy Drollinger and Sergio Lobito in “Bitch Slap.”

Glamour meets treachery

by David-Elijah Nahmod

illed as the largest South Asian Comedy Fest in America, the latest edition of the 4th annual Desi Comedy Fest will begin on Aug. 10 at Cobb’s Comedy Club in North Beach. By the time it concludes on Aug. 20 at the Marines Memorial Theater, dozens of comics will have taken to the stage in nine Bay Area cities.

“D’

Desi Comedy Fest comedian Karinda Dobbins.

See page 19 >>

Courtesy the artist and Casemore Kirkeby

Mr. Pam

Arcy is a prolific genius,” proclaimed drag artist Matthew Martin as he prepared for his role in “Bitch Slap,” D’Arcy Drollinger’s mad send-up of 1980s soap operas. See page 18 >>

Courtesy Jennifer Graham

by David-Elijah Nahmod

August in the art galleries by Sura Wood

o you’re in town for August, beach vacations and overseas trips over and done, and you’re casting about for edifying, dare we say, enlightening ways to spend your time. Here are a few suggestions. See page 24 >>

Lance Brewer, “enchant away the rigid Furiae” (2017), pigment print.

<< Out There

18 • Bay Area Reporter • August 10-16, 2017

Best Wedding Photographer as voted by BAR readers

Desert art convergence

by Roberto Friedman

or years our main experience with Burning Man was that then-B.A.R. art director Adrian Roberts took off from SF for the duration of the event, sometimes along with our whole production department. Roberts edited “Piss Clear,” an alternative newspaper for the Playa, and edited an anthology of the publication for RE/Search books. Now “City of Dust: The Evolution of Burning Man” (through Jan. 7, 2018) at the Nevada Museum of Art in Reno tells the tale of how a countercultural ritual at San Francisco’s Baker Beach has evolved into one of the planet’s premier annual art happenings. Using methods from anWINNER thropology and archeology, the show Best Wedding uses archival materials to follow the Photographer Big Man from his first conception Best Wedding Photographer as voted by BAR readers under founder Larry Harvey as an art ritual on the beach (1986-89) 415 around the time of the summer 370 solstice to its current incarnation as 7152 an art-tourist event and gathering WEDDINGS, HEADSHOTS, PORTRAITS in the barren Nevada desert stevenunderhill.com · stevenunderhillphotos@gmail.com around Labor Day. The show includes a model of the 2017 Burning Steven-2x5-NEW.indd 1 8/1/17 10:30 AM Man, which is burned in a climax of the event, and posters from throughout the happening’s many years. Art has always been integral to the BM experience, and the exhibit includes plans and drawings for artist David Best’s meditation temples, documentation of the inherently ephemeral art of the Playa, and a list of artists who have been inspired by their BM sojourns, including “Bay Lights” artist Leo Villareal. There’s a model of the Golden Best Breakfast & Spike, used each year to mark the

Steven Underhill

PHOTOGRAPHY

Best Late-Night Restaurant

Celebrating our 40th year!

Bitch Slap

From page 17

The show opens Aug. 10 at the Oasis, and runs through Sept. 9. Throughout the 1980s, “Dynasty” and “All My Children” ruled the airwaves with their over-the-top characters, gowns, jewels and hair. Faded movie actress Joan Collins became a superstar when she was cast as the much-married “Dynasty” diva Alexis Carrington Colby, who slept and backstabbed her way to the top with every hair in place. Gay audiences loved her cat-fights with archrival Crystal (Linda Evans). Many gay men tuned in not only to catch up on the plot twists, but also to see what the ladies were wearing. “I’ve done a series of shows that focus on a heroine named Champagne White, that send up the low-budget exploitation films of the 70s,” Drollinger explained to the B.A.R. “In wanting to explore another genre, I set my sights on melodrama – specifically the romance novel and soap opera, two genres that are so over-the-top and camp, but a mainstay in our culture.” The writer-director feels these shows were tailor-made for gay viewers. “It’s as if they were made for drag,” he said. “My original shows are ridiculous and outlandish, but when compared to many of these programs, they almost pale in comparison. My favorite part in doing these comedies is the research. I have watched hours of ‘Dynasty,’ ‘Dallas,’ ‘Falcon Crest,’ and many daytime soaps. I’ve read the novels, from your standard romance fare to Jackie Collins.” When casting, Drollinger turned to two of his favorite mainstays. In addition to Matthew Martin, who stands in for Joan Collins/Susan Lucci, popular drag king Leigh Crow essays the male lead. Crow became a

Rick Gerharter

Nevada Museum of Art’s exhibit “City of Dust: The Evolution of Burning Man” includes a map of Black Rock City (right), a bike used on the Playa, and other objects about the history of the annual event.

center of Black Rock City, and jars filled with remains left after the eponymous man is burned to ashes. No less important to the success of the annual event is civic design. The show includes plans of the semi-circular grid city designed by landscape architect Rod Garett¸ who understood that city planning, theme camp placement and emergency access roads were important to the coherence and safety of the instant city. Photographs, artifacts, journals, sketches and notebooks all contribute to our understanding of the BM phenomenon. Oddly, though, there is no reference in the exhibit to drugs or alcohol, which seem central to the experience. Despite this caveat, “City of Dust” is an interesting and thorough survey of this seminal art

experience, the desert convergence of free spirits and artistic impulses. And it was great to see Adrian’s book with the other Burning Man merch available for purchase in the museum shop. The exhibit will travel to the Renwick Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum, in spring 2018. PS: One consequence of the annual art pilgrimage to the Playa has been a certain bohemian sediment that’s left along the way. When we were in Reno last month to visit the NMA show, so-called Artown events pointed to the vibrant art culture that has taken root in the Northern Nevada city. Burning Man artists take advantage of Reno’s available and inexpensive warehouse space as studios where they can create their spectacles. Better than lugging a lot of papier-mache from SF, no?t

Bay Area legend for her performances as Elvis impersonator Elvis Herselvis. More recently she’s been seen as Captain James T. Kirk in the Oasis productions of “Star Trek Live.” “My character is Roman Midnight, married to and cheating on Diana Midnight,” Crow said. “A rich, middle-aged, white tycoon. Not too glam, because I play a man!” Crow added she’s ready to dive into the show’s mad storyline. “Satire is my favorite because you can exaggerate all of your character’s attributes. Gay appeal? Shoulderpads!”

Martin, for his part, acknowledges “Bitch Slap”’s debt to “Dynasty,” but admits to being partial to Susan Lucci, the first daytime TV star to become a household name. “Of course my character is very glamorous in the vein of ‘Dynasty,’” he said. “But I would draw more of a parallel between my character and Susan Lucci as Erica Kane of ‘All My Children’ fame. Her character was on the soap from its inception, and she played it as the star, blurring the line between character and actress. My character has been on ‘the longestrunning soap opera’ ‘Forever or Just For Now,’ and is the most famous pantyhose model.” “Soap operas have been replaced with reality TV,” said Drollinger. “Both are a way to look into other people’s lives that have more drama, more excitement, more love, more tragedy than our own.” Drollinger also reminds us that “Dynasty” was a groundbreaking show in the annals of gay visibility. “In terms of the gay audience, besides the camp aspect, a show like ‘Dynasty’ had the amazing Nolan Miller costumes, and it had a gay character on TV in 1981, which was pretty huge. It had some of the most catty lines on TV, was famous for catfights between women, and was the first TV show to use the word bitch.” “I believe they were glamorous, dramatic and full of gossip, backstabbing and treachery, all mainstays of any respectable gay,” added Martin. Even though the heyday for these shows is long since passed, Drollinger is confident that he and his crew will pull in a crowd. “As much as the genre may be dying, people have such strong feelings about it,” he said. “The preshow response has been great. I just hope I do them proud.”t

Mr. Pam

D’Arcy Drollinger as Diana Midnight.

nevadaart.org

Ticket info: sfoasis.com

Theatre>>

August 10-16, 2017 • Bay Area Reporter • 19

Medical mystery & misdirection by Richard Dodds

he doctor has bad news for Juliana Smithson. She does not have a brain tumor. That was the diagnosis she was hoping for, for the alternative is inconceivable. Not that Juliana is oblivious to the alternative; her job is shilling for a new drug that has shown promise at slowing down the effects of a disease with a name that the characters can hardly bring themselves to speak. Sharr White’s “The Other Place,” first seen in New York in 2011 and locally at the Magic Theatre the following year, is a play of intriguing misdirection served up by a narrator with shape-shifting reliability. The play is part puzzle and part mystery, as the audience is charged with sorting out competing realities, but most importantly it’s a character study of an intelligent and confident woman who is spiraling out of control in ways that we can’t fully know until the final moments. Even then, we aren’t sure if everything we’ve seen in the 90-minute intermissionless play really makes sense on any plane, but “The Other Place” does offer a potent showcase role in Juliana. On Broadway, Laurie Metcalf won hosannas for her

Desi Comedy

portrayal of the unspiraling the asides: the presence of character, and without any a young woman in a yellow inside knowledge, I suspect bikini among the sea of male Symmetry Theatre chose the doctors. Probably a prostitute play largely because Stacy who wandered in, she surRoss was available to play mises, but she disturbs herself the role for the small theater with the increasingly pointed company headquartered barbs she aims at this woman at the Live Oak Theatre in until, in a blink, the woman in Berkeley. yellow isn’t there. Ross’ presence has always Juliana dismisses it as an been an asset in the numer“episode,” but there are more ous productions she has episodes, and brain tumor appeared in on stages across becomes her preferred diagthe Bay Area, and “The nosis. A bit conveniently in Other Place” provides the plot terms, Juliana’s husband opportunity to display nu(stoically played by Robert merous facets of her talents. Parsons) is an oncologist Her performance grounds who suspects a different dithe production with a nonagnosis and sends her into flashy flashy performance, a belligerent session with a which may sound like an specialist in areas of memory oxymoron, but really is key loss and dementia. Courtesy Symmetry Theatre to most truly sublime per- Robert Parsons and Stacy Ross play a Scenes don’t follow a formances. normal chronological flow, married couple dealing with personal and We first meet Juliana as medical mysteries in Symmetry Theatre’s keeping us intriguingly offshe is onstage pitching her “The Other Place.” balance in director Taylor dementia-slowing drug at Korobow’s solid produca medical conference in the tion, and the reality of Virgin Islands, and as slide any moment can never be she confides she’s wearying of her projections of the inner workings trusted. But it gives us the chance dog-and-pony show on the conferof the brain appear behind her, she to see Ross in many moods and ence circuit. But there is something exudes confidence and intelligence. situations, played with a fierce slightly off about this particular In an aside to the theater audience, commitment to a character who appearance, she tells us in one of

