December 28, 2023 edition of the Bay Area Reporter

CHP questioned after man dies

11

Queer Las Vegas

ARTS

BART elects new leaders

ARTS

07

02

11

'Maestro'

The

www.ebar.com

Serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities since 1971

Vol. 53 • No. 52 • December 28, 2023-January 3, 2024

Initiatives in place for unhoused trans individuals in SF

by J.L. Odom

Courtesy John Laird

State Senator John Laird’s SB 857 goes into effect January 1.

CA LGBTQ laws take effect January 1

by Matthew S. Bajko

T

wo years ago when students at Paso Robles High School defecated on a Pride flag that had been displayed at their school, their actions generated national news coverage. In response, school officials adopted a restrictive flag policy over the protests of LGBTQ students.

The controversy caught the attention of gay state Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), then finishing his first year in the Legislature’s upper chamber. He ended up taking about 20 members of the school’s LGBTQ student group out to lunch with their faculty adviser, as their advocacy had led to some positive changes within their school district.

“The administration wouldn’t do anything about it and the school board wouldn’t do anything about it. The students themselves held a town meeting,” recalled Laird, who also honored the youth during Pride Month in 2022. “After it became a front-page story in the local newspaper, then the administration and school board reversed themselves.”

With the incident in his Central Coast Senate district top of mind, Laird agreed to introduce legislation earlier this year calling for the creation of a statewide task force on the needs of LGBTQ+ pupils. The idea had come to his attention by the youth-led nonprofit California Association of Student Councils.

Laird’s Senate Bill 857 sailed through the Legislature and was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom in the fall. As lawmakers were voting on it, there was a groundswell of anti-LGBTQ policies being adopted by conservative-led school boards across the state.

“The landscape of the issue is changing so fast, I think the best solution is to implement vessels of change that can adapt to them. This committee is a great way to really address them head on with concrete solutions,” said Estelle Kim, a straight ally who served as the student member of the school board in Chino Hills during the 2021-2022 academic year.

At the time a proposed ban on transgender See page 6 >>

I

t’s right around that time for folks to start making their new year’s resolutions, with the hope to stick to them – or at least some of them – January 1 through the 365 days that follow.

When it comes to eradicating trans homelessness, the City of San Francisco already has plans in place for 2024, as part of SF Mayor London Breed’s $6.5 million-budget initiative to resolve the issue by 2027, as the Bay Area Reporter previously reported.

The effort to address trans homelessness was set in motion in 2023, with the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing, the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development, the city’s Office of Transgender Initiatives, and the Department of Public Health working together to make headway during the initial year of Breed’s five-year initiative that she announced in 2022.

“Many in our TGNCI communities are currently experiencing violence, houselessness, and critical health needs that require our urgent attention and collaboration through our systems,” stated Shireen McSpadden, who is

Rick Gerharter Karen Santos

Aubrey Davis works at the Transgender District.

executive director of the DHSH. She was using the acronym for transgender, gender-nonconforming, and intersex people.

In an email to the B.A.R., McSpadden, a bi woman, shared that year one of the initiative involved several components, including conducting an analysis of the current landscape for TGNCI people experiencing homelessness and

Shireen McSpadden, executive director of the Department of Housing and Supportive Services, said progress has been made on the city’s transgender housing initiative.

the organizations that serve them, and issuing $3 million to TGNCI-focused organizations providing housing services to assess organizational capacity needs and accommodate more participants.

See page 2 >>

Original cover art for Le Guin sci-fi novel goes on sale

by Matthew S. Bajko

T

hree days after the death of Ursula K. Le Guin on January 22, 2018, Bay Area Reporter television columnist and reporter Victoria Brownworth recalled interviewing the groundbreaking science fiction author in a tribute she penned for Lambda Literary. She praised Le Guin for creating worlds in her books where “there was only strength in being female and gender non-conforming.”

Of Le Guin’s award-winning 1969 novel “The Left Hand of Darkness,” Brownworth noted she had envisioned “a world beyond gender – a world in which gender is so fluid among the ambisexual Gethenian inhabitants of the planet Winter, it is not needed for survival or even convenience.” The book was one of the first science fiction titles to explore androgyny and became a masterpiece in the genre.

First published in paperback by Ace Books, the novel sported cover art by award-winning artists and biracial couple Leo and Diane Dillon. Their painting featured profiles of the book’s protagonists in the left bottom corner looking off into the distance. Surrounding the pair is a blue and white celestial-like scene with what appears to be a brown planet and a spaceship hovering above.

(Leo Dillon, of Trinidadian descent, died in 2012. He was the first African American to win the prestigious Randolph Caldecott Medal for

Matthew S. Bajko

Mill Valley bookseller Mark Funke holds the original cover artwork for Ursula K. Le Guin’s “The Left Hand of Darkness.”

illustrators of children’s books, while the Dillons were the only consecutive winners of the award, having received the honor in 1976 and 1977.)

The Dillons’ original 17 and 1/4 by 13 inches acrylic painting is now being offered for sale for the first time at the Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America global book fair taking place in San Francisco in early February. The asking price is $20,000.

“It is literally unique. This is it, the original and not a print,” said Mark Funke, a rare bookseller who lives in Mill Valley where his business (https://funkebooks.com/) is also located.

Scouting out shops in the East Bay several years ago looking for new material to sell, Funke had received a tip about the sale of various items from a home in the Oakland hills. It led him to receive an invite from the executor of the estate to come to the house.

To his amazement, Funke had stumbled onto the archives of three individuals involved in the world of science fiction writing. One was the late Terry Carr, an editor at Ace Books who published the works of Le Guin and other sci-fi authors and died in 1987. While most of Carr’s personal papers had gone to UC Riverside, Funke found several boxes still in the house and acquired them.

“Carol inherited everything,” said Funke.

He was referring to Carr’s wife, Carol Carr, herself a sci-fi writer, who would later marry fellow sci-fi author and fanzine collector Robert Lichtman. She passed away in 2021, followed by Lichtman a year later.

“I come to the house and find 86 boxes of various kinds of items,” Funke recalled in a phone interview with the B.A.R. “There were drafts, zines, anything imaginable under the sun relating to science fiction by these three people. I bought it all.”

See page 9 >>

One call, one rep, one order and one invoice!

Reach readers across ten locally-owned, independent media outlets. Call 415.829.8937 or email advertising@ebar.com

The

the

Richmond Review Community newspaper for San Francisco’s Richmond District since 1986

The

Sunset Beacon

Community newspaper for San Francisco’s Sunset District since 1991

<< Community News

2 • Bay Area Repor ter • December 28, 2023-January 3, 2024

t

BART board sees queer leadership for 3rd year

by Cynthia Laird

T

he BART board of directors will have queer leadership for the third consecutive year after members voted Thursday for Bevan Dufty to serve as president for 2024.

Dufty, a gay man, previously served as president in 2019. He announced earlier this year that he will not seek reelection to the BART board next year, as the Bay Area Reporter previously reported. He represents District 9 in San Francisco.

Janice Li, a queer woman who represents District 8, also in San Francisco, served as board president this year. Lesbian Rebecca Saltzman, who represents District 3 (parts of Alameda and Contra Costa counties) who previously announced that she would not seek reelection next year, served as board president in 2022.

Dufty said he was “extremely hopeful” about the upcoming year following the December 21 vote that

Courtesy BART

BART board directors Mark Foley, left, and Bevan Dufty will lead the transit agency as vice president and president, respectively.

elected him president of the BART board, a news release from the regional transit agency stated. Dufty said he will work hard to support and collaborate with the BART team to solve problems and to anticipate

the challenges ahead.

“I am so proud of the work this agency does to support the Bay Area community,” Dufty stated. “I look forward to working hand in hand with the rest of the board in 2024.”

Dufty, a former San Francisco supervisor who represented District 8 that includes the LGBTQ Castro neighborhood, was first elected to the BART board of directors in November 2016 and was reelected in 2020.

Serving alongside Dufty as vice president will be Mark Foley, who represents District 2 that includes Antioch, Brentwood, and part of Concord in Contra Costa County.

Foley stated that 2024 will be an exciting, but challenging year.

“There are a lot of great things happening at the agency we should celebrate,” Foley stated. “People in the Bay Area love BART and what we do. We mean so much to people and provide a crucial lifeline for people traveling to school, to doctors’ appointments, and to work.”

Foley was first elected to the BART Board in November 2018 and was reelected in 2022. Foley served as board president in 2021 and vice president in 2020 and 2022.

BART faces financial issues as it works to recover ridership from the COVID pandemic. As the B.A.R. previously reported, the transit agency projects it will have a $58 million deficit to plug in its fiscal year that begins July 1, 2024. It is also facing a $307 million deficit in its fiscal year that begins July 1, 2025.

It recently announced that fares would increase 5.5% beginning January 1. Rather than implement an 11% fare hike all at once, the board voted in June to stagger it; the second 5.5% increase will occur in January 2025.

BART is also working to reassure riders that the system is safe. It recently began installing hardened fare gates at the West Oakland station. The new fare gates are expected to be installed at all BART stations by the end of 2025, according to the agency.

Dufty did not return a message seeking comment. t

AG’s Brown inquiry heads into 2024

by John Ferrannini

T

he California Attorney General’s office has “no updates to share” on its investigation into the killing of Banko Brown, the 24-year-old unarmed and unhoused Black trans man shot dead by a security guard at a San Francisco Walgreens earlier this year, all but assuring that the inquiry will go into its second calendar year.

This as the office announced December 19 its conclusions in the death of Sean Monterrosa, who as the Bay Area Reporter previously reported was a 22-year-old man killed by Vallejo police responding to a reported looting at a Walgreens in the Solano County city. It came shortly after the 2020 murder of another Black man, George Floyd, by a white police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The state AG’s report concluded that there was insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges against the Vallejo police officer involved in the Monterrosa case.

Brown was killed April 27 after allegedly attempting to shoplift $15 worth of candy. A video appears to show Michael Earl-Wayne Anthony, a security guard employed by Kingdom Group Protective Services, shooting Brown as he was leaving the Walgreens at 825 Market Street around 6:30 p.m. Anthony was ar-

<<

Initiatives

From page 1

“This work is helping us join together to address the immediate issues at hand and create a system that can

Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office has offered no timetable on when its review of the Banko Brown killing will be completed.

rested on suspicion of homicide.

But San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins decided not to file criminal charges against Anthony, citing self-defense.

Announcing her decision in a May 1 statement, Jenkins explained that the evidence in the case at the time “does not meet the people’s burden to be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury that the suspect is guilty of a crime.

The evidence clearly shows that the sustruly make a long-term impact on the issues faced by TGNCI communities so that homelessness does not have to become a way of life,” she stated.

Progress made toward Breed’s initiative during 2023 also included

pect believed he was in mortal danger and acted in self-defense.”

That decision prompted an outcry in the city, and led to an inquiry from the office of California Attorney General Rob Bonta, as the B.A.R. reported On December 12, a spokesperson for the attorney general’s office stated that “the review remains ongoing and we have no updates to share at this point.”

When asked by the B.A.R. when the report might be finished, the spokesperson stated “that’s all the information that we can provide at this time, but happy to keep you in the loop should updates become available.”

John Burris, the legendary 78-yearold civil rights attorney, is representing the Brown family in a suit against Walgreens, Kingdom Group, and Anthony, as the B.A.R. previously reported.

He seemed nonplussed by the lack of a timetable from Bonta’s office when reached by phone December 19.

“I’m not following too closely the attorney general’s investigation,” Burris said. “Our case is going along. We’re in court working the case through.”

When asked if there’s an estimated time a trial might start, Burris said the case is not yet at that point.

“We got to get all the parties, that’s the big portion we have to deal with – who are all the responsible parties? There’s Walgreens, another Walgreens company

that’s involved, we had to get the parent company for the security company, we had the security company, the shooter – but it turns out that Walgreens contracts with someone else and that contractor hired this company. We got to get them all – it’s going to take some time.”

Brown’s killing led to changes in the city’s police code. As the B.A.R. previously reported, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance in October limiting security personnel from drawing their weapons.

Walgreens declined to comment for this report. Kingdom Group and the Young Women’s Freedom Center (where Brown had worked) did not return requests for comment.

selecting two providers to manage a Flexible Housing Subsidy Pool; gathering input from TGNCI youth and providers on the necessary elements of housing units for this population (with referrals to begin in spring 2024); the implementation of cultural humility training for providers in the homelessness response system to improve service delivery to TGNCI people; and the hiring of two behavioral health clinicians at DPH to serve TGNCI youth experiencing, or at-risk of experiencing, homelessness.

“While there is much work ahead, this first year has proven instrumental to develop a strong partnership between city agencies and TGNCIfocused providers, and we are on track to make significant strides in the second year of this initiative,” McSpadden shared.

Community-based organizations like the Transgender District and Larkin Street Youth Services are an integral part of the effort through their offering of supportive programs.

“I feel like the new year is coming in strong. Multiple organizations here in San Francisco and throughout the Bay Area are restarting and opening up new projects, such as our new program,” Aubrey Davis, Transgender

District executive associate, said in a phone interview with the B.A.R. As trans and gender-nonconforming individuals constitute a sizable subset of the unhoused population in the city, the Transgender District has been a key resource for housing and other community-focused programs since its inception in 2017.

Its new Rent Stabilization Program is a reinstating of its defunct Housing Opportunities for Trans Tenants (HOTT), the rental subsidy program launched in February 2021 in partnership with Our Trans Home SF and then-SF startup Starcity, which provided designed co-living communities. Starcity was acquired by the New York-based firm Common in June 2021.

“They [Starcity] backed out, so the HOTT program itself got shut down. But the website (https://www. hotthousing.org/) is still active and people can go and check out all the information that we have on there,” said Davis, a woman of trans experience.

The trans district received monetary assistance from the city for its new program, the pilot of which will officially run from January to March, with the larger program launching sometime in March or April. The

AG finishes Monterrosa killing investigation

Bonta announced December 19 that the state justice department has concluded its investigation into the killing of Monterrosa on June 2, 2020.

Bonta in 2021 had called for the independent review to determine if criminal charges were warranted against the Vallejo police officer, Jarrett Tonn, who shot Monterrosa through the windshield of an unmarked police vehicle, according to KRON-TV. But Bonta’s office determined that “there is insufficient evidence to support criminal charges against the in-

volved officer,” according to a news release December 19.

“Sean Monterrosa’s life mattered and there is nothing that can make up for his death. His loss is and will continue to be felt by his family and the Bay Area community,” Bonta stated. “It’s critical that these difficult incidents undergo a transparent, fair, and thorough review.

My office remains committed to doing everything in our power to prevent these kinds of incidents from occurring and putting forward policy solutions to help ensure law enforcement are responsive to the needs of their communities.

“To that end, we recently negotiated a civil stipulated judgment with the Vallejo Police Department to institute crucially necessary reforms to their policies and practices,” Bonta added.

“Public safety and accountability requires trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. My office is working to build that trust through transparency and working to improve police practices.”

Monterrosa was a San Francisco native and his killing, coming as it did during the national reckoning over policing in mid-2020, sparked protests throughout the Bay Area. His sisters did not return a request for comment by press time. t

current allocated funding for the program is $20,000, which benefits four trans individuals, at $5,000 apiece, to keep them stabilized in their homes.

“We’ve already started working with two of our Tenderloin residents to keep them stable and in their house, because we want to do our part, as Mayor Breed said, to end trans homelessness. So we thought of some initiatives to keep our trans folks housed to not add to the folks that are already out there on the streets,” said Breonna McCree, coexecutive director of the Transgender District, in a phone interview.

