December 6, 2017 Edition of the Bay Area Reporter

16

Lesbian chef cooks for luncheon

Cannabis gift guide

ARTS

06

21

29

Jane Lynch

Nightlife events

The

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

Vol. 47 • No. 49 • December 7-13, 2017

Clinton visits AIDS grove Defendant Michael John Phillips

Gay SF man charged in murder

by Seth Hemmelgarn

A

gay San Francisco man has pleaded not guilty to murder, robbery, and other charges related to the death of a man he had reportedly been caring for.

Michael John Phillips, 64, was arrested in late November in the death of James Sheahan, 75, a gay man who was found dead August 14 in his Nob Hill apartment.

Phillips, who’s being held on $3 million bail, has pleaded not guilty to charges including murder, first-degree robbery, inflicting injury on an elder or dependent adult, manufacture

by Matthew S. Bajko

D

uring his first visit to the national AIDS memorial that he federally recognized, former President Bill Clinton urged advocates and those living with HIV to “keep up the fight” against the global epidemic.

Nearly 800 people had gathered inside a tent erected in the meadow of the National

See page 19 >>

AIDS Memorial Grove in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park the morning of Friday, December 1, to hear Clinton give the keynote address at the grove’s annual World AIDS Day commemoration. In 1996 Clinton signed legislation spearheaded by Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) that designated the local park’s deLaveaga Dell as a national memorial.

See page 18 >> Rick Gerharter

Ghost Ship Justices seen as leaning toward baker suspect talks to B.A.R. M

by Lisa Keen

by Ed Walsh

D

erick Ion Almena, one of the two men charged in connection with the deadly Oakland Ghost Ship fire, told the Bay Area Reporter that he is being made Lake County Sheriff’s office a scapegoat and Derick Ion Almena questioned the relevance of some of the witnesses who are scheduled to testify against him during his preliminary hearing this week.

The Ghost Ship founder spoke to the B.A.R. from Santa Rita Jail in Dublin Saturday, December 2, on the one-year anniversary of the fire that took 36 lives, including at least three transgender people. He expressed support and sympathy for family and friends of the victims killed in the East Oakland warehouse inferno. It was the first time he has spoken to the print media since his arrest on involuntary manslaughter charges.

The Ghost Ship creator has remained in jail See page 18 >>

any media outlets reporting on the oral arguments in Tuesday’s U.S. Supreme Court case Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission said the court’s pivotal vote from Justice Anthony Kennedy seemed to be leaning away from the pro-LGBT trend he has established for years.

The Associated Press said Kennedy seemed “conflicted.” The New York Times said he said things favorable to both sides in the case. The Scotusblog analysis by Amy Howe headlined it most bluntly: The majority was “leaning toward ruling for Colorado baker.”

LGBT legal activists and their organizations were quieter than usual. Those who did comment on the record seemed cautiously optimistic. But the court’s transcript of the proceeding betrayed how unnervingly unpredictable the outcome of this dramatically important case is.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor asked the most questions of the morning, primarily aimed at shooting holes in the arguments of the attorney for the Colorado baker, Jack Phillips. Phillips was just one of several business owners the Alliance Defending Freedom recruited who was willing to refuse service to a gay couple. In 2012 in Colorado, same-sex marriage was not yet legal but it was also against state law to discriminate based on sexual orientation in public accommodations.

Chief Justice John Roberts posed the second

Courtesy Reuters

Masterpiece Cakeshop owner Jack Phillips decorates a cake at his bakery.

greatest number of questions Tuesday. A moderately conservative member of the bench, he was occupied with bolstering the arguments of the baker’s ADF attorney, Kristen Waggoner.

Joining Sotomayor in challenging the ADF arguments were Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Elena Kagan, along with occasional remarks by Justice Stephen Breyer.

Justices Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch joined Roberts on the baker’s side. With Justice Clarence Thomas being a historically reliable vote against the interests of LGBT people, the tally stood at 4-4, leaving Kennedy, once again, as the uncertain but decisive vote.

Kennedy has been a fairly reliable vote in See page 13 >>

{ FIRST OF THREE SECTIONS }

@LGBTSF

@eBARnews

What is TRUVADA for PrEP?

Who should not take TRUVADA for PrEP?

TRUVADA for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a prescription medicine that is used together with safer sex practices to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 through sex. This use is only for HIV-negative adults who are at high risk of getting HIV-1. To help determine your risk of getting HIV-1, talk openly with your healthcare provider about your sexual health.

Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP if you:

Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to prevent getting HIV. Always practice safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with body fluids. Never reuse or share needles or other items that have body fluids on them.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information I should know about TRUVADA for PrEP? Before taking TRUVADA for PrEP: ® You must be HIV-negative before you start taking TRUVADA for PrEP. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1. Do not take TRUVADA to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confirmed to be HIV-negative. ® Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. If you have flu-like symptoms, you could have recently become infected with HIV-1. Tell your healthcare provider if you had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting or at any time while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin.

While taking TRUVADA for PrEP: ® You must continue to use safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may not keep you from getting HIV-1. ® You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP: ® Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months. ® If you think you were exposed to HIV-1, tell your healthcare provider right away. ® To further help reduce your risk of getting HIV-1: ® Know your HIV status and the HIV status of your partners. ® Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV to infect you. ® Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior, such as having fewer sex partners. ® Do not miss any doses of TRUVADA. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection. ® If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time.

TRUVADA can cause serious side effects: ® Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. TRUVADA is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV and stop taking TRUVADA, your HBV may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health.

® Already have HIV-1 infection or if you do not know your HIV-1 status. If you are HIV-1 positive, you need to take other medicines with TRUVADA to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time. ® Also take certain medicines to treat hepatitis B infection.

What are the other possible side effects of TRUVADA for PrEP? Serious side effects of TRUVADA may also include: ® Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to check your kidneys before and during treatment with TRUVADA. If you develop kidney problems, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking TRUVADA. ® Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. ® Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. ® Bone problems, including bone pain, softening, or thinning, which may lead to fractures. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your bones.

Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP are stomach-area (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking TRUVADA for PrEP? ® All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis. ® If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TRUVADA can harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking TRUVADA for PrEP, talk to your healthcare provider to decide if you should keep taking TRUVADA. ® If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. If you become HIV-positive, HIV can be passed to the baby in breast milk. ® All the medicines you take, including prescription and overthe-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

TRUVADA may interact with other medicines. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. ® If you take certain other medicines with TRUVADA, your healthcare provider may need to check you more often or change your dose. These medicines include certain medicines to treat hepatitis C (HCV) infection.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see Important Facts about TRUVADA for PrEP including important warnings on the following page.

We’re adventurous, not reckless.

We know who we are. And we make choices that fit our lives.

TRUVADA for PrEP™ is a once-daily prescription medicine that can help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 when taken every day and used together with safer sex practices. ® TRUVADA for PrEP is only for adults who are at high risk of getting HIV through sex. ® You must be HIV-negative before you start taking TRUVADA for PrEP.

Ask your doctor about your risk of getting HIV-1 infection and if TRUVADA for PrEP may be right for you.

Learn more at truvada.com

IMPORTANT FACTS

This is only a brief summary of important information about taking TRUVADA for PrEPTM (pre-exposure prophylaxis) to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection. This does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your medicine.

(tru-VAH-dah) MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF TRUVADA FOR PrEP

Before starting TRUVADA for PrEP: • You must be HIV-1 negative. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1. Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confirmed to be HIV-1 negative.

TRUVADA can cause serious side effects, including: • Those in the “Most Important Information About TRUVADA for PrEP” section.

• New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure.

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

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

• Bone problems.

Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP include stomach-area (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight.

These are not all the possible side effects of TRUVADA. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with TRUVADA for PrEP.

• Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include flu-like symptoms, tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting TRUVADA for PrEP. While taking TRUVADA for PrEP: • You must continue to use safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may not keep you from getting HIV-1.

• You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you think you were exposed to HIV-1 or have a flu-like illness while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. • If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time.

• See the “How To Further Reduce Your Risk” section for more information.

TRUVADA may cause serious side effects, including: • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. TRUVADA is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking TRUVADA. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.

ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP TRUVADA for PrEP is a prescription medicine used together with safer sex practices to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 through sex. This use is only for HIV-negative adults who are at high risk of getting HIV-1.

• To help determine your risk of getting HIV-1, talk openly with your healthcare provider about your sexual health.

Do NOT take TRUVADA for PrEP if you: • Already have HIV-1 infection or if you do not know your HIV-1 status.

• Take certain medicines to treat hepatitis B infection.

HOW TO TAKE TRUVADA FOR PrEP • Take 1 tablet once a day, every day, not just when you think you have been exposed to HIV-1.

• Do not miss any doses. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection.

• Use TRUVADA for PrEP together with condoms and safer sex practices.

• Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months. You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP.

BEFORE TAKING TRUVADA FOR PrEP Tell your healthcare provider if you: • Have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis.

• Have any other medical conditions.

• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

• Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. If you become HIV-positive, HIV can pass to the baby in breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: • Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

• Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with TRUVADA for PrEP.

HOW TO FURTHER REDUCE YOUR RISK • Know your HIV status and the HIV status of your partners.

• Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV to infect you.

• Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior, such as having fewer sex partners.

• Do not share needles or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them.

GET MORE INFORMATION • This is only a brief summary of important information about TRUVADA for PrEP. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more, including how to prevent HIV infection.

• Go to start.truvada.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5 • If you need help paying for your medicine, visit start.truvada.com for program information.

TRUVADA FOR PREP, the TRUVADA FOR PREP Logo, the TRUVADA Blue Pill Design, TRUVADA, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners.

Version date: April 2017 © 2017 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. TVDC0135 07/17

Untitled-4 1 TVDC0135_PrEP_D_9-75x16_BayAreaReporter_Bears_p1.indd 3

8/11/17 AM 8/7/17 11:43 4:18 PM

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Community News>>

December 7-13, 2017 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 5

Hope stands tall in City Hall

A

ttendees gathered around the Rainbow World Fund’s World Tree of Hope in the San Francisco City Hall Rotunda at the lighting ceremony Monday, December 4.

Speakers included gay author Armistead Maupin, and there was a performance by the San Francisco Boys Chorus. Volunteers helped the Rainbow World Fund, an LGBT humanitarian nonprofit, decorate the tree with origami cranes containing messages of hope, peace, and global unity.

Rick Gerharter

SF to backfill HIV funds

by Seth Hemmelgarn

S

an Francisco Mayor Ed Lee is working to restore HIV/AIDS funding that was recently cut by the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC recently told the city it’s cutting $1.4 million for HIV/AIDS surveillance and prevention for the five-year grant cycle that begins in January.

Tuesday, November 28, the mayor proposed backfilling $700,000 to cover the gap through the 2017-18 fiscal year, and it’s expected that the city will provide similar funding again next year.

Over the years, it has become common for the CDC to cut funding to San Francisco and for the city to make that up. However, recent federal decreases have hit as the city works to reach the goals of its Getting to Zero campaign: No HIVrelated deaths, infection, or stigma by 2020.

“We have little control over what happens to state and federal funding, but we are taking proactive measures to ensure critical services in San Francisco are protected,” Lee said in a statement. “Our goal is Getting to Zero and to do that we need sustained investment and continued commitment. By passing this budget supplemental, we are safeguarding the health and well -being of our residents.”

The money will help preserve services including linkages to care for people who test positive, training for HIV testing counselors, and efforts to track existing HIV cases.

Gay Supervisor Jeff Sheehy, who’s living with HIV, said in an interview, “We’re making great progress

Rick Gerharter

Mayor Ed Lee

on Getting to Zero here, and maintaining and sustaining our effort is essential to actually getting to zero.”

Sheehy, who sits on the supervisors’ Budget and Finance Federal Select Committee, said the panel would vote on the funding Thursday.

Quickly linking people who test positive to care is “one of the key pieces” of the city’s efforts, he said.

“We know that if you’re undetectable, you’re uninfectious, so the quicker we can get people into care, the quicker we can get the virus suppressed,” said Sheehy.

UCSF’s Alliance Health Project Director Lori Thoemmes called Lee’s move to backfill funding “a pretty amazing thing.”

Thoemmes’ organization provides HIV testing services, as well as mental health, substance use, and other work that may include HIV prevention.

The city’s funding help would mean “we can continue to provide

the level of service we’re providing,” she said.

Reaching the Getting to Zero goals “relies on this foundation,” said Thoemmes. “It relies on this historic support. ... It’s really a testament to the leadership of the city and the community.”