“I am known for making funny observations around my family and friends,” Dobbins told the B.A.R. “My girlfriend thought I should try “Our mission is to showcase the that out onstage. I thought I was funniest South Asian comedians going to bomb and that would be and create a unique live experience the end of it. Didn’t happen that for the South Asian Diaspora,” states way, though!” the Desi Comedy Fest homepage. Dobbins finds a great deal of This year’s fest includes three out humor in the current political queer comedians, all three of whom climate. “My number one job is to spoke to the B.A.R. about how their make people laugh,” she said. “If life experiences inspire their comic there is something political that I stylings. Karinda Dobbins was can shape into a bit, then I go for it.” raised in a politically active family She does not, however, find humor in Detroit but now lives in Oakland. in the Trump presidency. “It’s very She became a comedian after a girldifficult to make fun of someone friend dared her to perform at an who announces a transgender miliopen mic. tary ban in a tweet. The joke is his presidency thus far.” Some of the queer comics address racial issues in their humor. “Occasionally I get a Twitter troll or an angrylooking white man in the front row of a show,” said comedian Nik Dodani. “But no significant backlash. Growing up in Arizona and dating a white guy for two years has made me really good at talking to white people without triggering them.” Dodani notes that there can be similar issues from audiences in dealing with his queerness. “Other than a weird remark here and there, I don’t foresee any serious challenges,” he said. “My parents’ generation has issues with queerness, but young Indian-Americans are in a very different, less shitty place. And this is San Francisco! It’s the gayest city on the West Coast. That’s gotta count for something, right?” He said that as a rule, his parents love his comedy, except when he talks about them. Or about his sex life. Arjun Banerjee told the B.A.R. that he identifies as bisexual. “I, personally, have never experienced bi-erasure from a member of the LGBT community,” he said. “I hang out with young queers who believe that everything is a spectrum. But I know that it happens to a lot of people.” Courtesy Desi Comedy Fest The funny man spoke seriously on how to deal Desi Comedy Fest comedians Nik with bi-erasure. “DecreasDodani (above) and Arjun Banerjee ing it will take time and

From page 17

effort, and by my estimation there are two main causes that we need to address,” he said. “One, I think a lot of LG people see being bi as this trendy new thing that us millennials are taking up in an attempt to be different. And there are definitely more people who are claiming to not be straight these days. I guess a more accurate thing to say would be for the first time in the West since the 1700s, we’re seeing a world where the pressures of heteronormativity are diminishing, so you would expect to see more

people claiming to not be heteronormative. I think the ‘trendy’ claim stems from the idea that being straight is still the preferred state of being. Dismissing that will require us dismissing this demand that we be totally straight.” Banerjee’s childhood was steeped in tragedy. He was raised by a white woman after his mother passed away. “The main challenge is communicating to audiences that it’s ok for them to laugh at the sad thing,” he said. “Because, personally, my main way of dealing with sad things

can be alternately infuriating and heartbreaking. The cast also includes Michael Barrett Austin in two small roles and Lisa Moore in three more significant roles – including effective turns as Juliana’s estranged daughter and as the current occupant of the Smithsons’ old vacation home – the other place – whose suspicious mystification turns to solace when she finds Juliana sitting in her living room. The condition that the characters dare not speak its name is, obviously, Alzheimer’s, and “The Other Place” illustrates one journey toward the inevitable. But its shifting points of view keep us off-balance in stimulating ways, and the playwright has created a role that can keep “The Other Place” out of a movie-of-the-week abyss. But that’s only true with a performer who can pull the play up, an assignment that Stacy Ross handles with a combination of emotional honesty and theatrical expertise.t “The Other Place” will run through Aug. 13 at the Live Oak Theatre. Tickets are $25-$30, available at symmmetrytheatre.com.

is laughing, even if I know it’s not that funny. So that creates a pretty big gulf between what I laugh at and what audiences laugh at. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve heard on this topic is, ‘If you want to know how to juggle with fire, learn to juggle first.’” First and foremost, the comics want audiences to have a good time. “I hope they get a sense of who I am,” said Dobbins. “I want them to have some belly-aching laughs.”t Info: desicomedyfest.com.

<< TV

20 • Bay Area Reporter • August 10-16, 2017

Born to play Monroe Stahr by Victoria A. Brownworth

. Scott Fitzgerald died before he finished his final novel, “The Last Tycoon.” The book was published by his friend, the critic Edmund Wilson, after Fitzgerald’s untimely death at 44. The timing for a story about Hollywood, antiSemitism, misogyny and the rise of Fascism certainly feels perfect, what with our reality-TV-star president who surrounds himself with white nationalists. Amazon’s new series based on the novel debuted Aug. 4. It is beautiful, lush and very good. It is also replete with several searing portrayals, among them the two leads, Matt Bomer as Monroe Stahr, a Jewish widower and film producer rising through the ranks under the tutelage of Pat Brady (Kelsey Grammer), head of Brady American Pictures. The series is set at the height of 1930s filmmaking, when men were men and moving pictures stood between America and the grim realities of the Great Depression and the lurking menace of Hitler’s Germany. Grammer’s Brady is genius. In recent years, the Emmy-winning Grammer has broadened his métier to include a wider range of roles than the classic comedy that made him a star on “Cheers” and “Frasier.” In 2010 he was nominated for a Tony for his role in Harvey Fierstein’s “La Cage Aux Folles,” and he had Tony nods for several other musicals. In 2011-12, Grammer starred in the Starz series “Boss,” playing a fictional mayor of Chicago similar to Richard J. Daley. Brady, whom Fitzgerald based on Louis B. Mayer, is a tyrant, a womanizer and a man at emotional and professional sea. He’s both mentoring the young and handsome Monroe Stahr, whom Fitzgerald based on Irving Thalberg, and trying to keep him under his control. Brady

Amazon Studios/Sony Pictures Television

Matt Bomer plays Monroe Stahr in the new Amazon series “The Last Tycoon.”

wants credit for creating Stahr, but Stahr is very much his own creation. Bomer, who began his acting career on “Guiding Light” 15 years ago, has been broadening his own oeuvre. A perennial pretty face and perfect body starring in mainstream fluff like “Magic Mike,” Bomer added a wry insouciance in his five years as Neal Caffrey on “White Collar.” His roles in “The Normal Heart” and “American Horror Story” proved he’s more than a comedian and his classic good looks. As “The Last Tycoon” opens, one sees Bomer was made to play Monroe Stahr. Not only does he look the part of a handsome 1930s Hollywood icon falling in with the glitterati, but the same nuanced portrayal he gave in “Normal Heart” is on display here. Stahr’s still distraught over the sudden death of his actress wife. So when Brady’s daughter Celia (archly played by Lily Collins) throws herself at him, we see the wash of emotions that overtakes him. Bomer is superb at showing us the guises Stahr has to adopt as he navigates

through the cutthroat studio system legendary for annihilating the weak and demonizing the strong. It’s an Emmy-worthy performance and the best of Bomer’s career to date. Fitzgerald was fixated on this world of the rich and famous, and that world is brought vividly to life in “Last Tycoon.” Brady is struggling to keep his studio afloat in the midst of a disastrous economy and personal life. Stahr is aware of his Jewishness as Hitler rises across the pond. He’s equally aware of the void left by the death of his wife and his own ambition. There are some stellar roles for women in this series as well, which is heartening. In addition to Collins, Rosemarie DeWitt is extraordinary as Brady’s disillusioned wife; Jennifer Beals, an underrated actress, gives a great performance as Margo Taft. Jessica DeGouw plays Minna Davis, Stahr’s wife; and Dominique McElligott is pitch-perfect as Kathleen Moore, the woman with whom Stahr becomes obsessed. Amazon is doing some fabulous series: “House of Cards,” “Transparent,” “One Mississippi,” which returns in Sept. “The Last Tycoon” is one of them.

Mist trap

The gay storyline embedded in “The Mist” took a complicated turn in the Aug. 3 episode (spoilers ahead). Adrian (Russell Posner) and Tyler (Christopher Gray) are lying on a bed together in the hospital where they are trapped by the mist. Adrian asks Tyler, “What is the worst thing you’ve ever done?” Tyler tells Adrian a story from his dark closet, the place where he must attack every boy who sees the gay in him, the way we saw him attack Adrian in the bathroom at the hospital. It’s an ugly, violent tale of a boy whom he bullied, who then smiled at him one day, cutting him to the quick. Tyler tells Adrian he twisted the boy’s arm so hard he broke it, then pissed on him. Still the boy wouldn’t give up. Is that boy Adrian? Is this a story of what came before the mist or the party? Tyler rolls over on the bed and gets on top of Adrian and we fear for Adrian, but he just kisses him, lightly, then lays behind him, holding him. They fall asleep together, spooning. When Tyler wakes up, Adrian is missing. He searches for him in a panic. Kevin (Morgan Spector) doesn’t know where he is. Together they search, only to find the man in the psych ward where they are hiding has Adrian bound and gagged, planning to torture him to death as he has several other people, whose bodies have been stacked in a utility closet. He tells Kevin he can see the evil in Adrian and must get it out. He tells a story of being in Catholic school and being taught by a nun to flagellate her. There’s a lot of religion vs. nature in this series. Religion doesn’t fare well. Several heart-pounding scenes later, Adrian is saved by Kevin. Tyler grabs him and takes him to sit in the hallway. Adrian tells Tyler that when he was afraid he would die he was thinking of the things he hadn’t yet done, and that all he wants to do is hold hands with another boy in public. “I never held a guy’s hand. I promised myself if I survived I would hold a guy’s hand. Hold it. Walk down the street, not give a shit. Who cares,” Adrian says. He takes Tyler’s hand, and they hold hands, briefly. Tyler is suffering from the intimacy. His pain is palpable. He’s never going to survive coming out. We can see it so plainly, it’s heartbreaking. Kevin comes and tells the boys they have to leave. Tyler says he’s going to stay there in the hospital. “After this is over I can go back

home, back to normal,” he says. After Kevin and Adrian leave, he slides lower on the floor, sobbing. It’s one of the most realistic gay moments we’ve seen on TV and the most gutting because we know there are thousands of boys like Tyler trying to beat the gay out of themselves by attacking other queers. What a tragedy. Bravo to “The Mist” for showing it in such emotive detail. “We’re only nine missed meals from anarchy.” So says Eve (Alyssa Sutherland) about how long it will be before those trapped in the mall by “The Mist” will go “Lord of the Flies.” Eve is referencing Alfred Henry Lewis, an American journalist who said it in 1906. We wonder if there’s an extrapolation from Stephen King’s dystopian small-town Maine to the larger sphere of American politics. Watching Trump ginning up a rally in West Virginia on Aug. 3, which not coincidentally was the same date in 1934 that Adolf Hitler declared himself Fuehrer, we heard Trump again declare he had won votes he did not win, and that the free press was fake news. He barely skirted calls for anarchy against the majority of voters, people who didn’t vote for him. That rally should have scared the bejeesus out of anyone sentient watching it replay on every network. It could have been filmed by Leni Riefenstahl, it was so “Triumph of the Will.” Even though Fox News has become State TV (it’s the only network allowed on the monitors in the White House, according to sources), Shepard Smith, Fox’s token voice of sanity (who is, naturally, openly gay), regularly takes Trump to task. Smith said on his Aug. 3 broadcast that the leaked transcripts of Trump’s embarrassing phone calls to Nieto and Turnbull proved Trump’s Feb. 3 Twitter rant asserting “Fake News lied!” about the phone calls was itself a lie. “The media did not lie. We reported the truth,” Smith said. “Then Trump misrepresented the truth, not for the first time. Now the White House is focusing on the leaks that let the world know the truth.” Smith was excoriated. Calls for his firing were rampant. “Why is it lie after lie after lie? There are still people out there who believe we’re making it up,” Smith said. “And one day they’re gonna realize we’re not and look around and go, ‘Where are we, and why are we getting told all these lies?’” Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA), one of the faces of Resistance, was on “The View” Aug. 4 talking politics. Her amazing “reclaiming my time” exchange with Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin has gone viral and become a mantra for the Resistance. Waters was asked, “Any truth to rumors you’ll run for president?” Waters replied, “I am not running for anything except the impeachment of Trump.” Yas queen.

