December 10, 2020 Edition of the Bay Area Reporter by Bay Area Reporter

A Yuletide treat

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California Supreme Court Justice Martin Jenkins, left, swears in state Senator Toni Atkins Monday, December 7, at the Capitol in Sacramento. Atkinsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; colleagues also reelected her as the chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leader.

CA LGBTQ lawmakers sworn in to office

Scantily-clad participants traversed the Castro during a past Santa Skivvies run. For more photos of previous Skivvies fun runs, check out the slideshow in the BARtab section at www.ebar.com.

by Matthew S. Bajko

by John FerranniniÂ

t age 70, gay state Senator John Laird (DSanta Cruz) became the oldest out member of the Legislative LGBTQ Caucus Monday when he took his oath of office inside a sparsely attended Senate chamber. Standing next to him at a safe distance and also wearing a facemask was lesbian state Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman (D-Stockton), now the first out woman of color to serve in the Legislatureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s upper chamber. See page 7 >>

he annual December event that brings scantily-clad Santas and sexy elves jogging across the Castro neighborhood on a nippy Sunday morning is going virtual this year. Marc Silva, a gay man who is the event manager for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, told the Bay Area Reporter that anyone can

Vol. 50 â&#x20AC;˘ No. 50 â&#x20AC;˘ December 10-16, 2020

Skivvies, biking SFAF benefits adapt to COVID pandemicÂ

sign up for the virtual Santa Skivvies Challenge on its website, santaskivviesrun.org/. The official day of the challenge is Sunday, December 13, though people can participate now, Silva said. A virtual drag show and awards ceremony will take place that day at 1 p.m., visible through SFAFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Facebook or YouTube pages. (The event would normally take place at Lookout, a Castro district bar, which did not

respond to a request for comment.) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Collectively, we are having a do-it-yourself benefit for the foundation that normally would be a fun runâ&#x20AC;?, Silva said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Obviously, because of COVID-19, we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t gather in groups, so we thought â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s take this route of enticing people to get out of their houses.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; All people have to do is sign up their mileage goals, fundraising goal, and See page 7 >> Steven Underhill

SF ban goes Wiener reintroduces supervised injection bill up in smoke by Liz Highleyman

by John FerranniniÂ

n a shocking vote at its December 8 meeting, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors all but ensured the ban on tobacco smoking inside apartments of three or more units will not be passed this year. Courtesy Aaron Peskin As the Bay Area ReSupervisor Aaron porter reported last Peskin changed week, the board had his mind and sent voted to approve a ban the apartment on smoking that ex- smoking ban back empted cannabis. As to committee on a per board procedure, 6-5 vote. the ordinance would face a usually perfunctory second vote and then be sent to the mayorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office for her signature. But when the time came for that second vote, District 3 Supervisor Aaron Peskin changed his mind after having heard from people in his district who were concerned about the negative implications of a smoking ban for long-term tenants (many of whom signed leases before See page 7 >>

tate Senator Scott Wiener does not give up when he believes in an issue, and this week he proved it again. Wiener (D-San Francisco) on December 8 formally reintroduced legislation that would allow San Francisco, Oakland, and Los Angeles to open pilot supervised injection sites, also known as overdose prevention programs. He had said in October that he would be bringing the bill back next year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So many communities in our state are experiencing dramatic rises in public drug use and overdose deaths, and now is the time to implement a proven anti-overdose strategy that helps get people into recovery,â&#x20AC;? Wiener, a gay man, said in a press statement. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People struggling with addiction deserve access to treatment, as well as care and supplies that reduce the risk of overdose and infections.â&#x20AC;? Senate Bill 57 will remove the current state prohibition and allow local authorities to decide whether to open safe injection facilities. San Francisco officials have long expressed support for the measure. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Overdose prevention programs save lives, reduce public drug use, prevent the spread of disease, and connect people to medical care that can help treat their addiction,â&#x20AC;? said San Francisco Mayor London Breed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;With a new administration coming into the White House that actually believes in public health solutions, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m hopeful

Liz Highleyman

State Senator Scott Wiener, center, joined Mayor London Breed, left, and Health Director Dr. Grant Colfax, rear, at a news conference in October where he said that he would reintroduce a bill to allow for supervised injections sites in San Francisco and Oakland. Los Angeles will also be added.

that the work we are all doing to pilot these sites can go forward. Senator Wienerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legislation is key to this effort, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m proud to partner with him on this innovative solution that will make a real difference in our city.â&#x20AC;? Breed was referring to President-elect Joe Biden, who has stated he will govern by science in public health matters. Wiener and bill co-author lesbian state Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman (D-Stockton) have made several previous attempts to enact supervised injection legislation. In 2018, a bill passed the state Senate and Assembly but was vetoed at the last minute by outgoing Governor Jerry Brown.

A narrower bill that applied only to San Francisco passed the Assembly last year, but was tabled in the Senate after Oakland officials indicated that they wanted to be included. The Assembly bill was again halted this summer due to a reduction in legislative activity due to COVID-19. Legislators hope they will have more luck under Governor Gavin Newsom, who has expressed support for the concept, and Biden. The Trump administration has strongly opposed supervised injection sites and indicated that cities that open such facilities could expect federal repercussions.

ENT PRESS SF INDEPEND ION ASSOCIAT

See page 7 >>

<< Business News

2 • Bay Area Reporter • December 10-16, 2020

Castro chocolatier creates Yuletide cheer by Matthew S. Bajko

astro chocolatier Carol Gancia has whipped up her own version of the traditional Yule log dessert for the holiday season inspired by the flavors and fauna of her home country the Philippines. The decadent six-inch rolled sponge cake treat is filled with kalamansi jam and chocolate mousse. Edible frogs, meringue mushrooms, and caramelized hazelnuts decorate the log, officially called the Kalamansi Buche De Noel. It is available for pre-order, at $65, on her website at https://www.kokakchocolates.com/ for either local delivery or pick up at her store Kokak Chocolates at 3901 18th Street in San Francisco’s LGBTQ neighborhood. “I want to transport you to your earliest memories of chocolates with family and friends. Sharing chocolate treats for the holidays is a great tradition to continue with loved ones,” said Gancia, 49, who is in the process of moving to San Francisco from Brisbane with her partner, Jasmin Ongsiako. “I am hoping to do that with people. Kokak is a nostalgic chocolate shop that is fun, approachable, and warm but beautiful also and very high quality. It is my way of reconnecting with my roots.” Kokak is the Filipino word for ribbit or a frog’s croak. Gancia has fond memories as a child of her uncle returning from European trips with high-end chocolates to share. “He always brought home amazing chocolates. To this day, he always has chocolate in his pocket,” she said. A successful documentarian and broadcast journalist in Manila, Gancia immigrated to the Bay Area in 2004 because her former partner wanted to move to the U.S. She established a video production company, Ripplemakers Inc., and worked as a producer on KQED’s “Check Please! Bay Area” and “Jacque Pépin: More Fast Food My Way” for several years. With a team of employees she trusts to handle the production business, Gancia in 2017 began making her own chocolates and selling them at local chocolate salons held throughout the year. She studied with fellow chocolatier Melissa Coppel in Las Vegas and vet-

Courtesy Kokak Chocolates

This decadent Yule log is available at Kokak Chocolates.

eran pastry chef Stacy Radin at the International Culinary Center in California. “There is something special about gifting chocolate to loved ones and friends. I seek it out,” said Gancia. With the support of Ongsiako, who also grew up in the Philippines and owns her own Asian-inspired bakery, Binka Bites, in South San Francisco, Gancia decided to open up her own chocolate shop. Having spent much time in the Castro when she first arrived in San Francisco, Gancia knew she wanted to locate her business in the neighborhood. Because she also has a hot chocolate bar, she couldn’t find a storefront she could afford and that was big enough on Castro Street. She lucked out in landing the former bread shop on 18th Street at Sanchez, right across from the popular Parisian-themed Le Marais Bakery, and had hoped to open last year. But construction delays pushed back that timeline to March of this year, but then the COVID-19 outbreak led to the cancellation of the city inspections she needed in order to open. Coincidentally, Kokak opened its doors in June during Pride Month. By then, cooped-up residents who had been sheltering at home throughout the spring because of the pandemic were in need of a treat, noted Gancia. “The Castro is a special place; I always say that to everybody. We didn’t quite know what to expect as a small business just starting,” said Gancia. “It was a great chance

to meet our neighbors who were so supportive of Kokak Chocolates when we opened.” She started off with just six truffle flavors, some pastries, and hot drinks. Today, she is up to 21 truffle flavors and seasonal selections like the Yule log. She uses an heirloom cacao variety sourced from Ecuador that was thought to be extinct until a few surviving trees were discovered and propagated. Many of her customers have become such regulars, popping in during their walks to try a different truffle flavor like a dark banana caramel or a white pineapple coconut, that they will offer Gancia suggestions on how to better utilize the space within her shop. She and several employees make all of her chocolates onsite. “They feel I am just family,” she said. “It is why I chose this place. It was the only open space back then, that is the reason why I knew it was going to feel like family and wanted to feel like part of something special.” Through her website Gancia ships nationwide and will make local deliveries. The store is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and now offers curbside pickup.

tures they call inklings, inspired by their love of the HBO program “Fraggle Rock.” A buyer for the retail chain Target stopped by and expressed interest in carrying the books and toys. The women sent him samples he could show to his colleagues, and in a matter of weeks, they learned they would be featured in Target stores across the country as part of a special promotion during the allimportant holiday toy-shopping season. The books paired with the plush retail for $19.99. “We were in shock. We were only being sold in two stores in New Jersey and all of a sudden Target is interested. It happened pretty quickly,” recalled Mason, who is queer and authors the books. “It is just the two of us. We are both still in shock.” Mason, 39, whose title is chief content officer, wrote the first inklings book about Danchise’s daughter Evie, who is now 3 years old. She paired her with Ollie the Oddball Oddbird. The fluorescent orange avian creature helps spark the toddler’s imagination, reflected in the book by its pages progressing from black-and-white to fully colored. Danchise, 38, the chief operating officer, assists Mason with the creative process for the books. There are two additional ones, “Sofia & Gus the Toothy Tusked Rus” and “Billy & Wobby the Wild Eared Wala.” The fourth one will likely feature Gabe, the 1-year-old son of Danchise and her husband, Chris. Mason comes up with the storyline and writes the books, and then Danchise edits them and oversees the marketing for their Inklings Infant Novels company.