In a statement, San Francisco AIDS Foundation CEO Joe Hollendoner said, “Last week on World AIDS Day our community honored those lost in the early days of the epidemic and we pledged our commitment to ending the epidemic for everyone. Our progress has been enabled by the steadfast commitment of the City and County of San Francisco to fund HIV prevention, care, and housing services. We thank Mayor Lee and the Board of Supervisors for their steadfast support, which becomes increasingly important as political pandemonium continues in Washington.”

Along with money for HIV/ AIDS, Lee’s proposed $9.6 million supplemental will also cover funding for in-home support services and support for recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, commonly known as DACA. DACA has helped some people avoid deportation, and the city is helping to cover application fees for the program.

The city’s two-year budget includes a $10 million state and federal impacts reserve to cover unexpected shortfalls stemming from changes at the state and federal level.

Since the 2012-13 fiscal year, San Francisco officials have backfilled $14.9 million in cuts to CDC and Ryan White HIV/AIDS funding to the city’s Department of Public Health.t

SF supe wants SRO gender-neutral bathrooms

by Matthew S. Bajko

S

an Francisco would require its single-room occupancy hotels to designate their single-stall bathrooms and shower facilities as gender neutral under a policy introduced Tuesday at the Board of Supervisors.

District 9 Supervisor Hillary Ronen, who represents the Mission where a number of SROs are located, is the lead sponsor of the legislation.

Not only would the new rule benefit transgender residents of the affordable housing properties, it would also provide relief to people with disabilities who have opposite-sex caregivers and parents with children of the opposite sex, argued Ronen.

“Gender nonconforming people should feel comfortable using the bathroom. All-gender bathrooms make sense for providing that

Rick Gerharter

Supervisor Hillary Ronen

comfortable space,” Ronen told the Bay Area Reporter in an exclusive interview Monday.

As the B.A.R. reported in June, the San Francisco SRO Task Force members overwhelmingly supported updating the city’s housing code to require gender-neutral bathroom signage on single-stall facilities in

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SRO hotels, which house many lowincome and formerly homeless individuals. Many transgender people are also residents of such housing.

By adopting Ronen’s legislation, the city would be adding SRO hotels to the city and state laws that require businesses and government-run buildings to mark all single-stall toilets as for use by anyone. San Francisco’s policy went into effect last summer, while the state provision became law in March; neither included SROs. Ronen told the B.A.R. that had either gay former Supervisor David Campos, whom she had worked for as chief of staff, or Assemblyman Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) realized neither the local nor state legislation covered SROs they would have added such facilities to the legislation they sponsored.

See page 9 >>

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6 • BAY AREA REPORTER • December 7-13, 2017

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Lesbian chef eyes SFO Milk terminal lease

by Matthew S. Bajko

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ix years after opening her first Cat Cora’s Kitchen at San Francisco International Airport in Terminal 2, the celebrated lesbian chef is looking to expand into the aviation facility’s under-renovation Terminal 1.

Doing so would have special significance for Cora, 50, should the city rename the departure and arrival area in honor of the late gay Supervisor Harvey Milk.

In June the city’s Airport Facilities Naming Advisory Committee unanimously recommended not only naming Terminal 1 after Milk, who 40 years ago became the first out lawmaker in San Francisco and California, but also the airport’s access road so its address would be 1 Harvey Milk Way. The idea of having the airport facility named in honor of a gay icon “is monumental,” Cora told the Bay Area Reporter in a phone interview last month.

As it happened, she was speaking via cellphone from a terminal at Los Angeles International Airport where she had just landed with her fiancee, producer Nicole Ehrlich, whom she plans to marry next year in Santa Barbara where they live.

Asked if she would want to locate one of her airport-based restaurants in SFO’s Terminal 1, Cora disclosed that she and her business partner HBF are “in talks” about doing so.

In July District 9 Supervisor Hillary Ronen introduced legislation to name the terminal after Milk, while gay District 8 Supervisor Jeff Sheehy has pledged to push for the street naming idea in addition to the terminal honor. This week Ronen told the B.A.R. she expects the board will take up the naming in early 2018 and expressed excitement at learning that an out chef is interested in opening an eatery in the terminal.

Just this week the Airport Commission signed off on the process to seek nine food and beverage leases for Terminal 1, which is undergoing a $2.4 billion remodel that will be unveiled in stages. SFO spokesman Doug Yakel told the B.A.R. that the new food offerings in the terminal would also open in phases, the first batch in July 2019 the next in February 2020.

An additional 10 other food and beverage locations in Terminal 1

Pat Johnson Photography

Chef Cat Cora

will become available for lease over the next two years, with anticipated openings in 2021 and 2022.

“All leases will be awarded through a competitive selection process, and base terms for each lease are expected to be 10 years,” said Yakel.

In addition to expanding at SFO, Cora told the B.A.R. she would like to some day open a stand-alone restaurant in the Bay Area, where she came after graduating from culinary school in New York.

“If anyone wants to open a restaurant with me, let’s do it, because I love the Bay Area,” said Cora, who grew up in Jackson, Mississippi.

Cora’s rise to fame began in 1999 when she started hosting television cooking shows. She then made history in 2005 as the first-ever female Iron Chef on Food Network’s hit show “Iron Chef America.”

Open Hand luncheon

The B.A.R. spoke with Cora as she will be the keynote speaker Thursday, December 14, at the 25th anniversary of Project Open Hand’s Hand to Hand Holiday Luncheon. The theme of her remarks will be about giving back, said Cora, who 12 years ago launched her own nonprofit Chefs for Humanity as a way to help feed people during times of natural disasters. This summer she helped raise funds for employees of her Houston airport restaurant who lost their homes to flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey.

“Health and wellness is a big part of my platform, as is hunger and how we can come together on hunger

domestically and globally,” said Cora, who years ago contributed a recipe to a cookbook Project Open Hand sold to raise money but has never seen its Polk Street kitchen.

For the luncheon she will also be preparing a halibut dish. She chose the recipe because it is a light and healthy entree “seemingly people could also make at home,” said Cora. “It is a good dish for the holidays coming up.

You can have a giant halibut for Christmas or Hanukkah.”

Project Open Hand CEO Mark Ryle, a gay man, told the B.A.R. he invited Cora to take part in the fundraising luncheon because of her work with Chefs for Humanity. It is the first time, he said, the event has had someone of her star power be the keynote speaker.

“While we are not a hunger relief organization, we are about trying to get people to a better place with their health. She embodies what we are about,” said Ryle, whose agency feeds people living with HIV and AIDS, as well as other life-threatening illnesses, in San Francisco and Alameda counties. “Her work is about helping vulnerable people and that is what our work is, so it is going to be a perfect match.”

For Adrian Barrow, who has cooked at the agency for a decade, the last two as its executive chef, this will be his first time meeting Cora. She is one of five chefs who will be preparing dishes for the event; Barrow will be making roast pork loin rubbed with Ghirardelli cocoa and regular coffee.

“Hopefully, we will have Cat come in during the week and do something with us,” said Barrow, 46, a gay married man.

This is the first time since 2013 that the holiday fundraiser is being held during the daytime.

In previous years the agency held a nighttime event called Taste of the City but wanted to return to the former format.

“Hand to Hand has been a tradition to our supporters for many, many years,” said Barrow.

“The fact we are bringing it back, I am excited about and along with Cat to be involved.” t Tickets are $350 and can be purchased at https://portal11.bidpal. net/Portal/bpe310032/main/home. html.

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<< Open Forum

8 • BAY AREA REPORTER • December 7-13, 2017

Volume 47, Number 49 December 7-13, 2017 www.ebar.com PUBLISHER Michael M. Yamashita Thomas E. Horn, Publisher Emeritus (2013) Publisher (2003 – 2013) Bob Ross, Founder (1971 – 2003) NEWS EDITOR Cynthia Laird ARTS EDITOR Roberto Friedman BARTAB EDITOR & EVENTS LISTINGS EDITOR Jim Provenzano ASSISTANT EDITORS Matthew S. Bajko • Seth Hemmelgarn CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ray Aguilera • Tavo Amador • Race Bannon Erin Blackwell • Roger Brigham Brian Bromberger • Victoria A. Brownworth Brent Calderwood • Philip Campbell Heather Cassell • Belo Cipriani Richard Dodds • Michael Flanagan Jim Gladstone • David Guarino Liz Highleyman • Brandon Judell • John F. Karr Lisa Keen • Matthew Kennedy • Joshua Klipp David Lamble • Max Leger Michael McDonagh • David-Elijah Nahmod Michael Nugent • Paul Parish • Sean Piverger Lois Pearlman • Tim Pfaff • Jim Piechota Bob Roehr • Adam Sandel Khaled Sayed • Jason Serinus • Gregg Shapiro • Gwendolyn Smith Tony Taylor • Sari Staver • Jim Stewart Sean Timberlake • Andre Torrez • Ronn Vigh Charlie Wagner • Ed Walsh Cornelius Washington • Sura Wood ART DIRECTION Max Leger PRODUCTION/DESIGN Ernesto Sopprani PHOTOGRAPHERS Jane Philomen Cleland • FBFE Rick Gerharter • Gareth Gooch Jose Guzman-Colon • Rudy K. Lawidjaja Georg Lester • Dan Lloyd • Jo-Lynn Otto Rich Stadtmiller • Kelly Sullivan Steven Underhil • Dallis Willard • Bill Wilson ILLUSTRATORS & CARTOONISTS Paul Berge • Christine Smith ADVERTISING/ADMINISTRATION Colleen Small Bogitini VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVERTISING Scott Wazlowski – 415.829.8937 NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Rivendell Media – 212.242.6863

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Taxes and cake T

he Republicans are intent on screwing over blue states. Led by President Donald Trump, conservatives are closer than ever to passing a tax reform package that will be devastating to California and other coastal states. We already pay more in taxes than red states, and the plans that have passed the House and Senate do away with state and local tax deductions. This will have a profound impact on homeowners, including LGBT families, who could see their taxes increase by thousands of dollars.

“This bill will divide the blue states from the red, the Democrats from the Republicans. It is evil in the extreme,” Governor Jerry Brown said in a call with reporters Monday. He was joined by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and New Jersey Governor-elect Phil Murphy.

In addition to tax pain for families, the Republican plan will also hurt governments’ ability to raise taxes. As the San Francisco Chronicle pointed out, state and local governments have been able to “sell” tax increases by pointing out that they are deductible on federal returns. No more. And San Francisco is a city that loves to tax itself to pay for a variety of services. It remains to be seen whether that trend will continue.

Tax experts told the New York Times that the Senate and House plans’ capping of mortgage deductions could make buying a home in the Golden State more difficult.

“It could have spiraling consequences – the economy, the real estate market, revenues to local governments – it goes further and further into things where it could have a negative impact,” Gonzalo Freixes, a tax expert at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management, told the paper.

But it’s not just property owners who will be squeezed. As we pointed out in this week’s online Gays Across America column, Equality California has serious concerns with the tax overhaul. Executive Director Rick Zbur said in an email blast that it “would benefit the top 1 percent of Americans and corporations at the expense of LGBTQ

people, people living with HIV and AIDS, working families, students, and low-income people.”

The tax plan includes “deep, across-the-board spending cuts” on programs including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (or food stamps), Medicare and Medicaid, and Supplemental Security Income for people who are living with HIV/AIDS and others, said Zbur.

The proposal also includes repealing the mandate that every individual have health insurance, a key component of the Affordable Care Act. Zbur said that undoing the mandate “would lead to an estimated 13 million people dropping from ACA coverage, and drastic spikes in insurance premiums.”

The House and Senate are currently reconciling the two bills; one version must be approved to make it to Trump’s desk. But from all accounts, it’s going to be painful for a lot of people, while corporations and the wealthy will see their taxes drop. Trump is wrong when he says it’s a middle-class tax cut, at least for California. The middle class here, already struggling with high housing costs and stagnant wages (in many cases) will feel real pain.

This is just another reason why the seven California congressional Republicans in districts won by Hillary Clinton last year need to be defeated in the 2018 midterms.

Let them (not) order cake

Tuesday’s oral argument at the U.S. Supreme Court in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission is the latest effort by conservatives to chip away at laws that protect minorities, including LGBTs. In this case, a gay couple went to Jack Phillips’ bakery to order a wedding cake for their reception. Phillips refused their request, and the couple sought relief through state antidiscrimination laws and were successful. Phillips had appealed the civil rights commission’s ruling and finally made it to the Supreme Court.