The program involves working with other organizations, such as the TGI Justice Project, to help with wraparound services “for the folks that fall through the cracks.”

“The goal is to keep them in some type of program so that they don’t become homeless,” added McCree, a woman of trans experience.

“I know Lyon-Martin Community Health Services is also looking into getting a new building to be able to expand and help [with] outreach for the trans and gender-nonconforming folks that are out there and needing more help,” said Davis.

See page 8 >>

Holidays are he Photo Captions

Above: Harvey Milk addresses the crowd at the 1978 San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade;photo by Marie Ueda, Marie Ueda Photographs (2006-12), GLBT Historical Society.

Upper Left: Women posing in San Francisco’s Castro district, ca. 1978; photo by Crawford WcayneBarton, Crawford Wayne Barton Photographs (1993-11), GLBT Historical Society.

Center Left: Inside Gene Compton’s Cafeteria in San Francisco’s Tenderloin neighborhood, ca. 1966; photo by Henri Leleu, Henri Leleu Papers (1997-13), GLBT Historical Society.

Lower Left: Disco singer Sylvester performs at the 1980 Castro Street Fair; photo by Robert Pruzan,Robert Pruzan Collection (1998-36), GLBT Historical Society.

Preserving Show you care by always wearing a mas LGBTQ+ History:

Thirteen the death of Bob Ross, the Bay Area Reporter's Join theyears Fightafter Against Discrimination publisher and founder, the foundation bears his name, establishe and Support the GLBT Historicalthat Society. in 1995, continues to support a diverse range of local arts, HIV-related LGBT, and other nonprofit organizations. During this time, these Your Donationneed Doubled Until and December 31.than ever. organizations our support, yours, more If you are able, please consider supporting these vital institutions.

Across the country, LGBTQ+ communities are under attack, with a record-setting number of anti-LGBTQ+ bills introduced this year. Learning from our history has never been more important.

Pets Are Wonderful Support (PA Chanticleer

San Francisco Ballet GLBT Historical Society From the riot at Compton’s Cafeteria to Harvey Milk’s election, from international superstar Sylvester to the unsung heroes who Foundation make history every day, the GLBT Historical Society works San Francisco Dance Film Festiv Horizons to ensure all our stories continue to be told.

San Francisco Giants Communit KDFC Classical Music Support from the Bob Ross Foundation allowed the GLBT Historical Society to createPride (Pink Triangl San Francisco Larkin Street has Youth digital copies of decades of Bay Area Reporter coverage, and has allowed thousands of people to Shanti Meals on Wheels access their history through monthly free days at the Society’s museum.

Tenderloin Tessie Holiday Dinne New Conservatory Theatre Center Explore your history by visiting the GLBT Historical Society Museum or making an Rhinoceros Openhouse appointment to visit their archives. More information is available at www.glbthistory.org.

To help ensure a future for our history, visit www.glbthistory.org/donate. All donations made

by December 31st will be doubled - up to $50,000 - thanks to matching funds from the Society’s Board of Directors.

It’s Easy To Be Green

Exclusive LGBTQ Media Partner

Call 415-775-5377 or visit SanFranciscoFCU.com/vehicle-loans

bR

THE BOB ROSS (Especially with our low rates!)

FOUNDATION ratesAuto as low as

% 0.99 APR*

Bob Ross (1934–2003), a founding publisher of the Bay Area Reporter, America’s longest continuously- published LGBT newspaper, was also a gay community leader and philanthropist. *APR is determined by credit to score, loan terms, mileage, age of collateral andSociety’s amount borrowed. for terms up toappeal.

12 months. Offer applies to 2020 The Bob Ross Foundation is proud sponsor this GLBT Historical year0.99% endAPR fundraising vehicles or newer with less than 5.000 miles. Other terms available for older autos. Rates and terms are subject to change. Federally insured by NCUA.

SFFCU BAR E Car Strip Ad 9.75x2.25 v01.indd 1 BRF-GLBT-Giving-2023.indd 1

7/31/22 2:22 PM 12/9/23 10:05 AM

<< Open Forum

4 • Bay Area Repor ter • December 28, 2023-January 3, 2024

Volume 53, Number 52 December 28, 2023January 3, 2024 www.ebar.com

PUBLISHER Michael M. Yamashita Thomas E. Horn, Publisher Emeritus (2013) Publisher (2003 – 2013) Bob Ross, Founder (1971 – 2003) NEWS EDITOR Cynthia Laird ARTS & NIGHTLIFE EDITOR Jim Provenzano ASSISTANT EDITORS Matthew S. Bajko • John Ferrannini CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Christopher J. Beale • Robert Brokl Brian Bromberger • Victoria A. Brownworth Philip Campbell • Heather Cassell Michael Flanagan •Jim Gladstone Liz Highleyman • Brandon Judell • Lisa Keen Philip Mayard • Laura Moreno David-Elijah Nahmod • J.L. Odom • Paul Parish Tim Pfaff • Jim Piechota • Adam Sandel Jason Serinus • Gregg Shapiro Gwendolyn Smith • Charlie Wagner Ed Walsh • Cornelius Washington • Sura Wood ART DIRECTION Max Leger PRODUCTION/DESIGN Ernesto Sopprani PHOTOGRAPHERS Jane Philomen Cleland Rick Gerharter • Gooch Jose A. Guzman-Colon • Rudy K. Lawidjaja Georg Lester • Rich Stadtmiller Christopher Robledo • Fred Rowe Shot in the City • Steven Underhill • Bill Wilson ILLUSTRATORS & CARTOONISTS Christine Smith

VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVERTISING Scott Wazlowski – 415.829.8937

NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Rivendell Media – 212.242.6863

LEGAL COUNSEL Paul H. Melbostad, Esq.

Bay Area Reporter 44 Gough Street, Suite 302 San Francisco, CA 94103 415.861.5019 • www.ebar.com A division of BAR Media, Inc. © 2023 President: Michael M. Yamashita Director: Scott Wazlowski

News Editor • news@ebar.com Arts Editor • arts@ebar.com Out & About listings • jim@ebar.com Advertising • scott@ebar.com Letters • letters@ebar.com Published weekly. Bay Area Reporter reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement which the publisher believes is in poor taste or which advertises illegal items which might result in legal action against Bay Area Reporter. Ads will not be rejected solely on the basis of politics, philosophy, religion, race, age, or sexual orientation.

Advertising rates available upon request.

Our list of subscribers and advertisers is confidential and is not sold. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, and writers published herein is neither inferred nor implied. We are not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork.

Anti-LGBTQ actions unlikely to lessen in 2024

O

ur colleague Gwen Smith notes in her Transmissions column this week that according to the Trans Legislation Tracker, there were 589 antitrans bills introduced in 49 states in 2023. In California, of course, an anti-trans bill didn’t even make it out of committee, as we reported earlier this year.

Nonetheless, it’s sobering to realize that every state except Delaware had lawmakers who thought it would be a good idea to vilify trans people, whether it be by passing education-related, health care, or other types of laws aimed at restricting rights. Many of these laws were signed by governors, particularly in conservative states, and now many parents of trans youth are wondering if they can remain in those areas. Others have already concluded they cannot and have moved. (California adopted a law last year recognizing the Golden State as a refuge for trans kids and their families.)

Unfortunately, targeting trans and nonbinary people through the legislative process is unlikely to lessen as we head into 2024. There is the presidential election, of course, and many Republicans have apparently determined that an effective way to gain support with their base is to go after trans people. (They seem to look past the fact that this position is not winning them support where it counts, at the ballot box. In Ohio earlier this year, voters did not fall for the false claims that a ballot measure to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution would allow minors to receive gender-affirming care and decisively passed it in a red state.) Former President Donald Trump has stated he will implement anti-trans policies if he is elected. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, both struggling to compete with Trump for the GOP presidential nomination, regularly try to “outanti-trans” each other on the campaign trail. The other GOP candidates, with the possible exception of long-shot Chris Christie, the former New Jersey governor, are just as bad, but they have little chance of advancing out of next year’s primaries.

Rick Gerharter

LGBTQ rights will be on the California ballot in 2024, and people should register to vote.

Erin Reed, who runs her own online trans news site Erin in the Morning, recently reported that already, state lawmakers in Missouri have indicated they plan to file as many as 21 anti-LGBTQ bills in the 2024 session, with a lot of them focused on trans people. “These bills aim to ban bathroom access, books, medical care, public drag performances, classroom topics, and more,” Reed reported.

Closer to home, Golden State voters may have to contend with a massive anti-trans ballot measure in 2024. It would forcibly out trans students to their parents without their consent; ban gender-affirming care for minors; prevent trans women and girls from participating in women’s sports; and repeal a state law allowing trans students to use bathrooms or locker rooms that correspond with their gender identity.

In spite of California being a deep blue state and having Democrats in every statewide office and in control of the Legislature, this ballot initiative, which has been cleared for signature gathering, could upend much of the progress made for trans and nonbinary people.

We already know that a ballot measure to repeal the “zombie” language of Proposition 8 will be on the November ballot. And we cannot get complacent and presume it will pass because more people support marriage equality than they did 15 years

The closing of the year

by Gwendolyn Ann Smith

A

s we close the book on 2023, my mind keeps going back to one number: 589.

This is, according to the Trans Legislation Tracker at translegislation.com (https://translegislation.com), the number of anti-trans bills that were introduced in 49 states in 2023. Of those introduced, 85 passed into law. Thirty-eight additional bills were introduced at the federal level.

That’s more than one bill a day, all designed to rob transgender people of our freedom, our dignity, and our humanity.

These are bills that make our health care a felony for a provider to administer, including simply allowing us to be acknowledged as a member of our gender, or by a name we have opted to use. Many of these are attempts to force others to refer to us by our birth name or pronouns, or “wean us off ” any care we have received. Some treat our care as child abuse.

A lot of the bills introduced in 2023 have focused on schools, with a large number of them either prohibiting schools from allowing access to anything that includes mention of transgender or nonbinary identities or expression, such as Florida’s infamous 2022 “Don’t Say Gay” bill that was expanded this year, or so-called parental rights bills designed to prevent a transgender or nonbinary youth from accessing affirming care or even acknowledging their own gender identity in a school or similar setting.

This year, too, we have seen bills attempting to call drag performances – including simply reading age-appropriate picture books to an audience of kids and their parents – an inherently adult action. We’ve also seen the continued attacks against LGBTQ books, including a growing number of transspecific titles.

Additionally, there are other bills such as U.S. HR 115, the “Women’s Bill of Rights,” which seeks to narrowly define “man” and “woman” in federal law.

Of course, we continue to see bills targeting transgender people in sports, regardless of age, or care, or any other practical matter. This has come hot on the heels of anti-trans voices such as Riley

Christine Smith

Gaines, a swimmer who came in fifth place behind trans swimmer Lia Thomas and three non-trans women in the 2022 NCAA Division I Championships. Presumably, she’s going to ignore the fact that even without a trans woman in the pool, she would not have been on the podium at the end of the match.

Speaking of sports, an ever-widening number of competitive activities are apparently under threat by the dominance of transgender people. Not just swimming or track and field, but chess and Irish folk dancing are apparently in this category. It’s almost as if the issue never was some supposed advantage a transgender person may have, but simple bigotry.

I feel it worthy to note that few of the arguments about sports even acknowledge that there are transgender men in the world, and that some of them, too, are in sports.

I can’t speak of 2023 without also discussing how deep antitrans animus went in corporate America. Target was forced to remove merchandise from some of its stores after facing violence against its employees, and much of the ire was focused on items created by or for transgender people. Likewise, AnheuserBusch faced bomb threats and boycotts all for the act of making a single beer can featuring the face of trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney.

One of the bigger stories, given how much of this is politically motivated, is how poorly anti-

t

ago. This is one of those initiatives that may be overlooked by others, but it’s necessary that we get that anti-same-sex marriage language out of the state constitution.

What to do? Well, as Smith notes in her column, and as we’ve mentioned previously, the greater LGBTQ community needs to stand in solid support with the trans community, as do our straight allies.

Republicans and social conservatives would have you believe that the country is facing a takeover by trans people (not that there’s anything wrong with that). But the facts just don’t bear that out. Last year, the Williams Institute, an LGBTQ think tank at UCLA School of Law, used information from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, the Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance System, and advanced statistical modeling to determine the number of trans adults and youth in every state. In aforementioned Missouri, for example, trans youth represent 0.75% of state residents, and number about 2,900. That’s a sliver of the number of young people in the Show Me State. Nationally, about 1.6 million people aged 13 and over identify as transgender. This is in a country of more than 339 million people. It’s insane that conservatives are obsessed with such a small number of people.

Since they are, however, it’s incumbent on us in California to fight back, especially at the ballot box next year. In addition to the presidential race, there will be many items on the ballots for both the March primary and November general elections. We need to buck what’s happening in Southern California by electing pro-equality school board members. We need to make sure that city councils and boards of supervisors are made up of LGBTQ members or strong allies. There is no room for intolerance and no place for animus against the queer community.

If you are not yet registered to vote, do it today (the last day to register for the March 5 primary is February 20).

It’s easy and there’s nothing more important as we head into 2024 than to make sure your vote is counted. t

trans attitudes helped out at the polls. Instead, in off-year elections across the country, trans-friendly candidates won, trans candidates won, and attempts to bait people to vote against abortion rights by claiming it would benefit transgender people didn’t work.

I want to tell you that this may be a turning of the tide, when the arguments against transgender people have gotten so shrill, so constant, and yet, so powerless that all those shouting about transgender people will move on to a different victim – but I fear not.

Former President Donald Trump is running again to regain the presidency and, as I type this, he still very much has a chance and is dominating the Republican field. He’s made it clear that transgender people are one of the groups he intends to come after – and it is high time we finally begin to take his threats at face value. Meanwhile, the majority of those running on the GOP side are also trying their best to be more transphobic than the others.

We can only assume that this will only get worse as we get closer to the November election.

Meanwhile, much of the left wants to pretend that this isn’t an issue, and not the threat that it is. It’s frustrating to me because they truly have ceded the argument to the right, and it has made transgender people out to be akin to the devil themselves.

Remember, 589 bills were introduced in 49 states this year. Thank you, Delaware, for not going with the trend. That is 415 more bills than in 2022.

How many will it be in 2024, and how many of those will make it into law? We will eventually face a challenge of some of these laws at the United States Supreme Court and, given how the conservative-majority court ruled on abortion rights in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization last year, I can only hold my breath.

Now is the time we, as a community, need to come together with every ally we have at hand and make our demands. We need to take the narrative from the right and make all of our voices heard. We cannot do it from the shadows. It’s time to make our voices heard like never before.

If 2023 belonged to the transphobes, let’s make 2024 ours. t Gwen Smith is holding out hope. You can find her at www.gwensmith.com

Politics >>

t 2023 op-art takes a novel twist

by Matthew S. Bajko his year’s installment of the Political Notebook’s op-art feature is taking a novel approach. Rather than showcase an editorial artwork by a queer individual, the 2023 edition of the annual feature in the last column of the year is focusing on a political literary act.

The photomontage to the right is created from the cover art for some of the titles that Fabulosa Books in San Francisco’s LGBTQ Castro district most often includes in the boxes of books it has been shipping to groups in states where queer books have been banned. Its last three shipments have all gone to Idaho, including to the organizers of drag queen story hours in the Gem State, after residents of the Rocky Mountain state happened to stop by the bookstore at 489 Castro Street and learned about its Books Not Bans initiative from the staff.

Each box consists of 20 books, and since the program launched last Pride Month, the gay-owned store has sent 30 boxes at a cost of $400 each to groups across the country. A Quaker group in Florida has been a recipient, as it oversees book drives across the Sunshine State and contacted Fabulosa about receiving some LGBTQ titles to hand out to queer youth.

