August 30, 2018 Edition of the Bay Area Reporter by Bay Area Reporter

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Since 1971, the newspaper of record for the San Francisco Bay Area LGBTQ community

Vol. 48 • No. 35 • August 30-September 5, 2018

SF seeks new plan to combat rise in STDs by Matthew S. Bajko

Missing man Brian Egg

Courtesy SFPD

2 arrests made in headless torso case by Ed Walsh

an Francisco police announced Tuesday that two men have been arrested in the case of a headless torso that was found in a missing gay man’s home. At the news conference, Investigations Bureau Commander Greg McEachern defended the department’s response to calls from friends and family of Brian Egg, 65, who lived at the Clara Street home and had not been seen since late May or June. Police entered Egg’s home for the first time August 14, after being alerted by neighbors that a private crime scene cleanup company had arrived at the house. Once inside, they noticed odors and chemicals in the house and conducted a thorough search of the home. It was then that police discovered a corpse with its head and hands missing in a fish tank that was hidden in the home. The remains have not been identified, pending DNA analysis, but friends and family members believe the body is that of Egg. Robert McCaffrey, 52, was arrested at the home, and Lance Silva, 39, was arrested at another location. Both men were initially charged with homicide, ID theft, elder abuse, and financial crimes. The San Francisco District Attorney’s office dropped the charges pending further investigation. McCaffrey was released but Silva was detained in Alameda County for a parole violation.

Something wrong

Long before police entered Egg’s home, his brother, Devon Egg, sensed something was wrong. The Florida resident called his brother at his San Francisco home and an answering machine picked up. His brother never used an answering machine. And the recorded voice was not his brother’s. The mysterious man on the machine asked callers to leave a message. He called again later and someone answered the phone who identified himself as Nate. He said Brian was out walking his dog and that he would have him call right back. That was sometime in late June or early July. No one called back. On Tuesday, McEachern defended the department’s response. McEachern said that officers went by the home twice to check on Egg but there was no answer at the door and officers left. He said officers went by the home a third time August 7 after a family member filed a missing persons report and, again, there was no answer and officers left. See page 13 >>

Jane Philomen Cleland

A hot Silicon Valley Pride

plash bar was one of numerous contingents that took part in the Silicon Valley Pride parade Sunday, August 26, in San Jose. Donald Tietjen, center, in red, was enthusiastic as he

and the others marched under warm skies. Local reports noted that this year’s parade had about 100 floats. Thousands of people enjoyed the festival.

fter a decadelong rise in the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases in San Francisco, local health officials are seeking a new plan to reverse Rick Gerharter the troubling trend. Similar to how Dr. Susan Philip the city pioneered a “Getting to Zero” plan to drastically reduce the transmission of HIV by 2020, public health leaders are in talks to create a multi-pronged strategy for reducing STDs rates. A key part of the plan calls for greater collaboration between the Department of Public Health’s sections focused on HIV prevention and STD control. “We have to create a roadmap for getting us to where we want to be,” said Deputy Health Officer Dr. Susan Philip, the director of the disease prevention and control branch in the health department’s Population Health Division. “The only way to serve people well is to take a holistic look at their health and specifically at hepatitis See page 9 >>

Safe injection plan could face fed challenge by Liz Highleyman

an Francisco Mayor London Breed and community advocates opened a realistic model safe injection site in the Tenderloin Wednesday, August 29, as Governor Jerry Brown makes a decision about state legislation to authorize a working pilot program and the U.S. attorney general’s office warns that such efforts could face “aggressive action.” Dubbed Safer Inside, the full-scale prototype at Glide Memorial Methodist Church will be open for four days to give city officials and the public an opportunity to see what a working facility would look like and hear from experts about how it would operate. Mayor London Breed, who lost her younger sister to a drug overdose, spoke at a news conference in Boeddeker Park following a site tour. “We are here today to save lives. That’s what this is about. It is a proven, evidence-based approach to solving a public health crisis,” Breed said. “We know that there are legal challenges, but here in San Francisco we are not afraid. We have faced worse obstacles in trying to move this city and this country forward. Today you find a community of people who will stand strong and who will do the right thing. The lives of the people we are trying to help are counting on it.” Supervised injection facilities allow people to use drugs under the watch of medical staff, reducing the risk of overdose deaths. They

Liz Highleyman

Mayor London Breed toured the Safer Inside demonstration project Wednesday with Glide clinical director Dr. Kenneth Kim.

provide sterile needles, which prevents transmission of HIV and hepatitis B and C, and offer clients an entry point for seeking medical care and addiction treatment. Indoor sites also reduce street-based drug use and improper syringe disposal, seen as a growing problem in the city. San Francisco is among several cities – including New York, Philadelphia, and Seattle – vying to open the first supervised injection facility in the United States. The city is home to an estimated 22,500 people who inject drugs, and had

193 overdose deaths last year, Breed said. There are currently around 100 safe injection sites worldwide. Vancouver’s Insite, the first North American facility, has 13 injection booths and served over 7,300 clients in 2017. A recent study found that a single supervised injection facility of the same size in San Francisco could avert at least three new HIV infections and 19 cases of hepatitis C per year, while saving the city $3.5 million annually. The Safer Inside demonstration site, See page 12 >>

{ FIRST OF THREE SECTIONS }

SEPT 9 11AM

<< Community News

2 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 30-September 5, 2018

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Trial opens in SF gay man’s murder by Alex Madison

he defense attorney for Michael Phillips, a gay man charged with the murder of an elderly man argued there is no scientific evidence connecting Phillips to the killing during opening statements of his trial Thursday, August 23. The assistant district attorney prosecuting the case, Kenny O’Bryant, is scheduled to call witnesses until early next month. The trial is expected to take several weeks. Phillips, who remains in custody on $3 million bail, pleaded not guilty in April to murder, robbery, and other charges related to the death of 75-year-old gay man James Sheahan. Phillips, 65, was arrested in November 2017 in connection with the death of Sheahan, whose body was found August 14, 2017 in his Nob Hill apartment. Phillips is also charged with elder abuse and fraud, two counts of firstdegree residential burglary, possession of fraudulent financial documents, theft of an access (ATM) card, and felony of possession of stolen property, according to the San Francisco District Attorney’s office. Authorities allege Phillips brutally killed Sheahan with a sharp object, made it look like a suicide, and then stole thousands of dollars from him, including paintings, forged checks, and attempted cash withdrawals with Sheahan’s ATM card. During opening statements in San Francisco Superior Court, O’Bryant painted Phillips as a brutal killer who manipulated and took advantage of a sick, elderly man. Sheahan was suffering from Stage 4 lung cancer in the

Visa, and friends. A week before Sheahan’s death, Phillips proposed an idea to Sheahan about employing his Filipino husband as his caretaker, according to O’Bryant. “This was all to satisfy his habit of a desperate love for a man in the Philippines,” O’Bryant said during opening statements. “Mr. Phillips needed to pay for his lover’s legal issues in the Philippines and to help him become a U.S. citizen.” As previously reported by the Bay Area Reporter, Phillips and Fuscablo met online and married at City Hall October 30, 2017, just weeks after Fuscablo arrived in the U.S. Witnesses who took the stand last week confirmed that Phillips asked to borrow thousands of dollars from Sheahan in the weeks before his death. Jacqueline Buckley, a close friend of Sheahan’s for almost 25 years, testified that Phillips asked Sheahan for money shortly before he died to help his husband. She also confirmed that Phillips asked Sheahan to consider hiring his husband to become his caregiver. “He asked me what I thought about the plan. I told him I had several concerns,” Buckley told the court. “I didn’t know anything about this person, but knew from experience caretakers must have work permits.” Buckley and Sheahan had worked together at the city’s Human Services Agency. Another witness, Mary Rose Adina, who was Sheahan’s caregiver for a few weeks prior to his death, confirmed that Sheahan had later decided not to give Phillips the money.

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months leading up to his death. “[Phillips] was the only one to benefit from his death, the only one in possession of his property, the only one to lie to investigators, the only one who killed him,” O’Bryant said at the trial. O’Bryant showed the jury surveillance video from Sheahan’s apartment building that showed Phillips entering and exiting the apartment multiple times on the weekend before Sheahan’s body was found. O’Bryant said this was when Phillips was trying to cover up the murder he had just committed. In the video, the prosecutor pointed out what he said evidence would later reveal as blood stains on Phillips’ pants. The defense said the stains were consistent with many different kinds of liquids aside from blood. The motivation behind Phillips’ decision to kill Sheahan, O’Bryant explained, was Phillips’ need for money to help his Filipino husband, Archie Arcaya Fuscablo, pay off loans, get a visa, and cover other costs. O’Bryant also told the jury that Phillips was in major debt to the IRS,

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Fletcher gets 25 years for death of former B.A.R. writer by Alex Madison

T Never miss an issue!

he man found guilty of murdering gay Sacramento resident and former Bay Area Reporter freelance writer Dan Aiello was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison Friday, August 24. Kyle Billy Fletcher, 38, was also sentenced by Sacramento County Superior Court Judge Trena Burger-Plavan to an additional four years, to be served consecutively, for charges related to drug and firearm possession. Fletcher was found guilty in July of first-degree murder for fatally strangling Aiello, 53. In addition to the murder conviction, Fletcher was found guilty of using a deadly and dangerous weapon and in possession of methamphetamine with the intent to sell. Fletcher’s defense attorney, Donald Dorfman, said he plans to appeal the judge’s sentence at last week’s proceeding. Before the hearing, Dorfman asked to have the additional four years shaved off the sentence without success. Aiello was found dead in his Sacramento home April 15, 2015 with a belt wrapped around his neck. According to police testimony during the October 2017 preliminary hearing, Fletcher claimed Aiello, who was on the floor, had wrapped the belt around his own neck and tried to force Fletcher into having sex with him. According to court testimony, the two had known each other for years, and Aiello was upset that Fletcher had never had sex with him. Before he was given his sentence, Fletcher read a letter in court apologizing for the incident. “I am truly sorry for this tragic accident that has taken place,” Fletcher said at the hearing. “At no time did I

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Kyle Billy Fletcher

ever want to hurt him or harm him or intend on taking his life. I’m sorry for my reckless actions and take full responsibility for the affect it has had on Dan’s family and on mine.” Friends of Aiello’s attended the sentencing hearing, along with Fletcher’s wife and second cousin. Megan Juring, who had been friends with Aiello since childhood, read a statement at the hearing asking the judge to sentence Fletcher harshly for his actions. “He brought evil into my life as well as my friend’s,” she said, speaking through tears. “I voted against the death penalty, but hope someone kills him in prison with a shoe on his back and a belt around his neck. My family and many others have been impacted in many ways forever.” Juring told the B.A.R. that it had been a hard three years following Aiello’s death and was grateful for the outcome. Juring, who lives in Long Beach, attended numerous court hearings in the case. “I think the jury came to the only conclusion possible,” she said. “It’s been so obvious to me from the

Former B.A.R. writer Dan Aiello

beginning but to hear the overwhelming evidence, to hear the physical evidence from Danny’s body, drove it home that this wasn’t just a burglary gone wrong. It was an act of violence and, in my mind, evil.” During closing arguments July 10, Deputy District Attorney William Satchell showed pictures of Aiello’s back that showed a distinctive footprint. Satchell said the footprint matched the design of the bottom of the shoes that Fletcher was wearing on the day Aiello was found dead. Satchell argued that Fletcher killed Aiello by pulling on the belt wrapped around his neck and pressing his foot on the upper part of his back for leverage until Aiello suffocated. Juring said Aiello loved animals and was kind and full of life. She explained that Aiello’s family was “devastated and going through many challenges,” at the moment. Aiello leaves behind two sisters and a mother. Fletcher’s second cousin, Connie Rutherford, a retired attorney from Berkeley, was there to support a man

Mou

See page 12 >>

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<< Open Forum

4 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 30-September 5, 2018

Volume 48, Number 35

August 30-September 5, 2018

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 • Alex Madison 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 Christina DiEdoardo • 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 • Juanita MORE! David-Elijah Nahmod • Paul Parish Sean Piverger • Lois Pearlman Tim Pfaff • Jim Piechota • Bob Roehr Adam Sandel • Jason Serinus • Gregg Shapiro Gwendolyn Smith • Tony Taylor • 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 • Kelly Sullivan 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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Governor, sign these bills T

he state legislative session ends this week, so bills are busily being passed out of the Assembly and Senate on their way to Governor Jerry Brown’s desk. There are two bills that we urge Brown to sign.

Teacher training

Our articles last week concerning education previewed support for Assembly Bill 2153, authored by Assemblyman Tony Thurmond (D-Richmond). This legislation adds to the Education Code relating to in-service training for teachers. Specifically, AB 2153 would require each school operated by a school district or county office of education, and each charter school, to annually provide inservice training to teachers of students in grades seven through 12, and to all other certified school employees on school sites and community resources for the support of LGBTQ pupils. It would also require strategies to aid support for LGBTQ students and thereby improve the overall school climate. Thurmond, who is running for state superintendent of public instruction, would be in an ideal position to see this legislation through, should he win and should the governor sign it. He has already reached out and held workshops at schools in various parts of the state to promote acceptance of LGBTQ students and safe schools. The bill is one of Equality California’s priorities. Brown may be hesitant to sign it because of the expense. While no figure is mentioned, it

likely will cost millions of dollars to implement this in-service training in hundreds of districts, counties, and charter schools. If California is going to lead on LGBTQ student issues, its teachers and school staff need to be kept abreast of new policy developments, strategies for combatting bullying, and community resources like LGBT centers. Transgender students are currently protected regarding accommodations and sports activities, thanks to gay former Assemblyman Tom Ammiano’s AB 1266; but there are pockets of resistance throughout the state, and teachers need to know how to address those concerns. We know the governor errs on the side of fiscal conservatism, but this is one time when he should approve the legislation. AB 2153 has stalled in the past, but this year passed out of the appropriations committees, which is no small feat. Now is the time for Brown to sign the bill so that LGBTQ and straight students can benefit from the training their teachers receive. It’s all about the next generation in terms of wider LGBT support. AB 2153 will help accelerate that in an important way.

Safe injection sites

On Monday, the Assembly passed AB 186, authored by lesbian Assemblywoman Susan Talamantes Eggman (D-Stockton) and co-authored by gay state Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco). It would allow San Francisco to open safe injection sites under a three-year pilot program.

The state Senate approved the bill last week, meaning it’s now on its way to Brown’s desk. He must sign it. AB 186 is just one part of San Francisco’s plan to help homeless people who use injection drugs. Supervised injection sites allow people to use drugs under the watch of trained staff, reducing the risk of overdose deaths. A similar bill was narrowly defeated last year, and the fact that it passed the Legislature this year is a testament to the dogged support of city leaders and increased awareness of the need for such programs by lawmakers. Mayor London Breed is solidly behind the bill and this week opened a demonstration project of a safe injection site so that the public can better understand the program. Drugs at the site will not be permitted during the project, called Safer Inside, which ends August 31. As Breed said in a statement lauding the Assembly’s passage of AB 186, “We are in a public health crisis and this bill will help us by preventing overdoses while connecting people to medical care that can help treat their addiction.” It’s time that people understand that addiction is not a crime, it is a public health issue. San Franciscans are tired of seeing people shooting up drugs in public – a pilot program like Safer Inside will help alleviate that. It will also likely save the city money, as ambulance trips and emergency room costs may decrease. We are at a point where something new must be done. The supervised injection site three-year pilot program is one attempt at a solution, and we won’t know if it will help unless it can be tried. t

68 days to save the world: Action=Life by Charlie Spiegel

and in favor of the rich and powerful. was appalled to hear a gay Their letter ends: “[o] man interviewed during nly by insisting that Judge this current presidency, or, Kavanaugh answer these as I prefer, “residency,” who questions will the commitsaid: “See, he’s been in the tee fulfill its responsibility White House for months to the American people, and and hasn’t done away with reveal the extent to which gay marriage.” his nomination jeopardizes If anyone is not alarmed rights and liberties that yet by Donald Trump’s overt many Americans believe are racism, his nativism, his secure.” You can read the enmisogyny, his transphobia, tire letter on www.lambdahis anti-choice imperative, legal.org and other similar his continuous lying, his groups’ websites. destruction of our planet Without knowledge of and our global values, and that letter, I, too, wrote to Courtesy Charlie Spiegel more, then his nomination Attorney Charlie Spiegel and Grassley (copied to Feinof Judge Brett Kavanaugh his dog, Capricorn. stein) last month with to the U.S. Supreme Court my extreme frustration at should leave absolutely no doubt. the extraordinary political machinations Late last month, 63 of our LGBTQ legal regarding this nomination. Using the allrights and HIV/AIDS service groups wrote to capitalization, bad punctuation vernacular Senator Charles Grassley (Iowa), the Repubof the current White House occupant, I lican chair of the Senate Judiciary Commitwrote: “Senator Grassley, I write to ask you tee, and to the ranking Democratic member, NOT to rush the consideration of the curCalifornia Senator Dianne Feinstein. The orrent Supreme Court nominee, until after ganizations called the nominee: “an ultra-conthe National Archives provides his comservative ideologue. ... After a comprehensive plete historic paper files in a COUPLE OF review of Judge Kavanaugh’s record, we have MONTHS. Nonetheless, you are scheduling concluded that his views on civil rights issues your hearings to start Sept. 4, long before are fundamentally at odds with the notion that the records are supplied, so BEFORE the LGBT people are entitled to equality, liberty, midterm election. This is craven polijustice, and dignity under the law.” tics, given the OVER 1 YEAR delay The letter goes on: “... The stakes for the that Senator Majority Leader LGBT community could not be higher in Mitch McConnell imposed deciding who will replace Justice Anthony WITHOUT ANY consideration Kennedy – who served as the deciding vote in of President Barack Obama’s numerous landmark decisions. ... [K]ey LGBT nominee to the same court, in protections are at stake. Judge Kavanaugh’s order to wait until AFTER the record demonstrates that ... he would provide 2016 presidential election. the fifth and decisive vote to undermine many “Think about how obviof our core rights and legal protections.” ously inconsistent this is, and The five top concerns of our leadership how clearly the play of a party groups: (1) the judge’s philosophy with regard in power that will stop at NOTHING to get to fundamental rights, the concept of liberty its results, rather than respect and strengthin the past 20 years that has led to significant en the American form of government by protections for LGBTQ people; (2) his thumb comity and fair play and respect for fair conon the scale with regard to religious freedom, sideration of the opposing points of view providing a sweeping license to discriminate with whom one disagrees. Senator Grassley, to religious adherents against LGBT people I encourage you to consider your own legaand civil rights protections; (3) the gutting cy, when this bizarre (at least) presidential of critical health care protections – includadministration ends. I wonder why you are ing protections against being denied health rushing consideration of a nomination from care for preexisting conditions, like HIV/ a President who we know was elected with AIDS, cancer, transgender health, mental foreign enemy government help, we just health needs, even pregnancy; (4) an improper don’t know the degree of his active cooperaamount of deference owed to the president, tion, but soon may.” particularly this one; and (5) repeatedly voting My letter ended: “Or is that another reason against economically vulnerable communities you rush?”

Silence = Death is what our opponents counted on 30 years ago – and count on now – that we will give up by disengaging. That rallying slogan during our fight for people with HIV/AIDS expanded to include “Action = Life.” So now, what will you do? My five suggestions follow. Many involve electoral politics that I can say as a former national board co-chair of Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, while it cannot due to its nonprofit statuses. (1) Have you given enough of your money to the midterm congressional elections that are less than 70 days away? If not, you can start with giving money right now to any of the Democratic challengers identified on http://www.flipthe14.com or http://www. swingleft.org. (2) Have you given your time to those same elections? If not, those same groups, and http:// www.sisterdistrict.org, have mobilized thousands of volunteers throughout blue California to phone into, or even walk precincts in, the so-called purple districts of California’s Central Valley and elsewhere nationally. (Modesto is less than two hours away from the Bay Area.) (3) Have you given your money to support enough of the 63 LGBT and HIV/AIDS organizations? Less than 5 percent of us do. All are listed on http://www.lambdalegal.org. (4) Who do you know in swing states? Alaska, Arizona, Maine, Nevada; maybe Indiana, Montana, North Dakota, Ohio, Texas, West Virginia, and Missouri. Ask them to contact their senators about Kavanaugh, and then work to elect Democratic senators there, because a President Pence is perhaps an even more frightening prospect. We will need to keep fighting long term. (5) Finally, share with your friends what you are doing now to make change. It is exactly what we did as a community to defeat California’s Briggs initiative, which sought to exclude gay teachers from all public school classrooms, in 1978. This is, for each of us, our moment as members of a group of thoughtful, committed citizens to change the world, because as Margaret Mead said, we are the only ones that ever have.t In addition to being a former co-chair of the national board of Lambda Legal, Charlie Spiegel’s law practice in San Francisco and the East Bay covers prenuptial planning and agreements, adoption and surrogacy, real estate, and divorce mediation for LGBTQ and straight people. He is co-hosting a September 9 Noe Valley fundraiser for Democratic Congressional candidate Josh Harder (CA-10). For more information, visit https://bit.ly/2w9xgeZ.

Politics>>

t Lesbian sworn in as Alameda County court commissioner

August 30-September 05, 2018 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 5

by Matthew S. Bajko

t was packed in a courtroom at the Rene C. Davidson Courthouse in Oakland Friday, August 24, when lesbian former research attorney Bentrish Satarzadeh was publicly sworn in as an Alameda County court commissioner. Numerous judges, Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley, California Court of Appeal Justice James Richman, and Satarzadeh’s friends from the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club joined her family and other colleagues for the occasion. Satarzadeh, 41, who earned her law degree from Golden Gate University, was named a commissioner in June. Her first official day on the job, handling traffic cases in Fremont, was Monday, August 27. “It is quite a juggling act but the best job I have ever had, by far,” said Satarzadeh, who lives in Alameda. “I am super excited about it.” Satarzadeh, a member of the Women Lawyers of Alameda County, immediately set herself apart, noted Alameda County Assistant Presiding Judge Tara M. Desautels, who administered the oath of office and is also a member of the organization. “She’s able to draw people with different opinions together,” Desautels said. Superior Court Judge Kim Colwell, one of several lesbian bench officers, spoke of Satarzadeh’s work as a research attorney the last 14 years for the East Bay court. “To work with her is a privilege,” Colwell said, adding that after several years in the civil division, Satarzadeh went on to assist criminal court judges in a hybrid position combining the two. Satarzadeh’s younger brother, Patrick, spoke of his sister’s upbringing. She attended first grade in Iran, second grade in London, third grade in Turlock, fourth grade in Orange County, and fifth grade in San Jose, where the family settled. In short, he told the audience, she had to make new friends regularly. “She has a really big heart,” Patrick Satarzadeh said. “She’s also an amazing cook and also has a lot of passion. She is someone I will always look up to.” Superior Court Judge Robert McGuiness, who had Satarzadeh as a research attorney, said, “She has a firstrate analytical mind and a healthy dose of common sense. I believe strongly that this is only the beginning of what is to come in her long career.” Remarking on Gertrude Stein’s famous quip about Oakland, “There’s no there there,” McGuiness said of Satarzadeh, “With you here, there’s a lot of there here.” Satarzadeh’s wife, Maggie Marano, and her mother, Violet Satarzadeh, enrobed her. During her remarks, Satarzadeh thanked the court’s personnel committee, which recommended that Presiding Judge Wynne Carvill select her for the commissioner’s post. “What an emotional day,” she said. “It’s like your wedding day, only for the law.” She also thanked her parents, who left everything behind in Iran to come to the U.S. to begin a new life. Reese Aaron Isbell, emeritus board member of the Alice club who co-chaired the club with Satarzadeh, said he was happy for his friend. Superior Court Judge Tara Flanagan, a lesbian who won reelection in June, praised Satarzadeh, noting her appointment reflects the diversity of the county. “I couldn’t be happier for Bentrish and the people of Alameda County to have such a legal scholar appointed commissioner,” she told the Bay Area Reporter.

Cynthia Laird

Alameda County Court Commissioner Bentrish Satarzadeh, center left, and Assistant Presiding Judge Tara Desautels, center right, joined other judges and commissioners following Satarzadeh’s swearing in.

Superior Court Judge Victoria Kolakowski, the court’s only transgender jurist, said Satarzadeh will be “a great commissioner.” “It was a pleasure working with Bentrish as my research attorney, and I am excited that I will get to have her as a colleague as a bench officer,” Kolakowski said. “Unlike some attorneys, she knows that the law is not just a collection of abstract concepts – she understands that we deal with real people trying to resolve real problems.” At some point, Satarzadeh would like to become a judge on the East Bay bench.