Early reports coming after the session don’t bode

t

well for LGBTs. Some legal observers predict a narrow ruling that would preserve Phillips’ right to discriminate if he custom creates a cake, but he would have to sell existing cakes to anyone. That’s probably the best outcome the LGBT community could hope for, and even it would send a deeply troubling message that we are not free from discrimination.

Justice Anthony Kennedy, the fifth vote in many of the court’s LGBT rights victories, “seemed troubled,” Politico reported, by Colorado officials’ treatment of Phillips, which included ordering him and his staff to undergo “remedial training.” But Kennedy also seemed concerned about same-sex couples who might be denied services. The liberal online site ThinkProgress went further, stating that LGBT rights had “a horrible day” at the Supreme Court and predicted Kennedy would side with Phillips.

Another disturbing development in LGBT rights occurred Monday when the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a case out of Texas where that state’s Supreme Court has ruled that the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide does not fully address marriage benefits. The city of Houston had requested high court review in Turner v. Pidgeon after the state Supreme Court threw out a lower court ruling that said spouses of gay and lesbian public employees are entitled to governmentsubsidized marriage benefits. The state high court said that Obergefell does not require that “states must provide the same publicly funded benefits to all married persons.”

This is a major challenge to Obergefell, which Justice Neil Gorsuch said was “settled law” during his confirmation hearing earlier this year. The National Center for Lesbian Rights and GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders pointed out that the case is far from over, and returns to the Texas trial court for a final decision. The groups said it was premature to petition the Supreme Court to hear it, since there hasn’t been a final judgment yet. But we are on notice that marriage equality is increasingly under attack in the courts, which is another example of how basic equality is under assault now that Trump is president. t

Honor Milk with new plaza

by Andrea Aiello

The future

T

he Friends of Harvey Milk Plaza, or FHMP, is excited about the community dialogue to reimagine and reinvigorate Harvey Milk Plaza.

First and foremost, we want to assure all that the reimagining process is just beginning. We also want to reassure everyone that we agree that easy and accessible use of the transit station will be an essential component in a successful design resolution. To this end, we can assure everyone that we recognize that the sole entrance to the station should not be relocated to the western end of the plaza, near Collingwood Street. There is no plan to implement this design idea generated during the competition. The renderings from the competition should be understood by all to be conceptual sketches, not finished design proposals. The design process is just getting started and there will certainly be opportunities for the public to participate.

The current design of Harvey Milk Plaza struggles to reconcile the needs of the transit hub with the need to properly and appropriately honor a man who, for so many, stands as a beacon of hope for LGBT rights; a man who reminded us to have “hope for a better world.” As an out and proud gay man, Milk, who was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977, has very special significance to the worldwide LGBT community, and we proudly claim him as one of our own.

But Milk understood the importance of hope to all marginalized people, and he included women, Latinos, blacks, Asians, and seniors in his mission, giving Milk special significance to many disenfranchised populations. This is why people from across the globe still come to visit the Castro and to stand in Harvey Milk Plaza to show their respect. Milk’s history is our history and his mission is our calling.

The history

The Castro Muni Metro station and plaza debuted in 1980 and was designed as a transit hub for the district. Planning and design work for the Castro Muni Metro station began in the early to mid-1970s. It was not originally conceived of as a tribute to Milk, who was assassinated in 1978.

On September 15, 1985, Mayor Dianne Feinstein,

Courtesy Perkins Eastman

A conceptual rendering of the Harvey Milk Plaza winning redesign by Perkins Eastman shows the main Muni entrance at the western end of the plaza, which likely won’t be the sole entrance, according to Friends of Harvey Milk Plaza.

Board of Supervisors President John L. Molinari, and Milk’s successor, Supervisor Harry Britt, dedicated Harvey Milk Plaza, thus enshrining the plaza as sacred ground for LGBT civil rights history. In 1997, to recognize the 20th anniversary of Milk’s election to office, the giant rainbow flag, designed by another former Castro citizen, the late Gilbert Baker, was installed and dedicated.

In January 2017, to kick off the reimagining of the plaza, we held two meetings to hear from the community and to gauge public support. Collectively, the feedback gathered from these meetings indicated the community’s strong desire to make significant changes to the current space, to align it with the importance of the individual for which it is named.

There was a general consensus and understanding that for millions, the Castro is not just a neighborhood, it is an internationally recognized mecca for those on personal journeys of truth and discovery. It is easy to forget that the rest of the world looks to our city for hope and that, for so many, Castro and Market is hallowed ground. We believe that, as citizens of the Castro, we have a special responsibility to honor Milk at the plaza that bears his name. If we do not take up this mission now, then who will, and when?

The FHMP is spearheading a privately funded reimagining and reinvigorating of this public space. This opportunity to reimagine the plaza coincides with a San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency accessibility project addressing some required updates at the site. Harvey Milk Plaza, in its current state, will necessarily undergo significant change with this project and FHMP is working closely with SFMTA regarding the timing of the planned improvements. Beyond the planned SFMTA project, there are known issues present in the current plaza – drainage issues, an awkward stair configuration, and shallow bus stops on Market Street. Our goal is to address as much as possible all known and anticipated issues at once, to reduce disruption to commuters that would result from a series of ongoing smaller projects. Further, this public space must be reconsidered to meet the needs of the growing population through 2040, based on increased ridership projections. We believe a holistic rethinking of the plaza creates a unique and timely opportunity to optimize the function of the transit station while also providing an opportunity to create a public space befitting the civil rights icon for whom it is named. Our vision for the new plaza will encourage locals and visitors of all ages to come experience LGBT history, to feel rooted in the beloved Castro, and to inspire them to create change in their own lives and their own communities. The FHMP wants to build a place where hope will live, forever.

We need your participation and help with this project of global import. Join with us and stay involved. Go to friendsofharveymilkplaza.org to stay informed, attend the community meetings if possible, and participate in other opportunities to provide input. The FHMP is filled with great optimism that this newly reimagined Harvey Milk Plaza will cement LGBT history into the fabric of the Castro and inspire generations to come about Harvey’s message of hope, inclusion and equality. #honorharveymilk. t Andrea Aiello is the executive director of the Castro/Upper Market Community Benefit District and serves as president of Friends of Harvey Milk Plaza, a Castro neighborhood organization committed to maintaining and improving the public space named in honor of the civil rights icon.

t

Letters >>

December 7-13, 2017 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 9

Milk plaza inspires now

With the possible exception of the Powell Street Muni Metro station, the Castro Muni Metro is the most exciting design in the system. The red tile and the flow up to the excitement of Castro Street, as previously mentioned in the letters of Paul Turner, Joe Mac, and Phil Points, never fails to inspire

we long-term residents.

All that’s missing is wheelchair access to the south side, and, perhaps, a statue of Harvey Milk at the entrance/exit, with bullhorn, exhorting. The $10 million budgeted should more than cover it.

Gary Lea and Joe Kelley San Francisco

Carrillo wins LA Assembly race and access to quality education, and will defend the progressive values that have made California a shining example of policies that put people first.”

Carrillo will now be sworn in to serve the remainder of Gomez’ term through next December. She will need to run in next year’s election to win a full two-year term in the Assembly.

T

he gay candidate in the runoff race Tuesday for an open state Assembly seat in the Los Angeles area came up short in his bid to be the Legislature’s ninth out LGBT member, as progressive former journalist Wendy Carrillo (D) won.

It was the second time that Luis Lopez, 44, the director of government affairs at City of Hope comprehensive cancer center, had failed to capture the 51st Assembly District seat, which includes the LGBT-friendly neighborhoods of Eagle Rock and Echo Park, as well as a portion of Silver Lake, historically one of Los Angeles’ LGBT enclaves. In 2012 he lost to former Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez (D-Los Angeles).

The election of Gomez earlier this summer to the state’s 34th Congressional District prompted the special election this fall for his legislative seat.

He replaced Xavier Becerra, who was appointed the state’s attorney general earlier this year by Governor Jerry Brown due to the election last fall of Kamala Harris as California’s junior U.S. senator.

Succeeding Gomez in the statehouse will be Carrillo, 37, who had run against him in the special election for Becerra’s House seat. She not only won Gomez’s endorsement after placing first in the special primary election in October but also secured the California Democratic Party’s endorsement in the December 5 runoff against Lopez.

According to the unofficial returns Wednesday morning, Carrillo defeated Lopez with nearly 53 percent of the vote. She garnered 8,811 votes, 943 more than Lopez received.

Lopez, via his Facebook campaign page, thanked “everyone who has been a part of this incredible community movement. Honored to celebrate all the hard work everyone has put into this grassroots campaign.”

In her own thank you note to backers posted on her Facebook page, Carrillo wrote, “When we fight, we win. And to quote someone I love, ‘When our children tell our story, they’ll tell the story of tonight,’” a line from a song in the hit Broadway musical “Hamilton.”

And in a reference to those who questioned the political novice’s decision to run for office, Carrillo had a message for others thinking about becoming a first-time candidate next year.

“Don’t wait to be tapped on the

<<

SRO bathrooms

From page 5

“We are correcting a part of the law, which wasn’t added in, at the request of gender nonconforming folks who live in SROs,” said Ronen.

It is already city policy for SRO hotels to provide a water closet, a lavatory, and a bathtub or shower situated either within individual rooms or off the exit corridor on the same floor. For single-stall facilities situated outside of a hotel guest room, the housing code would be updated to specify they “shall be made available for the use of all residents, regardless of gender or gender identity, and shall be identified as all-gender facilities by

Trans VA Delegate-elect to visit SF

Assemblywoman-elect Wendy Carrillo

shoulder. Work hard. Believe in yourself. Build support. Organize.

Mobilize. Empower community. Stay focused. Do the work,” she wrote.

Carrillo’s victory increases the number of female state legislators, whose ranks have declined in recent years, as the Statehouse is rocked by sexual harassment allegations against a number of male lawmakers, one of whom resigned his seat last week.

The state Legislature’s current roster of 26 women is the lowest in nearly two decades.

In the waning weeks of the campaign the California Legislative LGBT Caucus endorsed Lopez, who also had the backing of Equality California, the statewide LGBT advocacy organization. Over the weekend both groups blasted SEIU for sending out what they called “homophobic” mailers against Lopez.

The union recycled attacks made last year by San Francisco Supervisor Jane Kim in her campaign for a state Senate seat against her gay board colleague Scott Wiener. She tried to connect financial support EQCA’s political action committee received from oil companies and other industries to Wiener. The ploy failed, as Wiener won the election.

LGBT supporters of Carrillo dismissed implications that she would not be supportive of the community in the Legislature. She herself pledged to champion LGBT causes in an email blast last week.

“At a time of unprecedented attacks on working people, women, people of color, the LGBTQ community, and others, it is critical that we stand up to protect and defend our progressive values,” wrote Carrillo. “In the Assembly, I will stand up for gender pay equity, reproductive health care, signage” compliant with state regulations for such signs.

“This has to be the most narrow, only-in-California piece of legislation ever, but it is important that this loophole be filled,” said Jordan Davis, a transgender woman who serves on the SRO oversight body and has been advocating for the code change. “I am slightly disappointed the original gender-neutral restroom ordinance did not factor in single-room occupancy hotels, of which there are plenty in San Francisco and other cities in California and elsewhere, however, I commend Supervisor Ronen and her staff for taking this up.”

Added Davis, an SRO resident, “There are many transgender people

State Delegate-elect Danica Roem (D), Virginia’s first transgender elected official, will be in San Francisco this weekend. Her swearing-in on January 10 will mark the first time an out transgender person has been seated in a state legislature anywhere in the country.

Roem, a 33-year-old step-mom and lifelong resident of her district, defeated a 26-year Republican incumbent who authored Virginia’s constitutional ban on marriage equality by focusing on issues that mattered to voters, including traffic, jobs, schools, and equality. Her election was one of a wave of victories last month by transgender candidates in numerous states.

Saturday, December 9, Roem will be a special guest at the annual reception for Emerge California, which aims to elect Democratic women to public office. She will also host her own fundraiser in the city’s gay Castro district Sunday, December 10.

The event will take place from noon to 2 p.m. at gay bar the Midnight Sun, 4067 18th Street. A donation of $25 is requested, though no one will be turned away due to a lack of funds.

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Out education candidates hold campaign events

Two out candidates running for local education elected positions next year are holding campaign events this month.