“Representation is so critical. Giving queer kids more opportunities to see people like them who they can connect with in stories is so important and can not be more important given the manufactured hysteria they are having to face,” said Bex Hexagon, the store’s events coordinator who also oversees the book box program.

It will be continuing into 2024.

The store has a dedicated display for it where customers can buy books to put into the boxes or purchase a ticket at whatever amount they want to contribute to the initiative.

G. M. Johnson, who authored the 2020 book “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” and Mike Curato, who wrote the 2020 graphic novel “Flamer,” are among the authors who have donated books for the boxes. Their titles often land on yearly lists of the most banned LGBTQ books.

Other bookstores have also joined the effort, such as Folio Books in Noe Valley (3957 24th Street) and Haight-Ashbury’s The Booksmith (1727 Haight Street). St John’s United Church of Christ in the city’s Forest Hill neighborhood has been donating three books a month toward the effort after one of its parishioners happened to meet Hexagon, who welcomes inquiries from out-of-state groups who would like to receive a box.

“People have been more excited and responsive and supportive than I expected,” Hexagon told the B.A.R. this month. t

The Pet Daddies Call 415-301-1909 or visit ThePetDaddies.com

Barry Schneider Attorney at Law

family law specialist* • Divorce w/emphasis on Real Estate & Business Divisions • Domestic Partnerships, Support & Custody • Probate and Wills www.SchneiderLawSF.com

415-781-6500 *Certified by the California State Bar 315 Montgomery St., Ste. 1025, San Francisco, CA 94104

Scott W. Wazlowski Vice President of Advertising

! e s i t dver

advertising@ebar.com

A The

44 Gough Street #302, San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 829-8937 • www.ebar.com

PlanningAhead Ahead isisSimple Planning Simple The benefits are immense.

Planning Ahead is Simple The benefits are immense.

The benefits are immense.

When you plan your life celebration and lasting remembrance in advance, you can design every detail of your own unique memorial and provide your loved ones with true peace of mind. Planning ahead When your celebration lasting protectsyou your plan loved ones fromlife unnecessary stress and and financial burden, When you remembrance plan your celebration and lasting in allowing themlife to focus what will matter at design that remembrance time—you. in on advance, youmost can every

advance, you canofdesign every detail of your ownand unique memorial detail own memorial provide Contact usyour today about theunique beautiful ways to create a lasting legacy atyour theloved San Francisco Columbarium. and provide loved ones with true peace mind.

Planning ahead your ones with true peace ofof mind.

Planning protects your loved ones from unnecessary stress and financial ahead protectsProudly yourserving loved onesCommunity. from unnecessary burden, the LGBT allowing them focus on whatburden, will matter most them at thattotime—you. stresstoand financial allowing focus on what will matter most at that time—you.

Contact us today about the beautiful ways to create a lasting legacy at the San Contact FranciscousColumbarium. today about the beautiful ways to create a lasting legacy at the San Francisco Columbarium.

To learn more about the Books Not Bans program, or to donate toward it online, visit Fabulosa Books’ webpage for it at http:// tinyurl.com/2h8s9snv.

Political Notes, the notebook’s online companion, will return Monday, January 8.

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

Overnight Pet Sitting

serving the San Francisco Bay Area, Palm Springs, and beyond Live-in pet and home sitters keep pets on their regular routine, in their familiar, comfortable environment. Your pets will be less stressed than if they were to stay in a boarding facility. We are bonded and insured. Your home will be continually occupied, providing safety and security. Mail and packages will be brought in daily. The former owner of a highly respected pet grooming business in the Bay Area, Pet Daddy Wayne has more than 20 years of experience working with animals.

T

Keep abreast of the latest LGBTQ political news by following the Political Notebook on Threads @ https:// www.threads.net/@matthewbajko.

December 28, 2023-January 3, 2024 • Bay Area Repor ter • 5

One Loraine Ct. | San Francisco | 415-771-0717 Proudly serving our Community.

SanFranciscoColumbarium.com Proudly serving the LGBT Community.

FD 1306 / COA 660

Illustration by Ernesto Sopprani

This photomontage includes some of the titles that Fabulosa Books in the Castro has been sending out to groups in other states through its Books Not Bans program.

One Loraine Ct. | San Francisco | 415-771-0717

SanFranciscoColumbarium.com FD 1306 / COA 660

<< State News

6 • Bay Area Repor ter • December 28, 2023-January 3, 2024

t

CA launches LGBTQ training for pharmacists

by Matthew S. Bajko

C

alifornia has launched a new LGBTQ cultural training requirement for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who are licensed in the Golden State. It is rolling out the online course starting with licensees up for renewal in 2024.

The training was required to be in place by January 1 due to the enactment in 2022 of Assembly Bill 2194 authored by gay Assemblymember Chris Ward (D-San Diego). Its operative date was delayed a year in order to provide the California Board of Pharmacy time to implement it and for accredited professional groups to create the training about the concerns of LGBTQ+ patients.

Anne Sodergren, the state board’s executive officer, told the Bay Area Reporter the LGBTQ training is now an ongoing condition of renewal for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, meaning they will need to take it every two years when they must renew their licenses. While the District of Columbia in 2016 enacted a rule requiring two hours of continuing education about LGBTQ health concerns, it is unclear if another state other than California has a similar license renewal requirement for pharmacists or pharmacy technicians.

“I don’t know of any other states that do it,” said Sodergren, though she stressed that doesn’t mean there aren’t others now requiring such LGBTQ training.

<<

LGBTQ laws

From page 1

students using restrooms and locker rooms based on their gender identity was narrowly defeated by her school board. Yet this year the Chino Valley Unified School District board adopted a mandatory outing policy of trans students to their parents, most of which is currently blocked by the courts as a legal

Courtesy CA Board of Pharmacy

California Board of Pharmacy Executive Officer Anne Sodergren

The need for such LGBTQ health information being taught to pharmacy students in college courses has been highlighted within the profession in recent years, both on university campuses and in academic papers. Having it be part of the licensing requirements for the profession will particularly benefit LGBTQ residents outside of California’s urban centers noted Trevor Chandler, a gay man from San Francisco who serves on the California State Board of Pharmacy as a non-pharmacist member.

“It is incredibly important because so many pharmacies and pharmacists in rural areas don’t have that competency.

We get spoiled here in San Francisco,” said Chandler, who works in education and is running for a county supervisor seat next November. battle over it wages on.

Kim, 18, now a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania, had worked with Laird on his bill in her capacity as the governmental affairs and policy director for the student councils association, a volunteer role she stepped down from last spring. The law requires State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond to convene the LGBTQ student task force by July 1.

(Sodergren told the B.A.R. her agency doesn’t compile stats about LGBTQ people’s interactions with pharmacists in the state. A report earlier this year by the state auditor into the collection of LGBTQ health data by California public health entities noted how “there is often sensitivity around answering questions regarding gender identity and sexual orientation” in rural counties of the state.)

The pharmacy board heard an update on the implementation of Ward’s bill at its last meeting of 2023. Chandler told the B.A.R. he expects it will receive a report back on how it is going in late 2024.

He also noted the training is meant to be updated to include, for example, new information about LGBTQ health trends or advancements in gender-affirming medication treatment.

“The exciting part about this training is it is a living document,” said Chandler, adding, “We want to make sure it is continually updated.”

The B.A.R. met up with Ward in midDecember when he happened to be in San Francisco. He said he was “proud” that his legislation had broad support within the pharmacy profession and expected there wouldn’t be any problems with it now going into effect.

“They wanted LGBT cultural competency to be a part of what they do,” Ward said of the pharmacists he had worked with in crafting his bill.

The California Pharmacists Association, which had backed Ward’s legislation, is one of the groups to develop a

training course that meets the new cultural competency requirement. The professional group has approval by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education to provide continuing pharmacy education.

“This is a unique initiative tailored for both pharmacists and pharmacist technicians to elevate their practice and promote LGBTQ health and equity,” Rajan Vaidya, PharmD, the association’s vice president for practice and professional development, told the state board at its December 13 meeting.

The association is providing the onehour training, titled “Caring for All: The Pharmacy Professional’s Role in LGBTQ+ Health and Equity,” for free for a limited time to anyone needing to take it via the website https://cpha.com/ cultural-competency-training/. Among its five objectives is defining commonly used LGBTQ terms, explaining health disparities found within the LGBTQ+ community, with a focus on the particular experiences of Black, Indigenous, and other LGBTQ+ people of color; and ways to be affirming of LGBTQ patients.

Overseeing its development were Jay Holloway, a pharmacist with AIDS Healthcare Foundation who uses they/ them pronouns; Los Angeles LGBT Center clinical pharmacy program coordinator Tam Phan, PharmD, a gay man who is an assistant professor at the USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; and Cheryl Wisseh, PharmD, a health sci-

ences assistant clinical professor at UC Irvine’s Department of Clinical Pharmacy Practice School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Phan explained during the pharmacy board meeting that the goal of the training is to help pharmacists “foster environments that affirm the identities and experiences of LGBTQ-plus individuals.”

Nicole Thibeau, PharmD, the director of pharmacy services at the Los Angeles LGBT Center who serves on the state board, thanked the California Pharmacists Association for developing a training more detailed than what she had been expecting.

“This is beyond surface level, and I really, really appreciate it,” said Thibeau.

“I am so happy we are here. I never thought I would see the day.”

The California Society of HealthSystem Pharmacists also has a training course that meets the new licensing requirement. It can be taken online via the website http://tinyurl.com/msfa37ap.

In an emailed message sent out to licensees December 22, the state pharmacy board recommended, “that, prior to registering for any cultural competency course, licensees confirm compliance with the course provider to ensure the course meets the requirements of BPC section 4231. The Board reminds licensees that certification of course completion should be maintained as evidence of compliance.” t

“I looked at the proposal as a great idea for student constituents and experts to have a direct voice in how the Department of Education runs its programs,” Kim told the Bay Area Reporter recently by phone just prior to leaving her college campus for the winter break. “Then we would have more effective solutions for a lot of problems LGBTQ youth are facing right now.”

Brody Fernandez, a spokesperson for

the California Department of Education, told the B.A.R. the state agency will be meeting with Laird’s office in January to discuss a formal announcement for the application process and the member-selection process for the task force. He said the application and selection process will mirror the one the department used for its Student Mental Health Policy Workgroup, “in that credentials, lived-experience, and expertise in this particular topic

will be highly prioritized.”

Laird told the B.A.R. he wants to see the new advisory group come together as soon as possible.

“I am hoping students in particular will talk about what life has been like for them when harassed or left to fend for themselves, and we have school leaders across the state learn from it,” said Laird.

Other laws

See page 9 >>

Proudly serving communities throughout California.

At Tri Counties Bank, our breadth of financial services, local banker expertise and personalized problem solving provides a unique brand of Service With Solutions®. It’s about a team of bankers and financial specialists working together to help improve your financial success and well-being. Switch to better banking.

Switch to Tri Counties Bank.

Personal Banking Small Business Banking Commercial Banking

Locations throughout California, with 16 in the Bay Area.

In San Francisco: 311 California Street • (415) 392-0642 2197 Chestnut Street • (415) 287-8800 699 Portola Drive • (415) 661-4800

1-800-922-8742 | TriCountiesBank.com Member FDIC

Community News >>

t CHP response to man’s death frustrates partner

December 28, 2023-January 3, 2024 • Bay Area Repor ter • 7

by John Ferrannini

A

gay Emeryville man is raising concerns about the California Highway Patrol’s response to a crash just before the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge that killed his partner of eight years.

“I am shocked by some of the things they did,” John Donohie, 61, told the Bay Area Reporter in a phone interview earlier this month.

Donohie’s partner, Jamie Summers, 69, a chiropractor and body worker, was killed in a vehicle crash September 28 just past the metering lights on the Bay Bridge.

“Jamie was on his way to get Thai food for takeout,” Donohie said. “He said, ‘I’ll see you in 30 minutes’ and that was it – never heard from him again.”

According to the CHP, officers were dispatched at 8:01 p.m. that night. The single-car crash involved a 2011 Kia Soul that was found overturned on the left hand shoulder approaching the bridge.

“Mr. Summers was found in the vehicle and emergency crews worked to extricate him in order to render care,” CHP Officer Mark Andrews stated to the B.A.R. “Unfortunately, Mr. Summers succumbed to his injuries. The crash is still under investigation.”

Donohie said that his partner had not intended to go to San Francisco.

“He missed our exit coming from downtown Oakland to Emeryville,” Donohie said. “If you miss it, it automatically feeds you onto the bridge – that’s why he was on the bridge.”

Donohie said he found out about Summers’ death when he got a call from the CHP. “All he could tell me was (I assume because we were not legallyfucking-married) that they tried to resuscitate the driver and couldn’t,” Donohie stated to the B.A.R.

Courtesy John Donohie

Jamie Summers, left, is shown with his partner, John Donohie, in a photo taken before Summer’s death in late September.

The CHP told Donohie that the couple’s dog, Bijou, a standard poodle puppy, had also died.

“They [CHP] said they ‘had her [Bijou] off to the side, but she got away,’ as if that was OK and acceptable. I was told by a CHP officer that ‘she started walking back toward the city streets (Oakland),’” Donohie stated in an email to the B.A.R. “When I started asking more questions about my dog and why they couldn’t keep her safe, he hung up on me.”

Donohie had a friend take him to the bridge.

“I found our pup dead in the road, just before the toll booths,” he stated.

“The accident happened a few hundred feet after the metering lights.

She was hit by a car and killed. I picked up her body and brought her home. It has been incredibly traumatic for me to lose both of my loves, my whole family, as a gay man, at the same time.”

Donohie stated that CHP called him about two weeks later.

“A little late if you ask me,” he said. “I

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU UCSF is deeply committed to providing care for LGBTQ+ people and their families that isn’t just equitable—as crucial as equity is.

We’re committed to giving you care that’s warm, welcoming, and knowledgeable, too.

That’s why we’re a longtime Equality Leader in HRC’s Healthcare Equality Index—and why we offer a uniquely wide range of support for our LGBTQ+ patients and employees.

We look forward to warmly welcoming you— and offering the great, supportive care that you and your family deserve. ucsfhealth.org/lgbtq-care

asked him how many responders were at the scene. He told me that between CHP, police, fire department, and EMTs, there were probably around 15 professional responders. He himself was also on the scene. I told him that I thought it was unconscionable and incredibly irresponsible that among 15 first responders, none of them could keep my dog safe. I said to him that I know that the CHP, fire department, police, and EMTs don’t hire stupid people but that this is indescribably unacceptable.”

Donohie stated that CHP told him Bijou was not a priority because the responders are “concerned with [human] life.”

“He also told me that my partner was dead when they arrived, 18 fucking minutes after impact,” he stated, referring to the time he said was given by the CHP officer who called him. “If he was dead and they are concerned with life, and my dog was alive, then why isn’t my dog alive and with me right now?”

Summers’ memorial service was held November 18 in Emeryville.

“I feel like things are getting harder,” Donohie said earlier this month.

“We just had Jamie’s memorial service a week-and-a half-ago. It was big and beautiful and went beyond my expectations, but I was busy planning for it and now that it’s behind me, life is lonely and quiet and I feel like this is when it gets hard.”

Donohie, a massage therapist, said he and Summers had been together for eight years. A friend introduced them. He said his rent obligation doubled since Summers had paid half.

“I don’t know how long I’ll be able to stay here but I’ll do my best,” he said.

When asked what he’d like from CHP, Donohie said, “if nothing else, a little acknowledgement.”