Out candidate seeks San Carlos council seat

Residents of San Carlos could elect the first out female LGBT city council member in San Mateo County if they vote in Laura Parmer-Lohan to a City Council seat this November. Parmer-Lohan is one of five candidates vying for three open seats on the San Carlos City Council. In an interview with the B.A.R., she said she is part of a rainbow family that includes her wife, Kathy Parmer-Lohan, executive director of the San Carlos Education Foundation, and their two sons, Bradley, 16, and Gregory, 14. Her youngest son’s despair following the election of President Donald Trump in 2016 inspired her to seek public office. “He was very upset with the way the national dialogue was going and the way people were treating each other,” said Parmer-Lohan, 51, the owner of marketing and consulting firm Ruckus Partners. “I did an instant inventory of my life; I am very lucky. Both Kathy and I were able to pursue the career of our choice; our boys are thriving; and we live in an amazing community that is really a strong community that has great schools that have enabled our children to thrive. “Many other people have gone before me to clear that path,” she added. “I felt it was time for me to give back in some way.” She believes her business acumen will be beneficial on the council. Her key focus as a council member will be ensuring all San Carlos residents can thrive regardless of income level. Providing affordable housing options is key, said Parmer-Lohan. While the city is small in size and has been fully built out, it is seeing redevelopment projects be proposed for various under-utilized properties, particularly along El Camino Real and near its Caltrain station. “One piece around that is, when new developments come in, we work with developers to identify a number of units that are below-market-rate,” said Parmer-Lohan, who favors a project-by-project focus rather than instituting a set percentage for all developers to meet. Other concerns of hers are

providing residents access to affordable child care and seeing that local teachers and safety personnel can afford to live in San Carlos. She favors extending low-interest loans to public employees to use toward a down payment on a home as other cites have done. “People can’t get a salary and afford the types of homes we have available to us,” she said, adding that the loan program is one example of “the creative thinking I think we need to employ to ease that challenge for people.” Parmer-Lohan has called San Carlos home the last seven years. She grew up in southern California and moved to the Bay Area in 1989 when she enrolled in UC Santa Cruz, from which she graduated with a degree in theater arts. A youth sports coach, Parmer-Lohan volunteers at the local Chickens Ball, a cabaret-style school fundraiser she has directed skits for and emceed one year. She is one of two known out city council candidates in San Mateo County this fall. As the B.A.R. has previously reported, Jason Galisatus, 24, is a gay man seeking a council seat in Redwood City, where he grew up. A co-founder and former president of the Peninsula Stonewall Democrats, Galisatus had told the B.A.R. that there has yet to be an out city council person elected in San Mateo County. Equality California endorsed him on Tuesday. Like Galisatus, it is Parmer-Lohan’s first time seeking public office, not counting her bid for president of her sixth grade class. She lost that campaign, joking it may have had something to do with the microphone cutting her off during her stump speech. She launched her council campaign in June and has enjoyed meeting her neighbors as she knocks on doors seeking their support. A host of elected officials have endorsed her, including gay former Assemblyman Rich Gordon, who also served on the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, and lesbian outgoing San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools Anne E. Campbell. “My belief is we all have the same concerns and the same needs,” said Parmer-Lohan. To learn more about Parmer-Lohan’s campaign, visit her website at https://lauraforsancarlos.com/.

Election postscript

In the June primary transgender hospice nurse Veronika Fimbres mounted a write-in campaign for governor as a Green Party candidate. The San Francisco resident is believed to be the first known transgender and HIV-positive statewide candidate in the Golden State. She garnered 62 votes, the majority from northern California voters. Twenty-five people in San Francisco wrote her name on their ballot. t

Full disclosure: B.A.R. news editor Cynthia Laird, who contributed reporting, is married to Judge Victoria Kolakowski.

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<< Commentary

6 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 30-September 5, 2018

Trans spirits in the wires by Gwendolyn Ann Smith

here is an irony: I have been an out trans woman for nearly 25 years, having started on this path in 1993 and beginning my public transition in 1995. In all that time, so many around me viewed my transition – and by extension, transgender people overall – as something new and previously unseen. This perspective remains today with people claiming that transgender identity and expression are part of a new “trend,” brought forth by the availability of content on the internet discussing transgender lives. It is as if the notion of trans identities sprung forth, fully formed, only as far back as the era of the Y2K bug and brightly colored iMac computers. The whole idea of transgender lives being some trend or phase that somehow didn’t exist prior to the turn of the most recent century is to erase a long and varied history that stretches back hundreds of years. In my lifetime, I have had the good fortune to watch the transgender community grow. We used to be seen, but rarely, whispered about around the water coolers of the world. Our numbers were smaller then, as far as people who were able

Vernon L. Smith/via www.wendycarlos.com

Electronic music pioneer Wendy Carlos

to grasp that they were transgender, and were able to access care. What’s more, we were encouraged to hide, even after transition, closing off the ability to grow a generational knowledge among other transgender people. Today, we see a vibrant and growing community, rallying under increasingly familiar banners, and developing a culture of our own. When I was a child, many years more than I’d care to admit, transgender people were known. I secretly

read the interview with electronic music pioneer Wendy Carlos in a 1975 Playboy magazine. I also remember hearing about Renee Richards in the news, and her fight to be recognized as a woman in the 1976 U.S. Open. I grew up watching one of the first ham-fisted attempts to portray a transgender person in a sitcom, that of Jodie Dallas on “Soap,” a gay man who was seeking a sex-change operation in the earliest episodes of the show. I was born a year after Dr. Harry Benjamin’s book, “The Transsexual Phenomenon,” hit bookshelves, a text that was in part influenced by Benjamin’s most famous patient, Christine Jorgensen. She was frontpage news back in 1952. Benjamin’s roots go back much further, as he studied under Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld. Hirschfeld penned the book “Die Transvestiten” and pioneered the study of transgender people until the rise of Nazi Germany caused the destruction of his institute in Berlin.

Hirschfeld did not invent transgender people, but merely chronicled their stories and applied a name to what already had long existed. There are stories of historical figures long before then, though most are lost in the ashes of history. Suffice it to say that transgender people have likely existed for as long as there were people – and that we have had an uphill battle for acceptance for just about as long. It’s not so much an issue of transgender people having no history: it is that our history has been hidden in shadows. While the most blatant example of this is Hirschfeld’s institute going up in flames prior to World War II, it’s hardly the only case. In the 1970s and 1980s, as transgender people began to access care at major universities, we were often discouraged from seeking out other transgender people – to the point of being denied treatment if you did. Likewise, trans people are no strangers to the ravages of anti-gay conversion therapy – an issue that has grown for transgender people while societal acceptance has grown for our gay and lesbian siblings. Which leads us back to today, when people are again attempting to suppress transgender people and our rights, claiming that this long history is but a modern trend forged out of the internet. I mentioned a couple of the scant examples of transgender identity I was able to learn of back in my youth, long before the easy access afforded by the internet. That there was so little information did not change who I was, but only limited

my ability to discover more about myself, and move toward acceptance at an earlier age. If anything, this notion of a trend is very much a cart before the horse situation. The internet isn’t turning people transgender, but it is allowing transgender people to understand this facet earlier and better. We now have the ability to access more information than ever before, and this has fueled people being able to come out as transgender. One more thing: I knew, as a child, that my parents were likely unable to accept me as a transgender person, so I kept my feelings well hidden. That I did not have a lot of access to resources likely played a part in this, but I know there are still plenty of trans people, especially trans youth, who are struggling with exactly how and when to come out to their parents. When they finally do gain the courage to do so, their coming out may seem to be out of the blue, and might be mistaken as a phase of sorts. If it does, understand that it isn’t that they have, somehow, magically become transgender, it’s that they have finally shared something they have kept private, and that they may have felt they could not share with you before. Indeed, they may have felt that you’d think they were only going through a phase, brought on by a computer connected to a modem. t Gwen Smith helped create early internet community spaces for trans people. You’ll find her today at www.gwensmith.com.

Doggie brunch will be a treat in SF compiled by Cynthia Laird

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an Francisco pet lovers and their dogs will be in for a treat next month, when Orijen pet food holds a free dog brunch Sunday, September 9, from noon to 2 p.m. at Stable Cafe, 2128 Folsom Street. Humans can snack on a flavorful menu dubbed, “Eat Like your Orijen Dog,” that’s inspired by the fresh regional ingredients found in the pet food. Doggies can enjoy freeze-dried treats. There will also be a selfie station and the company will be giving out “doggie bags” valued at nearly $100 for the first 50 people who arrive. “Orijen is designed to be the highest quality, most biologically appropriate food for dogs, rich and diverse in fresh meat and protein, always made with fresh regional ingredients,” Julie Washington, client marketing officer at Champion Petfoods, Orijen’s parent company, said in a statement. “That’s why we’re hitting the road to host ‘Eat Like Your Orijen Dog’ brunches – because a great way to learn about the most nutritious ingredients is to eat from a menu inspired by them.” The company has been holding doggie brunches in cities across the country. To sign up for the San Francisco event, visit https://bit.ly/2vbIXBB.

Dueling Oakland Pride breakfast events

The East Bay Stonewall Democratic Club will hold its sixth annual Pride Breakfast Sunday, September 9, and this year the Oakland Firefighters IAFF Local 55 will join with Oakland Pride to hold a competing event the same morning. First up, the Stonewall club’s breakfast will be held from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Rotunda Building, 300 Frank H. Ogawa

Courtesy Champion Petfoods

People and their dogs enjoyed Orijen’s “Eat Like Your Orijen Dog” brunch in Denver last weekend. A similar event is planned for San Francisco September 9.

Plaza in Oakland. Local political leaders are expected to be on hand, as the club gears up for the November elections. The theme is “Your Vote. Your Power.” This year, the club will be honoring Alameda County Superior Court Judge Victoria Kolakowski with its Trailblazer Award. Kolakowski, who is married to Bay Area Reporter news editor Cynthia Laird, is the first transgender person elected to a judicial post in the country, and the first trans judge in California. She’s the former president of the International Association of LGBT Judges. Ola Osifo Osaze will receive the Community Champion Award. Osaze is a trans masculine queer person of Edo and Yoruba descent who was born in Nigeria. Osaze is the national director for the Black LGBTQ+ Migrant Project.

The guest speaker will be Marvin K. White, preacher, poet, and activist. Admission is free for club members and $20 for non-members, which includes a complimentary discounted membership. For more information, visit https://eastbaystonewalldemocrats.org/ event-3013771. Meanwhile, at Frank H. Ogawa Plaza at Broadway and 14th streets that morning from 9 to 10:30 a.m., the Oakland Pride board and the firefighters will have a pancake and mimosa breakfast, with proceeds benefiting the Pride organization. Tickets are $10 for all-you-can-eat pancakes, $12 for the pancakes and all-you-can-drink non-alcoholic beverages, or $15 for pancakes and two mimosas. See page 12 >>

Community News>>

August 30-September 5, 2018 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 7

Gays Against Guns protests at SF FedEx store by David-Elijah Nahmod

n the day that a young man opened fire at a video gaming tournament in Jacksonville, Florida, killing two people and himself, a small group of gay and allied protesters gathered outside a FedEx store in San Francisco to protest the shipping company’s discount to members of the National Rifle Association. A half-dozen protesters from Gays Against Guns’ San Francisco chapter gathered in front of the FedEx store at 1967 Market Street Sunday, August 26, to protest the company’s policy of offering a 26 percent discount to NRA members. Gays Against Guns is a national LGBT group that is fighting for what they call sensible gun legislation. According to a news release, Gays Against Guns is a “direct action group with mostly, but not all, LGBT members that formed after the June 2016 mass shooting at the gay Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida.” The group takes part in non-violent protest and civil disobedience against what it calls the “chain of death” causing America’s gun violence epidemic: gun makers and their investors, and the NRA and politicians the gun advocacy group supports in the Capitol and state legislatures. The Sunday protest was part of a simultaneous nationwide effort that included GAG members in New York; Los Angeles; Boston; Washington, D.C.; Orlando; and Columbus, Ohio. The Reverend Michael Cronin, 55, is a gay man and coordinating member of GAG. He’s also an associate pastor at Metropolitan Community ChurchSan Francisco. “Pulse happened on June 12, 2016,” Cronin said. “There are a lot of us in the MCC congregation that were very upset at the event. We heard about Gays Against Guns after Pride that year and wanted to start a local chapter in San Francisco. Our goals are to

Jane Philomen Cleland

The Reverends Michael Cronin, left, and Annie Steinberg-Behrman, from Metropolitan Community Church-San Francisco, joined with other protesters at a Gays Against Guns rally outside a FedEx store August 26 to protest the shipping company’s discount to National Rifle Association members.

help bring about sensible gun reform, thereby reducing gun violence.” Cronin pointed out that according to Business Insider, which obtained its information from the nonprofit Gun Violence Archive, there were 154 mass shootings in 2018 in the United States as of June 28. “I grew up not having to worry about this issue,” said Cronin. “It seems insane that children have to prepare for lockdown drills and that teachers are being requested to carry guns.” Protesters stood in front of the FedEx store wearing white veils. Each demonstrator carried a large sign that featured a photograph of shooting victims from the Pulse and 2012 Sandy Hook massacres. On December 14, 2012, Adam Lanza, 20, fatally shot 20 children and six staff members at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. One of the signs paid tribute to

25-year-old Pulse victim Amanda Alvear, a nursing student at the University of Florida. Alvear was at Pulse with her friend, Mercedez Flores, 26, who was also killed. Alvear’s Snapchat captured the sounds of shots ringing out and some of the first images to emerge from the massacre. Also remembered during the protest was Brenda McCool, 49, who was dancing at Pulse with her gay son. The sign noted that McCool had beat cancer twice. The protesters gave handouts to passersby urging them to boycott FedEx until the company breaks its ties with the NRA. Most people politely accepted the handouts, with some expressing support. There were also a number of cars that honked support as they drove by. “I’m here because I hate that schoolchildren live in fear and have to take time out of their learning to

practice drills in case of a shooting,” said protester the Reverend Annie Steinberg-Behrman, a 61-year-old lesbian who’s the senior pastor at MCC-SF. “I have a 7-year-old granddaughter and I do this for her.” Alan Martinez, a 63-year-old queer man, said that he had a personal reason for attending the protest – his nephew, Christopher Michaels-Martinez, was murdered in the 2014 Isla Vista shooting near UC Santa Barbara. “It devastated my family,” Martinez said. “You think it can’t happen to you but it does. My sister-in-law lost her mother a few months later so she lost her only son and her mother in the same year. My brother quit his job and now works for Everytown For Gun Safety. He’s helping to train and get other survivor families involved in local politics. The federal government is worthless, but a lot is happening at the state level.”

Everytown For Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action on Monday, August 27, applauded the California Legislature for passing legislation that would require applicants for concealed weapons permits to demonstrate safe handling and firing of firearms. Assembly Bill 2103, introduced by gay Assemblyman Todd Gloria (D-San Diego), now heads to Governor Jerry Brown’s desk. The Bay Area Reporter asked the FedEx store manager for a comment. He declined and did not give his name, though he did provide the phone number for the FedEx media relations office. FedEx spokeswoman Maureen Locus emailed a prepared statement. “We believe that gun safety and protecting our communities and schools is a critical issue for our nation,” the statement read. “FedEx was one of the first major corporations to make our position clear in support of common sense measures such as the prohibition of assault weapons and large capacity ammunition magazines for non-military use, enhanced background checks, significant increases in safety measures and technology to protect children and teachers in schools.” The statement further reads that FedEx is not a member or sponsor of the NRA. Cronin said that the protests will continue on the 26th of each month at locations to be determined. The 26th was chosen because of the 26 percent discount that FedEx offers to NRA members. For information on future protests, join Gays Against Guns SF’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ gaysagainstgunsSF/?ref=br_rs. t Gays Against Guns SF meets on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at 6 p.m. at MCC-SF, 1300 Polk Street.

SF shelter provider welcomes queer ED by Alex Madison

or the first time in many years, Dolores Street Community Services has welcomed a out new executive director, Laura Valdez. Valdez, 47, started July 30 at the Mission district nonprofit that provides resources for homeless, people living with disabling HIV/AIDS, and low-income, immigrant, and minority communities. The agency, which is marking its 35th anniversary this year, is having a garden party reception to welcome Valdez Thursday, September 6, and the public is invited. Valdez, who identifies as queer, is a longtime human rights activist and former deputy director of Gay Straight Alliance Network, now known as Gender & Sexualities Alliance Network. Though she said her first few months will include a lot of listening, learning, and developing relationships internally and externally, her broader goal is to understand the needs of DSCS’ clients. In particular, she wants to zero in on how the nonprofit’s programs can be improved to help address intersectionality. “If we are looking at the issue of housing, we will look at the intersection of all those impacted, people of color, people of color who are LGBT, and focus on those communities,” she told the Bay Area Reporter in a recent interview. Currently, the organization’s Dolores Shelter Program in the

Courtesy DSCS

New DSCS Executive Director Laura Valdez

Mission provides emergency shelter and meal service to dozens of individuals on a nightly basis. The majority of shelter guests are recent immigrants from Latin America and many work as day laborers, according to the organization’s website. DSCS also houses formerly homeless people living with HIV/AIDS at its Richard M. Cohen Residence. As a queer woman, Valdez said she brings an LGBT lens to her position and understands the importance of providing LGBT specific resources. “I want to make sure we are providing the culturally relevant resources that the communities we serve need,” she said. She also plans to collaborate with local and national LGBT organizations to help expand and strengthen the organization’s programs, as well See page 11 >>

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<< Travel

8 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 30-September 5, 2018

Choose your own adventure in hip Portland by Heather Cassell

ortland is booming and the Pacific Northwest city is attempting to hold onto its unique, quirky vibe that makes it such an original and cool place to visit. I love “The City of Roses.” It’s a fun, laidback, culturally interesting city that encourages exploration from your taste buds to original local products to the great outdoors. Locals love Portland, too, and are quite passionate about praising its charms. “I’ve watched Portland go from this weird industrial town ... to being this bustling metropolis of, like, culture and art and things happening all the time,” said Belinda Carroll, a 42-year-old lesbian native who is the co-founder of the Portland Queer Comedy Festival (https://portlandqueercomedyfestival.com). “I think what I love about Portland is the mixture of, like, the new people and the old guard that are still hanging out and you’ve got this really interesting counterculture and really interesting art scene,” she continued. “It’s fun and there’s a lot of really good food.” Emma Mcilroy, 34, is a bisexual woman who is co-founder and CEO of Wildfang (www.wildfang.com), a gender-nonconforming and feminist apparel boutique. “Portland is such a fun city,” said Mcilroy. “I guarantee you will have a good time.” Mcilroy loves Portland and feels the city has embraced her, as well as her shop. She enjoys the city’s restaurant and cocktail scene and the wide variety of ways to work off all that good food with golf, hiking, and running. There are quick jaunts to the ocean or Mount Hood for yearround skiing and snowboarding. I did have a good time during a recent visit. I explored Portland’s red-hot culinary scene and checked out three levels of exhibits at the Oregon Historical Society (http:// www.ohs.org). I took walking tours, hiked through the Portland Japanese Garden (https://japanesegarden.org), and chased waterfalls with my friend in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (https://goo.gl/BK9iEJ).

Where to eat and drink

Competition for locals and visitors’ palates has only grown since my last visit a couple of years ago. The city is renowned for its culinary scene, from its world-famous food cart revolution that started back in the 1980s to its robust restaurants with notable chefs going back to the late Portland-based James Beard, for whom the culinary world’s top award is named. The rapid changes happening in the city are having a huge impact on Portland’s dining scene. Not only are there a bevy of new restaurants, it’s hard to get into any eatery without a reservation. Simply walking up to a restaurant can cost you an hour and a half of your time just to get seated as I learned at Perlot (formerly Southfork) (http://www.southforkpdx.com). The restaurant, which serves up American South dishes, is located far away from downtown in the Beaumont-Wilshire neighborhood, but it was packed, even in the waiting area where cocktails were being shaken and stirred for wouldbe diners. Furthermore, I learned during the Forktown food tour (https:// forktown.com) that the booming economy is threatening the food cart scene as building developers move in, evicting the carts dishing out innovative and inexpensive eats. The threat makes food cart owners’ dreams of making it to brick-and-mortar restaurants ever

more pertinent, and food cart lovers nervous about what’s going to happen to this beloved segment of Portland’s food scene. My dish-to-dish journey began early in the afternoon. I headed directly for the new Pine Street Market (http://www.pinestreetpdx. com) in downtown Portland near my hotel. I wasn’t as thrilled with my lunch choice – a thin crust pizza that was so hot there was no flavor, even after it cooled off a bit. Perhaps I chose poorly, or call me spoiled, but the food hall selections simply didn’t inspire me in comparison to San Francisco and New York food halls. I left disappointed. Lunch was redeemed a day later at the Portland Japanese Garden’s Umami Cafe (https://japanesegarden.org/umami-cafe), which served traditional Japanese food rather than sushi. It was a perfect way to end a walk through the garden in the wide-open dining room that overlooks the entrance. Dinner and brunch in Portland were my favorites. I started my nocturnal culinary adventure with James Beard Award-winning chefdriven Bistro Agnes (http://www. bistroagnes.com), a charming Parisian-inspired restaurant, and Nostrana (https://nostrana.com), an Italian restaurant. I enjoyed magical nights sitting at the bars of each eatery, indulging in food that was nothing short of wonderful. Each dish served, from onion soup with gooey cheese floating in the rich broth to the gnocchi, was bursting with flavor and fulfilling. I enjoyed wines that perfectly complemented the entrees. On another evening, I enjoyed prosciutto wrapped asparagus, fried cauliflower, and crab cakes, steak and more at Carina Lounge (http://www.carinalounge.com) in the trendy Northwest-Nob Hill neighborhood with my friend. The Mediterranean-inspired small plates hit the spot as my friend and I enjoyed every bite. We followed up that experience by going east the following night, dining at Nimblefish (http://www.nimblefishpdx.com), a high-end sushi restaurant in the Hawthorne neighborhood. Unfortunately, while it was very good, we left still hungry. We did something neither of us have done before, we ducked into a neighboring burger place after dinner. If breakfast or brunch is your thing, Screen Door (http:// screendoorrestaurant. com) is the spot in Portland. It is worth getting up early and waiting for the doors to open, even if standing in line for an hour to eat isn’t something you do. The food was overabundant and indulgent but sinfully delicious, from its gigantic bananas foster French toast to the eggs sardou served with a bowl of cheesy cheddar grits to the glazed smoked cheddar and bacon hushpuppies. The meal prepared my friend and me for a day of shopping. Perhaps the best way to experience Portland’s food culture is to take a food tour or attend Feast Portland (www.feastportland.com), which takes place September 13-16. The festival launched in 2012 and is led by the married lesbian team of Carrie Welch and Jannie Huang, who co-founded the festival with their friend, Mike Thelin. It exploded onto the city’s gastronomic turf and officially put Portland on the culinary map as a foodie destination. Portland is also well-known for its microbrewery scene, which is a boasting point for local beer lovers. “We are number one in the world for microbreweries per capita,” Arielle Adkin, tour operations manager

of Forktown, told our group as we sipped Double Mountain Brewery’s Vaporizer Hop Ale during a tour that visited six different culinary establishments. A great way to sample Portland’s brewery scene is to hop onto Brewvana’s (http://www.brewvana. com/home) too cool for school tour buses (yes, actual small school buses) for tours. The city is also sipping distance from the Willamette Valley (http:// willamettewines.com/), Oregon’s wine region known for its pinot noirs. Spirits are also hitting the scene as distilleries have been emerging within recent years.

Shopping

Carroll, the queer comedy festival founder, couldn’t be prouder of her hometown as it’s a place where women and queer people can thrive. “I think that’s different than a lot of the country,” said Carroll, about the atmosphere that fosters the kind of support she and other queer and women entrepreneurs have enjoyed in the city. Portland is where she felt she could launch her festival, a four-day event that attracted nearly 2,000 attendees and featured 50 LGBT comedians. The festival recently wrapped up its second successful year. “We have one of the best open LGBTQ communities in the country,” said Carroll. “You can actually come to Portland and have a good time and go places and visit them and you don’t have to be really worried about where you are and what you’re doing. “It’s a good time to be in Portland for sure,” she added. The “creative vibe” is happening, she noted. “We’re just a hotbed of that right now, which is cool.” I left Portland a little poorer, not only because of all the great food and wine, but because the city made the feminist shopper in my heart sing. I more than perused Wildfang, which opened five years ago as a part of a wave of gender-nonconforming clothiers and boutiques. I walked out with a bunch of feministthemed gifts for myself and friends. Around the same time Wildfang roared onto the scene similar shops opened in San Francisco, Oakland, and across the country in Brooklyn, but many of the clothing brands and stores have since closed. The last store standing from that wave of “gender x” designers, Wildfang, has successfully ridden the gender non-conforming and feminist waves. Co-founders and former Nike executives Mcilroy, a transplant from Northern Ireland via London, and Julia Parsley don’t shy away from their feminist and progressive political values. They use the store and its fashions to speak out, including its “Wild Feminist” line. They turned first lady Melania Trump’s “I really don’t care, do U?” jacket into a statement with a line of jackets and T-shirts that read, “I really care, don’t u?” The fashion line sold out within an hour of its release in June. The store, located diagonally across from Powell’s Books (http:// www.powells.com) and across the street from MadeHere PDX (https:// madeherepdx.com) in the Pearl district, also serves as a sounding off point with “get out the vote” events and other feminist and political events that keep shoppers coming in for more than just new duds. MadeHere PDX sports cool clothes, bags, home goods, and makeup for the eco-feminist and women of color all made by Portlanders. This past spring, Wildfang started

Courtesy Forktown Food Tours

Forktown Food Tours offer a great way to taste culinary delights in Portland.

spreading the girl power, opening a shop in New York’s trendy SoHo neighborhood. Later this year Wildfang plans a Los Angeles location. South of Powell’s Books on Burnside Street is another great shopping spot, Union Way, where Danner Boots (http://www.danner.com) and other fine leather footwear and clothing can be found. The Pearl district has long been known as a magnet for artists, designers, crafters, and other creative entrepreneurs, but these trendsetters have moved beyond the downtown niche into other neighborhoods, most notably Hawthorn, Mississippi, and Nob Hill. Tanner Goods (http://www.tannergoods.com), another great leather goods shop, can be found in the Mississippi neighborhood, along with the Meadow (https://themeadow.com), a culinary shop specializing in salts and other unique cooking ingredients, and other boutiques offering unique items. Nob Hill offered a trendier shopping experience, with a mix of brand name stores and boutiques.

Get outdoors

Portland is home to more than 152 miles of trails that are easily accessible by public transit or a short drive. Just off the freeway are short trails that take you away from the hectic pace that is taking hold in the city and lead to incredible waterfalls. Many of the trails were still closed due to the wildfires along the Pacific Crest Trail (http://www.pcta.org), and other fires in the Columbia Gorge area. The Pacific Crest Trail is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. For more urban hikes, Portland offers many options, from the aforementioned Japanese Garden to trails in Washington Park to Portland Walking Tours (http://www. portlandwalkingtours.com), where I delved into a deeper understanding of the city’s rich history and Portlanders’ sense of being with our tour guide, native Portlander Dianne Johnston.

Where to sleep

New hotels are enticing visitors to Portland. I stayed at the newly opened the Porter Portland (https:// goo.gl/MAemWr), and the Duniway (https://goo.gl/9Fs19b), another boutique hotel. Both are part of the Hilton brand.