Danchise, who had worked in fashion, is now focused on the books fulltime, while Mason continues to do marketing for an insurance company in New Jersey, where the friends live and grew up. They convinced a pair of local stores to carry their inklings and were confident they would be marketable to a wider audience. “We knew we had to go to the toy fair and get in front of people and that most people would get it,” said Mason. “They are weird and quirky but who we are.” The books feature diverse children with different family makeups. Sofia, for instance, has two dads. “I think for Aimee and I creatively that was always super important to us. All babies have different genders and family dynamics and racial backgrounds,” she said. “It is important for there to be representation. Even if it is a baby in a little book, I think that matters.” In addition to teaching life lessons, Mason said she hopes the books and accompanying plush dolls bring kids and their families a bit of joy and fun. “During the last four years it was a nightmare for most people. We just wanted to spread some positivity and acceptance as much as we could.” In the Bay Area, the books can be found at the Target stores in Alameda, 2700 5th Street, and Daly City, 100 Westlake Ctr. To learn more about the inklings, visit https://www.inklingsbaby.com.t Got a tip on LGBTQ business news? Call Matthew S. Bajko at (415) 829-8836 or e-mail m.bajko@ ebar.com.

Children’s books on target

In February, as concerns about the health crisis were growing, friends since high school Aimee Danchise and Alexis Mason decided to go forward with having a booth at the annual New York Toy Fair inside the cavernous Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan’s gay neighborhood of Hell’s Kitchen. They were there to promote their children’s books featuring whimsically odd plush crea-

Cynthia Laird

Inklings are available at some Bay Area Target stores.

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Community News>>

December 10-16, 2020 • Bay Area Reporter • 3

15 SF news outlets start fundraising campaign compiled by Cynthia Laird

fter withstanding unprecedented drops in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 15 San Francisco public interest news outlets have launched a joint fundraiser to preserve and protect the city’s independent press. The Bay Area Reporter, the city’s leading LGBTQ publication, is one of the participating outlets. For-profit and nonprofit, large and small newsrooms launched Save SF news last week. The campaign builds on the success of Chicago Independent Media Alliance’s May campaign that generated $160,000 for more than 40 newsrooms, according to a news release. In a joint statement, the outlets pointed out that local reporting has been essential during the shelter-inplace public health orders and local and national elections, highlighting the issues that matter and institutions that needed help. For its part, the B.A.R. has focused on struggles faced by LGBTQ tenants, elders, and business districts such as the Castro. “San Francisco’s independent press fights for the city – its art, culture, people, businesses, and institutions,” Ingleside Light publisher and fundraiser organizer Alex Mullaney stated. “A rich city needs a rich variety of journalism.” The financial struggles of local news outlets didn’t start with the health crisis. Over the past decade, many San Francisco publications and online sites have closed, reduced output, and changed ownership or consolidated. The tech boom has not led to a renaissance for the city’s local media, which has been the case since Craigslist decimated classified advertising more than a decade ago. But the pandemic, with its accompanying economic losses, has seen a drastic drop in advertising revenue for publications. Members of the public can give at www.savesfnews.com through January 5. Donors can give to one, some, or all of the publications. Accion Latina, the parent nonprofit organization of 50-year-old biweekly El Tecolote, serves as Save SF News’ fiscal sponsor. In addition to the B.A.R. Ingleside Light, and El Tecolote, participating outlets include Broke-Ass Stuart, 48 Hills, FunCheap, Nichi Bei Weekly, Noe Valley Voice, Potrero View, Public Comment, Richmond ReView, San Francisco Bay View, Street Sheet, Sunset Beacon, Westside Observer, and Wind Newspaper. If people prefer, they can mail a check payable to Accion Latina, 2958 24th Street, San Francisco, CA 94110. Please include the following information with your check: Save SF News, your name, mailing and email addresses, and phone. More information is available at the aforementioned website.

As the B.A.R. has reported, the plan to have 125 surveillance cameras around the LGBTQ neighborhood has generated controversy. The cameras would be funded by tech mogul Craig Larsen, who is paying CBDs in other parts of the city to install the devices. While CBD officials maintain the cameras would help with public safety in the district,

others are alarmed at the idea, and noted that a lawsuit has already been filed relating to alleged improper sharing of camera footage of a Black Lives Matter protest elsewhere in the city. In late October, a CBD committee hit the pause button on the Castro project, which has not yet been voted on by the CBD board. In a news release announcing the

survey, CBD Executive Director Andrea Aiello noted the camera program, if approved, would be community-driven, hold bad actors and law enforcement equally accountable, and empower local stakeholders to take ownership of their own public safety needs. Under the proposal, there would be no audio or voice recording and no facial recognition. There would be no live monitoring of the video. Cameras would focus on the public realm

only and footage would be released only for a crime reported to the San Francisco Police Department or upon submittal and approval of a request form. Storage would be for no more than 30 days. The survey, which takes about 12 minutes to complete and is anonymous, is available at https://www. surveymonkey.com/r/CBD-Cameras. See page 7 >>

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The Bay Area Reporter is one of 15 local news outlets participating in a fundraising campaign to save local journalism.

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<< Open Forum

4 • Bay Area Reporter • December 10-16, 2020

Volume 50, Number 50 December 10-16, 2020 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 CULTURE EDITOR Jim Provenzano ASSISTANT EDITORS Matthew S. Bajko • John Ferrannini CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tavo Amador • Roger Brigham Brian Bromberger • Victoria A. Brownworth Philip Campbell • Heather Cassell Michael Flanagan • Jim Gladstone Liz Highleyman • Lisa Keen Matthew Kennedy • David Lamble David-Elijah Nahmod • Paul Parish Tim Pfaff • Jim Piechota • Gregg Shapiro Gwendolyn Smith •Sari Staver • Charlie Wagner Ed Walsh • Cornelius Washington • Sura Wood

ART DIRECTION Max Leger PRODUCTION/DESIGN Ernesto Sopprani PHOTOGRAPHERS Jane Philomen Cleland • FBFE Rick Gerharter • Gareth Gooch Jose Guzman-Colon • Rudy K. Lawidjaja Georg Lester • Rich Stadtmiller • Fred Rowe Steven Underhill • Bill Wilson ILLUSTRATORS & CARTOONISTS Christine Smith

VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVERTISING Scott Wazlowski – 415.829.8937

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LEGAL COUNSEL Paul H. Melbostad, Esq.

7 SF supes need 1st Amendment tutorial T

hat San Francisco supervisors are not journalists and unclear about the principles of the First Amendment was clearly evident during a lengthy conversation at the December 1 board meeting where the merits of “good journalism” were debated for nearly an hour. At times it was a frightening conversation, as seven supervisors were determined to squelch free speech because some of them didn’t like what a particular local publication had written or tweeted about them. Punishing the press is often the reaction of politicians, on the right and left, who don’t like being scrutinized or criticized. But one way good government is maintained is by the press reporting on politicians and their work – it comes with being an elected official paid by taxpayers. Free speech guaranteed under the First Amendment provides more protection to journalists in the U.S. than in the majority of countries where in extreme cases journalists face risks to their personal safety. The whole conversation started over what should have been a routine agenda item: approving a list of community newspapers to be part of the city’s neighborhood outreach advertising program. (The Bay Area Reporter is one of those papers.) But District 5 Supervisor Dean Preston took exception to one of the periodicals on the list, the Marina Times, operated by Jasmine Blue Media LLC. He accused the paper of doxing public officials and said it was “fact-free, hate-filled propaganda.” Specifically, Preston was irate about a tweet sent out on the paper’s Twitter account that he said threatened his family. Because of this, Preston wanted the Marina Times pulled from the list and made an amendment to do just that. District 2 Supervisor Catherine Stefani, an attorney whose district includes the Marina, quickly objected, saying she was made aware of the amendment a mere 15 minutes before the meeting. “I’m actually quite shocked by the proposed amendment,” she said. “I can’t stress enough the troubling consolidation of local news outlets throughout the country in the last century, really, that’s coincided with a rise in social media and President Trump’s vicious attacks on the First Amendment. In the last 15 years, onequarter of all U.S. newspapers have died.” That, she continued, “creates news deserts. ... We can’t allow these trends to continue and can’t facilitate [that] by killing off local outlets in San Francisco.” District 3 Supervisor Aaron Peskin said there was a larger issue at stake in the way the city awards these advertising contracts and that perhaps they should discuss including online and other outlets because a lot of people consume news that way. But after

Courtesy the supervisors

Supervisors Dean Preston and Hillary Ronen

at first voicing tepid support for Preston’s amendment, Peskin rightly reversed himself. “I’m actually now getting troubled about the First Amendment,” he said as the discussion dragged on. “I do not want to be 1/11th of a body that is making a decision as to what is OK speech or not OK speech in a publication that we fund.” It’s not acceptable, he added, for the board to go down that road. Gay District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, also an attorney, expressed similar misgivings. “I am concerned that we’re straying dangerously close to not entering into a contract because of a viewpoint of the publication,” he warned. In addition to Preston, District 9 Supervisor Hillary Ronen was off base in her analysis. “There’s a distinction between how we spend public money and what we call journalism,” she said. “My basic standard for journalism is truth and facts. This has been degraded under the Trump administration.” Going on to criticize the Marina Times, Ronen said that the paper has been “presented with facts to show they’re incorrect and they refuse to correct or retract. Our responsibility as supervisors is to decide whether to support an outfit that presents lies as facts.” But District 11 Supervisor Ahsha Safaí countered by characterizing her argument as a “slippery slope.” He volunteered that he’s been the subject of “salacious lies in many online articles by [outlets] championed by some members of the board as wonderful journalism. I never have an issue with that.” District 10 Supervisor Shamann Walton agreed with Ronen. “I don’t think this is about the First Amendment,” he said. Newspapers can “write what they want,” he added, “but I don’t think taxpayer money should go to gossip.” We have reservations about Walton’s purported interest in becoming board president in January if he doesn’t seem to understand the First Amendment and thinks it’s OK for the city to strip contracts from publications they don’t agree with.