“Maybe that’s asking too much from CHP, but an apology would be nice,” he said. “I think they know they mishandled the situation. I don’t know why it took them 18 minutes to get to the site of the accident. Eighteen minutes is an awful long time if you’re trapped in a car and you’re hurt and you’re dying.

Eighteen minutes is a long time for a dog to be terrified and trembling.

I’m just amazed that out of all those first responders, nobody could keep her safe.”

CHP response

Andrews of the CHP stated to the B.A.R. that the first unit arrived on scene seven minutes after 8:01 p.m., the time officers were dispatched.

“Upon arrival officers observed a dog inside of the Kia,” Andrews stated. “Animal control services were requested but unavailable due to the time of day. As officers accessed the Kia and attempted to corral the startled dog, the dog quickly ran past the officers and away from the scene and against traffic. A CHP unit was

dispatched to locate the dog but was unable to find it.”

CHP Officer Andrew Barclay stated, “From the moment the call was received to the moment the first unit was assigned was a total of one minute and five seconds (1:05).

From the moment the first unit was assigned to the moment they arrived on scene was five minutes and fifty-seven seconds (5:57). From the moment the phone was picked up to the moment the first unit arrived on scene, which includes all call taking, dispatching, and response time, was a total of seven minutes and fortyfour seconds (7:44). With that said, I’m not sure where a response time of 18 minutes came from.”

Donohie said that came from the CHP officer who called him.

Barclay stated that he does not know the total time from the collision until first responders arrived.

“I wouldn’t be able to say the time from impact to arrival as we don’t know about a crash until someone calls 911 to report it,” he stated. “I was able to provide the times that our agency has, which covers from the moment we first received the call to the moment we arrived on scene.

He also stated that the coroner’s office, in this case the Alameda County Coroner’s Bureau, is the agency that notifies people of deaths.

“In almost every scenario where someone is killed in a crash, the coroner’s office handles notifications,” Barclay stated. “Before doing so, they must verify who is the legal next of kin, which seems to fit with Mr. Donohie’s story. I’m not saying with absolute certainty that we didn’t advise him, but I want to make sure we are commenting on part of this that we were involved in.”

See page 9 >>

<< Community News

8 • Bay Area Repor ter • December 28, 2023-January 3, 2024

SF Muni offers free New Year’s Eve service compiled by Cynthia Laird

For more information, go to bart. gov and check out the trip planner feature, which has the extended service trains included.

T

he San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency has announced that for the 24th consecutive year, free rides will be offered on Muni from 8 p.m. Sunday, December 31, through 5 a.m. Monday, January 1. Additionally, extra Muni subway service will be provided from 8 p.m.

Sunday to 2:15 a.m. Monday.

Extra buses will run on Muni’s overnight Owl bus routes until 5 a.m., a news release stated.

“We are committed to do our part so San Franciscans can ring in the new year safely,” stated Julie Kirschbaum, SFMTA director of transit.

“We are excited to again offer free Muni service on New Year’s Eve as part of the city’s Vision Zero goals, and we encourage locals and visitors alike to get out, enjoy, and safely celebrate.”

Vision Zero is the city’s plan to improve safety and save lives on city streets. The San Francisco Standard reported earlier this month, however, that pedestrians are still dying in spite of the city spending millions of dollars to end traffic deaths.

Many area bars and restaurants will be open on New Year’s Eve, including those in San Francisco’s

Spahr Center relocates

Steven Underhill

Revelers celebrated a previous New Year’s Eve at Twin Peaks Tavern in the Castro.

LGBTQ Castro neighborhood. Additionally, the city will host the free fireworks show at midnight along the waterfront. Best viewing is south of the Ferry Building, along the Embarcadero between Mission and Folsom streets, according to Fun & Cheap SF. Meanwhile, BART will have an extended closing time on New Year’s Eve, and have six trains running when service ends at 1 a.m. A news release stated that Yellow Line and Orange Line trains in all directions

will be timed to meet at MacArthur Station at 1:47 a.m. in a “Grand Meet.”

This is the transfer point for riders coming from San Francisco heading toward Richmond or Berryessa or riders coming from the East Bay heading toward San Francisco.

Yellow Line and Orange Line trains will be timed to meet at 12th Street in downtown Oakland.

San Francisco and Oakland airports will not be served by these special trains, the release noted.

<<

Sean Martinfield

April 26, 1948-September 20, 2023 Sean Martinfield, Professional Singer and original San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus member (1979-1983), Arts & Culture Critic, Golden Age of Hollywood aficionado and lifetime member of the official Jeanette MacDonald Fan Club died September 20, 2023, in his Castro district home. He was a vibrant 75 years old.

A native San Franciscan, Sean Martinfield was a Professional Singer for over 20 years and private Vocal Coach for more than 35. This “baritone turned-high tenor,” was regarded by friend and founder, Jon Sims of the SFGMC, as their very own “Jeanette MacDonald”.

Greatest achievements in vocal performance garnered him standing ovations for his solo lyrical renditions of “Indian Love Call” and iconic “San Francisco” with The San Francisco’s Gay Men’s Chorus Tours America 1981 Concert that performed in nine US cities including, The Kennedy Center in D.C, New York, Seattle Opera House, and the Davies Symphony Hall where Mayor Dianne Feinstein awarded the SFGMC a key to San Francisco, a first-time honor bestowed upon a gay organization. In 1984, he served as one of the last Masters of Ceremonies, as “Chanteuse Pat O’Shea” at the historic Finocchio’s Female Impersonators Cabaret in North Beach.

Sean Martinfield received a B.A. in Theater Arts from SFSU and post-graduate studies as a Seminarian in philosophy, religion of art history and ethics at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkely, CA. An avid learner and prolific writer, Sean had a prestigious journalism career with The San Francisco Sentinel and served as their Entertainment Editor from 2006-2010 and covered the classical scene as Arts & Culture contributor with The Huffington Post (2012-2017). His journalism career spanned globally as top interviewer to International Artists appearing at The San Francisco Opera, Davies Symphony Hall, and San Francisco Ballet. He expanded into the Visual Art scene covering work of curators for major exhibits at San Francisco’s De Young Museum, Legion of Honor, and The Museum of Modern Art. A renowned private vocal coach and consultant in musical theatre, Sean published thousands of responses from Artists on the popular Q&A website: allexperts.com.

Sean Martinfield’s artistic passions and varied life pursuits led him into the culinary arts of baking which garnered him high honors during his time working in Supervisor Bevan Dufty’s office at SF City Hall.

Sean’s famous tiered birthday cake for former San Francisco Mayor, Gavin Newsom will forever be highlighted alongside his time serving as Ordained Minister/ Officiant to same-sex couples during the Marriage Equality Act (2004/2008). His zest for life & storytelling led to his latest project, his Novel, although unfinished, will find its way to publication in honor of his creative endeavor & final wish to be a published Writer!

Sean Martinfield is survived by partner, Thomas Crites, beloved vocal students, Leanne Borghesi, Jane Chavez, Erik Batz, Janet Roitz, lifelong friend, Carol Cochran, Author, Roi Barnard, and Brothers, Michael Smith and Al Sehorn. He is preceded in death by parents, William and Dorothy Smith, and partner, Douglas Wright former Editor of Washington DC’s OUT Magazine.

Sean Martinfield’s voice and joyful spirit will sing alongside The Great Organ with eternal internment at St. John The Divine Church Cathedral Columbarium, New York City, NY. A Celebration of Life is planned for Spring 2024 with music honoring his life & legacy with the San Francisco Lesbian Gay Freedom Band and company members of the SFGMC. Exact time/place will be announced.

The Spahr Center, which serves Marin County’s LGBTQ and HIV communities, will relocate January 1 to a new building in San Rafael. Currently, the center is in Corte Madera.

A news release stated that the move will increase the center’s physical space by approximately 30%, allowing for designated program areas for the food pantry, community support gatherings, case management, harm reduction, and mental health services.

Located in the heart of San Rafael’s Canal District, the new building positions the center to better serve the priority population of LGBTQ+ Latino/a youth and families, according to the release.

“The Spahr Center is prioritizing mental and behavioral health support for LGBTQ+ Latinx youth and families,” stated Renato Talhadas, chief programs officer. “Similarly, we are increasing our efforts around

t

HIV prevention and education in the Canal District because the Latinx community has the greatest need for these services in Marin.

“We have a lot to accomplish, and moving to this new building in San Rafael will effectively increase the work we do for this community,” Talhadas added.

The center will be physically closed from January 2-5, and the staff will be working online as the new space is prepared. The center, which will be located at 1575 Francisco Boulevard, East, will open Monday, January 8, with limited programs. It is expected that the center will be fully open January 15.

“This move is part of our strategic plan,” stated Joe Tuohy, a gay man who took over as executive director last spring. “Our center is expanding and so we need more space and more staff. We are thrilled for this move and we look forward to sharing our new and improved space with our community.”

For more information, go to thespahrcenter.org. t

Initiatives

From page 2

The long-standing Lyon-Martin Community Health Services, which provides clinical care to sex workers, TGNCI individuals, and cisgender women, will take over St. James Infirmary’s outreach program. St. James announced in August that it was closing, as the B.A.R. previously reported.

Lyon-Martin officials did not respond to a request for comment.

On its website, St. James Infirmary lists its official closing date on December 29, along with further information on how its services and programs will continue through other organizations, such as TGIJP, which will oversee the Our Trans Home subsidy program. TGIJP and Our Trans Home did not respond to messages seeking comment.

Another veteran organization, the San Francisco Community Health Center, whose services include the transgender health care program Trans Thrive, will oversee St. James’ Taimon Booton Navigation Center, the peer-led housing program for the TGNCI and sex worker communities.

Health center officials did not respond to a request for comment.

And while the Bobbie Jean Baker House, a supportive residence in the Mission that provided rooms and services to TGNCI individuals, is closed as of this year, the former residents have been placed in new homes and are participating in the Our Trans Home subsidy program, as stated on St. James’ website.

“I definitely think that within the next year, we should be able to see good changes, positive changes. I’m hoping that more trans folks will be able to find homes, resources, and care,” said Davis, who is also on the San Francisco Office of Transgender Initiatives’ Trans Advisory Committee.

Health fair coming up

During the piloting of its Rental Stabilization Program, the Transgender District is hosting a TGNC Health and Wellness Fair on January 25 for the local trans and gendernonconforming community. Partnering with organizations, it aims to get the word out about available resources – housing and otherwise.

January is also when the Transgender District plans to launch the

Breonna McCree

Breonna McCree is co-executive director of the Transgender District.

Social Justice Fellowship Program for TGNC individuals, particularly those in the Tenderloin, to gain hard and soft skills for acclimation into job spaces. Participants obtain income to stabilize themselves while taking part in their professional development.

TGNC youth

For trans and gender-nonconforming youth, there’s the ongoing efforts of Larkin Street Youth Services to provide housing and other supportive elements, including medical care, food assistance, and employment and education programs.

“A high percentage of LGBTQ young people experience homelessness because of family or community rejection. They’re not able to stay with their parents, guardians or whoever they were living with or in school or other places where they might be experiencing discrimination or bullying and it may not be a safe place,” said Sherilyn Adams, Larkin Street’s chief executive officer, in a phone interview.

Larkin Street’s Castro Youth Housing Initiative is a scattered site housing program for LGBTQ+ young people who have removed themselves from unsupportive environments and challenging circumstances, Adams noted.

At one point, one of Larkin Street’s youth initiative sites was solely for trans youth; the program has since morphed into additional sites and slightly smaller housing units to better accommodate LGBTQ+ youth residents’ particular needs and preferences, Adams said.

As Adams, a lesbian, explained, “Depending on the number of trans

James Irvine Foundation

Sherilyn Adams is CEO of Larkin Street Youth Services.

youth that we have in housing at any one point, then folks can have a little bit more flexibility about if they want to be with all trans youth or if they want to be in a different sort of mix of folks. We have a broader range of housing options with the congregate and scattered sites.”

As the B.A.R. previously reported, one feature of Breed’s comprehensive plan to end transgender homelessness by 2027 is new permanent, supportive housing for TGNC/LGBTQ+ youth, supported by the Office of Transgender Initiatives (for which the search for a new executive director is underway with Pau Crego officially departing from the role December 15, and the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing.

Adams expressed enthusiasm for the housing initiative and DHSH’s outreach to community-based organizations to provide services in line with the end trans homelessness initiative and the corresponding Flexible Housing Subsidy Pool program, which includes the capacity-building grant funding amount of $200,000.

“It’s exciting to work toward having a plan, with the mayor’s and city’s commitment to working to end trans homelessness with very specific projects and the new housing initiative for young people. … It’s been a long time coming and a lot of advocacy,” Adams told the B.A.R. The city’s TGNCI-supportive plans in place for housing and other services are in stark contrast to the anti-trans rhetoric throughout the country and a massive anti-trans initiative that is in the signature gathSee page 9 >>

t

National News>>

December 28, 2023-January 3, 2024 • Bay Area Repor ter • 9

US loves its daddies, Grindr report shows

by John Ferrannini

The country with the highest percentage of self-described tops is Trinidad & Tobago, followed by Kenya, the People’s Republic of China, Myanmar,

and Greece. The countries with the highest percentage of self-identified bottoms were South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Denmark, and Finland.

The countries with the highest percentage of people describing themselves as versatile were Finland, Austria, Germany, Australia, and Hungary.

“2023 was a BIG year for Grindr and there was plenty to be unwrapped,” a Grindr spokesperson stated. “With more than 100 billion chats, more than 13 billion taps (ice-breakers) sent, and more than 1 billion private albums shared, Grindr users were getting busy all across the globe.”

San Francisco didn’t make an appearance in the report this year, unlike two years ago when the City-by-theBay was reported to have the highest percentage of profiles with face pictures, as the Bay Area Reporter reported at the time. Then, as now, the actual percentages were not given.

San Francisco also didn’t make it in the top five cities by active users: those would be Thessaloniki, Greece; Milan, Italy; Rome; Turin, Italy; and Berlin.

The most explored cities – highercost versions of Grindr allow users to see the “grid” anywhere in the world that the largest LGBTQ social networking app operates – were

and girls from participating in women’s and girls’ sports, and repeal the state law permitting trans students’ use of bathrooms and locker rooms according to their gender identity.

In an email to the B.A.R. Asri Wulandari, communications manager for the trans initiatives office, stated: “As for our office’s plans in the next year,

we aim to continue working and collaborating with community members, particularly through our Trans Advisory Committee, as well as other city departments, in uplifting trans-serving organizations in San Francisco amidst a barrage of anti-trans antagonism across the country, and relatively difficult budget deficit locally.”

McCree of the Transgender District commented that she’s aware that many people are “feeling some type of tenseness in the air” because of the upcoming elections, but is assured by the unwavering tenacity of the trans community.

“We know that during elections trans people always become scape-

goats, but I have to say, my community – our community – has been so resilient, even in the face of that resistance. We still find ways to collaborate together and stand strong with each other for each other. And I see us doing that again next year,” she said. t

Andrews stated, “The CHP strives to provide the highest level of safety and service and to demonstrate professionalism to every member of our community. If Mr. Donohie would like to speak with us directly regarding the concerns raised in his statement, please let him know we would be happy to arrange a time to meet with him.”

Donohie responded to the B.A.R.

when provided these statements.

“It’s bizarre that they are questioning that the CHP notified me of Jamie’s death,” he stated, reiterating that the agency had contacted him.

“How else would I know?