Courtesy Wildfang

Wildfang Co-Founder and CEO Emma Mcilroy

The Porter Portland was so new the finishing touches of construction were still underway during my visit earlier this year. It also boasted an indoor swimming pool with an outdoor patio to sit and relax in following a swim, spa treatment, or workout. Both hotels were easily within walking distance of many restaurants and activities downtown. Another great property is the Hotel Vintage Portland (http:// w w w. h o t e l v i n t a g e - p o r t l a n d . com). The hip Jupiter Hotel (https://jupiterhotel.com), a longtime LGBT traveler favorite, is located on the other side of the Burnside Bridge.

Getting around

I flew into Portland on Alaska Airlines and left on Virgin America, which is now owned by Alaska Airlines. Portland has always been very easy to get around in due to its great public transit system the TriMet (http://trimet.org). However, for the app savvy, Uber is readily available, along with the city’s cabs. I only needed a car when I ventured beyond the greater city center toward the farms and suburbs and the Columbia Gorge. For these adventures, I simply used a rental car. t Contact the reporter at heather@ girlsthatroam.com.

Community News>>

August 30-September 5, 2018 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 9

Hearing begins for Diaz in SF arson case by Alex Madison

preliminary hearing started this week for convicted arsonist David Munoz Diaz, who is facing charges of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon after he was allegedly caught on video lighting a homeless person on fire. Diaz, 28, was arrested March 8 for the incident that occurred February 19 near Folsom and Sixth streets. Diaz has pleaded not guilty to the charges and remains in custody. Deputy Public Defender Scott Grant is representing him. At the preliminary hearing in San Francisco Superior Court, a judge heard testimony from a husband and wife who helped snuff out the fire on the homeless man and his belongings the night of the incident. Dayne Farley said he and his wife, Erika Escamez, were walking home that night on Folsom Street after going to the F8 bar at 1192 Folsom Street. Farley said they had seen a flickering light ahead on Folsom Street and, when they approached it, discovered it was a fire. “We got closer and realized there was a homeless man sleeping around the fire,” he said at the preliminary hearing. “Then we discovered he was on fire. He wasn’t

STDs

From page 1

C, HIV, and STDs all together.” The move to re-examine how the city is preventing the transmission of STDs comes as federal health officials are warning that the country is “sliding backward” in its fight to stop the spread of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. New data released August 28 during the 2018 STD Prevention Conference showed that cases of all three of the STDs had increased in 2017 for the fourth year in a row. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were nearly 2.3 million cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis diagnosed in the United States last year, according to preliminary data. As the Bay Area Reporter noted in a story posted to its website Tuesday, the number surpassed the previous record set in 2016 by more than 200,000 cases. “The CDC is seeing steep and sustained increases in STDs,” said Dr. Gail Bolan, director of the CDC’s Division of STD Prevention, during a news conference with media Tuesday. “This is a continuation of a persistent and troubling trend.” According to the CDC, a range of factors may be contributing to STD increases, with studies pointing to drug use and socioeconomic factors like poverty, stigma, and discrimination. Michael Fraser, Ph.D., executive director of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, laid part of the blame with the underfunding of the federal health agency by political leaders in Washington. “What the rates show to me is our lack of investment in public health and prevention,” said Fraser. “We shouldn’t be that surprised by these increases when we look at the decrease in funding and purchasing power of states over time.”

Courtesy SFPD

David Munoz Diaz

moving so we pulled him out of the flames and patted him down.” Escamez added in her testimony that the homeless man didn’t gain consciousness for about 20-25 seconds after she and her husband began patting him down. He was unconscious due to drug intoxication and was lying in the doorway of the business located at 1060 Folsom Street, the couple said. After patting the man down, the couple said that’s when Diaz approached the scene. While the rise in STDs nationally mirrors the introduction of PrEP, the once-a-day pill that protects HIVnegative people from acquiring HIV, it remains unclear if the medication is behind the increase of cases in gay and bisexual men. STD rates were increasing and condom usage was decreasing among men who have sex with men prior to PrEP, noted David C. Harvey, executive director of the National Coalition of STD Directors. Rather, the HIV and STD testing standards associated with the usage of PrEP are seen as beneficial toward the goal of reducing rates of both, argued Harvey. Federal health officials earlier this year, at the urging of local health leaders and others, updated their guidelines to encourage STD screening every three to six months for those taking PrEP, though STD directors favor testing every three months. “PrEP presents an unprecedented opportunity to treat STDs because of the testing standards associated with PrEP,” Harvey told the B.A.R. in a phone interview Tuesday. “Ultimately, we believe PrEP and the STD screening that goes along with it will reduce STDs.”

“Mr. Diaz came from around the left and asked Erika and I if we had water,” Farley said. “We said no. Then Mr. Diaz returned a few minutes later with the fire extinguisher,” he said. Escamez said that Diaz “helped us put [the fire] out,” and said Diaz asked them to call the police, which they did. She also said that the homeless man didn’t seem to be in pain or suffer severe injury. As the Bay Area Reporter previously noted, court documents filed in March stated the homeless person’s arm was burned, but did not specify how severely. Both witnesses said they did not know Diaz before that night. Stephen Engler, an investigator with the San Francisco Fire Department, also took the stand. He testified that after watching the surveillance footage that was captured from three different businesses the night of the incident, he determined the cause of the fire was deliberate. “Watching the video, you can see through the opaque glass a person lying on the other side and then another person approach, squat down between the glass and sleeping person, and then you see a flash of light from the person’s hand,” Engler said, referring to the surveillance video shot from the interior seen between 2015 and 2016. Compared to 2016, early syphilis increased 25.5 percent from 1,144 to 1,436 cases in 2017, according to the data. And the city also reported that cases of chlamydia, which have increased nearly every year since 1995, rose last year by 12 percent, from 8,091 to 9,061 cases in 2017. In the letter to providers, Philip and Dr. Tomás Aragón, the city’s health officer, noted that the highest rates of syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea were among gay and bisexual men,

doorway looking out on the street from the business located at 1060 Folsom Street. The flash of light from the person’s hand, Engler said, is consistent with the flame of a butane lighter. He said the person “made several attempts” to ignite the material in front of the glass. Two other witnesses testified: San Francisco Police Officer Kenneth Cha and Sandon Chung, video retrieval officer with the SFPD. Both men confirmed the contents of the video.

Previous offenses

When Diaz was arrested for the February 19 incident involving the homeless man, he was still on probation from a November 2016 incident in which police said Diaz handcuffed and bit a chunk out of another man’s scalp while impersonating a cop. He pleaded guilty to false imprisonment in exchange for assault and other counts in the case being dismissed. He was sentenced to five years probation and ordered to comply with a midnight curfew and wear an ankle monitor. As previously reported by the B.A.R. in 2014, Diaz stood trial for the June 2011 death of Freddy Canul-Arguello, 23, in Buena Vista Park. During the trial, Diaz testified

that Canul-Arguello had asked to be choked during a sexual encounter and that he’d accidentally killed him. Jurors acquitted Diaz of second-degree murder but convicted him of involuntary manslaughter and arson, among other charges. He was released from jail in September 2014. During Diaz’s sentencing hearing in that case, Superior Court Judge Donald Sullivan dismissed the arson count. Sullivan said that keeping the count would require Diaz’s “lifetime registration as an arsonist,” which would “mar his character.” At the time, prosecutor John Rowland objected to the arson count being dismissed. It was after Diaz’s 2016 guilty plea to possessing an incendiary device that he was required to register as an arsonist. That case stemmed from incidents in 2015 when Diaz was arrested again for allegedly starting fires in the Castro district. He pleaded guilty in August 2016 to possessing an incendiary device and a count of second-degree burglary. He was released that September after being sentenced to a year of mandatory supervision, the arsonist registration, and other terms. t

adolescents and young adults, and transgender people. They asked that providers integrate sexual health and STD prevention into their routine primary and HIV care. They also reminded them that sexually active men who have sex with men should be tested for both STDs and HIV every three months. “Providers are also encouraged to work with us to ensure that sex partners are tested and treated and notify us if they suspect that their patient may have a resistant infection,” wrote

Philip and Aragón. Unlike with the city’s plans for ending the transmission of hep C and HIV, the STD plan likely will not include target dates for eliminating cases of syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, Philip told the B.A.R. during a phone interview Monday while in Washington, D.C. attending the STD conference. That has to do, she said, with the current lack of vaccines to prevent people from acquiring See page 12 >>

SF numbers

San Francisco has experienced increases in all three of the STDs since 2007, with preliminary data for 2018 from the Department of Public Health showing the number of cases of chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis all continuing to outpace those seen last year. The health department warned local medical providers in May of this year that the city was “experiencing a significant increase in STD rates.” Preliminary data for 2017 released earlier this year found that gonorrhea had increased 10.7 percent, from 5,196 cases in 2016 to 5,750 in 2017. It is a more moderate jump in cases than the nearly 22 percent increase

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<< National News

10 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 30-September 5, 2018

Federal court rules for lesbian senior by Lisa Keen

n what Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund is calling a “major victory” for both senior LGBT people and LGBT people who rent from a landlord, a threejudge federal appeals court panel ruled Monday that a residence for seniors could be held liable for allowing some of its residents to harass and discriminate against an

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openly lesbian resident. The case was filed on behalf of Marsha Wetzel against a senior living residence in Niles, Illinois, just south of Chicago. Lambda Legal filed its lawsuit for Wetzel in federal court, alleging the senior home violated the federal Fair Housing Act by failing to stop the discriminatory acts against Wetzel being perpetrated by other residents. The panel noted that some residents at the Glen St. Andrew Living Community subjected Wetzel to a “torrent of physical and verbal abuse ... because she is openly lesbian.” Attorneys for the senior home had asked the district court to dismiss the lawsuit, saying the Fair Housing Act is aimed only at the persons committing the harassment, not the landlord. They said the law does not oblige a landlord to stop tenant-on-tenant harassment. And the district court judge had agreed with that argument. But the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals panel said the Fair Housing Act holds a landlord liable when a landlord has “actual notice of tenant-on-tenant harassment based on a protected status, yet chooses not to take any reasonable steps within its control to stop the harassment.” The appeals panel said that rather than stopping the abuse, the facility’s staff at Glen St. Andrew limited Wetzel’s use of facilities and conspired to evict her. Seventh Circuit Chief Judge

Courtesy Lambda Legal

Marsha Wetzel

Diane Wood (a Clinton appointee) wrote the panel decision, joined by Judges Michael Kanne (a Reagan appointee) and David Hamilton (a Clinton appointee). Wetzel, 70, moved into Glen St. Andrews in 2014, after her partner of 30 years died and her partner’s family took possession of their house and other assets. When other residents began asking about her background, Wetzel answered them honestly, noting that her partner had been a woman. The panel decision made explicit note of the abuse the other residents inflicted on Wetzel because she acknowledged her sexual orientation. Other residents, it said, repeatedly

called her a “fucking dyke,” “fucking faggot, and “homosexual bitch.” One resident threatened to “rip [her] tits off.” Someone hit her in the back of the head and called her a “homo” while she was in the mailroom. When Wetzel sought help from staff, they dismissed her complaints as accidents and said she was a liar. They moved her dining location to a less desirable spot, barred her from the lobby, and stopped cleaning her room. One staffer slapped her. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination “against any person in the terms, conditions, or privileges of sale or rental of a dwelling, or in the provision of services or facilities in connection therewith, because of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, or national origin.” It also makes it illegal “to coerce, intimidate, threaten, or interfere with any person in the exercise or enjoyment of ... any right granted or protected” by the FHA. Even though the FHA does not explicitly include “sexual orientation” as a form of discrimination prohibited, the 7th Circuit ruled in 2017 that sexual orientation is a prohibited form of discrimination under another federal law: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Title VII prohibits discrimination “based on sex” in employment. In Hively v. Ivy Tech, the full 7th Circuit ruled last year that “based on sex” includes “sexual orientation.” The court reiterated that this same logic applies to the FHA.

But in “uncharted territory,” the panel also ruled that the landlord has an obligation to intervene to stop harassment of a tenant by other tenants. The panel acknowledged that the FHA text “does not spell out a test for landlord liability” but that previous rulings have held that the text “mirrors” Title VII. And previous Supreme Court rulings, noted the panel, have held that, under Title VII, an employer may be liable under some circumstances when its own negligence is a cause of prohibited harassment.” It also noted that Title IX of the Education Amendments Act provides a parallel between deliberate indifference to student-on-student harassment and tenant-on-tenant harassment. “Wetzel may be in unchartered territory, but the Supreme Court’s interpretation of analogous anti‐ discrimination statutes satisfies us that her claim against St. Andrew is covered by the act,” said the panel. Lambda Legal attorney Karen Loewy called the panel’s decision “a tremendous victory for Marsha.” “She, just like all people living in rental housing, whether LGBT or not, should be assured that they will at least be safe from discriminatory harassment in their own homes,” said Loewy. “What happened to Marsha was illegal and unconscionable, and the Court has now put all landlords on notice that they have an obligation to take action to stop known harassment.” t

HIV suppression improves, but gaps remain

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he proportion of people with HIV who achieve viral suppression has risen dramatically across the United States over the past two decades, but young black men are not seeing the same gains, according to a new study. Locally, research presented at the International AIDS Conference last month in Amsterdam shows that reducing the amount of time spent with detectable viral load has coincided with a decline in new HIV diagnoses in San Francisco, providing further support for the “undetectable equals untransmittable” message. But here too, not everyone is benefitting equally.

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Dr. Heidi Crane from the University of Washington in Seattle and her team looked at trends in viral suppression among nearly 32,000 HIVpositive people receiving care at eight U.S. sites, including UCSF, between 1997 – soon after the introduction of effective combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) – and 2015. The proportion of people achieving viral suppression, defined as an HIV level of 400 copies or less, rose from 32 percent in 1997 to 86 percent in 2015. Older individuals and those who used integrase inhibitors were less likely to have detectable viral load, while African-Americans and people who inject drugs were more likely. The amount of time it took to achieve viral suppression after ART initiation fell from nine months for those starting treatment during 19972000 to two months for those who started during 2010-2015. The UNAIDS “90-90-90” targets call for 90 percent of people with HIV to know their status, 90 percent of diagnosed individuals to be on ART, and 90 percent of treated people to achieve viral suppression – which works out to 73 percent of all HIV-positive

Liz Highleyman

San Francisco Department of Public Health researcher Alison Hughes

people being undetectable. The U.S. has not yet met this goal – in 2015 the undetectable figure was 51 percent – but the new findings show that the third target is within reach. The diagnosis target has also almost been met (86 percent in 2015), but the proportion of people starting care (63 percent) and remaining in care (49 percent) are still falling short. Maximizing viral suppression among people living with HIV is one of the keys to reducing new infections, along with PrEP for HIV-negative people. “For treatment as prevention to help achieve the goal of ending the HIV epidemic in the United States, it is critical to understand, address, and bridge implementation gaps,” Dr. Anthony Fauci and co-authors from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases wrote in an editorial accompanying the study in the Annals of Internal Medicine. “[T]he Achilles’ heel of treatment as prevention is the inability to bring people living with HIV into care.”

Advances in San Francisco

Fauci and colleagues noted that

rapid initiation of ART, as pioneered in San Francisco, is one strategy to bridge the gap in linkage to care. Requiring people to come back for additional appointments and pharmacy visits after diagnosis means some will fall through the cracks. The RAPID program aims to start people on treatment as soon as possible, ideally giving them a starter pack of medication on the day they’re diagnosed. Research presented at the AIDS conference showed that rapid initiation of treatment after diagnosis, which has shortened the length of time people spend with unsuppressed viral load, has coincided with a drop in new infections. In 2010, San Francisco was the first city to recommend universal ART for everyone diagnosed with HIV, two years before federal guidelines. The RAPID treatment protocol was piloted in 2013 and 2014 at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and implemented citywide starting in 2015. The most recent San Francisco Department of Public Health HIV epidemiology report showed that new diagnoses fell by 16 percent – down to 223 – between 2015 and 2016, following a 15 percent decline the previous year. The 2017 HIV epidemiology report will be released September 4. Alison Hughes and colleagues from DPH assessed how much time individuals newly diagnosed between 2008 and 2016 spent with unsuppressed viral load. At the start of this period, people spent 62 percent of their first year after diagnosis with HIV levels above 1,500 copies – the level associated with a reduced risk of transmission. After the advent of universal treatment this proportion fell to 39 percent in 2012, and after RAPID implementation it decreased to 25 percent in 2016. People who inject drugs, homeless individuals, and young adults age 25 See page 12 >>

Sports >>

August 30-September 5, 2018 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 11

Gay Games shifts to Hong Kong by Roger Brigham

theater told us that a government official activity was scheduled to be held on the same day, which left us with no choice but to cancel,” a Speak Out representative told Reuters. The group said it had run into a similar roadblock in May in Xian, where officials reportedly detained and questioned organizers for nine hours. Second, organizers of Mr Gay World 2019 announced that the event has been forced out of presumptive host Hong Kong, reportedly because of homophobic pressure from the Chinese government, and will instead return to South Africa. The hosting organization for the

Hong Kong 2019 bid is on the mainland rather than on the island semiautonomous province. “It is with great disappointment that I’ve been informed that Mr Gay World will not be able to go ahead in Hong Kong due to the struggles that our Chinese colleagues and their families are facing in their homeland,” said Eric Butter, founder of Mr Gay World. “The safety of our delegates and their families is of utmost importance.” Third, Hong Kong has been facing increasing pressure from China regarding free speech. The right to free speech is written into Hong Kong’s charter, but in 2016 the Chinese government unilaterally, and retroactively, reinterpreted the law in order to ban separatist activity and advocacy. This month, China’s foreign ministry told the Foreign Correspondents Club it had abused free speech by allowing a separatist political to deliver an address to the club. Noted Reuters in its report on the incident, “The move to ban the National Party has fed fears that authorities want to set a precedent for clamping down on other opposition groups. They may be laying the groundwork to

revive a shelved national security law.” What concerns should Gay Games supporters and the Federation of Gay Games itself have about the current political climate, future relations with the Chinese government, and how those factors might impact Gay Games XI? What evidence would calm concerns? What confidence does Gay Games Hong Kong (GGHK) have that organization of the Gay Games will not be hindered, or if it is hindered, how will the resistance be overcome? Betty Grisoni, a media spokeswoman for GGHK, told the Bay Area Reporter her organization “has had several meetings with Hong Kong government departments and they are treating our event the same as any other sports event. GGHK will continue working with Hong Kong government departments through to the games in 2022. The Hong Kong Tourism Board, which is a government agency, has been very positive and openly supportive of GGHK. What we can reassure Gay Games supporters is that both China and Hong Kong have, in the past, and will, in the future, host numerous LGBT+ events as well as LGBT+-focused businesses. There is no reason to believe any officially and

properly organized events and activities will be prohibited.” My gut tells me the warnings given to the correspondents club should be of more concern to Gay Games stakeholders than the relocation of Mr Gay World from Hong Kong to South Africa. China has shown a growing impatience to be recognized as having dominion over outlying lands, as shown by its successful campaign to pressure international airlines to stop calling Taiwan by its rightful name and instead promote the fiction that the independent nation is in fact a province of the mainland. A telling point will be how the athletes and artists from Taiwan and other independent island nations in the region are allowed to identify themselves during opening ceremonies, and to what degree any efforts by Hong Kong residents to advocate independence from the mainland during the Gay Games are tolerated. At their core, the Gay Games are about acceptance and expression – two absolute requirements in the fight to overcome homophobia and transphobia. Any curb on those is a roadblock to success of the mission. Here’s hoping Hong Kong organizers are able to overcome whatever reluctance or resistance they encounter along the way. What a signature statement that would be. t

at home and make sure the 75 staff members of the nonprofit are taken care of. Compensating for the high cost of living in San Francisco, Valdez said she hopes to “bring the best benefits and compensation” to the employees and ensure that her staff feel “fully supported.” Someone Valdez will be working closely with is Saul Hidalgo, director of housing and shelter programs for DSCS. Hidalgo said Valdez’s vision for the organization and her background will further guide the agency’s mission. “One of the things that made me feel most excited about having Laura as our new executive director is that she leads from her own personal set of values that includes a commitment to equity, genuineness,

inclusivity, and compassion,” Hidalgo, a straight man, told the B.A.R. in an interview. “With her, I have quickly learned, it’s not just about what you do; it’s about how you do it – and making sure you do so for everyone.” The president of DSCS’ board of directors, Monica Regan, said Valdez will play an integral part in the agency’s next phase and sustainability. “We are confident that Laura’s vision, values, and lifelong commitment to social justice are aligned with our mission, and that her extensive professional experience in nonprofit leadership will make it possible for her to contribute significantly to Dolores Street’s next phase of development and sustainability,”

Regan said in a news release. Valdez brings over 20 years of leadership experience in nonprofit administration, public health, public policy and grassroots organizing. As a human rights activist she has led several social justice organizations, including groups working for immigrant and LGBTQ rights. Valdez’s salary is $105,000, and the agency’s annual budget is just under $9 million. DSCS’ first gay executive director

was Bob Nelson, who resigned from the position in 2005 and has since passed away. t

here was a great deal of exhilaration among athletes, artists, and organizers at the end of Gay Games X in Paris earlier this month: excitement over a successfully run event that drew more than 10,000 participants for the first time in more than a decade, and great anticipation about the next Gay Games slated to be held in Hong Kong, marking the first time the Gay Games will be held in Asia. But behind the optimism there is also an undercurrent of caution, intensified by a few recent events. Hong Kong, a former British colony, is now a semi-autonomous part of China called a “special administrative region” under a hand-over agreement between Great Britain and China that was signed in 1997 and runs 50 years. It is the relationship between the Hong Kong government and the more repressive regime on the mainland that lies at the base of growing concerns for Gay Games stakeholders. First, a pair of LGBT human rights conferences in China was canceled earlier this year. The Chinese group Speak Out said it was forced to cancel its scheduled conference in July in the gay-friendly city of Chengdu in Sichuan when the scheduled venue bailed on the event. “The conference venue Jinsha

Shelter

From page 7

as connecting the agency to statewide coalitions and organizations. “I have a broader vision for Dolores Street,” she said. “I want to connect locally on issues impacting constituents and connect statewide to larger movements and organizations.” DSCS is home to the nation’s first LGBT adult shelter, Jazzie’s Place, in the Mission district, which has 24 beds. The organization also owns Casa Quezada, a 52-unit, singleroom-occupancy building in the Mission that serves formerly homeless individuals, a significant number of whom identify as LGBT. Valdez also wants to focus efforts

Gay Games 2022 is scheduled for Hong Kong.

Gay man assaulted in Castro by Sari Staver

n assailant screaming anti-gay slurs kicked a gay man in the head at Harvey Milk Plaza in the Castro last weekend. Michael Levy, 53, had just gotten off Muni and was on his way home from a fundraiser Saturday, August 25, at 10 p.m., when a man, sitting on a brick ledge, kicked him in the head, Levy told the Bay Area Reporter this week. The incident was reported to the San Francisco Police Department, which confirmed those facts. Levy, who was with his husband, Michael Golden, “was totally stunned” when he felt the painful blow to his forehead. Levy stumbled but decided to continue walking up Market Street toward his home. But after walking a short distance, Levy heard the man screaming, “Suck a dick you fucking faggot” at him, and decided to get a picture of the suspect so he could report the incident to the police. The suspect, listed in the police report as a while male, in his 40s or 50s, wearing jeans and a sweatshirt, left the scene before police arrived. An arrest has not been made in the case. The incident, categorized as a battery and considered a misdemeanor, could be punished more severely if

Sari Staver

Michael Levy

prosecutors classify it as a hate crime, according to an SFPD media relations spokesperson. Levy, a corporate program manager who has lived in the Castro for the past 19 years, said he still liked the neighborhood. This is Levy’s second encounter with neighborhood crime, the first occurred several years ago when someone broke into his garage. “The whole city has gone to shit,” he said, “given the volume and aggressiveness of the crimes.” The Castro may be an appealing area for crime, he said, because “its centrally located and easy to get here.” Levy said the police responded

The September 6 garden party is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at DSCS’ Richard M. Cohen Residence, 220 Dolores Street. To RSVP, email Anne Jaffe at anne@dscs.org. For more information, visit https://www.dscs.org/.

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within five minutes and told him he did the “right thing” by not engaging with the assailant. “I realize that the people who are homeless or mentally ill are not getting the services they need in the city. I don’t want to blame them, but they must be held accountable,” said Levy. “I don’t know the answer” [to stopping the crime] but as a city, we need to find a better way to handle these things,” he added. “I feel very lucky that [the attack] wasn’t worse.” Similar sentiments were echoed by gay District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman in a phone interview with the B.A.R. Mandelman, who had already been briefed on the incident by the SFPD when he was called for a comment, said that recently he has been “hearing way too many stories about people being assaulted or feeling unsafe” in the Castro. “We know we have a serious mental health and addiction crisis and dealing with it is a priority for me,” he said. This year’s budget for the police department will bring a “significant increase” in the number of police officers, he added. “But we also know that oftentimes people will be sent to the hospital or arrested but will soon be back on the street. When that is the case, we haven’t gained any ground,” he said. t

We’ve expanded our services and kept the spirit and tradition.

Call (415) 771-0717 One Loraine Court between Stanyan & Arguello

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<< Community News

12 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 30-September 05, 2018

STDs

From page 9

sexually transmitted infections as there is for hep C or a once-a-day pill to block STD transmission like the use of PrEP against HIV. The health department’s City Clinic provides a model for how the plan could work, said Philip, as it already integrates STD and HIV prevention and care under one roof. “What is new, really, is we are talking about a roadmap as we are doing for getting to zero on HIV transmissions and no new hep C infections. We also want to think about

The defense painted a much different picture. Deputy Public Defender Kwixuan Maloof argued that Phillips and Sheahan were close friends, and Sheahan relied on, and trusted, Phillips with his finances. He also spoke about the lack of scientific evidence connecting Phillips to the murder. “This was an extremely violent, bloody murder,” Maloof said, emphasizing that blood was found in

Fletcher

From page 2

whose life was ruined by drugs, she said. She did not agree with the jury’s decision and believes Fletcher should have been found guilty of voluntary manslaughter. “I don’t think he intended to murder Aiello,” she said. “He was willingly partaking in this stupid behavior, but he did not intend to actually kill him. The jury verdict was wrong. Kyle does need to spend a lot of time locked up to clean up his act, but not his whole life.” Fletcher grew up in Sacramento with his mother and older brother.

