May 5, 2016 Edition of the Bay Area Reporter

New name for AIDS Housing Alliance

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Vol. 46 • No. 18 • May 5-11, 2016 Adult and youth leaders of the recent Time is Now conference talked about building community, and included, from left, Dania March, Eric Flood, Aldo Gallardo, Isabel Hallock, and Lisa Evans.

Rick Gerharter

The AHF space on Castro Street.

AIDS nonprofit Youth-led confab draws 100 to Oakland again sues SF, Wiener Q

by Heather Cassell

by Seth Hemmelgarn

A

n AIDS nonprofit that’s been trying to move a pharmacy in San Francisco’s Castro neighborhood is again suing the city and gay Supervisor Scott Wiener, claiming discrimination.

The Los Angeles-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation filed its latest complaint April 28 in San Francisco Superior Court. In court documents, the nonprofit accuses Wiener of opposing its plans because AHF has been an outspoken critic of PrEP, which Wiener takes and which is supported by the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.

AHF also says Wiener has opposed its Castro plans because he favored Strut, the AIDS foundation’s gay and bi men’s health clinic at 470 Castro Street that opened in January.

Wiener’s District 8 includes the Castro.

“For at least the last two years, AHF has continuously, very loudly, and very forcefully argued against the adoption of PrEP as a widely used method of attempting to prevent HIV infection,” the nonprofit, which expresses safety concerns about the prevention method, says in its complaint.

The nonprofit claims Wiener and others enacted controls against its plans “in retaliation against AHF for engaging in its aforementioned protected First Amendment activities.”

In a phone interview Monday, Wiener said AHF’s claim about the AIDS foundation is “completely untrue. My action had nothing to do with favoring or disfavoring anyone, and everything to do with closing a loophole so AHF and others could not game the formula retail rules.”

He was referring to how, at least at one point, the nonprofit had planned to call the space Castro Pharmacy instead of AHF PharSee page 13 >>

ueer youth of color from Sacramento, the East Bay, and other areas gathered in Oakland for the third annual Time Is Now: LGBTQI Youth Summit, where they took part in workshops and dabbled in art and fashion.

The youth-led conference, themed “Thriv-

ing Not Surviving” and held at Oakstop, was filled with sessions focused on health and wellness, career advice in counseling and health care provided by the UC Berkeley and UCSF, activism, art, and fashion.

“I’m taking home a lot of fliers [from] organizations, some that I’ve never heard of and some that I’ve already heard about, but now I’m just super ready to join,” said Sky Lowe, a

Jane Philomen Cleland

16-year-old gay activist.

The conference was planned by a core team of three youth leaders and three adult leaders, along with input from representatives from about 15 organizations, the leaders told the Bay Area Reporter Saturday, April 30.

For the low-income queer youth of color and their adult advisers the conference has See page 13 >>

SF judge candidates highlight their experience

by Matthew S. Bajko

B

arred from taking stances on controversial issues as they vie for a judgeship, the three lawyers seeking a seat on the San Francisco Superior Court are instead highlighting their legal experiences.

The judicial contest is for the local court’s Seat 7, which had been held by Judge Ernest H. Goldsmith until his retirement last month. If none of the three candidates secures 50 percent plus one of the vote in the June 7 primary, then the top two vote-getters will advance to the general election in November.

Picking up momentum in recent days has been Victor M. Hwang, a former San Francisco assistant district attorney who prosecuted hate crimes and is now in private practice. In late April the Judiciary Committee of the Bar Association of San Francisco announced that it had deemed Hwang, 48, as “exceptionally wellqualified” to be a judge.

In an email touting the rating, Hwang noted it was the first time in 20 years that the local legal group had given its highest rating to a judicial candidate.

Both Paul Henderson, a gay man who is Mayor Ed Lee’s deputy chief of staff and director of public safety, and Sigrid Irias, a trial attorney who also worked for several years as

Jane Philomen Cleland

San Francisco Superior Court candidates Paul Henderson, left, Victor Hwang, and Sigrid Irias discussed their experience during a recent voters forum.

a Catholic schoolteacher, received “well-qualified” ratings from the local bar. All three had applied through Governor Jerry Brown’s office to be appointed to a judicial vacancy but heard no word on their applications.

This week the San Francisco Chronicle endorsed Hwang. Noting that its decision was “a close call” among the three candidates, the newspaper determined that Hwang “has the edge thanks to his experience and qualifications.”

It is an argument Hwang has been making since entering the race earlier this year.

“I never worked in a policy position or at a large law firm. I was in the courtroom every

week,” Hwang said during a candidate forum last month sponsored by the local bar association.

The University of Southern California School of Law graduate began his career as a deputy public defender in East Los Angeles. He then joined the Asian Law Caucus in 1996, working on a number of high profile cases, including a federal lawsuit accusing the Rohnert Park police of killing a Chinese American based on a martial arts stereotype and the defense of Dr. Wen Ho Lee, the Taiwanese American scientist accused of espionage.

Hwang then went to work with Asian Pacific See page 13 >>

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2 • BAY AREA REPORTER • May 5-11, 2016

t

SF woman denies threat, hate crime claims

VALENCIA CYCLERY

by Seth Hemmelgarn

been found on Martin, he said.

Kantrovitz told the court witnessSan Francisco woman has been es said Martin had had a knife, and accused of threatening to kill that the victims had identified her two drag performers outside a gay as the suspect. She also said that one South of Market nightclub while of the people at the scene had been SPRING wielding a knife and yelling anti-gay Martin’s mother, who had tried to We’ve got m and anti-trans slurs. get her daughter to stop. ready to ride Pearly Martin, 29, pleaded not Boudin, who said Martin had a guilty April 27 to two felony counts court order to pick up her 3-yearof making criminal threats, and old son in a couple days, said that misdemeanor charges of exhibiting in the last five years, she’d had one a deadly weapon and vandalism of felony conviction and one bench less than $400.

Each of the felony warrant. She doesn’t have “a serious Google Street View Hybrid/City counts carries an allegation of a hate Hybrid/City Kid’s criminal history,” he said, and she A woman has been charged crime based on the victims’ gender has “no history of violent conduct.” with hate crime allegations and an allegation of use of a deadly Martin’s living in “stable” transistemming from an incident that weapon. tional housing in the city’s Bayview occurred outside Club OMG Rakesh Modi, a co-owner of Club district, he said. in the city’s South of Market OMG, at 43 Sixth Street, said in a Kantrovitz said Martin has three Road neighborhood.

Facebook exchange that he heard felony convictions related to selling Now Op Martin make comments like “I have narcotics.

As he tried unsuccessfully to get a realHAPPY pussy and you don’t,” and “I In granting Kantrovitz’s request Ever y Thurs take 20% OFF a Martin released, Deputy Public Dewill kill you faggots” to “some drag that Martin’s bail be set at $250,000, Road Mountain fender Chesa Boudin acknowledged queens who were outside leaving Judge Charles Crompton said Marthat she “is charged with offenses the club.” Bar staff called police. tin’s history didn’t concern him “as Now Open Thursday to 7pm! that on the face of it are quite disCourt records say the incident ocmuch as the charges in the current tressing,” but he said “a large group curred Monday, April 25. case” and “the level of violence.” of people” had been involved in the At Martin’s arraignment last Martin, who didn’t comment as Every Thursday in April between 4 & 7pm incident, and it wasn’t clear to him Wednesday in San Francisco Supeshe appeared Vale in court Wednesday take 20% OFF all parts, accessories & clothing.* 1065 & 1077 whether Martin was 415-550responsible for rior Court, Assistant District Attorin an orange sweatshirt and pants, is SALES SPRING *Sales*Sales limited to stock ononhand. limited to stock hand.

Mon.Sat. 1 any or all of what happened. ney Brenna Kantrovitz said Martin in custody at San Francisco County We’ve There had been “atgot least three had been “brandishing avalenci knife,” and Jail #2 on $300,000 bail, according m women to yelling epithets,” yet Martin in the squad car, she had screamed ready ride to the sheriff ’s department. She inihad been the only person arrested, “multiple curse words” and “kicked tially agreed to an interview request Boudin said. He also said the alout a window.” made through a deputy Friday, but legations involved “simply verbal Martin had also told people that minutes later changed her mind and threats,” and there hadn’t been any her boyfriend had a gun and would declined to speak to a reporter. physical violence. No weapon had kill them, Kantrovitz said.

Her next court date is May 10.t

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campaigns. That is why reach- O Now

ing them with these messages HAPPY new ad campaign is imperative,” said Wolitski.

Ever y Thur take 20% OFF launched this week aims “I have lost too many people to convince casual LGBT in my life to HIV and I don’t young adult smokers to give want to lose anymore to toup tobacco for good. bacco use.”

The nearly $36 million The This Free Life cam“This Free Life” campaign paign will include print, from the Food and Drug digital, and out-of-home ads, Administration is targeted such as on busVale shelters and 1065 & 1077 at LGBT SALES young adults ages billboards. Its online com415-550 Mon.Sat. 18-24 who smoke cigarettes ponent will be featured on on occasion. It is runningvalenc social media sites like Tumblr, in 12 major cities across the Facebook and Instagram, and country, including San Frandating sites such as OkCupid cisco, Los Angeles, and San Courtesy FDA and the lesbian-focused Her. Diego in California.

“The audience for This Free A YouTube screenshot features two of the people Its pitch of “We’ve come in the FDA’s new campaign targeting young Life may not have responded too far to harm our future LGBTQs to quit smoking tobacco, even if they well to traditional cessation with tobacco” aims to tie a only smoke occasionally. messages,” said Kathy Crosby, smoke-free lifestyle to the director of the FDA’s Office of gains made in LGBT rights.

Health Communication and paign, said to be the first to target And the campaign warns Education at the Center for casual LGBT young adult smokers, that infrequent tobacco use can lead Tobacco Products.

Richard Wolitski, Ph.D., acting dito an addictive habit that harms The new campaign is a continuarector of the Department of Health one’s health and “siphons money tion of the FDA’s anti-smoking mesand Human Services’ Office for from our pockets,” as a male narsages for at-risk youth. In February HIV/AIDS and Infectious Disease rator notes in one of the campaign 2014 the agency launched its “The Policy, said addressing LGBT health ads.

Real Cost” smoking prevention disparities is personal for him.

“We know LGBT young adults campaign focused on youth ages 12 “As a gay man living with HIV, I in this country are nearly twice as to 17. It was followed by two other have worked for 30 years to improve likely to use tobacco as other young campaigns, the most recent being gay men’s health and prevent HIV, adults,” said Mitch Zeller, J.D., direc“The Real Cost,” which debuted last STD, and hepatitis infections in tor of the FDA’s Center for Tobacco month and focuses on smokeless my own and other communities,” Products. “We want LGBT young tobacco products. said Wolitski. “The health impacts adults to know that there is no safe This Free Life builds on those of smoking also hit close to home amount of smoking.” previous campaigns by targeting for me. My husband’s father died of Of the more than 2 million LGBT LGBT young adults, who tend to lung cancer because he smoked.” young adults in the U.S., more than come out of the closet at 18 or older, The coming out process for 800,000 smoke occasionally, accord“in a laser-focused way,” said Zeller. young LGBT adults is often a stressing to the FDA. Tobacco use, added “We could have purchased media ful time, noted Wolitski, when many the agency in a press advisory, rethat reached all 12 to 17 year olds, will often turn to smoking cigarettes sults in tens of thousands of LGBT but that is not efficient since most as a coping mechanism. It is also the deaths each year. have not come out.” age when many young LGBT adults “They don’t consider themselves The new campaign is funded by start going out to clubs and bars to be smokers and don’t understand user fees the federal government where they often encounter people the associated health risks,” said collects from the tobacco industry smoking, reinforcing the idea that Zeller. “Even an occasional cigarette and not by taxpayer dollars. tobacco use is the norm in the LGBT can have serious health impacts and Several of the campaign videos community. lead to addiction.” can be seen on its YouTube page at “Young adults are historically Speaking on a media call Monday, https://www.youtube.com/channel/ underserved by tobacco prevention May 2 to discuss the “historic” camUCOf9sjgyrkxJfraysM1uWQg.t

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4 • BAY AREA REPORTER • May 5-11, 2016

Volume 46, Number 18 May 5-11, 2016 www.ebar.com PUBLISHER Michael M. Yamashita Thomas E. Horn, Publisher Emeritus (2013) Publisher (2003 – 2013) Bob Ross, Founder (1971 – 2003) NEWS EDITOR Cynthia Laird ARTS EDITOR Roberto Friedman BARTAB EDITOR & EVENTS LISTINGS EDITOR Jim Provenzano ASSISTANT EDITORS Matthew S. Bajko • Seth Hemmelgarn CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ray Aguilera • Tavo Amador • Race Bannon Erin Blackwell • Roger Brigham Brian Bromberger • Victoria A. Brownworth Brent Calderwood • Philip Campbell Heather Cassell • Belo Cipriani Richard Dodds • Michael Flanagan Jim Gladstone • David Guarino Liz Highleyman • Brandon Judell • John F. Karr Lisa Keen • Matthew Kennedy • Joshua Klipp David Lamble • Max Leger Michael McDonagh • David-Elijah Nahmod Paul Parish • Sean Piverger • Lois Pearlman Tim Pfaff • Jim Piechota • Bob Roehr Donna Sachet • Adam Sandel • Khaled Sayed Jason Serinus • Gregg Shapiro Gwendolyn Smith • Sari Staver • Jim Stewart Sean Timberlake • Andre Torrez • Ronn Vigh Ed Walsh • Cornelius Washington Sura Wood ART DIRECTION Jay Cribas PRODUCTION/DESIGN Max Leger PHOTOGRAPHERS Jane Philomen Cleland • FBFE Rick Gerharter • Gareth Gooch Lydia Gonzales • Jose Guzman-Colon Rudy K. Lawidjaja • Georg Lester • Dan Lloyd Jo-Lynn Otto • Rich Stadtmiller Steven Underhil • Dallis Willard • Bill Wilson ILLUSTRATORS & CARTOONISTS Paul Berge • Christine Smith ADVERTISING/ADMINISTRATION Colleen Small VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVERTISING Scott Wazlowski – 415.829.8937 NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Rivendell Media – 212.242.6863

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<< Open Forum

t Proposed bill targets cannabis smokers

C

alifornia’s medical marijuana regulations are just beginning to go into effect, and one lawmaker wants to throw a wrench into the mix. Assemblyman Jim Wood (DHealdsburg) has introduced Assembly Bill 2300, which would give landlords the authority to prohibit tenants from smoking medical cannabis in a rented residence. It passed the Assembly Judiciary Committee on a 10-0 vote last week and heads to the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Wood is linking his bill to a single study by UCSF that suggests secondhand cannabis smoke results in similar cardiovascular effects as tobacco smoke and may cause a drop in blood vessel function.

We think Wood’s bill is unnecessary and could result in thousands of tenants across the state being without access to their medicine. While Wood’s bill is limited to smoking marijuana, some patients may not be able to afford edible cannabis or other forms of the drug, such as oils. Patients in the state are allowed to grow a small number of marijuana plants themselves, thus reducing the money they otherwise would have to spend at dispensaries. People who live in places where there are no dispensaries could also be affected.

It’s problematic that Wood is citing the UCSF study, which was presented at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2014. According to a UCSF news release, which Wood linked to in his news release, “marijuana and tobacco smoke are chemically and physically alike, aside from their active ingredients.” And the study did show that blood vessel function in lab rats dropped 70 percent after 30 minutes of exposure to secondhand marijuana smoke.

But the study is not definitive and was not done on humans, two caveats that Wood doesn’t seem to have taken into account with his proposed legislation.

“More research is needed to determine if secondhand marijuana smoke has other similar effects to secondhand cigarette smoke in humans,” the UCSF news release states.

California landlords have the authority to prohibit tenants from smoking tobacco in the home; Wood wants to apply the same rational for cannabis.

Last fall, Governor Jerry Brown signed a package of bills that comprise the California Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act. Those bills establish the Bureau of Medical Marijuana Regulation, set up different medical marijuana license types, and provide for local control, among numerous other provisions that involve many state departments, from health to agriculture to consumer affairs. It seems to us that Wood’s proposal should have been incorporated into this package of regulations last year, rather than playing catch-up with a separate bill.

Moreover, his proposal comes at a time that medicinal marijuana is gaining in mainstream acceptance. Just last week, Huffington Post carried an article about how Walgreens, one of the largest pharmacy chains in the country, has published a discussion of the possible health benefits of medical marijuana on its health and wellness blog.

Titled, “Clarifying Clinical Cannabis,” the post describes medical cannabis, what conditions it can be used for, and the debate surrounding it, although we would note that the common uses listed on the Walgreens site do not

include HIV/AIDS, for which the drug is also prescribed. Indeed, it was the HIV/AIDS and LGBT communities here in California that propelled Proposition 215 to victory back in 1996, when the state became the first in the country to legalize medicinal marijuana.

“More than half of the public now resides in jurisdictions where the physician-supervised use of cannabis therapy for qualifying patients is legal, and over 85 percent of voters acknowledge that cannabis is a safe and effective treatment that ought to be permitted,” Paul Armentano, deputy director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, told HuffPost.

“Therefore, it is hardly surprising that those within the public health sphere are now publicly acknowledging and responding to this reality.”

There are legitimate concerns with secondhand smoke, whether it comes from tobacco, marijuana, or vaping. But Wood is jumping the gun in this case. At a time when more patients are turning to therapies like medical cannabis, it seems that lawmakers could do better than to single them out for smoking their medicine. If secondhand cannabis smoke becomes a major issue in the future, perhaps the Legislature can revisit this bill. Until then, we urge lawmakers to vote no on AB 2300.t

Jane Kim for state Senate

by Bevan Dufty

F

or more than 12 years I have worked closely with someone whose leadership, connection with diverse communities and passion for justice inspires me. That person is Jane Kim. I have been with Kim during one-on-ones, community meetings, legislative hearings, and events with people all across San Francisco. She makes a human connection that is authentic.

Kim brilliantly connects new policies to problems facing our city and those most vulnerable. She is a hard-working, effective legislator who draws from our citizenry the passion and purpose to fight for affordable housing and act forcefully to keep our city from losing its identity due to the affordability crisis.

Kim is running for state Senate because she sees the California Legislature taking meaningful action on critical issues and passing groundbreaking laws that are unfortunately bottled up in the Republican-led Congress.

Education and justice reform are just two important examples. Kim is the former president of our school board who understands the best tool to prevent crime is to improve education and keep kids in school. We have already seen what the more traditional “punishment centrist” approach has done in siphoning money from schools to build prisons. Here in San Francisco, we should favor Kim’s prevention-first stance.

We have been fortunate to have LGBT leaders push the envelope when they went to the state Legislature. Carole Migden established domestic partner benefits, building a foundation for marriage equality. Mark Leno did the unimaginable when he secured state legislative approvals for marriage equality and demonstrated that no proequality legislator lost their election. Tom Ammiano established unprecedented protections for transgender and gender-expansive students to be safe and supported in our schools.

I am supporting the candidate that I believe will push the envelope.

Steven Underhill

State Senate District 11 candidate Jane Kim, left, with Bevan Dufty.

Kim is willing to stand, even alone, to demand higher rates of affordable housing, free SF City College, and to ask why the city spent $5 million to subsidize services during the Super Bowl, when the NFL is worth more than $50 billion.

Some will recall that then-Supervisor Ammiano made many powerful businesses uncomfortable when he authored legislation in the 1990s requiring that companies doing business with the city had to provide equal benefits for domestic partners as they did for married couples.

United Airlines even threatened to close its hub at San Francisco International Airport.

Ammiano didn’t blink. He fought to advance our civil rights and equal benefits, once enacted, became a watershed that saw thousands of major businesses establish benefits for same-sex couples. Ammiano is supporting Kim because he knows she will not waver under pressure.

No matter how comfortable some members

of our community may feel, we are not the Establishment.

LGBT people are twice as likely to be homeless in this gay mecca. We need leaders informed about the lives of many LGBT people who are at risk for eviction, lack access to jobs paying a living wage and are being squeezed out of this city.

Kim is the candidate who will craft solutions to the affordability crisis that threatens our city and our community.

Kim has fought to protect tenants and stop evictions, she has led the effort to increase requirements for production of affordable housing, and she has taken risks to negotiate record levels of housing that is accessible to low- and middle-income people and families.

Kim is drawing a spectrum of support from the LGBT community – accomplished leaders such as Ammiano, Migden, Cleve Jones, Supervisor David Campos – and a new generation of LGBT activists who, like Harvey Milk, know that our struggles are in solidarity with other disenfranchised people – those who are homeless, immigrants, the transgender community, single mothers, seniors, and all those who are barely making it in today’s San Francisco.

Kim is the leader we need in the state Senate to advance California and to fight for a more just and fair San Francisco.

I respect that each voter must weigh the issues and candidates in making their decision. Thank you for considering my thoughts.t Bevan Dufty is a member of the Democratic County Central Committee and served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors from 2002 to 2011.

For last week’s Guest Opinion in support of Scott Wiener, see http://ebar.com/columns/ column.php?sec=guest_op&article=561.

Politics>>

t Racism in LGBT community focus of Alice club forum

by Matthew S. Bajko

T

hree times during 2012 alone, Curt-Gérard Francis Alexandre Paschal Robinson recalls being subjected to racial slurs by passersby in San Francisco’s gay Castro district.

“I would just be minding my business walking down the street,” said Robinson, when a stranger would call him the N-word. “I had other African-Americans say to me it happened to them as well.”

The racist attitudes were hardly a surprise, said Robinson, since he had encountered anti-Semitic views when volunteering for gay District 8 Supervisor Scott Wiener’s first campaign for the office in 2010.

While tabling to support Wiener’s electoral bid that year, Robinson would be asked if Wiener was Jewish; when told that he was, people would retort they would never vote for a Jew. Then there was the incident at a Castro gay bar in mid-October 2013 when Robinson had met up with several friends, who were also men of color, at the bar 440 Castro. They noticed that a Caucasian patron was wearing a ball cap festooned with a Confederate flag image.

“They started feeling uncomfortable,” Robinson said of his friends, so he approached the man and asked him about his hat. “He said it was a Confederate flag and what of it to you?”

Their conversation about why the man’s wardrobe choice was upsetting to Robinson and his friends soon devolved, recalled Robinson, to the man and his friends surrounding him “and he was punching me in the chest. At that point, the bar’s security had them removed.”

The incident prompted Robinson to believe a community discussion about racism in the LGBT community was needed. Over the last two and half years he has spoken to several community leaders, including Wiener, about hosting a town-hall style forum on the topic, and at times, has been frustrated by what he felt was a lack of support on their behalf.

A member of the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club, on whose board he serves as secretary, Robinson last fall sought to also be elected as co-chair of the group’s program committee. Having secured that position, he has pushed for the political group to serve as the sponsor of a community conversation around race.

The Alice club will do just that later this month when it hosts a discussion and testimonials on “Racism and White Privilege in the LGBT community.”

“I think the more it is pushed forth ... we can show how inappropriate this behavior is,” said Robinson.

Upset with supervisor

While the forum has finally been scheduled, Robinson remains upset that Wiener did not offer more help to organize it when he first approached him about the idea in 2014.

“He said it should come from the bottom up and not the top,” said Robinson, adding that, “he said he didn’t know anyone off the top of his head to help me set up a forum.”

Wiener told the B.A.R. that he did advise Robinson that he felt it would be “most effective” if he worked with community groups in the Castro to host a town hall-style event, rather than have his office organize such a public meeting.

May 5-11, 2016 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 5

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People walked a picket line in July 2005 outside the gay bar Badlands.

“I thought this particular issue would be most effectively raised if community organizations got together,” said Wiener. “I said I would help promote it in any way I could.”

Both Wiener and District 6 Supervisor Jane Kim, who are running against each other for the state Senate District 11 seat, were asked how they have addressed racism in their districts during their time in office at a debate the Alice club co-hosted with the B.A.R. and the Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club in early April.

In his response, Wiener recalled how, in 2005, years before he was elected supervisor, he had joined the picket lines in front of Castro gay bar Badlands. It had faced a boycott after the San Francisco Human Rights Commission determined the bar had discriminated against both employees and patrons based on race.

Owner Les Natali repeatedly denied the charges, and a yearlong investigation by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control resulted in a determination there was insufficient evidence to support revoking his liquor license for the bar due to discriminatory behavior.

“It was a very difficult time in our district,” recalled Wiener at the debate. “I was a leader standing up on the picket lines over and over again.

I have been very clear that racism and bias have absolutely no place in the Castro.”

He noted that the diversity of the city’s LGBT community should be celebrated.

“We have to embrace the entire diversity of our community, and I have done that and done it over and over again,” said Wiener. “We know there is still work to do in the Castro. Absolutely there is more work to do around women and people of color, but we have been doing that work and we will do that work.”

Kim noted she has been working against racism since she was a very young child and has continued to do so as an adult. She pointed to her work while on the school board to address expulsions and suspensions, which primarily impacted AfricanAmerican students.

While serving on the Board of Supervisors, Kim pointed to her recent opposition to rebuilding the county jail at the Hall of Justice, which is located in her district, and advocating that the city instead build a mental health clinic.

“When you have outcomes where the overwhelming percentage of youth being expelled or suspended are African-American, or the overwhelming number of people being

arrested in San Francisco are African-American, these are the very definitions of institutional racism,” said Kim. The Alice club had initially planned to host the forum Monday, Monday 9, but due to scheduling conflicts, it has pushed the date back to Monday, May 23. The meeting will take place that night from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at the Eric Quezada Center for Culture and Politics, located at 518 Valencia Street near 16th.

One step closer to Philly

Oakland resident Lanenna Joiner, who goes by Nenna, is one step closer to being a delegate at this summer’s Democratic National Convention, which will be held in Philadelphia in late July.

With 129 votes, Joiner came in third during the Sunday, May 1 election to pick four female delegates, plus one alternative, from the state’s 13th Congressional District in Alameda County to represent former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the party’s gathering, where the Democratic presidential candidate for the fall election will be nominated and confirmed.

Contests were held throughout the state last weekend to elect delegates for both Clinton and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont).

Which candidates’ delegates head to the convention will be determined by the June 7 presidential primary result in each congressional district.

As noted in last week’s Political Notebook, California will be sending 317 district-level delegates, plus 30 alternates, to the national convention. Another 105 at-large delegates, 10 at-large alternates, and 53 PLEO’s (party leaders and elected officials) will be selected by the two campaigns and confirmed Sunday, June 19.

The state party has pledged that 12 percent of its total delegate contingent will be LGBT. Joiner, a lesbian, said she would not know for certain if she will be a delegate until the June 19 meeting.

As for the caucus race, “it was a great experience,” said Joiner, 41, the owner of Feelmore Adult Gallery, a sex and body positive store at 1703 Telegraph Avenue in downtown Oakland.t

Web Extra: For more queer political news, be sure to check http:// www.ebar.com Monday mornings at noon for Political Notes, the notebook’s online companion.

This week’s column looked at which DCCC candidates support SF opening a safe injenction site.

Keep abreast of the latest LGBT political news by following the Political Notebook on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/politicalnotes.

Got a tip on LGBT politics? Call Matthew S. Bajko at (415) 8298836 or e-mail m.bajko@ebar.com.

<< Community News

6 • BAY AREA REPORTER • May 5-11, 2016

t

Study says kids of lesbians just as healthy as those of straight parents

by Sari Staver

C

hildren of same-sex parents are just as healthy emotionally and physically as the children of different-sex parents, according to a recently published study.

The study, “Same-Sex and Different-Sex Parent Households and Child Health Outcomes: Findings from the National Survey of Children’s Health,” published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics, is the first to compare same-sex and different-sex parent households with stable, continuously coupled parents and their biological offspring, according to co-author Dr. Nanette Gartrell, a prominent San Francisco psychiatrist and a visiting scholar at the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law, a think tank focused on research on sexual orientation and gender identity law and public policy.

Gartrell is a lesbian known for her groundbreaking longitudinal study of lesbian mothers and their children.

The current study, done by researchers affiliated with the Williams Institute, the University of Amsterdam, and Columbia University, found that children raised by female same-sex couples are just as healthy physically and emotionally as kids from opposite-sex couples.

The study only looked at lesbian households, because there were too

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Dr. Nanette Gartrell

few male same-sex parent families in the database.