“When Jamie didn’t come home that evening, I waited over an hour before calling the Emeryville police,” Donohie stated. “I asked if there was

anything reported with the name Jamie Summers. I was told that there was, that CHP had information regarding Mr. Summers. I was given a log number and was told to call CHP. When I called, I was told that an officer would call me back. When he called back he said that there was an accident, that ‘they tried to resuscitate the driver, but couldn’t.’”

Donohie reiterated his thoughts, saying that “It is unconscionable that out of that many professionals, no one could keep our pup alive.”

“I understand that accidents happen,” he stated. “I’m crushed that my partner is dead, but there is no reason for my pup to also be gone. The two of them were all I had, they were my family.” t

mistaking his first name to be that of a woman’s, said Funke.)

According to the marketing guide Funke created for the sale of the artwork, Ace Books had gifted it to Carr in commemoration of the book’s publication success. The Carr family has continuously owned it ever since and had it prominently hung in its former East Bay home.

Funke is now handling its sale on behalf of the Carr and Lichtman Estate. He will have it available on a firstcome, first-served basis at his booth at the book fair.

“I am pricing it high for the artists but, I think, reasonable for it being Le Guin’s most famous novel. She won awards for it, and it ratcheted her up to the greats of science fiction,” said Funke. “It’s got very topical content; this idea of the planet Gethen and ambisexual individuals. I just think it is fascinating and a very active topic in today’s discussion.”

In a statement to the B.A.R. about the sale, the executor for the family estate said, “The Carr-Lichtman family has treasured this artwork for over 50 years and now it is time to find a new

owner who will cherish this remarkable work of science fiction publishing history for the next 50 years.”

Funke said the artwork is an ideal piece for a science fiction collector looking to own a singular item related to the first edition of Le Guin’s novel.

“If you own it then no one else can have it. That is pretty cool,” he said.

It may also be of interest to a collecting institution or a research library, said Funke, to hang on its walls as a way to draw people in or excite students about the science fiction genre.

“They could have this as, in essence, a presentation piece at the entrance,” he said, adding it could be a conversation starter with students or others “for why you should be excited about researching science fiction.”

The 56th California International Antiquarian Book Fair will take place February 9-11 at Pier 27, the cruise ship terminal on The Embarcadero along San Francisco’s bayside waterfront. For more information, visit its website at abaa.org/cabookfair. t

ing businesses comply with an earlier bill Ting saw to passage calling for the establishments to have such bathrooms, as Ting told the B.A.R. he continues to see non-compliance with the requirement.

“Because the majority of businesses are complying with my 2016 bill, AB 1732, we’ve made significant strides in providing equal restroom access for all in California. However, there’s still room for improvement,” stated Ting. “AB 783 seeks greater compliance throughout the state. Doing so will improve safety, fairness and convenience, especially for LGBTQ individuals, women, parents and caretakers.”

Similar to a bill calling for pharmacists licensed by California to receive LGBTQ cultural competency training that was passed last year but takes effect in 2024 (See story, page 6), legislation adopted in 2022 calling for death certificates to list a decedent’s parents without referring to the parents’ gender has an enactment date to be met by next summer. Co-authored by lesbian Assemblymember Sabrina Cervantes (D-Corona) and Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda), AB 2436 requires the State Registrar to implement the changes by July 1.

The change aims to benefit LGBTQ+ parents as they navigate estate proceedings and other matters following the death of a child. It builds on a previous law pushed by Bauer-Kahan that added nonbinary as a gender option on the forms.

In a similar vein, SB 372 authored by lesbian freshman state Senator Caroline Menjivar (D-San Fernando Valley/Burbank) ensures that the public records kept by the state’s Department of Consumer Affairs don’t use the deadnames or disclose the home addresses of licensed mental health professionals. And police departments or sheriff ’s offices, when posting a suspect’s booking photo on social media, must use the name and pronouns given by the individual arrested due to AB 994 by gay freshman Assemblymember Corey A. Jackson, Ph.D., (D-Perris).

The bill does authorize using other legal names or known aliases of an individual in limited specified circumstances. It also requires the public safety agencies to remove any booking photo shared on social media after 14 days unless specified circumstances exist.

Under AB 760 authored by Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson (D-Suisun City), the California State University system and the University of California system by the 2024-25 academic year must have campus systems that are “fully capable” of allowing current students, staff, or faculty to declare an affirmed name, gender, or both name and gender identification.

Also taking effect as of January 1 is AB 223, which was authored by gay Assemblymember Chris Ward (DSan Diego). It requires any petition for a change of gender and sex identifier by a minor to be kept confidential by the court.

Speaking to the B.A.R. during a recent visit to San Francisco, Ward said the idea for the bill came from a transgender advocate in his district who had heard about trans students being outed by their classmates after finding their legal documentation posted online.

“I think it is vitally important and one meaningful step we can take to show that we are responding to the safety of, and protecting and supportive of, transgender members of our community,” said Ward, vice chair of the Legislative LGBTQ Caucus. t

T

he United States led the world in the percentage of Grindr users who describe themselves as daddies this year, according to “Grindr Unwrapped,” its year-end report released Tuesday.

Rounding out the top five are Nigeria, Australia, Venezuela, and Canada.

According to “The Joy of Gay Sex” third edition by Charles Silverstein and Felice Picano, “in the gay scene, daddies tend to have certain physical characteristics: salt-and-pepper and sometimes thinning hair; facial and chest hair; faces that show maturity.”

“We are so excited to bring Grindr Unwrapped back for another year,” stated Tristan Pineiro, Grindr’s vice president of brand marketing and communications, in a news release.

“Unwrapped is our way of celebrating our global user community and shedding some light on how, where, and what we loved in 2023. As a community we’ve always had our finger on the pulse of pop culture, and it’s always so much fun to see Grindr users’ hot takes on the year via Unwrapped.”

<<

Initiatives

From page 8

ering phase for the November 2024 ballot in California. As the B.A.R. reported, the measure backed by the Protect Kids of California Act of 2024 would ban gender-affirming care for minors, block trans women

<<

CHP response

From page 7

A spokesperson for the Alameda County Coroner’s Bureau told the B.A.R. on December 21 that yes, Summers’ next of kin was informed by the agency of his death. The spokesperson would not say who that next of kin is.

<<

Cover art

From page 1

Their children had decided to put their parents’ home up for sale.

“They wanted everything out of the house,” recalled Funke, who left a 20year legal career in Seattle a decade ago and entered the book trade.

Not for sale at the time was the Dillons’ original cover illustration art for Le Guin’s novel. (She had sent Carr a copy of the manuscript unsolicited with a letter addressed to a Ms. Carr,

<<

Courtesy Grindr

Grindr released its year-end report, “Grindr Unwrapped,” December 19.

LGBTQ laws

From page 6

His legislation is just one of several LGBTQ-related bills adopted by state lawmakers that go into effect as of January 1. A number of them are focused on LGBTQ youth and school issues, such as SB 407 by gay state Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) that requires foster care officials ensure LGBTQ children in the system are placed with foster families that will be supportive of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Under SB 760 authored by state Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton), all K-12 public schools in California must provide at least one easily accessible all-gender restroom for students “to use safely and comfortably during school hours.”

The state education department’s Fernandez noted it already has a dedicated webpage with guidance and information on all-access restrooms at http:// tinyurl.com/2p8ph7y2.

Its School Facilities and Transportation Services Division produced it to assist local education leaders as they design and add such facilities to school grounds.

Courtesy Sen. Menjivar

State Senator Caroline Menjivar’s SB 372 goes into effect January 1.

“The Department is working to provide additional guidance to meet the requirements of SB 760,” wrote Fernandez in an emailed reply earlier this month.

In a related matter, local governments as of the new year will be required to notify business license applicants that single-user restrooms must be identified as all-gender under Assembly Bill 783 authored by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco). It is aimed at ensur-

London; Paris; Mexico City; Bogotá, Colombia; and Manchester, England.

The app was most popular at 6 p.m. on Sundays.

The West Hollywood-based company also stated that the most popular tags searched were “hung,” “trans,” “bb” (for barebacking), “dom” and “feet.” On the subject of feet, Italy led the world as the country with the highest percentage of foot-lovers, with the U.S. at No. 5. (Grindr had been owned by a Chinese company but, facing pressure from the U.S. government, sold it in 2020 to California-based investor group San Vicente Acquisition LLC.) The U.S. led the world with the highest number of members of the “trans” tribe, followed by the United Kingdom, Finland, Denmark, and Norway.

Rounding out the report were the most used profile songs. Those were “WAP” by Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion; “7 rings” by Ariana Grande; “Happier Than Ever” by Billie Eilish; “Rain on Me” by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande; and “HEATED” by Beyoncé. t

<< Legals

10 • Bay Area Repor ter • December 28, 2023-January 3, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558376 In the matter of the application of KATERINA HELMN, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner KATERINA HELMN is requesting that the name KATERINA HELMN be changed to KATERINA COMING. 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 6th of FEBRUARY 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

DEC 07, 14, 21, 28, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558408 In the matter of the application of ALI ASSY, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner ALI ASSY is requesting that the name ALI ASSY be changed to ALEX ALI ALASSI. 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 MARCH 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

DEC 07, 14, 21, 28, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558409

In the matter of the application of STEPHANIE JAQUELYN LEON, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner STEPHANIE JAQUELYN LEON is requesting that the name STEPHANIE JAQUELYN LEON be changed to KITTY JACQUILYN LEON. 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 MARCH 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

DEC 07, 14, 21, 28, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558396

In the matter of the application of STEVEN PAUL MUSARRA, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner STEVEN PAUL MUSARRA is requesting that the name STEVEN PAUL MUSARRA be changed to STEFANO PAOLO MUSARRA. 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 9th of JANUARY 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

DEC 07, 14, 21, 28, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401707 The following person(s) is/are doing business as POPPY REAL ESTATE; VERSO HOMES; 1 PERCENT LISTS SOCAL; 1 VISION REAL ESTATE; AR REALTY; COAST TO COAST LIVING, 1160 BATTERY ST EAST #100, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed AGENTDESKS INCORPORATED (DE). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/01/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/24/2023.

DEC 07, 14, 21, 28, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401987

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SABOR GUATEMALTECO, 4384 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JEFFERSON GOMEZ CHAVEZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/20/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/29/2023.

DEC 07, 14, 21, 28, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401969

The following person(s) is/are doing business as EP PLUMBING SERVICES, 1285 PALOU AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ERSON PEREZ GALVEZ. 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 11/27/2023.

DEC 07, 14, 21, 28, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401980

The following person(s) is/are doing business as IF A THEN B, 3150 18TH ST #546, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110.

This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ANIA F. BRZESKI. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/03/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/28/2023.

DEC 07, 14, 21, 28, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401996 The following person(s) is/are doing business as SANA THERAPY, 2142 SUTTER ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LIZETTE GABRIELA MARTINEZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/15/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/29/2023.

DEC 07, 14, 21, 28, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401933

The following person(s) is/are doing business as PROJECT COMMOTION, 2095 HARRISON ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed PROJECT COMMOTION (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/04/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/15/2023.

DEC 07, 14, 21, 28, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401935 The following person(s) is/are doing business as NEPALESE INDIAN CUISINE, 1298 MARKET ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed USA NEPAL CORPORATION (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/15/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/15/2023.

DEC 07, 14, 21, 28, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401972

The following person(s) is/are doing business as ANAN’S DELI KITCHEN, 6900 GEARY BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed BEIJING TOKYO BISTRO LLC (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 11/27/2023.

DEC 07, 14, 21, 28, 2023

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401971

The following person(s) is/are doing business as REKNDLE, 1350 REVERE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed REKNDLE LLC (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 11/27/2023.

DEC 07, 14, 21, 28, 2023

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF BELEN PATRICIA BARRERA IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO: FILE PES-23-306603

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of BELEN PATRICIA BARRERA. A Petition for Probate has been filed by BELEN SANTOS BARRERA in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco.

The Petition for Probate requests that BELEN SANTOS BARRERA 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: JANUARY 08, 2024, 9:00 am, Rm. 204, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing.

Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined by section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code.

Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for petitioner: ANDREW K. CALVERT (SBN 283563), POGUE CALVERT LLP, 373 MERIDIAN AVE #B, SAN JOSE, CA 95126; Ph. (408) 352-5470.

DEC 14, 21, 28, 2023

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558417

In the matter of the application of ANH PHAN HO, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner ANH PHAN HO is requesting that the name ANH PHAN HO be changed to ANTHONY ANH PHAN. 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 12th of MARCH 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

DEC 14, 21, 28, 2023, JAN 04, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558401

In the matter of the application of ANATALIA DANIELLA HORDOV, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner ANATALIA DANIELLA HORDOV is requesting that the name ANATALIA DANIELLA HORDOV be changed to ANATALIA ST. CLAIR. 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 MARCH 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

DEC 14, 21, 28, 2023, JAN 04, 2024

AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558004 In the matter of the amended application of MOLLY IULIO-UFAU, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner MOLLY IULIO-UFAU is requesting that the name TESSA AUDRIANA LILLILANI LEWIS be changed to TESSA LILLILANI UFAU. 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 18th of JANUARY 2023 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

DEC 14, 21, 28, 2023, JAN 04, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401920

The following person(s) is/are doing business as APPRAISE SAN FRANCISCO, 36 THOR AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LORIN S. GEORGE. 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 11/14/2023.

DEC 14, 21, 28, 2023, JAN 04, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402019

The following person(s) is/are doing business as JEANNETTE’S, 1950 MISSION ST #701, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LEONTINE COLLINS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/06/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/04/2023.

DEC 14, 21, 28, 2023, JAN 04, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402046 The following person(s) is/are doing business as GOLDEN GATE MAINTENANCE CO, 723 23RD AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JIN HO SONG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/06/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/06/2023.

DEC 14, 21, 28, 2023, JAN 04, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402052

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MARINA AESTHETIC DENTISTRY, 2001 UNION ST #355, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SONAL R. PATEL-NOVAKOVIC. 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 12/08/2023.

DEC 14, 21, 28, 2023, JAN 04, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402057 The following person(s) is/are doing business as PARADISE RUG & CLEANING, 900 CABRILLO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MAHNDZ SHAYESTEH. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/01/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/11/2023.

DEC 14, 21, 28, 2023, JAN 04, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402013 The following person(s) is/are doing business as YAKITORI EDOMASA, 1581 WEBSTER ST #270, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed EK FOOD SERVICES, INC. (CA).

The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/13/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/04/2023.

DEC 14, 21, 28, 2023, JAN 04, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402032

The following person(s) is/are doing business as ORDINARY PSYCHIATRY, 166 GEARY ST STE 1500 #1444, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed KETETHA OLENGUE MD INCORPORATED (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/05/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/05/2023.

DEC 14, 21, 28, 2023, JAN 04, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401970 The following person(s) is/are doing business as ARCHIMEDES INTEGRAL SOLUTIONS LLC, 1145 E OZBOURN CT #E, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94130. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed X. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/05/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/27/2023.

DEC 14, 21, 28, 2023, JAN 04, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401902

The following person(s) is/are doing business as HULA HOOCH, 1868 GOLDEN GATE AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed HULA HOOCH LLC (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 11/10/2023.

DEC 14, 21, 28, 2023, JAN 04, 2024

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-0392203

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as PHILOSOPHERS CLUB, 824 ULLOA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94127. This business was conducted by a corporation and signed by PHILOSOPHERS INC (CA). The fictitious business name statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/05/2021. The abandonment of fictitious business name statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/08/2023.