News Briefs

From page 6

For more information, visit the Facebook page at https://tinyurl.com/ y99hunsn The Pride parade starts at 10:30 a.m. at Broadway and 14th streets. It ends up at the festival gates, at Broadway and 20th. General admission for the festival is $10. For more information, visit http:// www.oaklandpride.org.

Bond to headline historical society gala

Tony nominee Justin Vivian Bond

HIV

From page 10

to 29 were more likely to have longer periods of detectable viral load, though this analysis saw no racial differences. Another study at the conference looked in more depth at the impact of homelessness on viral suppression

in this area.” His coalition is also pushing for the development of a national strategy on STDs, similar to the federal plan to end HIV transmissions adopted by the Obama administration. During the national media call Tuesday, Harvey said that an additional $70 million, at least, is needed in the federal budget for Fiscal Year 2019 to properly fund state and local STD programs. He told the B.A.R. that Senator Kamala Harris (D-California) has been “a new champion” for the funding since being elected in 2016 and that advocates continue to work with House Minority Leader Nancy

Pelosi (D-San Francisco) in moving the funding request through the House. “Ironically, STDs have more stigma than HIV, so we have a huge ladder to climb,” said Harvey. The state and territorial health officials group’s Fraser said the CDC also needs an additional $50 million to fully fund its STD prevention work and that of the states in local communities. “We all need to be incredibly interested in how we are going to solve this problem,” said Fraser. “It is great to have surveillance data from the CDC and states, but we will really solve it by those boots on the ground.”t

the apartment that investigators said were used by the killer to clean up the bloody scene. The gloves, yellow rubber and white latex, were both examined for DNA. “Michael Phillips’ DNA was not found on the rubber gloves or white latex gloves,” Maloof told the jury. A broken knife found by investigators was determined to have been used to slit Sheahan’s wrist in an attempt to make the murder look like a suicide. “Mike’s DNA was not found on that knife,” Maloof said. A lighter and pack of cigarettes were also found in the apartment after Sheahan’s death, and Maloof said that neither Sheahan nor Phillips smoked. DNA of a third person was found on the light and a shoestring, Maloof said. “Someone else was there,” he said. The time of the death was also used to argue that Phillips was not the murderer. Surveillance footage shows that Phillips last left Sheahan’s apartment through the front door on Sunday, August 13, at 10:30 a.m. Sheahan was

discovered and pronounced dead the next day. The public defender said because there were no maggots or flies found on Sheahan’s body the day he was discovered, and that body-worn camera footage from police officers on the scene do not show anyone covering their mouth or nose, that the body did not smell, indicating that Sheahan was dead only hours before being found by first responders, not days. Prosecutors argue that Phillips killed Sheahan on Saturday, the day Phillips was seen attempting to withdraw cash using Sheahan’s ATM card, meaning the body would have been in the apartment for almost three days. “There is circumstantial evidence that makes [Phillips] suspicious, but there is not direct evidence. He is not guilty of every single charge,” Maloof said. Neighbors also reportedly did not hear any disturbances or out of the ordinary noises on Saturday or Sunday when they were questioned by investigators, Maloof said. One neighbor did say they heard a scream and something that sounded like a brawl on Monday around

2 a.m. however, after Phillips was last seen exiting the apartment. In response to stealing items and attempted cash withdrawals, Maloof told the jury that Phillips was gifted the paintings found in his home that belonged to Sheahan. He also said that Sheahan was still alive on the day Phillips was caught on camera withdrawing cash from the ATM, and was asked by Sheahan to withdraw the money. Phillips was unsuccessful in withdrawing cash as he did not have the correct pin number. Adina testified that Sheahan once asked her to withdraw cash for him using his ATM card. She said she was given the pin number by Sheahan. Adina explained she was later written up by her employer for this action, and Sheahan did not ask her to do this again. Maloof said the trial is scheduled until October 25 and that a San Francisco Police officer who arrived at the scene, a neighbor, a Sutter Health nurse who administered medicine to Sheahan, and the manager of Sheahan’s apartment building are expected to take the stand.t

He never knew his father. He started using drugs after high school, Rutherford said. Fletcher was previously sentenced to three years in state prison in 2005 after pleading no contest to felony charges of domestic violence and possessing an illegal drug, such as methamphetamine or cocaine, while also being armed with a loaded gun, online court records show, according to the Sacramento Bee. “Kyle has been a problem because of his drug use,” Rutherford said. “He had a hard life. Kyle couldn’t give up those people he was involved with and the drugs. That’s how he got himself into this horrible situation.”

Fletcher’s wife, Jennifer Fletcher, was also there to support her husband. The two have been married since April 2015, and she said Aiello caused problems in Fletcher’s and her own life. Aiello asked Fletcher to have sex with him throughout their entire relationship, Jennifer Fletcher said, though Fletcher was adamantly not gay. At the time of Aiello’s death, Fletcher told detectives that Aiello was trying to force him to have sex and, in order to prevent it, he used just enough force on the belt to stop Aiello. Fletcher claimed that he left the house after Aiello passed out. But police, who testified at Fletcher’s

preliminary hearing, said that they’d discovered Aiello’s naked body after seeing Fletcher carrying a TV from Aiello’s home. Officers didn’t indicate that Fletcher had said anything about having just defended himself against an unwanted sexual advance. “In my heart I don’t believe he did it,” Jennifer Fletcher said. “Kyle is not that kind of person. He might be a liar and cheater but he never showed me aggression or anger. He’s always been calm, he won’t even yell at me.” As previously reported by the B.A.R., during the closing statements in July, the deputy DA reiterated other evidence against Fletcher, including

that the day before Aiello was killed was the first time Fletcher became aware that Aiello filed a financial crimes incident report alleging that Fletcher had stolen $200. Other evidence was Fletcher’s drastic change of behavior after the murder, which was captured on Aiello’s DVR that Fletcher had stolen moments after the killing. Aiello worked for the B.A.R. as a freelance writer who covered marriage equality and other issues before opening Midtown Moped, a shop in Sacramento where he lived in the back of the store. t

will headline entertainment at the GLBT Historical Society’s annual gala Friday, October 5, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Green Room at the San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center, 401 Van Ness Avenue. Make History! The 2018 GLBT Historical Society Gala will include a silent auction featuring travel, fine dining, art, photography, and queer memorabilia. Michelle Meow, host of “The Michelle Meow Show” on KOFY TV 20, will serve as emcee. Award recipients will include collector and curator Lisbet Tellefsen, who will receive the Clio Award; and the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, which will receive the History Makers

Award to mark its 40 years of service. VIP tickets, which include a special champagne reception at 5:30 p.m., are $250; general admission is $150. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.glbthistory.org. Transgender high school graduate Gavin Grimm will be honored by Horizons Foundation at its gala benefit Saturday, October 6, at the Fairmont Hotel, 950 Mason Street, in San Francisco. The evening begins with a reception at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and the program at 7:30 and then a dessert buffet and after-party.

Grimm is the plaintiff in a landmark transgender student rights case. He sued his former school district in Virginia three years ago when he was prohibited from using the boy’s restroom. The court battle is still in limbo – the American Civil Liberties Union, which is representing Grimm, is waiting to hear from the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond whether it will hear the case. After Grimm graduated from high school, he filed an amended complaint that seeks, among other things, a permanent injunction preventing the board from excluding him from the restrooms when he is on school grounds for alumni activities.

Grimm now lives in Berkeley. Also being honored is lesbian author and activist Jewelle Gomez. She is the author of the double Lambda Awardwinning “The Gilda Stories” and has been a longtime activist for various causes, including marriage equality. The nonprofit Horizons supports LGBTQ organizations and groups working with the LGBTQ community through grants and other programs. The gala benefits that work. Tickets are $300 for the dinner and after-party, or $75 for the party only. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.horizonsfoundation.org.t

among low-income cisgender (nontransgender) women in San Francisco. Elise Riley from UCSF reported that 60 percent of the women had detectable viral load at least once over the course of the three-year study and about 20 percent had unsuppressed virus at all study visits. Every 10 nights spent homeless increased the risk of detectable viral load by 10 percent.

Women who experienced sexual violence had more than double the likelihood and those who had been incarcerated were nearly four times more likely to have detectable viral load. Even the intensive health interventions available in a well-resourced city are not enough to address the root causes of unsuccessful treatment for impoverished women with HIV, the

researchers concluded. “The problem isn’t a failure to get care or case management, it’s about poverty and it’s about homelessness. There needs to be larger polices around housing people and more supportive housing,” Riley said. “We’re trying to work with patients to figure out strategies to work around this, but it’s hard,” she told the

Bay Area Reporter. “When you don’t have housing there’s no place to put your medicine and you don’t know if your stuff is going to be stolen. It leads to a cascade of other things like food insecurity and violence. It’s challenging to work on this when you know that what someone really needs is housing, but it’s just not there.” t

injection booths and a common “chill” area. Once operational, it could have between six and 12 stations and would provide linkage to a range of medical, addiction treatment, and harm reduction services. The facility would provide injection

supplies, but clients must bring their own drugs from outside; drug consumption is not permitted during the demonstration period. “We know that what we are doing now is not working,” Glide harm reduction program manager Paul

Harkin told the Bay Area Reporter. “People who use drugs need to be supported with compassionate, evidence-based programs. The evidence is crystal clear that [safe consumption spaces] are remarkably effective. They prevent

overdose deaths, they prevent HIV and hepatitis C transmission, and they create a bridge to other services that improve the overall wellbeing of individual drug users and the community.” See page 13 >>

Murder trial

Defense

rather than two days or more. And it continues to advocate at the federal level for new biomedical preventions for STDs. “It is a really challenging task,” said Philip. “But I am optimistic we will continue to do what we can to improve sexual health in San Francisco.” Harvey, with the STD directors association, believes San Francisco’s STD plan could be a model nationally that other health departments can replicate. “We applaud San Francisco’s efforts to get to zero on STDs,” said Harvey. “Like so many times in the past, San Francisco is playing a cutting edge and leading role nationally

From page 2

“He said he didn’t want to give him the money because he doesn’t have much money,” said Adina, who is employed by Reliable Caregivers. The prosecutor also focused on the checks that Phillips had written to himself using Sheahan’s checkbook. O’Bryant said handwriting and check forgery experts were expected to take the stand and would prove that the checks found in Phillips’ Richmond district home after a search warrant was executed were forged.

decreasing our rates of STDs,” said Philip, who is expected to discuss the proposal at the Health Commission meeting Tuesday. Philip said the pieces for an integrated plan to combat STDs already exist in the city, from the health department’s clinic and programs to community-based service providers and advocates focused on promoting sexual health. It is more a matter of how to ensure all of those components are working in tandem, she said, and devising new tools for screening and the prompt treatment of STDs. City Clinic is piloting a rapid test for gonorrhea and chlamydia that takes 90 minutes to deliver results,

Safe injection plan

From page 1

presented by the Tenderloin Health Improvement Partnership and designed by Capital One Design Pro Bono, has seven semi-private

Victim James Sheahan

multiple locations throughout the apartment. “Evidence will show that no one would be able to walk in that room and not get blood on them.” Maloof argued that the only blood found to be consistent with Sheahan’s blood discovered anywhere on Phillips belongings was a small stain in a Trader Joe’s shopping bag that Maloof said had not been dated, meaning the blood could have gotten on the bag prior to Sheahan’s death. Two pairs of gloves were found in

Horizons gala honors Grimm

t <<

Community News >>

August 30-September 05, 2018 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 13

Headless torso

The mystery of Egg’s disappearance

played out on Nextdoor, the social media site. Free first posted on the site August 2 along with a description of Egg. After neighbors responded, Free wrote, “I know him well enough to say that he’d never just leave his home like this. And for so long. Very Suspicious.” Another neighbor, Karen Macedo, chimed in, “We would often water the trees on Clara Street and chat together, once he invited me to see his beautiful yard. He had an old tan car parked back there that I haven’t seen either. The door to his upstairs is blocked with objects. I know he would let young, homeless men stay in the downstairs unit (left door). I once saw him kicking a younger guy out and there was a lot of shouting between them, this was probably 9+ months ago. It seems very strange that he just disappeared all of a sudden. How can I help?” Macedo also wrote about her frustration after being hung up on by police after she related her suspicions. “I contacted the police yesterday and they told me they went by three days ago,” she wrote August 3. “They spoke to someone that is living there and told me they cannot release details but ‘Brian is fine’ and hung up,” the neighbor wrote. Another neighbor, Shelley Costantini, phoned police and encouraged other neighbors to do the same. She posted August 13: “So I just called and got all that info but I didn’t actually get to speak with anyone. I left a voicemail and I’m waiting to get a response. I’m with Scot (Free) and thinking that the more people to call the better.” Friends and family are hoping to organize a memorial service for Egg, possibly September 11, which would have been Egg’s 66th birthday, but so far no date has been set. t

Brown, who has previously indicated that he would sign the bill, has until September 30 to either sign or veto it. The same day, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce announced its unanimous support for supervised injections sites, after members of the group visited Insite in Vancouver. “Our street environment is becoming more and more of an impediment to growing our businesses, attracting customers, and retaining our workforce,” Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tallia Hart said in a statement. “We need to protect the health of San Francisco residents, employees, and visitors. While not a panacea, safe injection sites could be one of many tools to address the state of our streets.”

But the federal government is not on board. “Unfortunately, some cities and counties are considering sponsoring centers where drug users can abuse dangerous illegal drugs with government help,” U.S. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein wrote in an August 27 opinion piece in the New York Times. “Injection sites normalize drug use and facilitate addiction by sending a powerful message to teenagers that the government thinks illegal drugs can be used safely.” “It is a federal felony to maintain any location for the purpose of facilitating illicit drug use,” Rosenstein warned. “Because federal law clearly prohibits injection sites, cities and counties should expect the Department of Justice to meet the opening

of any injection site with swift and aggressive action.” Advocates counter that federal officials are putting ideology above evidence. “The federal government has long been on the wrong side of science and history when it comes to reducing the harms of drug use – whether it be attempts to thwart sterile syringe access, medical and adult-use cannabis, or, now, safe consumption sites,” said Lindsay LaSalle, senior staff attorney at the Drug Policy Alliance. “When we let ideology trump evidence, and prioritize punishment over preserving life, the result is 72,000 preventable [overdose] deaths just last year. Supervised consumption sites provide an opportunity to reverse the course of this crisis.”t

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He said officers received information from Brian Egg’s answering machine message that he was out of town. When asked by the Bay Area Reporter why that didn’t raise suspicions because, according to Egg’s brother, it wasn’t Egg’s voice on the machine and Egg had never owned an answering machine, McEachern replied he wasn’t aware of that information.

Suspicious activity

Longtime South of Market neighbor Scot Free shared Devon Egg’s suspicions when he first noticed Brian Egg had disappeared in June. He also observed that a stranger was occupying the Clara Street home. He reported it to police and a missing persons case was filed. Free said that police did a welfare check on Egg and that an officer later called him to say that Egg was out of town doing an art project in Truckee. The officer apparently got that information from the man who was living in the home. Free had been Egg’s neighbor for 30 years and rented a room from him for two months about 20 years ago when his current house was unavailable. Free is a drag performer whose stage name is Pippi Lovestocking. He said he performed at the Stud with the famed drag revue Trannyshack that he helped start in 1996 with his friend and business partner, Heklina (Stefan Grygelko). Devon Egg told the B.A.R. that police had been inside his brother’s home at least once during the time he was missing but apparently did not see anything suspicious. It was unclear whether that was the result of Free’s call or another time. A man who works across the street

Safe injection plan

From page 12

Legal battle brewing

A major state-level barrier standing in the way of supervised injection sites may soon be gone, but legal troubles could still come from the federal government. Already at odds over its sanctuary city policy, the Trump administration could make an example of San Francisco if it opens a first-in-the-nation supervised injection facility. On August 21 the California Senate passed Assembly Bill 186, a bill that amends state controlled substances laws to allow San Francisco to implement a three-year supervised injection pilot program. The bill, sponsored by lesbian Assemblywoman Susan Talamantes Eggman

Ed Walsh

Neighbor Scot Free stands in front of Brian Egg’s house

from Egg’s house told the B.A.R. that he confronted a man in his late 20s or early 30s who he saw living in Egg’s house after he first noticed Egg was missing. Carlo Poladian, a maintenance manager at Extranomical Tours, said the man said that Egg was on vacation in Europe. Poladian added that after he saw police first visit the home, that man and another man used bleach to “frantically” clean the front of the house. A notice from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission dated August 27 was hung on the front of Egg’s door advising that the occupants should check for a water leak because of an unusual spike in water usage. Free speculated that the occupants of the home likely used the water during the harried cleaning that he and Poladian observed after police first showed up. Poladian said that it was uncharacteristic for Egg to go away on vacation and that he often could be seen cleaning the street around his home. He said he would usually go to St. Anthony’s Dining Room in the Tenderloin for lunch every day. Poladian added that Egg took a lot of risks by letting young homeless men stay in his home.

Free said the police’s early response on the case didn’t sit well with him and his neighbors. He said one of his neighbors phoned police but that the dispatcher didn’t seem to take her call seriously and didn’t send any officers to the home. A neighbor posted on the neighborhood social media site Nextdoor that she phoned police with her suspicions on August 1 but was told that an officer was sent by the home three days earlier and that “Brian is fine” and was then hung up on. “I think they should have at least gone in and looked around. Not just take this guy’s word for it,” Free said. “Basically, this was a home invasion.” But after Egg had gone missing all summer, everything changed August 14. Police finally made a thorough search of his home and discovered badly decomposed human remains. Ironically, what led police to search the home was an apparent effort to destroy evidence. Free and other neighbors had called police August 14 when a private crime scene cleanup company showed up at the house. But “Nate” was not at the home to let in the workers. Another man who called himself “Robert” was there. Neighbors told the B.A.R. that they overheard

(D-Stockton) and co-authored by gay state Senator Scott Wiener (DSan Francisco), originally applied to several counties, but Eggman limited its scope after it narrowly failed to pass the Senate last year. “AB 186 is a bill that asks one specific policy question – should we keep trying what has failed for decades or give San Francisco the choice to try something that we know saves lives, reduces disease, and saves money?” Eggman said. “The opioid epidemic has ravaged communities up and down the state and all across the country. This bill provides a path for taking it on as the health crisis that it is.” On Monday the Assembly, which passed the bill in June 2017, approved the Senate amendments and sent the legislation to the governor.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038238300

the cleaning crew tell police that Robert was paying them in cash. One neighbor heard $1,000, the other neighbor heard that the crew was offered as much as $5,000 to do the job. Police arrived and eventually cordoned off the home as a crime scene and detained the man, Free said. Devon Egg told the B.A.R. that badly decomposed human remains were found in the home and that police had asked his family for DNA samples so that they could positively identify what he believes to be his brother’s body. Prior to Tuesday’s news conference, police had not responded to multiple calls by the B.A.R. but released this statement Monday: “We have an ongoing missing persons investigation. We have recovered remains during the investigation and we are awaiting the autopsy report. An open and active investigation continues regarding the missing person.” After the discovery of the remains, police apparently were trying to snare more possible suspects. Poladian said that officers kept a round-the-clock watch on the house from August 14 until last Thursday, August 23. The San Francisco Medical Examiner’s office told the B.A.R. it could release no information on the case. Free said Egg was single and had once worked as a bartender at the Stud bar but didn’t currently work and may have been partially living on an inheritance. Devon Egg said his brother was a very caring person and often tried to help other people, sometimes to his detriment. “I think his caring was his downfall,” Devon Egg said.

Played out on Nextdoor

Legal Notices>> FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038248600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SUMO, 420 JUDAH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SHI HUI HUANG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 08/03/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/03/18.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THRIVE BABY FOOD, 218 JERSEY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed PAULA PETERSEN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 07/27/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/30/18.

AUG 09, 16, 23, 30, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038221100

AUG 09, 16, 23, 30, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038241300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: A WEST AFRICAN COFFEE COMPANY, 2069 O’FARRELL ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MAKEBA MCLEOD. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 07/12/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/16/18.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ALENA’S MAGICAL SCHOOL, 2267 16TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed EDWARD ROMANOV. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 07/30/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/31/18.

AUG 09, 16, 23, 30, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038227400

AUG 09, 16, 23, 30, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038242500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SOUF, 2261 MARKET ST #273, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SOFIA AVILA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/19/28. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/20/18.

AUG 09, 16, 23, 30, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038244300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: YOUNG MUSIC PRODUCERS, 518 1/2 LINDEN ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JOSEPH M. RODRIGUEZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 06/25/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/31/18.

AUG 09, 16, 23, 30, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038241600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HEALING REALMS, 605 CHENERY ST #B&C, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ROBERT GRANT. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 07/31/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/01/18.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SAN FRANCISCO SURGICAL ENDOSCOPY, 3838 CALIFORNIA ST #616, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed T. PHILIP CHUNG MD, YANEK CHIU MD, LAWRENCE YEE MD, MICHAEL ABEL MD. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 08/08/16. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/31/18.

AUG 09, 16, 23, 30, 2018

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: AMSTERDAM, 930 GEARY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed AMSTERDAM CAFE (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 07/31/18.

AUG 09, 16, 23, 30, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038246400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BURMA GOLD, 695 3RD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed UNITED KMA, INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 07/12/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/31/18.

AUG 09, 16, 23, 30, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038240500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: IZUMI KAITEN SUSHI, 1737 POST ST #355, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed IZUMI KAITEN SUSHI INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 08/02/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/02/18.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CLAIRE DE LUNE SKIN CARE, 2208 FILBERT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed CLAIRE EVE ANDERSON. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 07/30/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/30/18.

AUG 09, 16, 23, 30, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038240200

AUG 09, 16, 23, 30, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038233400

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as: ALENA’S MAGICAL SCHOOL, 2267 16TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116. This business was conducted by an individual and signed by RIMMA S. DARZHINOVA. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/31/17.

AUG 09, 16, 23, 30, 2018 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-035963600

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as: RAINBOW BRIGHT’S CASTLE, 2270 21ST AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116. This business was conducted by an individual and signed by RIMMA S. DARZHINOVA. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/25/14.

AUG 09, 16, 23, 30, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038255700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ACCENT REDUCTION STUDIO, 1621 LINCOLN WAY, #B, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MARY DAVIS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 08/07/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/09/18.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SPINNERIE, 1401 POLK ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed 1401 POLK STREET INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 07/30/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/30/18.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: VITALITY AND HEALING FUNCTIONAL WELLNESS SOLUTIONS, 1800 10TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by a married couple, and is signed TODD JEFFREY RUTKIN & XIAORONG LI. 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 07/26/18.

AUG 09, 16, 23, 30, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038247900

AUG 16, 23, 30, SEPT 06, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038254000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THE UPS STORE, 660 4TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed JING STORE, INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 10/01/05. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/03/18.

AUG 09, 16, 23, 30, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038235200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MIKMOI, LLC, 1666 GOUGH ST #306, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed MIKMOI, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 06/30/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/27/18.

AUG 09, 16, 23, 30, 2018

AUG 16, 23, 30, SEPT 06, 2018

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MANGROVE KITCHEN, 312 DIVASADERO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ATTHAPON INKHONG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 08/07/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/07/18.

<< Classifieds

14 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 30-September 05, 2018

Legal Notices>> FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038246200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SHUNPING HOME IMPROVEMENT, 420 LISBON ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LIWEI DING. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 08/02/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/02/18.

AUG 16, 23, 30, SEPT 06, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038254600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: KIBATSU, 400 HAIGHT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed MUTEKI INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 08/08/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/08/18.

AUG 16, 23, 30, SEPT 06, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038243300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: TALLER TECHNOLOGIES, 555 CALIFORNIA ST #4925, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed DELAWARE QUADRIGA, INC (DE). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 07/01/13. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/01/18.

AUG 16, 23, 30, SEPT 06, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038258100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CMME CONSULTING LLC, 1536 18TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed CMME CONSULTING LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 07/09/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/10/18.

AUG 16, 23, 30, SEPT 06, 2018 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-18-554170

In the matter of the application of: SADIE COLLEEN YEAGER AKA SADIE C. YEAGER AKA SADIE YEAGER, 501 38TH AVE #304, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121, for change of name having been ﬁled in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner SADIE COLLEEN YEAGER AKA SADIE C. YEAGER AKA SADIE YEAGER, is requesting that the name SADIE COLLEEN YEAGER AKA SADIE C. YEAGER AKA SADIE YEAGER, be changed to SADIE COLLEEN YEAGER BLACK. 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 11th of October 2018 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

AUG 23, 30, SEPT 06, 13, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038252700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ALFA DA CHILDCARE, 1316 SUNNYDALE AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed NICOLE D. CHAPMAN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 08/07/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/07/18.

AUG 23, 30, SEPT 06, 13, 2018

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-18-554169

In the matter of the application of: SAMUEL LUCAS HICKS AKA SAM HICKS AKA SAMUEL L. HICKS AKA SAM L. HICKS, 501 38TH AVE #304, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121, for change of name having been ﬁled in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner SAMUEL LUCAS HICKS AKA SAM HICKS AKA SAMUEL L. HICKS AKA SAM L. HICKS, is requesting that the name SAMUEL LUCAS HICKS AKA SAM HICKS AKA SAMUEL L. HICKS AKA SAM L. HICKS, be changed to SAMUEL LUCAS HICKS BLACK. 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 11th of October 2018 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

AUG 23, 30, SEPT 06, 13, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038236400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GRAMERCY REAL ESTATE AND DEVELOPMENT, 1177 CALIFORNIA ST, SUITE A, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed STEPHEN KEITH GOMEZ. 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 07/30/18.

AUG 23, 30, SEPT 06, 13, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038260100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: DIAMOND SERVICES, 1446 THOMAS AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed OLMEN MEJIA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 08/13/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/13/18.