Using data from the 2011-2012 nationally representative population-based survey on children’s health, Gartrell and her colleagues matched 95 same-sex female parent households to 95 different-sex parents based on the following characteristics: parents’ age, parents’ level of education, whether parents were born in the United States, family residence (urban or rural), child’s age, child’s race, child’s gender, and whether the child was born in the United States or elsewhere.

The study found that there were no differences in the children when it came to their general health, their

AIDS housing agency changes name

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emotional difficulties, their coping behaviors, and their learning behaviors. What the study found to be more indicative predictors of these behaviors were the relationships between the parents, the parents and child, and parenting stress.

The study did note that lesbian parents reported higher levels of parenting stress, which Gartrell attributed to perceived homophobia.

Gartrell told the Bay Area Reporter that lesbian couples who parent in certain parts of the country, such as San Francisco, may experience less stress due to the greater visibility of such couples in many communities. And, she added, as people in all parts of the country read or hear stories about families with gay parents, such stress should lessen everywhere.

“Our earlier studies have shown that same-sex parents feel pressured to justify the quality of their parenting more than their heterosexual counterparts,” she said in an interview with the B.A.R. “We also suspect and feel that more study is warranted, but the cultural spotlight on same-sex parenting may be part of the stress,” she said.

Those against same-sex parenting have pointed to studies that have found gay parents to have a negative impact on childhood outcomes, such as lower levels of income, and poorer mental and physical health.

See page 14 >>

or the past 13 years, AIDS Housing Alliance/San Francisco has provided rental subsidies and help with back rent, among other services, for low-income people living with HIV/AIDS. On May 1, AHA co-founder Brian Basinger announced that the organization would be known as the Q Foundation going forward.

The rebranding was announced in conjunction with the agency offering expanded services not only to people with HIV, but to low-income LGBTQ seniors and people who are disabled by conditions other than HIV. The HIV-related services will continue.

In an email sent by Basinger to the organization’s members and others, Basinger, 49, said that he and his partner, James Nykolay, 50, incorporated as Q Foundation 13 years ago – the organization began with $100 from Basinger’s disability check and Basinger is himself a longtime HIV survivor. The organization currently operates on a $2.4 million budget; funding comes from city and federal grants, as well as private donors.

“We have grown our programs over the years to serve the LGBTQ and HIV communities, so being the AIDS Housing Alliance is no longer an accurate depiction of our services,” Basinger said in the email. “Our programs now include Q:HPRP – LGBTQ homelessness prevention and rapid rehousing, AHA Cafe – our job training program located on campus at Hastings School of Law, and Simply Sandwiches, distributing 10,000 brown bag lunches per year to a variety of communities.”

Q Foundation also offers a permanent supportive housing program for chronically homeless disabled people with HIV/AIDS, and its senior or disabled rental subsidy

Rick Gerharter

Q Foundation director Brian Basinger

program, which is open to all senior or disabled San Francisco renters.

“With proper investment, every single person facing homelessness should be saved,” Basinger said.

“With a $9 billion city budget no San Franciscan should be forced to leave the city unwillingly.”

Basinger was referring to skyrocketing rents and an escalating eviction crisis, which has forced scores of LGBT people out of their homes. The LGBT-centric Castro district is among the neighborhoods particularly hard hit.

Basinger noted that a city law known as Ellis Act Housing Preference Program gives preferential consideration to people who’ve lost their homes due to Ellis Act evictions after January 1, 2012. (The Ellis Act is a state law that allows landlords to evict tenants to get out of the rental business.)

“After registering at the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development, they can walk into most affordable housing providers and get the next available unit,” Basinger said. “This information needs to become better known in

the LGBTQ community.”

Q Foundation will continue to offer two weekly drop-in clinics, on Monday and Tuesday mornings – interested people must arrive at Q Foundation’s office by 10 a.m. in order to participate. To make things easier, Basinger wants community members to know that they can also apply online for the foundation’s new, monthly affordable housing workshops by visiting http:// ahasf.org/index.php?option=com_ jumi&fileid=6&Itemid=233.

Basinger is also submitting the names of Q Foundation clients to various market-rate housing developments, which are required by law to set aside a percentage of their units to below-market renters. Fiftysix applications were recently submitted to the Civic, a new, upscale rental building located at 101 Polk Street where 19 below-market units are available. The residents will be chosen by lottery.

Basinger is also hoping to obtain housing for Q Foundation clients at 55 Laguna, Openhouse’s affordable senior housing complex. Set to open the first phase this fall, 55 Laguna is the city’s first housing complex meant for LGBT seniors, although non-LGBT people can apply since the project must comply with antidiscrimination laws.

In the first phase, 31 affordable units will be awarded through lottery to seniors 55 and older. Some of those 31 units will be set aside for District 8 seniors. Another eight units will be designated for seniors living with HIV/AIDS at risk for homelessness and a different selection process will be used.

An additional 79 affordable units are to be made available next door at 95 Laguna in 2018, but people will need to be 62 or older to apply.

Fourteen of those units will be set See page 14 >>

415.775.5377 l SanFranciscoFCU.com

<< Community News

8 • BAY AREA REPORTER • May 5-11, 2016

t

South Bay family agency honors LGBT youth services

by Heather Cassell

S

outh Bay LGBT youth services were honored at the 13th annual Circle of Support luncheon benefiting the Family and Children Services of Silicon Valley.

The LGBTQ Youth Space, the agency’s new LGBTQ Wellness Program, sex reassignment surgeon Dr. Marci Bowers, and termed out gay Assemblyman Rich Gordon (DMenlo Park) were recognized at the April 29 event at the Sharon Heights Golf and Country Club in Menlo Park that attracted upward of 300 guests and raised nearly $200,000.

Proceeds from the luncheon will support counseling services and strengthen the youth agency’s LGBT programs, said Maryanne McGlothlin, director of grants and communications at Family and Children Services of Silicon Valley, a nonprofit agency.

“This is the first year that we’ve been highlighted for all the work that we’ve done,” said Cassie Blume, a 33-year-old queer woman who is the program coordinator of the LGBTQ Youth Space in San Jose, which is a part of the agency. “It’s exciting ... [and] really wonderful to have the visibility.”

Blume, who is also director of LGBT programs at FCSSV, explained that since the agency took over the LGBTQ Youth Space in 2008, it has exceeded capacity.

“We’ve really been grappling with a huge demand, especially for our counseling services,” said Blume, pointing out that she’s noticed an increase in younger and more gender variant youth coming to the drop-in center, which is open weekdays from 3 to 9 p.m. in downtown San Jose.

During the 2014-2015 fiscal year the LGBTQ Youth Space served 400 youth at its drop-in center, but 4,216 youths visited the center through-

out the year. An additional 6,368 people – youth and people working with them – were reached through educational and outreach activities at the space. In a survey of the LGBT youth, 74 percent of the participants reported having “brighter outlooks about the future,” according to the gala’s program.

The space has also branched out to reach youth at Independence High School in San Jose and running groups in Gilroy, Morgan Hill, and Palo Alto, said Blume.

Sathya Baskaran, 18, a bisexual, bi-gender youth who uses genderneutral pronouns, is a regular at the space. Baskaran was featured in a video shown at the luncheon where young people explained the struggles they went through before they found the space and what it means to them.

Baskaran was one of five youth from the space at last week’s gala and was overwhelmed by the number of people who came out to support LGBT youth.

Baskaran said it was “pretty awesome ... seeing how many people were supportive of the community.

It’s not frequent to see a gathering of people that feel that this is an important thing.”

Baskaran echoed Blume regarding the need for more councilors.

They also hope the space expands its hours beyond after school and into the weekends they told the Bay Area Reporter.

“The Youth Space, it changed my life,” said Baskaran, who was excited to find a place to go that was accepting and safe when they didn’t want to go home or hang out on the streets of San Jose. “It’s just a space I can go and feel safe and I think that’s what it represents for so many people. It represents safety and like community. It’s really, really wonderful that we have it.”

Last year the agency added the LGBTQ Wellness Program to its

Jo-Lynn Otto

Dr. Marci Bowers spoke at the annual Circle of Support luncheon.

roster of services for LGBT youth in Santa Clara County. The first of its kind in the valley, the program, which focuses on mental, holistic, social support, education, and outreach, is overseen by an Ethnic and Cultural Community Advisory Committee for LGBTQ communities.

Ken DeLeon, owner of DeLeon Realty in Palo Alto, shared with the audience he and his family’s painful memories of his sister’s death by suicide when they were teens with a video retelling the story. DeLeon was the lead underwriter of the luncheon, donating $35,000 in his sister’s memory. The funds will be designated for counseling services, said McGlothlin.

It was the LGBTQ Youth Space that attracted Ian Nasman, a gay man who’s an FCSSV board member and served as the event co-chair, when he was searching for volunteer opportunities five years ago, he told the B.A.R. “We found that the programs have been incredibly well received,” said Nasman, 38. “[I am] really hop-

ing that people leave today better understanding the issues that sometimes become a challenge for our youth.”

Bowers and Gordon also expressed their gratitude for programs like the Youth Space and Wellness Center while they were being honored for their work.

Gordon, who has had more than 30 years in public service and started his career working with youth and education, told the audience a story about his grandmother, who was a young wife during the Great Depression. However, she was fortunate as her husband had a job. To show her gratitude she made a pot of stew every day and put it out on the porch for people who had an encampment at the nearby railroad tracks. He told the audience that the story is told around the dinner table at every family gathering and it taught him the importance of giving.

“If you had something to give back, to give it away,” Gordon said.

“I try to live up to my grandma throughout all of these years and I

appreciate receiving this honor.”

Bowers, a 58-year-old woman with a transgender history, as she describes herself, was pleased to receive the recognition for her work in transgender health care.

“I’m honored,” said the surgeon, who specializes in gender reassignment surgery. “This is obviously a very respected part of the country and this really makes it feel like I belong.”

Bowers entertained the audience with her humor. She regaled them with stories about her career, giving a brief history of transgender existence, as well as her hope for her legacy of transgender medicine.

“I hope to establish a legacy that will allow recognition of transgender medicine as a small but important aspect of any hospital setting,” she said.

She explained to the audience that the younger generation of up and coming medical professionals is demanding more education about sexuality and gender identity in medical schools, but there is still a long way to go. She pointed out that medical board exams don’t ask questions about sexual orientation or gender identity and therefore the subject isn’t taught in medical schools. Students are left to teach themselves, she said.

“Transgender is part of the human fabric and is not going away again. It is who we are and it is up to us to understand,” she said. “Diversity is the strength that makes us all stronger, that uniqueness is the quality that must be sought, the good in every soul is what must be imagined. And that gender is just another wrinkle in the fabric of humanity: a big, rumpled, complex, intricate wrinkle that we are all better for.”t For more information, visit http:// www.fcservices.org.

New studies look at PrEP for trans people

by Liz Highleyman

T

he California HIV/AIDS Research Program has announced that it has funded three new demonstration projects – including two in the Bay Area – to learn more about PrEP for transgender women and men.

“These studies will provide critical information on the implementation of PrEP among transgender people in California, and will help guide state and national efforts to address the epidemic in this often neglected population at high risk for HIV,” said CHRP director Dr. George Lemp.

The announcement was made last week.

Transgender women have among the highest rates of HIV infection.

One recent meta-analysis found that 22 percent of trans women in the U.S. are HIV-positive. Little is known about HIV rates among trans men, with estimates ranging from 0 to 8 percent.

Transgender populations – and especially trans women of color – face a number of HIV prevention challenges and may have additional barriers to PrEP adherence, including sociocultural, economic, and health-related factors.

“We have some science-based hunches” about lower PrEP adherence among trans women, Dr. Madeline Deutsch of UCSF’s Center for Excellence in Transgender Health told the Bay Area Reporter. “We think transgender women do not respond to social marketing designed for men, are more disenfranchised and disconnected from health care in general, and prioritize hormone therapy and are concerned about

Rick Gerharter

Dr. Tri D. Do of the API Wellness Center will be a co-investigator on research looking at transgender people taking PrEP.

interactions with PrEP.” Gilead Sciences’ Truvada (tenofovir/emtricitabine) was approved for HIV prevention in July 2012, but so far its uptake has been greatest among gay and bisexual men.

The international iPrEx study, which enrolled about 2,500 men and transgender women who have sex with men, found that once-daily Truvada reduced the risk of HIV infection by 44 percent overall, rising to 92 percent for those with measurable blood drug levels. In an open-label extension of iPrEx, no one who took Truvada at least four times a week became infected.

A more detailed analysis of the 339 trans women in iPrEx showed that they were less likely than gay men to take Truvada regularly, but those who did appeared to be protected.

“While this analysis did not include a large enough sample group to draw firm conclusions, we did

Liz Highleyman

Project investigator Dr. Albert Liu

find strong evidence pointing to efficacy,” senior investigator Dr. Robert Grant from the UCSF Gladstone Institutes told the B.A.R. when that analysis was published last December. “Additional research designed specifically for transgender women is needed to confirm this finding.”

Three teams funded

The new demonstration projects are intended to do just that.

One team, which will receive $2.9 million over four years, is a collaboration between UCSF, the Gladstone Institutes, the Gender Health Center in Sacramento, and La Clinica de la Raza in Oakland.

This team will develop a demonstration project for trans women of color dubbed TRIUMPH (Trans Research-Informed Communities United in Mobilization for the Prevention of HIV). The program involves community-led efforts to

increase knowledge and acceptability of PrEP, using advocates from within trans communities and trans-specific educational materials. To improve drug adherence, the project will feature peer-led health workshops and one-on-one counseling sessions.

The other Bay Area team – with a four-year budget of $2.6 million – includes the San Francisco Department of Public Health, Tom Waddell Urban Health Center, Castro Mission Health Center, and Asian Pacific Islander Wellness Center, along with the Tri-City Health Center in Fremont.

This team will use a patient-centered “medical home” approach to develop a comprehensive PrEP education, access, and support package for trans women and men.

“To date, PrEP has largely been framed as an HIV prevention tool for gay men,” lead project investigator Dr. Albert Liu from the DPH told the B.A.R. “Our project will partner with four Bay Area clinics highly experienced in delivering transgender care and integrate PrEP provision into transgender services. Through the San Francisco DPH’s Transgender Advisory Group, we will work closely with the transgender community in developing and implementing all phases of this project.”

The team will develop a transspecific social marketing campaign and online education to increase knowledge about PrEP, as well as a sexual risk assessment tool, peer navigators, and adherence reminders delivered via text messaging.

“The transgender community’s HIV risk is 49 times greater than the general population, but so often transgender people are an after-

thought in HIV prevention,” coinvestigator Dr. Tri Do of the API Wellness Center told the B.A.R. “We hope to show that PrEP delivery is most successful when medical care and HIV prevention are provided in the context of safe, trusted community spaces like API Wellness Center and its Trans: Thrive program.”

Finally, the third team – with a $3.75 million budget – is a collaboration between the UC San Diego School of Medicine, the Los Angeles LGBT Center, Family Health Centers of San Diego, the University of Southern California, and HarborUCLA Medical Center.

These researchers will evaluate whether a trans-focused case management approach to contextualize PrEP within the needs of the whole person can improve engagement with and adherence to PrEP. All three teams will look at potential drug interactions between PrEP and gender-affirming hormone therapy. The UCSF project will include a pharmacokinetic drug interaction study, while the UCSD team will evaluate whether protective PrEP drug levels are reached in trans women on hormonal therapy and if PrEP is associated with any changes in hormone levels.

“Our overarching goal is to really determine the best practices for engaging trans women with PrEP and getting trans people to say ‘PrEP is for me if I’m at risk for HIV,’” said Deutsch, who is a co-principal investigator for the UCSF project. “We not only need to get 165 trans people to take PrEP at sites in Oakland and Sacramento, but also get them to tell two friends – the way the gay community has promoted PrEP.”t

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<< Community News

10 • BAY AREA REPORTER • May 5-11, 2016

Queer black artists to speak in SF compiled by Cynthia Laird

A

trio of queer black artists will be in conversation at the Castro’s GLBT History Museum, 4127 18th Street, Tuesday, May 17 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Alicia Bell, a Southern-born black queer femme; Reek Bell, a black militant femme artist and organizer; and Mustafah Greene, a visual artist, will join in a panel discussion facilitated by Beatrice Thomas. They are expected to talk about the intersections of blackness, queerness, and creative practice.

The three artists work with Black.

Seed, an activist group whose members were involved with the protest that shut down the Bay Bridge in January.

Alicia Bell’s performance work focuses on building freedom and liberation. In addition to Black.Seed, Bell works with Critical Resistance’s Oakland Power Projects and Abundant Beginnings.

Reek Bell is originally from South Jersey. Her writings reflect the intersections of intimacy, friendship, and resistance within blackness. She works with Oakland

SOL (Sustaining Ourselves Locally).

Greene is from Brooklyn. His visual work connects the classic and the contemporary to synthesize art that he describes as “speaking truth to the times.”

The program is part of the “Queering the Castro” series by Radar Productions and the GLBT History Museum. Admission is free; donations are welcome.

LGBTQ wellness celebration in San Jose

LGBTQ Wellness, part of Family and Children’s Services of Silicon Valley, will have a celebration Friday, May 6 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Parque De Los Pobladores, at South First and South Main streets in San Jose.

Organizers said that the event will celebrate the holistic wellness of the LGBTQ community with food trucks, performances, and fun.

To learn more about LGBTQ Wellness, visit http://www.fcservices.org/lgbtq-wellness/.

DeFrank center celebrates 35th anniversary

The Billy DeFrank LGBT Community Center in San Jose will mark its 35th anniversary with a daylong celebration Saturday, May 7 at 938 The Alameda.

Dubbed “Better Together,” the weekend events are the first of what center officials said was more to come.

The day begins at 11 a.m. with Artsplosion, featuring young queer artists, music, zines, spoken word, and more. From 1 to 2 p.m. there will be a fireside chat with gay Santa Clara County Supervisor Ken Yeager; a reception will follow.

Then from 6:30 to 9 p.m. people can participate in drag queen bingo with MonA Lot Moore. The cost is $15 to play.

For more information, visit http://www.defrank.org.

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Youth summit comes to Berkeley

The Bay Area Youth Summit’s

t

Courtesy Radar Productions

Alicia Bell, Reek Bell, and Mustafah Greene will speak at the GLBT History Museum later this month.

2016 event will take place Saturday, May 21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Florence Schwimley Little Theater at Berkeley High School 1930 Allston Way. Ruby Spies, a member of BAYS board who received the best LGBTQ activist (under 25) in this year’s Bay Area Reporter’s readers’ poll, encouraged LGBTQ youth to register, as space is limited.

Attendees will start the day with lunch, then have a full afternoon of programming on LGBTQ and youth-related issues. There will be speakers and workshops. Organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union and the Anti-Police Terror Project are among those scheduled to be on hand.

To register, visit www.BAYS2016. brownpapertickets.com. A $10 donation is suggested. For more information, visit the group’s Facebook page at “Bay Area Youth Summit (BAYS).”

Voter registration deadline approaching

The deadline to register to vote in the June 7 California primary is Monday, May 23. Voters who have moved or changed their names since the last election must re-register to vote.

For more information on voter registration, visit the secretary of state’s website at http://www.sos. ca.gov. In San Francisco, people can visit the elections department website at http://www.sfgov.org/elections. In Alameda County, people

can visit http://www.acgov.org/rov.

Grants available for Sonoma County musicians

Creative Sonoma has announced the availability of five $2,500 grants for Sonoma County’s musicians.

The grant program is the second phase of the Next Level music industry showcase and concert that was held in Santa Rosa last month.

The funds are made available by the Hewlett Foundation and are for musicians and bands to help them do what it takes to move their careers to the next level. Grants will be paired with 10 hours of one-onone consulting with music industry experts to help encourage the most effective use of the grant funds.

There is an applicant question and answer session Tuesday, May 17 at 1 p.m. at the Creative Sonoma offices, 141 Stony Circle, Suite 110 in Santa Rosa.

Guidelines on eligibility and other rules, and the application form, are available at http://sonomacounty. ca.gov/edb. The deadline to apply is June 6.

Foundation launches public art program in Oakland, SF

The Kenneth Rainin Foundation has announced that it is launching a new public art program. The Open Spaces Program will support temporary place-based public arts projects in Oakland and San Francisco that engage communities, showcase See page 14 >>

Gay cop’s harsh remarks released

by Seth Hemmelgarn

A

veteran gay San Francisco cop is being criticized for calling a deputy public defender a “bitch” and making derogatory comments about suspects.

The remarks were revealed in a March 2015 recording released this week by the public defender’s office.

Inspector Lenny Broberg, a longtime member of the police department’s Gang Task Force, said the public defender’s office is retaliating against him for arresting an attorney who had volunteered with the agency.

In the recording, Broberg refers to Deputy Public Defender Rebecca Young as a “bitch.” He also refers to one man as an “ugly fucker” and another as a “fat ... jackass.” He calls a third man a “little bitch.” Another officer in the recording refers to a man as a “fucking retard.”

Asked in an interview Tuesday if he’d apologize for his comments, Broberg said, “For what?”

“I didn’t know it was against the law or bad to call someone ‘jackass, ‘fatass,’ or ‘bitch,’” he said.

According to the public defender’s office, Young had just crossexamined Broberg as a witness in a 14-year-old boy’s trial.

Broberg said he’d been involved in “a very long case” with Young, “where she was calling me a racist” in court.

“Yes, I did call her a ‘bitch,’” he said.

As for the other remarks, he said, “I’ve been dealing with these guys for years,” and he “came in late on

Rick Gerharter

SFPD Inspector Lenny Broberg

a Sunday afternoon” to deal with them.

“This is retaliation for me arresting” an attorney who’d volunteered in the public defender’s office because the attorney had someone “lie on the stand, and we caught him in it,” Broberg said.

In response to emailed questions, Tamara Barak Aparton, the public defender’s spokeswoman, said, “Releasing the audio was absolutely not in retaliation for Broberg arresting” the attorney. That attorney “was cleared of wrongdoing and never prosecuted.”

Aparton also said Young “did not call Broberg a racist in court. She did ask him how many white gang members he had arrested, and questioned him on his knowledge of the city’s white gangs.”

According to Aparton, “several of

the men” associated with the case discussed in the recording filed a federal civil rights suit after the original incident, which the agency said had actually been “a rap video shoot in a Bayview playground” where police, who “raided” the event, searched people “without probable cause.”

Broberg said the police Internal Affairs unit has investigated allegations against him and determined they were “unfounded.”

In an email, Officer Grace Gatpandan, a police spokeswoman, said, “We met with the public defender earlier this year and immediately began an investigation, which is ongoing. Nothing further.”

Broberg said he didn’t know the status of an administrative review, but he added, the district attorney’s office “investigated a lot of this and is saying that there’s nothing there.”

A spokesman for the DA’s office wasn’t available for comment.

The public defender’s office released the recording after the issue came up at a Racial Justice Committee news conference Tuesday. Young co-chairs the committee.

Aparton said her agency has received the recording “in discovery a few times.”

Broberg said he made the recording himself.

“I had turned the recorder on,” he said. “I thought I had turned it off.

I was using somebody else’s equipment. I was in a hurry, and I was dealing with a number of cases.”

He didn’t remember who the other officers in the recording were.t

t

Obituaries>>

May 5-11, 2016 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 11

Ex-ethics panelist Eileen Hansen dies

by Seth Hemmelgarn

F

ormer San Francisco ethics commissioner and longtime progressive activist Eileen Hansen died April 29.

The cause of death was multiple myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow, according to Denise Wells, Ms. Hansen’s longtime partner. She’d been diagnosed with cancer in 2010.

“She would have been 65 May 1, International Workers’ Day, which is very appropriate,” Wells said in an interview with the Bay Area Reporter.

“Eileen’s work in life was really around social justice,” she said.

“It wasn’t just that she wanted the world to be a better place, but that she wanted it to be a just place and fair to everybody.”

That was Ms. Hansen’s “passion, and what drove her every day,” Wells said.

Many are remembering Ms. Hansen for her selflessness in a range of areas, from politics to homelessness.

“I really can’t say enough about her. She operated in a world that can be very dishonest, yet she always maintained her own integrity and

Rick Gerharter

Eileen Hansen

principles,” said gay former state Assemblyman Tom Ammiano.

Referring to Ms. Hansen’s two unsuccessful bids in 2000 and 2002 for District 8 supervisor, Ammiano said, “One of the regrets we all had for her was that she didn’t win her elections. We’d be in a lot better shape today had she won.”

If she’d been successful, he said,

the city would have “a more progressive mayor and a more progressive Board of Supervisors than we have now, particularly around areas like homelessness. She was an extremely kind person, and also very, very smart. Those are two attributes that we often don’t see in the political world. She never put herself first, and I think that’s probably the most admirable thing about her.”

The board was set to remember Hansen Tuesday at its regular meeting.

In an interview before the session, District 3 Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who called Ms. Hansen “a dear friend,” said, “She was a remarkably influential force in progressive politics in San Francisco, and she managed to engage in the political process with kindness and enthusiasm and unparalleled integrity as a member of the Ethics Commission during a less-than-ethical period in San Francisco politics. She stayed above the fray and helped bring our ethics department kicking and screaming into the dawn of the 21st century.”

Peskin added, “She emanated love

GGBA president Jon Paul ‘JP’ Leddy dies

Courtesy GGBA

Jon Paul “JP” Leddy

by Cynthia Laird

J

on Paul “JP” Leddy, the board president of the Golden Gate Business Association, died Tuesday, April 26 at his San Francisco home, the LGBT chamber of commerce announced. He was 55.

Mr. Leddy was found unresponsive in his home by concerned GGBA board members after he failed to appear for a meeting that he was scheduled to lead. The association said that Mr. Leddy died of natural causes.

Mr. Leddy had been chosen GGBA board president last October. He was the first Chamorro and Pacific Islander from the U.S. Territory of Guam to serve in the position in the 41-year history of the organization.

A gay man, Mr. Leddy told the

Bay Area Reporter in an interview last year that he came out in 1996 and divorced his wife the following year. He was the father of four children and two grandchildren.

One of his daughters, Rissa Leddy, posted to Facebook that she was “grateful to have had a father like him.”

“He encouraged me to be myself and stood by that my entire life,” she wrote. “He encompassed the meaning of unconditional love. He has always been a great and good man.

I will miss him.”

Friends expressed surprise and sadness at Mr. Leddy’s unexpected passing.

“JP was a bright light who found particular bliss in connecting people,” Joel Evans, director of development and marketing at Openhouse, said in an email. “I knew him personally in the business world, but appreciated his determined way of bringing people together (as emphatically as he could!) in all the worlds he cared about, including his biological family, the Golden Gate Business Association, Openhouse, and the drag community.”

Mr. Leddy was a Peacock Prince within the Imperial Court of San Francisco and a Prince Royale of the Grand Ducal Council of San Francisco.

“He was so proud to be the Peacock Prince, and his loving friends – his true chosen family – among the Ducals and the Imperials are particularly distraught at losing this fine member, who knew no greater pleasure than to engage in and build our community,” Evans added.

Obituaries >> René (Renato) Martinez Peña June 28, 1953 – April 13, 2016

Renato was born June 28, 1953 in Camagüey, Cuba to loving parents, Eralio Martinez and Rafaela Peña, and died on April 13, 2016 in San Francisco, California.

He is survived by his life partner, Barry Graynor, 10 siblings, and his two beloved cats, Preta and Massimo. In 1980 Renato left Cuba as part of the Mariel boatlift and moved to San Francisco, where he met Barry in 1981.

Renato was a natural painter. His paintings were shown in numerous exhibits throughout the Bay Area and abroad. Renato also published a book on Celeste Mendoza, La Reina del Guaguanco, in 2015.

Renato enjoyed listening to international popular music, especially from Cuba, Italy, Brazil, and France; collecting porcelain figurines, plates and other objects; playing with his cats; and above all, Cuba.

Four words sum up Renato’s life: “El Rey del Guaguanco.”

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the Foundation for Contemporary Arts and/or the San Francisco SPCA. A heartfelt thank you for the sympathy and support our family and friends have shown to us.

In his professional life, Mr. Leddy served as director of client relations at the Resource Corner, an executive recruiting and staffing firm. He was also a senior ambassador with the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce’s Ambassador Club.

A news release from GGBA See page 14 >>

and understanding, and her loss is a huge one.”

Lone vote

Ms. Hansen, who also worked as a nonprofit coach and consultant, served a six-year term on the Ethics Commission after being appointed to the oversight body as the Board of Supervisors’ pick in 2005. Her selection was opposed by the San Francisco Chronicle, which in an editorial at

the time denounced her nomination as being a “power-play by the board’s progressive political wing.”