DEC 14, 21, 28, 2023, JAN 04, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558091 In the matter of the application of MAURA DILLEY & DERMOT HIKISCH, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioners MAURA DILLEY & DERMOT HIKISCH are requesting that the name THADDEUS BJORN DILLEY be changed to BJORN THADDEUS DILLEY. 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 1st of FEBRUARY 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

DEC 21, 28, 2023, JAN 04, 11, 2024

AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558076 In the matter of the amended application of ANNA MARIE SCHASKER AKA NICHELE CARY KAMERER AKA ANNA MARIE CRUZ, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner ANNA MARIE SCHASKER AKA NICHELE CARY KAMERER AKA ANNA MARIE CRUZ is requesting that the name ANNA MARIE SCHASKER AKA NICHELE CARY KAMERER AKA ANNA MARIE CRUZ be changed to NICHELE CARY KAMERER. 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 1st of FEBRUARY 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

DEC 21, 28, 2023, JAN 04, 11, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558425

In the matter of the application of YI RONG MA, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner YI RONG MA is requesting that the name YI RONG MA be changed to YAT WING MA. 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 14th of MARCH 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

DEC 21, 28, 2023, JAN 04, 11, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23558431

In the matter of the application of HAZZEL ADRIANNA LEON, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner HAZZEL ADRIANNA LEON, is requesting that the name HAZZEL ADRIANNA LEON, be changed to HAZE LEGION. 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 19th of MARCH 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

DEC 21, 28, 2023, JAN 04, 11, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23558435

In the matter of the application of CHANH MALAVANH, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner CHANH MALAVANH is requesting that the name DJAI TRAN be changed to DJAI TRAN PHETSOMPHOU. 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 21st of MARCH 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

DEC 21, 28, 2023, JAN 04, 11, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23-558436

In the matter of the application of KIMBERLY ZANGER SCHEER, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner KIMBERLY ZANGER SCHEER is requesting that the name KIMBERLY ZANGER SCHEER be changed to KIMBERLY CLARE SCHEER. 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 19th of MARCH 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

DEC 21, 28, 2023, JAN 04, 11, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401959

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MS. SAN FRANCISCO LEATHER; MS SF LEATHER, 300 BAYVIEW DR, OAKLEY, CA 94561. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed NADEDJA CASSELBERRY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/21/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/21/2023.

DEC 21, 28, 2023, JAN 04, 11, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as SAMMY’S CAFE, 1416 BUSH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ABDULHAMMID ALBADANI. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/18/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/18/2023.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402065

The following person(s) is/are doing business as C.A.S.E. “CARING ABOUT SECURING THE ENVIRONMENT”, 1050 POST ST #42, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed “CARING ABOUT SECURING THE ENVIRONMENT” (CA).

The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/12/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/12/2023.

DEC 21, 28, 2023, JAN 04, 11, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402081

The following person(s) is/are doing business as ANCHOR REALTY, 2120 MARKET ST #105, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed ANCHOR REALTY, INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/12/1995. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/14/2023.

DEC 21, 28, 2023, JAN 04, 11, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402059

The following person(s) is/are doing business as KEEPINGITCLEANISWHATIMEAN; KEEPING IT CLEAN IS WHAT I MEAN, 3739 BALBOA ST #1024, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed KEEPINGITCLEANISWHATIMEAN LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/01/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/11/2023.

DEC 21, 28, 2023, JAN 04, 11, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402084

The following person(s) is/are doing business as HAUTE DOUGH; AM EVENTS, 1300 EVANS AVE UNIT 882471, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94188. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed AM EVENTS LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/01/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/14/2023.

DEC 21, 28, 2023, JAN 04, 11, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402010 The following person(s) is/are doing business as LEISURE PREMIUM, 821 FOLSOM ST #107, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed ZAVI SOLUTIONS LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/01/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/01/2023.

DEC 21, 28, 2023, JAN 04, 11, 2024

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF JOHN JOSEPH MONTGOMERY IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO: FILE PES-23-306814

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of JOHN JOSEPH MONTGOMERY. A Petition for Probate has been filed by MELISSA MARIE PEREZ in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. The Petition for Probate requests that MELISSA MARIE PEREZ 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: JANUARY 20, 2024, 9:00 am, Rm. 204, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined by section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor.

You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for petitioner: CODI M. DADA (SBN 288909), LAW OFFICE OF CODI M. DADA, 802 GRANT AVE, NOVATO, CA 94945; Ph. (415) 827-1425.

DEC 28, 2023, JAN 04, 11, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23558441

In the matter of the application of MARIA DOLORES LOPEZ, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner MARIA DOLORES LOPEZ is requesting that the name MARIA DOLORES LOPEZ AKA MARIA GOMEZ AKA MARIA DOLORES GOMEZ PERAZA be changed to MARIA DOLORES GOMEZ LOPEZ. 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 MARCH 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

DEC 28, 2023, JAN 04, 11, 18, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23558448

In the matter of the application of TALIA RACHEL SIRKIS, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner TALIA RACHEL SIRKIS is requesting that the name TALIA RACHEL SIRKIS be changed to TALIA RACHEL DUKOR. 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 MARCH 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

DEC 21, 28, 2023, JAN 04, 11, 2024

DEC 28, 2023, JAN 04, 11, 18, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402088

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23558442

The following person(s) is/are doing business as QUEEN CALIFIA’S CRYPTO CAFE, 353 SOUTH VAN NESS AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed PRICE P. COBBS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/14/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/14/2023.

DEC 21, 28, 2023, JAN 04, 11, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0401837

The following person(s) is/are doing business as WINGATE STRATEGIES, 3025 CABRILLO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MEREDITH WINGATE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/01/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/07/2023.

DEC 21, 28, 2023, JAN 04, 11, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402012

The following person(s) is/are doing business as TRAVEL TICKER, 114 SANSOME ST #400, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed HOTWIRE, INC. (DE). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/28/2006. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/04/2023.

DEC 21, 28, 2023, JAN 04, 11, 2024

In the matter of the application of FLOR BERMUDEZ, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner FLOR BERMUDEZ is requesting that the name FLOR BERMUDEZ AKA FLOR ADRIANA BERMUDEZ HERRERA AKA FLOR A. BERMUDEZ HERRERA be changed to FLOR MARQUEZ. 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 MARCH 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

DEC 28, 2023, JAN 04, 11, 18, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23558449

In the matter of the application of STEPHANIE ORGE, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner STEPHANIE ORGE is requesting that the name MARIAH GEORGETTE NAVARRO be changed to MARIAH MARIE NAVARRO. 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 MARCH 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

DEC 28, 2023, JAN 04, 11, 18, 2024

t

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23558446

In the matter of the application of CONCEPCION OCASIO, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner CONCEPCION OCASIO is requesting that the name CONCEPCION OCASIO be changed to CONCEPCION HERRERA. 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 MARCH 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

DEC 28, 2023, JAN 04, 11, 18, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402118

The following person(s) is/are doing business as COACHING AUTHENTICITY, 584 CASTRO ST #509, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed KASHI WHITTEN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/09/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/19/2023.

DEC 28, 2023, JAN 04, 11, 18, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402001 The following person(s) is/are doing business as CATO CREATIONS, 515 GOETTINGEN ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed NANCY CATO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/01/2022. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/30/2023.

DEC 28, 2023, JAN 04, 11, 18, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402058 The following person(s) is/are doing business as KYANI DEVAREU HARRIS, 1907 ARMSTRONG AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed KYANI DEVAREU HARRIS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/11/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/11/2023.

DEC 28, 2023, JAN 04, 11, 18, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402126

The following person(s) is/are doing business as 1890 BROADWAY STREET BUILDING, 1890 BROADWAY, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed EPP I, LLC (DE) & EPP II, LLC (DE). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/01/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/21/2023.

DEC 28, 2023, JAN 04, 11, 18, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402127

The following person(s) is/are doing business as 3401 CLAY STREET JOINT VENTURE; 3401 CLAY STREET BUILDING, 3401 CLAY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed EPP I, LLC (DE), EPP II, LLC (DE) & I. EPP & SONS, INC. (DE). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/01/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/21/2023.

DEC 28, 2023, JAN 04, 11, 18, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402122

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SF SKINCARE.COM; PACIFIC HEIGHTS SKIN CARE, 2000 VAN NESS AVE #307, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SHARI’S WORLD INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/01/2007. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/21/2023.

DEC 28, 2023, JAN 04, 11, 18, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402024

The following person(s) is/are doing business as RAPTI LIQUOR AND GROCERY STORE, 330 5TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed RAPTI LIQUOR STORE LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/01/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/05/2023.

DEC 28, 2023, JAN 04, 11, 18, 2024

Classifieds Jobs Offered>>

Judicial Law Clerk Warren Law Firm, San Francisco, CA. Perform legal drafting and research. $72,675.00/yr.

Applicants to send resumes to: Suyapa Lainez to support@warrenlawfirm.net

Hauling>> Hauling 24/7

(415) 441-1054 Large Truck

Tech Support >> MACINTOSH HELP 30+ YEARS EXPERIENCE SFMacMan.com

RICK

415.821.1792

Cowboy: Jim Gladstone

Reinventing queer Las Vegas Blue Jackson at the Venetian, downtown Las Vegas, Kylie Minogue at The Venetian

F

or two to four nights a month, from now through May, the Venetian Hotel’s Voltaire nightclub may be the gayest place in Las Vegas. That’s where Kylie Minogue has been the showgirl in residence since November.

The room holds 1,000. That’s assuming you can get a ticket to the largely sold-out shows.

Elsewhere at the Venetian, Cowboy Blue Jackson sings about analingus five nights a week in the queer-friendly Atomic Saloon show.

But if Blue sounds too, well, blue for you, and you can’t spare the $1000 bucks it can cost for

admission and drinks at Kylie’s show, you can still have a great gay adventure in Vegas this winter. Just step off the Strip and discover Sin City’s emerging queer downtown.

Discovery amidst decay

Early last month, I went wandering through an area of Las Vegas I’d never visited before. Just north of the Strip, the vibe takes an abrupt shift from glitter to rubble, from gleaming contemporary crass to what mid-century modern might have looked like after being excavated on the Planet of the Apes.

An edgy aura emanates from the blocks surrounding the two-mile stretch of Las Vegas Boule-

vard between the Strat casino tower and the downtown Fremont Experience, a streetscape of ratchet motor lodges, plasma donation centers, pawnbrokers, pot dispensaries, and adult toy emporiums right next door to wedding chapels (many of which now promote same-sex ceremonies).

It feels safe to walk here in the bright desert daylight, so long as you don’t feel undone by the occasional schizophrenic soliloquy or ragtag jaywalking wraith.

Given the environs, I was surprised to come upon a sleek glass box at the intersection of Sixth Street and Bonneville Avenue. The Writers’ Block is described as “a book shop, coffee shop, young writers’ workshop and artificial bird sanctuary” by

its married owners, Drew Cohen and Scott Seeley.

This spectacular and utterly unexpected 3,800-square-foot literary wonderland is festooned, as promised, with plush avian decoration and features more than 18,000 artfully displayed titles in a labyrinth of cozy showrooms. A prominent display of LGBTQ titles featured a sign promoting the shop’s “Queer as Book” club.

I approached the young woman at the register, which is tucked into a giant architectural birdcage, in a mild state of shock.

“What’s going on here?” I half-joked. “I thought I was in the middle of a wasteland!”

See page 12 >>

Give it a whirl

by Brian Bromberger

Then the audience is thrown back to Bernstein’s seminal career break when in 1943 at age 25, he receives a phone call summoning him to substitute for the ailing Philharmonic conductor Bruno Walther, with no rehearsals.

Bernstein triumphs, with the New York Times announcing the new national sensation on its front page. He has arrived, but we sense trouble because he was in bed with another man, his lover/roommate clarinetist David Oppenheim (Matt Bomer) when he got that message.

Bernstein, through his salty sister Shirley (Sarah Silverman), meets Felicia (Carey Mulligan) at a party and it’s love at first sight for both of them. She’s beginning a successful career on Broadway and television, which she will put on hold, after she marries him in 1951. There’s a delightful courting scene when Bernstein stages a number from his musical “On the Town,” and Felicia imagines him as one of the sailors on leave dancing a sensual solo.

They become friends first, with Felicia recognizing his flaws (his selfishness, workaholism, depression) and when she “proposes” to him, she says, “I know exactly who you are, let’s give it a whirl.”

Bernstein hastily ends his relationship with David, knowing that if he wants to succeed, it will be hard enough as a Jew and impossible as a gay man. Years later he will encounter David and his new wife on the street, saying to their newborn, “I slept with both of your parents.”

L

Bradley Cooper’s biopic of conductor Leonard Bernstein

Netflix

‘Maestro’

eonard Bernstein (1918-1990) was the first great American orchestra conductor, leading the New York Philharmonic, to international acclaim. He composed music for symphonies, choral works, Broadway (most notably “West Side Story” and “On the Town”), ballet, and films (“On the Waterfront”). He also was renowned for his engaging enthusiastic “Young People’s Concerts” on television from the late 1950s to early ’70s, educating youth on classical music, introducing it to mainstream culture. He was a superstar of fine arts, who happened to be gay and/or bisexual, depending on who you ask.

For his second directorial effort following the success of “A Star Is Born,” actor Bradley Cooper zeroes in on the larger-than-life Bernstein refracted through the prism of his tumultuous marriage to Chilean actress Felicia Montealegre in “Maestro,” now streaming on Netflix. The strongest critique of this elegant film is that it defines Bernstein more by his fluid sexuality, even though he states he was most fully alive when he was creating music, relegated to the soundtrack rather than as a source of artistic inspiration.

The first half of the movie feels like we are eavesdropping into personal conversations between the characters, a visual scrapbook of memories hazily recalled, an impressionistic view of Bernstein.

At the end of his life, Bernstein (Bradley Cooper) is being interviewed, stating how much he misses Felicia, who died of cancer in 1978. He recalls her saying to him, “If nothing sings in you, you cannot make music,” and while this creative impulse isn’t as strong as it once was, it still exists within his soul.

SP EC IA

L IS SU E

- C A LI FO

RN IA PR

See page 12 >>

ID E!

05 11 Assemb

ly race hits

Castro

Senior hou

The

sing upd

ate

ARTS

by Jim Gladstone

15

Lena Hal

l

2021 • May 27, No. 673 agazine.com outwordm

Since 1971 www.eba r.com

Chick lA opens -fi n r SF city liea ne

by Matthew

L

Hall: Todrick to Oz in g Returnina County Sonom

REACH CALIFORNIA’S LARGEST LGBTQ AUDIENCE. ns on Expressio tice Social Jus page 2

LA Pride s Announce nts Eve In-Person 4 page

& Pronouns “PRIDE, gress” Pro page 15

page 34

Serving

S. Bajko

the lesbian,

gay, bise xual, tran

Tenan Ellis Actst fight ‘devastati evictions ng’ sgender,

and queer

commun

ities sinc

e 1971

ong revile d by bers, chick LGBTQ community en sandwich memfil-A is purveyor Chicktion mere opening its newest Bay minu city line. Perch tes away from San Area locaCity, the chain ed above Interstate Francisco’s 280 ’s distin ctive red signa in Daly to miss by drivers head ge is hard ternationa l Airport, ed to San Francisco Silicon Valle InMateo coast y, or the San .