AUG 23, 30, SEPT 06, 13, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038263200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ENVIROCERN, 50 CALIFORNIA ST #1500, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed RAGNAR STEFANSSON. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 08/13/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/14/18.

AUG 23, 30, SEPT 06, 13, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038262900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SEA KEANE, 869 46TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SEAMUS KEANE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 08/14/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/14/18.

AUG 23, 30, SEPT 06, 13, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038265400 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CUP+FORK, 3200 CALIFORNIA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed A & C HOSPITALITY (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 08/01/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/15/18.

AUG 23, 30, SEPT 06, 13, 2018

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038249500 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BOCONCEPT, 1 RHODE ISLAND STREET, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a limited partnership, and is signed CONTEMPCO GP LLC, GENERAL PARTNER OF CONTEMPCO, ILP,(CA); SOREN KROGH-JENSEN; CARLINE ANTONCICCI. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 01/01/10. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/06/18.

AUG 23, 30, SEPT 06, 13, 2018 NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF ROBERT M. BYRNE AKA ROBERT MACDOWELL BYRNE AKA ROBERT BYRNE IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO: FILE PES-18-302156

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of ROBERT M. BYRNE AKA ROBERT MACDOWELL BYRNE AKA ROBERT BYRNE. A Petition for Probate has been filed by WENDY LYNN BYRNE in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. The Petition for Probate requests that WENDY LYNN BYRNE 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: SEPT 18, 2018, 9:00 am, 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 latter 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: KERI L. PANKOW, ESQ. 309972, PLAGEMAN, LUND & CANNON LLP, 1 KAISER PLAZA #1440, OAKLAND, CA 94612 Ph. (510) 899-6100.

AUG 30, SEPT 06, 13, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038284500 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BLUE SKIES DOG WALKS, 887 28TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LAUREN MEREDITH. 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 08/27/18.

AUG 30, SEPT 06, 13, 20, 2018

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038284700

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038265100

AUG 30, SEPT 06, 13, 20, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038254200

AUG 30, SEPT 06, 13, 20, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038265300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ALONZO CLEANING SERVICE, 101 OCEAN AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JESSICA PINEDA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 08/27/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/27/18.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SASA EYEBROWS THREADING, 2359 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed AENIS RIJAL. 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 08/08/18.

AUG 30, SEPT 06, 13, 20, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038262700 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BROWN & CO. REAL ESTATE GROUP; BROWN & COMPANY REAL ESTATE, 1624 CALIFORNIA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed TIMOTHY BROWN. 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 08/14/18.

AUG 30, SEPT 06, 13, 20, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038265700 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: RHUBARB PALACE MUSIC, 1689 FULTON ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed FRANK GRAU. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 08/09/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/15/18.

AUG 30, SEPT 06, 13, 20, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038273500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: NAIBU MAINTENANCE, 830 LAGUNA ST #K, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed BRUCE LEE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 08/21/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/21/18.

AUG 30, SEPT 06, 13, 20, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038259300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: A. BAMBER; DESIGNS BY OKSANA, 1241 24TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ADRIANNA BAMBER. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 08/10/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/10/18.

AUG 30, SEPT 06, 13, 20, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038273600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CARRY MY CANINE, 1038 JAMESTOWN AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DANA L. CHAPMAN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 08/20/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/21/18.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: LOMBARD UNION 76, 2498 LOMBARD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed GAWFCO ENTERPRISES, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 06/29/06. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/15/18.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: POTRERO 76, 401 POTRERO AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed GAWFCO ENTERPRISES, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 08/23/13. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/15/18.

AUG 30, SEPT 06, 13, 20, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038264900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SAN BRUNO & SILVER SHELL, 2380 SAN BRUNO AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed PETROMART RETAIL GROUP, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 07/01/14. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/15/18.

AUG 30, SEPT 06, 13, 20, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038276300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SF ROOTS, 2323 46TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed HELLO SAN FRANCISCO LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 08/22/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/22/18.

AUG 30, SEPT 06, 13, 20, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038260000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: TL CAFE, 517 O’FARRELL ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed TRIPLE J INDUSTRIES LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 07/31/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/13/18.

AUG 30, SEPT 06, 13, 20, 2018 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-036645100

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as: TONIC BEVERAGE CATERING, 2209 POLK ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business was conducted by a corporation and signed by DISGRUNTLED GOAT INC (CA). The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/25/15.

AUG 30, SEPT 06, 13, 20, 2018

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Vol. 48 • No. 35 • August 30-September 05, 2018

by Jim Gladstone

ay Area theater companies are putting a smorgasbord on the boards this fall. Unfortunately, with dozens of productions on offer, it’s not an all-you-can-eat affair. Here’s a selection of quirky canapés, dramatic dishes and musical morsels that have my mouth watering.

A first course of Fringe

“Dandy Darkly’s All Aboard” will play the San Francisco Fringe Festival, produced by Exit Theatre.

The season gets off to a spritely queer start next week at the San Francisco Fringe Festival, produced by Exit Theatre, with plenty of intriguing pieces among its extremely affordable offerings (all under $20, and as little as $8.50 per performance with multi-show passes). Just a few that pique my interest: “Dandy Darkly’s All Aboard” gives new meaning to “pulling a train” with off-the-rails gay Southern Gothic storytelling, jewelencrusted costume design and much more to chew-chew on. See page 24 >>

Fall Preview: Art Museums by Sura Wood

Courtesy FAMSF

Paul Gauguin, “Reclining Tahitian Women” (1894), oil on canvas. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen.

all arrives with a bounty of museum exhibitions. From Muslim and Jewish fashions and Warhol’s forays into photography to the delightfully idiosyncratic Duane Michals and the avuncular Wayne Thiebaud, there’s plenty to appeal to eclectic tastes and keep audiences busy until Christmas. Take a look. Legion of Honor: “East Meets West: Jewels of the Maharajas” Feeling bling-deprived? Relief awaits in the form of 150 dazzling precious objects – diamonds, rubies, emeralds, jade daggers, turban ornaments – from the collection amassed by His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Abdulla Al Thani. Some of his glittery holdings, descended from the reign of 17th-century Mughals, reflect Persian or Muslim aesthetics, while pieces from the 19th century bear a European stamp courtesy of the British Raj. (Nov. 3-Feb. 24) legionofhonor.famsf.org See page 24 >>

{ SECOND OF THREE SECTIONS }

SEPT 9 11AM

SF Fringe Festival

Fall Preview: Theatre

<< Out There

16 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 30-September 05, 2018

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years on stage and screen (“Glee,” “Hairspray,” “South Pacific,” “Finding Neverland”). Tickets: www.bayareacabaret.org, or (415) 392-4400. Award-winning gay actor Neil Patrick Harris will deliver the Marcia and John Goldman Lecture at the JCCSF, 3200 California St, SF, on Fri., Sept. 28, at 7 p.m., an evening of magic and conversation in celebration of the second book in Harris’ New York Times-bestselling series, “The Magic Misfits: The Second Story.” Info: www.jccsf.org. Opera Parallèle will present its annual gala benefit, “Up Close and Parallèle: Creative Rebels,” Wed., Oct. 10, at the War Memorial Green Room, 401 Van Ness Ave., SF. A montage opera conceived by OP’s artistic team celebrates such operatic heroes as Harvey Milk, Georgia O’Keeffe, Steve Jobs, Julia Child, and Sister Helen Prejean, sung by mezzo-soprano Eve Gigliotti, baritone Robert Orth, and bass Kenneth Kellogg, accompanied by OP resident pianist Keisuke Nakagoshi. The evening will culminate in a special performance by guest of honor Philip Glass. Tickets and info: www.operaparallele.org or (415) 626-6279. Thirty-seven Bay Area ensembles will perform at SF Music Day, Sun., Sept. 30, Noon-8 p.m., War Memorial Veteran’s Bldg., 401 Van Ness Ave., SF. This year’s theme, “Colors of the Keyboard,” highlights the range of expression possible on keyboard instruments including bandoneon, piano, electric organ, harpsichord, and pianoforte. It’s all free, but you have to RSVP. Info: intermusicsf.org.

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park hosts a 24-hour “Moby Dick” reading marathon in the Maritime Museum, 900 Beach St., SF, on Sat., Oct. 13. Surrounded by aquatic-themed WPA murals, overlooking the Aquatic Park Pier and Cove, a diverse crew of over 100 will add their own voices to author Herman Melville’s musings, orations, and unforgettable characters. This literary event, co-sponsored by The Melville Society, is free to readers and audience members, but performers wishing to read specific chapters should reserve their space in the line-up ASAP by checking the signup sheet at maritime. org/events/mobydick. Info: sfmobydickmarathon.org There’s lots to savor in SFJAZZ’s fall season, including a week-long residency as artistic director by Laurie Anderson: a listening party, Nov. 28; “Songs for Women” with Tammy Hall, Nov. 29; “Lou Reed Drones” and viola duets with Stewart Hurwood and Eyvind Kang at Grace Cathedral, Nov. 30; “Songs for Men” with Scott Amendola, Dec. 1; and “Scenes from My Radio Play” with Fred Frith, Dec. 2. We’re only telling you this because we have our tickets already. www.sfjazz.org.

or the next two issues, we’ll be bringing you B.A.R. arts writers’ brief previews of what to look out for in the Fall 2018 season. This week, find previews of the season in film, TV, theatre, the symphony and art museums. Next week, we’ll catch up with more films, opera, and art galleries. Here are a few more arts events that Out There is wound up about. San Francisco Performances’ Fall 2018 schedule kicks off with their 39th Season Gala, the 100th Anniversary of Stravinsky’s “L’Histoire du Soldat,” with Sean Jones, trumpet, and Regina Carter, violin, Sept. 28, in the War Memorial Veterans Building, featuring a cocktail reception, the concert, and a post-concert dinner in the Green Room. Tickets: call (415) 677-0326. Their season also includes jazz vocalist Luciana Souza in a new project, “Book of Longing,” with texts by Leonard Cohen and Emily Dickinson, Nov. 30. www.sfperformances.org. Cal Performances begins its fall season on Sun., Sept. 23, at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley with “Gala at the Greek,” Jazz at Paper trail Lincoln Center Orchestra with Found in The New York Times Wynton Marsalis and special obituary for Craig Zadan, proguest Jon Batiste celebrating the ducer with partner Neil Meron of music of Duke Ellington. The many celebrated plays, films and fare is all Ellington, including TV events: “Their last major show early Cotton Club jump classics, together was a live version of the big band ballads, and selections Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim Rice from the Duke’s lushly orchesmusical ‘Jesus Chris Superstar,’ trated suites. Then, from Fri.which was broadcast this year Sun., Sept. 28-30, at Zellerbach on Easter Sunday.” Chris and his Hall, Mark Morris Dance Group brother Bruce were unavailable performs the Bay Area Premiere for comment. t of “Pepperland,” marking the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ seminal album “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” created by Mark Morris, choreography, and Ethan Iverson, composer. More Cal. Perf. enticements: “The Routes of Slavery (1444-1888),” a musical celebration of the influence of enslaved Africans on American culture, directed by Jordi Savall, Nov. 3; Daniel Barenboim conducts the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, which he founded with Palestinian scholar Edward Said as a model for cooperation across Middle Eastern divides, Nov. 10; and Berlin’s Schaubugne theater company presents “An Enemy of the People” (sound familiar?) by Henrik Ibsen, directed by Thomas Ostermeier, Oct. 12-13. Info: www.calperformances.org. All-male a cappella choir Chanticleer celebrates their 40th Anniversary with a Gala and Reunion on Oct. 17 at the Diane B. Wilsey Center for Opera, San Francisco War Memorial Building. Info: www. chanticleer.org. Bay Area Cabaret opens its 15th season at the Venetian Room in the Fairmont San Francisco with Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe award nominee Matthew Frank Stewart Morrison making his San e Batist Jon and Francisco solo concert Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis Greek the in 23, Sept. Sun., on debut on Sun., Sept. 30, will perform “Celebrating Duke Ellington” in “Song and Dance Man,” Theatre, Berkeley. a show celebrating his 20

Film >>

August 30-September 05, 2018 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 17

Fall Preview: Film

art 1 of our Fall Preview of films likely to attract award consideration begins with the directorial debut of an acclaimed indie actor known to LGBTQ audiences for his impressive work in the gay-themed troubled-teen film “L.I.E.” This first part, covering 20 titles, features an array of fiction and nonfiction features likely to play the Castro, Roxie, Alamo Drafthouse and Landmark Theatres. Next week we’ll offer another batch of capsules. “Wildlife” Indie actor Paul Dano makes his feature directorial debut with this coming-of-age drama, from a script written with life partner Zoe Kazan. It’s based on the 1990 Richard Ford novel. The narrator of the book is a teenage boy who watches his parents’ marriage start to come apart after the family moves to Montana. “In the fall of 1960, when I was 16 and my father was for a time not working, my mother met a man named Warren Miller and fell in love with him,” the book begins.

“John McEnroe: In the Realm of Perfection” Written and directed by Julien Faraut and narrated by Mathieu Amalric, the bio-doc revisits a treasure trove of 16mm films of the left-handed tennis star John McEnroe, at the time the world’s top-ranked player, as he competed in the 1984 French Open at Paris’ Roland Garros Stadium. “A Whale of a Tale” Local fishermen, animal rights activists and an American journalist debate the hunting of whales and dolphins in the sleepy seaside town of Taiji, Japan. “Let the Corpses Tan” A grizzled robber and his gang head to an island retreat with a large haul of gold bullion. A bohemian writer, his muse, and a pair of policemen complicate the situation as loyalties are strained to the max. “Kusama-Infinity” Now a top-selling artist, Yayoi Kusama overcame long odds to bring her hip artistic vision to a world stage. After working as an artist for over six decades, Kusama continues to create fresh work daily as people around the globe experience her installations “Infinity Mirrored Rooms.” Son stars Guil“My Son” laume Canet (“Tell No One”) and Melanie Laurent (“Inglourious Basterds”). Premiered at Cannes Film Festival in 2017, it focuses on a husband and wife as they face the crisis of their lives. Julien (Canet) travels constantly for work, and his perpetual absence from home has wrecked his marriage. During a stopover in France, he gets a message from his distraught ex-wife (Laurent): Mathys, their seven-year-old, has gone missing. “Love, Gilda” She was a spectacular presence on national TV back when “Saturday Night Live” was innovative and really funny. Diaries, audiotapes, videotapes and testimonies from friends and colleagues infuse poignancy to the rapid rise and fall of TV comic Gilda Radner. “Bisbee 17” In 1917, nearly 2,000 immigrant miners, on strike for higher wages and improved working conditions, were brutally attacked by their armed neighbors, herded onto cattle cars, shipped to the middle of the New Mexican desert and left to die. This largely forgotten event is known as the Bisbee Deportation. The film documents locals as they play characters and stage scenes from the controversial story, culminating in a large-scale recreation of the deportation on the day of its 100th anniversary. “Bad Reputation” is a bio-documentary on the life and career of musician Joan Jett. “Science Fair” Nine high school students from disparate corners of the globe navigate rivalries, setbacks, and hormones on their quest to win the international

science fair. Only one can be named “Best in Fair.” “306 Hollywood” When two siblings begin an archaeological dig at their late grandmother’s house, they embark on a magicrealist trip in search of what life remains in the objects left behind. “Studio 54” Warning: the title may remind some of 1998’s cringeworthy disco-mania version “54,” from Mark Christopher. Relax, this one draws on previously hidden sources to show what went on behind the velvet rope. Director Matt Tyrnauer zooms in on Studio 54’s celebrity owners Steve Rubell (dead from AIDS in 1989) and Ian Schrager, who met at college and lived to showcase the exhilarating highs and deadly lows of the club scene. Elton John, Cher, Grace Jones and other celebs bumped up against common guys and gals lucky enough to get in. “Free Solo” From directors Chai Vasarheyli and Jimmy Chin. Follow Alex Honnold as he becomes the first person ever to free-solo climb Yosemite’s 3,000-ft.-high El Capitan Wall. With no ropes or safety gear, he completed arguably the greatest feat in rock-climbing history. “The Happy Prince” Written, directed and starring Rupert Everett, the last days in the tragic times of Oscar Wilde, who observes his failure with ironic distance, and regards the difficulties that beset his life with detachment and humor. “The Guilty” This Danish thriller follows a police officer who enters a race against time when he answers an emergency call from a kidnapped woman. “Life and Nothing More” In/// his Secondary Lock-Up Horizontal impressive second feature, Spanish filmmaker Antonio Méndez Esparza follows up “Aquí y allá” with another sensitive portrait of working-class people struggling in the margins of society. Stressed by the mounting pressures of raising two children and fighting to get by on minimum wage, single mother Regina (Regina Williams) longs for more to her life than constant work, while attempting to instill in 14-year-old Andrew (Andrew Bleechington) the values she hopes will prevent him from winding up in prison like his father. “The War at Home” A re-release of the 1979 Oscar-winning Best Documentary Feature. Consists of interviews with folks leading the Madison, Wisconsin resistance the Vietnam War. “Maria by Callas” Intimate look at the life and work of temperamental but charismatic Greek-American opera singer Maria Callas, as told in her own words. “The Great Buster: A Celebration” Peter Bogdanovich’s insightful documentary celebrates the life and career of prolific and influential filmmaker Buster Keaton. Stunning restorations of archival works bring Keaton’s magic to life. Bogdanovich’s dive into the Keaton archives reveals a visionary artist who put everything on the line for a laugh in such films as “The General” (1926), “Steamboat Bill Jr.” (1928), and others. Interviews with Mel Brooks, Quentin Tarantino, Werner Herzog, Carl Reiner, and Dick Van Dyke. “Shoplifters” Winner of 2018 Palme D’Or at Cannes. Directed by acclaimed Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda, it’s the tale of a family of small-time crooks as they adopt a child from the street. “Capernum” A politicallycharged fable, featuring mostly non-professional actors, concerning a child who launches a lawsuit against his parents. t

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<< TV

18 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 30-September 05, 2018

Fall Preview: the Lavender Tube by Victoria A. Brownworth

here did the summer go? Gone in a whirlwind of Trump tweets (as we write this he’s calling for the Attorney General to investigate Hillary Clinton), Trump associates going to prison, climate change nightmares of fires and floods, and the general decline and fall of our democracy. Aretha Franklin is dead, and Trump is still healthy as a Clydesdale. Is it any wonder we need scripted TV to keep us sane? TV is all-season now, but the networks still hold their best shows for fall, the traditional start of all things shiny and new on the tube. There’s a whole lot of TV coming your way, so set the DVR, settle in and check out some of the new offerings and old faves. We’ll be adding to the list each column as more is revealed. There is likely no better new series for these days under the Trump regime than USA’s new 10-week limited dystopian horror series, “The Purge.” Based on James DeMonaco’s popular movie franchise of the same name, it’s a horror series that looks disturbingly like where we might be headed. The first time we saw a promo for it, we thought it was a political ad for a GOP candidate. “The Purge” is set in an America that looks remarkably like our own, ruled by a totalitarian political party. The people in this world look like us, sound like us, and regrettably act like some of us. The premise is an annual 12-hour period when all crime, including vandalism, theft, arson and even murder, is legal. There is, of course, an apocalyptic element to it. Surviving Purge Night is what everyone strives for. But what is each person willing to do to make that happen? For those with power and control, Purge Night is a time to exact that control: play to their strengths, have evening-dress parties (there are proPurge socialites, of course: think Ivanka and Jared with the power of life and death) where others are tortured and killed. Others troll the streets looking for someone to capture and toy with. Into the mix there are, of course, heroes whose innate morality is there to remind us that even though Purge Night is legal, it’s still morally corrupt and deeply, irrefutably wrong. “The Purge” plays like a chic mashup of “Lord of the Flies” and “The Lottery.” To be honest, it looks fabulous. But having seen the original film in the franchise, we warn that it’s not for the faint of heart. Whenever you have folks wearing masks, patrolling the streets with hatchets and flame-throwers, according to Chekhov’s rule, someone is bound to get burned. It tells a dystopian, Darwinian tale of survival of not necessarily the fittest, but rather the wiliest and the most ruthless. The series begins Sept. 4 on USA network, and stars Gabriel Chavarria, Lili Simmons, Lee Tergesen, Amanda Warren, William Baldwin and Fiona Dourif. We scorn most re-makes, being of the mind that if it was done once, that was enough. But some remakes can be better than the originals. The Judy Garland version of “A Star Is Born” immediately leaps to mind. Having seen the extended trailer for Rob Lowe’s remake of the 1956 noir classic “The Bad Seed,” we think perhaps this is another remake that will outshine the original. When the film was first made, the concept of some children being intrinsically evil was so foreign that the studio added a spanking of the lead character after the credits to assure audiences it was All in Good Fun. (There was a previous remake in 1985, which we did not see.) But

in 2018 we know that sociopaths walk among us, and children can be damaged early on in ways that might not be fixable. “Bad Seed” Emma may be one of those children, and her psychiatrist is searching for the key to her complex little-girl psyche. Films like “The Bad Seed,” basically two-character dramas with some secondary and tertiary characters filling out that main dynamic of antagonist and protagonist, rely heavily on the acting skills of the main characters. Mackenna Grace is, frankly, brilliant. (She co-stars in “Designated Survivor,” and played the young Tonya Harding in “I, Tonya.”) Grace’s Emma is chilling as she mimes normalcy, and we get a frisson of fear watching her face revert from a delightful little-girl smile to a smooth, unreadable malevolence. On the surface, Emma is a smart, attractive, even winsome girl; her dark inner core is a thing of true and unrelieved horror. Rob Lowe has always been an exceedingly handsome, almost pretty man with exceptional bone structure and serviceable acting skills. We grew up alongside him watching the rat pack films of our youth, “St. Elmo’s Fire” and “The Hotel New Hampshire.” He was part of “The West Wing” cast that we all loved in the 90s, and a member of the ensemble cast of Greg Berlanti’s beloved “Brother’s & Sisters.” For the past year he’s been one of the most complex characters on “Code Black.” “The Bad Seed” is his baby. He directed, executive produced and stars in the film, which debuts on Lifetime Sept. 9. (Don’t knock Lifetime until you’ve watched as many series and films on it as we have. Lifetime has been remade, and it’s not your single straight bestie’s Lifetime anymore.) The plot is unsettling. Lowe is a single father (in the original and the 1985 remake, the character is a widowed single mom) whose daughter is emotionally distant. He’s seeing a shrink, and has his daughter see her, too. In an homage to the original, the psychiatrist is played by Patty McCormack, who got an Oscar nomination playing the original Bad Seed. When something terrible happens at Emma’s school, Dad is sure Emma has something to do with it, and can’t shake that feeling. He begins to question if Emma’s behavior (on the surface she’s the perfect daughter and student) is just a façade and she played a role in the horrific incident at her school. When other questionable things happen, the battle between Good and Evil is on. The trailer is up, and trust us, you will be riveted.