Ultimately, the board voted 7-4 to approve the list of community papers without the Marina Times; and it voted 7-4 to continue the Marina Times item to December 8. Supervisors Mandelman, Peskin, Safaí, and Stefani voted no – so you know, dear reader, which supervisors are champions of the First Amendment. This week, the board voted to unanimously include the Marina Times in the city’s advertising contract. Stefani reiterated her critiques from the December 1 meeting and added that the Marina Times was among the first to report on the ongoing City Hall corruption scandal that has ensnared several department heads and other officials. The fact that a majority of the supervisors weren’t able to appreciate the Constitution’s First Amendment is distressing. By Monday, December 7, Ronen and Preston issued a joint statement, in which they tried to have it both ways. “While the Marina Times regularly pushes hate-filled rhetoric and lies that routinely violate numerous provisions of the Code of Ethics of the Society of Professional Journalists, the last thing we want to do is take other action that could chill other outlets,” they stated. Ronen and Preston still don’t get it. The board should be concerned about taking action that could chill ANY outlet, no matter its political leanings or editorial content. Ronen and Preston did state they heard from many journalists who were both critical of the Marina Times and their concern that canceling advertising with that publication without a clear, objective standard upon which to base that decision could have a chilling effect on other papers. The supervisors concluded by stating that they are reviewing the contracting standards to update the administrative code (Proposition J, 1992). They reiterated those comments Tuesday. Any changes to Prop J would likely have to go before voters. But it remains problematic that at least two supervisors seem to want to devise rules that would disqualify a publication (implicitly or explicitly) from city funding. That’s not an appropriate solution. We shudder to think how this same type of discussion could affect LGBTQ publications or those serving communities of color, for example, if the political climate here was different. (And just to be clear, it is different in other parts of the country.) The Founding Fathers crafted the First Amendment for a reason – free speech is paramount to maintaining a free, democratic society. It’s deeply troubling that in 2020, there are seven members of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors who do not understand that and ironically, on a basic level, come dangerously close to sharing the president’s impulse to punish the press. t

LGBTQ seniors grapple with COVID by David Chiu

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and with the holiday season upon us, the inability to gather with our biologin 2015, my first year in the Legiscal or chosen families only exacerbates lature, working alongside Equality those impacts. California, I introduced Assembly Bill According to the Centers for Disease 959, the LGBT Disparities Reduction Control and Prevention, recent data Act. To address major inequities imshow increases in substance abuse, pacting our LGBTQ+ communities, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts among AB 959 required for the first time the the broader community during the collection of voluntary, self-identified Courtesy Assemblyman pandemic. For LGBTQ+ seniors, the David Chiu’s office isolation is more intense due to two information on sexual orientation and gender identity, or SOGI, by the Assemblyman other factors. Unlike their heterosexual state agencies responsible for health David Chiu counterparts, LGBTQ+ seniors have a care services, public health, social higher likelihood of not being parents services and aging. Without this data, our LGwith adult children to check in on them, and have BTQ+ communities have been essentially invisa higher probability of being estranged from their ible to the state and effectively excluded from families. As these circumstances create additional government funding and services that address mental health challenges amidst this period of sohealth disparities and the effects of stigma and cial isolation, we need to do a better job at assessdiscrimination. As I often said, you can’t fix what ing needs and providing innovative resources such you don’t know. as tele-mental health. While then-Governor Jerry Brown signed my Along with the physical and mental health bill in 2015, the agencies involved pushed back challenges of this time, we have seen drathe initial implementation date to 2018. Unformatic strains on our social safety tunately, today, implementation is still in early network for LGBTQ+ seniors and stages, and we don’t have all of the data we need. long-term HIV survivors. EssenEarlier this year, state Senator Scott Wiener (Dtial activities such as going to the San Francisco) and I discovered that SOGI data pharmacy and the grocery have related to COVID-19 patients was not being become more difficult with the tracked. The pandemic and recession have shone risk of COVID-19 exposure, and a bright spotlight on so many unprecedented seniors living on fixed incomes challenges that our diverse communities are are food insecure and at risk of grappling with. eviction. During the summer, This has been particularly true for our LGBTQ+ during an intense debate on how seniors. Seniors already experience pre-existing to balance a $54 billion state budget deficit, I led conditions, comorbidities, and underlying health the fight to prevent cuts to senior programs such conditions that put them at great physical risk, but as Multipurpose Senior Services Programs and there are many other impacts during these times. Community-Based Adult Services, and also auWith shelter-in-place orders, the mental health thored AB 2520 to make it easier for low-income impacts of social isolation only grow more acute, Californians to apply for programs requiring

medical records. Our Legislature passed my AB 3088 bill to establish an eviction moratorium for those facing COVID-19 economic hardships until February 1, as well as my AB 2377 bill to stave off closures of adult residential facilities that care for residents experiencing severe mental illnesses and other chronic conditions who would otherwise become homeless. But as we head into the winter months of what will likely be the most dangerous time period of this pandemic, our work continues. We need to extend the eviction moratorium through next year, and provide rent assistance to stabilize the situation of struggling tenants and mom-and-pop landlords hanging by a thread. We need to ensure the stability of culturally competent nonprofit service providers that address the physical health, mental health, substance abuse, and food security needs of the most vulnerable in our city. We need to ensure through data that we are addressing – and closing – the disparities impacting our LGBTQ+ seniors and others in our communities. Harvey Milk reminded us that “hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” The silver lining during these dark times is that at our nonprofits and senior centers, the food pantries and the health clinics, our Legislature and City Hall, I see countless people coming together to make sure that those most vulnerable are lifted up. Working together, we will get through this. t Assemblyman David Chiu, a straight ally, represents San Francisco’s 17th District. He will be contributing op-eds on a quarterly basis to the Bay Area Reporter.

Politics >>

t New San Mateo County out council members get to work by Matthew S. Bajko

trio of new out San Mateo County city council members, all young people of color, is set to bring a fresh perspective to how their municipalities are run in the coming months now that they have been seated on their governing bodies. They are also making political history as the first LGBTQ community members to serve on their councils. Monday night Michael Smith, 36, a gay Black business entrepreneur, took his oath of office virtually to become the first District 4 council member on the City Council in Redwood City. He ran unopposed in the November election for the seat and had been serving on the city’s planning commission. “I commit my energy and time to uplift the voices of those left on the sideline,” pledged Smith of his time serving on the council. Joining him as the first District 3 council member is Lissette Espinoza-Garnica, 24, a queer Chicanx who is the Bay Area’s first nonbinary elected councilperson having defeated a former councilwoman in their race. They were laid off from their preschool job due to the COVID-19 pandemic and have been serving as their grandmother’s caretaker. “I felt like my voice and the voices of my community were not being heard or being represented in our local government,” said Espinoza-Garnica in brief remarks they gave in both English and Spanish after being sworn in during the December 7 council meeting. The lack of affordable housing in the Peninsula city tops the agenda for both of the council people. Espinoza-Garnica called housing “a human right” and said having “a home should be guaranteed.” Their governing approach would “prioritize people not profits,” said Espinoza-Garnica, and “reflect what our community truly wants and needs.” Smith said his actions would be guided by the experiences of a young Latinx woman he had mentored several years ago as she navigated her way through the college admissions process. She is now studying to be a social worker at UC Merced and left a lasting impression on him. “I will always look back at our time together fondly, having learned a great deal,” said Smith. He pledged to be an advocate for the construction of more affordable housing in the city and the empowerment of its small business owners, as well as its young people so they could “reach higher heights” and live in a “more pros-

Screengrab

Michael Smith took his oath of office virtually for a City Council seat in Redwood City.

perous, more inclusive and better Redwood City for everyone.” Wednesday, December 9, James Coleman also virtually took his oath of office to become the first District 4 council member on the South San Francisco City Council, as the ceremony was rescheduled from Tuesday night to before this week’s council meeting. Coleman, 21, who is bisexual, also defeated a former council member who had been serving as the town’s mayor in his race last month. Living at home currently, Coleman is taking his final exams he needs to graduate from Harvard in May with a degree in human developmental and regenerative biology. In a phone interview with the Bay Area Reporter this week, as his swearing in took place after the paper’s Wednesday print deadline, he laid out his top three priorities as being police reform, expanding the city’s pre-kindergarten program, and addressing climate change. Coleman would like to see South San Francisco institute a ban on gas lines in new construction, similar to the recent bans instituted by Berkeley, Oakland, and San Francisco. (San Jose also took action to ban the use of gas in new construction but its rules are not considered to be as strong as the ones the other local cities have adopted.) “It is something we could do in South City,” he said. Having decided to run for the council seat this summer in light of the protests against police killings of African Americans and upset with the lack of action the council members took on the issue, Coleman plans to push for the creation of a police oversight commission in his city. It would be tasked with analyzing police data and policies

Letters >> 4 ways to help in Georgia

While celebrating our victory at the top – Presidentelect Joe Biden versus President reject Donald Trump – we also know the import of the January 5 U.S. Senate runoffs in Georgia on all our LGBTQ+, BIPOC, immigrants and, other people’s rights. Right now in December, if we are lucky enough to be able to give year-end charitable contributions, we can give in a tax deductible fashion to affect these immediate electoral results. Below are four grassroots groups that allow you to give in a manner that may qualify you for a 2020 tax deduction as 501(c)(3) contribution for voter registration, get-out-the-vote efforts, and overall voter participation. (Check with your tax preparer, this is not legal advice.)

as well as addressing complaints against the department. “It would also have the necessary power to fire problematic officers and make necessary policy changes to make sure the well being of the public is prioritized,” said Coleman, who added when asked about securing its passage, “I think it is a very possible reality in the near future.” The city is part of a pilot program the county is implementing in the coming months where a number of cities are partnering mental health professionals with a police officer to respond to nonviolent emergency calls. Coleman expressed some misgivings about the continued dispatch of officers for such incidents. “I do have some concerns that a police officer is still going to be on the site,” he said, “but there are valid concerns that the mental health professionals might not feel safe.” A looming decision the council faces is what to do with its old library building, as the city built a new civic center that includes a new library. Coleman said he favors seeing the former library be turned into a new preschool center that could accommodate 300 students. With a four-year wait list already for pre-K slots, the city is nowhere near being able to offer universal preschool. “That is an opportunity I really want to fight for in the city,” said Coleman. He also wants to see the city offer universal broadband internet service, especially so students will be able to have online access to do homework and work on class assignments. “It is essential for people’s day-to-day activities. I want to make sure everyone has internet access without worrying about its speed or affordability,” said Coleman. “In high school, I knew friends who would go to Philz coffee everyday to do their homework to get internet access or would go to the library in the city.” Due to the retirement of a current council member this month, the council will also be deciding on how to fill the seat. No matter who gets picked for the vacancy, Coleman expects he will still be the most progressive councilperson. “I definitely see myself as the left-most voice on the council,”When he said.