Whitney be

Speaking of queens we love, Showtime has shifted the premiere date of its Whitney Houston documentary “Whitney: Can I Be Me?” to Fri., Aug. 25. It was scheduled for Aug, 26, but that’s now the date for the Floyd Mayweather Jr./Conor McGregor fight that will air on Showtime PPV live from Las Vegas. We know you want to see Whitney and not two men beat the crap out of each other for money. The Whitney doc by noted and controversial filmmaker Nick Broomfield debuted in April at the Tribeca film festival. Broomfield narrates the film. Will we ever tire of Whitney? Not

those of us who were living in the clubs in the 80s when she was part of the soundtrack of our gay lives. There are several trailers for Broomfield’s documentary (which did not get approval from her estate) available on YouTube. It’s clear the documentary encapsulates the drama that was her life, from choir girl to club queen to addict whose voice was killed by cocaine, the woman who “was paying for their cars, their houses” of everyone around her who was broke at the end of her life, forced to go on tour to keep others living in the style to which they’d become accustomed. Clive Davis, who discovered her and adored her, tried to keep her from the embarrassment of singing live when she no longer could carry a tune. One aspect of the film that wouldn’t have been approved by the estate is Whitney’s bisexuality. Although she was enmeshed in her complicated and, what seemed from the outside, abusive relationship with Bobby Brown, she also had a longtime relationship with her friend Robyn Crawford, which Broomfield details through interviews with others close to Whitney. “I don’t think she was gay, I think she was bisexual,” says her stylist Ellin Levar. But Bloomfield asserts that Whitney’s relationship with Crawford was covered up by the singer’s family and estate after her death. In a 2013 interview, Houston’s mother, Cissy Houston, told Oprah she would not have condoned a relationship between Whitney and Crawford. Was that another source of conflict for Whitney, driving her to addiction? Broomfield told Newsweek, “I think a lot of people were cruel to her toward the end of her life, so it seemed like a good opportunity to look at her life again and celebrate what was so amazing. And maybe look at the harshness with which she was treated at the end.” Broomfield also said, “We have 14 songs in the film which were her main hits, we have incredible live performances of the songs, the most unusual behind-the-scenes footage that anyone has ever seen. The estate completely disapproved of Robyn Crawford and wanted to obliterate the memory of Robyn from their version of Whitney Houston. I would have enormous problems [with that], because I make these films to be real and true.” That remarkable, iconic voice is the fundament for the documentary; it can’t be silenced. But the sadness of what became of Whitney is gutting, from her descent into the hell of addiction to her tragic death in 2012. We know we’ll be watching, because we can’t look away. Whitney was a soundtrack to our gay lives. Our fast five shows you should be watching as the summer winds down include “Comrade Detective,” another Amazon series that debuted Aug. 4, starring Channing Tatum; USA’s superb psychological thriller “The Sinner” that debuted Aug. 2, starring Jessica Biel and Bill Pullman; Freeform’s “The Bold Type,” with a spectacular lesbian storyline; TLC’s “Growing Up Evancho,” a reality series that runs the gamut from Jackie Evancho’s life as a child prodigy opera singer to her much-maligned performance at Trump’s inaugural to her sibling Juliet coming out trans; and another season of Masterpiece Mystery, “Endeavor” on PBS. So for last tycoons and lost gay boys, for the rise and fall of stars we hate and love, and that house of cards in Washington, you know you must stay tuned.t

Books>>

August 10-16, 2017 • Bay Area Reporter • 21

Long, tall Texan by Tim Pfaff

t took the death of his mother at 97, when he was 61 and still living with her, for American piano legend Van Cliburn – the long, tall Texan who thawed the Cold War – to begin to be open about being gay, not that it was a secret. It may have taken the pianist’s death in 2013 for it finally to be safe for Stuart Isacoff to release his explosive new book, “When the World Stopped to Listen: Van Cliburn’s Cold War Triumph and Its Aftermath” (Knopf). The book is not a hit job, and in its most sensational revelations, not muckraking. Isacoff, himself a pianist, is a scholar whose sympathy for and appreciation of his subject is patent, if notably more clear-eyed than people on either extreme of the Cliburn hero-worship divide. I was in impressionable early adolescence when the handsome 23-yearold was driven through Manhattan in a tickertape parade after winning the first International Tchaikovsky Piano Competition, thereby saving America’s bacon, or at least pulling it out of the fire. I played my part in making his post-competition RCA Victor LP of the Tchaikovsky First Concerto one of the best-selling classical records of all time. And before becoming the editor of a piano magazine, I heard one of the late concerts,

in which the legend, in some visible manner of transport, oscillated between the Keats and the Lurch of the instrument. Even so, I encountered a jaw-dropper on nearly every page of Isacoff’s immaculately researched book. Both as a musician and a personality, Cliburn was less eccentric than weird, and in these matters the author obliges. We learn of the pianist’s obsession with astrology, to the point that he himself became an expert, not that he did not need a woman with black hair to her waist to counsel him on his every move. And then there’s Dr. Max Jacobson, a New York health guru known as “Dr. Feelgood” who attended to the needs of celebrities including Marilyn Monroe and Maria Callas – and who treated Cliburn, a regular client, with “a blend of amphetamines, vitamins, painkillers, steroids and human placenta responsible for that sense of soaring.” Make no mistake: Isacoff in no way asserts that the Moscow victory owed to performance-enhancing drugs, despite the weight Cliburn lost, but no one who wanted to build

that case would turn away from his book. Given the exigencies of book publishing, neither the author nor the people at Knopf could have known the milieu into which “When the World Stopped” would drop, other than as a tonic for Nigel Cliff ’s simultaneous, tawdry “Moscow Nights: The Van Cliburn Story.” In all the talk of our budding, present-day Cold War, the particulars of the previous one, which Isacoff provides in a detailed backdrop, have some hair-raising properties of their own, a matter one does not say lightly in a saga about the “Brillo Boy” dirtyblond pianist. To recap: In April 1958, Van Cliburn, as home-grown an American as the U.S. could have sent to compete, won the competition the Soviet Union, which had just rubbed America’s nose in Sputnik, devised to further demonstrate its superiority. Given the piano talent it had grown (Richter) and exported (Gilels), it was not a fantasy that it might prevail again. But young Harvey Lavan Cliburn Jr. – Vanya, and Vanyushka to the Russians whose

hearts he stole – capped a grueling competition with a Tchaikovsky First and (still rarely performed then) Rachmaninov Third for the ages, and even the burly, philistine Khrushchev agreed that the right thing had to be done. Like no writer before him, Isacoff puts the reader in the advance, middle and aftermath of the event with exactly the confidence, in both senses of the word, an audience craves, all the gossip and perhaps more of the facts than you needed. (There are photograph of the jurors’ score sheets to obviate the hanging-chad problems.) Politics, music, musical politics, it’s all there and more. The more’s the thing. Although eventually Cliburn played for Eisenhower in the White House (and subsequently, for every president through Obama), Isacoff observes, “The only people in Washington who thought to celebrate his arrival with the proper amount of fanfare, noted The Washington Post, were members of the Soviet embassy, who hosted a dinner in his honor.” The author’s knack for grasping the importance of the event overall without overlooking its kinks (Vanya’s “love fest” with the Russians, the prelude to his flight from his hotel screaming, “The girls are after me!”) and nail-biters (the voting and its backstage intrigues) verges on the uncanny.

Where Isacoff goes the extra mile is in the salient detail that reaches from then to now. For a competitive, postcompetition American exhibition, “Pres. Eisenhower had insisted on the inclusion of voting machines at the exhibit – as a reminder of the joys of a free society – allowing visitors to choose their favorite presidents, movie stars, and musicians.” There are other details as telling and analyses as rich in Isacoff ’s discussion of the important intersections of music and world politics at the end of WWII and in Cliburn’s reappearance at the Reagan White House in the heady days of Perestroika. Then there’s this from the chapter on Cliburn’s death: “Vladimir Putin avowed that ‘during the most difficult historical times, the art of Van Cliburn brought together people from different countries, different continents, and united them.’ Former Pres. George W. Bush told mourners that the pianist had surprised the Soviets by rising about the stereotype of the Texas cowboy. He was a gracious, humble young man, said the president, ‘beloved, even by the enemy.’” It’s weird that a world that worships every sound that issues from the mouth of Anna Netrebko has been so willing, even eager, to overlook her relationship with Putin. Miss Netrebko, you’re on in five.t

Riots following the exoneration of Dan White, the ex-cop assassin of openly gay Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone. It’s an example of the full-immersion style of filmmaking pioneered by doc veteran Frederick Wiseman, but goes well beyond Wiseman in that

it’s definitely dedicated to African American liberation. With its rough language and firm point of view, “Whose Streets?” will not likely air on public television. It demands to be experienced in theaters where audiences can chime in with their own views and cheers.