More ‘Horror’

We’re still aching in the place where “Pose” was in our lives, so we’re grateful that Ryan Murphy is back with season eight of his “American Horror Story” franchise. “AHS: Apocalypse” is everything gay and high camp we could have wanted and needed right now, while also being truly terrifying. First, Joan Collins has joined the cast. The queen of our 80s “Dynasty” shoulder-pad dreams, the 85-year-old Dame Collins is the latest female star to join Murphy’s retinue. And Stevie Nicks is in the cast. Yes, Stevie “Rihannon” Nicks. Playing herself, no less. Be still our hearts. Jessica Lange, Kathy Bates, Frances Conroy, Gabourey Sidibe and Connie Britton are back after a hiatus from the series. And we have gay, lots of gay. Emmy winner Sarah Paulson is back as the lead playing not one, not two,

USA Network

USA has a new 10-week dystopian horror series, “The Purge.”

but three roles. The gorgeous Cheyenne Jackson will be burning up the screen with his hunky heat. Billy Eichner (let us take a moment to thank him for his daily takedowns of Trump on Twitter) will be giving it to us. The brilliant Evan Peters, who broke our hearts in “Pose” and gave us chills in “AHS: Cult,” stars again, here. The premise is deeply under wraps, because that’s how they do with “AHS,” but “AHS: Apocalypse” is bringing back characters from “AHS: Murder House” and “AHS: Coven” in a mashup of sorts. The story begins with the end of the world (Trump really is fueling the dystopian), hence apocalypse in the title. On Aug. 22 the show tweeted out a teaser of Sarah Paulson dressed as the mystery character Venable (she looks amazing) with the message, “Survive. This is your chance.” There will be a lottery of some kind to determine who lives and dies at the end of the world. A different teaser showed a child blowing out candles on a cake, nuclear holocaust left in its wake. Other tweets have shown Hieronymus Bosch-style images. All we know for sure is it will be fabulous. Premieres on FX on Sept. 12. We didn’t think we wanted a reboot of “Will & Grace” and we couldn’t have been more wrong, so we are looking forward to the reboot of “Murphy Brown,” which we loved in its original incarnation as it took on politics from a feminist perspective. Who will ever forget Dan Quayle getting in a fight with the fictional Murphy Brown when she had a baby out of wedlock? Ah, the simplicity of the 80s. Now Candace Bergen is 72, that child is an adult, and Trump’s in the White House. CBS doesn’t have a promo because showrunner Diane English says she wants the show to be as politically and socially immediate as possible. Cue Mr. Burns voice: Excellent. The original gang is mostly all there. Jay Gold has died, but Faith Ford, Joe Regalbuto, Grant Shaud are in the cast. The series debuts Sept. 27 on CBS. We’ll be watching. A series with major buzz is “Manifest,” debuting on NBC Sept. 24. This thriller has a “Lost” aura about it. The premise is a jetliner, disappeared for five years, reappears. But the lives of the 191 passengers are forever changed. Is it a miracle or something quite different? “Manifest” is executive produced by the great Robert Zemeckis, and if you thought “destiny” after “manifest,” you aren’t wrong. For those who need some lighter fare, we recommend dallying in the

Food Network. This is our go-to place to soothe ourselves. Not only are half the contestants and chefs on these shows gay, but it satisfies some kind of craving to know we really could cook like this if we wanted to because, if gay 12-yearolds in bow ties are doing it, why can’t we? The latest new series, debuting Sept. 6, looking marvelous, is “Bite Club.” We can’t imagine why no one else has come up with this title before, but now that someone has, we are so there for it. The most talked-about new sitcom will be ABC’s “The Conners,” the spin-off of “Roseanne,” cancelled after the eponymous star went on a series of racist Twitter rants earlier this year. ABC has assured everyone that Roseanne Barr will have nothing to do with the new series, but we’re not sure why we would want to watch it. The entire premise of the “Roseanne” re-boot centered Roseanne and her Trumpian politics pitted against the complexity of a family with LGBT members, a black child and people with opposing politics. It’s difficult to envision where the new series takes us, if John Goodman and Sara Gilbert can helm it, and if the specter of Roseanne doesn’t hang over it like an oppressive, white nationalist pall. We understand ABC didn’t want to penalize the other actors, and even more, that they didn’t want to lose any more money. But if they had taken five minutes to peruse Roseanne’s Twitter account before building a little industry around her, they would have seen other questionable tweets that would have been a huge red flag. Everyone will be tuning in to see how they erased Roseanne from the story. Will it be like that season of “Dallas” when Patrick Duffy turns around in the shower and the previous bad season was all a dream? Or will they have killed her off? “The Conners” debuts on Tues., Oct. 16, the launch for three other family comedies: a new series, “The Kids Are Alright”; returning fave “black-ish,” which has several lesbian characters; and season 2 of the delightful “Splitting Up Together.” Set in the 1970s, “The Kids Are Alright” is about an Irish-Catholic working-class family of many boys, one of whom leaves the seminary, upending the family in myriad ways. The tone seems a cross between early “Roseanne” and “This Is Us,” and there are some gay intimations. ABC caps that premiere night by bringing back audience fave Nathan Fillion in a new crime drama, “The Rookie.” The 47-year-old Fillion plays John Nolan, a 40-yearold rookie cop, the oldest in the

LAPD. This series is based on a true story. We love Fillion, but we’re not sure about this one. If he brings the same insouciance to the role as he did to “Castle,” it will work. The majority of the cast is non-white, except for Fillion. Co-starring Afton Williamson, Melissa O’Neill, Alyssa Diaz, Richard T. Jones. Other returning ABC series faves this fall include “Dancing with the Stars “ (Sept. 24), “Grey’s Anatomy” (which axed its lesbian characters at the end of last season, hopefully will be introducing new gay characters) on Sept. 27, “Fresh Off the Boat” with “Crazy Rich Asians” star Constance Wu (Oct. 5), and “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors” (Oct. 7). ABC also announced “black-ish” creator Kenya Barris is rebooting the 60s classic sitcom “Bewitched” with a multiracial cast and a black Samantha. Will Uncle Arthur be queer, as he was when played by Paul Lynde 50 years ago? We hope so. Debuting later this season. Amy Poehler executive produced the new NBC sitcom “I Feel Bad,” based on the hilarious book by Orli Auslander. Starring Sarayu Blue, Paul Adelstein, Aisling Bea and Johnny Pemberton, this series focuses on “Emet (Blue), a wife, mother, career woman (are we still using this term, NBC? None of your other descriptions say “husband, dad, career man”) trying to have it all.” Despite the dreadful description, the trailer is hilarious. Poehler got NBC to do a series with gay people doing crafts. She’s really good. Law and order are on the docket this season, as always. CBS debuts “FBI” from Emmy winner Dick Wolf, whose “Law & Order” and “Chicago” franchises have been on the tube for a quarter-century. NBC’s “L&O: Special Victims Unit” is the longestrunning drama series on TV. Wolf’s latest is bound to be good, delving into the inner workings of the FBI’s New York office. Lead agents are Special Agent Maggie Bell (Missy Peregrym) and her partner, Special Agent Omar Adom Zidan (Zeeko Zaki). Their missions include terrorism, organized crime and counterintelligence, so they could be looking into the Trump family. There are a plethora of other crime series upcoming, but they are later in the season. NBC’s “The Enemy Within,” about a super-max criminal who is a woman, looks great. There’s a lot more coming, including an AMC miniseries of John Le Carré’s “Little Drummer Girl” and a Fox series of Justin Cronin’s “The Passage.” So for the apocalyptic, the cryptic, blasts from the past but thus far just a soupcon of gay, you know you really must stay tuned. t

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<< Theatre

20 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 30-September 05, 2018

Curtain up on new leadership at A.C.T. by Jim Gladstone

his fall, San Francisco’s venerable American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) raises the curtain not only on a new season of productions, but also on its new leadership team, artistic director Pam MacKinnon and executive director Jennifer Bielstein. As emeritus artistic director Carey Perloff moves on to adventures in freelance directing, Pam MacKinnon makes the reverse swap. Over the same quarter-century that Perloff led A.C.T, MacKinnon established herself as one of the country’s most indemand itinerant directors for hire. A Tony winner for her 2012 direction of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?,” MacKinnon last directed in the Bay Area in 2015. She helmed Berkeley Rep’s Broadway-bound musical “Amélie,” which this paper’s Richard Dodds found enchanting, calling it “an amazing enterprise.” In New York this summer, MacKinnon, 50, directed a cast including Jesse Tyler Ferguson and trans actor Ian Harvie in “Log Cabin,” a provocative comic drama about divides within the queer community. She’s currently at Chicago’s Steppenwolf Theater, mounting a new play by Bruce Norris, having previously directed his Pulitzer-winning “Clybourne Park.” While MacKinnon will direct occasional productions at A.C.T., including Edward Albee’s “Seascape” next winter, she welcomes the opportunity to shape something larger and more enduring than any one show.

A.C.T.

New A.C.T. artistic director Pam MacKinnon.

“For the last 24 years,” MacKinnon explains. “My career has been broken into 10-week grabs, each of which has the same three parts: gearing up for rehearsal, getting into the rehearsal room, and putting the work up on stage. Then start over again. “I’m excited about thinking more broadly,” she says. “Planning a season, which is a 10-month grab, advancing the institution, which is a five-year strategic plan. Having an artistic home at A.C.T lets me scale up my skill set. It’s not about opening a show, then leaving. It’s about opening a show, learning how the audience responds, and then using that information moving forward.” MacKinnon and her partner, an actor, are taking a similarly thoughtful testing-the-waters approach to choosing a place to live in San Francisco. “Through my first season,” she says,

“we’re Airbnb-ing our way through the city. For the past two months we were at Hayes and Masonic. When I come back from Chicago, we’ll be in the Financial District.” It was just two weeks ago that Jennifer Bielstein, 48, and her husband, an events manager, officially moved to San Francisco’s South Beach neighborhood from Minneapolis, where she’d been managing director of the Guthrie Theater since 2016. That position followed 10 years in the same role at the Actors’ Theater of Louisville, home to the influential Humana Festival of New American Plays. Unlike at the Guthrie, where she reported to the artistic director, Bielstein explains that she and MacKinnon, whose hiring was part of what drew her to A.C.T., will have “a real co-equal partnership. Our roles overlap on key strategic institutional decisions. And we share the charge of

A.C.T.

New A.C.T. executive director Jennifer Bielstein.

being ambassadors for A.C.T., both locally and within the national theater community.” Bielstein feels committed to “getting involved in the arts community as a whole. There are many companies here, and from my perspective we all want to foster a great theater scene.” As it happens, A.C.T.’s seasonopening production of “Sweat,” the Pulitzer-winning Rust Belt labor drama, will be directed by Magic Theater artistic director Loretta Greco. While working at several Chicago companies, Bielstein was heavily involved with the city’s Theater League, advancing collaborative programs including an annual free-admission night and a weekly discount program that rotated from company to company, encouraging audiences to sample widely.

Both Bielstein and MacKinnon point to not just the need, but also the clear value of inclusiveness in programming at A.C.T. “We need to find ways to attract, engage and inspire new audiences,” Bielstein acknowledges. “There’s a trend that people buy theater subscriptions later in life, but there are theaters around the country with almost exclusively younger audiences.” “I feel like the Strand can be a gateway,” says MacKinnon of A.C.T.’s three-year-old mid-Market venue, with a 283-seat theater and 120-capacity flexible space. “We can program different kinds of work than make sense at the Geary with a thousand seats.” Spanning the Geary and the Strand, MacKinnon’s slate of selections for 2018-19 is remarkably diverse. Only “Vanity Fair,” a co-production with Washington D.C.’s Shakespeare Theatre Company, was scheduled prior to MacKinnon’s hiring. In addition to “Sweat” and Albee’s “Seascape,” it includes “Men on Boats,” a genderbending historical comedy; “Her Portmanteau,” a Nigerian-American family story; “The Great Leap,” local playwright Lauren Yee’s Chinatownto-Beijing basketball drama; and Ionesco’s “Rhinoceros,” with its absurd, all-too-timely take on conformism vs. confrontation. “This is the first time I’ve ever programmed a season,” says MacKinnon, clearly looking forward to many more. “I’ve thought a lot about what A.C.T. should represent in San Francisco.” t

Swamp rats by David Lamble

“R

odents of Unusual Size” I have to hand it to the “Ro-

·· ·· Acura, Audi, Chrysler, Fiat, Jeep, Dodge Ram, Subaru, VW

dents” directorial trio Quinn Costello, Chris Metzler and Jeff Springer. They’ve made a little gem that covers the waterfront on sensitive issues from

wetlands erosion to animal rights, fur as a fashion statement, a cringeworthy source of protein, a witty update on post-Katrina Louisiana, a proud

lesbian bayou hunter, and an update on Michael Moore’s “Roger and Me” question: “Pets or meat?” The film’s subject is a beautiful or repulsive water rat (depending on your point of view) that weighs in at 20 lbs. and is literally eating away at the land mass and aquatic livelihoods of Southern Louisiana’s fabled bayou country. Called nutria, the rodents are an invasive species that have forced authorities to offer a $5 bounty for proof that someone has actually killed one of the critters. The doc gets off to a somewhat off-putting start as the filmmakers rub our faces in the physical aspects of the “rodent invasion.” Later they try and make amends by taking us on a tour of Cajun kitchens where they bake, boil and sauté the creature nine ways to Sunday. Catching “Rodents” (opening Friday at the Alamo Drafthouse), you may have to substitute your black sense of humor for your gag reflex, but it’s worth the effort to take in a spectacular chunk of Americana that cries out to be seen for the recipes alone. One of the odder moments comes from a nutria hunter who displays his long guns for killing the creatures while he cuddles his own pet nutria on his lap. Go figure! “Crime + Punishment” is a provocative documentary, produced for the Hulu streaming service and getting a limited theatrical run, that examines corrupt practices by the New York City Police Dept. where rookie cops are encouraged to fulfill a quota of arrests. The young cops essentially prey on young minority men who are busted and get a criminal record for crimes they didn’t commit, possibly nonexistent offenses. Director Stephen Maing spent four years tracking the stories of 12 young cops who resisted the scheme, along with the tale of a young Hispanic man who served a year in NYC’s Rikers Island prison on trumped-up drug charges. Maing focuses on the ways that city politics sometimes get ensnarled with sound police practices. My conversation with him began with

Chris Metzler, Tilapia Film

Nutria, also known as a swamp rat, is a semi-aquatic rodent native to South America. It’s an invasive species in the Louisiana swamp.

my opinion that his doc resembled the great narrative exposé film about NYC police corruption “Serpico,” as well as a 19th-century Russian novel. David Lamble: Your title alludes to Russian author Dostoyevsky’s story of a man who, seeking to escape the consequences of an irrational crime, wills more suffering on himself. Stephen Maing: Here we have officers who are asked to commit crimes against the community, pressured to do so. Many of them suffered through great personal struggle and decided they wouldn’t comply with those pressures to meet the [arrest] quota at any cost, fighting their own personal demons as well. You blur the line between fiction and nonfiction, in the tradition of great TV crime shows such as CBS’ “The Good Wife.” There’s a really high bar of expectation in trying to present an issue that many people think they already know a good deal about. Stories of police corruption and police brutality are flooding social media every day. I wanted to present a cinematic experience that transcended that narrative. The film is character-driven, so we’re not basing our story on a new spin on crime statistics or modern police theories. t

Theatre >>

August 30-September 05, 2018 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 21

Betsy Wolfe kicks off a cabaret tour by Jim Gladstone

ver the past few years, Betsy Wolfe has played major roles in four Broadway musicals: “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” “Bullets Over Broadway,” “Falsettos,” and “Waitress.” But the fans who wait for her autograph at stage doors frequently ask about a production that never made it to Manhattan. “After almost every show,” Wolfe says, clearly savoring the thought, “people bring up ‘Tales of the City.’” Wolfe, who will debut her first-ever cabaret show “All Bets Are Off ” at Feinstein’s at the Nikko next week, starred as Mary Ann Singleton in the 2011 worldpremiere production of the “Tales” musical at A.C.T. Coming just five years into her professional career, the sly, soap-operatic love letter to 1970s San Francisco marked the first time Wolfe had originated a lead role, having been with the production through two years of workshops. “I’d done my fair share of labs and workshops before,” Wolfe recalls, “but nothing that had ever come to fruition.” Wolfe’s performance in “Tales” was praised by critics as “superb,” “sensational” and “utterly charming.” While a Broadway transfer never materialized, the show became a calling card, clearly establishing her as leading-lady material. “From the very first time I saw her perform, I could see she was a star,” says Armistead Maupin, author of the “Tales of the City” novels from which the musical was adapted by a creative team including Scissor Sisters’ Jake Shears. Maupin remarks that Wolfe, like Laura Linney, who played Mary Ann in the television version of “Tales,” is “really good at playing someone who has an innocence, but also has a lot of smarts going on behind her surface.” When Wolfe co-produced the only Broadway performance of “Tales” – a concert version last year, benefitting the Trevor Project and the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center – Maupin flew east to read his novels’ first chapter as part of the show. He says he wouldn’t consider missing the Feinstein’s shows next week, where Wolfe promises to include “Paper Faces,” her stunning 11 o’clock solo from “Tales.” Wolfe’s association with “Tales” is just one of the reasons she says it’s a “no-brainer to start my minitour here.” Having grown up four hours south in Visalia, her first professional gig after graduating from the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music was a nine-month San Francisco run of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” in 2006. In 2015 she returned to A.C.T. in a concert performance of Jason Robert Brown’s two-person romance “The Last Five Years.” “I feel safe in San Francisco,” Wolfe says, noting that as much as she looks forward to premier-

ing her solo show, the intimacy of cabaret is still a tad daunting. In preparing “All Bets Are Off,” Wolfe dug into her childhood journals, seeking autobiographical threads to help her build a throughline and set list. “That girl was destined to be an actress,” she observes of her younger self. “My older sister was doing local theater, and I am very competitive, so I initially started because I wanted to keep up with her. But pretty shortly, I realized that I loved it. I never questioned that this was what I was going to do with my life. I just felt at home on the stage.” While Wolfe’s set will incorporate songs she’s performed in musicals, she’s also picked numbers associated with roles she’s only dreamed of playing. And she’ll revisit songs that have been a part of her life off-stage. “I felt very close to Billy Joel’s ‘Summer Highland Falls’ at a young age, not even really understanding the lyrics. I still love the song, but it means so many more things to me now. It’s an incredible challenge to reconceptualize something and re-explore it.” That’s a skill Wolfe brought to bear in her run as Jena in “Wait-

ress” on Broadway, stepping into a role that was based on a film character, and had just been played by the show’s composer, Sarah Bareilles. “I had never replaced before. It’s very different than originating a role in a revival. There’s a danger that you step in and become a cog in a wheel that’s already rolling. But for ‘Waitress,’ they gave me free reign to make it my own. I had five weeks of rehearsal time before I went in. “In the business that we’re in,” Wolfe says of commercial musical theater, “most of the shows getting produced are based on things already familiar to audiences. Even ‘Tales’ and Mary Ann Singleton. It’s a sign of the times. “It would be easy to say that I don’t want to do a role unless nobody else has done it before, but I think a lot of that is fear-based. I take great pride in figuring out how to make something newly relevant and give it a fresh take.” t Betsy Wolfe, All Bets Are Off. Fri. & Sat., Sept. 14 & 15. $33.75$65. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St., SF. www.feinsteinsatthenikko. com

Cabaret performer

Betsy Wolfe will ap pe

Courtesy the subject

ar at Feinstein’s.

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<< Music

22 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 30-September 05, 2018

Fall Preview: SF Symphony by Philip Campbell

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he San Francisco Symphony’s 2018-19 season starts this week, marking the next-to-last year of Michael Tilson Thomas’ historical term as Music Director. The Orchestra’s 107th season is bringing many of MTT’s favorite composers back to Davies Symphony Hall, stressing his quest for innovative and relevant programming, and reminding fans of his commitment to American music and performers. His typically jampacked 24th season is comprised of 16 weeks of programs in San Francisco and the US, including an eight-city national tour, his final American victory lap as SFS Music Director. Signature semi-staged concert events are an exciting returning feature, and immersive “minifestivals” are back, too, with a two-week Stravinsky Festival Sept. 21-23, thematically linked by the three immortal ballets written for Diaghilev’s legendary Ballets Russes. “The Firebird,” “Petrushka,” and the revolutionary “Le Sacre du printemps” (“The Rite of Spring”) will turn the heat up at DSH, with “The Firebird” and the melodrama for voices, narrator, and orchestra “Persephone,” with tenor Nicholas Phan, the Pacific Boychoir, San Francisco Girls Chorus, and SFS Chorus (Ragnar Bohlin, Director), starting the Festival fortnight. Earlier in the month, Sept. 1316, knock-out piano superstar and bold fashionista Yuja Wang teams with MTT and the Orchestra in concerts featuring “Composers Who Paint with Music.” Ravel’s snappy jazz-inflected Piano Con-

certo in D Major for the Left Hand is high on Ms. Wang’s list of accomplishments. Aaron Copland’s beloved ballet score “Appalachian Spring” is on the bill, and it will be performed complete. Intriguingly, lighting designer Luke Kritzeck and video designer Clyde Scott will also be on hand for the concert, planned as a Global Climate Action Summit affiliate event. A presentation of Niccolo Castiglioni’s “Inverno, in-ver” adds to global conversation on the environment, enhanced by projections from a collection of images that follow the line of climate change from earth’s coal mines to its threatened glaciers. Conceived and directed by MTT with his New World Symphony in Florida, the daring, far-out-of-town tryout was a success. SFS audiences will also reap the benefits with another chance to enjoy Fearless Leader’s groundbreaking approach to programming. 2018-19 isn’t all about MTT. The biggest celebrations are undoubtedly in the works for his final season. For now, we are gearing up for the holidays and the end of 2018. DSH will stay bright and inviting October through December, with guest conductors and artists helping to pay the light bill. Manfred Honeck and cellist Truls Mork showcase Prokofiev and Dvorak in October, and Spanish conductor Pablo HerasCasado, SFS favorite and my vote for most exciting possible future replacement for MTT, returns for another “Composers Who Paint with Music” concert. Ravel and Debussy are right up his alley. He is joined by piano virtuoso Javier Perianes for a thrilling Bar-

tok Concerto. October ends with Christian Macelaru conducting fast-rising violin star Ray Chen in a program featuring the fiery music of Lalo and the rich Viennese cream of R. Strauss’ Suite from “Der Rosenkavalier.” November starts with another guest conductor, Jakob Hrusa, and violinist Karen Gomyo presenting works by 20th-century masters Bartok and Shostakovich. The month ends with a “Celebrating MTT” concert featuring his “From the Diary of Anne Frank” and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 3, “Eroica.” MTT is back on the podium Nov. 23 & 25 for performances of Beethoven’s Ninth, the ultimate ode to freedom. The concerts are in honor of the 70th anniversary of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The usual rush of holiday events at DSH (don’t forget “Film with Live Orchestra” shows) will be highlighted in December by British conductor, music director, author and music scholar Jane Glover leading the annual traditional Handel’s “Messiah.” Opening week of the season continues with two “All San Francisco Concerts” on Sept. 6 & 8, with cellist Oliver Herbert joining MTT and the SFS for a glittering celebration featuring music of Liszt, Tchaikovsky and, who else?, George Gershwin. Single tickets have been on sale since earlier in the summer, but packages are still available, and subscriptions always guarantee prime seating. We will preview more of the season later this year. t sfsymphony.org

Norbert Kniat

Piano superstar and bold fashionista Yuja Wang will perform with the San Francisco Symphony.

Saturday, September 15, 2018 / 7 pm Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium

Pricing Starting at $25 tickets.marincenter.org 415.473.6800

Todd Rosenberg

Cellist Oliver Herbert will join MTT and the SFS in concert.

Music>>

August 30-September 05, 2018 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 23

Merola Grand Finale showcases talent by Philip Campbell

an Francisco’s Merola Opera Program, known for selecting and intensively training some of the most promising young talent in the world, recently finished its 2018 Summer Festival with a Grand Finale at the War Memorial Opera House. The famous organization’s 61st season welcomed 23 singers, five apprentice coaches and an apprentice stage director to the encampment, kicking off for audiences with the annual Schwabacher Summer Concert, followed by two fully-staged operas, including a Mozart rarity and Stravinsky’s “The Rake’s Progress,” at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. The Merola Grand Finale feels like a deluxe commencement ceremony, with the astonishing graduates singing for their diplomas. It isn’t a competition, but considering the success of prior grads, it’s difficult not to handicap the talent, wondering who will go on to become Adler Fellows and win parts in San Francisco Opera productions, or make their debuts with other professional companies. A case in point is RomanianAmerican baritone and secondyear Adler Fellow Andrew G. Manea. He was a 2016 Merola participant and has two SFO roles already under his belt. He will soon perform in “Roberto Devereux,” replacing an injured Artur Rucinski as the Duke of Nottingham. Merolini gain not only prestige from their training, but also some valuable experience, which adds to their prospects. Performing on the unit set from “Roberto Devereux,” the fresh and confident group sang arias, duets and ensembles by a variety of composers. Fluidly positioned by apprentice stage director Marcus Shields, the wide range of musical genres, from Baroque to bel canto and 20th century, melded better than might have been expected. Conductor Dean Williamson, known for his work with American companies, quickly warmed the musicians with a sparkling Rossini Overture to “L’Italiana in Algeri.” A duet from Mascagni’s “L’amico Fritz” featured two congenial standouts from the Schwabacher Concert, tenor Brian Michael Moore (Cincinnati, OH) and mezzo-soprano Megan Grey (Cedar Falls, IA). Another charming duet from Berlioz’s “Beatrice et Benedict” followed, with mezzosoprano Simone McIntosh (Vancouver, British Columbia) and Tenor Zhengyi Bai (Shandong, China) singing the title roles. Soprano Patricia Westley (Santa Barbara, CA) impressed in a challenging aria from Bellini’s “La Sonnambula.” She returned later for a delightful duet with bassbaritone Andrew Moore (Point Pleasant, NJ) from Mozart’s “The Magic Flute.” They have resonant tone, even when going for laughs.

Kristen Loken

Brian Michael Moore (front), Jacob Scharfman, Zhengyi Bai, Ted Allen Pickell, Charles Sy in the Merola Grand Finale, presented at the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco.

An ensemble from Puccini’s operetta-like “La Rondine” cheered the audience with the famous tune “Chi Il Bel Sogno” (Doretta’s Aria), sung first by Zhengyi Bai, then reprised gorgeously and in full by soprano Brittany Nickell (Coral Springs, FL). Her appearance in the Schwabacher Concert was memorable, but her voice has become richer. Nickell joined tenor Christopher Oglesby (Woodstock, GA) for music from Richard Strauss’ “Capriccio.” With the orchestra sumptuously supporting them, each displayed the worth of Merola coaching. Oglesby was a bright-toned Tom Rakewell in “The Rake’s Progress.” His voice is also big enough to ride over the musicians in the Opera House pit. The first half included a romp by South Korean tenor WooYoung Yoon through Tonio’s aria “Ah, mes amis!” from Donizetti’s “La fille du regiment.” He tossed off flawless high Cs with impish glee. Another exciting new voice coming from Seoul, baritone Jaeman Yoon was a strong Rigoletto with Chinese soprano Meigui Zhang (excellent as Anne Trulove in “The Rake’s Progress”) portraying his daughter Gilda with a delicate and clear tone. Also from South Korea, baritone SeokJong Baek sailed through his aria from Leoncavallo’s “Zaza.” Like his compatriots, he has a big voice that fills the auditorium. Mezzo-soprano Alexandra Urquiola was moving in her urgent and sensitive “I was standing in a garden,” from “Trouble in Tahiti” by Leonard Bernstein. Cilea’s “Adriana Lecouvreur,” with mezzo-soprano Anne Maguire (Washougal, WA) as La principessa and apprentice coach Annie Brooks (Seattle, WA) accompanying her on celeste, added a bright vignette. Soprano Marlen Nahhas

(Houston, TX) and tenor Christopher Colmenero (Burlington, VT) were darker but effectively dramatic in their duet from Verdi’s

“Don Carlo.” Remarkable soloists appeared in quick succession after intermission. Soprano Kendra Berentsen

(Portland, OR) was in beautiful voice in the title role of the aging courtesan “Thais.” Tenor Charles Sy (Ontario, Canada) made an impassioned Rodrigo in Rossini’s “Otello,” and Chinese baritone Xiaomeng Zhang sang a stirring aria from Monteverdi’s “Il ritorno d’Ulisse in patria” with apprentices Matthew Gemmill (Ames, IA) and James Maverick (Baton Rouge, LA) on harpsichords, and Annie Brooks on organ. Tenor Addison Marlor (Salt Lake City, UT) breezed through a deceptively simple aria from “The Bartered Bride,” and bass-baritone Ted Allen Pickell (El Dorado Hills, CA), a sympathetic Father Trulove in “Rake’s Progress,” showed his more passionate side as the tortured monk Athanael in “Thais.” A perfectly done little comedy duet from Donizetti’s “Don Pasquale” proved Merola participants wouldn’t be there if they didn’t deserve it. Soprano Cheyanne Coss (Eaton Rapids, MI) as Norina and baritone Jacob Scharfman (Boston, MA) as Malatesta showed timing and finesse equal to veteran professionals. Welcome to the theatre, Class of 2018. t

2018–19 Season L’HISTOIRE DU SOLDAT @ 100 SEAN JONES | Trumpet REGINA CARTER | Violin

Fri Sep 28 | 7pm | Herbst Theatre This performance is part of our 39th Season Gala, for more information on attending the full Gala celebration, call 415.677.0326.