December 10-16, 2020 • Bay Area Reporter • 5

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t Bisexual attorney becomes DA liaison to District 8 6 • Bay Area Reporter • December 10-16, 2020

by John Ferrannini

has expanded to the rest of District 8. “Initially I was to focus on the Castro, but now it is District 8 as a whole,” Donahue said, adding that the conception of his position came about as an “organic process.”

bisexual man has become San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin’s liaison to District 8, which includes the Castro neighborhood. Matt Donahue started in the position last month, which is in addition to his regular caseload in the DA’s office. Boudin told the Bay Area Reporter that his office will be appointing liaisons to all the supervisorial districts in the city by early next year. District 8 is the first one to have a liaison appointed. “Matt is just really proactive. He stepped up and is interested in community response on top of the caseload,” Boudin said. “Coincidentally, he has handled a number of cases in the Castro. He met with a lot of the members of the Castro Merchants association about cases and wanted to play a big role.” Castro Merchants board President Masood Samereie wrote in a statement to the B.A.R. that the association is “very pleased to have Matt Donahue assigned as the liaison.” “As a residential neighborhood, business corridor, tourist attraction,

Bay Area native

Courtesy SF DA’s office

Assistant District Attorney Matt Donahue

and historical landmark, the Castro has many special needs that can only benefit from a concentrated focus by the district attorney’s office, working in full cooperation with all of this important neighborhood’s constituents,” Samereie wrote. “In a short period, Matthew has already demonstrated his willingness to roll up his sleeves and help move the Castro forward and we look forward to working with him in the future.” In a recent interview, Donahue told the B.A.R. that he was initially envisioned as a liaison to just the Castro, but in recent weeks the role

Donahue, 31, is a Bay Area native whose family lives in the East Bay. He taught one year in the Oakland Unified School District and three years for private schools in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Oakland before going to law school at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. “I was a teacher,” Donahue explained. “My parents were very pro going to law school, and I was being a rebel by teaching fourth grade.” After earning his law degree, Donahue clerked for a judge at the Maryland Court of Appeals in Annapolis, which serves as the supreme court of the Old Line State. But Donahue wanted to return to the Golden State not only to be closer to his family, but also to support the work of the San Francisco DA’s office. “I specifically wanted to work for San Francisco for multiple reasons,” Donahue said, adding that he only applied to the DA’s office here. “SF’s office has a very progressive view of prosecution, focusing on public safety, focusing on the breadth and meaning of public safety,” Donahue said. “Sometimes the retributive is appropriate, but I wanted to work as a prosecutor because of that [public safety ori-

ented] approach to prosecution. The office fits my values of what a prosecutor should do.” Donahue, who was hired about a year and a half ago while George Gascón was the district attorney, said he was initially assigned to the misdemeanor division, where he began to address issues in the Castro. He then joined Boudin’s LGBTQ+ advisory board. Gay District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman said that “we’ve been getting to know him [Donahue] a little bit.” “We look forward to working with him,” Mandelman told the B.A.R. “We are hopeful we will work together on addressing property crime and folks on the street who get into trouble and need help.” One of the perennial complaints during Castro Merchants meetings that have featured Boudin as a guest is a dearth of communication from the district attorney’s office to crime victims. This, Donahue said, he would deal with. “One of the things is that people who are the victims of crime feel they are shouting into the void,” Donahue said. “It’s important to address this.” Donahue added that the DA’s office is just one part of a larger continuum, or “pie,” of entities whose duty it is to address citizen concerns. “We don’t have the entire pie, we have a slice,” Donahue said. “Everyone has a slice of the pie, and how do all those people come together to craft solutions in public safety? Certainly our office can be a contributor

to solutions that make people safer. How can we be more responsive? That’s one of my roles, for sure.” Lack of communication is a constituent concern with the office that goes back decades, DA spokesperson Alex Bastian pointed out, adding that it has improved in recent years and that the victim services office works hard. Bastian added that the victim services office can be reached at (628) 652-4100, or at victimservices@sfgov.org. Its office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Donahue was recently moved from the misdemeanors unit to the domestic violence unit. “I guess the number one thing in my role as District 8 liaison is coming up with proactive approaches,” Donahue said. Kaylah Williams, a bisexual woman who is the co-president of the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, said she is excited for more liaisons to be appointed. “I can’t speak on behalf of the Milk club, but as Chesa’s [Boudin] former campaign manager, I’m very excited to see that,” Williams said. “One reason for that is because his platform was based on radical changes to the justice system to make it more equitable and each district has its own needs, its own special needs, to be addressed. This is a great way to make sure the DA’s office is hearing every person in San Francisco. It’s very good.” Donahue’s salary is $129,168 per year, according to the district attorney’s office. t

SF police panel jettisons transphobic jewelry policy

by John Ferrannini

T Professional headshots / profile pics Weddings / Events

StevenUnderhill 415 370 7152 • StevenUnderhill.com

EXPLORE THE GAY WORLD

he San Francisco Police Commission passed a revised, genderneutral grooming standards policy at its meeting December 2, months after a nonbinary police officer was sent home for insubordination for wearing earrings. “This section seeks to amend specifically established guidelines for wearing jewelry or ornaments,” Assistant Chief Robert Moser said during the meeting. “In current language, it specifically refers to gender. This will amend the current policy to eliminate gender. The purpose is to align with city policy related to gender inclusion.” Moser added that this was part of larger, ongoing updates to policy before Department Bulletin 20-163, which amends General Order 10.02, passed the commission 6-0 with little fanfare. Female officers had heretofore been allowed to wear one earring in each ear, according to the previous policy. Male officers were not allowed to wear earrings on-duty. Sarah Hawkins, the chief of staff to the San Francisco Department of Police Accountability, told the Bay Area Reporter that a department bulletin amends a general order as a “stop-gap measure” before a new order can be promulgated.

Screengrab

The San Francisco Police Commission met virtually December 2 and approved a new grooming standards policy.

As the B.A.R. reported in June, nonbinary San Francisco Police Department Officer Rubin Rhodes of Mission Station was reprimanded for wearing earrings one day after taking a knee in front of the station in solidarity with protesters demanding justice for Black people killed by police. (The incident was not mentioned during the police commission vote.) Rhodes, who could not be reached by the B.A.R. contemporaneously for comment, told the San Francisco Examiner that he had worn earrings on most days over the last five years and his doing so had only been an issue

once before. (He told the paper that he uses male pronouns.) At that time, Matt Dorsey, a gay man who is the communications director of the SFPD, told the B.A.R. that the policy was in the midst of being revised. “While the San Francisco Police Department can’t comment on specific personnel issues, Department General Orders governing SFPD’s uniform and equipment requirements and grooming standards are in the process of being updated at this time,” Dorsey said.

over 55 years, Michael Zamperini. He is also survived by his Hanai family, Catherine Glaze and Laura Simmons of Tucson, Arizona. Clay and Michael shared an intense interest in travel. For many decades they enjoyed annual trips to London and Sydney as well as throughout Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia. They took numerous trips to the various islands of Hawaii. Clay was truly an “island boy” at heart. Clay spent his career in public ser-

vice with the federal establishment in Washington, D.C. and San Francisco. At Clay’s request no services or memorials will be held. Remembrances in his name may be made to the Zamperini/Burchell Endowed Scholarship (established in 1993 and awarded annually to gay and lesbian students) at Golden Gate University School of Law, 536 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94105, to The Sequoias San Francisco, 1400 Geary Boulevard, San Francisco, CA, 94109, or to a charity of choice.

See page 7 >>

Obituaries >> William Clay Burchell November 3, 1936 – December 3, 2020

William Clay Burchell (Clay) died December 3, 2020 in San Francisco. Clay was born November 3, 1936 in Alexandria, Virginia. Clay is survived by his best friend, husband, and the love of his life for

t <<

Community News>>

Skivvies

December 10-16, 2020 • Bay Area Reporter • 7

Tracy Evans, a lesbian who is the ride director of AIDS/LifeCycle, is in charge of another event changed by the health crisis. In October, AIDS/ LifeCycle – which raises money for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the Los Angeles LGBT Center – launched TogetheRide, which is an alternative to the seven-day, 545-mile bicycle journey down California that was canceled this year and next. Riders can work at their own pace, with a deadline of next June, which is when the 2021 AIDS/LifeCycle would have occurred. People can participate now by registering at togetheride.org/. “It’s going well,” Evans told the B.A.R.