Yet during her tenure Ms. Hansen routinely found herself casting the sole dissenting vote. The other four commissioners were each appointed by the city attorney, the mayor, the district attorney, and the assessor.

“I have mixed feelings about the six years,” Ms. Hansen said in a 2011 See page 13 >>

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<< Sports

12 • BAY AREA REPORTER • May 5-11, 2016

NCAA pussyfoots on discrimination – again

by Roger Brigham

W

ith several cities and states recently passing homophobic and transphobic laws, the National Collegiate Athletic Association had a chance last month to take a bold and decisive step in protest.

Instead, it pussyfooted.

The NCAA has the potential to be one of the most gamechanging social institutions of the 21st century, bringing fans, athletes, and coaches together under its policy of acceptance and inclusion.

Its income last year was roughly $1 billion, it has been racking up tens of millions in surplus annually for years, largely thanks to the unpaid workforce of its athletes, and it holds enormous power and influence over its thousands of college and university members, and through them the young men and women who compete under its banner.

Those colleges and universities must in essence heed two masters – federal law, which specifically bans race and gender discrimination, and the NCAA, which says it does not tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, or sexual identity. The NCAA has previously declared it will not stage events where the Confederate flag is represented or where schools use racially insensitive nicknames for their teams. It could have responded to the recent wave of antiLGBT legislation to block any plans to hold any and all tournament games from venues in areas affected by that legislation.

Such a move could have been a real game-changer: a metaphoric touchdown for social progress. Instead, the NCAA fumbled the ball.

Instead of acting with decisive clarity, it offered a weakly vague, even naive, statement.

The NCAA said last week that its board of governors is directing that sites bidding to host any of its events at any level “to demonstrate how they will provide an environment that is safe, healthy, and free of discrimination, plus safeguards the dignity of everyone involved in the event.”

“The higher education community is a diverse mix of people from different racial, ethnic, religious and sexual orientation backgrounds,” said Kirk Schulz, chairman of the board. “It is important that we assure that community – including our studentathletes and fans – will always enjoy the experience of competing and watching at NCAA championships without concerns of discrimination.”

The statement is damning not so much for what it says, but for what it does not.

It does not say tournaments will be banned in states that do not outlaw LGBT discrimination. NCAA officials told ESPN that tournament hosts must provide a “zone” of safety protection, but does not say what areas will be included in that zone – will it include the airports or highways the teams and fans must travel to get to the events?

The NCAA did not immediately return a request for comment.

“To me, this seems to be motivated by good intentions, both to protect student-athletes, as well as to advance values that the NCAA thinks are important,” Steve Sanders, a professor at the Indiana University Maurer School of Law, told the Indianapolis Star. “But unfortunately, I fear that the statement as written will simply cause confusion and will have to inevitably be clarified. The policy, as I read it, does not make clear what will count as creating a safe, welcoming environment.

Does it have to have an actual anti-

NCAA board chairman Kirk Schulz

discrimination law?”

Outsports.com, calling the NCAA policy statement “nothing but a bait-and-switch,” said it “couldn’t be weaker if Ted Cruz himself had written it.” Longtime sports activist Pat Griffin, writing on Huffington Post, called it “an unacceptable, unrealistic and empty bargain.”

(Speaking of Cruz and the circus performance he is currently engaged in, we need good “sound bite” labels for the two sides of this American drama. We can model them on the abortion debate labels.

We have people who believe LGBT people should not have the same protections everyone else takes as a birthright, an attitude born not so much of hate but of ignorance; and

those who believe in social equality and acceptance, two bedrocks of America’s greatness. So let’s call them “pro-fear” and “pro-great.”

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if all these politicians really could make America great again and less in fear of each other?)

Griffin wrote, “It is a timid and ambiguous step unbecoming a national organization that claims to promote ‘inclusiveness in race, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity as a vital element to protecting the well-being of studentathletes, promoting diversity in hiring practices and creating a culture of fairness.’”

Contrasting the vagueness and timidity of its words regarding the pro-fear legislation with the NCAA’s bold and decisive ban on events in locations with the Confederate flag or offensive team mascots, Griffin wrote, “I applaud the NCAA for using their influence as a powerful national sports governing body to take a firm public stance against these pernicious symbols of racism. The laws enacted in North Carolina, Missouri, and Tennessee, however, are more than symbols.

These laws affect the legal status of LGBT people and can have serious consequences for their safety, wellbeing and quality of life. These laws deny an entire class of citizens the right to live in a discriminationfree environment or the right to challenge discrimination when it does occur. Surely, enacting laws

t

that target a particular group of people for discrimination warrants as strong a stand as the NCAA has taken against symbols of injustice like Native American mascots and the Confederate flag.”

Look, performers, companies, and conventions have been dropping North Carolina without the blink of an eye. The NBA says it won’t hold next year’s All-Star Game there under current conditions. USA Rugby says it won’t stage any events there. HBO’s Real Sports host Bryant Gumbel has already told the head of the NBA the league should move its All-Star Game, told the head of the NFL that league should move its next owners meeting, and the head of the NCAA the association should move its tournament games scheduled in the state next year.

“It’s never too late to do the right thing,” Gumbel said. “Here’s hoping all those guys may yet lead by showing lawmakers in North Carolina and other states considering such measure that their bigotry has a price. Here’s hoping they come to understand what smarter people have often said: prejudice tolerated is intolerance encouraged.”

And yet, the NCAA sits on its hands, hemming and hawing, saying it will monitor the situation, all the while knowing its has events scheduled to be in places working to increase the protection of intolerance. While it monitors, others suffer.t

Sanders, Trump win Indiana; Cruz, Kasich quit race

San Francisco Columbarium

THE cemetery for cremated remains in the CITY! Jane Philomen Cleland

Bernie Sanders kept his campaign alive by winning the Indiana primary Tuesday. In Oakland last weekend, at-large City Councilwoman Rebecca Kaplan, right, was on hand for the opening of Sanders’ Bay Area campaign office.

by Lisa Keen

T

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he stranger-than-fiction Indiana primary has knocked Republican hopefuls Ted Cruz and John Kasich out of the race and given Democratic hopeful Bernie Sanders a nod to hang in a little longer. But political commentators agree: The 2016 presidential contest is now a two-way race between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.

Clinton now has 2,220 delegates – 93 percent of what she needs to secure the Democratic nomination.

Trump has 1,048 – 85 percent of what he needs to secure the Republican nomination.

Both the Clinton and Sanders campaigns in Indiana were headed up by gay people.

Politico Peter Hanscom led the Clinton campaign in Indiana. He organized business support this year for efforts to expand laws prohibiting discrimination against LGBT people.

And operative Carli Stevenson ran the Sanders effort in Indiana.

She has been involved in communications work for unions, and supported the decision by the IndianaKentucky AFSCME chapter to move its convention to another state last year after Indiana passed an antigay “religious freedom” law. (The law was later amended.)

Sanders took 53 percent of the Democratic vote in Indiana Tues-

day; Clinton took 47 percent.

According to the Washington Post, 60 percent of Democratic voters who identified as “liberal” supported Sanders.

Neither Clinton nor Sanders gave speeches directed to Indiana voters Tuesday night. But Sanders told the Associated Press that he will continue his bid for the Democratic nomination.

“I know that the Clinton campaign thinks this campaign is over.

They’re wrong,” Sanders told AP in a telephone interview. “Maybe it’s over for the insiders and the party establishment but the voters today in Indiana had a different idea.”

The comment was in stark contrast to last week, when Clinton won four out of five primaries.

Then, Sanders said his campaign would be more focused on the party platform and would begin laying off hundreds of campaign staff.

Cruz takes a beating

Cruz’s announcement Tuesday night that he was pulling out of the race was a surprise to some but it was also the culmination of a weeklong string of disasters for his campaign.

On the Thursday before the primary, trans woman Caitlyn Jenner posted a video on Facebook, showing that she entered a women’s restroom at Trump Tower. She ended the post by saying, “By the way Ted, no one got molested.”

Cruz had used his primary events in Indiana to pound home a message in support of North Carolina’s new law banning transgender people from using public restrooms that correspond to their identity. On CNN’s State of the Union Sunday, he doubled down, suggesting the law was to prevent people from trying to use a bathroom based on “whatever you feel like at the given moment.”

“This is the height of political correctness for Donald Trump to say, ‘Yes, let grown men in the bathroom with little girls.’”

Trump never said that. He said he thought people should be able to “use the bathroom they feel is appropriate.” (He also said he thought it was a matter for each state to decide.)

On Meet the Press Sunday, Cruz began a steep spiral downward into chaos, as he was asked to respond to former Republican House Speaker John Boehner’s characterization of Cruz as “Lucifer in the flesh” and a “miserable son of a bitch.”

Kasich suspends campaign

Wednesday morning, GOP presidential candidate and Ohio Governor John Kasich suspended his campaign.

He did not campaign heavily in Indiana, in part because of an agreement he and Cruz had to divide up the remaining primaries in order to have a better chance of stopping Trump’s march to the nomination.t

t <<

Community News>>

Youth-led confab

From page 1

been a growing success. It started with 25 participants the first year and grew to nearly 100 this year. The conference has also gained community and foundation support.

Participants learned about the conference through community partners, festivals, queer and transgender youth list serves, social media, and guerrilla marketing with fliers placed in cafes and local businesses, said the organizers.

The workshops covered a “broad spectrum of what health is to us and how to heal ourselves mentally, physically, and spiritually,” said Isabel Hallock, a 17-year-old AfricanAmerican bisexual teen who was one of the youth leaders.

A space to inspire and create

“We know that the urgency of having queer and trans youth of color spaces is urgent. We need those spaces,” said Aldo Gallardo, 28, who identifies as a queer, nonbinary trans Latina, who was one of the adult leaders of the conference.

Gallardo is also the northern California regional organizer for the Genders and Sexualities Alliance Network, formerly the Gay-Straight Alliance Network.

“The youth have all of the power to change their current situation and their schools and communities,” said Gallardo, pointing out that recent state laws protecting youth in schools, such as the Schools Success

<<

AIDS nonprofit

From page 1

macy. By doing so, he said, AHF was “pretending not to be formula retail.”

By a 4-1 vote January 28, planning commissioners rejected the nonprofit’s plans to relocate its Castro pharmacy from 4071 18th Street into 518 Castro, where it operates a health clinic.

AHF had put its 2014 lawsuit against Wiener and the city on hold as it sought the permit to relocate the pharmacy.

City planning staff initially had granted the agency the permit for

<<

Hansen

From page 11

interview after leaving the panel. “I wish that I could have accomplished more. I much too often was in a 4-1 vote where I was the one vote, that was frustrating and disappointing.”

Her biggest disappointments, said Ms. Hansen, was in not being able to block the commission’s softening of the city’s lobbyist, campaign consultant, and campaign finance reform ordinances.

“All three were weakened instead of strengthened,” said Ms. Hansen.

Debra Walker, a lesbian and longtime member of the city’s Building Inspection Commission, said in an interview this week that Ms. Hansen “was such a mentor as I got involved in politics in the 1980s and 1990s.”

<<

Judge candidates

From page 1

Islander Legal Outreach before joining the San Francisco DA’s office, where he focused on human trafficking and sexual assault cases as well as hate crimes. Currently, he is back with APILO as its deputy director and serves on the city’s police commission.

“I was a people’s lawyer. I want to be the people’s judge,” said Hwang, who after the election plans to marry his partner he has three children with, Ivy Lee, who is Supervisor Jane Kim’s chief of staff.

Henderson, 48, who also works as a TV legal analyst, is endorsed

by Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom, the LGBT legal group, and

May 5-11, 2016 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 13

now, are very marginalized, underfunded and underappreciated,” said Hollack. “Having a space where it’s OK to be how you are and have others like you in the space, especially, queer youth to be able to see each other and connect,” is unusual.

“You are in a society that is telling you that you need to be a straight, white, usually male, in order to succeed; that is telling you that you are wrong, so to be in a space that nobody necessarily fits that binary I would say is powerful,” Hollack said.

“It needs to happen a lot more.”

Lowe agreed.

“There are not that many other spaces, so we kind of need this space to be open and to be able to inspire us to continue living because a lot of queers attempt suicide and are depressed and having other bad life issues,” he said. “So, having a space where people can come and dance and be happy and just be inspired is amazing. [It] is really needed for our queer communities.”

Eli Johnson, a 13-year-old asexual trans male, who was one of the youth leaders of the conference, said, “We already have a culture that’s full of art and dance and stuff, so just really like cultivate what’s there.”

Flood agreed, adding, “Also, realizing that as young people we can still bring so much change to our community.”t

and Opportunities Act (AB 1266) and the Fair, Accurate, Inclusive, and Respectful Education Act (SB 48) have been initiated by youth.

“So, it’s powerful to see queer trans young people of color organizing to create space for other folks that need it,” Gallardo said.

Dania March, one of the adult leaders of the conference and who is with the Queer and Trans Network of Alameda County, agreed, adding, “The other piece too, is just about really being able to have a place to build relationships and to connect with other young people, but also with adults.

“There have been some really great relationships built,” she continued. “I think that is the big hope of this conference too is to have that and to hope that is ongoing and to eventually provide more times and spaces for that to happen.”

“Everyone has a role and supporting our young people – it literally takes a village and that’s what today is about,” added Gallardo.

The youth leaders agreed that connecting with like-minded peers and adults and building relationships was a key component to the day.

“So often in our society LGBTs in general – [and] queer youth of color or youth in general – don’t feel safe, so providing a space that gives opportunity to discuss and connect like, ‘I see you. You see me,’ is really important,” said Hallock.

Hallock and Eric Flood, a fellow youth conference leader, agreed.

They both talked about meeting new

friends and people to potentially connect with in the future through the conference’s workshop projects such as creating poems and learning how to handle stress in certain situations.

“One of the points that stuck with me that we were talking about was stress, how to deal with stress in the self-care workshop. Sometimes, the best reaction is not to react,” said Hallock. “To me that’s like being resilient no matter like what comes at you.”

For Flood planning the conference was a learning experience he valued.

“I just had a lot of growing as a leader,” said Flood, 19, who’s AfricanAmerican and gay, talking about putting together all of the pieces to create the event. “I think its the biggest benefit that I had through the process.”

March said the conference cost $10,000 to produce.

The youth hosted a fundraiser several months ago at the Qulture Collective that raised an estimated $4,000 to help pay for the conference and there were in-kind donations, said March.

Co-founders of the Qulture Collective, Alyah Baker and Terry and Julia Sok-Wolfson, were happy to provide the space for the youth’s fundraiser.

“It was just an honor to have them in the space and great energy,” said Baker, a 33-year-old queer woman of color who also co-owns the Show and Tell Concept Shop clothing store. “Hopefully, they will come back and be with us throughout the rest of the year with programming and performances.

“Marginalized communities need space,” said Baker. “Space is power.

Space allows you to be safe. In a safe environment you can kind of create the change you sort of wish to see happen in the world,” she said.

The Sok-Wolfsons agreed, noting that while the LGBT movement has come far, communities of color and particularly queer communities of color continue to face systematic discrimination, oppression, and violence against them.

“It is extremely important for queer/trans youth of color to have a safe space to gather and hold conversation, create community together,” the two women said.

“Engaging youth in this larger conversation is essential and necessary for their own safety and for moving forward in this struggle.”

Another conference supporter was the Town Kitchen, which provided an in-kind sponsorship to allocate meals at a discounted price.

Town Kitchen is an organization that pairs low-income youth with chefs to teach them about the hospitality and food service industry, according to its website.

relocating its pharmacy in January 2014. But they then reversed course after concluding AHF’s pharmacy was covered by the city’s formula retail rules, which require chains with 11 or more stores to seek a conditional use permit to open a new location.

AHF lost its appeal of that decision and then sued the city and Wiener, claiming city officials had unfairly targeted it when they passed emergency zoning legislation covering chain stores in the Castro.

In its new lawsuit, AHF refers to the planning commission’s January 28 vote disapproving its plans to move to 518 Castro.

The commission “failed to proceed in the manner required by law, its decision is not supported by its findings, and its findings are not supported by substantial evidence,” AHF says.

Among other claims, the nonprofit says, “The commission determined that the ability of similar retail uses within the district ‘adequately provide the neighborhood’s pharmaceutical needs through formula retail outlets,’” but it “failed to consider” that conditional use authorization “would move AHF’s current pharmacy to a new location and would not create any additional pharmacies in the area.”

AHF is seeking $500,000 in damages from the city, plus other costs.

The city attorney’s office said in a news release that the nonprofit missed the 90-day deadline for filing its lawsuit “by one day – apparently neglecting to count 2016’s quadrennial ‘Leap Day’” February 29.

City Attorney Dennis Herrera stated, “Because AHF’s new lawsuit is time-barred, we won’t need to address its utter lack of merit and other procedural infirmities. As with its prior suit, however, AHF is mistaken that the U.S. Constitution allows it to put chain stores wherever it wants. Courts have long recognized local governments’ broad

authority to regulate land uses in myriad ways, and San Francisco is no exception.”

Herrera’s office said he “has not ruled out the possibility of exploring sanctions against the AHF plaintiffs for violating Rule 11 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which generally intends to deter frivolous and otherwise slipshod pleadings, in order to curb vexatious abuses of the judicial system.”

The lawsuit also names the city’s planning commission and planning department as defendants.

An AHF spokesman didn’t respond to an emailed request for comment.t

Walker said she and Ms. Hansen were often “the only women in the room.”

When Ms. Hansen ran against gay men Mark Leno in 2000 and Bevan Dufty in 2002 for the District 8 supervisor seat, Walker said, her biggest message was “‘We are the voters, the power is with us individuals, and the power of one person to participate in politics and in political decisions is vital. It’s vital for our political system.

That is what it’s based on.’ She spoke truth to power all the time, and in a way that’s effective.”

“I’ll miss her a lot,” Walker said. “I think we all will.”

Ms. Hansen lived in District 8, which includes the Castro, with Wells, her partner of more than 30 years.

Oliver Luby, who was a staffer at

the Ethics Commission for part of the time Ms. Hansen was a commissioner, said, “She was a total asset to the commission when she was on it, and at times the lone voice for ethical thinking.”

Ms. Hansen also served as executive director of the Marin AIDS Support Network and the National Lawyers Guild’s AIDS Project, and she worked as policy director at AIDS Legal Referral Panel, Wells said.

Additionally, Ms. Hansen had a role in the 1987 National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights and engaged in civil disobedience, and she was part of AIDS Action Pledge, which eventually folded into ACT UP/SF. Asked what Ms. Hansen would want people to do now, longtime queer activist Tommi Avicolli

Mecca, who works for the city’s Housing Rights Committee, said, “I think she’d want us to continue fighting for the things she was fighting for,” such as “social and economic justice issues like housing, like a living wage, like immigrant rights.

She was involved with so many movements, so many struggles. I feel pretty confident having known her close to 25 years that she would want us to continue the work.”

Avicolli Mecca said Ms. Hansen’s death is “such a great loss to our community. ... She was involved with so many things the list would be too long to publish.”

In a Facebook post about Ms. Hansen, Sara Shortt, who until recently also worked for the Housing Rights Committee, said, “She was a [Jewish] angel. And I generally don’t

use that word to describe people.

But she damn-well deserves that title more than anyone I know. ...

And because she was such an eternal optimist, I never believed she would lose this battle. She was Eileen. She would win. Because that’s what she did. She gave everyone hope and kept fighting against the odds, especially when she knew the battle was righteous. Our last words exchanged were her expressing concern for others in our lives, who were also up against the EVIL cancer. That’s so like her. It was never about her.”

Ammiano said Ms. Hansen is “going to be sorely missed, not just in the LGBT community, but in the world of social justice. There really was no one like her, and I think she’s irreplaceable.”

Memorial plans are pending.t

the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club. He also picked up the endorsement of the San Francisco Democratic Party.

Henderson is a San Francisco native who grew up in the Bayview and his mother was a public defender.

He graduated from Tulane Law School, where he was homeless for a time and slept in his car.

He first joined the DA’s office in 1995, and on his first day as a prosecutor, Henderson recalled being mistaken by a judge as a defendant rather than a lawyer after he walked into the courtroom.

“The judge told me I had to leave and to wait until my lawyer came in to talk to me. He also said, ‘By the way, you are at the DA’s table.’ It wasn’t a moment of shame for me or em-

barrassment,” said Henderson, who instead took inspiration from the encounter to work on changing people’s perceptions about black men.

He worked his way up to become the highest-ranking LGBT person and African-American male in the DA’s office, serving as chief of administration under former DA Kamala Harris. When she was elected in 2010 as the state’s attorney general, he openly campaigned to be named her replacement.

Former Mayor Gavin Newsom instead chose the city’s then-police chief, George Gascón, and Henderson went to work for Lee, who had been named by the Board of Supervisors to replace Newsom after he became the state’s lieutenant governor. Henderson also announced he would not run

against Gascón that fall to be DA. If elected, he would be the first LGBT African-American to serve on the local court.

“I believe my voice and presence should be heard managing a courtroom,” said Henderson, who has served as a pro-tem superior court bench officer resolving criminal cases and heard civil appellate cases as a hearing officer for the Alameda County Superior Court.

Irias, 54, is also a native San Franciscan who graduated from UC Hastings College of the Law. A past president of the La Raza Lawyers Association – her family is Nicaraguan American – Irias has the endorsement of the Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club.

Her legal experience runs the

gamut from medical malpractice litigation to probate cases, though unlike her two opponents, she has never tried a felony case.

“I have had some exposure to criminal cases,” Irias told the Bay Area Reporter. “I am not so arrogant to say I wouldn’t need to study up. I have shown flexibility in the past. I am not intimidated by dealing with criminal cases.”

In addition to her three decades of practicing law in the city, Irias has also served as a pro-tem judge handling small claims, traffic and juvenile cases for the San Francisco Superior Court since 2014.

“I believe I will be a real asset to the court,” Irias, the mother of three children, said during the BASF candidate forum.t

Building community

All of the youth interviewed agreed that it was unique to have a space dedicated to queer youth of color to connect and explore issues of importance to them, especially since they aren’t always welcome in their own ethnic communities.

“Youth of color in general, especially in American society right

For more information, contact Gallardo at agallardo@ gsanetwork.org or visit https://gsanetwork.org.

Serving the LGBT communities since 1971

14 • BAY AREA REPORTER • May 5-11, 2016

<<

Study

From page 6

Gartrell pointed out that some previous studies didn’t compensate for family transitions, and have found gay parents to have a negative impact on childhood outcomes, such as lower levels of income, and poorer mental and physical health.

But Gartrell added that studies like those didn’t compensate for the fact that they were comparing children from same-sex couples who were not continuously coupled.

Rather, those studies looked at children from same-sex families who experienced family changes such as divorce, adoption, or foster care and compared them to children from stable households with different-sex parents.

Other researchers said that some courts have changed in the way they deal with family issues.

“In recent years, several courts have thrown out the testimony of witnesses who have attempted to draw conclusions by comparing

<<

AIDS housing

From page 6

aside for seniors living with HIV/ AIDS at risk for homelessness.

“I have maintained my focus on helping the LGBTQ and HIV communities keep the housing they have and gain fair and equitable access to affordable housing resources,” Basinger said.

Basinger added that a new law based on neighborhood preferences for affordable housing would go

<<

Leddy

From page 11

stated that Mr. Leddy had several accomplishments during his tenure as board president. Under his leadership, GGBA grew its base of members and sponsors, and hosted multiple gatherings and events for the LGBT business community. On April 7, the San Francisco Council of District Merchants Associations recognized GGBA as its Advocacy Organization of the Year.

About a week before his death, Mr. Leddy chaired GGBA’s second annual Power Lunch program, where he delivered a moving address about the power of personal, social, and economic freedoms championed by the organization, according to the news release.

“JP was an amazing man and a great leader,” GGBA board member Dawn Ackerman told the B.A.R. in a phone interview. “We’re all feeling the loss.”

Ackerman served with Mr. Leddy on the GGBA board for four years.

She said that his leadership “added to the culture of GGBA over the last several years.”

<<

News Briefs

From page 10

artistic experimentation, and energize public spaces. The foundation is currently inviting letters of inquiry for new visionary projects that demonstrate collaboration between artists and nonprofit organizations.

Up to four grants will be awarded in the fall, with funding ranging from $50,000-$200,000 per project.

The program is open to emerging and established artists from a range of artistic disciplines and encourages diverse public art works. Submissions for visual, media, and performing arts, as well as conceptual works, will be considered. Potential projects will be evaluated on whether they significantly engage visitors and residents, and demonstrate a strong relationship to the site.

“The arts play an important role in strengthening and preserving community, especially in a creative city like Oakland,” Mayor Libby Schaaf said in a news release. “We’re

children of same-sex parents who were not continuously coupled, and whose children had experienced family transitions (parental separation, adoption, foster care, etc.), with children of different-sex parents in stable families,” Douglas NeJaime, UCLA professor of law and faculty director at the Williams Institute, said in a statement.

“In these cases, courts have either rejected these comparisons as invalid research or rejected the expertise of the witness trying to make such comparisons,” he added.

The study used data from the 2011-2012 National Survey of Children’s Health, a nationally representative population-based survey on children’s health approved by the National Center for Health Statistics of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.t To read the study, visit http:// journals.lww.com/jrnldbp/Fulltext/2016/04000/Same_Sex_and_ Different_Sex_Parent_Households_and.1.aspxis.

into effect later this month.

“Our goal is for the city to provide sufficient funding for subsidies for everyone who is HIV-positive or otherwise disabled, or age 60 and over who wins the lottery,” Basinger said.

Basinger encourages people in need of housing to apply online at the San Francisco Housing Authority – www.sfha.org – which is currently accepting applications through May 18 at midnight for its project-based voucher, or PBV, units.t “JP really gave support to many people and really genuine in his love, acceptance, and inclusion for everyone,” she said.

Ackerman added that GGBA, under Mr. Leddy’s leadership, became a “diverse, embracing, and powerful business advocacy organization.”

Raised Catholic, Mr. Leddy became a Mormon convert, he told the B.A.R. last year. He left Guam in 1991 for Brigham Young University in Utah. After graduating, he went on a two-year mission, said to be the first Chamorro to serve as a missionary. He was sent to Nashville, Tennessee.

In addition to his children and grandchildren, Mr. Leddy is survived by three brothers, a sister, and his mother.

A celebration of Mr. Leddy’s life will be held Friday, May 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Patio Cafe, 531 Castro Street in San Francisco. Additionally, friends have set up a crowdfunding site to help the family with funeral and travel expenses as they are traveling from Guam and other parts of the U.S. To donate, visit https:// www.gofundme.com/2eqj7n6k.t excited to see how temporary public art can help neighbors start conversations, bridge different points of view, and experience their city in new ways.”

Letters of inquiry will be accepted online from May 16 to June 30. A small group of finalists will be selected and each will receive a $5,000 honorarium to further develop their proposals. A selection panel will review those final proposals and recommend up to four projects for funding. Grants will be announced in November, with implementation expected in 2017.

The foundation will help artists in a number of ways, including preapplication workshops in San Francisco and Oakland. Complete grant application information and workshop details are at www.krfoundation.org/arts/grants/open-spaces.

The Kenneth Rainin Foundation is a private family foundation dedicated to enhancing quality of life by championing and sustaining the arts.t

t

Legal Notices>> SUMMONS: FAMILY LAW, SAN DIEGO COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: SANDRA BJORK RUDOLFSDOTTIR YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: KEVIN ANTHONY NASH CASE NO. D-559231

Notice: You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and petition are served on you to file a response (form FL-120 at this court and have a copy served on the petitioner. A letter, phone call or court appearance will not protect you. If you do not file your response on time, the court may make orders affecting your marriage or domestic partnership, your property, and custody of your children. You may be ordered to pay support and attorney fees and costs. For legal advice, contact a lawyer immediately. Get help finding a lawyer at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www. courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), California Legal Services website (www.lawhelpca.org), or by contacting your local county bar association., at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia. org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association.

NOTICE: Restraining orders are effective against both spouses or domestic partners until the petition is dismissed, a judgment is entered, or the court makes further orders.

They are enforceable anywhere in California by any law enforcement officer who has received or seen a copy of them.

FEE WAIVER: If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the clerk for a fee waiver form. The court may order you to pay back all or part of the fees and costs that the court waived for you or the other party.

The name and address of the court is: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN DIEGO, CENTRAL DIVISION, FAMILY COURT, 1555 6TH AVE, SAN DIEGO, CA 92101.