LGBT backers of Gary Waddell, a gay man running to be the next San Mateo County superintendent of schools, are hosting a fundraiser for him from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, December 11 at gay Castro dance club Beaux, 2344 Market Street. Suggested donations start at $100 and can be made online at bit.ly/WaddellRSVP. Martin Rawlings-Fein, a bisexual transgender married father, will hold his official campaign kickoff for a seat on the San Francisco school board Thursday, December 21. It will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Castro at the Eureka Valley Recreation Center, 100 Collingwood Street. Donations will be accepted.t

LGBT PROGRESSIVE CATHOLICS † OUR FAMILIES & FRIENDS

Celebrating our Sexuality and Love as Gifts of God Liturgy & Social: Every Sunday 5pm First Sunday Movie Night Second Sunday Potluck Supper Third Wednesday Faith Sharing Group 1329 Seventh Avenue † info@dignitysanfrancisco.org Follow us on Facebook!

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See page 9 >> living in residential hotels, most of which have common restrooms, and not being able to use the restroom in one’s own building can have dire health and safety consequences.”

The board is expected to adopt the new rule in early 2018, and it would go into effect 30 days after being signed into law by Mayor Ed Lee. The only expense for SRO operators, said Ronen, would be the cost of the new signs for their publicly accessible, single-stall bathrooms.

“I think it is a righteous piece of legislation that is not very burdensome we can all agree on in San Francisco. That is certainly my hope and my expectation,” she said. t

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<< Community News

10 • BAY AREA REPORTER • December 7-13, 2017

t

Robinson enjoys life on the fringes

by Brian Bromberger

where he oversees everything to do with religion, espite the encroaching especially during its darkness in the body nine-week summer sespolitic, retired Episcopal sion that attracts 100,000 Bishop Gene Robinson, in people. a visit to the largely LGBTQ When asked what he Episcopal Church of St. John felt his legacy was as a the Evangelist in San Franbishop, Robinson replied, cisco, believes these dejected “There are two things.

Brian Bromberger days might be the birth Retired Episcopal First, and the most repangs of a new revitalized Bishop Gene markable, was that I efreligious left movement. fectively administered Robinson spoke “In every age there are at St. John a diocese, which was those who point to signs that the Evangelist what I was elected to do, the world, as we know it, is Episcopal Church a full-time job that was about to end. It feels that in San Francisco daunting, considering way in America right now, December 3. the national and interdoesn’t it?” Robinson said national controversy I during the December 3 serdrew. But secondly, all the vice. “The church’s season of Advent is other mainline Protestant denominaabout where to find God in the midst tions were watching to see if my elecof the chaos all around us.” tion would kill the Episcopal Church, Robinson made headlines in 2003 which it didn’t. In fact only about when he became the first openly gay 100,000 people left out of two million bishop in any major Christian deand many of those have since returned. nomination. He served almost a de“And with the laity, clergy, and cade as head of the Episcopal Diocese bishops ratifying my election with a of New Hampshire before his retiretwo-thirds yes vote, the church stepped ment in 2013. up to the plate, and as a result, the The title of his sermon: “Jesus Lutherans and Presbyterians followed Doesn’t Need Any More Admirers!” suit. For LGBTQ people, my election was meant to be a call to action, one of exploded the myth that you can’t be many comments he made to the Bay gay and Christian, with just my very Area Reporter in a sit down interview. existence a testament to that,” he said.

Robinson, 70, has had a busy retireRobinson’s tenure was marked by ment. For four and a half years, he controversy, including death threats, worked as a senior fellow at the Center denunciations from fellow bishops for American Progress, a progressive (mostly in Africa), exile from the think tank based in Washington, D.C. Lambeth Conference (a once in a de“It was a very exciting time, which cade gathering of all Anglican Church changed dramatically in January as bishops from around the world), a we’re not exactly on this administrastint in alcohol rehab, and the end of tion’s first-to-call list,” he said, referhis 25-year relationship with his forring to President Donald Trump. mer partner, Mark Andrews.

In May, Robinson accepted a posiRobinson said that his faith got him tion as vice president of religion at through those difficult times.

Chautauqua Institution, a center for See page 18 >> arts, education, recreation, and religion in western Upstate New York,

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29 Nov 2017 1:13 PM

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From the Cover>>

Justices

From page 1

support of equal rights for LGBT people in recent years. But during Tuesday’s oral argument, he seemed to turn the tables. He singled out an LGBT activist on the Colorado Civil Rights Commission for admonishment, saying she had been disrespectful and intolerant of Phillips’ stated religious beliefs. He wondered out loud whether the gay couple could not have just gone to another bakery to avoid the conflict.

He expressed concern about the commission’s order that Phillips require his staff to undergo training to ensure compliance with the state law. And he asked U.S. Solicitor General Noel Francisco, representing the Trump administration in support of the baker, “If you prevail, could the baker put a sign in his window, ‘We do not bake cakes for gay weddings?’”

Ria Tabacco Mar, an American Civil Liberties Union attorney and counsel of record for the gay couple – Charlie Craig and David Mullins – said she thought Kennedy’s questions gave “no indication” of how he will vote in the case. She took heart from Kennedy’s comment that putting a sign in the bakery’s window might be an “affront to the gay community.”

“He did not express any concern about applying anti-discrimination laws to conduct motivated by religious beliefs in general, which is the broader question at stake,” said Mar. But Kennedy’s comment about the LGBT member of the Colorado commission, she said, raises the “possibility” that he might urge fellow justices to send the case back for reconsideration.

All of the justices (with the exception of Thomas, who almost never speaks during oral arguments) were very actively engaged in the discussion, which ran 30 minutes longer than the one hour allotted.

Legal question

The specific legal question was whether a person’s First Amendment right – to speech, religion, expression, or association – trumps laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation in public accommodations. The implications go much broader than the single issue of marriage licensing.

Public accommodations include a wide variety of businesses serving the general public – restaurants, hotels, taxicabs, and funeral homes, to name a few.

The conflict between discrimination and the First Amendment has arisen before in the context of white business owners in the South who said their religious beliefs prevented them from serving black customers the same as white customers.

“The reason we’re asking these questions,” said Breyer at one point, “is because, obviously, we want some kind of distinction that will not undermine every civil rights law ... including [those protecting] African-Americans ... Hispanic Americans [and] everybody who has been discriminated against in very basic things of life – food, design of furniture, homes, and buildings.”

Sotomayor asked about this possibility most bluntly.

“Is your theory that public accommodation laws cannot trump free speech or free exercise claims in protecting against race discrimination?” she asked ADF’s Waggoner.

“That is not my theory,” replied Waggoner. She started to explain, as she had in written briefs, that she was trying to say that the free exercise or speech claim could trump the public accommodation laws when the business owner’s objection is not about the “person” but about the conduct the person is engaged in.

Phillips has said numerous times that he refused to sell the gay couple a cake, not because the men were gay, but because they were celebrating their marriage. And Phillips said his understanding of the Bible is that marriage between same-sex partners is wrong.

But Waggoner struggled to answer Kagan’s question about whether the same sort of argument would work “if your client instead objected to an interracial marriage?”

That was a “very different case,” said Waggoner.

“You are just saying race is different?” asked Kagan.

“I think race is different for two reasons,” said Waggoner. One reason, she said, is that, with race, the objection is over “who the person is, rather than what the message is.”

The other reason, she said, is that courts require “compelling” reasons for treating people differently based on race. There has been no such

December 7-13, 2017 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 13

heightened scrutiny for discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Sotomayor asked Waggoner how she would address the claim that “actually, what is happening here may superficially look like it’s about the message [religious beliefs about marriage for same-sex couples] but it’s really about the person’s identity [being gay].”

Waggoner said the state had the power to decide “what speech is offensive and what is not” and that it was the state that discriminated against Phillips’ viewpoint.

Constantly turning tables

The idea that it was the baker, Phillips, who suffered discrimination rather than the one who inflicted it, gained some traction with Kennedy and the conservative justices.

Kennedy singled out one of the Colorado Civil Rights Commission members – LGBT activist Heidi Hess – for criticism. He said he read in ADF’s appendix that Hess “says freedom of religion used to justify discrimination is a despicable piece of rhetoric.”

“Suppose we thought that, in significant part, at least one member of the commission based [her] decision on the grounds of hostility to religion,” said Kennedy to Colorado Solicitor General Fred Yarger. “... Suppose we thought there was a significant aspect of hostility to a religion in this case. Could your judgment [against Phillips] stand?”

(It is worth quoting here what Hess actually said: “Freedom of religion and religion has been used to justify all kinds of discrimination throughout history, whether it be slavery, whether it be the Holocaust ... we can list hundreds of situations where freedom of religion has been used to justify discrimination. And, to me, it is one of the most despicable piece of rhetoric that people can use – to use their religion to hurt others.”)

Yarger said there might be a problem if the “entire proceeding” against Phillips “was begun because of an intent to single out religious people. ...”

But “that was not the fact here,” he said.

Gorsuch jumped in to say that there had been a second commissioner out of the seven who had said See page 16 >>

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<< Community News

14 • BAY AREA REPORTER • December 7-13, 2017

Maker fair hits Oakland compiled by Cynthia Laird

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$38 million per year. The funds are to be used for seniors and adults with disabilities.

DAAS has created a community survey for people to share their views on what’s working, what needs improvement, and what types of supportive services are needed.

To take the survey online, visit http://www.sfdaas.org.

Printed copies are available at several community centers. The survey closes Friday, December 8. For more information, contact (415) 355-6782 or melissa.mcgee@sfgov.org.

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agic Makers will hold its fifth annual Maker Fair this weekend at the Humanist Hall, 390 27th Street in Oakland. The fair will be open Saturday, December 9, and Sunday, December 10, from 1 to 6 p.m. (The fair will open from noon to 1 p.m. for those who prefer to avoid crowds.)

The maker fair is a celebration of queer creativity, healing, and liberation, centering on the work of queer and trans people of color, working class, and socially and politically conscious artists and writers, the website stated.

Items for sale will include artwork, accessories, clothing, home goods, pottery, zines, books, and more.

Healing services will feature acupuncture and massage. People can relax outdoors by a cozy bonfire and sip cocktails, hot cider, and more.

People should come scent-free.

Donations at the door are encouraged, though no one will be turned away. This year’s beneficiary will be Peacock Rebellion, a queer and trans people of color group of activist-healers. Organizers will also be making a donation to support local indigenous organizing efforts via the Ohlone Organizing/Shuumi Land tax.

For more information, including a schedule of participating vendors, visit queermagicmakers.com/.

The Queer Cultural Center is holding its annual holiday mixer Thursday (December 7), from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Center for Sex and Culture, 1349 Mission Street in San Francisco.

QCC officials noted in their newsletter that the center has added new board members and artists for the

Courtesy Magic Makers

People browse various items at Magic Makers’ Maker Fair.

Green gifts program at library

The San Francisco Public Library will be offering free green gifts workshops and events about green ideas and environmentally sustainable practices this month.

Programs will be offered at several branches and the main library. People can try their hand at weaving newspaper baskets, folding origami trees, creating paper ornaments, fabric flowers, T-shirt tote bags, and more.

Program highlights include holiday “upcycling” at the Excelsior branch December 7, children’s craft: calming jars at the Western Addition branch December 9, fingerless gloves with go-go craft at the Portola branch December 13, and snow globes and gift tags at the Ortega branch December 20.

On Monday, December 18, transitional age youth can attend TAY Day at the James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center on the third floor at the main library, 100 Larkin Street.

For the complete program guide, visit www.sfpl.org/greengifts.

2018 National Queer Arts Festival.

“We have added three spectacular artists to our board of directors: Viet Le, StormMiguel Florez, and Maria ‘Cherry Galette’ Rangel,” officials wrote. “We have a wonderful audience around the Bay Area who recognize the importance of showcasing queer art created by queer artists motivated by social justice, equity, and the importance of a culturally diverse queer community as well as artistic excellence! All of this gives us hope for a new year steeped in love and resistance.”

Interested people are welcome to attend the mixer, which is free.

For more information, visit the Facebook event page at http:// bit.ly/2AMUA6o.

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EBay’s LGBTQ community – United in Pride – will hold a free program featuring gay Santa Clara See page 18 >>

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16 • BAY AREA REPORTER • December 7-13, 2017

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here are plenty of gift ideas for the cannabis aficionados on your holiday list.

Due to the impending start of adult recreational marijuana sales in California, 2017 is the last year people will need a medical card to buy cannabis or other items infused with the herb. But right now, there are also dozens of accessories one can buy without a card.

January 1 marks the start of legal marijuana sales in most parts of the state under voter-approved Proposition 64. (In San Francisco, sales are expected to begin January 5.)