“We’ve set out to get people to ride wherever they are – 1.2 million miles, in honor of the 1.2 million people in the United States living with HIV.” Evans said that 100,000 of those 1.2 million miles have been logged as of December 2, and $200,000 of a $5 million goal has been raised. That’s significantly less than the $16 million the AIDS/LifeCycle brought in two years ago. “We have 888 people as of today who are participating, and 20% are from out-of state, representing 20 other states,” Evans said, noting how the virtual nature of the event has expanded its reach. “We have an app, and so there are a variety of ways mileage can count,” Evans said. “Garmin, Strava – those can be fed into Apple or Google

Health. There’s also a way to manually add mileage to the app.” It is currently being considered whether TogetheRide will continue as a separate event from AIDS/LifeCycle going forward. “People are having fun with it,” Evans said. “They are excited to do something wherever they want in a safe manner.”

Ward (D-San Diego) join returning gay Assemblyman Evan Low (DCampbell) and lesbian Assemblywoman Sabrina Cervantes (D-Corona) in the Legislature’s lower chamber. Low announced Monday that he was elected to a two-year term as chair of the LGBTQ caucus, while Eggman will serve as vice chair. “We have seen firsthand how the federal government has abdicated its responsibilities in dealing with the pandemic, but California has never waited for permission to take the lead,” stated Low, who previously served as caucus chair from 2017-2018. “As we move closer toward a vaccine, the pandemic will remain the caucus’ top priority as we seek to protect LGBTQ residents’ health and prosperity.” Eggman and Laird are both former state Assembly members who will now be serving alongside gay state Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins (D-San Diego). She was easily reelected as the chamber’s leader and took her oath of office administered by recently seated California Supreme Court Justice Martin Jenkins, the first

out gay man on the bench. He also sworn in the senators, telling them their “secret weapon” is the rule of law, something made clear to him when he served as a federal judge. “It is our north star that leads us safely home,” said Jenkins. Just as the lawmakers’ constituents have been delaying various “important life events” from weddings to graduations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, noted Atkins, “We will take a pass on the pomp and circumstance we normally enjoy.” Laird, who read the Senate chaplain’s prayer on her behalf since she was unable to make it in person, noted in a Facebook post later in the day that “it was moving to actually be sworn in – we were socially distanced, and I missed having John and my family present due to the restrictions.” Atkins said the Senate’s top priority when it reconvenes January 4 will be addressing the various crises brought on by the health crisis. Topping the list will be affordable housing, support for small business, and addressing systemic racism. Wiener also highlighted the nu-

merous challenges the state is facing in a statement ahead of his taking his oath of office for a second term. “I do not take this responsibility lightly: We’re in the midst of one of the most challenging times California has ever faced, with COVID-19 cases surging and so many experiencing unemployment and staring down the possibility of eviction or foreclosure in the near future,” stated Wiener. “Our priority needs to be helping struggling Californians, including working families, those without stable housing or at risk of losing their housing, and people struggling with food security, mental health, addiction, and other severe challenges.” With the proceeding occurring on the 79th anniversary of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, Atkins noted that the Senate now has seven veterans among its ranks. It is “the highest number in decades,” she added. One of them is Eggman, who served in the Army. “There’s no question we’ve made great progress here in California, but there is still so much work that simply cannot wait when lives are on the line,”

stated Eggman about becoming vice chair of the LGBTQ caucus, which she had previously led as its chair for the 2016-2017 legislative session. Recalling how Americans “made do” during World War II in sacrifice to the country’s war efforts, Atkins said Californians should easily be able to handle the safety precautions they are being asked to take today in order to deflate transmission of the coronavirus. In addition to wearing face coverings in public and avoiding large gatherings, much of the Golden State is again under stay-at-home orders and many businesses and entertainment venues are once again closed. “It is not a lot for Californians to be asked that we do everything we can to eradicate this threat to our communities, loved ones, small business, and economy,” she said. “We will meet these tough times with the same courage, sacrifice, and determination Californians have displayed in previous tough times.” In a moment of levity, Atkins also quipped that she and her spouse wish the state’s residents a happy holiday season and “a boring 2021.” t

Goudeau started as director of Grants for the Arts in February 2019. In that capacity, he oversaw Goudeau departs the distribution of millions SF Grants for the of dollars to San Francisco Arts arts organizations, includMatthew Goudeau, a ing many LGBTQ groups. gay man who led San FranPrior to the Grants for cisco’s Grants for the Arts program, announced last Courtesy Matthew Goudeau the Arts position, Goudeau month that he left his po- Former Grants for worked for many years in the San Francisco protocol sition for a job outside city the Arts director government. Matthew Goudeau department. Goudeau told the In an email to stakeB.A.R. that he was proud holders, Goudeau stated of his work. that he enjoyed working “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the various arts organizations at Grants for the Arts and have been throughout his 20 years working for privileged to be part of its tremendous the city.

growth, both in terms of impact and accountability,” he stated. “With the support of a dedicated staff and advisory panel, I was able to make some bold, innovative moves for measurable change at the agency in terms of equity, vibrancy, and transparency. Endlessly inspired by the creativity of artists of all types, it has been a labor of love these nearly two years to administer a grant program that gives San Francisco’s residents and visitors the chance to enjoy the great richness of our community’s art, ideas, and culture. I am grateful to live in a city with an unparalleled commitment to public support for art.” Goudeau said that he will start work at a private philanthropic initiative next year.

Roberto Isaac Ordeñana, a gay man who is president of the San Francisco Arts Commission, said Goudeau was a “great public servant, advocate, and ambassador.” “The San Francisco Arts Commission worked with Matthew for years when he was at the Office of Protocol – from our Sister City Cultural Exchange program to San Francisco’s participation in the World Cities Culture Forum,” he stated. “When he took the helm at Grants for the Arts, our collaboration deepened as we worked to get Mayor London Breed’s COVID Relief Funds for the arts out in the community at breakneck speed to help sustain our hard-hit sector; on ensuring Prop E dollars for the arts sector were distributed in

alignment with the community’s stated priorities; and as we worked to streamline the backend of the city’s arts grantmaking to be more accessible, especially for under-resourced and historically marginalized communities and artists.” Goudeau’s departure decreases the leadership of gay men overseeing the city’s arts programs. Tom DeCaigny, former director of cultural affairs at the Arts Commission, left in January. John Caldon is the managing director of the San Francisco War Memorial, a position he accepted last year. Breed recently announced that she has appointed Ralph Remington, a straight man, as the new director of cultural affairs. He is expected to start the post in January.t

change has been in the works for years and involved input from stakeholders. In-person meetings had been held to get input from officers until shelterin-place began in March, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We had focus group meetings with anywhere from 10 officers, I think the largest crop was 30-40 officers, to get their feedback and everything,” Scott said. “That went on for nine months, up until the time in March when we

were forced to stop because of the public health protocols, but that was part of the process. I’ve talked to hundreds of officers about this issue, and I actually talked to community members as well, so it’s been an ongoing

thing that went on way before June.” Mayor London Breed’s office, which had told the B.A.R. in June that the policy would be updated, did not respond to a request for comment as of press time. t

not allowing tobacco use was standard in rental agreements), a City Hall source told the B.A.R. During last week’s meeting, tenants rights advocate and District 5 Supervisor Dean Preston had raised some of those concerns, and he was the only member of the board to vote against the proposed ordinance (as amended to exclude cannabis). Last week, before its 10-1 passage, the board had voted 6-5 against re-

turning the legislation to the public safety and neighborhood services committee, with Peskin voting in the majority. Peskin, changing his mind Tuesday, flipped the script, and the board voted 6-5 in favor of returning the legislation to committee, with Supervisors Preston, Hillary Ronen, Gordon Mar, Shamann Walton, and Matt Haney voting with Peskin. This makes it unlikely the legislation will be passed by the time its author – Board of Supervisors President and District 7 Supervisor Nor-

man Yee – departs City Hall early next month. Yee, who included adult-use cannabis in the proposed smoking ban before an amendment by gay District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman exempted it, had expressed hopes the legislation could be passed before the end of his term. Yee issued a statement Tuesday bemoaning the unexpected development. “Today’s vote failed to prioritize the health of our most vulnerable community members,” he stated.

“There is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke, which causes cancer, lung disease, and harms brain and heart functions. Every year in the United States, 41,000 people die of secondhand smoke exposure. Children, seniors, pregnant people, and those with existing health issues are especially at risk from exposure.” Yee added that the board seemingly catered to smokers. “It is deeply unfortunate that policies seeking to protect our communities from the very real health impacts of secondhand smoke are so

often viewed as controversial policies that attack the rights of those who smoke,” he stated. “Many decades ago people did not have the right to breathe clean air in restaurants, bars, sports events, or public transportation. Smoking was allowed in all of these places, and new laws to prohibit smoking in these locations were framed as overreaching policies that infringed on the rights of people to smoke. But norms around smoking in many locations have significantly changed, not ahead of policies, but in the wake of them.” t

in 2021,” Wiener said. “This legislation, if it becomes law, will save many, many lives.”

people to use drugs under the watch of trained staff, reducing the risk of overdose deaths. They provide sterile needles to prevent transmission of HIV and hepatitis B and C, and offer clients an entry point for seeking medical care

and addiction treatment. Indoor sites also reduce street-based drug use and improper syringe disposal, a growing problem in the city. While there are currently no sanctioned injection sites in the United States, around 150 such

facilities operate worldwide. City officials estimate that there are around 25,000 people who inject drugs in San Francisco. Although existing

From page 1

collectively we hope to raise $40,000 – we’re at $25,000 now, which is great.” Silva said that the mileage goal for the participants is 2,122 miles, which was chosen because that is “the distance between San Francisco and the North Pole.” “People can do as many miles as they want,” Silva said. “We’re not tying the number of miles and how much you fundraise. It’s whatever people want to do. When we decided this plan, we realized there are a lot of pressures on people right now – so let’s not put pressure on people.” Silva said the Skivvies virtual event is seeing a lot of participants who left the Bay Area after the COVID-19

Lawmakers

From page 1

Down the street at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, 25-year-old Assemblyman Alex Lee (D-San Jose) became the youngest member ever of the affinity group for out lawmakers and its first bisexual member. He is the youngest state lawmaker since 1938 and the first state legislator from Generation Z. “While I’m bummed my friends, family, and supporters cannot witness and celebrate this momentous occasion together in person, it gives me a lot more comfort to know you all can be watching from the safety and comfort of home during this pandemic,” wrote Lee in an emailed invite to watch his taking his oath of office, administered by the clerk of the Assembly. “Make no mistake: this coming legislative year is more important than ever. We must confront the pandemic, the climate crisis, the housing crisis, and the influence of corporate special interest money with urgency. We can’t afford another year of inaction.” Lee and gay Assemblyman Chris

will “probably be a component of the event moving forward.”