My only real quibbles concern the absence of a map to pinpoint Ferguson’s place in the greater St. Louis metro area, and of a timeline to offset the chaos and sense of cinema vertigo that even the best nonstop verite filmmaking can produce.t

Police abuse by David Lamble

banded together to demand accountability from the police army. n the powerful new doc “Whose “Whose Streets?” does not obStreets?,” first-time filmmakers serve the rules and decorum of Sabaah Folayan and Damon Davis network news reports. The views demand we shed our mental bagexpressed come from folks who gage and assume the fears and risks do not normally make the cut for of being a working-class African “film at 11.” We see a protestor American trying to survive. We’re shouting, “This is not your daddy’s in racially polarized suburban St. civil rights movement,” and a feLouis, MO, 80% black but politimale activist wearing a “Who gives cally controlled by the white minora fuck about voting?” T-shirt. The ity and a police force equipped with filmmakers stress that their story is tanks and other Pentagon-supplied raw and about the sense of powcounter-insurgency weapons. erlessness experienced by millions The time is 2014, the place Ferof working-class black Americans guson, MO, six-and-a-half square who do not see themselves as dismiles of public housing units and ciples of Dr. Martin Luther King’s fast-food outlets. On the afternoon nonviolent Civil Rights Movement. of Aug. 9, 2014, Darren Wilson, a After many days of street protests 28-year-old Ferguson police officer that followed the police shooting responding to reports of an armed of Michael Brown, we hear a police robbery at a QuickStop conveSWAT team commander yelling at nience store, shot and killed Mithe protestors from the safety of chael Brown, an 18-year-old recent a tank, “Return to your homes!,” high school graduate accompanied only to produce the agonized reply by his friend Dorian Johnson. from a community resident, “We These facts are crucial to underare home!” standing the drama that unfolds in “Whose Streets?” doesn’t spend “Whose Streets?,” but they are not much time getting the official line the subject of this incendiary film, from local authorities. Pointedly, a video-diary-like record of how a Pres. Barack Obama is seen tacitly few representatives of Ferguson’s backing the actions of Ferguson’s African American community white police establishment. One wonders why our first elected black national leader didn’t follow the example of Presidents Kennedy and Johnson and federalize the Missouri National Guard. For LGBTQ audiences the heart of the film lies with the story of Brittany Farrell, a young nursing student who is both preparing her young daughter in how to think for herself and faced with putting her career and pending same-sex wedding on hold while she deals with the chaotic details of everyday activism. The film’s release coincides with the 50th anMagnolia Pictures niversary of the Detroit riots. It will also resonate Scene from filmmakers Sabaah Folayan with San Francisco vetand Damon Davis’ “Whose Streets?” erans of the White Night

Gilbert & Sullivan’s

“the ultimate operetta masterpiece” – SF Classical Voice

Mountain View CPA August 12 - 13 650-903-6000 • mvcpa.com Yerba Buena Center, San Francisco August 18 - 20 415-978-2787 • ybca.org Bankhead Theater, Theate Livermore August 26 - 27 925-373-6800 • bankheadtheater.org A dark musical comedy, full of deceit, lies, and corruption, set in England’s bloody Tower of London. Combining poignancy and tragedy with humor to an extent not seen in any other Gilbert libretto, and boasting some of Sullivan's ﬁnest work, Yeomen is the closest thing to grand opera in the Gilbert & Sullivan repertoire. and is considered the best of the canon by many G&S fans.

lamplighters.org info: 415-227-4797

<< Music

22 • Bay Area Reporter • August 10-16, 2017

Yeomen of the Savoy faithful by Philip Campbell

an Francisco’s world-renowned Lamplighters Music Theatre opened their 65th season last week in the East Bay with Gilbert & Sullivan’s “The Yeomen of the Guard” at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. Maintaining their tradition of multiple casting in major roles, the operetta next plays Mountain View, Aug. 12-13, before arriving in SF Aug. 18-20. The final weekend will be in Livermore at the end of the month. It can’t be called an out-of-town tryout, and opening night was predictably polished, but any early-run problems with timing and pacing should be remedied by the time the show hits Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Theater. When Gilbert and Sullivan premiered “The Yeomen of the Guard” at London’s Savoy Theatre, well over a century ago, they were attempting an ambitious re-mix of their fabulous formula for success. Sullivan got his wish to compose music of serious substance, blended with his gift for instantly hummable tunes. Gilbert dared to mix genuine pathos with his cleverly crafted humor in the libretto. The results were a somewhat confusing hybrid, often deemed a bit too sober-sided, but universally praised as the most operatic work in the partnership’s popular canon. Despite early critical doubts, “The Yeomen of the Guard” was still wellreceived by the Savoy faithful, managing to rack up a healthy run of 423 performances. The old “don’t mess with success” warning didn’t stop the artistic partnership from bravely developing their vision. Tinkering with the usual social satire and topsy-turvy stories, going for melodramatic plot twists and adding shadowy depth to

the characters must have provided a welcome challenge to the writers. They struggled with their new view right up to the premiere. The audience and critics alike were, understandably, both surprised and intrigued. Thankfully, some of Gilbert’s reliable conventions remained: tongue-twisting patter, feisty sopranos and battle-axe mezzos; without them, the production would have been pretty solemn indeed. Long stretches of dramatic exposition are voiced in a sort of quasi-Shakespearian prose, and the usual happy ending tidying-up, with joyously united couples, was also discarded. The hero is awaiting execution at the start of the play and by the final curtain; we have to admit many of the characters haven’t proven themselves all Joe Giammarco that likeable. The departures from Deborah Rosengaus as Dame Carruthers in Lamplighters Music Theatre’s formula did result in an operetta “The Yeomen of the Guard.” that feels awfully close to grand opera, and the Savoy cast must delightfully old-fashioned and painthave relished their new opportuniat hand, to guide the wonderfully erly scenic design by Peter Crompton ties for hamming it up in scenes of rich orchestra through the beautiwas illuminated by the vivid lighting highfalutin Victorian drama. For the fully conceived Overture. design of Ellen Brooks and enlivened audiences of today, the changes may That attention to musical detail, by the gorgeous original costume seem overreaching at times, but we along with the superior vocal talents design by John Gilkerson. Those can’t help admiring the beauty of the of the cast, made a convincing case picture-perfect outfits were accented music and the spirit of the tale. for the long-winded story, even if by Kerry Rider-Kuhn’s excellent wig The Lamplighters are clearly the spoken dialogue was occasionand hair design. committed to bringing fresh vigor ally tedious. Supertitles used only The handling of the stage picand sense to the convoluted results, for the musical numbers might ture and dexterous movement of and with characteristic flair, they have been helpful. Jokes didn’t land, the many characters and large and mostly succeed. No one could really and some of the best lines were wonderfully sonorous chorus were make it too relevant or contempomuddled. Opening-night carefulachieved with remarkable subtlety rary without at least making some ness was sometimes a hindrance by stage director Jane Erwin Hamcuts to the overlong first act, but too to comic timing. The performers mett. She blocked the action as the much updating or editing would added immeasurably to creating Victorian theatrical it is. If anyspoil the arc of Sullivan’s gorgeous an atmosphere of relative dramatic thing could make the last-minute score. Music Director/Conductor believability, and they injected husurprise at the finale seem more Baker Peeples entered the pit on morous warmth whenever possible. plausible, Hammett’s approach opening night with all his legendary Sumptuous production design is seems most sensible. years of leadership and experience another Lamplighters tradition. The

Company veterans Charles Martin as Lieutenant Cholmondeley and Deborah Rosengaus as the especially unpleasant Dame Carruthers invested their roles with all the fine timing and wit of their experience. Another fine standout was Lamplighters stalwart Jonathan Spencer as Sergeant Meryll. Like La Rosengaus, he can get a laugh with the smallest gesture. In the roles of Colonel Fairfax (the condemned) and Wilfred Shadbolt (gaoler and assistant tormentor), Patrick Hagen and John Melis sang and acted with confidence. Melis deserves extra credit for making a torturer semiacceptable! As Leonard Meryll, Ron Houk sang well and made the most of his lines. Michele Schroeder portrayed Phoebe Meryll with great wit and a bright mezzo-soprano voice. She might have been a little more vixenish; her charm gave the role too much sympathy. Still, she made enough contrast with soprano Julia Mulholland as Elsie Maynard. Elsie is more the G&S heroine we expect, and Mulholland acted believably while sounding beautifully musical. Jacob Botha as Jack Point, the paid jester or “The Merryman” in the operetta’s alternative title, “The Merryman and His Maid,” grew in strength throughout the evening. His singing voice was pale to start, but his acting was compensation, despite some rushing through dialogue. By the final curtain he was fully in stride and (no spoiler) his last act was truly memorable.t More info on “The Yeomen of the Guard”: lamplighters.org

The sounds of seniors by Gregg Shapiro

Harrison, made an immeasurable impact on contemporary music aul McCartney and Ringo Starr, and culture. Of all of the Beatles now in their 70s, remain proalbums, 1967’s Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely ductive and continue to tour on a Hearts Club Band (Apple-Capitolregular basis, In their youth, the surUMe), now available in a two-CD viving half of the Beatles, along with edition stereo mix BAR-ad.qxp_Layout 1 8/6/17 9:53 AM 50th Pageanniversary 1 the late John Lennon and George (by Giles Martin, son of George

THE RICHMOND/ERMET AID FOUNDATION PRESENTS

Puttin’ on theGlitz HELP IS ON THE WAY XXIII XIII

CELEBRATING MUSIC LEGENDS & ICONS

CONCERT & GALA

★

★ ★★

Benefiting Meals on Wheels San Francisco & Positive Resource Center

SUNDAY, AUGUST 20, 7:30PM Herbst Theater & Green Room

SCHEDULED TO PERFORM LEVI KREIS: Tony Award-winner • TRENT HARMON: American Idol winner JESSICA SANCHEZ: American Idol star • MAUREEN McGOVERN: Recording star DAVID BURNHAM & CAROLE COOK: Broadway stars GARRETT CLAYTON: Hairspray Live star • PAULA WEST: Jazz/Cabaret star JASON BROCK: X-Factor semi-finalist LEANNE BORGHESI & LISA VIGGIANO: Cabaret stars EILEEN & LEAH BOURGADE: Concert violinists SALSAMANIA: World champion salsa dancers Touring cast from Broadway’s SOMETHING ROTTEN DAVID GALLIGAN: Director • MICHAEL ORLAND: Musical Director

Tickets & Information: www.reaf.org

Martin), is probably the Fab Four’s most influential recording. Whether you last listened to Sgt. Pepper a year or 20 years ago, you’ll be thrilled by the new sounds you will discover in this version, on “She’s Leaving Home,” “With a Little Help from My Friends,” “When I’m 64” and “A Day in the Life.” The second disc features numerous takes of these songs, as well as 2017 stereo mixes of “Strawberry Fields Forever” and “Penny Lane,” which, though recorded at the same time as Sgt. Pepper, would find their way onto Magical Mystery Tour, released later in 1967. Psychedelic sounds are also an essential component of Pink Floyd’s 1967 debut album The Piper at the Gates of Dawn. Pink Floyd outlasted the Beatles by a few years, but were eventually undone by similar in-fighting. The solo output by PF’s members was nowhere near as substantial as that of the Beatles’. Is This the Life We Really Want? (Columbia) is the fourth solo album by Roger Waters, but it’s unmistakably the work of a former PF member. Produced by Nigel Godrich, ITTLWRW? succeeds by bringing prog-rock into the 21st century. As politically oriented as the best of Waters’ work, its gorgeous rage equals that of similarly-minded Depeche Mode’s Spirit. Midwestern prog rock superstars Styx, featuring openly gay founding member Chuck Panozzo, return with The Mission (UMe), the band’s first new studio album in more than a dozen years. A concept album chronicling the first manned mission to Mars in 2033, The Mission opens with an instrumental “Overture” boasting Styxian keyboards, while “Gone Gone Gone” delivers the band’s trademark guitars and

harmonies. “Hundred Million Miles from Home” slips in a funky bassline. Adiós (UMe) is being touted as the final studio album from Glen Campbell, the music legend who’s been battling Alzheimer’s disease for several years. Produced by Campbell’s longtime musical collaborator Carl Jackson, the album features four songs by Jimmy Webb, the songwriter responsible for “Wichita Lineman” and “Galveston.” The disc also features Campbell’s singular interpretations of “Funny How Time Slips Away” by Willie Nelson (also heard on the track), Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” and Fred Neil’s “Everybody’s Talkin’.”