The name, address, and telephone number of the petitioner’s attorney, or petitioner without an attorney, is:

KEVIN ANTHONY NASH, 3875 FLORIDA ST #20, SAN DIEGO, CA 92104; (619) 384 - 9130.

Date: 01/27/16; Clerk, by A. THOMPSON, Deputy.

APRIL 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037045700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: VAL DE COLE WINES AND SPIRITS, 906 COLE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed BEHROOZ PEJOOHESH. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/12/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/12/16.

APRIL 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037040600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: KATHRYN WOODS; KEW GARDENS, 780 27TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed KATHRYN ELIZABETH WOODS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/28/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/07/16.

APRIL 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037041800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HAPPY MOVING, 81 MINERVA ST., SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed XINGCHUAN SU. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/08/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/08/16.

APRIL 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037035600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: H. G XU SERVICES, 751 STOCKTON ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed HONG GEN XU. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/01/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/05/16.

APRIL 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037030700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ACUTE SALON, 3913 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LINDA M. THOMAS-MAYFIELD. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/01/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/01/16.

APRIL 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037043000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: REID’S TAILORING, 2124 UNION ST #B, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed YALI WU & WEI BIN 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 04/11/16.

APRIL 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2016 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-036301500

SUMMONS ALAMEDA COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: BERKELEY INVESTMENTS, LLC, A CALIFORNIA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY; PRIME REALTY AND FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC., A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION; PRIORITY CAPITOL FUNDING, INC. A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION; QUAN DANG NGUYEN, AN INDIVIDUAL; CHRISTOPHER GREGORY TOY, AN INDIVIDUAL; AND DOES ONE TO TWENTY. INCLUSIVE YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: KERSTIN SCHWARTZ CASE NO. RG15789507 Notice: You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below.

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp) your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case.

The name and address of the court is: Alameda County Superior Court, Rene C. Davidson Courthouse, 1225 Fallon St, Oakland, California 94612.

The name, address, and telephone number of the plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: Charles R. Ostertag, Alamere Law, 802 B Street, San Rafael, California 94901: Office (415) 938 - 7823 Date: October 13, 2015: Clerk, by Lynn Wiley, Deputy.

APRIL 21, 28, MAY 5, 12, 2016 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-16-552050

In the matter of the application of: SUKI CHANG TSANG, 2928 CLEMENT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner SUKI CHANG TSANG, is requesting that the name SUKI CHANG TSANG, be changed to SUKI AVA TSANG. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 514 on the 14th of June 2016 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

APRIL 21, 28, MAY 5, 12, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037056100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GREEN BEAUTY NAILS & SPA, 1300 PACIFIC AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed NGUYEN HUONG T. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/19/16.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/19/16.

APRIL 21, 28, MAY 05, 12, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037034100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SAN FRANCISCO REIKI CENTER, 3150 18TH ST #243, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed CHRISTOPHER TELLEZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/01/2011. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/05/16.

APRIL 21, 28, MAY 05, 12, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037053100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CARDINALE RENTALS, 2227 FILBERT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SAL CARDINALE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/15. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/15/16.

APRIL 21, 28, MAY 05, 12, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037054800

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037049100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CAFE SIS, 402 BALBOA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JI YEON LEE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/14/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/14/16.

APRIL 21, 28, MAY 05, 12, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037051600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: COMMERCIAL MAINTENANCE CONCEPTS, 140 CRESTA VISTA DR., SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94127. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed TONY TENG & ANTHONY VENTURI. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on04/15/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/15/16.

APRIL 21, 28, MAY 05, 12, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037052300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ROSÉ TODAY, 1420 DE HARO ST #2, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed ALLEN HABEL & CRAIG PALMER. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/01/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/15/16.

APRIL 21, 28, MAY 05, 12, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037048500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THE CITY INN, 395 9TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed SOMA INVESTMENTS LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/21/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/14/16.

APRIL 21, 28, MAY 05, 12, 2016 BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037042200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: AMADOS, 998 VALENCIA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed 998 VALENCIA LLC, (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/01/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/08/16.

APRIL 21, 28, MAY 05, 12, 2016 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-16-552051

In the matter of the application of: ADRIAN ANTHONY ROBERTS, 1390 MARKET ST #2401, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner ADRIAN ANTHONY ROBERTS, is requesting that the name ADRIAN ANTHONY ROBERTS, be changed to ADRIAN A. ROBERTS. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Room 514, Dept. 514 on the 14th of June 2016 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

APRIL 28, MAY 05, 12, 19, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037060200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BOOM CITY BUILDERS, 522 PRECITA AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed GARRITT BLANZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/14/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/22/16.

APRIL 28, MAY 05, 12, 19, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037054700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: INTER ELECTRIC, 1600 LA SALLE AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ELMER MORAN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/18/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/18/16.

APRIL 28, MAY 05, 12, 19, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037058900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ALLSTAR CONCEPTS, ALLSTAR PHOTOGRAPHY, 3145 GEARY BLVD #133, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed CHARLIE ARMSTRONG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/21/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/21/16.

APRIL 28, MAY 05, 12, 19, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037060400

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as: PACIFIC HAIR STUDIO, 1538 PACIFIC AVE #115, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business was conducted by a general partnership and signed by ATIYA OWENS & IOANNA IOSIFELLIS. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/11/2015.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GINA GRAHAME PRESENTS, 50 STANYAN ST 3101, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed GINA D. GROSS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/18/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/18/16.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SENATORIAL COURTESY, 248 GOLDEN GATE AVE #304, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed CHUNG PAU CHOY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/22/16.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/22/16.

APRIL 14, 21, 28, MAY 05, 2016

APRIL 21, 28, MAY 05, 12, 2016

APRIL 28, MAY 05, 12, 19, 2016

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Read more online at www.ebar.com

Legal Notices>> FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037059800

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037074700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BAIANO PIZZERIA HAYES VALLEY, 100 GOUGH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed IAN ALMEIDA MATOS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/21/16.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/21/16.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: O’LEARY PLUMBING, 1308 PANACE TERRACE, SUNNYVALE, CA. 94087. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DAVID O’LEARY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/24/15. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/29/16.

APRIL 28, MAY 05, 12, 19, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037058800

MAY 05, 12, 19, 26, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037038900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SAN FRANCISCO SILENT FILM FESTIVAL 145 9TH ST, #230, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SILENT FILM FESTIVAL, THE (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/01/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/21/16.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: RODAN STUDIO, 457 BARTLETT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed ROSA V. MENDOZA & DANIEL DOUGLAS ROBERT BALDWIN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/07/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/07/16.

APRIL 28, MAY 05, 12, 19, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037051100

MAY 05, 12, 19, 26, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037070100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: UDC DENTAL GROUP, 3448 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed ULLOA DENTAL CORPORATION (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/15/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/15/16.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ITANI DENTAL SAN FRANCISCO, 450 SUTTER ST #2318, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed ITANI DENTAL, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/08/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/28/16.

APRIL 28, MAY 05, 12, 19, 2016 NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINSTER ESTATE OF BRADFORD FIELD TOWNSEND IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO: FILE PES-16-299717

MAY 05, 12, 19, 26, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037071900

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of BRADFORD FIELD TOWNSEND. A Petition for Probate has been filed by SUN YUN KUO, 1035 BRIDGEWATER HILL ROAD, PLYMOUTH, NH, 03264 in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. The Petition for Probate requests that SUN YUN KUO 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: MAY 25, 2016, 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 later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined by section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for petitioner: SUN YUN KUO, 1035 BRIDGEWATER HILL ROAD, PLYMOUTH, NH, 03264; Ph. (603) 968-7832.

MAY 05, 12, 19, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037069000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CUTIE PIES, 1700 MONTGOMERY ST #101, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MARIA DEL PILAR ALVARADO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/01/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/27/16.

MAY 05, 12, 19, 26, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037060900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BOUQUET CATERING COMPANY, 1821 15TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed STEPHANIE KAZARIAN-SANTORE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/16/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/22/16.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ALEX BAKERY, 431 CLEMENT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed TING YIP INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/28/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/28/16.

MAY 05, 12, 19, 26, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037045500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HUMANKIND CO, 475 CONNECTICUT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed JULIE WERTZ DESIGN CO. LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/01/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/12/16.

MAY 05, 12, 19, 26, 2016 NOTICE

In accordance with requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation as set forth in 49 CFR Part 26, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) hereby notifies the public that it intends to establish an overall goal of fifteen percent (15%) participation by Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) for Federal Fiscal Years 2017-2019.

Information pertaining to this proposed DBE goal is available for inspection from 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday through Friday, at the SFMTA Contract Compliance Office (CCO) at One South Van Ness Avenue, 6th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103, for thirty (30) days following this publication. Comments will be accepted for forty-five (45) days from date of publication. Comments may be sent to the SFMTA CCO at the above address. CCO can be contacted at 415-701-4443.

5/5/16 CNS-2873714# BAY AREA REPORTER

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA RAPID TRANSIT DISTRICT NOTICE TO PROPOSERS EXTENSION OF TIME FOR RECEIPT OF PROPOSALS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sealed Proposals will be received until the hour of 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at the District Secretary’s Office, 23rd Floor, 300 Lakeside Drive, Oakland, California 94612 (mailing address: P.O. Box 12688, Oakland, California 94604-2688) for the Construction Management Services for the TBT, Request for Proposals (“RFP”) No. 6M8114. Such Proposals will thereafter be accepted or rejected by the District.

The Proposers are responsible to ensure their Proposals are received at the time and location specified.

Dated at Oakland, California, this 22nd day of April 2016. /s/ Kenneth A. Duron Kenneth A. Duron, District Secretary San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District 5/5/16 CNS-2873895# BAY AREA REPORTER

MAY 05, 12, 19, 26, 2016

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NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Public Utilities Commission of the City and County of San Francisco (the “Commission”) intends to offer for public sale the above-referenced bonds (the “Bonds”) on the date and time set forth below:

May 10, 2016 at 7:45 a.m. (California time) (subject to postponement or cancellation in accordance with the hereinafter mentioned Official Notice of Sale) at the offices of the Commission, 525 Golden Gate Avenue, 4th Floor, San Francisco, California 94102. Bids for each series of the Bonds will be received in electronic form only and solely through the Parity® electronic bid submission system of Ipreo (“Parity”) in the manner described in the Official Notice of Sale related to each series of the Bonds.

The Commission reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to postpone or cancel the sale of the Bonds, to change the terms thereof upon notice given through Parity, and to reject all bids received on such date. In the event that no bid for the Bonds is awarded, the Commission may reschedule the sale of such Bonds to another date or time by providing notification through Parity. Notice of any cancellation, postponement, a new time, or a new time and date, for receipt of bids will be communicated through Parity.

Each series of the Bonds will be offered for public sale subject to the terms and conditions of the related Official Notice of Sale. Further information regarding the proposed sale of the Bonds, including copies of the Preliminary Official Statement and the Official Notice of Sale relating thereto, will be available electronically at Parity or may be obtained from either of the Commission’s financial advisors: Public Resources Advisory Group, 11500 West Olympic Boulevard, Suite 502, Los Angeles, CA 90064, Attention: Edmund Soong, Telephone: (310) 477-8487, (email: esoong@pragadvisors.com); and FirstSouthwest, a Division of Hilltop Securities Inc., 1300 Clay Street, Suite 600, Oakland, California 94612, Attention: Joseph Yew, Telephone: (510) 663-3792, (email: joseph.yew@hilltopsecurities.com).

MAY 05, 12, 19, 26, 2016 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037074500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: AUTHENTIC AFGHAN RUGS, 3900 3RD ST #207, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ABDUL FAHIM. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/29/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/29/16.

May 5-11, 2016 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 15

On or around May 4, 2016, the Preliminary Official Statement and Official Notice of Sale relating to each series of the Bonds will be posted electronically at ImageMaster: www.muniOS.com. The Commission will not provide notice of the availability of such documents to any party, and the failure of any bidder to receive notice thereof shall not affect the legality of the sale of the Bonds. *Preliminary, subject to change.

Dated: May 4, 2016

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Vol. 46 • No. 18 • May 5-11, 2016

www.ebar.com/arts

Harold Offeh, Arabesque, Covers: Arabesque, After Grace Jones, 1978 (still) (2008-09). Video.

In the footsteps S of Grace Jones

Courtesy of the artist

by Sura Wood

tanding nearly six feet tall with the imperious bearing of an androgynous black Amazon, Grace Jones was bending gender identity for her own purposes and playing with extreme fashion and multiple personae before Lady Gaga got her groove and her meat dress on.

See page 26 >>

Honoring Patty Duke

by David-Elijah Nahmod

F

ilm-lovers were shocked by the unexpected passing of actress Patty Duke on March 29. At the time of her death, Duke, 69, had amassed more than 125 credits at Internet Movie Database. She had won an Oscar, two Emmys and a People’s Choice

Patty Duke and Marc Huestis at the Castro Theatre in 2009.

Stevin Underhill

Award. She had also won the respect of millions for her mental health advocacy. In 1983, Duke was diagnosed with manic depression, now known as bipolar disorder. Duke spent the rest of her life using her celebrity to advocate for mental health. Beginning with her courageous 1987 autobiography Call Me Anna, she spoke openly and honestly about See page 18 >>

‘Onegin’ caps SF Ballet season

by Paul Parish

W

ith Onegin, a three-act ballet choreographed in 1965 by the gay South African John Cranko, San Francisco Ballet brought their 2016 season to a sensational close. It is a romance that belongs in an opera house, with swelling music by Tchaikovsky and swooning, soaring use of ballet technique.

See page 24 >>

San Francisco Ballet’s Maria Kochetkova and Vitor Luiz in choreographer John Cranko’s Onegin.

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18 • BAY AREA REPORTER • May 5-11, 2016

“gut-wrenching, heart-breaking, and spirit-lifting”

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SEAN DORSEY DANCE

May 5-7 | Z Space, SF

A love letter to a forgotten generation, based on Sean Dorsey's oral history interviews with transgender and queer longtime survivors of the early AIDS epidemic across the US.

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<< Out There

t Colorful museum encounters

by Roberto Friedman

P

ressies from around the world and down the block toured the new San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) last week, set to open to the public on May 14.

It was magical and more than a little otherworldly to be in the museum’s sleek new HQ for most of a full day. Arts & Culture has two weeks’ coverage of the museum’s new incarnation coming up, don’t miss it. But in the meantime, and inbetween time, here’s our $120 (two cents times six graphs, adjusted for inflation).

Hurrahs for SFMOMA opening with no fewer than 19 exhibitions, over 19,000 works of art, described economically in welcoming brochures of many languages. Hello to old favorites and new acquisitions in the multitude of galleries.

Welcome to the works of the Campaign for Art. And to the Fisher Collection, here for 100 years and we hope many more, especially for how it enriches the museum’s holdings in works on paper and California art. Kudos to Elise S. Haas Senior Curator of Painting and Sculpture Gary Garrels for his excellent installation of the Fisher riches.

The art on the walls is, as it should be, preeminent, and feels like it has room enough to breathe.

Particularly satisfying are whole galleries devoted to single artists, such as the Alexander Calder Motion Lab, the Agnes Martin chapel, the stunning rooms devoted to Ellsworth Kelly, Cy Twombly, Styll, Rauschenberg, Richter, Polke, Kiefer, Bradford – the list of worthies goes on and on.

Sweet to see the William Kentridge Preparing the Flute model theater

DIRECT FROM AUSTRALIA

Rick Gerharter

Several galleries at the expanded San Francisco Museum of Modern Art are dedicated to the works of Ellsworth Kelly.

again, doing its little version of Die Zauberflote.

Salutations to senior curator of photography Sandra Phillips and the Pritzker Center for Photography for recognizing the importance of that art expression to the museum’s collection. As well we enjoy some intriguing contemporary art galleries that even make room for visionary filmmaker Apichatpong Weerasethakul. God knows we also love architecture and graphic arts exhibits. Really there’s too much on offer to catalog here. Trust us, read our coming pages. We’ll have more to say about the building in future paragraphs. For now, the seven full floors of galleries and public spaces offer plenty of art to see. The terraces are nice. Dashing up the narrow, winding staircases is trippy, feels like getting lost in your weird Uncle Al’s art attic. Fun but serious.

Congratulations to Helen and Charles Schwab Director Neal Benezra, and we hate the expression “and his team,” but you know what we mean. Props to Snohetta for a beautiful monster, a momentous achievement, a civic pride. Big bonus points for making museum admission free for all 18 and under.

And for free access to ground-floor

<<

WED. June 22 | 7:3oPM

Palace of Fine Arts Theatre |tickets cityboxoffice.com Charge by phone (415) 392-4400 @nakedmagicshow

Patty Duke

From page 17

the manic episodes which nearly destroyed her career and ended her marriage to actor John Astin.

For three decades she appeared on television and before groups large and small to address mental health.

She let millions know they need not be ashamed, and that recovery was possible.

On May 10, the Castro Theatre will honor Duke’s memory with screenings of her two best-known films. The Miracle Worker (1962) will show at 6 p.m. Duke won an Oscar for her mesmerizing portrayal of Helen Keller, a reallife blind/deaf girl who learned how to speak and communicate with the help of her teacher, Annie Sullivan (Anne Bancroft). Valley of the Dolls (1967), a melodrama about pillpopping showgirls in Hollywood, will screen at 8 p.m. A wonderfully over-the-top campfest with a huge gay following, Dolls was shown at the Castro in 2009 with Duke in attendance. That magical evening was produced by Marc Huestis, who tells the B.A.R. he’ll be helping out at the May 10 tribute. He speaks fondly of his friend Anna, Duke’s real name.

“The evening event was a dream come true, both for Anna and me,” Huestis recalls. “As she exited her limo, Anna looked terrific. At 62, she courageously looked her age, her face uninjected and unpulled.

Chock-full of character. Her aura

galleries for everyone. Out There thinks museums should be free for all, period, but we’ll get to that later.

Meanwhile, more at sfmoma.org.

Further festival

There was lots on offer as the 59th San Francisco International Film Festival (SFIFF) steamed through its second week. OT’s datebook was suddenly full of San Francisco Film Society (SFFS) invitations to nightclubs and restaurants. Centerpiece Party in honor of James Schamus’ Indignation at Slate Bar, Persistence of Vision Award reception honoring Aardman Animations and Peter Lord at Beso Bistronomia. Mel Novikoff Award Reception honoring Janus Films & the Criterion Collection at Café Flore. Glamorous filmie occasions were snapping and popping all over town, but mostly in the Mission and Castro Districts.

The screening of Stephanie Soechtig’s Under the Gun, the Epix documentary on gun violence in America at the Victoria Theatre, was, as expected, a little grueling, but moving and important. Katie Couric, an executive producer, narrates and appears. The intimate afterparty transpired at Lolinda.

So we’ve been a berry busy lemur, including attending opening night of this San Francisco Ballet season’s closing attraction, Onegin.

We’ll have to catch up later.t was so damned playful while she waved to her adoring fans. Some of the audience, who had waited hours in advance to snag a good seat, erupted in waves of spontaneous applause. Cars honked on Castro Street!”

Duke’s opening line on the Castro stage brought down the house. “For years I wanted to find the writer of that song and show him how a hot dog can make him lose control” was a reference to the theme song to The Patty Duke Show, her hit 1963-66 sitcom.

To the world she remained Patty Duke, movie star and advocate. But to Mike Pearce, Duke was always Anna, his spouse and best friend.

“I cannot thank my friends, neighbors and family enough,” Pearce said, speaking to the B.A.R. from the home he shared with Duke in Idaho. “They call me every day to check in. Their love and support have been unbelievable.”

Pearce said that Helen Keller had been his wife’s favorite role.

“She never took doing that play and movie for granted,” he recalled.

“She visited Tuscumbia, Alabama [Keller’s hometown] many times.

It was always considered as if Helen Keller had walked into the room.

She so enjoyed having that in her life.”

But it was Duke’s mental health advocacy that is her true legacy, according to Pearce. “After her book See page 24 >>

t

Theatre>>

May 5-11, 2016 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 19

X marks the theatrical stage

by Richard Dodds

E

ven if you’ve never read Treasure Island, it probably feels like you did. The whole notion of a peglegged pirate with a parrot on his shoulder comes from the Robert Louis Stevenson novel, and even the sea chantey “Yo, Ho, Ho and a Bottle of Rum” originated in the 1883 adventure tale. In the more than 50 screen versions, Mr. Magoo and the Muppets have been to Treasure Island, and Disney once sent the characters to Treasure Planet. But director Mary Zimmerman’s stage adaptation pulls the elaborate plot from the mists of memory with a surprisingly faithful and literal rendering now at Berkeley Rep. Zimmerman largely lets the novel do the storytelling, and since its original format was as a serialized tale with ongoing cliffhangers, the material has long proven its dramatic adaptability. But putting it on the stage rather than the screen requires either an elaborate technical investment or a high degree of theatrical imagination. Zimmerman has rewardingly followed the latter course in other adaptations seen at Berkeley Rep including The

Arabian Nights, The Notebooks of Leonardo Da Vinci, Argonautika, and Metamorphoses.

But by her admission, Zimmerman has designed Treasure Island to fall somewhere between the theatrical possibilities of her trademark stage magic and a scene-by-scene reenactment. Because the rewards of her usual interpretations have been so high, it may feel a bit of a letdown that they go largely unused in Treasure Island. The production is still a quality affair and often engrossing as the storyline is either introduced to theatergoers or rekindled from their memories.

It’s an X-marks-the-spot story, as a mismatched collection of Englishmen comes across a treasure map, hire a schooner, and head off for an island that Stevenson never geographically situates. The low-end nobleman who bankrolls the mission is something of a dunderhead, and when he hires the unsavory Long John Silver to gather up a crew, the levelheaded captain is full of warnings that go unheeded. Mutiny, murder, and subterfuge are the results, and because the serialized story was originally published in a children’s adventure magazine, the

other leading roles: Matt real hero turns out to be the DeCaro as the foolish 15-year-old cabin boy. squire who heads the misYoung Jim Hawkins is sion, Alex Moggridge as the a mighty role, filled with empathetic doctor, Steve elaborate speeches and Pickering as an addled maphysical clamoring, and rooned sailor, and DemeJohn Babbo, in his midtrios Troy as a crew member teens, is almost unnervingly of unclear loyalties. assured in his performance.

This latest adaptation of He was part of Chicago’s Treasure Island is a sturdy Lookingglass Theatre affair, filled with comedy, Company’s 2015 debut of drama, and action. But you Treasure Island, as were can tell the audience is others in this co-producKevin Berne craving something more tion with Berkeley Rep. The Stephen Epps as the pirate Long John Silver from Zimmerman, as when most welcome newcomer and John Babbo as a young cabin boy head off little squares of shiny gold to the cast is Steven Epps, to discover buried riches in a new adaptation of confetti fall from the rafters a Berkeley Rep favorite for Treasure Island at Berkeley Rep. to suggest a treasure finally his comedic turns often found. There were oohs in irreverent stagings of and ahhs from the audience Moliere plays. Epps plays for the audience to figure out where for an effect that would be unreLong John Silver as a flamboyantly particular scenes are located, even if markable in another Zimmerman cunning and unpredictably comic the characters do announce them. production. The director shouldn’t character with enough moral ambiThe unit set of a tall-masted schoohave to stylistically repeat herself, guity that young Jim is both drawn ner by designer Todd Rosenthal is but her Treasure Island comes up to and in fear of him. impressively massive, and can even just a few doubloons short of a Where the production begins to swing like a multi-ton hammock in bounty.t fade is in the second act where the rough waters, but it also serves as cycles of battles and rapprochement numerous other locales with only with the pirates become repetitive, symbolic efforts at suggesting offTreasure Island will run through and some decisive battle begins June 5 at Berkeley Rep. Tickets board the boat. are $22.50-$92. Call (510) 647-2949 to feel always just around the next In addition to Babbo and Epps, or go to berkeleyrep.org. corner. There are also challenges the cast is impressively cast in the

Under the grapevines

by Richard Dodds

I

t doesn’t take much to get the characters to sing in The Most Happy Fella. A case of sore feet, meeting someone from Dallas, making a fist, or just standing on the corner watching all the girls go by is enough reason to break into a song. The characters barely have time to eke out a line of dialogue before both workaday activities and passionate romances erupt musically. The need for singing talent is obvious, and because so much of the characters’ natures must be communicated in the songs, you need good singers who also have plenty of personality.

These are substantial requirements, and may be one reason why Frank Loesser’s 1956 Broadway hit is so seldom seen. But 42nd Street Moon has assembled one of its most vocally accomplished casts for this revival at the Eureka Theatre, making the production a standout for the troupe that presents seldomseen musicals and offering a rich introduction to The Most Happy Fella for those who have never seen it before.

This was Loesser’s follow-up to Guys and Dolls, and in its day it created confusion among critics and audiences. The consistently playful tone of Guys and Dolls was replaced with something frequently more serious, using the libretto also by Loesser as little more than an outline on which to hook the songs. But it differs from more contemporary musicals like The Phantom of the Opera or Sweeney Todd with their

sung-through operatic structures.

All the songs in The Most Happy Fella are stand-alone affairs, and while there is considerable humor in the show, the tone is more about heartbreak and aching romance than anything else.

Martin Rojas Dietrich plays Tony, a Napa Valley rancher originally from Italy, whose love-letter affair with a much younger San Francisco waitress expands into a marriage proposal. But as Tony’s possessive sister cruelly tells him, he is old, unattractive, and none-too-bright.

So he mails off a picture of a handsome ranch foreman to help entice his Rosabella to Napa Valley. You don’t need to consult the program bios to figure out that Dietrich has credits in opera, and his voice soars in Loesser’s sweeping ballads. But he can also put across the character’s jauntier tunes to create a character who may just possibly be lovable.

As the waitress who arrives from San Francisco willing to jump into marriage with a man she has never met, Amanda Johnson delivers an enchanting performance of a directionless woman named Amy who is easy prey for the romanticized version of herself that Tony offers from afar. Johnson expertly plays the conflicted character, renamed Rosabella by Tony, who is so disappointed when she meets the man she has promised to marry that she has a sexual affair on her wedding day with the ranch foreman she had pictured as her husband.

Other high-quality performances are delivered by Nicole Frydman

as Amy’s wisecracking best friend, Robbie Rescigno as her goodnatured beau, Caroline Altman as Tony’s dream-busting sister, and Noel Anthony as the ranch foreman whose liaison with Amy has huge consequences. This is the kind of musical in which the ensemble is quick to arrive no matter where the action is taking place, and the choral work is exemplary. Adding a big dose of friskiness are Daniel Olson,

Scott Maraj, and Tim Wagner as a trio of Italian cooks who love to sing about the feasts they seem always to be preparing.

Director-choreographer Cindy Goldfield, an accomplished performer herself, brings forth a finely tuned production with lively dance steps that comfortably meld with the cast’s talents. Resident musical director Dave Dobrusky is at the piano leading the three-piece

accompaniment that creates an especially rich sound. That’s of particular importance in The Most Happy Fella, a musical that hardly knows what to do with itself when not bursting into song.t The Most Happy Fella will run through May 15 at the Eureka Theatre. Tickets are $25-$75.

Call (415) 255-8207 or go to 42ndstmoon.org.

NICK ADAMS

RUMER WILLIS

BARRETT FOA

June 10 – 11

June 22 – 23

June 24 – 25

For tickets: feinsteinsatthenikko.com David Allen

Martin Rojas Dietrich and Amanda Johnson play a Napa Valley rancher and a San Francisco waitress who become unlikely spouses in The Most Happy Fella at the Eureka Theatre.

Feinstein’s | Hotel Nikko San Francisco 222 Mason Street | 855-322-2738

<< Theatre

20 • BAY AREA REPORTER • May 5-11, 2016

Shocking behaviors & louche acts

by Richard Dodds

I

davidallenstudio.com

Bruna Palmeiro plays a cow that undergoes a shocking transformation in one of the stories that make up Thrillpeddlers’ The Untamed Stage.

n the case of this particular German cow, it may seem a case of udder uber alles. But having an extra teat isn’t much good if there is no milk flowing and your next destination is the dinner table.

In the “kabarett musical fantasy” that makes up the second act of Thrillpeddlers’ The Untamed Stage, Bruna Palmeiro is a comic delight as the vaguely melancholy cow who sings that her lot in life is to chew, digest, and poop, with Palmeiro suggesting a kind of Lucille Ball performance of wide-eyed mimicry as the dumb bovine.