News Briefs

From page 3

Police

From page 6

Police Chief William Scott told the B.A.R. December 5 that the policy

pandemic shutdowns. (Change-of-address information released by the United States Postal Service indicates that as many as 89,328 households left the city from March 1 to November 1, according to Public Comment. “Efforts to combat HIV have been on the wayside as we combat COVID-19,” Silva said. “What we’ve been seeing is a lot of participants who have left the Bay Area for several reasons still felt the connection and the need. They see the need here even when they can’t help in person.” As the B.A.R. noted in a recent article, health experts said that the pandemic threatens progress on reducing HIV transmissions in San Francisco, which fell to 166 in 2019. Silva said that the virtual Skivvies

Smoke

From page 1

Injection bill

From page 1

“With a Newsom administration and Biden in the White House, I’m hopeful we can finally get this done

Preventing overdose deaths

Supervised injection facilities allow

TogetheRide

Giving Tuesday boosts SFAF

Chad Ngo, a gay man who is SFAF’s communications manager, told the B.A.R. that the organization raised $306,000 as part of ACTivate 2020, coinciding with Giving Tuesday – the day dedicated to supporting nonprofits in the run-up to Christmas. This year it fell on December 1, which was also World AIDS Day. t

See page 8 >>

<< Community News

8 • Bay Area Reporter • December 10-16, 2020

Injection bill

From page 7

harm reduction programs distribute Narcan (naloxone) to reverse opioid overdoses, the arrival of fentanyl – which is much stronger than heroin – has contributed to a steep rise in fatalities. Methamphetamine, which does not have a similar antidote, is implicated in a growing proportion of overdoses. Overdose mortality in San Francisco rose by 70% in 2019, reaching a total of 441 deaths. Experts fear the crisis will be exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. So far this year there have been more than 460 overdose deaths,

according to the San Francisco chief medical examiner’s office. “While we are dealing with a global pandemic, we’re facing another deadly crisis here. San Francisco has seen the opioid crisis explode out of control, with at least two overdose deaths a day,” San Francisco Board of Supervisors President Norman Yee said in a statement. “These critical services will not only save lives, but help us turn the unbearable conditions on our streets around. Research demonstrates how safe injection sites increase users’ access to treatment and decrease public drug use, as well as prevent the spread of infectious diseases.”

Oakland and LA express interest

stating that they believe Los Angeles County “is well-positioned to be one of the three jurisdictions to pilot and evaluate health programs that have proven to be effective in reducing the number and rate of fatal drug overdoses, as well as reducing overdoserelated emergency room visits and hospitalizations.” Advocates expressed broad support for the legislation. The San Francisco AIDS Foundation, HealthRIGHT 360, the Drug Policy Alliance, the California Society of Addiction Medicine, and the National Harm Reduction Coalition are among the bill’s co-sponsors. SFAF is expected to be

by a corporation, and is signed PENNY FAMILY CORPORATION (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/01/11. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/23/20.

PLAINTIFF, V. GUOYOU SUN, DEFENDANT. NOTICE! YOU HAVE BEEN SUED. THE COURT MAY DECIDE AGAINST YOU WITHOUT YOUR BEING HEARD UNLESS YOU RESPOND IN WRITING WITHIN 21 DAYS. READ THE NFORMATION BELOW VERY CAREFULLY. CASE NO: D-20-617441-D

Elected officials in Oakland have indicated that they also hope to open supervised injection facilities. Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf and City Council President Rebecca Kaplan said they support Wiener’s legislation. “The war on drugs has been an expensive, wasteful, racist failure,” Kaplan, a lesbian, said in a statement. “We need to adopt policies that prioritize public health and community healing.” In Los Angeles, county Supervisors Sheila Kuehl, a lesbian, and Hilda Solis wrote a letter of support for SB 57,

one of the organizations that will play a role in operating a local pilot site. “Authorizing supervised consumption services is more urgent than ever,” said SFAF director of harm reduction policy Laura Thomas. “Hundreds more people have died of drug overdoses in San Francisco this year while we wait for this legislation to pass and get signed into law – four times as many San Franciscans have died of overdose as have died of COVID-19 this year. San Francisco wants and needs these services and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation is eager to implement them as soon as possible.”t

Legals>> ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILECNC-20-555985

In the matter of the application of MITCHELL CLAYTON CONQUER, 145 CASITAS AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94127, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner MITCHELL CLAYTON CONQUER is requesting that the name MITCHELL CLAYTON CONQUER be changed to MITCHELL CLAYTON SINKLERCONQUER. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103 on the 29th of December 2020 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

NOV 19, 26, DEC 03, 10, 2020 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-20-555987

In the matter of the application of YEE MEN CHAN, 491 GAVEN ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner YEE MEN CHAN is requesting that the name YEE MEN CHAN be changed to BOBBY YEE MEN CHAN. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103 on the 29th of December 2020 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

NOV 19, 26, DEC 03, 10, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039178300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as AURABEAT NORTH AMERICA, 1830 HARRISON ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed BRONDELL, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/22/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/29/20.

NOV 19, 26, DEC 03, 10, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039182800 The following person(s) is/are doing business as CALIFORNIA STATE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, 2685 22ND AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed CALIFORNIA STATE REALTY INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/29/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/09/20.

NOV 19, 26, DEC 03, 10, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039183000 The following person(s) is/are doing business as DR DEE’S MUSIC, 1030 BRODERICK ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DIANTHE SPENCER. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/15/02. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/09/20.

NOV 19, 26, DEC 03, 10, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039142100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as MURACCI’S JAPANESE RESTAURANT, 307 KEARNY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by a married couple, and is signed TAMIKO FUKUDA &YASUYUKI MURATA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/01/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/24/20.

SEP 17, 24, OCT 01, 08, 2020 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-20-555994

In the matter of the application of DEANNA NGO LUONG, 1655 MISSION ST #547, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner DEANNA NGO LUONG is requesting that the name DEANNA NGO LUONG be changed to DEANNA NGOC NGO. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103 on the 29th of December 2020 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

NOV 26, DEC 03, 10, 17, 2020 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-20-556000

In the matter of the application of ERIK WOLFFINGER & ALMA ESPINOLA, 2011 26TH ST #301, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner ERIK WOLFFINGER & ALMA ESPINOLA is requesting that the name TARTUFINO VAN WOLFINGER be changed to MAURICIO WALK WOLFINGER. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 5th of January 2020 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

NOV 26, DEC 03, 10, 17, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039186100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as

OSCAR LAUNDROMAT, 200 BRAZIL AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed OSCAR DUARTE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/26/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/13/20.

NOV 26, DEC 03, 10, 17, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039179200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as CHARLIE BARNETT ASSOCIATES, INC, 626 HAMPSHIRE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed CHARLIE BARNETT ASSOCIATES, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/02/20.

NOV 26, DEC 03, 10, 17, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039191700 The following person(s) is/are doing business as BORDERLESS WINE ALLIANCE, 450 VICKSBURG ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed BORDERLESS WINE LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/01/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/19/20.

NOV 26, DEC 03, 10, 17, 2020 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-20-555999

In the matter of the application of RODERIC LEROY FISHER, C/O ANA DENMARK (SBN 302559), LEGAL ASSISTANCE TO THE ELDERLY, 1663 MISSION ST #225, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner RODERIC LEROY FISHER is requesting that the name RODERIC LEROY FISHER AKA RODERIC LEROY TURNER be changed to RODERIC LEROY TURNER. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103 on the 5th of January 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

DEC 03, 10, 17, 24, 2020 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-20-555998

In the matter of the application of REMI PAYNE, 63 WESTBROOK CT, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner REMI PAYNE is requesting that the name REMI PAYNE be changed to REMI FRANKLIN. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103 on the 19th of January 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

DEC 03, 10, 17, 24, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039190800 The following person(s) is/are doing business as BOBBY PENNY CLEANING, 1210 DOLORES ST #1, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ROBERT PENNY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/26/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/19/20.

DEC 03, 10, 17, 24, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039191000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as GOUGH EXPRESS CLEANERS, 648 GOUGH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed ERIC LI & YANZHEN WU. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/12/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/19/20.

DEC 03, 10, 17, 24, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039189700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as OTHER AVENUES FOOD STORE, 3930 JUDAH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed OTHER AVENUES FOOD STORE (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/09/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/18/20.

DEC 03, 10, 17, 24, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039190600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as WHOLE HEART CARDIOLOGY, 2578 PINE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed NICOLE HARKIN MD, A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/19/20.

DEC 03, 10, 17, 24, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039192600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as AFFINITEL COMMUNICATIONS, 6512 MISSION ST, DALY CITY, CA 94014. This business is conducted

DEC 03, 10, 17, 24, 2020 NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF CARLOS DAMIAN MORGNER IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES: FILE 20STPB07917

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of CARLOS DAMIAN MORGNER. A Petition for Probate has been filed by CARLOS E. MORGNER in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. The Petition for Probate requests that CARLOS E. MORGNER be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. 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: February 16, 2021, 8:30 am, Dept. 2D, Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, Stanley Mosk Courthouse, 111 North Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the latter of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined by section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Petitioner: Carlos E. Morgner, 5055 Wilshire Blvd. #333, Los Angeles, CA 90036; Ph. (310) 780-7786.