This year, as the legalization of recreational cannabis nears, companies have flooded the market with new gift products, said Marcella Sanchez, the boutique curator at the popular Castro dispensary, the Apothecarium (https://apothecarium.com/).

Sanchez, a 37-year-old lesbian who’s been in the job for over 18 months, has a few suggestions.

“These just came in,” she said excitedly, hugging the floor model of the $215 Levo oil infuser, which looks like a high tech espresso machine but functions like a crock pot. It enables users to make their own cannabisinfused butter or oil for edibles or body treatments, she said.

“These will sell well,” she predicted.

Sanchez, who was a body products buyer for Whole Foods before she got into the cannabis industry, showed off a handful of items that are small enough to fit into a Christmas stocking.

The $50 carved crystal pipes, each one a unique design, are “really, really popular,” she said. For $80, Sanchez recommends a Linx

Sari Staver

Sava founder Andrea Brooks sits with several holiday gift items.

dab pen vaporizer. “It’s a great way to put the blow torch down and experience wax,” Sanchez said. “I absolutely love these.”

But the “very best value,” she suggested, are the Apothecarium gift boxes, which range in price from $25 to $100 and will include free samples as a bonus.

“The gift boxes will be limited to the stock on hand and are expected to sell out early,” she said.

The least expensive box includes a California cannabis ceramic coffee mug; Whoopi & Maya raw cacao, which can be eaten by the spoonful or used to make hot chocolate; and cannabis-infused marshmallow candy. The $45 box has a Japanese Queue refillable stick lighter and a five-pack of joints, Sanchez said.

The $80 box includes a mini glass pipe, lighter, grinder, and a gram of your choice of strains of State Flower cannabis. The largest box will have 3.5 grams of cannabis, a stash jar, spoon pipe, lighter, and black and gold Huf socks, made by a local skateboarding company.

Lastly, Sanchez suggests a brand new product, a $25 T-shirt made by Conspicuous Strain Discreet Cannabis Wear. “I know we’re the only people in

<<

Justices

From page 13

something similar to Hess.

Yarger again said he didn’t think the complaint against Phillips originated out of a desire by the state to punish religious people and noted that the state law also prohibited discrimination based on religion.

But Alito interjected that he believes there “appears to be a practice of discriminatory treatment based on viewpoint.” As evidence, he noted that the Colorado commission did not take any action against three bakers who refused to decorate cakes with a message opposing same-sex marriage.

“But when the tables are turned and you have the baker who opposes same-sex marriage, that baker may be compelled to create a cake that expresses approval of same-sex marriage,” said Alito.

Yarger reminded the justices that the commission at no time compelled Phillips to create a cake that expressed approval of same-sex marriage. It said only that he had to sell to same-sex couples the same things he made available to malefemale couples.

“Do you disagree with the fact that [Phillips] would not sell to anybody a wedding cake that expresses approval of same-sex marriage?” asked Alito.

“What he may not do, as a public accommodation that offers to the public,” said Yarger, “is decide that he won’t sell somebody a product

t

the city selling these,” she said.

All items can be purchased at the dispensary or delivered to home or office. The boxes will be tied with cannabis ribbon and put into a black shopping bag, she said.

You won’t be able to see or sniff any of the products sold by Sava, a delivery-only cannabis company owned by Andrea Brooks, a 41-yearold Castro resident who founded the company in 2015 (getsava.com).

“We specialize in selling high quality medicine made by small companies,” she said. “We are also an educational platform because we strongly believe in the importance of informing our patients about the products and the people who make them.”

At $40, the Quim Rock intimate oil is “designed to intensify climax, enhance sensation, and increase libido,” according to the package insert. Each 2 oz. bottle contains 400 mg of THC, the psychoactive compound in pot.

Brooks, a lesbian who was a nonprofit consultant before getting into the cannabis industry, carries a line of products from the Farmaceuticals Company, a woman-owned and -operated company that produces tinctures, topical products and edibles, sourcing the ingredients from local women-owned farms. Products include a $40 CBD therapy balm, a $50 THC therapy bliss oil, and $40 therapy drops for your pet.

Brooks also suggested Kikoko cannabis-infused teas, ranging in price from $5 for a single bag to $56 for a 10 pack in a decorative tin. The teas are “organic, low dose, cannabis-infused herbal teas for mood, libido, sleep, or pain and calm,” according to the label.

Lastly, Sava is selling a $165 holiday party kit, which includes single origin vape pens, ice water hash pre-rolls, delectable edibles in a variety of doses, and ingredients for cannabis cocktails.t For a longer version of this story visit ebar.com.

Bay Area Cannasseur runs the first Thursday of the month. To send column ideas or tips, email Sari Staver at sari@bayareacannasseur.com.

that he would otherwise sell because, in his view, the identity of the customer changes the message.”

When Alito protested that Phillips didn’t discriminate based on the couple’s identity but because of their “message,” Yarger said the message “depended entirely on the identity of the customer ...”

Kennedy, when he rejoined the discussion he initiated about a commissioner’s statement he perceived to be hostile to religion, waxed philosophic.

“Tolerance is essential in a free society, and tolerance is most meaningful when it’s mutual,” said Kennedy. “It seems to me that the state in its position here has been neither tolerant nor respectful of Mr. Phillips’ religious beliefs.”

Then in a somewhat strange addendum, Kennedy seemed to suggest that the gay couple should have shown some tolerance and respect, too: “We assume there were other shops – other bakery shops available.”

Yarger said the state legislators had spent years working on the legislation and made various exceptions for places of worship. But ultimately, he said, the legislators “decided we can’t make exceptions here for same-sex people who deserve the same protections if we wouldn’t make those same exceptions for discrimination based on race and sex and religion.”

(It is worth noting here that See page 19 >>

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• It is not known whether Mytesi is passed through human breast milk • If you are nursing, you should tell your doctor before starting Mytesi • Your doctor will help you to decide whether to stop nursing or to stop taking Mytesi Under 18 or Over 65 Years of Age? • Mytesi has not been studied in children under 18 years of age • Mytesi studies did not include many people over the age of 65. So it is not clear if this age group will respond differently. Talk to your doctor to find out if Mytesi is right for you

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<< Community News

18 • BAY AREA REPORTER • December 7-13, 2017

<<

Robinson

From page 10

“What got me through was that God felt palpably close, despite my very fallible human existence, so I never doubted God’s presence,” he said. “My lowest point was the three or four weeks standing outside the gates of the Lambeth Conference, yet it didn’t try my faith. I wanted to be a constant reminder, a thorn in the side of those bishops who said there weren’t people like me in their dioceses, which I knew was false and I

<<

News Briefs

From page 14

County Supervisor Ken Yeager Thursday, December 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the company’s Main Street venue, 2025 Hamilton Avenue in San Jose.

“The Gay Agenda,” will feature Yeager discussing the challenges

<<

Ghost Ship

From page 1

since he and his collaborator, Max Harris, were first taken into custody six months ago. When asked what he would say to the fire victims’ friends and families if he had been able to attend any of the anniversary memorials, Almena replied, “We’ve never been able to support our friends ever since the fire. We have just been looked at as criminals and we are very much a part of the music and arts scene and we have been exiled.

“I am ashamed of what’s happened,” Almena added. “I am ashamed that we couldn’t come together, that they couldn’t understand my deep regret and my sorrow over this. How much I am in pain. How saddened my family is. You know, [the victims] were friends to my kids.

My kids danced and made music with the friends who died but nobody has heard that story.

“Nobody wants to know that we built an artistic community,” he continued. “We allowed these people to come into our home and make music and celebrate life and now we are being condemned. And I just wanted them to know that I am there with them. Even though I

<<

wanted to say that as loudly as I could.

Sometimes when you are on the fringes, you see things more clearly.”

This latter point was one he wanted to make in his sermon at St. John’s.

“Yes, in the last decade LGBTQ people have made much progress, because following Harvey Milk so many people came out so that church folk would know someone who was gay and become less likely to say the things they were saying or do the things they were doing and we just reached a critical mass,” Robinson said. “Yet now we shouldn’t be lulled into thinking things are better than

they actually are. Only for upper middle class white, gay, urban men are gay rights over. Our work is not done, as in 29 states you can be fired from your job or thrown out of your apartment.

And if the Masterpiece Cake Supreme Court case goes against us, we will again be second-class citizens.”

The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral argument Tuesday in the case, in which the justices will decide whether any common business vendor selling products or services to the public can refuse to sell to or accommodate LGBT people by simply claiming to have a religious belief hostile to such people.

In the brief discussion period after the liturgy, Robinson said the best way to counter depression over Trump administration policies is for people not to be overwhelmed by all the work to be done on myriad issues, but to pick one action and dedicate themselves to seeing it through.

Speaking specifically about LGBTQ people turned off to institutional religion, Robinson remarked, “Don’t confuse God with the church, because the church often gets it wrong, but God never does. What people want is a relationship with God and we give them religion. Yet just because you leave the church doesn’t mean your

spiritual needs go away. Don’t be turned off to God because of being rightfully critical of the church.”

Father Richard Smith, vicar at St. John’s, said Robinson’s visit could not be timelier.

“The Trump administration has inflicted much disappointment and pain on us in the LGBTQ community,” Smith said. “We need the bishop’s prophetic word to both comfort and challenge us to fight for our dignity as LGBTQ children of God.” t

he has experienced during his career in politics and the significant gains made in the last 30 years.

Following his presentation, United in Pride will host a meet and greet with cocktails and appetizers.

Interested people should RSVP

by December 11 at http://bit. ly/2ABDQi9.

Portola holiday party

a visit from a jolly fellow who drives a sleigh and brings presents for children.

“The Portola is one of San Francisco’s most vibrant, welcoming, and family-friendly neighborhoods,” Maryann Fleming, executive director of Portola Family Connections, said in a news release.

“Our winter holiday party will be a festive and fun occasion for

everyone who comes.”

There is a $2 per person charge for people ages 13 and older. Children under 12 are free. All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and all adults must be accompanied by a child.

For more information, visit the event Facebook page at http://bit. ly/2nnftiq. t

am here in this prison, I am proud of what we did. I am proud of what we all did every day. Because it wasn’t just this one event. It was every day.

Every day was a celebration for the people that lived in that space. There were 25 of us. And I want them to know that they should be proud of their children, proud of their friends, for seeking adventure, for seeking life, for being creative, that it wasn’t a horrible place that they went to, they weren’t trapped, they weren’t seduced, they weren’t lied to. They were creating their own lives. It’s just a total fucking tragedy.”

Many have questioned why the building’s owner, Chor Ng, has not been charged in connection with the case and why none of the numerous city officials who observed the activity and conditions in the space but did nothing. The Alameda County District Attorney’s office has declined to comment on why it has not charged Ng or whether charges against the landlord are being considered. Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf claimed that Almena and Harris were adept at hiding what they were doing with the space from city authorities, a claim that Almena sharply disputes. Almena noted that numerous representatives from the city as well as child protective services workers who saw the Ghost

Ship space and lauded him for it.

“The fire department, the police department, the chief arson investigator had all been inside the space,” Almena said. “And they all said ‘this is awesome, this is a cool space’ and they never shut us down.

“I think we are definitely scapegoats,” Almena said. “We are interesting characters. Once you isolated us we are alone in the world. We are easy prey.”

“The landlord never took our lease and turned it in to the city,” Almena said. “So I thought I was renting a space that was to a standard of being able to outfit it and get it ready to do all these things.

It wasn’t retrofitted. It didn’t have sprinklers. It didn’t even have water. I had to put in all of the water lines, bathrooms, and I put in a second staircase. The second staircase that people were able to come down and escape. I put in the back door. People escaped through the back door.”

Almena added that Ng never changed the zoning of the space from its original intended use as a dry goods warehouse.

“That is where she failed because she didn’t want to do any of the work that would bring it up to standard,” Almena said.

Almena was not optimistic that the preliminary hearing this week would be fair to him and Harris.

He said that many of the witnesses hadn’t seen the improvements he made to the space.

“Those people have no relevance at all,” Almena said. “They haven’t been in the space in years. They are going to be the government’s witnesses against me.”

Almena and LGBTs

entertainment, business, and the news media being accused of sexual harassment, and in some cases, assault and rape. Multiple women have accused Clinton of sexual harassment, with one accuser’s lawsuit against him leading to his impeachment by the House of Representatives in December 1998, though the Senate later acquitted him.

Local media were told Clinton would not grant any interviews while in San Francisco, and the dedication of a large boulder honoring him at the entrance of the grove’s Moonwalk staircase was kept off-limits to both the press and the general public.