Writer-composer Scrumbly Koldewyn certainly isn’t playing in a I Love Lucy world, which isn’t too surprising for the former member of the Cockettes who has frequently collaborated with Thrillpeddlers. But he still manages to shake up an audience that has already arrived expecting the troupe to go for the shocking. In The German Thing to Do – or How a Cow Changed History, Nazi-like scientists are working on an experiment that goes awry in a way that transforms

our poor cow’s five udders into a phallic quintet with a new popularity among the citizenry.

In this mad world, the cow’s storyline is actually the most rational among the multiple tangents that involve human gender journeys, a pansexual Pandora’s Box, and a short film of the kind of psychedelia that might have been shot for a Cockettes show of the early 1970s.

The material has its hits and misses, but it provides abundant opportunities for outrage by such Thrillpeddlers regulars as David Bicha, Kim Larsen, Noah Haydon, Andy Wegner, Damien Chacona, Diogo Zavadzki, John Flaw, and Barney Ford (subbing for Steven Satyricon at a recent performance).

The cast also gets to spread its unangelic wings in many other ways in the first act, a collection of new songs by Koldewyn meant to suggest the louche sounds of Germany before Hitler came to power. The one performer who remains a constant presence through both acts is the emcee, a wickedly provocative character as sharply rendered by Zelda Koznofski. The songs come in

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a variety of musical styles, and the lyrics by Koldewyn and others push the anticipated titillation buttons.

A few songs do take things more seriously, most notably the plaintive solos that Haydon has in the first act and Zavadzki in the second. A changing roster of guest stars gets choice opportunities to belt out tunes, with Carly Ozard delivering at this particular performance. The show stops singing long enough for Wegner and Chacona to perform their sketch Spoogillios, which is unabashedly puerile.

Russell Blackwood, Thrillpeddlers’ artistic director, is steady at the helm of this multilayered mashup, with a simple but stylish set by James Blackwood and imaginative costumes by Glenn Krumbholz that offer considerably more than plunging necklines. “We don’t have a sense of guilt,” sings the cast, and The Untamed Stage is on a constant mission to prove just that.t The Untamed Stage will run at the Hypnodrome through May 28.

Tickets are $30-$35. Call (415) 3774202 or go to hypnodrome.org.

May flowers at the Castro Theatre

by David Lamble

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month before LGBT Pride, the Castro Theatre continues its ongoing function as a neighborhood movie palace.

The Miracle Worker (1962) Arthur Penn gets Oscar-winning performances from Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke, as Annie Sullivan (Bancroft), teacher to deaf/blind child Helen Keller (Duke). Originally staged by Penn for landmark CBS series Playhouse 90.

Valley of the Dolls (1967) Mark Robson’s production of the trashy Jacqueline Susann bestseller. With Patty Duke, Sharon Tate, Susan Hayward, Paul Burke and Martin Milner. (both 5/10) Orlando (1992) Its pleasures are mostly front-loaded. The opening set-piece of the first Queen Elizabeth’s court is visually stunning, with cameos by Quentin Crisp and Bronski Beat frontman Jimmy Somerville. It’s followed

by Orlando’s ardent, unsuccessful wooing of the Russian Princess, Sasha (Charlotte Valandrey). While Swinton’s take on a feminized boy’s magical transformation into an aspiring poetess is believable in the same way we accept the Elizabethan stage custom of boys playing female characters, the sex change pretty much stops the plot dead in its tracks. The rest of the film becomes a series of set changes as title-cards flip the centuries by. There’s not a lot to occupy the mind unless you’re an ardent fan of the wit and wisdom of Alexander Pope. A must-see for Woolf devotees, gender theorists, and Swinton’s fan-club, Orlando is the missing link between Swinton’s experimental work for Derek Jarman and her more recent art-house fare.

Only Lovers Left Alive (2013) Jim Jarmusch mines a venerable subgenre for all the entertainment value possible. The setup: Adam (Tom Hiddleston), a bored vampire living in Detroit, is beside himself with anxiety because he has to entertain an annoying vampire (overthe-top Mia Wasikowska) and her puppy-sweet human boyfriend Anton Yelchin. As two vampires dump a body into the effluent-rich Detroit River, they watch it dissolved by acid. “That was visual!” (both 5/11) The Birds (1963) Hitchcock’s last great 60s thriller is based on a Daphne du Maurier story where

Tilda Swinton and Tom Hiddleston in Jim Jarmusch’s Only Lovers Left Alive.

feathered creatures declare war on humankind. Note Hitch’s masterly use of God’s point-of-view of the fire that breaks out near Bodega Bay gas station. (5/14) Billy Budd (1962) Melville’s morality-at-sea tale has been a novella, an opera, and this Peter Ustinov widescreen B&W film featuring the debut of Terence Stamp as a beautiful young sailor pressed into the British Navy. Billy’s goodness runs afoul of an evil master-at-arms (creepy Robert Ryan).

Knife in the Water (1962) Roman Polanski’s master storytelling skills are in evidence in this battle of wills between a hetero couple and a cute young male hitchhiker. (both 5/15) Blade Runner (1982/2007) Ridley Scott adapts a sci-fi classic for the big screen, Philip K. Dick’s Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, with Harrison Ford as a 21st-century LA cop tracking down robotic “replicants” in a city engulfed in acid rain. LA has never felt more enervatingly sad. Spiffy ensemble: Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, Daryl Hannah, William Sanderson and Edward James Olmos; and the cherry on the sundae, the spacey music of Vangelis.

The Hunger (1983) Tony Scott’s feature debut was dismissed by some as “kinky trash,” but when he

serves up a vampire couple played

by Catherine Deneuve and David Bowie, respect must be paid. (both 5/16-17) Sudden Fear (1952) Joan Crawford at the top of her game is threatened when she learns that her new hubby, a disgruntled actor (Jack Palance) she fired, plans to kill her.

Experiment in Terror (1962) Early-60s Blake Edwards thriller features Glenn Ford as an FBI agent trying to thwart a SF serial killer with the help of bank clerk Lee Remick. Baseball geeks will

appreciate the Candlestick Park-set climax. (both 5/19) Pretty in Pink (1986) High point of producer/writer John Hughes’ run of “Brat Pack” movies. Molly Ringwald turns in a sensitive performance as a poor teen who finds herself squired around by one of her high school’s rich kids (Andrew McCarthy). With an unusually lowkey turn from Ringwald’s big-screen dad, Harry Dean Stanton. Director Howard Deutch helms a young ensemble including Jon Cryer, Annie Potts, James Spader, Gina Gershon

Scene from Rob Epstein’s The Times of Harvey Milk.

and Andrew Dice Clay.

Carrie (1976) Brian De Palma was still considered a Hitchcock imitator when he concocted this gory teen-revenge fantasy. Sissy Spacek is the main attraction as a bullied teen who discovers kinetic powers to punish her tormentors. Based on Stephen King’s novel. Piper Laurie is memorable as Carrie’s religiously obsessed mom. Featuring John Travolta, Nancy Allen and Amy Irving. (both 5/20) The Times of Harvey Milk (1984) The greatest LGBT politicalbio, Rob Epstein’s Oscar-winning tribute to assassinated San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk never grows old. Featuring on-screen interviews with friends of Harvey and a stirring narration by Harvey Fierstein. Info: milkclub.org/birthday. (5/22, Milk’s 86th birthday) The Graduate (1967) Dustin Hoffman makes an exceptional bigscreen debut as a young naif whose college graduation reward includes a series of one-night-stands with predatory Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft). Mike Nichols (Best Director Oscar) draws a straight flush with a cult classic that embodied a generation’s misgivings about their futures. Hoffman’s collection of tics, shrugs and animal noises nails a character who on the printed page seemed to call for blond Adonis Robert Redford. The Simon & Garfunkel soundtrack sealed the deal with young fans just discovering album-oriented FM radio. Best scene: Benjamin Braddock is advised to base his career on a single word, “Plastics.”

Risky Business (1983) Tom Cruise launched his squeaky-clean image with this quirky comedy about a “nice” teen who goes astray when his parents entrust him with the family’s suburban castle.

Cruise’s solo dance in his tightywhities would later be reprised on SNL by presidential scion Ron Reagan. (both 5/25) Jaws (1974) The summer movie sensation that launched the Hollywood blockbuster craze and helped usher out medium-budget maturecontent films from studio summers.

Jurassic Park (1993) Steven Spielberg’s first stab at creating a big-screen wildlife park with dinosaurs brought back from extinction.

A proper sci-fi thriller with Richard Attenborough, Sam Neill and Laura Dern. (both 5/30)t

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Fine Art>>

May 5-11, 2016 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 21

Pop portraiture

Steven Underhill

Courtesy the artist

Pop artist Jason Mecier, with his celebrity portraits in the background, has a new show in SF.

by Sari Staver

who has become a celebrity. In an interview with the B.A.R., he said, “Don’t get me wrong, I’m really excited about the new show. And I hope this doesn’t sound too dramatic, but this may be my last one.”

With a lot of lucrative commercial assignments coming in, Mecier finds the task of “selling” his celebrity trash portraits increasingly difficult.

“Celebrities are used to going out to a party and getting a gift bag with a Rolex watch inside,” he explained.

“When I ask them to send me some of their trash to make a portrait, many of them just assume it’s going to be free.” Also, “I’m starting to feel my age and have started to think it may be time to cut back on making art.”

While he welcomes commissions, which start at $1,500 and go “way up” from there, Mecier is hoping for a new chapter in his professional life.

“But I’m not sure what it is.” One possibility is to star in a television program, an idea now being pitched by his friend and patron Margaret Cho to people in the entertainment industry. The idea, as Cho sees it, would be to follow the creation of a celebrity junk portrait, following Mecier into a celebrity home to collect personal items, through the creative process until he presents the finished product. “I’m not counting on it, but if someone bought the idea, I’d love to do it.”

Mecier has been making art in San Francisco for more than 25 years in the studio in his Mission District rent-controlled apartment, where he lives with painter Adam Ansell, his partner of 25 years. Born in Los Angeles, Mecier’s family moved to a mobile-home park in Grass Valley, where his grandmother inspired his

interest in art.

“I remember being mesmerized dozen portraits by pop artist by her paintings, weavings, mosaics, Jason Mecier will be on display sculptures, collages, and stainedat a new show, Celebrity Trash, at the glass work that filled my grand111 Minna Gallery in San Francisco, parents’ house and yard. When my May 2-28. The opening reception is grandmother worked on an art on Friday, May 6, 5 p.m.-late. The project, she would set me up at a show, featuring gigantic portraits nearby table with a project of my made in part from the celebrity’s own to work on. One of my earliest own garbage, includes pictures of pieces is a mosaic made from beans, Pamela Anderson, Amy Schumer, noodles, rocks, and cut bamboo Lindsay Lohan, Phyllis Diller, Amy sticks glued on a piece of wood. My Sedaris, Florence Henderson, Megan grandmother encouraged me to use Mullally & Nick Offerman, Joan Van materials readily available to me.

Ark, Bootsy Collins and Daniel Tosh.

She would rather paint on the back Artist Micah LeBrun, who cuof her cigarette cartons than buy a rated the show, said the first time canvas. I learned from her that I can he saw Mecier’s work, “It blew my make art out of anything I want to, mind. I hadn’t seen anything like and that there are no rules.” it. I’ve just seen many of the newest From his earliest memories, pieces as he was hanging them here, Mecier recalls having an obsession and they are absolutely amazing.” with celebrities. “I remember obsesMecier’s work hangs in the homes sively clipping and scrapbooking of dozens of celebrities and has been pictures from TV Guide of my favorpublished in The New York Times, ite shows. In high school I did pencil Wall Street Journal and Washingdrawings of my favorite record covton Post. It has also been featured ers from the Rolling Stones, Olivia on Entertainment Weekly, Glee, Newton-John and Pat Benatar. Later Rachael Ray and TMZ, as well as in I did a series of psychedelic collages music videos by Pink and Pitbull. using Charlie’s Angels trading cards Mecier has a loyal fan-base. Randy and picture of Florence Henderson Barbato, owner of the Hollywood, from the Wesson Oil ads. Soon I was CA art gallery World of Wonder, arranging beans and noodles into told the B.A.R. that he is “addicted larger portraits of these icons. It just to Jason Mecier’s brilliant art. He is exploded from there.” the perfect artist of our time, takWhen he moved to San Francisco ing celebrity and trash and turning in 1990, Mecier worked day jobs to them into things of great beauty.” pay the rent while making celebrity Barbato’s gallery has had several portraits that his friends bought. He solo shows for Mecier. added clever touches, such as in the Comedian Margaret Cho is also macaroni portrait of Paula Abdul, a fan. She has purchased two of his where the lyrics of her songs were works, one of herself and the other spelled out in alphabet soup. of Joan Rivers. “Jason Mecier is a Bored with the palette of colors brilliant and singular artist,” Cho in beans and noodles, Mecier began said in an e-mail. “His portraits working with yarn, candy, and “just have not only entertained about everything else.” His me and made me scream first San Francisco show was with laughter, but one also at an ice cream shop where brought me great comfort he worked. Soon, friends when my mentor the great who owned the Glama-RaJoan Rivers died. It is my fama Salon and Adobe Books vorite photo of her, created also showed his work. with the detritus of women “I have not done parin comedy from Phyllis ticularly well selling in galDiller to Amy Schumer. leries in San Francisco,” he Jason is a true original. His said. “I think galleries have work is unique and thrilldownplayed my work as ing, with an unexpected craft and not art.” streak of tenderness runWhen he first began ning through it.” making celebrity portraits, [Full disclosure: this Mecier shopped at thrift reporter is a longtime fan, stores for items he “imagowner of a dozen Mecier ined” the celebrity might artworks, and director of own. More recently, he a documentary short on began asking celebrities him, which screened at the to send him “their junk,” Frameline film festival in or friends may send him 2008.] stuff that has belonged to Despite the strong fana celebrity. “It’s getting tebase, Mecier (pronounced dious,” he said. “I often feel Courtesy the artist MESS-ear) is starting to like I’m stalking people for wonder how much longer TV star Andy Cohen with his portrait by artist their stuff, then get into an he can “live the life of an Jason Mecier. awkward negotiation” over artist,” even one, like him, payment.t

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WEDDINGS, HEADSHOTS, PORTRAITS

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<< Out&About

22 • BAY AREA REPORTER • May 5-11, 2016

O&A

Thu 5 Anne Boleyn @ Marin Theatre Company

Visual music

by Jim Provenzano

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hat we have for you this week is pretty gay, meaning we have compelling visual art that’s made by gay and straight people, fun musicals that are gayer than gay, and made by queer peeps and some of our best allies. But, hey, it’s art, not politics. So enjoy it.

Thu 5 Above and Beyond the Valley of the Ultra Showgirls @ Oasis D’Arcy Drollinger’s restaging of the high camp rock musical about a singer’s rise and fall, with lots of sex, drugs and original live music. $25$35, $250 Super groupie front row VIP tables. Thu-Sat 7pm. Thru May 14.

298 11th St. at Folsom. www.sfoasis.com

Anne Boleyn @ Marin Theatre Company Howard Brenton’s new version of the life of Henry VIII’s second wife, based on alleged banned books discovered decades later by King James. $10$58. Extended thru May 15. Tue-Sun 7:30pm. 397 Miller Ave., Mill Valley.

388-5208. www.marintheatre.org

Beach Blanket Babylon @ Club Fugazi The musical comedy revue celebrates its 40th year with an ever-changing lineup of political and pop culture icons, all in gigantic wigs; now with new characters like Sia and Bernie Sanders. $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

Colette Uncensored @ The Marsh Lori Holt’s new solo show tells the story of the famed French novelist’s pioneering feminist life. $20-$100.

Thu & Fri 8pm. Sat 5pm. Extended thru June 25. 1062 Valencia St. 2823055. www.themarsh.org

Student & Faculty Concerts @ SF Conservatory of Music Performances of classical music by students and faculty. 50 Oak St. 5036322. www.sfcm.edu

The Boy From Oz @ Great Star Theater

Jason Mecier’s new exhibit of collage portraits of celebrities made out of junk; including Phyllis Diller, Amy Schumer, and Pamela Anderson.

Opening reception May 6, 5pm-11pm.

Thru May 29. Reg hours daily 7:30am5pm. 111 Minna St. www.jasonmecier. com www.111minnagallery.com

Mary Zimmerman directs the West Coast premiere of the stage adapatation of the Robert Louis Stevenson pirate classic. $57-$97.

Tue- Thu-Sat 8pm. Tue 7pm. Sat & Sun 2pm. Thru June 5. 2025 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org

Bay Area premiere of Nick Enright’s musical based on the life of gay performer Peter Allen, with his music throughout; costarring Connie Champagne as Judy Garland. $10$65. Thu-Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm. Thru May 15. 636 Jackson St. 407-9223. www.landmarkmusicals.com

Duane Wakeham @ Strut SF

Under the Golden Gate Live @ Doc’s Lab

Eating Pasta Off the Floor @ The Marsh

Maria Konner and DJ Dank cohost another taping of the funny talk show, with guests Supe. Scott Weiner, drag legend Glamamore, Kitten on the Keys, magician Paul Nathan, and Ariel Androgyny; full bar and food. $15-$20. Doors 8pm, show 9pm. 124 Columbus Ave. www.docslabsf.com

Maria Grazia Affinito’s new solo show about her mother, and a trip to Italy. $20-$100. Sat 8:30pm, Sun 5pm. Thru May 15. 1062 Valencia St. 282-3055. www.themarsh.org

Gay Men’s Sketch presents an exhibit of the artists’ drawings, and works by group members of Wakeham.

Reception 8pm-10pm/ Special drawing marathon May 22, 2pm-5pm.

470 Castro St. www.markichester.com www.strutsf.com

Grey Matter @ The Marsh Julie Katz’ new solo show about various workers at an IT company forced to confront a moral decision. $20, $35-$100. Thu & Fri 8pm. sat 5pm (8:30pm after May 21). Thru June 4. 1062 Valencia St. themarsh.org

The Missing Generation, Dorsey’s dramatic dance-theatre work about the early years of the AIDS epidemic, is performed as part of the company’s 20-city tour. $15-$35. 8pm. Thru Saturday (May 7 includes gala reception). 450 Florida St. www.seandorseydance.com

Bay Area premiere of David Ives’ adaptation of Jean-Francois Regnard’s 1708 comedy about greed, love and lust. $35-$50. Tue & Sun 7pm. WedSat 8pm. Also Sun 2pm. Thru May 22.

2081 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 8434822. www.auroratheatre.org

The new musical by Scrumbly Koldewyn takes us back to Weimarera Berlin, with a Cabaret/Cockettes styled two-act show of songs, dances and bawdy pre-Fascist abandon, with special guest performers each night. $15. Thu-Sat 8pm. Thru May 28. 575 10th St. at Bryant. 377-4202. www.hypnodrome.org

Unusual Movies @ Oddball Films Weekly screenings of strange and obscure short films. $10. 8pm. Also Fridays. 275 Capp St. 558-8117. www.oddballfilm.com

The Wizard of Oz @ Margaret Lesher Theatre, Walnut Creek Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble’s production of the kid-friendly musical adaptation of the classic story of Dorothy’s magical journey to Oz. $14.

Thru May 8. 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. (925) 943-7469. www.fantasyforum.org

Buyer & Cellar @ New Conservatory Theatre Center

May 5: SF Film Fest closer The Bandit, 7pm. May 6 & 7: Grease Sing-Along 7pm. Sat 2:30, 7pm. May 9: A Twist of Limelight and Eden Espinosa. May 10: Patty Duke film The Miracle Worker (4pm) and Valley of the Dolls (8pm).

May 11: Tilda Swinton films Orlando (7pm) and Only Lovers Left Alive (8:55). $11-$16. 429 Castro St. www.castrotheatre.com

Treasure Island @ Berkeley Repertory

The Heir Apparent @ Aurora Theatre, Berkeley

Fri 6

New & Classic Films @ Castro Theatre

Celebrity Trash @ 111 Minna Gallery

Sean Dorsey Dance @ Z Space

The Untamed Stage @ Hypnodrome

J. Conrad Frank stars in Jonathan Tolin’s hilarious solo show about an actor working in Barbara Streisand’s underground shopping mall. $20$45. Thursday night pre-show trivia & piano with Joe Wicht thru April.

Extended thru May 8. 25 Van Ness Ave, lower level. 861-8972. www.nctcsf.org

Cardenio @ Strand Theatre/The Rueff American Conservatory Theatre M.F.A. student production of Charles Mee’s play set at a wedding gone all Shakespeare. $20. Thu-Sat 7pm. Thru May 14. 1127 Market St. www.act-sf.org

Wed 11

Home Improvements @ Fraenkel Lab Filmmaker John Waters’ curated group exhibit of unusual re-imagined domestic objects. Thru May 28. 1632 Market St. www.fraenkelgallery.com/fraenkellab

The How and the Why @ Aurora Theatre, Berkeley West Coast premiere of Sarah Treem’s ( House of Cards) drama about two women biologists who clash over evolution and gender theories. $35$45. Tue 7pm. Wed-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm. Thru May 22. Harry’s UpStage, 2081 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 8434822. www.auroratheatre.org

Oscar de

Ida P. Wells: A Passion for Justice @ New Valencia Hall Freedom Socialists host a screening of a film about the journalist and Black suffragette. $7. 7pm. 747 Polk St. www.socialism.com/drupal-6.8/ sanfrancisco

THE RETROSPECT

Oscar de la Renta’s designs celebrated confidence. See more than 130 ensem pay tribute to one of the most beloved a

Karen Mason @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko The star of stage and screen performs her one-woman show, Mason’s Makin’ Music, $50-$70. $20 food/ drink min. 8pm. Also May 7, 7pm.

Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 663-1063. www.ticketweb.com

M A R 1 2 – M A Y 3 0, 2 0 1 6

This exhibition is organized by the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco with the colla Renta LLC. Presenting Sponsors: Cynthia Fry Gunn and John A. Gunn. Director’s Circle: D Circle: Lisa and Douglas Goldman Fund, The Diana Dollar Knowles Foundation, Marissa Ma and Yurie and Carl Pascarella. Benefactor’s Circle: Paula and Bandel Carano, Stephanie a Marcus, and Jennifer and Steven Walske. Patron’s Circle: Mrs. Carole McNeil, Mrs. Komal Sh Mary Beth and David Shimmon, and Mr. and Mrs. Joseph O. Tobin II. Additional support is Hopper Fitch, and Mr. and Mrs. William Hamilton.

Photo: Steven Meisel / Art + Commerce

The Most Happy Fella @ Eureka Theatre 42nd Street Moon’s production of the Frank Loesser classic musical, a Tony Award winner set in old time Napa Valley. $25-$75. Wed & Thu 7pm.

Fri 8pm. Sat 6pm. Sun 3pm. Thru May 15. 215 Jackson St. 255-8207. www.42ndstmoon.org

Smuin Ballet @ YBCA The local ballet company’s 22nd season Dance Series Two includes a world premiere by Helen Pickett, and dances by Jiri Kylian and Val Caniparoli. $24-$67. Thu-Sat 8pm. Sat & Sun 2pm. Thru May 15. 700 Howard St. Also in Walnut Creek May 27 & 28, and in San Mateo June 3 & 4. 9121899. www.smuinballet.org

Take This Hammer @ YBCA New exhibit of nearly a dozen local activist-artists who work in different media. Thru Aug. 14. Also, Kevin Cooley’s Golden Prospects, a visual survey of water and waste in California. $8-$10. Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission St. www.ybca.org

To Kill a Mockingbird @ Berkeley Playhouse

Kinky Boots @ Golden Gate Theatre

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Christopher Sergel’s stage adaptation of Harper Lee’s bestselling novel is performed by the East Bay company. $23-$60. Various dates/times thru May 22. 2640 College Ave., Berkeley.

(510) 845-8542. www.berkeleyplayhouse.org

FAMSF_OSDLR_BAR_Mar_PremIsland4c_final.indd 1

Viva @ Embarcadero Cinema Paddy Breathnach’s new film about a gay Cuban hairdresser who dreams of becoming a drag performer. $10-$15.

Thru May 11. 1 Embarcadero Center. www.landmarktheatres.com

Yes to Everything Series @ Exit Theatre Original new performance and theatre works by John O’Keefe, Bob Ernst, David Schein, Margery Kreitman, Candace Roberts and Ady Lady. $15$20. Fri & Sat 8pm. Thru May 7. (800) 838-3006. www.ftloose.org

Sat 7 Antony and Cleaopatra @ Buriel Clay Theatre African American Shakespeare Company’s production of the classic romantic war tragedy. $15-$34. Sat 8pm. Sun 3pm. Thru May 29. 762 Fulton St. african-americanshakes.org

Feathered Changes, Serpent Disappearances @ SF Art Institute Mariana Castillo Deball’s exhibit of installations about idenity and history, with rubbings, sculpture and archeological archives. Thru July 30. Walter & McBean galleries, 800 Chestnut St. www.sfai.edu

The Grace Jones Project, Dandy Lion @ MOAD Dual exhibitions of video, performance and artwork about the iconic singer and queer identity; and Dandy Lion: (Re)Articulating Black Masculine Identity. Free-$10. Both thru Sept. 18. Wed-Sat 11am-6pm.

Sun 12pm-5pm. 685 Mission St. at 3rd. www.moadsf.org

Hamlet @ Ashby Stage, Berkeley Shotgun Players’ new innovative production of the classic Shakespeare tragedy includes performers (who’ve learned the entire play) pulling their roles for the night from Yurick’s skull! $28-$40. Wed-Sun thru May 15. In repertory June 10-Jan, 2017. (510) 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org

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Out&About>>

May 5-11, 2016 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 23

Hidden Gold @ Asian Art Museum

Tertulia Chamber Music @ Town Hall

Hidden Gold : Mining its Meaning in Asian Art (thru May 8). Also, China at the Center: Rare Ricci and Verbiest World Maps; Extracted: a Trilogy of Ranu Mukherjee (thru Aug. 14); Chinese Laquerware (thru July 31); Elephants Without Number (thru June 26), and more. Free-$25. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. 200 Larkin St. 581-3500. www.asianart.org

Enjoy a delicious brunch with dessert and performances by the Shepherd Quintet, with works by Gould, Knussen, Mozart and Prokofiev. $15$100. 1pm. 342 Howard St. www.tertulianyc.org

Michael Kerner @ Castro Country Club Pink Flora: The View From Here, paintings and photographs by the local artist. Daily til 10pm, Fri & Sat til 11pm.Thru June. 4058 18th St. www.kernercreative.com www.castrocountryclub.org

The Wild Bunch @ SF Conservatory of Flowers New Spring exhibit of oddly-shaped succulents, cacti and fat plants. Thru Oct. 16. 100 John F. Kennedy Drive, Golden Gate Park www.conservatoryofflowers.org

Flagging in the Park @ National AIDS Memorial Grove

Floral Exhibits @ Conservatory of Flowers Beautiful floral displays, plants for sale, and docent tours. Tue-Sun 10am4pm. $2-$8. Free for SF residents.

100 JFK Drive, Golden Gate Park, 8312090. conservatoryofflowers.org

The outdoor performance series returns, with varied acts each weekend. May 8: The Cypress String Quartet at 1pm. May 12: Bike to Work Day; meet in the Castro and ride to work starting at 7am. castrocbd.org

OutLook Video @ Channel 29 The weekly LGBT TV show, with updates on current events. 9:30pm. www.outlookvideo.org

Oscar de la Renta @ de Young Museum Stylish new retrospective exhibit of the world-famous fashion designer’s gowns on display, as well as archival photos and materials; Thru May 30.

Other exhibits of modern art as well.

Free/$25. 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive. www.famsf.org

Pierre Bonnard @ Legion of Honor Painting Arcadia, thru May 15. Also, World in a Book, A Princely Pursuit and other exhibits. Free/$15. Tue-Sun 9:30am-5:15pm. Lincoln Park, 100 34th Ave. 750-3600. legionofhonor.famsf.org

SF Hiking Club @ Mt. Diablo Join GLBT hikers for an 8-mile loop hike amid Mt. Diablo wildflowers. Carpool meets 8:45 at Safeway sign, Market & Dolores. 516-1878. www.sfhiking.com

Mon 9 Coming Up Roses @ Eureka Theatre

TIVE

Broadway talents Nancy Dussault and Emily Skinner perform a twonight concert of music by Jule Styne. $50-$70. 7pm. 215 Jackson St. www.42ndstmoon.org

d the best in us—beauty, optimism, and bles in the first major retrospective to and influential fashion icons of our time.