On Paul Simon’s two-CD/DVD set The Concert in Hyde Park (Legacy), he does “The Boxer” and “The Sounds of Silence.” Recorded in 2012 during the Hard Rock Calling Festival in London, the live recording features songs from Simon’s solo period, early (“Me and Julio Down by the Schoolyard,” “Mother and Child Reunion”), mid-career (Graceland) and later (“Dazzling Blue”). Credited to Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie but also featuring Mick Fleetwood, John McVie and Mitchell Froom, Lindsey Buckingham/Christine McVie (Atlantic) is essentially a Fleetwood Mac album minus Stevie Nicks. Already the subject of an extensive reissue campaign devoted to 1982’s Mirage, 1987’s Tango in the Night, and Nicks’ Bella Donna and The Wild Heart, Fleetwood Mac is never far from our consciousness. LB/CMcV is the best Fleetwood Mac album in eons, with or without Nicks, but please don’t tell her we said that! The songs, written by Buckingham and McVie, fit well into the Mac’s oeuvre. “In My World,” “Feel About You,” “Sleeping Around the Corner” and the ballad “Game of Pretend” are fabulous. No one could accuse Willie Nelson of being idle. His 21st-century output alone amounts to an album a year, sometimes two or more, and he still finds time to be an activist for causes many of us can get behind. A marvelous mix of originals and covers, God’s Problem Child (Legacy) is a welcome addition to Nelson’s considerable catalog.t Willie Nelson performs at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga on Aug. 15, and at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley on Aug. 19.

Film>>

August 10-16, 2017 • Bay Area Reporter • 23

Remembering Jeanne Moreau by David Lamble

he recent death of French New Wave film star Jeanne Moreau conjures up Gallic phrases such as femme fatale, or a doomed ménage à trois. But Moreau would have not broken out of the pack had not one of her favorite directors, Louis Malle, not stripped her of makeup and shot her pouty lips and downturned countenance in natural light. Moreau wasn’t especially pretty – no Marilyn Monroe, Jayne Mansfield, or Lana Turner – but her ability to radiate the frisson of an adult love scene was box-office magic when Hollywood’s production code restricted even hetero married couples to separate onscreen beds. Moreau’s life (1928-2017) and films movingly illustrate the fleeting nature of stardom. Her careerchanging moment came in Malle’s 1958 sizzler “The Lovers,” where her bored hausfrau staged what The New York Times claims was a “clearly orgasmic moment, considered scandalous at the time.” Four years later she co-starred in Francois Truffaut’s “Jules and Jim,” a love triangle beginning in WWI in which she eventually seduced and led a Frenchman (Henri Serre) and a German (Oskar Werner) to their deaths. This great film would be taught to generations of film students. Perhaps part of the secret of Moreau’s appeal to American filmmakers and fans was her unwillingness to have much to do with the Hollywood studio system. To see her you had to make the pilgrimage to an art-house. You might see her as Italian screen lover Marcello Mastroianni’s emotionally desolate spouse in Italian genius Michelangelo Antonioni’s “The Night” (1961), or as an extremely demanding servant in Luis Buñuel’s “Diary of a Chambermaid” (1964), a cruel seducer in “Eva” (1962) or a

Snap Stills/Rex Features

Jeanne Moreau, Oskar Werner and Henri Serre in François Truffaut’s romantic drama “Jules and Jim.”

revenge-minded re-wed widow in “The Bride Wore Black” (1968). Although her big-screen sex roles diminished with time, Moreau continued getting awards for breakthrough turns in films without the same notoriety. In 1960, she shared the Cannes best actress prize as a murder witness in Peter Brooks’ “Moderato Cantabile.” In the UK she won Britain’s Bafta (1967 best foreign actress) for playing Brigitte Bardot’s striptease partner in “Viva Maria!” And she finally won a French best actress César in 1992, for portraying a con woman in the comedy “The Old Lady Who Walked in the Sea.” Of her American work the highlights were John Frankenheimer’s

war drama “The Train” (1964) costarring with Burt Lancaster; appearing as an aging European film star in “The Last Tycoon” (1976); and in a cameo as an elderly descendant of Cinderella in “Ever After” (1998). She appeared before the cameras four times for Orson Welles, all in European productions. Moreau was a person without peer to the French, who treat the celebration of their icons like a civic religion. In her final years she continued dropping into film projects: her final screen turn was in 2015, appearing in a cameo as the protagonist’s grandmother in Alex Lutz’s film comedy “Le Talent de Mes Amis.” Her stage career included win-

ning France’s 1988 Molière award for her performance in “Le Récit de la Servante Zerline.” Plus she had a singing career, releasing several albums. She directed a trio of films, including a 1983 documentary about the silent-screen star Lillian Gish. Finally, she won state honors never before bestowed on a female performer: was made an officer of the Legion of Honor and was the first woman inducted into the Académie des Beaux-Arts. The ultimate honor was to have her passing announced by French President Emmanuel Macron: “We could say about Jeanne Moreau that part of cinema legend is gone. But her whole work was precisely about never freezing her art into a mythology, and never

locking herself into the respectable status of the ‘great actress.’ She had in her eye a sparkle that deflected deference and inspired insolence, freedom, the turbulence of life that she liked so much.” Born in Paris Jan. 23, 1928, the daughter of the owner of a Montmartre restaurant and hotel and his British-born wife, Jeanne Moreau chose to become an actress after seeing her first play, “Antigone,” when she was 15. When she told her father this, he slapped her. In her eyes Moreau found her father’s reaction a never-ending spur. “It forces you toward excellence,” she told the French newspaper Le Figaro in 2001. “All my life I wanted to prove to my father that I was right.”t

believe it or not, is named Dr. Butts. But her main passion is writing erotic supernatural fiction a la her literary mentor Anne Rice. She has joined a women’s writing group who, with a smile, carve each other to shreds. She starts meeting a much younger gay Indian-American patient of Dr. Butts, Achyut, who has been rejected by his family after coming out and sees in Ranjana the mother he lost. Eventually, through him at a party, she is introduced to a middle-aged Indian-American man, Harit. The unmarried Harit lives with his mother. They are both grieving the accidental death of Swati, Harit’s younger sister. To console his desolate mother, nearly blind from cataracts, he dresses in a sari every night to convince her his sister is still alive, an act cathartic for both of them. Harit works as a salesman in the Men’s Furnishing section at Harriman’s Department Store. He’s befriended by his co-worker Teddy, a campy older gay man, who meets him at Happy Hour at the local TGI Fridays. Eventually he strikes up a friendship with Ranjana. The novel culminates in a road trip to a writer’s conference with Ranjana, Harit, Teddy, and Cheryl, her prying co-worker at Dr. Butts. This novel is character-driven rather than plot-advancing. It functions as an immigration (both first- and second- generations) story, coming-out saga (more than one, the second a surprise you won’t see coming)

and feminist tale of pursuing your dreams. Characters work through their loneliness, develop deeper connections with each other, and become more self-actualized. Satyal’s observant about the different ways we grieve in life, both for people we miss as well as opportunities lost. Changing your identity, especially sexuality, features prominently. The author capably balances all these concerns through interlocking back stories peeking into sometimes dark past histories. But a light tone always pervades. Because Satyal clearly cares for all his characters, so

will the reader. But there are two problems with this sophomore effort. First, Ranjana is a far more intriguing character than Harit, who isn’t fleshed out, seeming too timid. Second, the ending seems made for a Hollywood movie, with plot threads tied up happily ever after. Still, this novel is tender, empathetic, and uplifting. Perhaps its chief asset is its underlying assertion that diversity brings gifts to our nation rather than threats. Why not send a copy of “No One Can Pronounce My Name” to the White House?t

Diverse gifts by Brian Bromberger

No One Can Pronounce My Name, a novel by Rakesh Satyal; Picador, $26

akesh Satyal’s second novel about Indian immigrants culturally adapting to the U.S. arrives at an auspicious time, revitalizing our spirits by showing that the American Dream, though a bit bruised, is still alive and kicking. The book appears seven years after Satyal’s debut “Blue Boy,” on the trials, tribulations, and fantasies of a 12-year-old gay Indian boy in Cincinnati who thinks he is becoming a god, won praise and a Lambda Literary Award as best gay debut fiction. “No One Can Pronounce My Name” will probably have wider appeal, though the gay aspect is not quite as prominent. Based on the title, the reader might think the novel will be a critique of American attitudes towards foreigners. But the book is more in a comic vein, gently satirizing the ups and downs of becoming socialized into American society. (“Co-workers can’t pronounce your name, but will eagerly repeat the Sanskrit phrases from their yoga class.”) Even with its flaws, it’s compulsively readable. The novel focuses on two characters, though they don’t meet til halfway into the book. Ranjana is a middle-aged wife and mother who came to the U.S. from India with her new husband Mohan (an arranged marriage), a chemistry professor

in suburban Cleveland. They have a son Prashant, now a freshman at Princeton, following in his father’s science footsteps but longing to major in English literature. Rummaging through Mohan’s browser history, Ranjana discovers he has been visiting porn sites and web “tutorials” on oral sex. Because the couple has been more or less celibate for the past few years, Ranjana (who has never experienced an orgasm) concludes Mohan is having an affair. She has a few close IndianAmerican women friends, but is reluctant to discuss her problem with them for fear of becoming the center of gossip. She has a job as a medical receptionist in a proctologist’s office headed by an Indian doctor who,