While the national conversation about sexual harassment “is long overdue,” said gay District 8 Supervisor Jeff Sheehy, he did not believe Clinton should have canceled his visit due to his own history of accusations leveled against him.

“He has done a tremendous amount of work on HIV and AIDS,” noted Sheehy, the first openly HIV-positive person to serve on the board.

Chris Verdugo, a gay man who is executive director of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, said he found Clinton’s visit “remarkable” but added his main reason for attending the ceremony was to honor the more than 300 members of the chorus who have died due to AIDS over the years.

The chorus “is looking to have a presence honoring all of our members who have moved on because of the AIDS epidemic here at the grove next year,” said Verdugo, though he declined to provide specifics about what it would entail.

As for Sheehy, he told the B.A.R. he attended the event not only to honor all of the people he knew who were lost to AIDS but also the sacrifices many have made to get the city to the point where it is close to ending the transmission of new HIV cases.

As the city nears “the last mile” in reaching its goal, Sheehy said he worries “we may take our foot off the pedal.”

San Francisco resident Patrick Miska, 63, who has lived with HIV since the early 1980s, and his late partner, Doug Bond, who was also HIV-positive and died on August 14, 2004, often walked their dogs through the grove during the decade they spent together. It is where Miska scattered Bond’s ashes and would like for his own ashes to be scattered one day.

He routinely visits the AIDS grove to remember Bond and annually attends the World AIDS Day event.

“There is something really special about it,” said Miska, adding that, “we are very lucky to have a very beautiful grove.”t

Portola Family Connections invites children of all ages and their parents to its annual winter holiday party Friday, December 15, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the agency’s office, 2565 San Bruno Avenue in San Francisco.

The party will feature holidaythemed games, arts and crafts, a photo booth, refreshments, and

The building

In a news conference announcing the involuntary manslaughter charges against Almena and Harris, Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley told reporters, “The paying guests at the event were faced with a nearly impossible labyrinth of the defendants’ making to get out of that building.”

When asked to respond to the DA, Almena called O’Malley’s claim “entirely untrue.” He noted that he worked to make the building safer after he took over the property and that he wrote on his lease application that he intended to use the space for things like dance performances, music workshops, film showings, as a cafe and for yoga, kung fu and drum classes.

Clinton

From page 1

During his 35-minute speech, Clinton, 71, recalled how, in the summer of 1971, while his now wife, Hillary Clinton, worked for an Oakland law firm, he would walk throughout San Francisco and often through the park. He also noted, for those who didn’t live through the onset of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s, “when people started dropping like flies,” how horrible those times were.

Back then, said Clinton, “San Francisco was virtually the only place in America for gay people to come and find a safe place and not be harassed.”

He refuted those who, to this day, mock the city’s acceptance and embrace of the LGBT community as somehow being against American values. Rather, argued Clinton, San Francisco’s diverse population represents “a cauldron out of which you can make beautiful things happen.”

The theme of this year’s event was “Bending the Arc Toward Justice,” a reference to an oft-quoted line from a speech given by the late civil rights leader the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In today’s supercharged news cycle, Clinton beseeched the audience to ignore the latest developments and instead focus on the future.

“There is a difference between the headlines and the trend line,” he said.

t

Trish Tunney

National AIDS Memorial Grove Executive Director John Cunningham, left, shows former President Bill Clinton the boulder dedicated in his honor on World AIDS Day.

Clinton only briefly mentioned the work his eponymously named foundation is doing to address AIDS on the global stage. Instead, he focused mostly on the past during his speech, noting when he was governor of Arkansas the chairs of the state’s Republican and Democratic parties were both gay men. When the Democrat was sick with AIDS in the hospital, his body covered in black sores due to Kaposi’s sarcoma, Clinton recalled how helpless he and his wife felt.

“There was not a single solitary thing any of us could do except give comfort to him,” said Clinton. “Hillary and I had a lot of friends like that.”

When he was given the chance to sign into law the bill creating the National AIDS Memorial Grove, Clinton said he was “honored to do it. People hatched this idea in 1988 when America was still in the dark. That was 29 years ago, soon to be 30, but the arc was bending.”

John Cunningham, the grove’s executive director, said the memorial was created with the purpose of “honoring all the lives lost and supporting the survivors.”

Clinton’s historic visit to the grove was overshadowed by the flood of recent reports about powerful men in politics,

Almena’s wife, Micah Allison, told the B.A.R. in a phone conversation last week that Almena grew up in West Hollywood and was always close to the LGBT community.

In the jailhouse interview Almena explained, “As far as who congregated our space, the whole LGBT, all these new abbreviations are new to me, you know.

I created a space that was romantic and beautifully lit and whoever wanted to utilize our space, we were really happy with that especially if live music was being made. And there was a certain particular kind of crowd that really fell in love with it. We offered it up to them, and you know, from the LGBT community, I have even gotten people to think I am some horrible person but I love them. I love everyone.”

Almena told the B.A.R. that he is being kept in virtual isolation. He helps pass the time by drawing. In a letter to this reporter, he enclosed a drawing that he made from part of a newspaper page.

The timing of Almena’s interview on the one-year anniversary of the fire was coincidental. It had been scheduled days earlier but Allison said Almena had to cancel because he was too distraught to talk after learning that a 22-year-old man in the cell next to him had hanged himself. t

t

International News>>

December 7-13, 2017 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 19

Activist zaps Russian diplomat

by Heather Cassell

R

ussian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov chose San Francisco to make his first official public address since taking office September 1 and was met by a local gay activist calling for an end to violence against gays in Chechnya.

Antonov spoke November 29 before an audience of the World Affairs Council at the Fairmont Hotel. He wasted no time confronting U.S. investigations of his country over last year’s presidential election.

“Russia is being groundlessly accused of meddling in the United States elections, as well as other domestic and external problems of the United States,” he said.

Five minutes into Antonov’s speech,

<<

Murder

From page 1

or possession of fraudulent financial documents, and receiving or buying stolen property. A preliminary hearing, where a judge will determine whether there’s sufficient evidence to hold Phillips for trial, has been scheduled for Thursday, December 7.

According to Bay City News, prosecutors have alleged that “Phillips befriended Sheahan, seeking to act as a sort of caretaker, and tried to get money from him before killing him when he refused.” Phillips also “has a history of preying on sick elderly men in the gay community,” prosecutors have reportedly said.

Max Szabo, a spokesman for the district attorney’s office, declined to discuss evidence related to Sheahan’s death with the Bay Area Reporter.

Sarah Sheahan, who lives in New York and is Sheahan’s niece, said that her uncle, who’d been dying from Stage 4 cancer, had been hit in the head and the killer “attempted to make it look like he committed suicide” by making superficial scratches on Sheahan’s wrists. She’s not aware of a weapon being found.

Her mother told her that Phillips had forged a check from her uncle.

“I think it was $10,000,” she said.

Sheahan’s checkbook was also missing from his apartment at 969 Bush Street, she said.

James Sheahan, who’d lived in his rent-controlled building for decades, left his estate, worth between $300,000 and $500,000, to his brothers, his niece said.

Sheahan said that her father had met Phillips, who’d been described to her as “a good friend who was helping” her uncle, but that he hadn’t been working as “an employed caretaker.” (Sheahan said that her family didn’t want to speak with the media.)

<<

global gay rights activist Michael Petrelis, 58, disrupted the ambassador for about 90 seconds shouting, “Stop killing gays in Chechnya!”

Holding up a rainbow flag and a sign that reiterated his demand, Petrelis was immediately removed from the room by several men.

The protest was captured on video by audience member Ricardo Jauregui and posted on Petrelis’ Facebook page.

Some audience members applauded as Petrelis exited the room while many sat quietly waiting for the program to resume.

The council’s video of the event originally edited out Petrelis’ protest, but it was restored December 4, following the Bay Area Reporter’s inquiry into the omission.

Antonov paused and waited until

Justices

From page 16

Kennedy wrote the 1996 decision in Romer v. Evans that struck down a Colorado law, Amendment 2, because it barred LGBT people “from securing protection against the injuries that these public accommodations laws address.” David Cole, the ACLU attorney representing the gay couple in Tuesday’s argument, was echoing Kennedy’s Romer decision when he told the court that to allow a business to refuse service to a couple because they are gay “would be to constitutionally relegate gay and lesbian people to second-class status ...”)

Cake is art, hair and make-up are not

As uncertain as Kennedy’s vote is in Masterpiece, there was still much to take away from the sparring by the other justices with the attorneys in the case.

Courtesy Facebook

Victim James Sheahan

Deputy Public Defender Kwixuan Maloof, who’s representing Phillips, hasn’t responded to interview requests.

The medical examiner’s office hasn’t issued a final determination of the cause of Sheahan’s death.

According to Sheahan’s obituary, he moved to San Francisco in 1978 and worked for years at the city’s Health and Human Services Department before retiring in 2005.

“Jim’s passions were photography and movies,” and his family “marveled at the beautiful artistry of his photos,” his obituary says.

Shock

While people who know Phillips have expressed shock at the charges against him, they also indicated he’d been in financial trouble.

John Dawson, of Marysville, California, who’s known Phillips for 20 years, said that Phillips was “harmless.”

“I never thought he would be capable of something like that,” he said.

Dawson said he met Sheahan a couple of times, and Phillips told him that Sheahan “had given him money for helping him,” but Phillips had also made fun of Sheahan behind his back.

Phillips had “a series of jobs that didn’t work out in the last couple years,” said Dawson, and he’d been

In response to Waggoner’s claim that the baker’s cake made him a de facto speaker at the gay couple’s wedding, Ginsburg asked for more. She noted that, certainly it can be said that the couple who is marrying speak at a wedding, as does the officiant.

“But who else speaks at a wedding?” she asked.

“The artist speaks,” said Waggoner.

“It’s as much Mr. Phillips’ speech as it would be the couple’s.”

“Who else, then?” asked Ginsburg.

“Who else is an artist [engaging in speech at the wedding]? Say, the person who does floral arranging, owns a floral shop? Would that person also be speaking at the wedding?”

Yes, said Waggoner, assuming the floral arrangements are custom-made.

“How about the person who designs the invitation,” asked Ginsburg.

“Yes,” said Waggoner.

“Or the menu for the wedding dinner?”

Again, Waggoner said yes.

Petrelis’ last chant as the doors closed, then he shrugged his shoulders, turned to the audience, and chuckled.

“You can see how our relations are complicated,” said Antonov as audience members laughed, before continuing with his prepared remarks and moving into an interview with Stanford professor David Holloway.

For his part, Petrelis is glad he protested.

“I’m quite proud of what I did. I am convinced that my zap reverberated back into the Kremlin,” said Petrelis, who has protested for the rights of LGBT Chechens since news broke earlier this year.

According to Novaya Gazeta, which reported the news in April, Chechen authorities have arrested more than 100 suspected LGBT individuals, mostly men, and sparked global outrage, including at the former Russian consulate in San Francisco. fired from a Trader Joe’s for stealing.

A woman who answered the phone at the store where Phillips had reportedly worked declined to talk about him.

Dawson said that Phillips was also fired from his job as a manager at the Mark Hopkins rental condominiums at 1200 Sacramento Street after his employer realized he’d been stealing from two elderly residents.

Phillips’ former neighbors at the building, who didn’t want their names published, appeared stunned at the news of the charges against him.

“He wouldn’t even correct the UPS guy when the UPS guy was delivering things wrong. ... I can’t really envision him murdering anybody,” one woman said.

She said that Phillips had told her Barbara Brooks, the building’s owner, had fired him for stealing paperwork from her.

Court records show that Brooks filed an unlawful detainer complaint against Phillips in November 2015. Phillips, who worked there as an assistant residential manager, lived at the building rent-free as part of an agreement he and Brooks signed in May 2014.

According to Brooks’ complaint, Phillips was notified on November 19, 2015 that his license to occupy his apartment had been terminated, but he’d “refused” to leave. The records don’t say why the agreement was terminated.

Asked about Phillips in an interview, Brooks said, “He resigned. He wasn’t fired.” She said she couldn’t remember why she filed the complaint, and she couldn’t recall whether she’d accused him of stealing.

“We didn’t want him around the building, for some reason,” she said.

Marriage

Dawson said that on October 30, 2017, Phillips and a man in the Philippines that he’d met online married in City Hall. He said that Phillips had traveled twice to see the man, whose name is Archie Arcaya Fuscablo.

But when Kagan asked about the hair stylist, Waggoner replied, “Absolutely not.”