Don DeLillo @ Nourse Theatre The prolific author discusses his new novel Zero K with author Rachel Kushner. $29. 7:30pm. 275 Hayes St. www.booksinc.net www.cityarts.net

aboration of Oscar de la Diane B. Wilsey. Curator’s ayer and Zachary Bogue, and Jim Marver, Neiman hah and Mr. Gaurav Garg, provided by Mrs. George

NCLR Dinner & Gala @ Marriott Marquis Hotel, Metreon City View The National Center for Lesbian Rights’ annual gala VIP dinner ($300, 5:30pm-9pm, 55 4th St.) and party ($100, 8:30pm-12am, 135 4th St.) raises fund for the nonprofit, with food, drinks, dancing and honors to activists. www.NCLRights. org/2016Anniversary

Night Out @ The Crucible, Oakland Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra concert and fundraiser, with the Youth Orchestra Jazz Ensemble and the Oakland Spirit Orchestra, held at the industrial arts complex, with games, fire dancers, auctions, cocktails, and fiery and frozen treats. $90-$550.

7pm. 1260 7th St., Oakland. www.oaklandsymphony.org/nightout

Spring Plant Sale @ SF Botanical Gardens Choose from 1000s of plants grown locally. 10am-2pm. Golden Gate Park, 9th Ave at Lincoln Way. www.SFBotanicalGarden.org

Perfectly Queer @ Books Inc.

Sun 8

3/9/16 7:52 PM

Abrazo, Queer Tango @ Finnish Brotherhood Hall, Berkeley Enjoy weekly same-sex tango dancing and a potluck, with lessons early in the day. $7-$15. 3:30-6:30pm. 1970 Chestnut St., Berkeley. (510) 8455352. www.finnishhall.com

Architecture of Life @ Berkeley Art Museum/ Pacific Film Archive

The monthly LGBTQ reading series (2nd Mondays) presents Starts with ‘A’, a Prism Comics alphabet, with contributors Tyler Cohen and Elizabeth Beier; and Avery Garland Cassell, author of Behrouz Gets Lucky, about an “Iranian middle-aged genderqueer dyke.” Door prizes, too. 7pm. 2275 Market St. www.booksinc.net

Queerest Library Ever @ SF Public Libraries Hormel at 20: Celebrating Our Past/ Creating Our Future, a dual exhibit of archival materials celebrating the two decades of the LGBTQ collections. Thru Aug 7. 100 Larkin St., 3rd floor, and at the Eureka Valley Brnach, 1 Jose Sarria Court at 16th St. www.sfpl.org

Smuin Ballet @ YBCA Chris Hardy

San Francisco in Ruins @ Tenderloin Museum

The Empty Nesters @ Z Below Theatre

Exhibit of paintings by local artist Jacinto Castillo depicting old San Francisco. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm, $6-$10 ($15 includes walking tour). 398 Eddy St. 351-1912. tenderloinmuseum.org

A Twist of Limelight @ Castro Theatre

Kinky Boots @ Golden Gate Theatre

Bay Area Musicals’ annual gala concert party fundraiser includes cocktails and food (6:30pm), an auction and concert with Eden Espinosa ( Wicked, Brooklyn ) and local musical theatre actors (7:30pm) and an after-party (9:30pm). $30-$75.

429 Castro St. bamsf.org/boxoffice

Zack Zdrale @ John Pence Gallery Exhibit of compelling protraits by the Wisconsin painter. Mon-Fri 10am6pm. Sat til 5pm. 750 Post St. 4411138. www.johnpence.com

Tue 10 Bill Graham and the Rock & Roll Revolution @ Contemporary Jewish Museum Exhibit of photos and documents of and about the prolific rock concert promoter. Also, Roman Vishniac Rediscovered, an exhibit of photos from the prolific documenter of Jewish life in eastern Europe. Other exhibits about Jewish culture, lectures and gallery talks as well. Free (members)-$12. Fri-Tue 11am-5pm, Thu 11am-8pm (closed Wed). 736 Mission St. 655-7800. www.thecjm.org

Dying Words: The AIDS Reporting of Jeff Schmalz @ GLBT History Museum Samuel G. Freedman and Kerry Donahue discuss their books and radio documentary about Schmaltz, a New York Times reporter who changed the shape of AIDS journalism. $5.

7pm. Also, current exhibits: Dancers We Lost: Honoring Performers Lost to HIV/AIDS , a new exhibit of photos and ephemera, curated by Glenne McElhinney, about Bay Area dancers who died of AIDS. Thru Aug. 7. Also, Feminists to Feministas : Women of Color in Prints and Posters, a new exhibit of illustrations depicting LBT women of color from the 1970s to today. Thru July 4. $5. 4127 18th St. www.dancerswelost.org/exhibit/ www.glbthistory.org

Will Durst @ The Marsh The political comic’s updated solo show, Elect to Laugh: 2016, adds topical jokes about the bizarre election season. $15-$100. Tuesdays, 8pm. Thru June 7. 1062 Valencia St. 282- www.themarsh.org

Arts Festival @ Yerba Buena Gardens

Mon 9

The first-ever museum exhibition to focus on pot, with art, political documents, scientific displays.

Thru Sept. 25. Other exhibits as well. Free/$15. Reg. hours Wed-Sat 11am-5pm (Fri til 9pm). 1000 Oak St., Oakland. (510) 318-8400. www.museumca.org

World premiere of local playwright Garret Jon Groenveld’s new play about parents whose lives change after their youngest child leaves for college. $25-$30. Tue-Sat 8pm. Sun 5pm. Thru June 11. 470 Florida St. www.zspace.org

New art and film museum, designed

by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, with more than 200 new and ancient works dating back 2,000 years. Free-$12.

Thru May 29. 2625 Durant Ave., Berkeley. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu

Weekend concerts of music, dance, poetry and more, thru October. May 7: Elephantine and The Seshen, 1pm.

May 8: Slow Research Lab, 1pm. May 10: Poetic Tuesday, 12:30pm. Mission St. at 4th. www.ybgfestival.org

Altered State: Marijuana in California @ Oakland Museum

The popular outdoor flow arts event and fundraiser this time features DJ Byron Bonsall. Bring blankets, a picnic, flags, etc. Donations benefit the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.

1pm-4pm. www.flaggercentral.com

Live in the Castro @ Jane Warner Plaza

e la Renta

Wed 11

Fri 6

Zack Zdrale @ John Pence Gallery

Cyndi Lauper and Harvey Fierstein’s six-Tony-winning musical based on the film about a shoe factory that gets revived by producing drag performers’ boots; including choreography by Jerry Mitchell. $45-$212. Wed-Sat 8pm. Wed & Sat 2m. Sun 1pm & 6:30pm. Thru May 22. 1 Taylor St. www.shnsf.com

The Last Five Years @ Geary Theatre Amercian Conservatory Theatre’s production of writer-composer Jason Robert Brown’s romantic duo musical play about two 20something New Yorkers (Zak Resnick and Margo Seibert) who rush into marriage. $20-$110. Wed-Sat 8pm. Sat & Sun 2pm. Tue & Sun 7pm. Thru June 5. 415 Geary St. 749-2228. www.act-sf.org

Mel Shaw: An Animator on Horseback @ Walt Disney Family Museum New exhibition showcases 120 artworks and designs by the prominent Disney animator, whose own life was full of adventures. Free (members)-$20. Thru Sept. 12. 104 Montgomery St., The Presidio. 3456800. www.waltdisney.org

Thu 12 10 Percent @ Comcast David Perry’s online & cable interviews with notable local and visiting LGBT people, broadcast through the week. www.

ComcastHometown.com

Black Virgins are Not for Hipsters @ The Marsh Berkeley Echo Brown’s hit solo show about desire and doubt moves to the company’s East Bay theatre. $20$100. Thu 8pm Sat 8:30pm. Extended thru June 25. 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley. 282-3055. www.themarsh.org

Cady Huffman @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko The Tony Award winner ( The Nance ) performs her cabaret show, No Standards, a night of unusual songs. $50-$70. 8pm. $20 food/drink min.

Also May 13, 8pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 663-1063. www.cadyhuffman.com www.ticketweb.com

The Rocky Horror Show @ Strand Theatre American Conservatory Theatre M.F.A. student production of Richard O’Brien’s cult classic musical about “sweet transvestite transsexual” aliens. Costumes and responses welcome, but please, no props (toast, rice, etc.) $30-$40. Thu-Sat 7:30pm.

Sat & Sun 2pm. Thru May 15. 1127 Market St. www.act-sf.org To submit event listings, email events@ebar.com Deadline is each Thursday, a week before publication. For more bar and nightlife events, go to On the Tab in our BARtab section, online at www.ebar.com/bartab

<< Music

24 • BAY AREA REPORTER • May 5-11, 2016

An orchestra possessed

by Philip Campbell

G

uest conductor Pablo HerasCasado recently ended his latest two-week visit with the San Francisco Symphony leading concerts featuring a world premiere and a program that playfully toyed with listeners’ expectations. It was a generally agreeable and beautifully performed evening of fairly light-hearted but not insubstantial music. Judging by the enthusiastic audience response, it also provided even more reason to welcome the dynamic Spanish conductor back to Davies Symphony Hall.

Not yet 40, a former conducting protégé of Pierre Boulez, with a growing international reputation and important orchestral commitments (Principal Conductor of the Orchestra of St. Luke’s in New York), Heras-Casado is one to look out for.

It was even rumored that he was on a shortlist of possible replacements for Alan Gilbert at the New York Philharmonic, but we know how that turned out. I’m just glad that he still has time for regular visits here and with other world-class American orchestras (Chicago, Los Angeles and the Metropolitan Opera).

He is also undeniably easy on the eyes. Sporting a closer-cropped new haircut and beard, Heras-Casado

<<

Onegin

From page 17

It was also a sentimental occasion. Two of SFB’s greatest male stars were making farewell performances in major roles, taking their leave of us before retiring. Big waves of emotion came from the audiences towards the stage, and from their fellow performers during crucial passages, that heightened the drama at all points and in no way detracted from it. By the end of the show last Saturday, when Tatiana had renounced the love of her life and thrown him out of her house, the thousand people sitting on the orchestra floor rose and cheered as if this gave a new meaning to the word ballet.

I did not feel that way myself. I’d found it absorbing only in the great moments, puzzling at many others.

Why are these young ladies dancing

Ryan Schude

Auditorium composer Mason Bates has wit and a gift for melody.

by a ghostly Baroque “electronica” orchestra tuning itself to an “A” at 415 Hz, sounding almost a halftone lower. It may look technical on paper, but it is easy for the listener to grasp, and it heralds what makes Bates’ music so agreeable. Clever and rather high-minded concepts spin out with wit, trademark rhythmic hesitations, and a genuine gift for melody.

Catchy hooks may be an inescapable holdover from the composer’s days as a DJ. His ongoing experiments in electronica and large-scale works for orchestra are enlivened by his modern melding of technology with traditional instruments and his amusing and attractive, popinflected tunes. It would seem to be exactly what the latest commission is all about, and if the results prove a little underwhelming, the lasting impression is positive.

The Baroque band may not be as audible as one would like; only the harpsichord makes a very noticeable contribution. But the onstage orchestra sounds rich and present, and conductor Heras-Casado and composer Bates, sitting backstage at his laptop, made a fine partnership and case for the pleasing divertissement. An elderly patron turned to his very young companion (I’m thinking granddaughter) and said, “Now

appeared at DSH wearing a suit rather than a tuxedo, and he conducted clearly and forcefully without using a baton. His compact and often impassioned hand gestures and body movements made no small impression on the audience as well as the orchestra. His focus is intense, and he is showing a typically Boulezian attention to detail.

There is room for wit and humor in Heras-Casado’s interpretations, too, and he started the bill with a tight but rhythmically flexible Dance Suite (1923) by Bartók. Far

less dark and fierce than so many of the Hungarian composer’s more famous works, the suite flew by in a flurry of color and catchy folk-flavored tunes. It was a good curtainraiser for the world premiere of Bay Area composer Mason Bates’ SFS commissioned Auditorium.

Beginning “with the premise that an orchestra, like a person, can be possessed,” Auditorium starts with two orchestras tuning. The oboe gives an “A” at 440Hz, and the “living” orchestra follows suit.

The musicians are soon disturbed

with the field hands? Why do the porch-columns have to cramp the dancing? Why do all those birch trees cut up the stage picture so you can’t see the outlines of the dancers? Why are there unskilled mimes botching these important minor roles? Why is the white-haired old lady at the birthday party doing the Mazurka step as deftly as her young partner?

This ballet has come into its own over time. Though it plays fast and loose with the world of Romantic-era Russia, we no longer require that a fictional world be consistent with itself. What’s telling is that Cranko, who fled Britain to Stuttgart, Germany, after prosecution for homosexuality, knows exile from the inside, and can put that alienation to use in creating his anti-hero Onegin, whose boredom has become a disease and leads him to ruin the lives of others because

he no longer cares. through a mirror into her life and The ballet tells a story we can sweeps her off her feet. The lifts relate to: how an emotionally damare breath-taking. He throws her aged, fatally attractive man (Onegin, overhead, over his back, then lays danced impeccably by Vitor Luiz) her down gently on awakens deep longings in a young girl’s heart (Tatiana, given magnificent embodiment by Maria Kochetkova, who’s almost childlike in her freshness), emotions he can’t reciprocate. Through social pressures he can’t master, he fails to meet the situation honestly, rejects her abruptly in public – at her birthday party, no less.

Onegin then impulsively acts out his compulsive need to charm.

He goes on to flirt with her sister Olga at the party, wins her fancy, and thus drives Olga’s fiance (Gennadi Nedvigin, our finest classical dancer) mad with jealousy, who thereupon grows furious and challenges him to fight. Lensky is Onegin’s best friend, and it was he who introduced Onegin to the family. In the duel, Onegin kills him.

The story was first told by Alexander Pushkin, the founding genius of Russian literature, in a series of poems published serially in magazines in the 1820s. In all, there are about 400 sonnet-like stanzas, which many Russians have learned by heart. When Tchaikovsky came to make an opera of it, he identified with both Onegin and with Tatiana, since he had yearnings like hers for young men, and he had had young women throw themselves at him. Indeed, he agreed to marry one, then nearly killed himself trying to get out of the suffocating relationship.

The tremendous things in this ballet all flow from these tensions.

Erik Tomasson Cranko turned letters and speeches brilliantly into pas de deux. Tatiana’s San Francisco Ballet’s Gennadi letter to Onegin Cranko turned Nedvigin in choreographer John into a dream-vision where he steps Cranko’s Onegin.

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In Concert

May 13 Marines’ Marines’ Memorial Memorial theater theater San Sanfrancisco francisco

SPECIAL GUEST comedienne

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Tickets: helpisontheway.org SPONSORED BY:

<<

Patty Duke

From page 18

was published she appeared on The Phil Donahue Show and talked about her illness,” he said. “She got a letter from a nurse who had a patient who had not spoken in two years. The patient saw her on Donahue and exclaimed, ‘That’s what’s wrong with me! Will you listen to me now?’” Duke was delighted to later hear that the woman had

recovered and was living a happy, productive life.

Pearce remembers Duke stopping and giving personal time to anyone who needed her. “I’m here because my son killed himself last night,” said a woman who came to one appearance. Duke hugged the grieving mom.

“She wanted everyone to be treated with love and respect,” Pearce said. “She had the ability to share love with anyone. She never used

t

that’s what I like, none of that crazy stuff.” His imprimatur may seem like faint praise. I think it explains why Mason Bates is making such an obvious bridge between symphony traditionalists and (hopefully) a new generation of listeners.

The second half of the concert opened with another sort of homage to the Baroque, Ravel’s charming Le Tombeau de Couperin (1919).

The conductor might have eased up a bit for the lovely shadings of the work, and the final flourish was too strong, but in the context of the program it worked.

The night ended with a gorgeous and exciting romp through Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 9 (1945). Written with a characteristic defiance of expectation, the Ninth is more gleeful and unreserved than the Russian authorities may have thought a Ninth symphony or victory celebration should be. It is another example of the composer’s delight in throwing everything but the kitchen sink into the orchestral mix. Less sardonic than others in his remarkable canon, the Ninth speeds along with brilliance and fire, almost daring the orchestra to keep up. The SFS managed wonderfully, and Heras-Casado shared his standing ovation with beaming geniality.t the floor, as if he had the strength of a vampire and the tenderness of a lover. Again and again, he rings changes on these unbelievable lifts, which require partnering skills of unsurpassed intimacy. They are an objective correlative for young love.

It’s no accident that choreography like this – the pirouette that turns into a caress, the leap that ends in racking sobs – developed in the 1960s. Cranko had already made a glorious Romeo and Juliet; had he lived (he died in a freak allergicreaction accident), what would he have made? What we do have is these duets, and some equally wonderful solos. Lensky’s long lamentation before the duel was gloriously danced by Nedvigin as an elegy for himself; he knows he is doomed.

Vitor Luis gave tremendous depth to Onegin’s alienation. All paths are blocked for him. He has no way out.

He’s not just a cad. He has seen a ghost. His spirit may have died with Napoleon and the last hopes of the French Revolution; what he’s lost it’s impossible to say. But when he returns from exile and finds Tatiana married and happy, and suddenly feels some emotion, Luis made us feel it was the first time in a long time that he’d felt anything except guilt and remorse.

Maria Kochetkova soars through the lifts of the first act, she suffers in the second, she becomes very powerful in the last. Joan Boada, retiring this month, goes out in glory after a magnificent performance as Prince Gremin, the man she married, who makes her float and hover, like she’s walking on air, in the beautiful dance Cranko made for the married couple.

As of this writing I have only seen one cast. I would love to see Lonnie Weeks, one of our most elegant corps boys, dance Lensky; it’s coming up this week.t the words ‘I love you’ flippantly. If she said it, she meant it.”

There will no doubt be a great deal of love for Patty Duke when The Miracle Worker and Valley of the Dolls return to the Castro.

Pearce regrets that he cannot attend, but said all the love people have expressed for his wife since her passing has been a tremendous comfort to him.

“I would like to say a very deep and heartfelt thank you,” he said.t

t

TV>>

May 5-11, 2016 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 25

Mirroring the presidential race

W

hat a week. Where to begin?

With the real presidential campaign, or with the TV prototypes on Scandal, The Family, The Good Wife, Veep and House of Cards?

With the May season finales or the new shows starting up this month?

Two returning faves, America’s Got Talent and Wayward Pines, will provide both entertaining escapism and a parallel to what happens when a society decides to choose for The People instead of allowing the people to choose for themselves.

With only two episodes left before the season finale, we are pretty much on the edge of our collective seats with Scandal, which is mirroring the current presidential race in ways we never could have expected, except Shonda Rhimes is entirely too prescient.

Cyrus Beene (Jeff Perry) has always been one of the most complex gay characters on the tube, and the April 28 episode highlighted that complexity. His marriage of convenience to former rent boy Michael (Matthew Del Negro) has been fraught as Cyrus continued to mourn his murdered husband James, and come to terms with being fired from his job as White House Chief of Staff by Fitz, to whom Cyrus felt like a father. This is the sort of thing that leads to affairs, and Cyrus is having one. Is he ever.

With Tom Larsen (Brian Letscher).

Yes, Cyrus is cheating on his former sex worker husband with the Secret Service agent who murdered Fitz’s son a few seasons ago. How did this happen? What is Cyrus thinking? Is sex with a killer killer sex?

Considering Cyrus’s current raison d’etre is getting Francisco Vargas (Ricardo Chivera) into office, being with the gorgeous but corrupt Tom seems like a risky venture indeed.

But it doesn’t end there. When Michael revealed he knew about the affair on the April 28 episode, Cyrus lashed out, putting Michael in his place. That place included reminding Michael that Ella, the child he’s raising with Cyrus, is actually James’s daughter, not Michael’s. And that Michael is nothing but a washed up rent boy. And that if he knew what was good for him, Michael would toe the line, or everything would be taken away from him: home, money, daughter, all of it.

It was a harsh and hurtful tirade and hard to watch. Michael may have started out last season as a conniving blackmailer, but he’s developed real feelings for Cyrus and Ella. Since we know his backstory, we know he’s emotionally crippled by his horrible homophobic family.

So we feel for him. Cyrus apologized later in a message, but the die had already been cast. Cyrus returned home to find the closets empty, and Michael and their daughter gone.

What’s next?

On The Family, we’ve been watching the interplay of the political and the personal. How does one keep personal secrets when a political campaign is paramount? Claire Warren (played with amazing range

by Tony winner Joan Allen) has to juggle stunning events in her life, from the abduction of her son to his return 10 years later.

Who would have thought there would be so much gayness in one show, including a campaign manager, a reporter and an FBI agent?

Alison Pill’s tightly wound Willa has found some release with the sexy bisexual Latina reporter bedding her brother, Danny (Zach Gilford), but this one is bound to end in tears. Bridey Cruz (Floriana Lima)

is playing everyone. Agent Gabe Lawler’s husband is looking for him, but the town pedophile has him all tied up. Two more episodes until the season finale.

Politics has been the core of The Good Wife, and this final season of the seven-season Emmy-winning show has highlighted issues of racism and misogyny as well as reminding us there is perhaps no city in America better known for its political corruption than Chicago.

The Good Wife is all about the balance between the Chicago Democratic machine and the influence of moneyed conservatives with axes to grind, like guns and gay marriage.

The end of The Good Wife is bittersweet. The many gay-themed storylines have been important and compelling over the years, but the show lost some luster when Archie Panjabi left last season.

Her Kalinda was a key secondary character who connected several main characters in ways they have been left a bit unmoored.

Stellar performances have propelled the show, but Kalinda was a key player. We’ve missed everything about her, including the hope she would one day bed Alicia (Julianna Margolies), the only person in Chicago she wanted to sleep with yet never did.

In sum of the past seven seasons, the moral of The Good Wife, if it can be called that, is all politics demands levels of compromise that thrust political purity out the window. Is that corruption? Taken to its natural conclusion, TGW posits, yes. But there’s some blurry middle ground that this show has delineated in which The People are served by a certain amount of sausage-making behind the scenes.

At its best over its run, TGW explored how politics, the law and human foibles combine to create a democracy that can work, but doesn’t always, and how the best people are magnetized to politics but inevitably corrupted to greater or lesser degrees by their very passions. It’s a shame this show is ending May 15, because the way the next few months are going to play out is exactly the kind of over-the-top realism The Good Wife does best.

TGW put Peter (Chris Noth, in the epitome of the handsome politician with a questionable character) in early competition with Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination.

That provided an insider’s view of what happens during a presidential campaign and much of what we witnessed on the series has since played out in real life. Peter didn’t get the nomination, but Hillary will.

And so will Trump, the Republican rival TGW never showed us.

Life and art switch places all the time on the tube, and as we move inexorably toward the conventions. then the election, we are seeing that writ large on TV every day. We’ve got our two presidential nominees now, Clinton and Trump, because math isn’t mutable. Notwithstanding Ted Cruz’s strange crypto-marriage to Carly Fiorina, the primary is effectively over in terms of the presidential race. That down-ticket is still very much in play, and more important than any recent election since perhaps 2000. This is the reality show we can’t stop watching.

The CruzCarly team (sounds like a really bad porn site) was everywhere after Cruz lost resoundingly in the April 26 Acela primary. We were treated to Carly Fiorina singing an impromptu ditty on national TV. This had to be one of the most cringeworthy moments since the “how big are your hands” GOP

ABC-TV

Jeff Perry as Cyrus Beene on Shonda Rhimes’ Scandal.

debate back in March. The Nightly Show’s Larry Wilmore was flabbergasted by CruzCarly. Speaking for all of us, he said, “You picked a running mate?! You’re not the nominee!” We want to pick either Sara Ramirez (Grey’s Anatomy) or Archie Panjabi (The Fall) as our VP pic. For all the reasons we’ve discussed over the years. All. The. Reasons.

Wilmore watched the clip of Fiorina singing, paused for effect as only he can, then shouted, “How hard is it to be fucking normal!?

Look, Carly, say anything you want, just don’t sing like a creepy young girl from a horror movie.” Wilmore continued, “Cruz also thought he’d creep out the whole people of Indiana, the Hoosier State lovers of basketball, by pretending that he shared their affections.” Wilmore then showed a clip of Cruz calling a basketball hoop a “ring. Showing a pic of a cock ring, Wilmore added, “That’s like going to the adult entertainment expo and calling this a cock hoop.”

Boehner pearls CruzCarly also gave us John Boehner at Stanford calling Cruz “Lucifer in the flesh. I have Democrat friends and Republican friends.

I get along with almost everyone, but I have never worked with a more miserable son of a bitch in my life.”

On Clinton, the former speaker drew boos from the crowd when he imitated her, saying, “Oh, I’m a woman, vote for me.” He quickly added he had known Clinton for 25 years and thinks she is “very accomplished and smart.”

Meanwhile, the White House Correspondents’ Dinner weekend started early when Emmy winner Allison Janney, who played White House press secretary C.J. Cregg on The West Wing for the seven seasons that helped us get through most of the Bush Administration, took over Josh Earnest’s podium. After some opening jokes referencing her role on West Wing, Janney took a more serious note with reporters: “I am here today to draw attention to the opioid epidemic and to celebrate those who are working to help others combat substance use disorder,” Janney said, noting that her sitcom Mom focuses on the lives of people in recovery, including her own character’s. “This is disease that can touch anybody, and all of us can all help reduce drug abuse through evidence-based treatment, prevention and recovery – research shows it works,” she said. It was powerful (you can watch at ABC.com or CNN.com) and an interesting moment in the press room. Janney really did look good there.

But Wilmore was the perfect person to host the “Nerd Prom,” as the White House Correspondents Dinner is called. He recently told

CBS This Morning that “you have to throw some jabs at the president,” then added, “I like Obama a lot. But remember, I only supported him because he’s black, so I can attack his positions all I want.”

Wilmore referred to the current election season as The Unblackening, explaining the plan to “deNegrofy” the White House and say “fuck you to the notion that once you go black, you never go back.”

Referencing Trump’s “Make America Great Again” campaign, Wilmore noted, “When people say, ‘Let’s take our country back,’ my way of saying that is, ‘Yes, you want to unblacken the White House.’”

TV is where we are seeing what a Trump presidency might look like if people like Susan Sarandon don’t get it together. This isn’t House of Cards or Veep, it’s The Walking Dead. The April 28 riots in the streets of Orange County of all unlikely places, where young Latino protesters had had enough of Trump’s blatant racism, were a preview. As the events played out over CNN and other news networks, we got a little amuse bouche of what the coming months will be like. It ain’t pretty.

CNN reported Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Whittier), chairwoman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, said there is “no doubt” Trump’s candidacy has made the Latino community “a target for hateful rhetoric, and in some cases physical violence.” Because calling all Mexican immigrants rapists and murderers as your opener to your candidacy might just upset people.

It’s the antithesis of Clinton’s “love trumps hate” message.

Meanwhile, on April 29, NBC showed Trump telling a meeting of the CAGOP that having to be escorted in via a back door, which

entailed climbing a small guardrail and walking up an embankment, “we went through a fence and under a fence. Felt like I was crossing the border, actually.” Except for the dying of starvation and thirst in the desert and worrying about being shot by Minutemen part. But not surprisingly, the crowd laughed and cheered. Because the reality of undocumented people’s lives is just so distant.

Trump continues to get 24/7 news coverage from the people who insist he’s getting too much news coverage. Bill O’Reilly, whose own rightwing rhetoric helped propel Trump into the top GOP spot, complained on the April 29 O’Reilly Factor that there was altogether too much media hype about Trump. You’re 11 months late, dude. It’s all over but the Chaos in Cleveland come July.

On the April 28 episode of Grey’s Anatomy, a heartbreaking storyline involved a married black businessman and his high-rent apartment building’s white doorman. The two men, in their late 60s/early 70s, were deeply in love. The only thing keeping them apart was a wife, children and grandchildren. When a medical crisis leads them both to the ER, we see the tentative hand-holding before the wife arrives. But ultimately the episode ends with that same wife obliviously handing the doorman a generous tip for saving her husband’s life.

What cannot be forgotten as this election continues to play out is how many real lives are at stake.

We’ve had a year to watch Trump broaden his attacks on whole swaths of Americans, from the Mexican Americans now protesting him in California to the women he said should be punished if they have an abortion. Everything he plans for America will hurt marginalized people the most. When was the last time people were being beaten up at political rallies in America?