DEC 10, 17, 24, 2020 NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF JOSEFINA G. DIZON IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO: FILE PES-20-304035

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of JOSEFINA G. DIZON. A Petition for Probate has been filed by MARCELINA LORENZO in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. The Petition for Probate requests that MARCELINA LORENZO 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: January 13, 2021, 9:00 am, Dept. 204, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the latter of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined by section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for petitioner: JAYSON M. LORENZO (SBN 216973), J. LORENZO LAW, 2292 FARADAY AVE #100, CARLSBAD, CA 92008; Ph. (760) 517-6646.

DEC 10, 17, 24, 2020 SUMMONS DISTRICT COURT OF THE STATE OF NEVADA FOR THE COUNTY OF CLARK, IN RE THE MARRIAGE OF PING LUO,

To the defendant named above: The Plaintiff has filed a civil complaint or petition against you. Read that document (or get a copy at that court listed below) to find out the specific relief requested. The subject of this case is Divorce. If you want to defend this lawsuit, you must do al of the following within 21 days after this summons is served on you (not counting the day of service): 1. File a formal written answer to the complaint or petition with the Clerk of the Court (whose address is listed below). 2. Pay the required filing fee to the court, or request a fee waivers by filing an application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis. 3. Serve a copy of your answer on the Plaintiff whose name and address is shown below. If you do not respond, Plaintiff can request a default against you. The court can then enter a judgment against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition. Steven D. Grierson, Clerk of the Court, by Tracy George, Deputy Clerk, 11/17/2020, Family Courts and Services Center, 601 North Pecos Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89155; Regional Justice Center, 200 Lewis Ave., Las Vegas, NV 89155. Issued on behalf of Plaintiff: Ping Luo, 9542 Belmont, Las Vegas, NV 89148.

DEC 10, 17, 24, 31, 2020 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-20-556015

In the matter of the application of NICOLE ELIZABETH COX, 331 ANZA ST #311A, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner NICOLE ELIZABETH COX is requesting that the name NICOLE ELIZABETH COX be changed to MALIBU NICOLE TAYLOR. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N on the 7th of January 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

DEC 10, 17, 24, 31, 2020 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-20-556016

In the matter of the application of ERIN NICOLE HOPPER, 331 ANZA ST #311A, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner ERIN NICOLE HOPPER is requesting that the name ERIN NICOLE HOPPER be changed to ERIN NICOLE TAYLOR. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N on the 7th of January 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

DEC 10, 17, 24, 31, 2020 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN

FRANCISCO FILE CNC-20-556020

In the matter of the application of EMILIANO PIERRE CHACON BOURGOIS, 4233 ULLOA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner EMILIANO PIERRE CHACON BOURGOIS is requesting that the name EMILIANO PIERRE CHACON BOURGOIS be changed to EMILIANO PIERRE BOURGOIS-CHACON. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 26th of January 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

DEC 10, 17, 24, 31, 2020 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-20-556024

In the matter of the application of RAE-IL LINDA PARK LEE, 19 BANNEKER WAY #D, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner RAE-IL LINDA PARK LEE is requesting that the name RAE-IL LINDA PARK LEE AKA RAE-IL PARK AKA LINDA PARK LEE AKA LINDA LEE be changed to RAE-IL LINDA PARK. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N on the 14th of January 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

DEC 10, 17, 24, 31, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039188000 The following person(s) is/are doing business as THE MONKEY LOCKSMITH, 88 HOWARD ST #1213, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed URIEL BOHBOT. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/17/20.

DEC 10, 17, 24, 31, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039194300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as GROOVE AND GO, 203 CASTRO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed GRETCHEN MARIE SEELEY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/30/20.

DEC 10, 17, 24, 31, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039200600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as JCA YACHT SERVICES, 416 42ND AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JAMES ABELA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/26/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/04/20.

DEC 10, 17, 24, 31, 2020

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Taylor Mac in 2018’s Holiday Sauce

NCTC gets eclectic

by Jim Gladstone

he tinsel-strewn variety show has long been a staple of December entertainment. This weekend, the New Conservatory Theatre Company and the Curran are doing their bit to make the season bright with queer new spins on the old vaudeville tradition. On Saturday, the Curran –along with other queer-friendly arts organizations around the country and the Pomegranate Arts production company– will present a one-night only performance of Holiday Sauce: Pandemic! with Taylor Mac revisiting and revising elements of the multi-act extravaganza he hosted in person here back in 2018. And on Sunday, join NCTC online as they premiere their Mighty Queer Virtual Variety Show, which will remain available for on-demand streaming through January 3.

Taylor-made mayhem

Holiday variety Taylor Mac, New Conservatory’s seasonal shows uation. Among other projects, he’s completed the first draft of a play commissioned by San Francisco’s Magic Theater, which is tentatively scheduled for a late 2021 production. “At a certain point, though,” he notes, “something breaks. I’m a theater artist, so nothing I work on can really be finished until I collaborate with a whole team of other talented people.”

For the past couple of years, Mac and a shifting crew of colleagues have toured the country with their Holiday Sauce variety show, which often integrates local performers in the cities it plays. “Because we’re collaborating remotely this year,” he says, “Some elements of the show that have never shared a stage will be on the bill together for the first time. We’re holding Fabian Echevarria

MacArthur Fellow Taylor Mac has spent the bulk of the coronavirus pandemic at his home in the Berkshire mountains of Massachusetts. While his stage personae veer toward the feral, Mac considers himself to be an introvert –playwright before performer– and has enjoyed the long blocks of productive alone-time brought on by the otherwise disheartening sit-

on to our artistic relationships, our extended families of art and activism.” The pandemic edition of Holiday Sauce will include live performances along with debuts of music videos created for the just-released album of songs from the show, which includes a glitter rock Velvet Underground/“Little Drummer Boy” mash-up, and the Mac original “Christmas with Grandma.” The Curran will donate its share of the $10 ticket price to OpenHouse, which provides social services to LGBTQ seniors in San Francisco. Holiday Sauce: Pandemic! Livestreams Dec. 12. 7pm. $10. www.sfcurran.com Richard A. Mosqueda, the director of NCTC’s Mighty Queer Virtual Variety Show, says that while the eclectic, newly commissioned performances he’s curated, don’t directly address the holidays,, “I thought a lot about what this season means to people in the queer community. Holidays can be really triggering. As we come to the end of this particularly traumatic year, we wanted to give people to find something to cling to moving forward, something joyous, happy and celebratory. The theme of the evening is ‘Hope Is Where the Art Is.’” Performance poet Baruch Porras-Hernandez offers “13 Ways to Survive a Pandemic,” a humorously poignant spoken-word piece illustrated by his own drawings. Singer-songwriter Azuah, who Mosqueda had followed for several years at open mic nights, performs an original folk/pop number filmed in sun-dappled Pinole Park. Transman aerialist Joey the Tiger does a lyrical turn, captured at the San Francisco Circus Center. SevanKelee Lucky 7 Boult chronicles her relationship with her 80-year-old mother with ukulele tunes and watercolor paintings. And SNJV (pronounced sun-jeev) melds Fijiian and Punjabi dance traditions in a sexy, kinetic movement piece. It’s all brought together by drag performer Dusty Pörn, with accompanist Joe Wicht. “For me,” says dancer SNJV, “the holidays have always been about warmth and abundance and family, both chosen and given. We can’t be together physically this year, but hopefully this show can provide nourishment that’s even better than a piece of ham on a Thursday night. I’ve never been a gift-giver. I’m a hugger. My hug for everyone this year is this performance.” The Mighty Queer Virtual Variety Show streams on-demand Dec. 13 – Jan. 3. Pay what you can, $10-$40. www.nctcsf.orgt

Left to Right: Dusty Pörn (host), SevanKelee ‘Lucky 7’ Boult, Baruch Porras-Hernandez and SNJV are among the performers in NCTC’s Mighty Queer Virtual Variety Show line-up.

by Gregg Shapiro

t’s been 30 years since gay, smooth jazz superstar Dave Koz released his eponymous major label debut. Since then he has gone on to release more than a dozen studio albums, including his latest, A New Day (Just Koz), as well as a handful of Christmas records. Koz’s association with the winter holiday season also resulted in his popular Christmas tour, featuring an array of special guests, which would have celebrated its 23rd year, if not for the pandemic. Koz has remedied the situation by organizing a new, one-night-only live virtual concert event, “Dave Koz & Friends The Greatest Hits of Christmas 2020,” scheduled for December 12, 2020 at 5 p.m. PT/ 8 p.m. ET via Looped. Additionally, in the spirit of the holiday season, Koz has launched “12 Days of Kozmas,” featuring music, as well as giveaways which include Dr. Norm’s Cannabis-Infused Hanukkah Cookies. Concert tickets and more information about Koz’s projects can be found at www.davekoz.com. Gregg Shapiro: Dave, in the press materials for your upcoming holiday show, you are referred to by the truly inspired moniker “Santa Koz.” Who gets the credit for coming up with that? Dave Koz: I think I’ve been hearing that for a number of years. I can’t remember who actually came up with it first, but for a nice Jewish boy being on the road for what would have been our 23rd annual Christmas tour, and I have had seven Christmas albums over the years, I think it’s a name that is quite fitting. Especially at this time of year, I usually end up feeling like Santa Claus. Not as much this year because we’re not out on tour, sadly. But it’s a name I wear proudly. A New Day is also notable for being your first album of original material in ten years.

Were the originals written over the course of the 10 years or in one creative burst timed for the new album? These are songs that were written in COVID. I was not sure of the type of record that I was going to make. I was itching to make a new album of original material, but I didn’t really have the sort of creative impetus. Then the pandemic hit and it was like the clearest indication to me that this was the intention for the album; just to make music. I was just observing my own behavior. Here we are in lockdown and what did I do? I went to all of my music that I go to when I am feeling stress and unease. It made me feel better. I think maybe this is what I should be doing right now as opposed to just sitting on my ass. Maybe I should get my ass in gear and record some songs that will hopefully bring some lightness and brightness to people who are going through this terribly intense time. All the musicians, singers and engineers, everybody who worked on this project -- we were all home. Everybody was available. Not just available; but itching to sink their teeth into a musical project. I think there’s a level of emotion and resonance to this music that hasn’t been in my other music just because I think everybody really grabbed on to the intention of this album. We’re doing something together to help some people out during a very rough time. It miraculously came together very quickly. Albums just don’t come together this quickly, especially in a pandemic. Nobody was in the same room together at all. Somehow, miraculously this album popped out. While this is an album mainly comprised of originals, you include a cover of “Yesterday.” What are the challenges and rewards of covering a Beatles tune? I’ve always loved that song. Admittedly, my intention was to make a fully original album.