“There’s no expression or protected speech in that kind of context,” she said.

Why not, asked Kagan. “It’s the makeup ‘artist.’”

Waggoner tried to explain the difference. She said that, when the court “is looking at whether speech is involved, it asks the question of, ‘Is it communicating something and is it analogous to other protected forms of speech ...”

Kagan said a makeup artist “might feel exactly as your client does – that they’re doing something that’s of great aesthetic importance to the wedding and that there’s a lot of skill and artistic vision that goes into making somebody look beautiful.” What’s the difference, she asked.

Waggoner said the difference is that make-up is “not speech.”

“Some people may say that about cakes, you know,” said Kagan.

Legal Notices>> FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037831400 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PAGE & PIERCE LAUNDRY, 800 PAGE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed HUANHUA CHEN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/08/12. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/07/17.

NOV 16, 23, 30, DEC 07, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037837100

Bill Wilson

Michael Petrelis, obscured by his sign, protested Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov.

In June more arrests of suspected LGBT individuals in Chechnya was reported.

Chechnya is a semi-autonomous state in the Northern Caucus of the Russian Federation. t To read the full story visit ebar. com.

Fuscablo arrived in San Francisco in October, said Dawson.

Friends thought it was “a scam,” and Phillips “was asking everyone for money. ... [Fuscablo] was asking Mike and Mike was asking all his friends,” said Dawson. “He was desperate to make it all work and prove that it was real.”

At the wedding, attended by Dawson and two witnesses, Fuscablo turned his head when Phillips was going to kiss him, allowing Phillips to give him a peck on the cheek.

Told of the charges against Phillips, Maria Nowicki, another friend who attended the wedding, said, “I just cannot believe it.”

Nowicki said that she’d reluctantly loaned Phillips $2,000 in August to help him bring Fuscablo over from the Philippines. Phillips had agreed to repay her $250 a month, but he hadn’t made a payment since September, she said.

At the wedding, which she described as “very, very weird,” Nowicki said, “Mike seemed like he was just anxious to get married so that everything would be settled ... Archie was standing there almost like a robot” and showed “no emotion.”

Dawson said that Fuscablo “flew back to the Philippines the day after Mike was arrested.”

Phillips declined to be interviewed for this story, and Fuscablo hasn’t responded to the B.A.R.’s Facebook messages.

In an October exchange with a friend after Phillips posted that he needed help, he said that he’d lost his job and finances had become “crippling.”

He also posted in July that he’d spent all his savings on an “LGBT documentary comic book film” called “Secret Identities.”

About a year ago, Phillips started a Gofundme page for Fuscablo. The crowdfunding campaign is no longer live. t Waggoner proceeded to say that, not only was a hairstylist and a make-up artist not engaged in “speech,” neither was a tailor or a wedding dinner chef.

“Whoa!” said Kagan. “The baker is engaged in speech but the chef is not engaged in speech?”

Solicitor General Francisco had to navigate a tightrope, too. He expressed concern about the right of artists to be able to control the message of their work and suggested Colorado’s law might force an African-American sculptor to design a cross for use in a Ku Klux Klan event. But then he seemed to suggest that the baker could refuse to sell a wedding cake to a gay couple only if the couple asked for a custom-made cake.

Shannon Minter, legal director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights, said he was “optimistic that a majority of the court will not create any new constitutional exceptions to anti-discrimination laws.”t

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: NIMBLEWITS DOLL COMPANY, 179 TEDDY AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed PATRICIA HEWETT. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/24/07. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/09/17.

NOV 16, 23, 30, DEC 07, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037841000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BRILLIANT KIDS + CHILDCARE & PRESCHOOL, 445 AMAZON AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SHIU KUEN NG TSANG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/13/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/13/17.

NOV 16, 23, 30, DEC 07, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037841800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: WINNIESBABYHOUSE, 1901 44TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed WEN JIAN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/13/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/13/17.

NOV 16, 23, 30, DEC 07, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037828600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ARCH HOUSE MUSIC, 1232 B WILLARD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MICHAEL ANGEL PARTIDA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/15/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/03/17.

NOV 16, 23, 30, DEC 07, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037825400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: LA FARGA MUSIC, 2530 36TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116.

This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed WILLIAM W. KWOK. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/20/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/01/17.

NOV 16, 23, 30, DEC 07, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037833300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: FIRST EAGLE DELIVERY, 87 STONEYFORD AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed ADELCIO PONTES & LEONARDO TORRES. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/08/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/08/17.

NOV 16, 23, 30, DEC 07, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037833500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: DALY CITY FALCONS BASKETBALL CLUB, 207 SKYLINE BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94132. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed HIEN TRAN & JUNES AUBE VALDEMORO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/25/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/08/17.

NOV 16, 23, 30, DEC 07, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037824400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: RAVOT, 115 CLEMENT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed SPARKYS GLOBAL LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/31/17.

NOV 16, 23, 30, DEC 07, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037841300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: 18/8 FINE MEN’S SALON SAN FRANCISCO EMBARCADERO, ONE EMBARCADERO CENTER LL, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111.

This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed JB DESTINY PARTNERS LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/13/17.

NOV 16, 23, 30, DEC 07, 2017 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-035986600 The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as: SUBWAY SANDWICHES #61240, 425-D BATTERY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111. This business was conducted by a limited liability company and signed by LETAP SUBS LLC (CA). The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/08/14.

NOV 16, 23, 30, DEC 07, 2017 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-034168600

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as: SUBWAY SANDWICH #53761, 160 BROADWAY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111. This business was conducted by a corporation and signed by LETAP ENTERPRISES, INC. (CA). The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/29/12.

NOV 16, 23, 30, DEC 07, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037830300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: WOLFRAM LOGISTICS, 5657 CALIFORNIA ST #3, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed AI LI LIANG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/01/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/06/17.

NOV 23, 30, DEC 07, 14, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037852700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: WAGO SUSHI, 2365 CHESTNUT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123.

This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed WAN HWA CHOI. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/17/17.

NOV 23, 30, DEC 07, 14, 2017

<< Classifieds

20 • BAY AREA REPORTER • December 7-13, 2017

Legal Notices>> FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037845400 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HASETPHARMA, 3428 FULTON ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DANIEL WONDWASSEN WOLDEMICHEAL. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/14/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/14/17.

NOV 23, 30, DEC 07, 14, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037851000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PROSPECT STUDIO, 41 PUTNAM ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed FIONA HOVENDEN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/16/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/16/17.

NOV 23, 30, DEC 07, 14, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037849900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SF GATHERING PLACE, 1300 KEARNY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed YULIA ISKANDAR. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/14/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/16/17.

NOV 23, 30, DEC 07, 14, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037851100

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037835700

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037845900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: JENNIFER NORMOYLE THERAPY, 1939 DIVISADERO ST #2E, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JENNIFER NORMOYLE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/07/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, C.A on 11/09/17.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SHIRLEY SERVICES, 786 28TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121.

This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed QI SHUANG GUAN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/14/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/14/17.

NOV 23, 30, DEC 07, 14, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037847800

NOV 30, DEC 07, 14, 21, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037837300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HOUSE OF SUSHI, 2157 POLK ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109.

This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed MSAB GROUP INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/01/12. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/15/17.

NOV 23, 30, DEC 07, 14, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037839600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PAPERCATS, 626 10TH AVE #2, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed KOOJOE STUDIOS (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/10/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/10/17.

NOV 23, 30, DEC 07, 14, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037848800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: NORTH BAY AUTO GLASS, 60 - 29TH ST #3, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LUIS SARAT. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/07/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/09/17.

NOV 30, DEC 07, 14, 21, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037864900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: FEMININE WISDOM, 691 POST ST #204, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LORAE A. LAURITCH. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/17/03. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/27/17.

NOV 30, DEC 07, 14, 21, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037860700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BRIGADEIROSPRINKLES, 1999 BROADWAY #22, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed BREDE WEG PARTNERS LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/15/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/15/17.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: 501 MANAGEMENT LLC, 501 41ST AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed 501 MANAGEMENT LLC (CA).

The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/21/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/21/17.

NOV 23, 30, DEC 07, 14, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037850500

NOV 23, 30, DEC 07, 14, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037840000

NOV 30, DEC 07, 14, 21, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037864800

NOV 23, 30, DEC 07, 14, 2017

NOV 23, 30, DEC 07, 14, 2017

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: COPPER & MARUKO, 1058 PLYMOUTH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed GRACE IEONG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/15/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/16/17.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GRANDE ELECTRIC, 1800 GOUGH ST #1, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed FRANCISCO ANTONIO SIGUENZA GRANDE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/16/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/16/17.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SIAM ORCHID THAI MASSAGE, 39 POLK ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed PRASOMSUK LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/10/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/10/17.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BENDER & COHEN, 849 AVE. D, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94130. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed TREEHOUSE CRAFT DISTILLERY, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/27/17.

NOV 30, DEC 07, 14, 21, 2017

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STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-037656400

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037865900

NOV 30, DEC 07, 14, 21, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037848100

DEC 07, 14, 21, 28, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037876000

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as: SUGAR ETC, 3732 20TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110.

This business was conducted by an individual and signed by ULRIKE ZINNKANN. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/26/17.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THE FLOWER GARDEN SHOP, 2770 SAN BRUNO AVE #6, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DANIELLE QUILES. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/15/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/15/17.

DEC 07, 14, 21, 28, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037867000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HANNAH PIFER DESIGN, 100 HAIGHT ST #2, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed HANNAH PIFER. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/28/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/28/17.

DEC 07, 14, 21, 28, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037848500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BEAUTY IN EVERY WIG, 1333 YOSEMITE CIRCLE, OAKLEY, CA 94561. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed BRITANY GIRON. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/15/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/15/17.

DEC 07, 14, 21, 28, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037867900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GO GO 7, 1300 OCEAN AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MARILYN SERAN LEE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/27/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/27/17.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PAUL & DAVE’S MIXED DRINKS, 150 AVOCET WAY, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed DAVID SPRINGER & PAUL FRANCEUS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/01/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/04/17.

DEC 07, 14, 21, 28, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037861700 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CPM ENVIRONMENTAL, INC., 1821 UNION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed CPM ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/04/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/22/17.

DEC 07, 14, 21, 28, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037875800 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PIIR SOUL LLC, 1156 GOETTINGEN ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed PIIR SOUL LLC (CA).

The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/15/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/01/17.

DEC 07, 14, 21, 28, 2017

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PEDAL PUPS, 33 8TH ST #1940, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SCOTT LEE FRIESEN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/22/17 . The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/28/17.

DEC 07, 14, 21, 28, 2017

To place your classified ad, call 415-861-5019 Then go have a drink & relax...

Outreach Ads December 2017 The Arts Commission in partnership with the San Francisco War Memorial is proud to host our first every Holiday Art Market inside the Veterans Building lobby. Shop handmade arts and crafts by local artists. Support artists that live and work in San Francisco.

Monday, December 4, 2017 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

War Memorial Veterans Building 401 Van Ness Avenue San Francisco, CA 94102 The Youth Commission is a body of 17 San Franciscans between the ages of 12 and 23. Created by the voters in 1995 through a charter amendment, the commission is responsible for advising the Board of Supervisors and the Mayor on policies and laws related to young people. The commission is also charged with providing comment, recommendation, and feedback on all proposed laws that affect youth before the Board takes final action.

Commissioners work diligently to connect young people from all over the city with one another, develop their leadership skills and understanding of government, and make positive policy changes.

The commission meets on the first and third Monday of every month at 5:15pm in room 416 of City Hall. Their standing issue-based committees meet regularly in the Youth Commission office, City Hall Room 345.

Visit our website www.sfgov.org/yc, email YouthCom@sfgov.org, or call (415) 5546446 for information about upcoming meetings!

Board of Supervisors Regularly Scheduled Board Meetings December Meetings Come and see your local government at work, the Board of Supervisors hold weekly meetings most Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m. in Rm. 250 of San Francisco City Hall.

• December 5 • December 12

4115 19th Street San Francisco, CA 94114

11am-5pm (PST) M-F, Closed on Weekends

You can also view them online at www.sfgovtv.org .

415.626.1169 www.nowvoyager.com

LANGUAGE INTERPRETATION AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST CHINESE…. SPANISH…. FILIPINO Requests must be received 48 hours in advance required for interpretation. For more information see the Board of Supervisor’s website www.sfbos.org, or call 415-554-5184.