Chicago, 1968. The Good Wife has shown us where political corruption inevitably leads. But it has always presumed the players get caught.

Trump is in many ways a TV creation, not just of his reality series The Apprentice, but over the past 11 months since he announced and the networks gave him free rein to phone in his interviews like landed gentry. The late-night comedians may be rubbing their hands with glee over the comedic prospects of the next few months, but for those of us who barely made it through BushCheney, the last thing LGBT people want or need is a Trump presidency.

So for all the Sturm und Drang of the election process, compelling political drama and the entertaining fluff that keeps our heads above the tide, you really must stay tuned.t

STUFF!

by Victoria A. Brownworth

<< Film

26 • BAY AREA REPORTER • May 5-11, 2016

Drag diva dreams in Old Havana

by David Lamble

Jesus’ drag career appears ready for liftoff, an old devil from his past, his father Angel (Jorge Perugorría), just out of prison, shows up. A homophobic macho, Angel forbids Jesus to perform at the club, sponges off the kid, and threatens to occupy the boy’s apartment for a long stint.

In the film’s least convincing moments, Angel takes Jesus around to his old stomping grounds, an outdoor boxing gym pitifully short of equipment. In this uncomfortable sequence the boy learns how his dad fell from grace in the world of fisticuffs, establishing their odd father/ son bond. Viva is aimed at the heart more than for the head, a story for anyone who’s had a weird parental bond. It may remind some Billy Wilder fans of how his insuranceclerk hero C.C. Baxter in The Apartment shimmies up the executive ladder by lending out his bedroom to randy executives. Others may recall indie director Tom McCarthy’s Win-Win, where a high school wrestling coach nearly torpedoes his life by intervening in a broken family situation.

Viva is Ireland’s Foreign Language Oscar submission (director Paddy Breathnach, screenwriter Mark O’Halloran) while the film boosts the stock of its Cuban-born cast, fetching 27-year-old lead Medina alongside Cuban acting vets Perugorría, García and Renata Maikel Machin Blanco. As one aging drag performer opines halfway through Viva’s 100 minutes of frenzied anxiety, “Why is everyone on this island addicted to drama?”t

father, from whom he is distant.

Lloyd presses Kush to introduce him to his parents, but Kush can’t summon the courage to confront

his mother: “I loved my mother and I resented her, I desperately needed her and urgently I needed to rid myself of her, how impossible it was for me to imagine my life after her death and how many times I already had. Among a million things, her death meant that I would never have to introduce her to the man I loved. In equal parts, this liberated and devastated me.”

Being gay makes him an outsider, yet those around him accept him, especially his older sister Jean. So the decision to stay or leave is not clear-cut.

This eternal LGBT theme of the delicate balance between the desire to escape and the hunger to belong is the foundation of McCormick’s collection. Does where we come from define who we are and determine our future? No easy answers are provided, but for McCormick, the passion lies in the struggle.t

T

here is no greater pleasure for this critic than discovering a new film that’s a sure shot to make my year-end Best Queer films list.

That film is the Irish-produced Viva, opening Friday. Set in old Havana, the film’s hero is the boyishly enticing Héctor Medina, making his feature debut as Jesus, a skinny teen who dreams of becoming a largerthan-life drag diva. Jesus does hair and wigs for his hood’s grand dames, real biological old women with lots of attitude and little tolerance for the slippery ways of their grandkids.

In a beautifully constructed sequence, Jesus is doing an old women’s hair when her scheming granddaughter hits him up for the keys to his pad. Boy and girl unload on each other in a burst of character-defining dialogue.

“You going out?”

“Why?” “I need the apartment.”

“For who?”

“Javier.”

“Javier, the boxer?”

“He’s got prospects. His fists are going to take me to Miami. You’ll see.”

“Take him to your place.”

“Half of Havana lives there.

Courtesy of Magnolia Pictures

Héctor Medina as Jesus in director Paddy Breathnach’s Viva.

Anyway, you’re practically family.

Jesus, I need to get fucked today.

And in a bed for a change.”

The next scene finds Jesus walking the streets of Old Havana, window-shopping. The narrow streets are full of 50s-era American cars, the shops full of goods too

pricey for a youngster who makes his dough from old dames who are always pleading poverty.

The real center of Jesus’ life is the nightclub where his drag mentor Mama (Luis Alberto García) urges the boy to go for his dream to star in the club’s shows. But just when

t

Needing to belong

by Brian Bromberger

Desert Boys by Chris McCormick; Picador, $25 ccasionally a fresh, exciting voice rings out over the cacophony of mediocrity, and one can sigh with renewed confidence in the publishing world: here is a very good writer. Such is the case with Chris McCormick in Desert Boys, his new work of fiction, a series of intertwining stories forming a world of colorful characters and a place we have not previously encountered. If you were told his setting is north of Los Angeles in Antelope Valley at a working-class town filled with stripmalls near the Mojave Desert, you might think there was little there and what existed would be forgettable. But you would be mistaken.

McCormick conjures his own small universe by illuminating the family, friends, and community that have

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both formed and restricted him.

He makes you care about prosaic, flawed people who carry their own secrets and revelations.

These tales are narrated by Daley Kushner (Kush), McCormick’s introspective doppelganger, coming to terms with being gay and trying to decide whether to leave Antelope Valley. His ambivalence between wanting to stay home and get as far away as possible is reflected in the epigram introducing the book, a lyric from Jackson Browne’s song “The Fairest of the Seasons.” “Do I stay, or do I go? And do I have to do just one?” The first story, “Mother, Godfather, Baby, Priest,” introduces the main characters, including Kush’s two best friends from high school, Robert Karinger and Daniel Watts. Their exploits playing paintball in the desert become the book’s chief metaphor for change in themselves and in the valley. Kush has a

crush on the straight Karinger, who is aware of it but doesn’t ridicule him. Karinger will marry his high school sweetheart Jackie in his last year of high school, then join the Marines, where he will be killed in Afghanistan.

Jackie, pregnant, invites Kush to the baptism of their son. Kush feels guilty over an argument he had with Karinger over the war before he left. His last words to his best friend were, “Go die for nothing, asshole. I hope you do.”

Kush attends Berkeley and eventually moves to Oakland, but the unresolved end with Karinger hangs over his romance with Lloyd, who runs a bookshop in San Francisco.

Kush is not out to his parents: his religious Armenian mother who would probably not accept her gay son, though she is dying of cancer; and his furniture salesman

Grace Jones

From page 17

Reportedly in her late 60s, though she’s known to lie about her age, and still performing, the Jamaican-born musician, performance artist, actress, model and notorious shape-shifter paved the way for a raft of creative souls who’ve taken up the mantle of boundary-breaking and fluid gender.

A darling of the 1980s New York art scene, photographed by Mapplethorpe, and friends with Andy Warhol and Keith Haring, the fire-and-ice Jones, with her trademark flattop, made hypersexual, transgressive womanhood her canvas, and flaunted her powerful, athletic black body.

Works in a range of mediums, from video to collage, by some of the artists liberated and inspired

by Jones’ formidable example, are currently on view in The Grace Jones Project at the Museum of the African Diaspora, one of those rare exhibitions that doesn’t reduce or diminish the spirit of its larger-thanlife subject in the aerie confines of a museum. Credit goes to curator Nicole J. Caruth, who clearly has an instinct for talent and the ability to put together live-wire artworks that complement but don’t repeat each other and keep their eye on the prize. Stultifying art-historical

Courtesy of the artist

Gerard Gaskin, “Backstage at the Evisu Ball, Manhattan” (2010).

Archival inkjet print. Part of The Grace Jones Project at MOAD.

scholarship could have sunk this effort, especially with a performer as electrifying and commanding as Jones, seen vamping in fashion magazine spreads and vintage album covers, such as a famous one that has her snarling, naked and on all-fours in a cage, or in clips from several theatrical-concert films projected on a gallery wall.

This excellent show emphasizes the responses of a variety of

intriguing artists who invoke or simply channel Jones, whose aura infuses the project named for her like a heavy perfume. Xaviera Simmons, for instance, directly references Jones in the color photograph “Warm Leatherette,” in which she wades in the water holding an image of Jones in front of her face. Others such as Lyle Ashton Harris have adopted Jones-spawned personas and motifs and incorporated them into

their own work. Harris’ enlarged Polaroids are a shout-out to Jones’ penchant for dressing up, taking it off and trying on alternate personalities. He inhabits a bare-chested Josephine Baker in hoop earrings and a G-string of bananas; a bloody, beaten-down boxer after a losing bout – Jones’ father was an amateur pugilist, and she had a fondness for boxing gear – and he morphs into a skinny prostitute of undetermined gender in black spider-web fishnet stockings, sitting in squalor, identity hidden behind a pointy white mask with narrow slits for eyes. The series title, Better Days, alludes to a New York City dive bar frequented by gay black patrons in the early 1970s and 80s “Eat Cake,” an affecting piece by Kenyan artist Wangechi Mutu, who has called the performer one of her “favorite cultural drag magicians,” takes a more oblique approach to the Jones mystique. The black & white video portrays an unkempt woman resting on a rickety chair by a riverbank, maybe the Louisiana bayou, devouring a confection on the ground at her feet. The piece is projected on a screen mounted on a wooden palette lying flat on the floor, a novel installation that requires one to look down in order to view it, as if passing by and

dismissing the troubling spectacle of a hungry, disheveled woman in the woods.

Cauleen Smith’s “Living Grace’s Life in the Google,” a digital slide show presented on an old-fashioned TV monitor, surveys Jones’ many guises: the high-priestess fashionista sporting orange cone breasts, a firebird costume, outrageous headgear carried off with the aplomb of an African queen, and an array of nifty bondage outfits and corsets; the jet-setting party girl keeping fast company with Warhol and Donna Summer, stepping out as an Afro-futurist cyborg, riding a camel, wielding a gun, donning tribal masks and decadent masquerade.

It’s said she wore a red constructivist maternity dress while pregnant, which is one way of warding off morning sickness. She also appears as the villainess May Day on a movie poster for View to a Kill, posed next to co-star Roger Moore. Move over, Mr. Bond.

A concurrent exhibition at MOAD, Dandy Lion: (Re)Articulating Black Masculine Identity, explores the diverse, self-styled images of cis-gender black men throughout the African Diaspora through photographs and film.t Through Sept. 18. Info: moadsf.org.

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More from

Juanita More!

by David Elijah-Nahmod

J

uanita More! describes her persona as being about “fashion, food, philanthropy and furious beats.”

See page 30 >>

Juanita More! in couture gowns by Mr. David.

The drag icon’s new cocktail hour and de Young runway show Alan Purcell

On the G Tab

d Latin rock, cabaret, an reat concerts in diverse t os please the m grooves should y and az sle n ow low-d tastes, as well as ay t you m not, ch we enjoy, bu sexy events, whi r taste! no accounting fo because there’s See page 3 >>

Tue 10 Violent Femmes @ The Fillmore

May 5–12

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30 • BAY AREA REPORTER • May 5-11, 2016

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Juanita More

From page 29

Beloved in the drag community and revered by audiences, More is enjoying a particularly busy Spring season. She recently ended her weekly Booty Call Wednesdays at Qbar in the Castro after an eightyear run. Instead, she’ll now be appearing every Wednesday night for a cocktail hour at the elegant Starlight Room inside the Sir Francis Drake Hotel. She’ll also be appearing with costume designer and fashion couturier Mr. David for a May 13 runway show at the de Young Museum.

More!, who describes herself as a “denizen of the limelight,” says that Mr. David, also known as Glamamore, is her drag mother.

“Twenty-four years ago my drag mother Glamamore and I were contemplating my name over dinner,” she recalled. “We just happened to be sitting right underneath the poster for the movie Imitation of Life. We both looked right at each other when we saw the name for one of the film’s actresses –Juanita Moore– and said, ‘Bingo!’”

The May 13 show at the deYoung, titled Mr. David For Juanita More....24 Years of More!, promises

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to be a night of fashionable elegance.

Mr. David has been a designer for four decades. The former New York City resident created looks for a number of famous personalities before moving to San Francisco where he discovered More!, whom he considers his greatest muse. The de Young show will feature many of their collaborations, all taken from More’s fabulous collection of 3,000 costumes. The show promises to stay true to the image More! has cultivated as a stylish fashion goddess.

More! said that she’s excited about the fashion show, and about her cocktail hour at Starlight Room.

“I have a long history with Union Square, because I grew up in the East Bay as a teenager,” she recalls.

“I came to San Francisco a lot as a kid. I shopped at Wilkes Bashford in high school as often as I could afford. That store, along with the nowclosed I. Magnin, were a big part of the reason downtown became one of my favorite neighborhoods in the city. So it seemed fitting that two Grand Dames should come together: the Sir Francis Drake’s jewel-box The Starlight Room and me!”

More! added that she enjoyed her eight years at Qbar, but noted that change is always good.

“After an eight-year run in the Castro with the beloved Booty Call Wednesdays, I felt it was time for a change of scenery,” she said.

“The Starlight Room is such a great reminder of how beautiful San Francisco is. I’ve brought along some of my fabulous friends to help make the Happy Hour a guaranteed good time: host Rudy Valdez, resident DJ Sergio Fedasz and style photographer Gareth Gooch.”

More! pointed out that guests might hear music that’s decidedly different from what’s usually heard in the Castro.

“I’ve really pushed Sergio to play music outside the norm of your average gay bar,” she said. “His sets includes a mix of jazz, vintage R&B, show tunes and Italian movie soundtracks. It’s refreshing to have a conversation with someone without having to yell at them over a pounding pop music.”

Then there’s the fabulous scenery.

The Starlight Room sits high above Union Square.

“You can also enjoy the view from one of the sumptuous high-backed booths while sipping one of my signature cocktails,” More! said. “The El Chapo is a killer; think Manhattan but with tequila. There is never a cover and I recommend arriving with enough time to enjoy the sunset.”

Although performing no guests have been booked as of yet, More! said that she dreams of inviting friends such as Trauma Flintstone, Veronica Klaus or Katya SmirnoffSkyy to join her for the Happy Hour.

With Pride looming on the horizon, More! is preparing for her annual –and wildly popular– Pride party.

“The party has benefited some of the most crucial Bay Area queer-oriented organizations such as the Tenderloin AIDS Resource Center, The Harvey Milk City Hall Memorial, The Transgender Law

Georg Lester

Juanita More! with Mr. David at the 2016 SF Center gala.

Gareth Gooch

Mr. David (Glamamore) and Juanita More! at The Starlight Room.

Center, Bay Positives, GSA Network, The SF LGBT Center, outLoud Radio, AIDS Housing Alliance, Youth Empowerment Summit and this year Queer LifeSpace,” More! noted proudly. “They are truly invested in keeping our community healthy with effective, affordable mental health and substance abuse services. The party will reprise its role at the spectacular indoor/outdoor space Jones, located just blocks away from the Civic Center festivities. I’m once again looking forward to what has been touted as the best party of the year.”

More! is quite pleased by this year’s Pride theme: For Racial and Economic Justice.

Gareth Gooch

Juanita More! with guests at the new Wednesday happy hour, Floor 21.

FIND REAL GAY MEN NEAR YOU

Oakland:

San Jose:

(510) 343-1122 (408) 514-1111 www.megamates.com 18+

“I think this year’s parade theme is very important,” she said. “As an advocate for communities who often find themselves the subject of discrimination of both forms, it’s important to understand that necessity to keep advocating for change.”

Pride parties are but a part of the fundraising work which More! offers to the community.

“Five years ago Walter Gomez, Sidekick and I started this cute little monthly party called Beatpig at The Powerhouse,” she said, pointing out that the name Beatpig is a rip on music and sex. Beatpig combines their love of leather, drag and music.

“For the past five years it has generated over $22,000 to support the work and mission of our monthly beneficiary, the Transgender Law Center. Giving back and having a good time is pretty awesome.”

More and Glamamore also host the monthly Powerblouse, where prominent gay men in nightlife get drag makeovers. Recent participants include Powerhouse bar manager Scott Peterson and The Stud’s coowner Michael McElhaney.

More! also dreams of having her own restaurant.

“Doesn’t Chez MORE! - have a nice ring to it?” she asks. “Can you just imagine how gorgeous the place would be? I know the food would be absolutely delicious! And the wait staff: how cute are they already! I’m just sitting by the phone waiting for a sugar daddy or investor to call.”

Tastes change with the times, but More! assures as that drag remains as popular as ever.

“Socially, we are at a point when seeing a celebrity like Patrick Stewart in drag is just considered plain old fabulous,” she said. “I think drag’s biggest impact is on our queer youth. What a fabulous time to be alive and able to artistically create a fantasy or your reality. After all these years in drag, I still find myself in love with it!”t Keep up with Juanita More! at www.juanitamore.com.

San Francisco:

(415) 430-1199

t

Georg Lester

Mr. David and Juanita More! at one of their recent Pride parties at Jones.

Floor 21 is each Wednesday at the Sir Francis Drake Hotel’s Starlight Room, 21st floor, 450 Powell Street. www.starlightroomsf.com For info on More! and Mr. Davids’ May 13 show, visit www.deyoung. famsf.org

t

Read more online at www.ebar.com

May 5-11, 2016 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 31

Thu 5 Club Papi @ Oasis

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On the Tab

From page 31

Thu 5 Above and Beyond the Valley of the Ultra Showgirls @ Oasis D’Arcy Drollinger’s restaging of the high camp rock musical about a singer’s rise and fall, with lots of sex, drugs and original live music. $25$35, $250 Super Groupie front row VIP tables. Thu-Sat 7pm. Thru May 14.

298 11th St. at Folsom. www.sfoasis.com

After Dark @ Exploratorium Adult parties with cocktails at the fun hands-on science museum, this time themed “Identity.” $25. 6pm-10pm.

Pier 17 at Embarcadero. www.exploratorium.edu

Bulge @ Powerhouse Grace Towers hosts the fun sexy night. $100 cash prize for best bulge. $5-$10 benefits various local nonprofits. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

Club Papi @ Oasis The hot Latin night returns for a special Cinco de Mayo event, with RuPaul’s Drag Race star Yara Sofia performing, plus a super sexy crew of gogo guys from SF, LA and Puerto Rico. $10-$15. 10pm-3am. 298 11th St. clubpapi.com www.sfoasis.com

Gala Under Glass @ Conservatory of Flowers The annual festive fundraiser with cocktails, food, live music and dancing, all in the floral festive Conservatory. $175 and up. 5:30pm (VIPs), 6:30pm (reg. tix) to 12am. 100 John F. Kennedy Drive, Golden Gate Park www.conservatoryofflowers. org/2016Gala

Kingdom of Sodom @ Nob Hill Theatre The very interactive strip and sex party, with a cash bar. $20. Sex show at 10pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 3976758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

Mary Go Round @ Lookout Mercedez Munro and Holotta Tymes’ weekly drag show. $5. 10:30pm show.

DJ Philip Grasso. 3600 16th St. www.lookoutsf.com

Fri 6 Karen Mason @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko

Jose A Guzman Colon

The Monster Show @ The Edge The weekly drag show with DJ MC2, themed nights, gogo guys and hilarious fun. May 5 is a special Prince tribute night, with host Elle Oh Elle McFiercen, featuring U-Phoria, D–ina Isis, Linty, Bearonce and more. Princely purple attire welcome. $5. 9pm2am. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

Nightlife @ California Academy of Sciences Themed event nights at the fascinating nature museum, with DJed dancing, cocktails, fish, frogs, food and fun. May 5: Mezcal Nightlife with DJs Teory and Baysik, Mexican cultural demos, cocktails. May 12: Origins Nightlife with DJ Manitous, evolution demos and talks. $10-$12. 6pm-10pm, 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. 379-8000. www.calacademy.org

Pollo De Mayo @ Lookout Pollo Del Mar hosts the annual festive Cinco de Mayo party, with DJ Andrew Gibbons frozen margeritas, Jell-O shots. 6pm-9pm. 3600 16th St. www.lookoutsf.com

Amazing Brooklyn-based genredefying band (Punjabi Klezmer jazz?) performs. $26-$51 (with dinner).

8pm. 859 O’Farrell St. www.redbaraat.com www.slimspresents.com

Rock Fag @ Hole in the Wall Enjoy hard rock and punk music from DJ Don Baird at the wonderfully divey SoMa bar. Also Fridays. 7pm-2am.

1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. www.hitws.com

Cosplay Kaboom @ CodeWord

Rogue Wave @ 3 Venues

Cinco del Pollo @ Lookout

Red Baraat @ Great American Music Hall

Fri 6

Thu 5

Thu 5 Rogue Wave @ 3 Venues

Boy Bar @ The Cafe

The Oakland indie pop band performs at the Starline Social Club Ballroom (May 5, $25, 8pm, 645 West Grand Ave., Oakland), Sweetwater Music Hall (May 6, $35, 9pm, 19 Corte Madera Ave, Mill Valley), and the SF Independent (May 7, $26, 9pm, 628 Divisadero St., SF). www.roguewavemusic.com

Gus Presents’ weekly dance night, with DJ Kid Sysko, cute gogos and $2 beer (before 10pm). 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com

Taco Takedown @ Clift Hotel Cinco de Mayo special cocktails, and a chef’s competition for the best taco for you to sample. 5:30-8:30pm.

Living Room, 495 Geary St. www.morganshotelgroup.com

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

Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge Disco guru DJ Bus Station John spins grooves at the intimate retro music night. $5. No cell phones on the dance floor, please! 10pm-2am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. auntcharlieslounge.com

Fri 6 Ain’t Mama’s Drag @ Balancoire Weekly drag queen and drag king show hosted by Cruzin d’Loo. Mar. 25 features Donna Personna and many other acts. 8pm-10pm. No cover. 2565 Mission St. www.balancoiresf.com

Comedy Noir @ Balancoire Valerie Branch’s weekly comedy night, where she embodies her faux queen character Pia Messing for some offbeat wit, along with guest performers. $5. 8pm-10pm. 2565 Mission St. www.balancoiresf.com

Cosplay Kaboom @ CodeWord Dress up as your fave characters at the mostly straight (but who can tell under the outfit?) house, electro DJ night, with Smudge, Breejay, Ophelia and the Speakeasy Syndicate. $10.

9pm-3am. 917 Folsom St. www.codeword-sf.com

Curtain Call @ Hotel Rex Bill Cooper hosts the open mic cabaret night, with pianist G. Scott Lacy. $15$25. 7pm. 562 Sutter St. www.societycabaret.com

Friday Nights @ de Young Museum Season 12 of the fun art parties returns, with the Oscar de la Renta exhibit, live music and drinks.

5:30pm-9pm. 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, www.deyoung.famsf.org

See page 32 >>

Serving the LGBT communities since 1971

32 • BAY AREA REPORTER • May 5-11, 2016

Birthdays & benefits

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Birthday celebrations at The Edge with Donna Sachet (2nd left back row), Emperor David Bracamontes and Empress Emma Peel (front/center in crowns), Empress Khmera Rouge and Emperor Kevin Lisle (right) and friends.

by Donna Sachet

T

hank you to everyone who made the recent birthday of this columnist extra special with all of your Facebook posts, Tweets, personal cards, flowers, and other expressions of support!

Despite our protestations and stated resolution to have a low-key celebration, a special thanks to Gary Virginia who on short notice gathered a diverse and appreciative group at The Edge for cake, cocktails, and camaraderie. As we so often write, San Francisco has offered us an amazing home and the outpouring of birthday wishes this year reminded us of how lucky we truly are.

We can now give The Thrillpeddlers’ The Untamed Stage: Weimar Berlin Kabarett our enthusiastic personal recommendation, having enjoyed it last Friday at the funky Hypnodrome theatre.

Surrounded by vintage posters, taxidermy busts, and wonderfully shopworn décor, we entered this unique performance space and joined a nearly full house seated either in standard chairs or lounging on “oriental carpets and silken pillows” in one of their intimate booths.

Fri 6 Jet Noir joins Red Hots Burlesque in May @ Beatbox

The entire show bursts from the creative mind of Scrumbly Koldewyn, original member of the legendary Cockettes and recognized composer and lyricist. Zelda Koznofski masterfully and baudily emcees the first half, showcasing various solo and ensemble acts, all inspired by pre-World War II German cabaret and most colorfully splattered with sexual innuendo or outright hedonism.

That night’s guest star was the immensely talented and crowd-pleasing Carly Ozard. Regular Thrillpeddler cast members spoof gender identity, social mores, and moral taboos with comedic songs and dances, most notably concluding with a surprisingly touching solo beautifully delivered by Noah Haydon.

The second half has more of a story line, but delivered with the chaos and excess for which the Cockettes were known. German nationalism, racial purity, gender stereotypes, and even bestiality all become part of the mix and the cast fills the stage, building to a splashy finale. The Untamed Stage runs through May 28, but seating is limited, so act now.

After the performance, we headed a few blocks away to the Powerhouse

David Lassman

Ruby Red Munro performs at The Midnight Sun as a certain handsome Emperor smooches a guy at the Fifty Years of Fabulous fundraiser.

Leanna Borghese will co-MC Spotlight on Broadway with Donna Sachet May 14.

for Suzan Revah’s final Superpower: Supernova fundraiser, this time for UCSF Alliance Health Project. As always, this tireless hostess smoldered with sex appeal and attracted an extraordinary crowd of handsome and generous attendees. Resident DJ Guy Ruben and an amazing array of gogo dancers set the perfect tone for another magical night of Powerhouse conversation, comingling, and cruising.

Loyal readers will remember our description of The Verdi Club, an unusual venue available for a variety

<<

On the Tab

From page 31

Friday Nights @ Oakland Museum The family-friendly night events returns, with exhibit tours, dancing, food, drinks, and live music. $7-$15. 5pm9pm. 1000 Oak St. museumca.org

Gogo Fridays @ Toad Hall Hot dancers grind it at the Castro bar with a dance floor and patio. 4146 18th St. www.toadhallbar.com

Happy Friday @ Midnight Sun The popular video bar ends each work week with gogo guys (starting at 9pm) and drink specials. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com

of events and periodically used by members of the Imperial Court.

That is where we found ourselves last Saturday night to celebrate the birthday of Erin-Kate Whitcomb.

Years ago, we shared the stage at The Purple Onion in Ruthless: The Musical and have since crossed paths too seldom. Her family and friends were out in force, many sharing their musical talents in a tribute show to the birthday girl.

Although we initially knew only a few present, including her wife Michele Rutherford, Jason Brock, and Marga Gomez, we made fast friends with several more and were welcomed warmly by all. Ray Santos, a seasoned Broadway performer and friend of Erin-Kate, emceed with style and humor, her sons Jason and Hayden covered the technical aspects, her parents beamed with pride, and everyone piled on the love.

On Sunday, the Midnight Sun once again hosted a drag afternoon, this time with hostesses Alexis Miranda and Galilea, benefiting David

Lassman and Jethro Patalinghug’s film documentary Fifty Years of Fabulous: The Imperial Council Story.

Performances were outstanding, patrons were generous, and significant funds were raised to complete this important film documenting our history. We were particularly struck by the wealth of new talent demonstrated by several new Imperial Court members and titleholders, showing us all that the future looks bright!

Also celebrating a birthday over the weekend was Kevin Lisle. If one measures a life by the number and devotion of one’s friends, this is one lucky guy! All weekend long, both here and at the Russian River, Kevin was feted and we were happy to join the parade.

Coming up, we look forward to a new dance experience this Saturday at Shift at Mighty, 119 Utah Street, starting at 9PM, with DJs Edu Quintas, David Harness, and CarrieOnDisco and amazing lights, lasers, and visuals. One glance at the host committee tells you that this

Hard Fridays @ Qbar

Latin Explosion @ Club 21, Oakland

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

Karen Mason @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko The star of stage and screen performs her one-woman show, Mason’s Makin’ Music, $50-$70. $20 food/ drink min. 8pm. Also May 7, 7pm.

Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 663-1063. www.ticketweb.com

Ladies of San Francisco @ Club OMG Galilea hosts the weekly “old school drag show” with guest performers and DJ Jack Rojo. $4. 9pm-2am. 43 6th St. www.clubOMGsf.com

Enjoy Latin, hip hop and electro, plus hot gogos galore, and a big dance floor.

April 29: Violeta and Jacqueline La Gata. $10-$20. 9pm-3am. 2111 Franklin St., Oakland. club21oakland.com

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

Midnight Show @ Divas Weekly drag shows at the last transgender-friendly bar in the Polk; with hosts Victoria Secret, Alexis Miranda and several performers. Also Saturdays. $10. 11pm. 1081 Polk St. www.divassf.com

Fri 6 Point Break Live @ DNA Lounge

t

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May 5-11, 2016 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 33

The Young Actors' Theatre Camp David Allen

Thrillpeddlers’ The Untamed Stage: Weimar Berlin Kabarett.