<< Fine Art

24 • Bay Area Reporter • August 10-16, 2017

Galleries

From page 17

Casemore Kirkeby: “Doublespeak” Yale’s graduate programs have brought us Meryl Streep, a roster of prominent attorneys, and now the MFA thesis presentations of that esteemed university’s photography students. Based on the new works in this touring show, they merit attention. Influenced by the Trump Era when distortion and lying are the coin of the realm, the 10 assembled photographers find themselves on the murky shoals of ambiguity and uncertainty. Res, whose mother worked for the Trump organization and managed construction of the President’s faux Versailles lair, took some dark power pictures of Trump Tower, though not the penthouse cave where the ogre dwells, for the ironically titled project “To Tell the Truth.” Lance Brewer’s “enchant away the rigid Furiae” (2017) is a candlelit portrait of lovers or friends in intimate embrace. Shot tight and slightly overhead, it’s a romantic scene holding its mystery close, not letting on exactly who or what we’re looking at or their respective genders until our noses are pressed against the image, and even then we’re not sure. Intentions are difficult to discern in Farah Al Qasimi’s “Falcon Hospital 1 (Blue Glove)” (2017), in which a helpless, possibly injured bird of prey, its eyes masked, is held by its throat with a disembodied, blue-gloved hand against a blue-screen backdrop. Is it being treated by an altruistic doctor? Tortured and imprisoned by a malevolent captor, or strangled? You decide. Drawn to the depiction of female subjects who are often stereotyped as objects of desire, “damsels in distress” or femme fatales, Anna Shimshak examines the female body as battleground, the ambiguity of power, suppression and intimations of violence in “Soft Seduction,” a series whose conceit is a fictitious secret meeting. In one

pated 4.5 billion years from of the black & white now. Lucy Dodd’s “Lady images, an anonymous Long Gone,” which calls up figure standing behind 1960s rock divas like Grace a woman lowers a black Slick and Joplin, is a handhood over her head; woven, “artsy craftsy,” her lips are parted as if shaggy armchair suitable on the verge of protest. for a hippie pad, while (“Untitled 5,” 2017.) her large canvas “Beyond Aug. 11-Sept. 23. caseBlind (1981 1⁄2),” (2013) morekirkeby.com. in pale, soothing neutrals, Haines Gallery: is anointed with natural “Andy Goldsworthy: materials such as foss leaf Drawing Water Standextract, sumac extract, ing Still” Usually one black lichen, graphite and has to pull on the wada blurred inky blot. It was ing boots and journey also blessed by Bub’s urine, into the wild to observe an invaluable, likely inadGoldsworthy’s evanesvertent contribution to the cent sculptures forged world of art from the artfrom organic elements ist’s faithful pooch. Thanks, – dust, rocks, ice, water, Bub. Through Aug. 26. kelp and sand – before altmansiegel.com.   they vanish, like time Bedford Gallery: As itself, and return to the we’re still knee-deep in earth from whence they summer, how about “Sweet came. But with this n Low: An International show, his work comes to Show of Cute,” a confecus courtesy of the Brittion as light and sticky as ish artist’s multi-panel cotton candy? To which photographs and imagyou can add goofy and es that show him tossing high-calorie; there’s even kelp into the air on an an ice cream cone upsideovercast day at Drake’s down in a dish of whipped Beach, or throwing cream, or a reasonable red dust towards the facsimile thereof, though sky, godlike, to create Courtesy the artist and Bedford Gallery the acrylic paint might go a cloud. Several videos down hard. If it were possithat chronicle his incur- Charlotte Kruk, “Peepshow” (2016), ceramic, candy wrapper, resin, glass beads, screws. ble to gain weight and get a sions into the landscape sugar headache by viewing make their debut, and a an exhibition, this would new feature-length docis a harsh urban garden sculpture of the show asks how today’s emerging be it. In Charlotte Kruk’s ceramic umentary, “Leaning into the Wind,” organic and non-traditional materiartists, children of the Internet, re“Peep Show,” a cupcake with pink delves into his singular practice. als: sand, broken glass, flowers and late and reconcile the DIY aesthetic, icing and sprinkles assumes the Through Sept. 2; hainesgallery.com. wood branches, with a magic dash communal spirit and the Whole shape of a headless showgirl kicking Altman Siegel: With the marketof glitter and singed paper. Trevor Earth Catalogue with the digital age. her bare legs. Coleen Sidey serves ing bonanza that is the 50th anniverPaglen, ever cosmic in aspiration A post-internet baby who bridges up Snow White asleep on a wintry sary of the Summer of Love, we’ve hallucinatory experience and and outlook, is represented by phobed of fawns and baby sparrows; been inundated with nostalgia, computer-based technology, Jared tographs from “The Last Pictures and Mark Nixon’s teddy bear wears psychedelia and the attendant hullaMadere ran a Brooklyn gallery out of (Construction of Hoover Dam; The an expression halfway between balloo, but “From Counterculture to his kitchen called Bed-Stuy Love AfWow! Signal)” (2012), an imagined perplexed and dismayed, perhaps Cyberculture” has weightier ideas on fair, a venture that married entrepreproject tasked with compiling a because he’s feeling it’s beneath its mind. Inspired by Fred Turner’s neurship and originality with canny record of human existence destined his dignity to be so pink. And who book of the same name and sumpragmatism. His “To be titled (Matto be aboard a communications could blame him? Through Aug. 27. moning the late great Bruce Conner ter Harmonic Topiary)” (2016-17), satellite orbiting Earth, at least until bedfordgallery.org. t as guardian angel and touchstone, appropriately exhibited on the floor, the sun explodes, a cataclysm antici-

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Arts Events

Scott DeMarco

www.ebar.com V www.bartabsf.com

Midsummer, late summe r, super summer. Cool or dry, it’s time to go out and kiss the sky. Listings Polyglamorous goes Hot Saucy, and puppies pound the Eagle. The King (Elvis) lives, and Kings rock The Stud. Outside Lands invades the park, while we the homos kiss in the dark.

Shining Stars Vol. 47 • No. 32 • August 10-16, 2017

begin on page 26 >>

August 10-17

Sat 12 Shot in the City

DJ Mark O’Brien with Leo Herrera at Hot Sauce @ El Rio

Sisters & celebrations by Donna Sachet

ne of the newest nightspots to open in San Francisco had snuck under our radar until a recent invitation from man-about-town Michael Daniels. If you remember and miss those leisurely nights and that scrumptious food at the legendary Leticias’s, then come experience Leticia Luna’s latest iteration called Calle 11 at the corner of 11th and Folsom. Yes, that’s the historic location of the notorious FeBe’s leather bar. See page 28 >>

Gooch

Stilettos Over Shanghai filmmaker Monet Allard-Wilcox, Sister Roma, Ken Bunch (Sister Vicious) and photographer Max Koo at the film’s benefit screening at the Castro Theatre.

<< On the Tab

Edited for space. For full listings, visit www.ebar.com/bartab

Thu 10 After Dark @ Exploratorium The hands-on science museum’s adult cocktail parties include drinks, music, and a lovely Bay view. Aug. 10: Super seeds demos about the science of food, with Clay Reynolds and Chef Loretta Keller. $10-$15. 6:30-9:30pm. Embarcadero at Pier 15. www.exploratorium.edu

Beer Bust @ Lone Star Weekly beer bust and benefit for local charities. 9pm-11pm. 1354 Harrison St. www.lonestarsf.com

Bitch Slap @ Oasis World premiere of D’Arcy Drollinger’s comic drag parody of telenovelas and nightime soap operas, with plenty of big hair and shoulderpads, with Matthew Martin, Katya SmirnoffSkyy, Nancy French, Steven LeMay, Jef Valentine and other talents. $25-$35. Thu 8pm, Fri & Sat 7pm. Thru Sept. 9. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

Desi Comedy Fest @ Various Venues

The Klipptones @ Top of the Mark

Nine cities, 11 shows, and more than 40 comedians perform at the fourth annual festival of comics with diverse South Asian backgrounds. Aug. 10 at Cobb’s Comedy Club ($25, 8pm, 915 Columbus Ave.). Festival passes $79 and up. Thru Aug. 20. www.desicomedyfest.com

The local jazz band performs weekly at the swanky hotel lounge bar. 7pm11pm, thru August. 999 California St. www.klipptones.com

Gayface @ El Rio Queer weekly night out at the popular Mission bar. 9pm-2am. 3158 Mission St. www.elriosf.com

John Lloyd Young @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko

The Monster Show @ The Edge The weekly drag show with host Sue Casa, DJ MC2, themed nights and hilarious fun. $5. 9pm-2am. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

Nightlife Live @ California Academy of Sciences

The Jersey Boys Broadway Tonywinning actor-singer performs music of the 1960s, plus songs from his new CD, My Turn. $65-$110 ($20 food/ drink min.). 8pm. Aug 11, 8pm. Aug. 12, 7pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. www.feinsteinsatthenikko.com

Enjoy DJed music, food, drinks amid the fascinating nature and science exhibits. Aug. 10: live music with Electric Guest and The She’s DJ King Most, R&B swagger, VR experiences and hands-on demos and exhibits. $12-$15. 6pm-10pm. 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. http://www.calacademy.org/nightlife

Junk @ Powerhouse

Picante @ The Cafe

MrPam and Dulce de Leche cohost the weekly underwear strip night and contest, with sexy prizes. $5. 10pm2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

FBFE

26 • Bay Area Reporter • August 10-16, 2017

Lulu and DJ Marco’s Latin night with sexy gogo guys. 9pm-2am. 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com

Queer Karaoke @ Club OMG KJ Dana hosts the weekly singing night; unleash your inner American Idol ; first Thursdays are Costume Karaoke; 3rd is Kinky Karaoke 8pm. 43 6th St. www.clubomgsf.com

Rice Rockettes @ Lookout Local and visiting Asian drag queens’ weekly show with DJ Philip Grasso. $5. 10:30pm show. 3600 16th St. www.lookoutsf.com

Rock Fag @ Hole in the Wall Enjoy hard rock and punk music from DJ Don Baird at the wonderfully divey SoMa bar. Also Fridays. 7pm-2am. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www. hitws.com

Thursday Night Live @ SF Eagle Music night with local and touring bands. $8. 9:30pm. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge Disco guru DJ Bus Station John spins grooves at the intimate retro music night. $5. 10pm-2am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com

Fri 11 Ain’t Mama’s Drag @ Balancoire Weekly drag queen and drag king show hosted by Cruzin d’Loo. 8pm10pm. No cover. 2565 Mission St. www.balancoiresf.com

Boy Division @ Cat Club The gay Goth/New Wave night hosts a Superhero-themed party, with DJs Xander and Tomas Diablo, gogos, glow bracelets, and superhero visuals; patrons with superhero shirts, underwear, or full costumes get reduced entry fee. $7-$12. 9:30pm3am. 1190 Folsom St. sfcatclub.com

Sat 12

Kingdom @ The Stud

Sat 12

Pound Puppy @ SF Eagle

Cubcake @ Lone Star

Uhaul SF @ Oasis

Trever Pearson DJs the popular bears & cubs and & candy night. 9pm-2am. 1354 Harrison St. www.lonestarsf.com

The monthly women’s dance party features DJs Von Kiss and Whitney Day. $20. 10pm-2am. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

Drag-o-liscious @ Ginger’s Trois The new basement tribute to the old Ginger’s Trois premieres its first drag show, hosted by Olivia Hart. 10pm. 86 Hardie Place.