SEONG-JIN CHO | Piano Mon Oct 22 | 7:30pm | Herbst Theatre Works by BACH, SCHUBERT, CHOPIN and MENDELSSOHN

DANIEL HOPE | Violin & FRIENDS Sat Oct 27 | 7:30pm | Herbst Theatre Air: A Baroque Journey

PATRICIA KOPATCHINSKAJA | Violin POLINA LESCHENKO | Piano Wed Dec 12 | 7:30pm | Herbst Theatre Works by BARTÓK, POULENC, ENESCU and RAVEL

JESSICA LANG DANCE Thu–Sat, Feb 28–Mar 2 | 7:30pm YBCA Theater Lyric Pieces, The Calling, 1000 Yard Stare, and This Thing Called Love (West Coast Premiere)

415.392.2545

sfperformances.org

<< Fall Previews

24 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 30-September 05, 2018

Fall Theatre

tory Theatre Company mounted a spare, thrilling and beautifully acted production that deftly handled overlapping interracial, interfaith and homosexual relationships, “The Mystery of Love and Sex.” The mystery of the fall season is whether they can once again manage such a complex web of nuance. The work that sets the challenge is Korean playwright Hansol Jung’s “Cardboard Piano,” which finds a young Ugandan woman falling in love with the daughter of Christian missionaries. Produced with the Museum of the African Diaspora, this is one to root for. Oct. 26-Dec. 2. www. nctcsf.org

From page 15

“Fatter Than You Think,” comedian Justin Matson’s take on gay men and body image, arrives fresh off a run at the Edinburgh Fringe. “Dangerous When Wet: Booze, Sex and My Mother” is a Moth StorySLAM champ’s exploration of the three most important relationships in his life. Shows play at the Exit Theatre in SF, Sept. 6-15. www.sffringe.org

Main dish dramas

It’s great to see San Francisco theaters investing in the cultivation of powerful work by emerging playwrights. This fall, both the Magic Theatre and San Francisco Playhouse will share the fruits of those efforts, moving plays featured last year in their development programs – the Virgin Play Festival and Sandbox Series, respectively – into full-scale mainstage productions. Signaling positive past audience response as well as artistic excellence, the elevation of these plays makes them excellent choices for audiences who want to support new voices but are hesitant to spend time and money on untested work. SF Playhouse revisits local writer Christopher Chen’s “You Mean to Do Me Harm,” which finds two mixedrace couples at a dinner that devolves into a complex linguistic and psychological scrum over Chinese, American and Chinese American perspectives. www.sfplayhouse.org. Magic remounts “The Resting Place,” a wrenching, suspenseful Midwestern family drama by Ashlin Halfnight, who has mined related material as a writer for “Bloodline,” the Netflix

Fall Art Museums

From page 15

Crocker Museum: “Duane Michals: The Portraitist.” Leonard Cohen, Philip Roth, Andy Warhol, Eartha Kitt, Madonna, Marcel Duchamp, Tennessee Williams, the original cast of SNL, and the inimitable Tilda Swinton posing as a backwards/forwards man – you’ll just have to see that one for yourself – are just a few of the luminaries immortalized by this divine, most uncommon photographer in a rare comprehensive overview. A self-taught practitioner of the darkroom arts, Michals, who’s gay, is noted for narrative photo sequences, sometimes inscribed with handwritten enigmatic text, and his images of erotic desire. (Sept. 16-Jan. 6) crockermuseum.org Cantor Arts Center: “Contact Warhol: Photography Without End” draws on a cache of 130,000 photographic exposures and a collection of 3,600 contact sheets that represent the entire range of Warhol’s black & white photography, from 1976 until his sudden death in 1987. The show, which also documents Warhol’s fascination with gay culture of the 1970s & 80s with his pictures of drag queens, Fire Island bashes and sexually explicit subject matter, traces the development of his photography from images on a contact sheet to the fully realized silkscreen paintings of pop culture celebrities that made him famous. (Sept. 29-Jan. 6) museum.stanford.edu de Young Museum: “Contemporary Muslim Fashions,” an original, in-house, sure-to-be-controversial exhibition, showcases the work of over 80 mostly Muslim emerging and veteran designers who create socalled modest fashions that accommodate the regional and religious sensitivities of their clients. Westerners, who associate Muslim dress solely with black burkas, headscarves and shapeless clothing, may be surprised at the inventive, glamorous ways Muslim women (and the industry that serves them) skirt condemnation and express themselves through high-end couture and chic sportswear. (Sept. 22-Jan. 6); “Steve

Matthew Murphy

Scene from an earlier production of “Dear Evan Hansen,” coming to the Curran.

Singing for their supper

On the musical front this season, five productions especially grab my attention, three local and two touring. Three solid bets and two total headscratchers. If you’re going to splurge on one pricey show this season, make it the poignant powerhouse “Dear Evan Hansen” at the Curran, on its first national tour. It’s particularly relevant to the Bay Area in its exploration of social media, remarkably insightful about suburban adolescence, and gifted with the richest, hands-down most hummable original Broadway score in years. Dec. 5-30. www.sfcurran.com Running concurrently with the intimate “Hansen” will be the intentionally overwrought “Bat Out of Hell: The Musical,” hanging out at the Orpheum for the holiday season. It’s a dystopian rock opera built around Jim Steinman’s songs for the 1977 album by Meat Loaf. And it was a huge hit in London. AYOR. Dec. 4-23. www.shnsf.com

The season’s other oddball musical gamble is Theatre Rhinoceros’ homegrown production of “The Boy from Oz,” the jukebox bio of flamboyant 1970s song-and-dance man Peter Allen. The rarely produced show’s success hinges almost entirely on a truly spectacular male lead. In the hit Broadway version, that was Hugh Jackman. When his contract ended, the producers shut the show down, unconvinced he could be replaced in the role. But who knows? Rhino artistic director John Fisher pulled a kangaroo out of his hat with his last Aussie musical, “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.” Fingers crossed. Oct. 26Nov. 18. www.therhino.org It’s hard to believe that “Allegiance” has never been performed in the Bay Area before this fall’s production at the Contra Costa Civic Playhouse. While no classic, the George Takei-inspired musical about the impact of WWII Japanese-American internment camps on a multigenerational family is sturdily built and touchingly delivers an important, often-overlooked history lesson. It’s also got a virtually all-Asian-American cast. Local audiences should consider giving it the “Crazy Rich Asians” treatment. Sept. 21-Oct. 21.www.ccct.org Finally, TheatreWorks Silicon Valley lets the Bay Area revisit “Fun Home,” the musical adaptation of Alison Bechdel’s graphic novel about the multiple self-awakenings of a young lesbian with a secretly gay father. A tender chamber piece with surprising humor and deeply nuanced characters, it joins “Evan Hansen” and “Next to Normal” in a new mini-genre of domestic musicals. Oct. 3-28. www.theatreworks. org. t

series starring Kyle Chandler and Sissy Spacek. www.magictheatre.org. “The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?” is simultaneously one of the late Edward Albee’s most accessible and most potentially off-putting plays. Its Tony-winning premiere production in 2002 was staged in a sitcom suburban living room, with superficially vanilla Bill Pullman cast as the wacky dad. The nature of that wackiness, though, is decidedly not the stuff of prime time. Dad is having an affair with the titular ungulate. Hilarity – and hysteria – ensue. In another production I saw, the set was an artsy, black-accented urban loft and the paterfamilias played by John Glover, with his trademark reptilian sleaze. However director Paul Stout decides to envision things at Custom Made, Albee’s brilliant, cutthroat dialogue will demand that audiences wrestle with the nature of taboos and social norms. Post-theater dinner conversa-

tions will be lively. Sept. 20-Oct. 20. www.custommade.org I’ll admit it. A three-hour, 14-castmember play about diplomatic negotiations sounds daunting. Which is exactly why I’m looking forward to the Marin Theatre Company’s production of “Oslo,” the first West Coast production of J.T. Rogers’ awardssweeping play. Rogers won Lucille Lortel, Outer Critics Circle, Drama League, New York Drama Critics’ Circle, Obie and Tony Awards for Best Play. It’s said that Rogers never gets bogged down in detail and wrings riveting psychological drama from the 1993 summit meeting between Israel’s Yitzhak Rabin and the P.L.O.’s Yasser Arafat in Norway. I’ll need to see it to believe it, but it’d sure be nice to be reminded that there’s room for intellect and sensitivity at the highest echelons of global politics. Sept. 27Oct. 21. www.marintheatre.org Last spring, the New Conserva-

Kahn: The Hollywood Suites” focuses on a project the late LA-born, Berkeley-based photographer commenced in 1974, when he rented rooms in a Melrose Avenue motel where he shot professional bondage models. He soon trained his eye on the dilapidated setting – the suites of the title being a euphemistic term – and the project morphed into a complex, conceptual series examining the dimensions of psychological bondage and confinement. (Sept. 29-March 31); “Gauguin: A Spiritual Journey” is on track to be the show of the season. Through paintings, wood carvings, drawings and ceramics, it explores two central themes of Paul Gauguin’s career, part of it famously spent in the South Seas: the relationships that shaped him both professionally and personally, and his quest for spirituality. (Nov. 17-April 7) deyoung.famsf.org. OMCA: You may never feel the same about the sleek lines and luxuriant feel of a classic Eames chair – and if you’re lucky, what it’s like to put your feet up on a matching ottoman – after visiting “The World of Charles and Ray Eames,” an exhibition that concentrates on the legacy of the husband-and-wife team who became the most influential designers of the 20th century. “Anything I can do, Ray can do better,” Charles once said of Ray, an acknowledgment that two great innovative minds are better than one. (Oct. 13-Feb. 17) museumca.org Asian Art Museum: “Painting Is My Everything: Art from India’s Mithila Region” features 30 largescale modern paintings on paper from Bihar, a provincial state in the northeast of the country. The exhibition delves into the evolution of the once-private, time-honored tradition of women decorating their homes inside family compounds into a burgeoning arts movement. (Sept. 7-Dec. 30); Multimedia artist Haroon Mirza’s site-specific installation “The Night Journey,” which opens concurrently, translates an historic 19th-century Islamic painting of the Prophet Muhammad into light and sound. (Sept. 7-Dec. 9) asianart.org SFMOMA: Covering 50 years

of output, “Wayne Thiebaud Paintings and Drawings” assembles works by the beloved Northern Califor nia-base d artist, a man who made cakes, pies, candy machines the subject of mouthwatering fine art. (Sept. 29-April 28); For the companion exhibit “Artist’s Choice,” Thiebaud chose paintings by old friends, European modernists such as Miro and Matisse, as well as works by American and California artists from the museum’s collection. Courtesy AAM From “Painting Is My Everything: (Sept. 29-March 10); Art from India’s Mithila Region,” coming to the Asian Art Museum. Bookended by a pair of major historical events, the uprising at TiananBriggs Initiative: men Square in 1989 and the 2008 A Scary Proposition” Beijing Olympics, “Art and China marks the 40th anniverafter 1989: Theater of the World,” an sary of the 1978 battle exhibition of Chinese contemporary that successfully defeatart, looks at the radical transformaed Proposition Six. The tions that impacted two generations homophobic statewide of conceptualist, performance and initiative would have political artists. (Nov. 10-Feb. 24); banned lesbian and Brassai, who looked more like the gay people and their town butcher than the master phosupporters from teachtographer who captured Parisian ing in public schools life during the day and after dark (Sept. 14-Jan. 20); “A between the two World Wars, is the Picture is a Word: The focus of a survey that bears his name. Posters of Rex Ray” It includes images of lovers, ladies of exhibits graphics, from the night, laborers, lively cafes and the early 1990s onward, dance halls, and leaders of the avantby the well-known city garde, Picasso, Dali and Matisse. artist, many created to (Nov. 17-Feb. 18) sfmoma.org promote Bill Graham’s MoAD: “Second Look, Twice” rock concerts. (Oct. 12brings together 15 artists of African Feb. 3) Glbthistory.org descent who have experimented with Contemporar y the tactile, old-world art-form of Jewish Museum: Wayne Thiebaud/Licensed by VAGA, New York Goya and Rembrandt, and created “Veiled Meanings: abstract prints both different from Fashioning Jewish Wayne Thiebaud, “Pineapple Tray” and similar to work in their primary Dress, from the Col- (1972/1990/1992), the Doris and Donald mediums. Kara Walker, Martin Purlection of The Israel Fisher Collection at SFMOMA. year, Glenn Ligon and Mickalene Museum, Jerusalem,” Thomas are among the participating a touring show of over culture and identity through garartists. (Sept. 19-Dec. 16) moadsf.org 100 articles of clothing and textiles, ments from more than 20 countries. GLBT History Museum: “The expresses the varied aspects of Jewish (Aug. 30-Jan. 6) thecjm.org, t

Labor Day libations

Nightlife

www.ebar.com

Shining Stars

Vol. 48 • No. 35 • August 30-September 5, 2018

Daniel Reichard Singer-actor talks Broadway and Burning Man

by Jim Gladstone

“I

’m a Burner,” says Daniel Reichard, regretting that he couldn’t make it to Black Rock City this week. In what’s likely to be a classic, only-in-San Francisco juxtaposition, Reichard expects a passel of playa-goers to convene in the significantly more straight-laced climes of Feinstein’s at the Nikko not long after the burn. He sings there next Thursday, September 6, performing a show he’s dubbed Summer Playlist. See page 26 >> Daniel Reichard

NiAUG.g30-htli f e Events SEPT. 6, 2018 S

treet festivals and art festivals are cool indoor and (sometimes) cooler outdoors. Dress appropriately, but strip off your creative inhibitions.

Sun 2 Liniker e os Caramelows @ Neck of the Woods

{ THIRD OF THREE SECTIONS }

<< Cabaret

26 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 30-September 5, 2018

Daniel Reichard performing.

Daniel Reichard

From page 25

“Honestly, when I was originally planning this show, it was going to be called Burning Man Playlist,” says Reichard. “I have dozens of friends in the Bay Area who I met there. But the title was a little too specific—I’m also doing this show in New York.” It’s possible that referring to the desert bacchanal would put off

some of Reichard’s New York fan base. After all, he became a star in what is pretty much the antithesis of Burning Man: Jersey Boys. After ten years of regional theater, opera and Off-Broadway jobs it was the Cleveland native’s first ever Broadway gig. “It was a life-changing experience,” Reichard says of the career boost and lessons in discipline he gained in the show’s original cast, playing Bob Gaudio, one of the Four Seasons.

But having played over 1000 performances in the role, Reichard openly acknowledges what many actors in long running shows are loathe to admit publicly: “I got bored.” While the financial stability of being in a hit is in some ways a working actor’s dream, the routine of eight weekly performances in a precision-tooled vehicle can be wearing on the artistic soul. Ultimately, though, the show set the stage for Reichard’s next act. Rather than quickly returning to the New York boards, he and three other Jersey Boys stars created their own concert act. As The Midtown Men, the former cast-mates perform hits of the 1960s in one-night stands at theaters and orchestra halls around the country (They’ll sing with the San Francisco Symphony at Davies Hall in December). Reichard and his colleagues are far more empowered than Broadway performers, having the final say on everything, from work schedules to repertoire to finances. “I have a beautiful business,” says Reichard. “And I love the creative control.” That opportunity for creativity extends to Reichard’s solo show. “Building a concert or nightclub act really gives me a chance to reflect and choose songs that I connect to. I pride myself in singing from many different genres.”

At Feinstein’s Reichard promises a wildly eclectic, Burner-worthy set list. “Every song is different than the one before. The mood changes every three to five minutes. I’ll do some Talking Heads, B-52s, Lady Gaga. The oldest song is by Rodgers and Hammerstein and the newest is Sufjan Stevens’ ‘Mystery of Love,’ which was in Call Me By Your Name.” After eight years away from acting, Reichard says that, “Next year, I’m dipping my foot back in the theater pond. I do miss it. But it’s about finding the right project. I have a more narrow desire. “The main thing is finding a new show. I don’t enjoy the process of being put into a role that someone else has been playing, And if you step into something that’s already a hit, you’ve put yourself out of the running for a lot of jobs that might come along.” Thinking back on one of his earliest New York jobs, playing the lead in Radiant Baby –an unsuccessful musical biography of Keith Haring– Reichard says he’d like to originate the role of “an artist, a political figure, someone who made personal sacrifices to achieve something for the wider world.” But he’s willing to wait, rather than making his own unnecessary sacrifices just to be back on Broadway.

Flex @ Powerhouse

Nightlife Events

Muscle studs, gogos, drinks and music with DJ Guy Ruben, plus porno on the TVs. $5. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. powerhousebar.com

August 30-September 6, 2018

Friday Night Live @ El Rio Enjoy the weekly queer and LGBTfriendly live acoustic concerts. $5pm. 3158 Mission St. www.elriosf.com

Latin Explosion @ Club 21 The popular Latin club with gogo guys galore and Latin music. $10-$20. 9pm-3am. 2111 Franklin St., Oakland. www.club21oakland.com

Ledisi, Goapele @ Fox Theater, Oakland

Tue 4

Two amazing soul/R&B singers share a night of music. $39-$95. 8pm. 1807 Telegraph ave., Oakland. http://thefoxoakland.com/ http:// apeconcerts.com/

Juanita MORE!’s Birthday Party @ Jones

Are your friends all out of town? Looking for alternative Labor Day weekend fun? We’ve got it here, in abundance.

The Monster Show @ The Edge

Thursday Night Live @ SF Eagle

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

Rock bands play at the famed leather bar. $8. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

Picante @ The Cafe

THU 30

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

10,000 Maniacs @ The Independent

Porn @ The Stud

The popular indie art rock band performs. $32-$35. 8pm. 628 Divisadero St. theindependentsf.com/ apeconcerts.com/

Gayface @ El Rio Queer weekly night out at the popular Mission bar. 10pm-2am. 3158 Mission St. www.elriosf.com

Junk @ Powerhouse MrPam and Dulce de Leche cohost the weekly underwear strip night and contest, with sexy prizes. $5. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www. powerhousebar.com

Literary Speakeasy @ Martuni’s The reading, music and cocktails night, with host James J. Siegel, Abe Becker, Deamer Dunn, Kate Folk, Trebor Healey, and singer-songwriter Rob Jamner. 7pm. 4 Valencia St.

Manimal @ Beaux

Queer dance party foir sex workers and fans. $5-$10. 9pm-4am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.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

Sex and the City Live @ Oasis Enjoy more drag parody episodes of the hit series about four women in Manhattan, with D’Arcy Drollinger, Sue Casa and others. $27-$250 (VIP tables). 8pm. Fri & Sat 7pm. Thru Sept. 8 298 11th St. sfoasis.com

Sundance Saloon @ Space 550 The Country-Western line-dancing two-stepping dance event celebrates 20 years. Free thru April 29; $5 after. 5pm-10:30pm. Also Sundays. 550 Barneveld Ave. www. sundancesaloon.org

Travis Atreo, The Complements @ The Lost Church The musician, and the vocal duo perform at the intimate music venue. $10-$15. 8:15pm. 65 Capp St. www.thelostchurch.com

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

Ousseynou Kouyate @ Ashkenaz, Berkeley The Senegalese singer, dancer and cultural historian performs traditional/modern West African music with The Makru Band. $15. 9pm. 1317 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. http://www.ashkenaz.com/

FRI 31 Arlo Guthrie @ Freight & Salvage, Berkeley The folk music veteran performs with his kids, Abe Guthrie and Sarah Lee Guthrie. $60-$64. 8pm. Also Sept. 1 & 2. 2020 Addison St., Berkeley. www.thefreight.org

Big Boy @ Lone Star Saloon One-year anniversary with DJs HeartShapedBox and Chaka Quan. $5. 9pm-2am. 1354 Harrison St. www.lonestarsf.com

Bomba Latina @ Club OMG Drag show with DJ Jaffeth. $5. 9pm2am. 43 6th St. www.clubomgsf.com

DTF Fridays @ Port Bar, Oak. Various DJs play house music, and a few hotties gogo dance at the new gay bar’s weekly event. 9pm-2am. 2023 Broadway. (510) 823-2099.

Tue 4

Sam Smith @ Oracle Arena

▼

“I’m not a theater junkie like I was when I was younger. When you first move to New York, you’re so green and passionate about theater…” Reichard takes a long pause, then continues in fully self-realized Black Rock-ese. “I guess I’ve wanted to make sure I enjoy the full course meal of being alive.”▼ Daniel Reichard performs at Feinstein’s at the Nikko, Thursday, September 6. 8pm. $30-$60 ($20 food/drink minimum). 222 Mason Street. www.feinsteinsatthenikko.com

Daniel Reichard

Daniel Reichard (left) at Burning Man in 2016.

Prism @ Qube Bar & Grill, San Mateo New weekly LGBT night at the Peninsula restaurant and bar. 8pm11:30pm. 4000 South El Camino Real, San Mateo. https://qubelyfe.com/

Red Hots Burlesque @ The Stud The saucy women’s burlesque show will titillate and tantalize. $10-$20. 7pm-9pm. 399 9th St. redhotsburlesque.com studsf.com

Stereo Argento @ The Stud Italian Giallo (horror) night, with a murder mystery onstage and dance music. 10pm-3am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

Ty Herndon @ Oasis The openly gay Country-Western singer performs a concert at the SoMa club. $20-$30. 10pm. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

SAT 1 La Bota Loca @ Club 21, Oakland Banda Los Shakas performs live at the LGBT Latinx night. $10. 9pm-4am. 2111 Franklin St. club21oakland.com

▼

Nightlife >>

GAMeBoi SF @ Rickshaw Stop

August 30-September 5, 2018 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 27

Jock @ The Lookout

The monthly gay Asian & pals dance night features K-pop and other dance genres. $8-$15. 10pm-2am. 155 Fell St. www.rickshawstop.com

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

Green Eggs and Bam! @ Flore

Liniker e os Caramelows @ Neck of the Woods

Drag shows and brunch at the central restaurant-café, with hostess Camille Tow. Shows at 12pm, 1pm, 2pm. 2298 Market St. www.flore415.com

Lips and Lashes Brunch @ Lookout 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. www. lookoutsf.com

Mother @ Oasis Heklina’s popular drag show, with special guests and great music themes. Sept 1 theme is Tori Amos vs. Florence + the Machine. DJ MC2 plays grooves. $15-$20. 10pm-3am (11:30pm show). 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

PowerBlouse @ Powerhouse Juanita MORE’s monthly drag makeover project, with this month’s subject, $5. Patty Daniel. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

Sex, Drags & Rock n Roll @ Midnight Sun MuthaChucka’s wild drag and rock music night, with Ruby Blue Gender Bender, Alice Chainz and other talents. 9pm-1am. 4067 18th St. www.midnightsunsf.com

Woof, Frolic @ SF Eagle The monthly canine-pup happy hour (3pm-6pm) is followed by the fursuit fetish and fun night. $5. 8pm-2am. 398 12th St. www.sf-eagle.com

SUN 2 Beer Bust @ SF Eagle The popular daytime party, where $10-$15 gets you all the beer you can drink, supporting worthy causes. Sept 2 is for Tenderloin Tessie Holiday Dinners. 3pm-6pm. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

Beer Bust @ Lone Star Saloon Beer, bears, food and beats at the weekly fundraiser for various local charities. $15. 4pm-8pm. 1354 Harrison St. www.lonestarsf.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

GlamaZone @ The Cafe 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

Must-see concert with Liniker Barros, a trans black woman who fronts one of Brazil’s most compelling soul bands. $15-$20. 9pm. 406 Clement St. www.linikereoscaramelows.com.br www.neckofthewoodssf.com

Squeal @ SF Eagle Post-beer bust T-dance. 7pm-1am. 398 12th St. www.sf-eagle.com

Vanessa Bousay @ Oasis The elegant drag chanteuse performs her new live cabaret show, Diva 101, with Tom Shaw, Roberta Drake and Steven Satyricon. $25. 7pm. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

MON 3 Cowgirl Palooza @ El Rio Velvetta (with Leigh Crow and Ruby Vixen) headline an afternoon with the 16th annual cowgirl singers, including The Muddy Roses, Crying Time and Valerie Jay. Cowgirl/guy attire appreciated. $10. 3pm-8pm. 3158 Mission St. www.elriosf.com

Gaymer Meetup @ Brewcade The weekly LGBT video game enthusiast night includes big-screen games and signature beers, with a new remodeled layout, including an outdoor patio. No cover. 7pm-11pm. 2200 Market St. brewcadesf.com

Munro’s at Midnight @ Midnight Sun Drag night with Mercedez Munro. No cover. 10pm. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com

Musical Mondays @ The Edge Sing along to shows tunes on video, lip-synched, and live, at the Castro bar. 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.

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

TUE 4 Gaymer Night @ Midnight Sun Weekly fun night of games (video, board and other) and cocktails. 8pm-12am. 4067 18th St. www.midnightsunsf.com

Mon 3

Velvetta at Cowgirl Palooza @ El Rio

Juanita MORE!’s Birthday Party @ Jones The nightlife producer and drag icon throws herself a special party, with cocktails and hors d’eouvres, plus the premiere of her new menu at the stylish restaurant-nightlcub. 6pm-9pm. 620 Jones St. www.juanitamore.com

Sam Smith, Beth Ditto @ Oracle Arena The British vocalist and the sassy singer perform at the arena for a gay night. $26-$130. 8pm. Also Sept. 5. 7000 Coliseum Way, Oakland. www.apeconcerts.com/

Sing Out @ Encore Karaoke Lounge Home of drag shows, and hilaraoke karaoke. 9pm-1am. 1550 California St. #2. 775-0442.