The Chick doors Nove -fil-A Serramonte Cent mber 18 at er opens its Callan Boul 6 evard outsi Serramonte Center on It is across de of the shop the Macy’s and parking lot from the ping mall. brings the entrance to locations num ber Larry Kues of in ter, left, the company,the Bay Area to 21, Chick-fil-A Mooney, Lynn Niels according all to opens Thur as another East Bay supporter residents at 3661 en, and Paul sday. location also s 19th Stre Susanna Choe 15 protest outside their hom et, talk to e during about their with her husb , the mother of a November pending three child Ellis Act ren of the new and, Philip, is the evictions. local opera Peninsula tor drive outsi location a

by John Ferr de of San two-minute Franc statem ann isco. ini ent to the e Pride Bay Area Repo In an emailed Celebrat tflix rter, she invite aul Mooney, building on d With Ne LGBTQ aparta resident of a majo was served November 16 when ritywith he ment 25 See e page build Miss pag “A process an eviction notice. himself ing next ion 12 >> to community Dolores Park, was tenants and server came to the rallying the against a rally to catch serve them plan to evict Bay Area ,” Mooney, his entire Reporter 51, told the the follow anoth for er tenant sic was also serve ing day, saying Queer Mu d at that time.

Pride

er TransgendDoubleary Courtesy the The Bay publications Documentader Area and the Wash Reporter, Tagg He page 35

No. 46 • Nov

ember 18-2

4, 2021

CALL 415-829-8937 P

page 26

Vol. 51 •

magazin e, the six LGB ington Blade are new colla TQ publications three of involved borative in a funded by Google.

B.A.R.

“I’ve lost so much sleep ter thinking wher worr ying abou leave. I love e I might go. I don’t t it and this want to Yet Mooney city.” might have to leave if the efforts See page 12 >>

Report fl ags housi Castro, nei n ghboring g issues in commun ities

Rick Gerhar

<< Travel & Film

12 • Bay Area Repor ter • December 28, 2023-January 3, 2024

ed, will be open year-round, a major counterpoint to many more massive Strip resorts.

Native knowledge

Jim Gladstone

The Writers’ Block bookstore

<<

Las Vegas

From page 11

“You are,” she cracked back, light glinting off her nostril piercing. “But we’re here, too!”

Queer pioneers

Cohen and Seeley are not the only queer pioneers helping bring new life to the quirky, emerging patch of Las Vegas situated between the casinodriven hubs of the Strip and Fremont Street.

Just last month, Mark Hunter and Greg Kafka, who formerly owned Escape Resort Palm Springs, opened Bent Inn & Pub, Las Vegas’ only hotel specifically targeted to queer clientele.

Located in a less edgy part of downtown just a ten-minute walk from Fremont Street, the Bent complex includes a restored-from-the-studs 33-room motel; a large outdoor patio area with a pool and 20-man hot tub; and a brand new building that serves as a reception area, pub and cocktail lounge which, in just the several weeks since opening, has become a magnetic gathering place for the local queer community.

The lounge, like the guest rooms, is decorated with colorful artwork inspired by the covers of gay pulp fiction

from the 1950s. On a recent night, in addition to overnight guests from the Bay Area, Colorado, and southern California, I met several locals at the lounge who noted that, while Las Vegas has always had its share of divey gay bars and late night queer dance clubs, the Bent Inn was addressing a previously unmet need for residents and visitors.

“You can actually come here with friends to sit and talk,” said Sean Stuart, a sales representative and sometime burlesque performer. “The music is at a volume where you can hear each other speak, and there’s enough light to see each other, too. It’s not just about either dancing or standing in a small packed space drinking.”

Beginning in early January, chef Julianna Mendel, a proud transwoman, and her team will serve fresh-cooked snacks and casual meals in the lounge and poolside.

“We wanted to offer something completely different than any place else in Las Vegas,” said co-owner Hunter. “Our hope is to offer an experience similar to what you find at gay resorts in Palm Springs: a place where guests can hang out, relax, socialize and get to know each other.”

Taking another cue from Palm Springs, Bent Inn’s pool, which is heat-

Though Hunter and Kafka are longtime hospitality pros, they knew that as recent Las Vegas transplants they’d need an in-house expert on all things local. That led them to hire lifelong resident Will Glenn as general manager. When guests are looking for a late night queer club scene, Glenn will surely let them know that in addition to the famous Strip-side “Fruit Loop” dance parties at Piranha and Freezone, there’s a major new gay venue making a mark downtown.

Operated by veteran Vegas event promoter Eduardo Cordova, founder of the Luxor Hotel’s long-running Temptation Sundays gay pool party, Queen currently open Wednesdays through Sundays (with plans to operate all week later in 2024).

In a front lounge, a giant disco ball serves as the DJ booth. Round booths and banquettes are crowded with revelers at weekend drag brunches that draw top talent from around the country.

These are rowdy queer affairs, without the bachelorette party vibe found at many drag events on the Strip.

s e t a r i P Porch

steal your holiday joy...

479 Castro Street, San Francisco, CA 94114

www.cliffsvariety.com

Setting a new scene

In 2019, Cordova helped establish The Garden, another downtown LGBTQ gathering place. While he’s no longer associated with that business, it continues to thrive, helping to build the critical mass that many in the queer community hope will eventually help turn downtown into Las Vegas’ first genuine mixed-use gayborhood.

With Bent Inn, Queen and the Garden, gay entrepreneurial energy is helping to pick up the long vaunted redevelopment of downtown Las Vegas initiated by the late Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh.

While not officially LGBTQ-focused, there’s a major queer presence and urbane DIY vibe at spots like the Downtown Container Park, an architectural amalgam of shipping containers transformed into cafés, restaurants and small makers’ boutiques; and the nearby Arts District’s galleries, studios, micro-breweries and speakeasies.

At Ferguson’s, just around the corner the Bent Inn, the Big Rig Jig – a sculpture made of two entangled 18-wheel trucks which was first displayed at Burning Man – welcomes visitors to this former motel, whose grounds have been transformed into a surprising oasis featuring a pocket park, small concert amphitheater, the funky Mothership Coffeehouse, and a collection of eccentric, crafty retail shops.

Perhaps, suggested one of the enthusiastic gay employees at the Bent Inn, who consider the resort as providing them with a mission as well as a job, Zappos could sponsor a high-heel road race to benefit the nearby LGBTQ community center.

Downtown’s growing gay scene is helping keep Hsieh’s vision up and running, and helping queer Las Vegas sprint away from the Strip.t Bent Inn & Pub: bentinn.com Queen: queenlv.com Writer’s Block: thewritersblock.org Downtown Container Park: downtowncontainerpark.com Arts District: dtlvarts.com Ferguson’s: fergusonsdowntown.com

Left: Bent Inn & Pub Right: Queen nightclub

<<

Don’t let

By midnight, a mirrored and illuminated tunnel opens into an enormous rear club room with a walloping sound and light system and the ability to be configured as both a seated showplace and a massive circuit partystyle dance party.

t

Maestro

From page 11

Desultory gay

The film hints that in his last 12 years after Felicia’s death, Bernstein finally accepted his homosexuality, gingerly creeping out of his closet, even sleeping with his students while guest-conducting the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood.

His daughter Jamie (Maya Hawke), had earlier finished an internship at Tanglewood and heard gossip about his homosexuality. Felicia wants him to deny those rumors. One of the heartrending scenes is Bernstein lying to her, saying the source of such untruths is jealousy over his talent.

We witness the hurt it causes him to shield Jamie from the truth.

The movie purports to delve into Bernstein’s gay affairs, but the result is desultory and fleeting. David Oppenheim was supposedly Bernstein’s early great love, yet we are told nothing of their relationship or anything about him or his inner life, except that he plays the clarinet. Bomer is on screen for six minutes.

Even less is said of his other later major male partner, Tom Cothran (Gideon Glick), music director at KKHI, a classical radio station in San Francisco.

Cothran stayed in Bernstein’s Connecticut home while he was separated from Felicia. Homosexuality is mentioned fleetingly with no erotic component, the exception being Bernstein rubbing David’s feet briefly.

The film makes clear that his conflict over sexual identity is at the core of Bernstein’s life yet never reveals how it impacted him personally (outside of it leading to an unorthodox marriage), despite playing a vital role in his life or professionally as a creative artist. One gets the sense that to have said more would have shifted the film’s focus away from his marriage.

Musical omissions

The film’s other major deficit is that while creating music was Bernstein’s greatest source of satisfaction, you might not deduce that from the film, which strangely relegates his vast musical accomplishments as lists uttered by interviewers rather than showing the audience why music was so vital to his existence.

No context or history is given to his music even when there are a few scenes devoted to his art. His creative genius is never explored, nor are we given any clues about what inspired him to make music. Did his messy private life play a role in his artistic endeavors?

Nor are we given any hints why Bernstein was such a crucial figure in mid-century American culture as classical music’s pop star celebrity.

His intense interest in the Civil Rights movement or as an anti-war activist, famously parodied by Tom Wolfe in a New York Times article, “Radical Chic” (famous luminaries mixing with Black revolutionaries in a lavish apartment seemed absurd) is never even mentioned. While we appreciate Cooper’s slant on Bernstein’s unusual marriage, it comes at the cost of superseding his art, which made that marriage possible.

On the plus side, the production design of this movie is exquisite, comprehensively detailed, and visually sumptuous. Devotion to historical detail is paramount. And why shouldn’t it be, with Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg, as executive producers. The hairstylists and makeup artists are Oscar-worthy, with Leonard and Felicia convincingly aging through decades.

Cooper is the spitting image of Bernstein, both young and especially older. A hullabaloo developed over the prosthetic nose worn by Cooper, accusing him of anti-Semitism; a Jew-

ish character with a stereotypical big nose. That was thoroughly rejected by Bernstein’s children who supported Cooper’s attempt at a facial proximity to ground his performance. It is the most famous film schnoz since Nicole Kidman wore one as Virginia Woolf in “The Hours.”

The real strength of “Maestro” are the two glorious lead performances, both guaranteed to be nominated for Oscars. Cooper conveys a Bernstein who stole all the oxygen once he entered a room. Some have felt his interpretation is showboaty, bigger-thanlife, but this is an accurate flamboyant portrayal, since Bernstein couldn’t stand to be alone and wanted to be loved by everyone. Cooper (also a coscreenwriter) is willing to illustrate his ignoble qualities.

Cooper’s tour de force is the triumphant reenactment of Bernstein’s extraordinary 1973 conducting of Mahler’s Second Symphony (Resurrection) at Britain’s Ely Cathedral with all the exuberance, sweaty arms, facial, and body movements, plus precision.

Mulligan both matches and even surpasses him. The film is really her journey arc. She’s initially gung ho in her union with Bernstein, but gradually after her long-suffering comes to realize the Faustian bargain she’s made. She’s forced to play house and feels belittled and ignored compared to Bernstein’s male conquests.

Audiences will gain an appreciation of Bernstein’s stage presence and charisma. If only we could have seen more of his genius in action. It’s well worth watching with some dazzling moments, despite not living up to its full potential as the incandescent symphony it could have been.t

Read the full review on www.ebar.com. www.netflix.com

t

Music>>

December 28, 2023-January 3, 2024 • Bay Area Repor ter • 13

New discs reconfigure French music classics

by Tim Pfaff

A

t least since the era of the LP, classical music buffs have argued about “perfect” opera recordings. The only agreement has been on the 1953 studio “Tosca” with Maria Callas. And now, with the dominance of live opera recordings in several formats, the ground has been shifting. It can be a tiresome game, this perfect-recording business. But then when a new one comes along, the old excitement comes back.

Reorientation

Leo Delibes’ “Lakme” has long been regarded as a star vehicle for coloratura sopranos, a high-water mark in the otherwise dubious aesthetic of orientalism, and a piece more pretty than beautiful. In its recent return to Paris’s Opera Comique (Naxos DVD), where the opera had its premiere in 1883, everything old became new.

Soprano Sabine Devieilhe, who has made the title character a calling card for the better part of a decade, gives her finest performance to date. The role contains some of the great bonbons of opera –the “Flower Duet,” of airlinereservations acclaim, and the “Bell Song,” the work’s vocal showpiece.

Devieilhe doesn’t just nail the tortuous coloratura, she gives a deeply moving performance of music often appreciated –and dismissed– as decorative. But whereas the drama in “Lakme” has previously focused on whether the exponent of the title role can sing the “Bell Song” accurately and survive, Devieilhe renders the piece as the opera’s dramatic core, an acknowledgement of the character’s personal enslavement but with more than a high note of defiance.

She’s heart-rending throughout but almost unbearably so in the final act, where she shades every turn of the sinewy, chromatic music with the ache of first, and then lost, love. Matching her in ardor and command of the vocal high range is French tenor Frederic Anton as Gerald, the British soldier in imperial India who loses the war for military honor by winning the heart of the priestess Lakme.

The cast is uniformly fine, but particularly Stephane Degout as Lakme’s father and earthly lord, Nilakanta (there’s more than a dash of “Rigoletto” here), carves his character’s unyielding hand but ultimately broken heart out of one of the most splendid dramatic baritone on the stage today. Raphael Pichon, leading his ensemble Pygmalion, shows what a masterful score “Lakme” –posed between Wagner and Debussy– can be in the right hands.

plumb greater depths than many of the composer’s other orchestral works.

The sun-chariot ride in “Phaeton” has the urgency of Schubert’s “Erlkönig.” “La Jeunesse d’Hercule” (“Hercules’s Youth”) upends the expectation of heroic strength with music of great delicacy and the arrays of instrumental color that are a Roth specialty.

“Le rouet d’Omphale” (“The Wheel of Omphale”) emerges as peppy as Francois-marie Drieux’s violin wizardry in “Danse macabre.”

Soprano Veronique Gens’s searing account of Francois Poulenc’s solo-soprano monologue “La Voix humaine,” a great singer at peak power in a scorchingly dramatic piece, is a catalog upender and one of the finest recordings of the year. Les Siecles, here under Mathieu Romano, underwrites Poulenc’s “Stabat Mater” (Aparte), similarly giving the work a fresh coat of paint.

King Rousset

The indefatigable Christophe Rousset, maestro of Les Talens Lyrique, the brilliant band of “original instrumen-

talists” that just celebrated its remarkable 30th anniversary, rounded out its singular, ear-changing, ever-insightful survey of the operas of Jean-Baptiste Lully, royal composer of Louis XIV and one of the most colorful gay figures among opera composers. The surpassingly gorgeous “Therese” (Aparte) and the must-hear “Psyche” (Chateau Versailles) will convince any remaining doubters that Lully wrote music for the ages as much as for the French court.

In another win for music brought about by the shutdown accompanying Covid-19, Rousset as solo harpsichordist, the guise in which he introduced himself to an astounded public, recorded Bach’s “Die Kunst der Fuge” (“The Art of Fugue”) (Aparte). It’s a work of such exalted status in the canon (no pun intended) that musicians of many stripes have gravitated to it, while commentators have questioned whether it should be performed at all.

Rousset gives a decisive yes.

Gaetan Naulleau’s insightful notes explore the history and the mystery of the work, but the penetrating mind

powering this interpretation is Rousset’s.

Playing an instrument of Bach’s time but anonymous maker (from a private collection; Rousset has access to the finest old instruments in the world), Rousset traces the fugues’ elaborate counterpoint with incomparable transparency.

Music that can be forbidding from others is, here, as inviting as it is formidable.

This is a recording as inexhaustible as the work it addresses, head on.

Fan de Les Siecles

While we’re in the neighborhood (France, that is), two other recordings are as spellbinding as they are mindaltering. Pianist Bertrand Chamayou new disc (Warner) pairs the hypnotic music of Eric Satie with music by John Cage it strongly influenced. Chamyou recently commented how hard it is to play music as seemingly simple as this, but all the listener gets here is transcendence.

Cedric Tiberghien’s two-disc “Variations” (Harmonia Mundi, volume 2) takes another plunge into the piano variations of Beethoven. On this disc

he plays the 32 C-Minor Variations, WoO 80, that listeners can never get too much of, particularly given how seldom these winning variations are heard in recital. Other variations included here are by Cage, Bach, Morton Feldman, George Crumb, and Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck.