Friday Nights at the Ho @ White Horse Bar, Oakland Dance it up at the historic (and still hip) East Bay bar. 9pm-2am. 6551 Telegraph Ave. whitehorsebar.com

Hard Fridays @ Qbar DH Haute Toddy’s weekly electro-pop night with hotty gogos. $3. 9pm-2am (happy hour 4pm-9pm). 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com

Hella Gay Comedy @ Club OMG Queer joke night, with host Nasty Ass Bitch. $15. 7pm. 43 6th St. www.clubomgsf.com

Latin Explosion/Club Papi @ Club 21, Oakland The Latin dance night also includes drag acts hosted by Lola and Dorys, with half a dozen gogo studs. $10$20. 9pm-4am. 2111 Franklin St., Oakland. www.club21oakland.com

Lick It @ Powerhouse Cruisy grooves. $5. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

Vibe Fridays @ Club BnB, Oakland House music and cocktails, with DJs Shareef Raheim-Jihad and Ellis Lindsey. 9pm-2am. 2120 Broadway. (510) 759-7340. www.club-bnb.com

Vivvy’s Grand Opening @ The Stud VivvyAnne ForeverMore’s wet and wild drag show and dance party, with DJs Myles Cooper and Siobhan Aluvalot. $5. 10pm-4am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

Sat 12 Hot Sauce @ El Rio The Polyglamorus crew presents the return of the new saucy sexy daytime party, with guest-DJs Synthe Tigers, Tobirus Mozelle, and John Fucking Cartwright, residents Beya, Major and Mark O’Brien, plus groovy fun. $7-$10. 2pm-8pm. 3158 Mission St. www.elriosf.com

House Party @ Powerhouse House grooves with DJ Bugie at the popular SoMa bar. $5. 9pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. powerhousebar.com

Kingdom @ The Stud

Gogo-tastic dance night starts off your weekend. $5. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

Switch, a sensational drag king show, with DJ Marke B spinning hip hop hits; proceeds benefit El/La Para TransLatinas. $5-$10. 10:30pm show. 9pm-4am. 399 9th St. studsf.com

Red Hots Burlesque @ The Stud

Lips and Lashes Brunch @ Lookout

Manimal @ Beaux

The saucy women’s burlesque show hosted by Dottie Lux will titillate and tantalize. $10-$20. 8pm-9:30pm. 399 9th St. Also Sunday brunch shows at PianoFight Theatre. 144 Taylor St. redhotsburlesque.com

Weekly show with soul, funk and Motown grooves hosted by Carnie Asada, with DJs Becky Knox and Pumpkin Spice. The yummy brunch menu starts at 12pm, with the show at 1:30pm. 3600 16th St. lookoutsf.com

On the Tab>>

August 10-16, 2017 • Bay Area Reporter • 27

Mother @ Oasis

Hella Saucy @ Q Bar

Heklina hosts the fun drag show with weekly themes. Aug. 12 is a Michael vs Janet Jackson night with Coco Montrese. DJ MC2 spins dance grooves before and after the show. $15-$25. 10pm-3am (11:30pm show). 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

Queer dance party at the stylish intimate bar. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. QbarSF.com

Pound Puppy @ SF Eagle

Naked Night @ Nob Hill Theatre

The monthly caninethemed extra-groovy party returns, with guest DJ Josette Melchor, residents Kevin O’Connor and Taco Tuesday, the hottest gogo guys, and the spacious patio. $10. 9pm-2am. 398 12th St. at Harrison. sf-eagle.com

Strip down with the strippers at the clothing-optional night. $20. 9pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www. thenobhilltheatre.com

Hysteria Comedy @ Martuni’s Open mic for women and queer comics, with host Irene Tu, Tess Barry, Dom Gelin and Wonder Dave. 6pm-8pm. 4 Valencia St.

OutLoud @ Oasis

Shake It Up @ Port Bar, Oakland DJ Lady Char spins dance grooves; gogo studs, and drink specials, too. 9pm2am. 2023 Broadway. (510) 823-2099. portbaroakland.com

Thu 17

Kat Evasco at Comedy Returns @ El Rio

Sugar @ The Cafe Dance, drink, cruise at the Castro club, with DJs Gay Marvine, Taco Tuesday and Matthew XO. 9pm2am. 2369 Market St. cafesf.com

Writers With Drinks @ The Make Out Room Gabe Hudson, Inkoo Kang, Indigo Moor, Toni D. Newman, Nick Farmer and Anna Pulley read and tell tales at the drink-infused literary night, with guest-host Carol Queen. $5-$20. 7:30pm. 3225 22nd St. www.makeoutroom.com

Sun 13 Beer Bust @ Lone Star Beer, bears, beats at the weekly fundraiser. $15. 4pm-8pm. 1354 Harrison St. www.lonestarsf.com

Beer Bust @ SF Eagle The popular weekly event packs in the fans, with proceeds going to local charities. $10. 3pm-6pm. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

Beverage Benefit @ The Edge Fundraiser and fun, with proceeds going to local nonprofits. $10. 4pm7pm. 4149 18th St. www.edgesf.com

Big Top @ Beaux Enjoy an extra weekend night at the fun Castro nightclub, plus hot local DJs and sexy gogo guys and gals. $8. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.Beauxsf.com

Dir-T @ SF Eagle DJ Phil B takes us back to the Pleasuredome grooves at the new T-dance. 7pm-2am. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

Domingo De Escandal @ Club OMG Weekly Latin night with drag shows hosted by Vicky Jimenez and DJ Carlitos. (Comedy Open Mic 5:30pm). 7pm-2am. 43 6th St. clubomgsf.com

Sunday’s a Drag @ Starlight Room Donna Sachet often hosts the weekly fabulous brunch and drag show, now celebrating its tenth anniversary. $45. 11am, show at noon; 1:30pm, show at 2:30pm. 450 Powell St. in Union Square. 395-8595. www.starlightroomsf.com

Mon 14 Happy Hour @ The Cinch Happy hour at the historic neighborhood bar. 5pm-8pm. 1723 Polk St. www.cinchsf.com

Mahogany Mondays @ The Stud Honey Mahogany’s R&B, soul, drag show and tasty cocktail early event. 5pm-8pm. 399 9th St. studsf.com

Mister Sister @ Midnight Sun Drag night with Honey Mahogany, Dulce de Leche and Carnie Asada. No cover. 10pm. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com

Musical Mondays @ The Edge Sing along at the popular musical theatre night; also Wednesdays. 7pm2am. 2 for 1 cocktail, 5pm-closing. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

Piano Bar 101 @ Martuni’s Sing-along night with talented locals, and charming accompanist Joe Wicht. 9pm. 4 Valencia St. at Market.

Peaches Christ’s monthly storytelling series, this time: ‘Ladies and Gentlemen!’ tales of MCing events by Juicy D. Light, Dottie Lux, Ruby Vixenn, Mahlae Balenciaga, Jim Sweeny and host Tommy Salami. 7:30pm. 298 11th St. sfoasis.com

Stag @ Powerhouse Cruisy night for singles, and couples looking for a third. $3 Jagermeister shots will get you in trouble: the fun kind. 10pm2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

Underwear Night @ Club OMG

Girl Scout @ Port Bar, Oakland The weekly women’s happy hour and dance night with DJ Becky Knox. 6pm-10pm. 2023 Broadway. www.portbaroakland.com

Jackie Beat, Jerry Lee’s 40th @ Oasis LA’s razor-sharp drag wit performs Birthday Bitch, $30-$40, 8pm. Then, Jerry Lee’s 40th birthday, with host Lil Hot Mess, drag acts Persia, Nicki Jizz, Voodonna Black Krylon Superstar, Rahni and more. 10pm-2am. 10pm. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

Juicy @ Club OMG Weekly women’s event at the intimate Mid-market nightclub, with DJ Micah Tron. 9pm-2am. 43 6th St. www.clubomgsf.com

LGBT Pub Crawl @ Castro Weekly guided tour of bars. $10-$18. Meet at Harvey Milk Plaza, 7:45pm. Also morning historic tours on Mon, Wed, & Sat. www.wildsftours.com

Queer Heritage Happy Hour @ The Gangway The GLBT Historical Society hosts a fun informative cocktail hour at the historic gay bar. 5:30pm-7:30pm. 841 Larkin St. www.glbthistory.org

Pan Dulce @ Beaux The hot weekly Latin dance night with sexy gogo guys, drag divas and more, returns to the Castro, with Club Papi’s Frisco Robbie and Fabian Torres. $7. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

Thu 17 Comedy Returns @ El Rio Bob McIntyre, Carla Clayy, Kat Evasco, Ian Williams, and host Lisa Geduldig perform at the monthly smart comedy show. $7-$20. 8pm. 3158 Mission St. www.Aug17ElRio.brownpapertickets. com www.elriosf.com

Glen Meadmore, Pachuco Cadaver, Maria Konner @ SF Eagle Queer bands, including the pioneering country crooner, play live at the famed leather bar’s music night. $8. 9:30pm. 398 12th St. at Harrison. sf-eagle.com

Junk @ Powerhouse MrPam and Dulce de Leche cohost the weekly underwear strip night and contest, with sexy prizes. $5. 10pm2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis, Jr. @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko The Grammy-winning R&B duo and founding members of The 5th Dimension perform classic and new songs. $65-$110. 8pm. Aug. 18 & 19 at 7pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. www.feinsteinsatthenikko.com

Mary Go-Round @ Lookout Mercedez Munro and Holotta Tymes present saucy and unusual drag acts. $5. 10pm-2am. 3600 16th St. www.lookoutsf.com