Stag @ Powerhouse Single, or a couple looking for an extra? Cruise it up. $5. 5pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

Vice Tuesdays @ Q Bar Queer femme and friends dance party with hip hop, Top 40 and throwbacks at the stylish intimate bar, with DJs Val G and Iris Triska. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com

WED 5 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. 8pm-2am. 2120 Broadway, Oakland. www.bench-and-bar.com

Club 88 @ Flore New weekly piano bar sing-along night with alternating hosts Maria Konner, Kitten on the Keys and Alan Choy. 9pm-12am. 2298 Market St. .flore415.com

Dick at Nite @ Moby Dick Grace Towers’ weekly drag show at the fun local bar. 9pm-12am. 4049 18th St. mobydicksf.com/

Gigante @ Port Bar, Oakland Juanita MORE! and DJ Frisco Robbie’s new weekly event, with Latin, Hip Hop and House music, gogo gals and guys, and a drag show. $5. 9pm-2am. 2023 Broadway, Oakland. www.portoakland.com

Hump @ Powerhouse DJ Jim Collins spins vinyl grooves at the weeknight event. $5-$10. 10pm2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

Karaoke Night @ Club 1220, Walnut Creek Sing along at the East Bar gay bar; dance nights on weekends, and drag shows, too. 9pm-1am. 1220 Pine St., Walnut Creek. club1220.com

Fri 31 Ledisi @ the Fox Theater, Oakland

Miss Kitty’s Trivia Night @ Wild Side West The weekly fun night at the Bernal Heights bar includes prizes, hosted by Kitty Tapata. No cover. 7pm10pm. 424 Cortland St. 647-3099. wildsidewest.com

Sat 1

Frolic @ SF Eagle

Out in Tech @ Oasis Social time for techies. 6pm-9pm. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

Pan Dulce @ Beaux Drag divas, gogo studs, DJed Latin grooves and drinks. 9pm-2am (free before 10:30pm). 2344 Market St. www.clubpapi.com www.beauxsf.com

Queeraoke @ El Rio Dulce de Leche and Rahni NothingMore, Beth Bicoastal, Ginger Snap and Thee Pristine Condition perform weekly, plus karaoke for queens. 9pm. 3158 Mission St. www.elriosf.com

THU 6

Fri 31

Ty Herndon @ Oasis

Gym Class @ Hi Tops Enjoy whiskey shots from jockstrapped hotties and sexy sports videos at the popular sports bar. 10pm-2am. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com

Jade Bird @ The Chapel The singer performs music from her first album; Field Report opens. $16$18. 9pm. 777 Valencia St. www.jade-bird.com/ www.thechapelsf.com/

John Sebastian @ Freight & Salvage, Berkeley Founder of the ‘60s band The lovin’ Spoonful performs classic songs. $35$40. 8pm. 2020 Addison St., Berkeley. www.thefreight.org

Junk @ Powerhouse

entertain at an Oakland Pride weekend kickoff party. $10-$20. 9pm-11pm. 2120 Broadway, Oakland. www.club-bnb.com

Queer Muslim Futures @ The Stud Discussion followed by music night; Organized by artist and performer Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (aka Faluda Islam) in collaboration with Arshia Fatima Haq, Hushidar Mortezaie, Laylatul Qadr, and Saba Taj. 8:30pm-2am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

Thursday Night Live @ SF Eagle Rock bands play at the famed leather bar. $8. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

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

Thursdays Rock @ Lone Star Saloon

Nightlife @ California Academy of Science

Two Friends @ Cornerstone, Berkeley

Enjoy science, nature exhibits and nightlife at the unique weekly parties. Sept. 6: DJ Tanoa Stewart, fermented food demos and tastings, pickles and more. $12-$15. 6pm-9pm. 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. www.calacademy.org

Oakland Pride Kickoff @ Club BnB, Oakland Comics Sampson McCormick, Kia Barnes, rapper Young Shorty Doowop and DJ Mellanique Robicheux

Grooves with DJ BRD. 8pm-12am. 1354 Harrison St. www.lonestarsf.com

Music duo (Matt Halper and Eli Sones) performs their dance music pop songs. $21-$24. 8:30pm. 2367 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. www.twofriendsmusic.com www.cornerstoneberkeley.com Want your nightlife event listed? Email events@ebar.com, at least two weeks before your event. Event photos welcome.

<< Arts Events

28 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 30-September 5, 2018

Arts Events

August 30-September 6, 2018

Beach Blanket Babylon @ Club Fugazi

Exhibit 2018 @ Harvey Milk Photo Center

Fernando Reyes, Kathleen King @ Mercury20, Oak.

The musical comedy revue celebrates its 43th year with an ever-changing lineup of political and pop culture icons, all in gigantic wigs. $25-$160. Beer/wine served; cash only; 21+, except where noted. Wed-Fri 8pm. Sat 6pm & 9pm. Sun 2pm & 5pm. 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd. (Green St.). 421-4222. www.beachblanketbabylon.com

Group exhibit of prints by members, volunteers and staff. 1pm4pm. Thru Sept 16. 50 Scott St. harveymilkphotocenter.org

Dual exhibit of paintings, thru Sept 12. Thu-Sat 12pm-6pm (Fri til 9pm). 475 25th St. at Telegraph, Oakland. www.mercurytwenty.com

LGBTQ Histories from the WWII Home Front @ Rosie the Riveter Visitor Education Center, Richmond

Liniker e os Caramelows @ Neck of the Woods

Cabaret @ Cinnabar Theater, Petaluma The Tony-winning Kander & Ebb musical set in Weimar Germany, and based on gay author Christopher Isherwood’s Berlin Stories, gets a North Bay production. $20-$40. Thru Sept 16. 3333 Petaluma Blvd. North. cinnabartheater.org

Garrett + Moulton @ YBCA Theater

Street festivals and art festivals are cool indoor and (sometimes) cooler outdoors. Dress appropriately, but strip off your creative inhibitions.

Kiss @ Ashby Stage

THU 30

Michelle Meow Show @ Commonwealth Club

Anniversary! @ Z Space Word for Word presents staged versions of short fiction by authors Tobias Wolff and George Saunders. $20-$50. Wed & Thu 7pm, Fri & Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm. Thru Sept. 2. 450 Florida St. www.zspace.org

The Black Woman is God @ SOMArts Cultural Center Opening reception and performances for the multi-genre group exhibit of art depicting African women, created by dozens of artists. 6pm10pm. Reg hours Tue-Fri 12pm-7pm. Sat 12pm-5pm. Thru Oct. 2. 934 Brannan St. www.somarts.org

Classic and New Films @ Castro Theatre Aug 30: Stop Making Sense (7:15) and True Stories (9pm). Aug 31-Sept 5: Sing-Along The Little Mermaid (various times). $11-$14. 429 Castro St. castrotheatre.com

Mamma Mia! @ Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek

RJ Muna

Thu 6

The ABBA jukebox musical gets a local production. $39-$83. Thru Oct. 7. 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. lesherartscenter.org

Older and Out @ North Berkeley Senior Center

Guillermo Calderon’s play about a group of actors who discover a script set in Damascus, which proves to be more of a mystery. $7-$42. Thu-Sun thru Sept. 23. 1901 Ashby Ave., Berkeley. shotgunplayers.org

Travis Atreo, The Complements @ The Lost Church

One Life Stand @ The Marsh Berkeley

The soloist and duo music acts perform original music and covers. $10-$15. 8:15pm. 65 Capp St. www.thelostchurch.com

Washed Up on the Potomac @ Custom Made Theatre

Queer Yoga @ Love Story Yoga

World premiere of José Zayas’ play about D.C. proofreaders caught up in a possibly murderous scandal. $30. Thu 7pm, Fri & Sat 8pm. Sat 3pm. 533 Sutter St. 2nd floor. sfplayhouse.org

All-level weekly classes in an LGBT space. $11. 6:30pm-7:30pm. 473 Valencia St. at 16th. www.lovestoryyoga.com

SAT 1

FRI 31

Caesar Maximus @ Music Concourse

Connecting Threads @ JCCSF

Arlo Guthrie @ Freight & Salvage, Berkeley

Quilts From the Social Justice Sewing Academy, an exhibit of textile art by local youth, with political themes. Opening reception Sept. 16, 4pm. Mon-Fri 8am-10pm, Sun 8am-8pm. hru Nov. SF Jewish Community Center, 3200 California St. jccsf.org

The folk music veteran performs with his kids, Abe Guthrie and Sarah Lee Guthrie. $60-$64. 8pm. Also Sept. 1 & 2. 2020 Addison St., Berkeley. www.thefreight.org

Films @ BAM/PFA

Dan Hoyle returns with his hit show about attempts to connect in a busy digital world. $25-$100. Thu & Fri 8pm, Sat 8:30pm. Thru Sept. 29. 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley. themarsh.org

Artistic and award-winning films, including documentaries about artists; ongoing. Tarkovsky films thru Aug. 30. 2155 Center St., Berkeley. www.bampfa.org

Weekly group discussion about problems for elders in the LGBT community. 3:15pm. 1901 Hearst Ave., Berkeley. pacificcenter.org

A Modern Girl’s Guide to Enlightenment & Other Disorders, Alicia Dattner’s solo show about heteronormative dating, how to spot narcissists, and more. $20-$100. Fri 8pm, Sat 8:30pm, thru Sept. 29. 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley. www.themarsh.org

Meow and cohost John Zipperer discuss LGBT issues with different guests. Weekly, 12pm. 110 Embarcadero. www.commonwealthclub.org

Each and Every Thing @ The Marsh Berkeley

We Players’ performs Nick Medina and Ava Roy’s adaptation of Shakespseare’s Julius Caesar, with a circus theme, performed outdoors at the park’s museum area. $35-$65. Thu-Sun 5:30pm. Thru Sept. 30. Music Concourse Drive at Golden Gate Park. www.weplayers.org

Can You Dig It? The ‘60s @ The Marsh Berkeley Don Reed’s popular solo show about his unusual childhood in San Francisco. $20-$100. 5pm. Also Sun 5:30pm, thru Sept 9. 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley. themarsh.org

Park indoor exhibit that showcases the lives of historic LGBT people. Open daily 10am-5pm. 1414 Harbour Way South, Suite 3000, Richmond. www.nps.gov/rori/index.htm

Must-see concert with Liniker Barros, a trans black woman who fronts one of Brazil’s most compelling soul bands. $15$20. 9pm. 406 Clement St. linikereoscaramelows.com.br www.neckofthewoodssf.com

A Midsummer Night’s Dream @ Presidio Parade Lawn

Make Believe: The World of Glen Keane @ Walt Disney Museum

Shakespeare’s comic romance gets an outdoor production by the SF Shakespeare Festival. Free; BYO picnic (chairs seat in the back). 2pm. Also Sept 2, 3, 8 & 9. Graham St. Parade ground. www.presidio.gov/events

Native Gardens @ Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts Karen Zacarias’ suburban comedy about a Latino family’s move to a Washington family obsessed with their prize-winning garden. $40$100. Thru Sept. 16. 500 Castro St., Mounatina View.TheatreWorks.org

Sausalito Art Festival @ Marinship Park Annual gathering of visual art, with live music (George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Drive-By Truckers, Jesse Colin Young, and jazz musician Dave Coz & Friends; thru Sept. 3. Free/$150. 2200 Marinship Way. www.sausalitoartfestival.org

Skate Night @ Church on 8 Wheels Wheeled fun at the former Sacred Heart Church-turned disco roller skate party space, hosted by John D. Miles, the “Godfather of Skate,” including Saturday’s Black Rock night (Burning Man garb encouraged). 7pm-10pm. Sat afternoon sessions 1pm-2pm and 3pm-5pm. $10. Kids 12 and under $5. Skate rentals $5. 554 Fillmore St at Fell. www.churchof8wheels.com

Sunday in the Park With George @ SF Playhouse

Enjoy weekly informed tours of various parts of San Francisco, from Chinatown to the Haight, and a ‘radical’ and political-themed LGBT-inclusive tour. Various dates and times. $15-$25. www.wildsftours.com

SUN 2

A Guided Tour of Hell @ Asian Art Museum

The Black Woman is God @ SOMArts Cultural Center

Queer Tango @ Finnish Hall, Berkeley Same-sex partner tango dancing, including lessons for newbies, food and drinks. $5-$10. 3:30pm6:30pm. 1970 Chestnut St, Berkeley. www.finnishhall.org

Temple of Light Choir @ Ashkenaz, Berkeley Gerogian folk tales and songs with ancient melodies. $10-$20. 7pm. 1317 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. www.ashkenaz.com

Various Exhibits @ Chabot Space & Science Museum, Oakland Space, science and plantery exhibits, including planetarium shows and the Observatory; special nighttime events like meteor shower shows. Free-$18. 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. www.chabotspace.org

The World of Frida @ Bedford Gallery, Walnut Creek Group exhibit of works inspired by Frida Kahlo; thru Sept 16. 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. www.BedfordGallery.org

Wild SF Walking Tours @ Citywide

BrasArte’s 14th annual Brazilian Independence Day Festival, with a street party, live music and dance, food, crafts, samba circles and more. Free. 10am-6pm. Evening dance party 7pm-12am, $15. 1901 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. brasarte.com

Thurs 30

Exhibit of animation art by the prolific artist (Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Tarzan ). Thru Sept 3. Also, Walt Disney’s Nine Old Men: Masters of Animation (Bambi, Peter Pan, Lady and the Tramp) , thru Jan. 7. Other exhibits of Disney artifacts and film screenings. 104 Montgomery St, The Presidio. $5$25. 10am-6pm. Closed Tue. www.wdfmuseum.org

Stephen Sondheim & James Lapine’s fascinating musical about painter Georges Seurat and his sculptor grandson gets a local production. $20-$125. Tue-Thu & Sun 7pm. Fri & Sat 8pm. Also Sun 2pm. Thru Sept. 8. 450 Post St. 2nd floor, Kensington Park Hotel. www. sfplayhouse.org

Brazilian Day @ Hearst St., Berkeley

Artwork by Kitano Winn

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Pema Namdol Thaye’s A Guided Tour of Hell (thru Sept. 16), Traces of the Past and Future, Fu Shen’s painting and calligraphy, thru Sept., plus exhibits of sculpture and antiquities. Sunday café specialties from $7-$16. Free-$20. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. 200 Larkin St. www.asianart.org

Fri 31 Ousseynou Kouyate @ Ashkenaz, Berkeley

MON 3 Empowerment in Print @ GLBT History Museum Empowerment in Print: LGBTQ Activism, Pride & Lust, a mini-exhibit of periodicals from the collection. Angela Davis: OUTspoken, a new exhibit of art and ephemera about the historic lesbian activist and scholar, and Faces of the Past: Queer Lives in Northern California Before 1930, part of the Queer Past Becomes Present main exhibit. $5. 4127 18th St. glbthistory.org

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Art Events >>

August 30-September 5, 2018 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 29

Thu 6 Genevieve Quick @ Asian Art Museum

Playmates and soul mates...

San Francisco:

1-415-692-5774 Veiled Meanings @ Contemporary Jewish Museum Veiled Meanings: Fashioning Jewish Dress, from the Collection of The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, an exhibit of detailed clothing form dozens of countries; thru Jan 6, 2019. Also, In That Case: Havruta in Contemporary Art—Oxossi Ayofemi and Risa Wechsler, thru July 2019. Lew the Jew and His Circle: Origins of American Tattoo, thru June 9. 2019. 736 Mission St. https://thecjm.org/

TUE 4

Peter Hujar: Speed of Life @ BAM/PFA, Berkeley

San Francisco Symphony @ Davies Symphony Hall

Exhibit of photos by the New York 1970s-’80s art/celebrity scene gay photographer who died of AIDS in 1987; thru Nov. 18. Also, Way Bay 2, a large group exhibit of 200+ works of art, film, performance and archival materials; thru Sept 2. Cecelia Vicuna: About to Happen, thru Nov. 18. Ongoing film series at the Pacific Film Archive. Berkeley Art Museum, Pacific Film Archive, 2155 Center St. Berkeley. bampfa.org

Opening night gala, with guest violinist Itzhak Perlamn, and Michael Tilson Thomas conducting the symphony in works by Liszt, Bach, Gershwin, and more (8pm). $190$95. Formal dinner tix $495 and up (5pm-8pm). 201 Van Ness Ave. www.sfsymphony.org

René Magritte: The Fifth Season @ SF MOMA

A Doll’s House: Part 2 @ Berkeley Repertory Theatre

Clifford Ross’ mesmerizing Light Waves II, an installation of LED walls displaying digital extreme climate change videos. Sun-thu 10am-5pm. Fri til 9pm, Sat til 6pm. Thru Sept 23. 2 Marina Blvd. fortmason.org www.cliffordross.com

New exhibit of 70 artworks by the master Surrealist painter; thru Oct. 28. Sublime Seas: John Akomfrah and J.M.W. Turner, a captivating video installation (thru Sept. 16). Also, Nothing Stable under Heaven (thru Sept. 16) and Alexander Calder: Scaling Up. Free/$25. Fri-Tue 10am-6pm. 151 3rd St. sfmoma.org

Comeda es Medecina @ Galería de la Raza

Various Events @ Oakland LGBTQ Center

Coal + Ice @ Fort Mason

Group exhibit of works by artists focusing on the topic of food justice from Latinx, Chicanx, Central American, indigenous, and immigrant perspectives. 2857 24th St. www.galeriadelaraza.org

Exclusion @ Presidio Officers Club Exhibit documenting the Presidio’s Japanese-American incarceration during World War II; other exhibits show the history of the former military base and the SF peninsula. Free, Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. Thru Spring 2019. 50 Maraga Ave. www.presidio.gov/officers-club/ exhibitions/

Gabriela Alemán @ City Lights Bookstore The Equadorian author reads from the English translation of her novel Poso Wells, with guests Mauro Javier Cardenas and Dick Cluster. 7pm. 261 Columbus Ave. www.citylights.com

Liz Harvey @ Salesforce Park The dance and sculpture artist performs with a site-specific installation at the new transit station’s park. Free 8:30am12:30pm. Thu & Fri 12pm-4pm thru Sept. 28. 425 Mission St. www.lizharveystudio.com www.salesforcetransitcenter.com

Social events and meetings at the new LGBTQ center include film screenings and workshops, including Bruthas Rising, trans men of color meetings, 4th Tuesdays, 6:30pm. Film screenings, 4th Saturdays, 7:30pm. Game nights, Fridays 7:30pm-11pm. 3207 Lakeshore Ave. Oakland. oaklandlgbtqcenter.org

WED 5 Expedition Reef @ California Academy of Sciences Exhibits and planetarium shows with various live, interactive and installed exhibits about animals, plants and the earth; Deep Reefs, Giants of Land and Sea, Gems and Minerals, and more. $20-$35. Mon-Sat 9:30am5pm. Sun 11am-5pm. 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. 379-8000. calacademy.org

THU 6 Lucas Hnath’s innovative funny ‘sequel’ to the Henrik Ibsen theatre classic about a 19th-century housewife who returns to the husband she abandoned. $23-$75. Thru Oct. 21. 2025 Addison St. www. berkeleyrep.org

Garrett + Moulton @ YBCA Theater Stabat Mater and Mad Brass, world premiere dances by innovative choreographers Janice Garrett and Charles Moulton. $20-$42. Thu-Sat 8pm Sun 3pm. Thru Sept. 9. 700 Howard St..ybca.org / garrettmoulton.org

Jade Bird @ The Chapel The singer performs music from her first album; Field Report opens. $16$18. 9pm. 777 Valencia St. www. jade-bird.com www.thechapelsf.com

John Sebastian @ Freight & Salvage, Berkeley Founder of the ‘60s band The Lovin’ Spoonful performs classic songs. $35-$40. 8pm. 2020 Addison St., Berkeley. thefreight.org

Genevieve Quick @ Asian Art Museum

Eight-artist exhibit of varied media works. Thru Oct. 6. 1246 Folsom St. arc-sf.com

Planet Celadon: Our Receiver is Operating, a dance and video performance imagining Asian American identity through science fiction. 7pm & 8pm. Sept 8 & 9 at 1pm & 2:30pm. 200 Larkin St. asianart.org/regular/planet-celadon

Friendly Fire @ Wessling Gallery

A Sacred Beautiful @ SF Human Rights Commission

FourSquared @ Arc Gallery

Group exhibit of vibrant works in various media by 14 artists. Opening reception 5pm-9pm. 440 Brannan St. www.wesslinggallery.com

Exhibit of prints by Kalima Amilak and Nye Lyn Tho, portraits of African American women with unique hairart designs. Thru Oct. 2. 25 Van Ness Ave., 8th floor. Mon-Fri 9am-4pm.

Vanessa Hua @ City Lights Bookstore The author reads from A River of Stars and The Golden State, in conversation with Lydia Kiesling. 7pm. 261 Columbus Ave. www.citylights.com To submit event listings, email events@ebar.com Deadline is each Thursday, a week before publication.

Sat 1 A Midsummer Night’s Dream @ Presidio Parade Grounds

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<< Spirits

30 • BAY AREA REPORTER • August 30-September 5, 2018

Labor day libations by Jim Gladstone

of The Roosevelt Hotel and its opulent Blue Room bar, created around the same time as the cocktails themselves. Here’s to libations and libraries both! Cocktails Across America (Countryman Press), $24.95. www.countrymanpress.com

t’s Labor Day weekend, the summer’s third and final sanctioned drinking festival. A new bar, a new book, a new bottle, and a new drinking game have all shown up on the BARtab radar in recent days. Please, enjoy one on us.

Single malt…Irish?

Outer Orbit opens

Calling all Pinheads! Outer Orbit, a pinball-themed bar and casual Hawaiian-cuisine restaurant, opened just last weekend at Mission and Valencia streets. While owners Christian Gainsley and Elisabeth Kohnke welcome families in the early evening hours, they say that even after a week in business, the scene shifts to an adult crowd after 8pm. Hardcore pinball aficionados themselves, Gainsley and Kohnke have “cherry-picked” favorite machines from a friend’s collection and have a partnership with the Pacific Pinball Museum in Alameda. The nine currently installed at Outer Orbit

▼

A bartender mixes a cocktail at Sexton.

date from a 1971 classic, Zodiac, to a high-tech 2018 limited edition, Total Nuclear Annihilation (Whee!?) The couple have made the most out of a beer and wine, curating an eclectic line-up of 27 local-focused beers and ciders (15 on tap), including selections from Blue Oak Brewing

in San Carlos, North Coast in Fort Bragg, and Bernal Heights’ Bare Bottle Brew Co. They’ve also rocketed to the top of the low ABV cocktail scene, skipping the usual shochu and sake afterthoughts to hire longtime Skylark vet Michelle Byrnes as a consultant. Byrnes has developed innovative drinks built on fortified wines. “My goal,” she says. “Was to make refreshing easy sippers that would still show off the complexity of the small batch old world spirits we’re using.” Those would be the likes of Tabacal, originally marketed as an accompaniment to cigar smoking; Cappelleti, a flavor cousin of Aperol and Campari; and Rancio Sec, a roasty nutty barrelaged spirit. Like pinball machines, these are rarely found in home bars, creating all the more reason to get out of the house and check out Outer Orbit. 3215 Mission St. (415) 574-6166 www.outerorbitsf.com

Sampling Cocktails Across America

If you’re committed to drinking in your private inner sanctum, at

least let your mind go wandering. Cocktails Across America by Diane Lapis and Anne Peck Davis is the perfect companion for armchair imbibing. The book is a whistle-wetting whistle-stop tour of classic post-Prohibition Americana; featuring boozy historical lore and drink recipes, illustrated with vintage postcards from the 1920s-1940s that depict the hotels, nightclubs and railroad trains that were the source of many a signature cocktail. Fun facts and fancy images abound: From 1933 to 1949, Xavier Cugat (later husband to Charo) led the dance orchestra at New York’s Waldorf Astoria, where the Triple-C “Cugat Conga Cocktail” was created in his honor (Rum, grenadine, lime juice, absinthe). Chicago’s Ladner Brothers bar famously served up Cohasset Punch, which involved an entire canned peach half nestled at the bottom of a flat champagne glass at topped with a scary-sounding mixture of rum and vermouth. Said their publicity materials: “It braces one’s nervous system and physical system like a new elixir of life.” The histories of New Orleans staples the Sazerac and Ramos Gin Fizz are accompanied with classic images

Local speakeasy shrine Bourbon and Branch recently hosted the San Francisco launch of a new Irish whiskey, The Sexton Single Malt. For aesthetic and economic reasons as well as top-notch drinkability, this smooth, complex booze deserves a place on home bars. It’s a four-year-old single malt aged in sherry barrels, which gives it a smooth, caramelly finish. The two most surprising aspects of this tipple are its package and its price tag. The Sexton comes in a hard-to-resist hexagonal black glass bottle with a nifty top-hatted skull on the label (Do Deadheads like single malts?). With its premium look and premium taste, one would expect a premium price. But The Sexton can (and deserves to) be found at local retailers for between $25 and $30. www.thesexton.com

A swinging new party game

The word ‘smashed’ is oh-soappropriate for the drinking game of the year: Nipyata, a piñata loaded with unbreakable plastic mini bottles of booze (nips). A quick trip to Mission Street can yield everything you need (This is screaming for a Trump piñata), but if you never leave home to shop anymore, there’s an online store to help. Choose from a selection of piñata designs—including millennial-targeted giant tacos and handlebar moustaches—and then select your favorite brands of booze from a short selection. Hit hard, then party hard. www.nipyata.com▼

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Shinning Stars >>

August 30-September 5, 2018 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 31

Shining Stars

Photos by

Steven Underhill

GAPA Runway XXX @ Herbst Theater T

he Gay Asian Pacific Alliance Foundation’s annual costume, drag and talent gala, Runway, took on a “Quest for the Pearl” pirate theme for its thirtieth edition, held August 25 at The Herbst Theater at the War Memorial Performing Arts Center on 401 Van Ness Ave. Contestants performed a creative array of pirate-themed song and dance numbers. The newly crowned Mister and Miss GAPA 31 are Mr. Christo Roma and Miss Shu Mai. Proceeds from Runway will benefit GAPA Foundation’s Student Scholarship and Community Grants Programs. Previously crowned Mr. and Miss GAPAs, and Imperial and Ducal court notables enjoyed the festivities. gapafoundation.org/ See more nightlife photos on BARtab’s Facebook page, facebook.com/ lgbtsf.nightlife. For more of Steven Underhill’s photos, visit StevenUnderhill.com.