Ravel (“L’Heure espagnole” and “Bolero”) gets luxury treatment by Roth and Les Siecles (Harmonia Mundi). Tiberghien joins Roth for the two piano concertos, played on an 1892 Pleyel, and a scrumptious selection of songs delivered with love by Degout.t Leo Delibes, “Lakme,” soprano Sabine Devieilhe, Raphael Pichon conducting Pygmalion, Naxos, 2 DVDs. www.naxos.com Camille Saint-Saens, “Symphonic Poems, Les Siecles,” FrancoisXavier Roth, Harmonia Mundi, 2 CDs and streaming. www.harmonia mundi.com Francis Poulenc, “Stabat Mater, Les Siecles,” Mathieu Roman, conductor (Aparte, CD and streaming, www.aparte.com La Voix humaine, “Veronique Gens,” National Orchestra of Lille, Alexandre Bloch, conductor, Alpha, CD and streaming, www.alphamusic-bandcamp.com J.S. Bach, “Die Kunst der Fuge,” Christophe Rousset, harpsichord, Aparte, CD and streaming), www.aparte.com

A carnival of animation

Francois-Xavier Roth, whose historically informed performance ensemble, Les Sieceles, is currently knocking Europe out in repertoire ranging from Mozart to Ligeti, again turns his attention to the music of Camille Saint-Saens, in “Symphonic Poems” (Harmonia Mundi). “The Carnival of the Animals,” arguably the composer’s most popular work, takes up most of the second disc. Roth’s puts the innumerable previous recordings out to pasture, so to speak.

This is a true carnival with vivid musical impersonations of the animals. Adding further animation to the proceedings is the charming “Pianistes,” performed by Jean Sugitani and Micheal Ertzcheid playing a 1928 Playel “double piano,” two facing keyboards on the same instrument. This handily takes the “original-instruments” sweepstakes of the year.

But the meat (sorry, animals) of the new release is the first disc’s assembly of orchestral tone poems, only one of which, the “Bacchanale” from the opera “Samson et Dalila,” is familiar.

Les Siecles leaves you wondering why we don’t hear these pieces in concert – ever, if not regularly. Saint-Saens’s music always “sells,” and these pieces

This resource is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library in partnership with the California Department of Social Services and the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs as part of the Stop the Hate program. To report a hate incident or hate crime and get support, go to https://www.cavshate.org/.

<< TV

14 • Bay Area Repor ter • December 28, 2023-January 3, 2024

The Lavender Tube’s year in review

by Victoria A. Brownworth

I

Personals Massage>> EDUARDO

9” Express massage in tension level and happy ending without pain.

Text me 628-219-3747

2021), Braugher re-imagined Black men on TV. He won two Primetime Emmy Awards and was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards. Braugher, a very straight man IRL–inhabited Ray Holt, one of the few Black queer men on TV on “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.” The Juilliardtrained actor, who regularly performed on stage as well as screen and won an Obie Award for performing Shakespeare in the Park, said in 2020 to Variety of his portrayal of Ray, “Everything’s new. I’d never done it before. Am I any good? I couldn’t really judge.”

Bursts of light

Amidst the many dark sadnesses of this year there were bursts of light. It was a pretty good year for queer TV and there were shows that absolutely stand as among the best representations of our lives to hit the small screen.

“General Hospital,” which is listed in Guinness World Records as the longest-running American soap opera in production, and the second in American history after “Guiding Light,” won a total of seven Emmys, taking home the award for best daytime drama series.

“General Hospital” also debuted two

Let’s talk cannabis.

CASTRO • MARINA • SOMA C10-0000523-LIC; C10-0000522-LIC; C10-0000515-LIC

queer story lines. Latinx singer Allison Rogers Ramirez, who’s known as Blaze (Jacqueline Grace Lopez) and Kristina Corinthos-Davis (Emmy-winner Kate Mansi) kissed last week, after flirting with each other for some time.

The duo has major chemistry, but while Kristina has been out to her family since 2016 when she had the affair with Parker (Ashley Jones) and is building an LGBTQ community center with her family’s money, Blaze is still totally closeted. So conflict is on the horizon.

The second gay reveal was 14-year-old Aiden Spencer (Enzo De Angelis) telling his mom Elizabeth Webber (Rebecca Herbst) about his crush on Tobias while they are baking Christmas cookies and she asks him if there’s a girl. Elizabeth, being The Best Mom Ever, tells him that’s wonderful and he immediately hugs her. Bravo to “General Hospital” for modeling how to love your queer kids unconditionally.

Hawk & Skippy and more

There were many series that should be on any best of lists for 2023, but queer-themed series routinely get forgotten as straight critics compile their lists.

Top on ours for 2023 is the luminous “Fellow Travelers” which has riveted us with its compelling storyline and extraordinary performances by Matt Bomer as Hawkins “Hawk” Fuller and Jonathan Bailey as Tim “Skippy” Laughlin, two gay men who meet and fall deeply, irrevocably in love at the height of the Lavender Scare in McCarthy-era 1950s America.

“Fellow Travelers” is unquestionably the best LGBTQ series of the year and one that will stay with you for a long time for the aching verisimilitude and steamy sex that it brings to the screen. It’s an amazing series you must see.

One of the most provocative series of 2023 was “The 1619 Project.” The Hulu series is an on-screen adaptation and expansion of Nikole HannahJones’s 2019 Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times series, which has since also included her best-selling book, a podcast and controversial school curriculum which has been targeted by the right for its Critical Race Theory as making white people uncomfortable about slavery.

We’re still thinking about the dystopian thriller, “The Last of Us.” We pretty much hate dystopian dramas and fantasy series, but we know other people enjoy them.

As a consequence, no one was more surprised than we were that “The Last of Us” is one of our fave shows of the year. It has breadth, depth and keenly nuanced performances by the extraordinary cast that includes non-binary actor Bella Ramsey as the 14-year-old Ellie, Pedro Pascal as Joel, a smuggler tasked with escorting Ellie out of a quarantine zone and across a post-apocalyptic United States and two bearded 50somethings, Bill (Nick Offerman) and Frank (Murray Bartlett), a pair of survivalists living in an isolated town who are beautifully, provocatively in love.

Killing it

“A Murder at the End of the World” took us by surprise as one of our best of the year picks. But again, with a riveting script, astonishingly nuanced performances included lead and nonbinary actor Emma Corrin, who’s also on our list for this season of “The Crown,” in which they play every gay person’s fave, Princess Diana, absolutely flawlessly.

In “A Murder at the End of the World,” Corrin plays Darby Hart, an amateur detective, and they are absolutely stunning. A queer-laced psychological thriller set in the icy whiteness of Iceland and Utah, this is a series that is all about how we see ourselves in the world. It’s brilliant.

Other series that make our best of 2023 list are, “Interview with the Vampire,” not the least of which for its wildly overt sexuality, hyper erotic sex scenes and gorgeous fin de siecle sets. The fantastic dramedy “Our Flag Means Death.” The British young adult series “Heartstopper” that jettisoned

Read the full column, with trailers, on www.ebar.com.

Hulu

We note several key passings in this column in 2023, among them Norman Lear, Paul Reubens and Matthew Perry. And last week the great Andre Braugher died. His death at only 61 after a brief battle with lung cancer shocked us.

Braugher was always on our screen.

From his iconic portrayal of Detective Frank Pembleton in the NBC police drama series “Homicide: Life on the Street” (1993–1999) to his longestrunning role as Captain Raymond Holt in the Fox/NBC police comedy series “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” (2013–

Victoria A. Brownworth

ABC

In memoriam

NBC

Left: The late Andre Braugher in ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ Right: The late Madelaine Gold with Victoria A. Brownworth

ABC

n so many ways 2023 was an abjectly terrible year for Americans in general and LGBTQ people in specific. Not gonna lie, as the kids say, we are glad to see the final days of 2023 dwindling down. For us personally, it was one of the worst years of our life, spent in deep mourning for the love of our life, Madelaine Gold, our wife of 23 years, who died suddenly after a too-short, but oh-so-valiant battle with cancer.

We start with her because she so often found TV shows or items for us to report on and called herself “cub reporter.” She was in fact a design professor and award-winning painter and sculptor. She helped direct this column in many ways for 23 of the years we’ve been writing it.

us back to school, where we first met our wife-to-be.

The acid-wit mystery series “Only Murders in the Building” which is so good, and which showcases Selena Gomez as a lesbian sleuth, and Steve Martin as her unlikely foil, makes us forget how much we can’t stand Martin Short, who is gratingly good as the third member of this detecting trio.

“Grantchester” reminded us of how PBS/BBC does the best period pieces and that gay people like Leonard and Daniel didn’t just arrive on scene in our current post-Stonewall world.

“Ted Lasso” told us repeatedly that the world wasn’t as bad as we’d been told. “White Lotus” made us laugh and want Jennifer Coolidge in everything.

“The Other Black Girl” and “Kindred” make our list for how Black women – especially Black queer women – get gaslighted in this society and how finally we are getting to see those stories, which have been hidden from history for, well, ever, on TV. There were other series we loved.

Reality shows like “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning,” the documentary series “Extraordinary Birder With Christian Cooper” and “We Live Here,” which focuses on LGBTQ families in the Midwest.

So that’s our baker’s dozen best of list for 2023. Wishing you all a happy and healthy new year. We recommend watching the queer New Year’s Eve duo of Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen on CNN. See you in 2024, and remember, you really must stay tuned.t

Showtime

2023 & we

t

Above: Kate Mansi and Jacqueline Grace Lopez in ‘General Hospital’ Upper Middle Left: Enzo De Angelis in ‘General Hospital’ Upper Middle Right: Matt Bomer and Jonathan Bailey in ‘Fellow Travelers’ Lower Middle Left: Nikole Hannah-Jones, host of ‘The 1619 Project’ Lower Middle Right: Emma Corrin in ‘A Murder at the End of the World’ Below Left: Jennifer Coolidge in ‘The White Lotus’ Below Right: Ashleigh Murray and Sinclair Daniel in ‘The Other Black Girl’

t

Books>>

December 28, 2023-January 3, 2024 • Bay Area Repor ter • 15

Year-end honorable mentions in books

by Jim Piechota

A

s 2023 wraps up, there are a few notable books publishing at the tail end of the year, and a few more emerging just as the rainbow wrapping on 2024 is ripped away. Enjoy these books as they find their way to shelves and under trees and into the laps of readers looking for something new, something enlightening, and even a few things frightening.

FICTION

‘The Cleaner’ by Brandi Wells, $27.99 (HarperCollins) Non-binary author Brandi Wells’ upcoming debut novel chronicles the life of an office building cleaner swiping poopy toilets, dusting crumb-strewn break room tabletops, and Windex-ing the fingerprints off windows into the executive suites of the ones in charge.

But this particular cleaner has an agenda and it’s intense and plays out in exquisitely devilish ways.

Wells is a clever writer who nails a lot of the interior feels of the narrator and demonstrates a particular knack for descriptive nuance. The cleaner has a definitive agenda and as she incrementally insinuates herself into the lives of the office workers she picks up for, things get expectedly messy and she makes each subsequent move more and more personal to disastrous effect. If you haven’t read Wells’ explicitly ultraviolent 2011 short story collection “Please Don’t Be Upset,” this would be a curious (and harrowing) way to become acquainted with an author with immense potential and promise. www.harpercollins.com ‘Brute: Stories of Dark Desire, Masculinity & Rough Trade,’ Edited by Steve Berman, $31 (Lethe Press)

Not for the faint of heart, these 19 erotic horror queer tales of danger, violence, sex, pain and pleasure will definitely satisfy readers who miss all the faux terror and sinister shenanigans of the Halloween season.

In his introduction, seasoned editor Berman asks, “What happens when we go looking for trouble?” The answers can be found throughout these tales of unsavory sex, dark desire, and some ideal images of the “perfect” man, like in Elton Skelter’s “I’ll Make a Man of You Yet,” whose narrator uses a bookbinder’s thread to reconstruct and resect the harvested parts of his former lover into an ideal companion. In “Dick Pig,” a horny guy goes in search of app sex and winds up discovering much, much more and in the most unlikely of places: a former relative’s creaking old house.

This just skims the surface of this fantastically perverse and shocking collection, which features sex machines, people carving up people, roadkill skins, peeping toms, and so much more. www.lethepressbooks.com

MEMOIR

‘Karma: My Autobiography’

by Boy George; $39.99 (Mango Press) Over the past several decades since his breakout into the music industry in the 1980s, the resilient chameleon Boy George (George O’Dowd) has matured and become a seasoned performer and, at 62, a talented writer who draws on a boatload of anecdotes to tell the story of his adventurous life.

He divulges all the melodrama with the Culture Club band, particularly with drummer Jon Moss with whom he had a volatile relationship, including lawsuits accusing O’Dowd of a massive earnings loss due to Moss being ejected from the group.

Other revelations include random interactions with celebrities like Sam Smith, Madonna, and Taylor Swift; his stint in prison in 2009 for charges stemming from a date gone awry with a male escort, and the major physical (surgical) improvements he’s had over the years. Endlessly entertaining, supremely dishy and funny, Boy George emerges in epic form in this scandalous tell-all. www.mango.bz

legitimacy of most of the money and business moves he’s made. Worst of all is Santos’s unapologetic stance and shoulder-shrugging innocence when innumerable accusations are hurled his way.

Though Santos’s trail of lies is frustrating from beginning to end, Chiusano’s psychosocial probe remains thoroughly riveting. The author certainly has done his research

spadework from all sides of the issue, including an introductory section about the writer’s personal interactions with Santos.

Chuisano’s scrutiny is intense and necessary and shines a blindingly bright light on the chicanery of politics and, in a wider sense, further fuels and affirms our collective distrust of American government. www.simonandschuster.comt

‘Portrait of a Body’

by Julie Delporte; $29.95 (Drawn & Quarterly) This new graphic memoir details the evolution of a queer woman’s life and love. Delporte is a Canadian artist and she admits she came into her lesbianism later in life, freeing herself from what she feels are the constrictions of modern femininity. Bathed in hues of blue and brown, her watercolor images and line-drawn pictures beautifully compliment her journey from yearning girl to a fully realized, content, and life-affirming queer woman. www.drawnandquarterly.com

NON-FICTION

‘The Fabulist: The Lying, Hustling, Grifting, Stealing, and Very American Legend of George Santos’ by Mark Chiusano, $36 (One Signal/ Atria/Simon & Schuster) The lifelong grift of con artist extraordinaire George Santos sizzles on the front burner of journalist Chiusano’s literary stovetop in this jawdropping record of the former congressman’s path of lies and deception.

Santos knows the lingo and has become well versed in how to bullshit his way out of answering direct questions on where his cash comes from, how he obtained it, and the general

Professional headshots / profile pics Weddings / Events

StevenUnderhill 415 370 7152 • StevenUnderhill.com

Going out Monday 8am

(last seating 9:45pm)

Tuesday 8am

(last seating 9:45pm)

Open Daily!

New Adjusted Hours

Wednesday 8am (last seating 9:45pm)

Thursday 8am Open 24 Hours

Friday

Open 24 Hours Pablo Solano

Saturday

Open 24 Hours

Sunday 7am Whether you’re looking for last-minute New Year’s Eve plans (like Gala Varo at Que Rico; see photo), or craving some fun movies to watch cuddled up at home, we’ve got plenty to help you ring in the new year the way you want.

We toast your arts and nightlife options each week on www.ebar.com.

(last seating 9:45pm)

Proudly serving the community since 1977.

3991-A 17th Street, Market & Castro 415-864-9795