Weekly underwear night includes free clothes check, and drink specials. $4. 10pm-2am. Preceded by Open Mic Comedy, 7pm, no cover. 43 6th St. www.clubomgsf.com

Wed 16 B.P.M. @ Club BnB, Oakland Olga T and Shugga Shay’s weekly queer women and men’s R&B hip hop and soul night, at the club’s new location. No cover. 8pm-2am. 2120 Broadway, Oakland. bench-and-bar.com

Castro Karaoke @ Midnight Sun Sing out with host Bebe Sweetbriar; 2 for 1 well drinks. 8pm-2am. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. midnightsunsf.com

Elvis Presley Night @ the Make Out Room SF Elvis and his All-Star Band, with Hank Maninger, guests Leigh Crow, Ben Fong-Torres and others, perform a rocking tribute to the King; with DJ Shindog and Cammy playing Elvis tunes and videos; snacks, pelvisshakin’ contest and more. $7. 8pm-1:30am. 3225 22nd St. www.themakeoutroom.com

Wed 16 Hank Maninger (above) and Leigh Crow (below) at Elvis Presley Night @ The Make Out Room

Spanglish @ Club OMG Spanish and English drag shows and dance music with DJ Carlitos. $5-$10. 9pm-2am. 43 6th St. clubomgsf.com

Underwear Night @ 440

MAX @ Beaux The gay men’s social group’s monthly happy hour gathering, with live music. $10. 5pm-8pm. 2344 Market St. maxsf.squarespace.com

GlamaZone @ The Cafe

Strip down to your skivvies at the popular men’s night. 9pm-2am. 440 Castro St. 621-8732. the440. com

Pollo del Mar’s weekly drag show takes on different themes with a comic edge. 8:30-11:30pm. 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com

Tue 15

The weekly drag show with host Sue Casa, DJ MC2, themed nights and hilarious fun. $5. 9pm-2am. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

Cocktail Time @ Ginger’s Trois

Nap’s Karaoke @ Virgil’s Sea Room

Jock @ The Lookout Enjoy the weekly jock-ular fun, with DJed dance music at sports team fundraisers. 12pm-1am. NY DJ Sharon White from 3pm-6pm. 3600 16th St. www.lookoutsf.com

Sundance Saloon @ Space 550 The Country-Western line-dancing two-stepping dance night. $8. lessons at 5:30pm, dancing til 10:30pm. Also Thursdays. 550 Barneveld Ave. www.sundancesaloon.org

Enjoy drinks at the intimate downstairs tribute to the original dive bar; Tue & Wed 5pm-12am. Thu-Sat 5pm-2am. 86 Hardie Place.

Cock Shot @ Beaux Shot specials and adult Bingo games, with DJs Chad Bays and Riley Patrick, at the new weekly night. No cover. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

The Monster Show @ The Edge

Sing out loud at the weekly least judgmental karaoke in town, hosted by the former owner of the bar. No cover. 9pm. 3152 Mission St. 8292233. www.virgilssf.com

Thump @ White Horse, Oakland Weekly electro music night with DJ Matthew Baker and guests. 9pm-2am. 6551 Telegraph Ave, (510) 652-3820. www.whitehorsebar.com

Serving the LGBT communities since 1971

28 • Bay Area Reporter • August 10-16, 2017

entered through gossamer sheaths of yellow chiffon draped from the wood beams overhead, greeted by Gypsy Love, Joanie Juster, and the birthday boy himself. Inside, evocative art pieces still adorned the walls, but a center stage had been constructed for the evening’s program, featuring Deana Dawn, Gary Virginia, and this irrepressible columnist. Themed after the Japanese concept of Kanreki, a symbolic completion of a 60-year cycle and return to youthful joy and freedom, touches of Japanese décor and stark floral arrangements unified the room. Delicious food from SF Catering and drinks served by bartender Mike Ruble completed the picture. Nearly 100 guests, representing the several chapters of James’ life, included The Honorable Mark Leno, Cleve Jones, Chris Carnes, Gretchen Fleischman, Damon Holzum & Justin Schneider, Jack Garcia, Hector Crawford & Ralph Hibbs, Rick LeBlanc, John Newmeyer, Julian Marshburn, Lu Conrad, Charles Sanderson, Matt McClelland & Ken Ferraris, Mike Proctor & Eric Bernier, Philip Ruth, Tom Taylor & Jerome Goldstein, Richard Sablatura, and members of his immediate family. The peak of the night was a care-

fully scripted life synopsis delivered by James with strategically placed musical inserts, revealing to all assembled a life lived large, a spirit overflowing with generosity, and a heart full of gratitude. Only a birthday caked topped with 60 candles could follow that!

Sisters in Shanghai

And finally, the Castro Theatre hosted the world premiere of the film Stilettos Over Shanghai, documenting the groundbreaking visit of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to the Gay Pride Celebration in Shanghai, China, a few of years ago. In keeping with the significance of the film and the occasion, a pink shag carpet greeted guests for the VIP reception at 6PM, where gaggles of San Francisco’s LGBTQ Community gathered in anticipation. Among them were media sponsor Bay Area Reporter’s Publisher Michael Yamashita, the Reigning Emperor Nic Hunter & Reigning Empress Mercedez Munro, Grand Duchess Migitte Nielsen, Mark Rhoades, Gary Virginia, Pollo Del Mar, Ryan Scott, Race Bannon, Queen Dilly Dally, Cicero Braganca, Kylie Minono, Juanita MORE!, BeBe Sweetbriar, Russ Lorensen, Alex U. Inn, Linda Lee, Mutha

Gooch

Sisters pose on the balcony of the Castro Theatre at the Stilettos Over Shanghai screening.

Sisters & Celebrations

From page 25

We’d watched the long months of construction, wondering what might lie within, and last Thursday we saw for ourselves three levels of welcoming space, dazzlingly lit and beautifully appointed, including a rooftop open-air deck. The fundraiser for Human Rights Campaign featured Country music singer Ty Herndon, and what a performer he is! His powerful pitch-perfect voice and sexy yet boyish demeanor won over those attending, including Alexis Miranda, Marlena, Gary Virginia, Les Natali, Larry Metzger, Gene Bidwell, and Jouke Lanning. Watch Calle 11 for new developments and enticing new events. Once a year, the Empresses of San Francisco unite around their Reigning Empress for a joint fundraiser; that took place last Saturday afternoon. Tied to one of Patty McGroin’s successful monthly DollHouse events, more than a dozen Empresses gathered at the Midnight Sun at 4PM to perform for the adoring public. Tasty Jello shots, raffle tickets offering multiple prizes, and generous tips

to the entertainers resulted in over $1000 raised to support the various charitable activities of the Empresses of San Francisco. Especially touching was a moment of silence called by the Reigning Empress Mercedez Munro for Absolute Empress XIX Remy Martin, who died last week after an extended illness. Her consistent commitment to strict financial controls, respect for accurate records and historical precedent, and generous personal support of each reign will have lasting impact on this over 50-year old organization. As is the unspoken tradition after most Empress gatherings, upon the completion of the fundraiser, attendees were seen creating amusing mayhem throughout the Castro. We don’t normally report on private parties, open only to specifically invited guests, but occasionally, such an event garners coverage simply due to its splendor; such is the case with the 60th birthday party of James Holloway later Saturday night. The community art gallery Art Saves Lives, which fronts the AIDS Healthcare Foundation Pharmacy on Castro Street, hosted the event, thanks to the cooperation and generosity of Thomasina DeMaio, who basically runs the space. Guests

Both photos: Gooch

Above: Sister Chola de Dah at the Castro Theatre box office. Below: Russian émigré Natalie Ray, Honey Mahogany, who was Sainted by the Sisters (as Saint Honey the Sweet, Golden Goddess, Protector of LGBTQ History and Warrior for Good) at the Stilettos Over Shanghai screening, with Juanita MORE! at the Castro Theatre pre-show reception.

Chucka, and too many Sisters to name. As a matter of fact, who wasn’t there? We were thrilled to meet Seth Rosenberg, a successful venture capitalist and straight ally recently featured by Carolyne Zinko in the SF Chronicle as a new and important supporter of the SF chapter of the Rainbow Railroad, one of the beneficiaries of the event. The program began with an appropriate standing ovation for Sister Roma, largely responsible for getting the capacity crowd to attend, and the filmmaker herself, Monet Allard-Wilcox, both beaming with pride and blushing with humility. Other speakers included The Honorable Mark Leno and Tom Ammiano, Melanie Nathan, and Rochelle Fortier Nwadibia, Board Chair of Organization for Refuge, Asylum & Migration (ORAM), the other beneficiary of the night. One of the most moving speakers, added very late to the program, was Natalie Ray, a recent immigrant from Russia who is continuing her drag career here in San Francisco. Her story made the unimaginable stories coming to us out of Chechnya very real. Right before the curtains parted for the film, Honey Mahogany was sainted by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence in a brief surprise ceremony and then performed a moving musical number. All we can say about Stilettos Over Shanghai is see this film! It documents so accurately this historic visit to the world’s most populous country by one of the world’s bravest and most unapologetic groups, championing civil rights while encouraging joy and acceptance wherever they go. Amazingly, the Sisters were spared any openly negative experiences and were welcomed as colorful ambassadors, although they learned firsthand how hard it is for local organizers to produce events, plan gatherings, and unify the LGBTQ Community. The film encompasses injustices throughout the world while reminding us of the amazing progress we have made locally and in the United States. In interviews with Sisters after the trip, many share their awareness of the enormous amount of work that remains to be done. The next time you see a Sister volunteering at an event, congratulate them on this amazing documentary and thank them for their ongoing, vital efforts. And get to know more about ORAM and the Rainbow Railroad and support their efforts around the world.

Upcoming events

Lots of events lie right around the corner, including one of our very favorites, Help is on the Way XXIII, Puttin’on the Glitz, Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation’s annual gala concert on Sunday, August 20, at Herbst Theater. The stars will be out and Meals on Wheels San Francisco and Positive Resource Center are the beneficiaries. Dan Nicoletta returns to San Francisco for a book-signing on Thursday, August 24 at Koret Auditorium in the Main Library at 6PM. His beautifully bound book, LGBT San Francisco, is packed with evocative photos and memories and you need to have a copy. Juanita MORE! will host the after-party at the Green Room of the War Memorial Building. One of the must-attend annual events is GAPA Runway XXIX, Slayy-vatar, The Legend of GAPA, Saturday, August 26, starting at 7PM, at Herbst Theater on Van Ness. Here’s an event with exciting competition, excellent entertainment, and a who’s who crowd of San Francisco’s LGBT Community in attendance. Emcees Mr. GAPA 2013 Sir Whitney Queers and Miss GAPA 2012 Jezebel Patel promise you a night you won’t forget!t