Inspiration Award Recipient DARREN CRISS (Glee, Hedwig)

Performer of the Year Recipient Alysha Umphress (on the town) Founders Award Presented to The O'Brien-Whitaker Family Special Performances by Jason Brock, the YATC Chorus & The Kelly Park Trio

Steve Grand performs May 13 at Marines’ Memorial Theatre.

will be an incredible event.

This coming Sunday is Mother’s Day, with plenty of opportunities to thank Mom or to make her proud.

Join us at Sunday’s a Drag at The Starlight Room for the 11:30AM or 2PM show, starring Lady Tia, Kendra Monroe, Mahlae, and this humble performer. Mothers of all kinds are welcome, as are their sons, daughters, and hangers-on.

Or join Byron Bonsall for Flagging in the Park at the AIDS Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park, starting at 1PM, benefiting the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.

Then prepare for a return to Ruby Skye, one of our favorite dance venues, for Black Tea, a new party benefiting Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation and Folsom Street Events, with DJ Abel spinning feelgood music starting at 6PM for an adoring and adorable crowd. Expect to dance with those who have made Hero, Industry, Black Xxxmas, Real Bad, and Magnitude so hot!

The following weekend’s highlights include YouTube country singing sensation Steve Grand and beloved comic Shann Carr at Marines’ Memorial Theatre on Friday, May 13, as well as Mr. David for Juanita More! 24 Years of More…, a runway fashion show at the DeYoung Museum at 7:30PM. On Saturday, May 14, the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band invites you to Spotlight on Broadway, a sing-along concert fundraiser in the Empire Ballroom of the Sir Francis Drake Hotel in Union Square at 8PM. At how many events throughout the year do you see and hear this home-grown band playing for free as community ambassadors and supporters? Now, let’s help them raise some money for their ongoing operations, while letting out your inner Broadway star! We’ll be sharing emcee responsibilities and singing with the very talented Leanne Borghesi. You are going to love it!t

Point Break Live @ DNA Lounge

Under the Golden Gate Live @ Doc’s Lab

Dude! The hilarious stage show version of the cult surfer/bank robbers film returns for its secon-to-last show.

Get ready to get splashed, bro. $20 and up. 7:30pm. (Final shows June 3).

375 11th St. www.dnalounge.com

Maria Konner and DJ Dank cohost another taping of the funny talk show, with guests Supe. Scott Weiner, drag legend Glamamore, Kitten on the Keys, magician Paul Nathan, and Ariel Androgyny; full bar and food. $15-$20. Doors 8pm, show 9pm. 124 Columbus Ave. www.docslabsf.com

Polyglamorous @ Oasis Colin Bass (BAAAHS) and The SyntheTigers (Allen Craig and Sergio Fedasz) guest DJ at the groovy dance night, along with resident Mark O’Brien, who’s getting married, so it’s his bachelor party. Whoo-hoo! $10.

9pm-3am. 298 11th St. sfoasis.com

Red Hots Burlesque @ Beatbox The saucy women’s burlesque show hosted by Dottie Lux. $10. 7pm-10pm.

314 11th St. www.beatboxsf.com Also Sunday brunch shows (see Sun.) www.redhotsburlesque.com

Rikk York @ Nob Hill Theatre Porn newbie performs strip shows at 8pm and sex show with Jon Shield at 10pm. $25. Also May 7. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

Some Thing @ The Stud Mica Sigourney and pals’ weekly offbeat drag performance night. $7.

10pm-3am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

Sat 7 La Bota Loca @ Club 21, Oakland Latin, hip hop and Electro music night. $5-$25. 9pm-4am. 2111 Franklin St., Oakland. www.club21oakland.com

Bootie SF @ DNA Lounge The mash-up DJ dance party celebrates Kesha, with Hubba Hubba Revue, four rooms of different sounds and eight DJs; Holy McGrail and Suppositori Spelling cohost $10-$15.

9:30pm-3am. 375 11th St. bootiesf.com www.dnalounge.com

Cabaret Showcase @ Hotel Rex Carolyn Power, Ray Renati and Carol Luckenbach perform. $15-$30. 8pm.

562 Sutter St. www.societycabaret.com

See page 34 >>

Fun and Fancy Attire Suggested.

Live Entertainment, Auction & Appetizers.

Untitled-1 1

5/3/16 12:31 PM

Samuel Woehrmann Designs www.IamThatSam.com

Custom Gold and Silversmithing Rings • Bracelets • Pendants • Earrings

Untitled-3 1

5/3/16 3:00 PM

Serving the LGBT communities since 1971

34 • BAY AREA REPORTER • May 5-11, 2016

Mon 9

t

Sat 7

Eden Espinosa at Twist of Limelight @ Castro Theatre

Sex, Drags & Rock n Roll @ Midnight Sun Steven Underhill

Wed 11 Scott Coulter @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko

I am t LGBT

Thu 12 Cady Huffman @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko

Thu 5 Bulge @ Powerhouse

<<

FBFE

On the Tab

From page 33

The Capulet Ball @ Episcopal Church of St. Mary the Virgin We Players, the innovative sitespecific theatre ensemble, performs an interactive immersive version of Romeo & Juliet at their costume gala.

Dress up for super theatrical fun. $65-$150. 7pm-9pm. 2325 Union St. Also May 14 in San Anselmo, June 4 in Oakland and June 18 in Calistoga. www.smvsf.org www.weplayers.org

Club Rimshot @ Club BNB, Oakland The weekly hip hop and R&B night.

8-$15. 9pm to 4am. 2120 Broadway.

(510) 759-7340. www.club-bnb.com

Mother @ Oasis Heklina’s weekly drag show night with different themes, always outrageously hilarious. May 7: an all Drag King night! $15. 10pm-2am. 298 11th St. at Folsom. 795-3180. www.sfoasis.com

Nitty Gritty @ Beaux Weekly dance night with nearly naked gogo guys & gals; DJs Chad Bays, Ms. Jackson, Becky Know and Jorge T. $4. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www. beauxsf.com

Oysterfest @ Sharon Meadow Food and music festival with oysters galore, cooking demos, and music acts Chromeo, IamSu, Kinky, De Lux and Miguel Migs. $45 and up. 12pm6pm. Golden gate Park 320 Bowling Green Drive. www.sfoysterfest.wix.com/oysterfest

Saturgay @ Qbar Stanley Frank spins house dance remixes at the intimate Castro dance bar. $3. 9pm-2am (weekly beer bust 2pm-9pm). 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com

Sex, Drags & Rock n Roll @ Midnight Sun Mutha Chucka’s hilarious rockin’ drag night features new drag performers who are “Like a Virgin” to this event: KaiKai Bee Michaels, Hollows Eve, Cash Monet, Shane Zaldivar, Mocha Fapalatte and Sissy Payczechs. 9pm2am. 4067 18th St. www.midnightsunsf.com

Soul Delicious @ Lookout Brunch, booze, sass and grooves, with the Mom DJs, Motown sounds, and soul food. 11am-4pm. 3600 16th St. www.lookoutsf.com

Soul Party @ Elbo Room DJs Lucky, Paul, and Phengren Osward spin 60s soul 45s. $5-$10 ($5 off in semi-formal attire). 10pm-2am. 647 Valencia St. 552-7788. www.elbo.com

The person depicte

Sugar @ The Cafe Dance, drink, cruise at the Castro club.

9pm-2am. 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com

Uhaul @ Beatbox Fun women’s dance night with DJ Jibbs and Ms. Jackson. $10. 10pm3am. 314 11th St. beatboxsf.com

Sun 8 Beer Bust @ SF Eagle The classic leather bar’s most popular Sunday daytime event in town draws the menfolk. Beer bust donations benefit local nonprofits (Check the website for a list of recipients). 3pm6pm. Now also on Saturdays. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

Big Top @ Beaux The fun Castro nightclub, with hot local DJs and sexy gogo guys and gals. $5. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.Beauxsf.com

Black Tea @ Ruby Skye

Fingerbang @ Oasis

DJ Abel spins at the gay tea dance; proceeds benefit Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation and Folsom Street Events $45. 6pm-12am. 420 Mason St. www.heroteadance.com

DJs Rose Gold and China G spin at the new tea dance for ladies, lezzie, bois, girls and queers, with the rooftop lounge open and sunny. $8-$10. 2pm8pm. 10pm-3am. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

Domingo De Escandal @ Club OMG Weekly Latin night with drag shows hosted by Vicky Jimenez and DJ Luis.

7pm-2am. 43 6th St. www.clubomgsf.com

Femme, Xtravaganza @ Balancoire Weekly live music shows with various acts, along with brunch, Mimosas, champagne and more, at the stylish nightclub and restaurant; shows at 12:30pm, 1:30pm and 2:45pm. After that, T-Dance drag shows at 7pm, 10pm and 11pm. 2565 Mission St. at 21st. 920-0577. www.balancoiresf.com

Flagging in the Park @ National AIDS Memorial Grove The popular outdoor flow arts event and fundraiser this time features DJ Byron Bonsall. Bring blankets, a picnic, flags, etc. Donations benefit the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.

1pm-4pm. www.flaggercentral.com

Girls Night Out @ Martuni’s Vanessa Bousay and BeBe Sweetbriar perform a special Mother’s Day concert with pianist Tom Shaw; proceeds benefit the Tenderloin Tessie Holiday Dinners. $15. 7pm. 4 Valencia St.

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May 5-11, 2016 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 35

Sat 7 Oysterfest @ Golden Gate Park

Sun 8 Girls Night Out @ Martuni’s Michael Smith

the future of the T community.

I’m 26 and transitioning.

I have a lot going on - I don’t need to be mocked, misgendered, or marginalized, and I don’t have time to hunt out news that matters to me.

That’s why I read EDGE on my Android tablet. I’m being true to my future and that’s where it will be.

Mon 9

Fri 6

Drag Mondays @ The Cafe

Rikk York @ Nob Hill Theatre

Mahlae Balenciaga and DJ Kidd Sysko’s weekly drag and dance night, with 9pm RuPaul’s Drag Race viewings. 9pm-1am. 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com

Epic Karaoke @ White Horse, Oakland Mondays and Tuesdays popular weekly sing-along night. No cover.

8:30pm-1am. 6551 Telegraph Ave, (510) 652-3820. www.whitehorsebar.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. www.brewcadesf.com

Karaoke Night @ SF Eagle Sing along, with guest host Nick Radford. 8pm-12am. 398 12th St. www.sf-eagle.com

Mahogany Mondays @ Midnight Sun Honey Mahogany’s weekly drag and musical talent show starts around 10pm, with 9pm RuPaul’s Drag Race viewings. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com

Monday Musicals @ The Edge Sing along at the popular musical theatre night; also Wednesdays. 7pm2am. 2 for 1 cocktail, 5pm-closing.

4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

Richard Burrowes

No No Bingo @ Virgil’s Sea Room

ed here is a model. Their image is being used for illustrative purposes only.

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

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

Mother Doesn’t Need to Know @ The Edge Fundraiser for AIDS/LifeCycle riders Erick Lopez and Paul Guirguis. $10 beer bust, Jell-O shots. 4pm-7pm.

4149 18th St. www.edgesf.com

Red Hots Burlesque @ PianoFight The saucy women’s burlesque show now serves brunch before and after the show, with bottomless Mimosas. $15-$25. 2pm. Weekly thru May 29.

144 Taylor St. www.pianofight.com

Sunday’s a Drag @ Starlight Room Donna Sachet hosts the weekly fabulous brunch and drag show, now celebrating its tenth anniversary. $45.

11am, show at noon; 1:30pm, show at 2:30pm. 450 Powell St. in Union Square. 395-8595. www.starlightroomsf.com

Sunday Brunch @ Thee Parkside Bottomless Mimosas until 3pm at the fun rock-punk club. 1600 17th St. 2521330. www.theeparkside.com

Sundance Saloon @ Space 550 Weekly two-stepping and linedancing fun, with lessons and DJed music (not just country).

5pm-10:30pm. Also Thursdays. 550 Barneveld Ave. www.sundancesaloon.org

Mica Sigourney and Tom Temprano cohost the wacky weekly game night at the cool Mission bar. 8pm. 3152 Mission St. www.virgilssf.com

Opulence @ Beaux Weekly dance night, with Jocques, DJs Tori, Twistmix and Andre. 9pm-2am.

2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

Piano Bar 101 @ Martuni’s Sing-along night with talented locals, and charming accompanist Joe Wicht (aka Trauma Flintstone). 9pm. 4 Valencia St. at Market. www.dragatmartunis.com

A Twist of Limelight @ Castro Theatre Bay Area Musicals’ annual gala concert party fundraiser includes cocktails and food (6:30pm), an auction and concert with Eden Espinosa ( Wicked, Brooklyn ) and local musical theatre actors (7:30pm) and an after-party (9:30pm). $30-$75.

429 Castro St. www.bamsf.org/boxoffice

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

See page 37 >>

Sun 8 Black Tea @ Ruby Skye Marques Daniels

t

Serving the LGBT communities since 1971

36 • BAY AREA REPORTER • May 5-11, 2016

Cockblusters Porn parodies pale Men.com

Trenton Ducati and Topher Dimaggio may give a rise to fans of cosplay, in Batman v Superman.

by John F. Karr

I

t seemed like such a good idea.

I’ll review some parody porn!

Crack some jokes, have some fun.

The hyper story lines of Batman v Superman, Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Game of Thrones should be ripe for ridicule, and their swaggering heroes rich for rampaging porn stars to emulate.

It turned out to be no such thing.

Alright. The dictionary says parody is an artistic work that imitates the characteristic style of its source for comic effect or ridicule. I’ve added the highlight.

Thrones and bones

Someone should alert Men.com, because they made the three parodies I watched, and all three were devoid of both comedy and satire, as well as wit and imagination. Comedy is admittedly hard to do in porn, but the closest thing Men.com gets to wit is in one title. And even their Gay of Thrones (GofT) is a runner-up title to a hetero parody, called Game of Bones.

These parodies aren’t even features, the way they’d be if a mainstream studio was the producer, but a website’s series of nearly unrelated scenes. So, forget continuity. Attention has been paid to scenery and costume, but are barely given context. They register only because we know the original.

Not that the scenes don’t have their

Men.com

Paddy O’Brian tangles with Trenton Ducati, in the Batman v Superman parody.

moments. GofT delivers Damien Crosse pounding the daylights out of enthusiastic blond beauty Christopher Daniels. These guys are champs. Slender, blond and pale skinned JP Dubois is a good foil for the thick-bodied, darkly hirsute Jessy Ares.

They talk dirty, put out maximum energy, and earn a Best in Show rating from me.

There’s an okay flipfuck scene with Paddy O’Brian and Connor Maguire, but it’s notable only because Paddy sucks cock. I stopped paying attention to his repetitive, predictable moves some time ago, so I’m unsure if this is a first. He’s okay at it, if

Men.com

Damien Crosse and Christopher Daniels are exciting in the Gay of Thrones parody.

uninspired. It’s nearly a dull event.

Yet the sight of his magnificent cock stirs me as ever it did. What a beaut. I’d die if he had laid a load on Connor’s (meaning, my) tongue, but no such luck. Paddy’s helicoptering cock as he straddles Connor certainly pushed my buttons, and Paddy shoots all over.

But I’d have lost my mind if he’d given that cream to Connor (let it be noted that where the Men.com website is generously awash with oral cum shots, among all fifteen scenes of these parodies, there are only two cumgestings—and despite what faked Men photos show, they’re scanty ones, at that. Hey, we’re dying of thirst here!).

So the net rating of GofT falters,

Men.com

Best of Show is what Karr thinks of Jessy Ares and JP Dubois, in Gay of Thrones.

t

Read more online at www.ebar.com

May 5-11, 2016 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 37

Men.com

During Star Wars, stormtroopers look sorta silly with their dicks stickin’ out of all that plastic, and they rattle and clink like tin cans in heat.

with only three good scenes out of eight. Among those five other pedestrian scenes, Johnny Rapid loses his rapidity, an actor named Dennis West is given several occasions to demonstrate his blandness, and not even Colby Keller can enliven the torpid Toby Dutch. He may moan a lot, but the sex he offers ranges from resistant to abstract.

I’d be remiss not to note a moment of levity that I found in GofT. You ask why we pause for its Boy King to drink a glass of wine after having sex? It’s so that he can clutch his throat, and go “Ack! Ack!” before falling over dead. He actually says those two words, “Ack! Ack!”

The Force(d acting)

What, then, of Star Wars, the wan? It starts off with “Luke” (luscious Luke Adams) meeting “ObiWan” (Jessy Ares) and enthusing, “You could teach me about being a Jedi!”

First, though, we’ll pause for a blow job, and a hot scene with a rousing RC. In Luke’s second scene, however, the memory of Jessy’s high impact partnering throws shade all over the personality-free Dennis West. This bland performer is featured again, in a washout of a scene with “Vader,” a mystery Top whose black robes and helmet conceal his identity, although his dick makes me think he might be Jessy.

Then there’s the ostensibly grand finale, which admittedly begins with a lively three-way connecting the cocks of Hector De Silva and Paddy O’Brian with the sweet ass of Luke Adams, but which segues into a middling event of six stormtroopers in an orgy—an event made fairly comic by the clangorous rattling and bumping of their plastic police uniforms. Sounds like the Tin Woodsman and his five clones doing the Charleston.

Feminism and racial diversity

aren’t to be found in the parody Star Wars, although they are keystones of the Hollywood version, which features as its lead characters a woman and a black man (which I think is the acceptable term for an African-American when he’s British; and speaking of, wherefore art thou diversity? Of the 637 performers Men.com lists, there are 11 who are black; they play in twelve scenes, out of 1,974).

I can understand the absence of a lady at Men.com, but why so little melding of colors? True, if “Luke” was black, we’d be deprived of seeing that fleshy bundle of joy, Luke Adams, starring in three scenes. But he could just as easily have been a three-scene co-star.

Caped capers

Kudos to Batman v Superman for finding a way to credibly depict violence, in fast slivers of editing.

But watching BvS, I pondered. Why

Men.com

Luke Adams and Jessy Ares bring heat to the Star Wars parody.

Fri 6 Polyglamorous @ Oasis

<<

Gareth Gooch

On the Tab

From page 35

Tue 10 Bandit @ Slate Bar New weekly queer event with resident DJ Justime; electro, soul, funk; cocktails and food available. $3.

2925 16th St. www.facebook.com/ BanditPartySF www.slate-sf.com

Block Party @ Midnight Sun Weekly screenings of music videos, concert footage, interviews and more, of popular pop stars. 9pm2am. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www. midnightsunsf.com

Cock Shot @ Beaux Shot specials and adult Bingo games, with DJs Chad Bays and Riley Patrick, at the new weekly night. No cover.

9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www. beauxsf.com

Gaymer Night @ Eagle

High Fantasy @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge

Una Noche @ Club BnB, Oakland

Weekly drag and variety show, with live acts and lip-synching divas, plus DJed grooves. $5. Shows at 10:30pm & 12am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com

Vicky Jimenez’ drag show and contest; Latin music all night. 9pm-2am. 2120 Broadway. (510) 759-7340. www.club-bnb.com

Hysteria @ Martuni’s Irene Tu and Jessica Sele cohost the comedy open mic night for women and queers. No cover. 6pm-8:30pm. 4 Valencia St.

Meow Mix @ The Stud The weekly themed variety cabaret showcases new and unusual talents; MC Ferosha Titties. $3-$7. Show at 11pm. 9pm-2am. 399 9th St. at Harrison. www.studsf.com

Weekly underwear night includes free clothes check, and drink specials. $4.

10pm-2am. Preceded by Open Mic Comedy, 7pm, no cover. 43 6th St. www.clubomgsf.com

Violent Femmes @ The Fillmore The punk-pop band performs. $40.

8pm. Also May 11. 1805 Geary Blvd. at Fillmore. www.thefillmore.com

Naked Night @ Nob Hill Theatre Strip down as the strippers also take it all off. $20. 9pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

Gay gaming fun on the bar’s big screen TVs. Have a nerdgasm and a beer with your pals. 8pm. 398 12th St. www.sf-eagle.com

Retro Night @ 440 Castro

Hella Saucy @ Q Bar

Trivia Night @ Hi Tops

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

Underwear Night @ Club OMG

Jim Hopkins plays classic pop oldies, with vintage music videos. 9pm-2am.

44 Castro St. www.the440.com Play the trivia game at the popular new sports bar. 9pm. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com

Wed 11 Bedlam @ Beaux New weekly event with DJs Haute Toddy, Guy Ruben, Mercedez Munro and Abominatrix. Wet T-shirt/jock contest at 11pm. $5-$10. 9pm-2am.

2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

See page 38 >>

is it always the superhero going down on the fellow he’s just rescued? You’d think it’d be the other way around.

Superman (Topher Dimaggio, thankfully out of the woefully wrong style horn-rimmed glasses he wears as Clark Kent) rims Damien Crosse, and eventually feeds him a bit o’ cum.

Paddy O’Brian looks great, and his sterling cock gets great display in an only so-so bout with Batman (Trenton Ducati). When Batman finally comes face to face with Superman, he immediately, and I

mean immediately goes down on him. Directly following, the heroes underwhelm us as they orgy with the captives they’ve just released.

They should have stopped at Starbucks first.

Well, the score card isn’t too good. Of all the things I expected these parodies to be, boring wasn’t among them. With their lack of wit and their undistinguished plotting and videography, as well as their mostly rote sex action, the effect of watching these scenes is pretty much like pouring porridge over your penis.t

Serving the LGBT communities since 1971

38 • BAY AREA REPORTER • May 5-11, 2016

Personals

t

The

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<<

On the Tab

From page 37

Bone @ Powerhouse

ebar.com

personals

(415) 430-1199 Oakland:

San Jose:

(510) 343-1122 (408) 514-1111 www.megamates.com 18+

Picante @ The Cafe

Sun 8

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

New weekly punk-alternative music night hosted by Uel Renteria and Johnny Rockitt. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

Queer Karaoke @ Club OMG Dana hosts the weekly singing night; unleash your inner American Idol.

8pm. 43 6th St. www.clubomgsf.com

Bottoms Up Bingo @ Hi Tops

Skate Night @ Church on 8 Wheels

Play board games and win offbeat prizes at the popular sports bar. 9pm.

2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com

B.P.M. @ Club BnB, Oakland Olga T and Shugga Shay’s weekly queer women and men’s R&B hip hop and soul night, at the club’s new location.

No cover. 8pm-2am. 2120 Broadway, Oakland. www.bench-and-bar.com

Dream Queens Revue @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge

Wed 11 Flagging in the Park @ National AIDS Memorial Grove

Tangerine @ Rickshaw Stop

Classic drag show with Collette LeGrande, Ruby Slippers, Sophilya Leggz, Bobby Ashton, Sheena Rose, Kipper, and Joie de Vivre. No cover.

9:30-11:115pm. 133 Turk St. www.dreamqueensrevue.com

Open Mic/Comedy @ SF Eagle

Floor 21 @ Starlight Room

The Latin & hip hop dance night returns, with DJs Adrian and Krazy Spin. $5. 9pm-2am. 4121 18th St. www.sfbadlands.com

Weekly screenings of vintage music videos, and retro drink prices. 9pm2am. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com

Pussy Party @ Beaux

Wooden Nickel Wednesday @ 440

Juanita More! presents a new weekly scenic happy hour event, with host Rudy Valdez, and guest DJs. No cover, and a fantastic panoramic city view.

5pm-9pm. Sir Francis Drake Hotel, 450 Powell St. www.starlightroomsf.com

Latin Drag Night @ Club OMG Weekly Latin night with drag shows hosted by Vicky Jimenez. 9pm-2am.

43 6th St. www.clubomgsf.com

Man Francisco @ Oasis The sexy, funny weekly male burlesque show returns with a few new handsome talents; choreographed by Christopher James Dunn; Mr Pam MCs. $20. 2 Two-drink min. 9:30pm. 298 11th St. at Folsom. 795-3180. www.sfoasis.com

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. 7pm-10pm.

424 Cortland St. 647-3099. www.wildsidewest.com

To place your Personals ad, Call 415-861-5019 for more info & rates

Tangerine @ Rickshaw Stop

Kollin Holts hosts the weekly comedy and open mic talent night. 6pm-8pm.

398 12th St. www.sf-eagle.com

The Seattle fun pop band performs on a bill with Sales and Plush. 1$15-$17.

8pm. 55 Fell St. www.tangerineband. com www.rickshawstop.com

Pan Dulce @ Badlands

Way Back @ Midnight Sun

Ladies night at the Castro dance club.

9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. beauxsf.com

Scott Coulter @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko The incredibly talented New York vocalist performs music made famous

by Ella Fitzgerald. $30-$50. $20 food/ drink min. 7pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. www.ticketweb.com

Shit Talk @ Oasis

Buy a drink and get a wooden nickle good for another. 12pm-2am. 440 Castro St. 621-8732. www.the440.com

Thu 12 Bulge @ Powerhouse

Yuri Kagan’s naughty weekly comedy night. 7pm. 298 11th St. at Folsom.

795-3180. www.sfoasis.com

Grace Towers hosts the racy night with a $100 wet undies bulge contest at midnight. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

So You Think You Can Gogo? @ Toad Hall

Gym Class @ Hi Tops

The weekly dancing competition for gogo wannabes. 9pm. cash prizes, $2 well drinks (2 for 1 happy hour til 9pm). Show at 9pm. 4146 18th St. www.toadhallbar.com

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

Cady Huffman @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko The Tony Award winner ( The Nance ) performs her cabaret show, No Standards, a night of unusual songs. $50-$70. 8pm. $20 food/drink min.

Also May 13, 8pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. (866) 663-1063. www.cadyhuffman.com www.ticketweb.com

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

My So-Called Night @ Beaux Carnie Asada hosts a new weekly ‘90s-themed video, dancin’, drinkin’ night, with VJs Jorge Terez. Get down with your funky bunch, and enjoy 90cent drinks. ‘90s-themed attire and costume contest. No cover. 9pm-2am.

2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

Nap’s Karaoke @ Virgil’s Sea Room Sing out loud at the weekly least judgmental karaoke in town, hosted by the former owner of the bar. No cover. 9pm. 3152 Mission St. 8292233. www.virgilssf.com

Groove on wheels at the former Sacred Heart Church-turned disco roller skate party space, hosted by John D. Miles, the “Godfather of Skate.” Also Wed, Thu, 7pm-10pm.

Sat afternoon sessions 1pm-2:30pm and 3pm-5:30pm. $10. Kids 12 and under $5. Skate rentals $5. 554 Fillmore St at Fell. www.churchof8wheels.com

Throwback Thursdays @ Qbar Enjoy retro 80s soul, dance and pop classics with DJ Jorge Terez. No cover.

9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com

Thump @ White Horse, Oakland Weekly electro music night with DJ Matthew Baker and guests. 9pm-2am.

6551 Telegraph Ave, (510) 652-3820. www.whitehorsebar.com

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

Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge Disco guru DJ Bus Station John spins grooves at the intimate retro music night; 10pm-2am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com Want your nightlife event listed?

Email events@ebar.com, at least two weeks before your event.

Event photos welcome.

t

Read more online at www.ebar.com

Shooting Stars

May 5-11, 2016 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 39

photos by

Steven Underhill Sauna @ Badlands S

auna, the latest tea dance at the Castro bar Badlands (4121 18th St.), premiered to an enthusiastic crowd on May 1.

DJs Paul Goodyear and Steve Fabus played high-energy (hiNRG) dance grooves. Gogo hotties included popular studs Eric Osborn and Paul William, and a cute gal on roller skates. www. sfbadlands.com More event photo albums are on BARtab’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/lgbtsf.nightlife. See more of Steven Underhill’s photos at www.StevenUnderhill.com.

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For headshots, portraits or to arrange your wedding photos

call (415) 370-7152 or visit www.StevenUnderhill.com or email stevenunderhillphotos@gmail.com

Brian had his HIV under control with medication. But smoking with HIV caused him to have serious health problems, including a stroke, a blood clot in his lungs and surgery on an artery in his neck. Smoking makes living with HIV much worse. You can quit.

CALL 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

#CDCTips

HIV alone didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cause the clogged artery in my neck.

Smoking with HIV did.

Brian, age 45, California