Read the full article on www.ebar.com

Koz for celebration Jazz saxophonist Dave Koz But then I was listening to the SiriusXM Beatles channel. I breeze past there from time to time; I’m a big fan of that music. I heard that song again. I had never recorded it before, but I always loved it. When I heard the lyrics to it, and if you listen to the lyrics through the lens of COVID-19, there is a certain quality to that song that really connected to me emotionally.

It seemed, thematically, like a good idea to include that song in a very forward-thinking album; to at least have one moment where we’re looking back to inform us where we’re going in the future.t

Read the full interview on www.ebar.com

<< Cabaret & Film

10 • Bay Area Reporter • December 10-16, 2020

Katya Smirnoff-Skyy’s ‘Spectacular’

José A. Guzman-Colon

Katya Smirnoff-Skyy

by Jim Provenzano

hile fancy cocktails won’t be served by waiters, you’re welcome to imbibe at home as Katya Smirnoff-Skyy, our favorite

local exiled Russian opera diva, takes to the online airwaves in a holiday-themed concert that’ll make the Yuletide extra-gay. This won’t be another mere solo Zoom chat, but through the

miracle of green-screen and other technologies, you can enjoy a fully staged cabaret concert with multiple musicians and guest-stars. “I started the week we went into lockdown back in March,

with two ‘Quaran-Tuni’ shows a week, then one; about fifty shows in all,” said J. Conrad Frank, who has been performing online shows as his well-known drag persona Katya since March, and in-person at Martuni’s for years. The actorsinger performs from his apartment in “the Swish Alps” (aka Twin Peaks). But this show will be a bigger production. “This Spectacular will be a live and filmed project performed with seven musicians playing remotely to create my sort of ‘sound garden,’” said Frank. The show will include new songs, plus elements from his 14 years of holiday concerts, which played at The Rrazz Room, Feinstein’s at the Nikko, Oasis and other venues. “It’s a sort of throwback to the classic holiday shows performed at Radio City Music Hall, or Judy Garland’s specials, which were taped at her ‘home’” (actually a studio set, of course). Special guests will include ‘William Shatner,’ portrayed by Leigh Crow, whose hilarious Capt. Kirk roles wowed Star Trek Live fans at Oasis. Conrad grew his character Katya (an exiled Russian countess) 15 years ago when pianist extraordinaire Joe Wicht (aka Trauma Flintstone) asked him to perform in his Bijou cabaret series at Martuni’s bar. Since then, he’s performed numerous times as Katya, first as part of New Conservatory Theatre Center’s Young Artists Program, and then at NCTCSF in several roles in and out of drag, including Charles Busch’s Red Scare at Sunset and Die, Mommy, Die!, Jonathan Tolins’ Buyer and Cellar, and John Marans’ The Temperamentals. His ‘Spectacular’ show has evolved over the years. He’s tried to

keep it fully staged –at a distance this time– to support the other performers and technicians. Thus, the concert does have an admission fee to support them. “You want familiarity, but also something new,” Frank said of the December 19 show. And unlike some drag performers who specialize in insult comedy or crass humor, with Katya, an effusive and offbeat persona, a sense of empathy is crucial to her concerts. “I have grown to have a great affection for this person I’ve lived with now for 15 years,” said Frank, whose statuesque persona is known for fabulous couture and wigs. “She’s become a fully-rounded person who takes joy in performing, and in some songs, imbues some genuine sadness. For true comedy to work, you need a bit of pathos.” It’s that balance of glamour, slightly off-kilter song interpretation, and boozy endearment that’s gained Katya so many fans, and has already snagged ticket sales from patrons in Germany, Italy and in cities through the U.S. Katya will travel, too, in the concert –virtually, at least. “We’ll take you to unexpected places,” said Frank, “with Katya as a living breathing entity. There will be moments of heart and truth. In a year when none of us are spending the holidays the way we hoped, with so much flux and change, it’s important to remind viewers to do what they can to make someone else’s life a little better.”t

Read the full interview on www.ebar.com Katya, a Holiday Spectacular! airs Dec. 19, 6pm. $25 and up (with special gifts for tickets up to $150). www.katyasmirnoffskyy.com

Rose, bud by Brian Bromberger

portray Marion as Kane’s second wife, Susan, a talentless bored opera star, but audiences immediately connected Kane to Hearst and Marion to Susan, forever shattering their reputations. The film succeeds better at showing the corrupt dirty side underneath the glossy dream factory, with dictatorial studio heads cutting costs while wringing every last ounce of talent before discarding “family” members. Fincher sees Mank as a flawed hero bucking the system, yet he benefitted from and trampled it to achieve his greatest success.t

ased on a screenplay written by his late father Jack, David Fincher has taken a new career twist with Mank by focusing on the struggle of screenwriter Herman Mankiewicz to create his script for Citizen Kane in 1940. This is no nostalgic love letter to the glamorous Golden Age of Hollywood, but a bumpy examination of the subtle cutthroat antics of an industry centered on money, power, and conformity at all costs. Mankiewicz (1897-1953) was the journalist, critic, and playwright, who journeyed west in the late twenties, to write screenplays, but Read the full review whose talents were also used to reon www.ebar.com pair troubled scripts (i.e. Wizard of Oz) usually uncredited. Known for his cynical wit, Mank (Gary Oldman) was the life of the party. Known for volleying sarcastic comeback lines, he became a prized guest at the Hollywood star-studded weekends at newspaper mogul William Randolph Hearst’s San Simeon mansion/retreat. However, Mank was an alcoholic and gambling addict who could be alternatingly charming and obnoxious. Kane is a scathing fictional film based on the aggressive career and personal life of Hearst. Mank attempts to answer why he self-sabotaged himself Gary Oldham as screenwriter Herman by betraying Hearst and Mankiewicz in Mank. Marion. Mank maintained he never meant to

Film, Books & Fundraisers>>

Holidays are a (fun) drag

Matt Baume

Jinkx Monsoon and BenDeLaCreme’s The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Special.

by David-Elijah Nahmod

rag performers BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon aren’t letting the pandemic spoil their holiday. The duo, who have become known as the Queens of Christmas due to their popular and acclaimed holiday tours, are recreating the golden age of television, a time when TV specials were a staple of the small screen. Since doing a live show is out of the question this year, these best girlfriends are offering The Jinkx and DeLa Holiday Special, a 60-minute musical extravaganza which is now available online during the holiday season. This marks the first time BenDeLaCreme has directed, cowritten and executive-produced a film project under the auspices of BenDeLaCreme Presents, her own production company. DeLa wants people to know that the film was made safely on a Seattle soundstage, and that CDC guidelines were strictly adhered to. The show is chock full of musical numbers about everything from

Santa Claus to the baby Jesus, and it all leads up to a battle for control of the show. The pair eventually learns, with the help of a mysterious naked man who harbors a holiday secret, that tradition is whatever we make of it, and family is whomever we choose. In a joint telephone interview, DeLa and Monsoon spoke to the Bay Area Reporter about the pandemic, and about their holiday special. “I would say that I’m doing the best I possibly can, considering that I’m in the middle of an apocalypse,” said Monsoon. “And so is the whole world. It’s been one of those things where life is difficult, the situation is not ideal, but I am just so grateful for the friends that I have, the loved ones who support me, my fan base that has been so loyal throughout this tumultuous time, and the resources that I have to keep myself viable as an artist.” Monsoon addressed how things were kept safe during the special’s shooting. “Health and safety were a top priority throughout the entire production,” she said. “We created a safe

bubble with everyone in the cast and crew where we were all quarantined during the production. Everyone got multiple screenings throughout the production, and everyone was wearing masks during production. There was also Meredith, our health and safety guard, who was there specifically to keep us safe and healthy.” DeLa noted that the TV special was inspired by their live stage shows. They took a lot of the bits they’ve done over the years and poured it into what she calls “a film that is a film about putting on a TV special.” “We are also paying homage to those classic Christmas TV specials,” said DeLa. “Everything from the Judy Garland Christmas Special, all the way through to the Pee Wee’s Playhouse Christmas Special; all those tropes where an individual sort of invites you into their home, which is clearly a soundstage, and addresses the camera. This is a tried and true holiday tradition, so in our film Jinkx and DeLa attempt to do this together. DeLa is very much the one who is chipper and upbeat to a fault and wants to uphold all the wonderful Christmas traditions that she sees as so important and nostalgic.” The story is told through comedy, dance, song and puppetry. “People who don’t know what to expect will be pleasantly surprised,” added DeLa. “But I also think that people who think they know what they’re coming into will also be pleasantly surprised by just how much we pack into this and just how meaningful and personal the content is, and how we’re not afraid to shy away from difficult themes.”t

Read the full article on www.ebar.com www.jinkxanddela.com

December 10-16, 2020 • Bay Area Reporter • 11

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hen the cover of a book proclaims the story contained inside is “85% Filth!”, bookstore browsers scouring for some good smut can only hope that the promise comes true. But Tucson, Arizona author David Gilmore, who is also a photographer, filmmaker, and former radio show host, offers more than just dirty sex stories in his latest book, Tail in Two Cities. This carnal autobiographical tour-de-force will definitely appeal most to readers of a certain age who were actually there in the 1980s an ’90s, when all of Gilmore’s raunchy escapades took place. His sexy impressive tribute will resonate especially with nostalgic San Franciscans who still remember the good old days of “late-night jaunts to the parks and dungeons” where they found, as Gilmore did, “meaning, sometimes profound meaning.” Read Jim Piechota’s review on www.ebar.comt

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