Counseling>>

415 861-5381

The City and County of San Francisco encourage public outreach. Articles are translated into several languages to provide better public access. The newspaper makes every effort to translate the articles of general interest correctly. No liability is assumed by the City and County of San Francisco or the newspapers for errors and omissions.

CNS-3074446#

THANK YOU ST. JUDE –

/lgbtsf

May the Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved and preserved throughout the world now and forever. Sacred Heart of Jesus, pray for us.

St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. St. Jude, helper of the hopeless, pray for us. Say prayer nine time a day for nine days. Thank you Jesus and St. Jude for prayers answered. Publication must be promised. B.K.

24

Bluegrass story

24

26

26

Coney charm

Finnish up

Churchill down

Vol. 47 • No. 49 • December 7-13, 2017 Bay Area Cabaret

www.ebar.com/arts

Ian Owens and Jo Scott are part of “The Second City’s Dysfunctional Holiday Revue” at Berkeley Rep.

Timothy M. Schmidt

Tim Davis, Jane Lynch, and Kate Flannery, perform “A Swingin’ Little Christmas.”

Jane Lynch swings

Christmas treats

by David-Elijah Nahmod

by Richard Dodds

S

Courtesy the artist and Victoria Miro, London. Photo: Stephen White

he’ll always be best-known as Sue Sylvester, the gym teacher you love to hate on the late, lamented “Glee.” Sue is a far cry from Jane Lynch, her portrayer. Or is she?

“If you scratch the surface of my person ever-so-slightly, you’ll find Sue Sylvester in there,” Lynch told the B.A.R. as she was preparing to bring her Christmas cabaret act to town. “I didn’t have to dig very deep to find this warrior of a woman with a very tender heart.”

See page 22 >>

T

he Puritans didn’t approve of its celebration, and for part of the 17th century, Christmas was banned in Boston as a public nuisance. Too much revelry. But the urge to have fun at this time of the year began long before anyone attached a significant birthday to it. We seem pretty much hardwired to drink from the cup of cheer at this time of the year. One of the places you can dip your cup is the theatrical punchbowl where ingredients are spiced and spiked to most any taste.

See page 27 >>

Globalism comes to the galleries

by Sura Wood Isaac Julien, “Playtime” (2014), installation view, Victoria Miro Gallery, Wharf Road, London, 2014.

L

ocal galleries are wrapping up 2017 with their final shows of the year. Here’s a chance to catch some of them before time runs out.

See page 28 >>

{ SECOND OF THREE SECTIONS }

7

<< Out There

22 • Bay Area Reporter • December 7-13, 2017

Best Wedding Photographer as voted by BAR readers

Seal does Standards

by Roberto Friedman

T

PHOTOGRAPHY

Steven-2x5.indd 1

so it’s no surprise that it’s so retrograde in sensibility and subject matter.

What Ralphie (Jonah Broscow) wants most for Xmas is – a gun! Specifically, and celebrated in its very own song, he wants a “Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun.” Ralphie’s yearning to possess this weapon is illustrated by a fantasy sequence in which he imagines armed gunmen storming his classroom (“Ralphie to the Rescue!”), which really is not so charming, postSandy Hook.

The show’s “Ozzie & Harriet” mindset is best exemplified in Mother’s (Abby Haug) big number “What a Mother Does,” which could be summarized as, “A woman’s place is in the kitchen.” It’s not just the treacly sentiment of this Steven Underhill musical that’s outdated, but also its conformist Seal appeared with the San Francisco Symphony subtext. in Davies Symphony Hall.

Still, a spirited cast of kids and adults under without being overwhelmed by the the direction of SF Playhouse coXmas overload. Based on founder Susi Damilano, and kickthe movie of the same ass live music by a backstage band name, itself based on under music director Dave Doauthor Jean Shepbrusky, manage to sell the nostalgic herd’s “In God We proceedings and bring “A Christmas Trust: All Others Pay Story” to full theatrical life. And Cash,” there’s no relithere’s not a blessed child away in a gious component to this manger, or the arrival of Three Magi musical at all. Instead, to be found. So bring on the season’s it’s all about the true greetings!t meaning of Xmas: the

he English singer-songwriter Seal is known for his international pop music and his smooth, mellifluous voice. He hasn’t been known until now for his way with a jazz standard, but that will all change with the release of his new album, “Standards,” from Decca. Last week Seal, born Henry Olusegun Adeola Samuel, brought his act to Davies Hall to sing with the San Francisco Symphony, Edwin Outwater conducting.

Turns out he’s quite a crooner of the old-school style.

He began with “Lady Luck,” and one could sense he was WINNER still a bit tentative with this Best Wedding Photographer material. He confided that, except for a small club date in LA, this SF appearance was his first show in a concert hall 415 essaying the songbook set. But 370 by the time he launched into 7152 “Can’t Take That Away from WEDDINGS, HEADSHOTS, PORTRAITS stevenunderhill.com · stevenunderhillphotos@gmail.com 2pub-BBB_BAR_120717.pdf 1 11/13/17 2:58 PM Me,” “I Put a Spell on You” and “Autumn Leaves,” the Seal was set: he was clearly born to live 12/5/17 11:24 AM and love through these songs.

Inhabit them he did, in “Love for Sale” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”; in “the happiest sad song there is,” “Smile”; in a brief Christmas set of “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire” and “Let It Snow”; and in the rousing finale “That’s Life.” He said it was great to sing with real musicians, playing real instruments.

Though he never thanked the orchestra, the conductor, or the three back-up singers by name, he did give props to his record company. Seal came, Seal sang, Seal properly sold the standards.

Steven Underhill

t

consumerist impulse.

The story is set in 1940s Indiana,

Through Jan. 13. sfplayhouse.org.

Christmas fear

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Truth be told, Out There is about the least Christmassy person you know. This time of year, even our usual refuge in the halls of culture feels inundated with Xmas cheer: “A Christmas Carol” at the theatre, endless holiday programming at the concert hall, “Nutcracker” at the opera house. So over the years we’ve had to learn how to come to terms with the annual Yuletime onslaught.

“A Christmas Story: The Musical” at San Francisco Playhouse felt like a good chance for us to learn how to enjoy seasonal entertainment

<<

Jane Lynch

From page 21

Lynch looks back upon the nowcancelled series fondly. “I was probably closest to Matthew Morrison, who I keep in touch with,” she said.

“He’s kind of my role model for the trajectory of my life music career.

He’s constantly on stage with a band or an orchestra. I’m following in his footsteps and have begun doing symphony shows. He’s great for advice.”

“I think the genesis of the ‘Glee’ idea could live on in other television shows,” she said. “There’s such a need for it right now, a place where kids can go and know that everybody has their back. Where they all come together and raise their voices in song. In terms of a revival for our cast, I doubt that would happen.”

Though she’s best-known as a comic actress, and has had major roles in the films “Best in Show” and “The 40 Year Old Virgin,” Lynch is actually an accomplished singer.

When she appears in “A Swingin’ Little Christmas” at the Fairmount Hotel’s Venetian Room on Dec.

Jessica Palopoli

Ralphie (Jonah Broscow) dreams of getting a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas in San Francisco Playhouse’s “A Christmas Story: The Musical.”

10, she’ll be performing with Kate Flannery of “The Office,” Tim Davis of “Glee” and the Tony Guerrero Quintet. It’s not their first time stepping up to the microphones together.

“We made a Christmas album last year, and we’ll be performing all the songs from that album,” Lynch said. “It’s very much an homage to the Big Band music of the 50s and early 60s. We do several wellknown carols arranged by Tony Guererro, our bandleader. They all have a very jazzy Big Band feel.

The show also features some Tony Guererro originals that sound like they were recorded 60 years ago.

He’s a real throwback, and so is this show. When you have Kate Flannery on stage, there’s always going to be ridiculousness and a lot of fun!

“I’ve known Kate for decades, we met in Chicago and have been performing together ever since,” she said. “Tim Davis was the vocal arranger on ‘Glee.’ He’s a real throwback, just like the band and Kate.

They both look like Big Band singers from the 50s.

An out lesbian, Lynch and gay

actor Andrew Rannells (“The New Normal”) recently appeared on a hilarious episode of the recently revived “Will & Grace.” They played a married couple running a “pray the gay away” camp, from which Jack (Sean Hayes) rescues his young grandson. “Andrew and I were both so gay it made your teeth hurt!”

Lynch credits comic legend Carol Burnett as a major influence on her own life and career. “I absolutely adored the Carol Burnett Show,” she said. “I couldn’t wait for Saturday night. They looked like they were all having so much fun. It was a true ensemble.”

Burnett and her cast inspired Lynch to invite her friends to join her onstage. “I’ve never want to be up there all by myself,” she said.

“That’s why I surround myself with such great people like Kate and Tim and the Tony Guererro Quintet.”t Jane Lynch: A Swingin’ Little Christmas, Sun., Dec. 10 at 7 p.m., the Venetian Room at the Fairmount Hotel, 950 Mason St., SF. cityboxoffice.com.

To reunite with their families, emperor penguins migrate up to 30 miles across the ice.

You just have to make it across the rink.

Open through January 7 Explore the science behind the season and learn how Antarctic penguins survive and thrive in frozen polar ecosystems at this annual holiday exhibit. This year, falling snow flurries, wintry surprises, and an all-new holiday ice rink await!

Open every day this holiday season.

Get tickets at calacademy.org

28530-CAS-TisSeason-Print-Penguin-Bay Area Reporter-9.75x16-11.30.17-FA.indd 1

11/30/17 4:20 PM

<< Theatre

24 • Bay Area Reporter • December 7-13, 2017

Carolina hoedown at the Curran

by Richard Dodds

I

t’s once upon a time with an achybreaky heart and a whole heap of happily-ever-afters. “Bright Star” has arrived at the Curran Theatre in a touring production after its short Broadway run last year, and it very much wants to be liked.

Often enough, that’s easy to do as a lively pop-tinged bluegrass score, an engaging if implausible story, and some excellent performances come together in a production of deceptive simplicity. There are significant

stumbles, but the musical is big on forgiveness that can be extended to the show itself.

The biggest names behind the musical are not ones associated with musicals. Singer-songwriter Edie Brickell and comedian-turnedserious-guy Steve Martin wrote the songs and collaborated on a story that even the central character acknowledges is a fanciful yarn. “If you knew my story, you’d have a hard time believing me,” she sings in the opening song. “You’d think I was lying.”

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But it’s easy to like the character and hard not to love Carmen Cusack in the role. We first meet Alice Murphy in 1946, after she’s become the brusque editor of a prestigious literary magazine in Asheville. But soon we see her 22 years earlier as a rambunctious dreamer breaking all the rules in her rural North Carolina hometown. A romance with the mayor’s son has dire consequences, a burden that strengthens her drive but leaves her with a life of only professional passions. All that begins to change as Alice takes an interest in an ex-G.I. with a hunger for writing who will soon enough turn her world upside-down.

The frame of a wooden cabin provides the set’s centerpiece and houses the six-piece band that plays banjo, auto harp, and accordion, as well as more traditional musicaltheater instruments. The ensemble helps maneuver it about the stage, bringing in and dispatching props and set-pieces while providing vocal backups and imaginative physical formations in Walter Bobbie’s staging and Josh Rhodes’ choreography, the latter of which can break into full-steam hoedowns.

Cusack made her Broadway debut as Alice, and you quickly see why it became a breakout role for this veteran of touring musicals.

She is a luminescent presence, easily shuttling between time periods, and her voice can merrily twang through up-tempo numbers, find the heart in intimate songs, and soar into the stratosphere on the big ballads.

A.J. Shively, another veteran of

t

Craig Schwartz

A.J. Shively and Carmen Cusack recreate their Broadway roles as an aspiring writer and a prestigious magazine editor, each with interwoven backstories, in the touring production of “Bright Star” at the Curran Theatre.

the Broadway cast, is happily repeating his role as the soldier-turned-aspiring-writer Billy Cane. The young actor is a good-looking charmer as he takes us through the character’s own backstory that begins in another small North Carolina town.

Other roles fall into more predictable patterns, but are vividly played

by Jeff Blumenkrantz and Kaitlyn Davidson as Alice’s comic-relief assistants, Jeff Austin as a villainous mayor, Maddie Shea Baldwin as Billy’s childhood sweetheart, and Stephen Lee Anderson as Alice’s Bible-thumping father.

There are plot turns worthy of old-time melodramas that shouldn’t be revealed here, and

some miscalculations at how to put them across. And the cast is curiously white, with no indication that there may be some black townsfolk in places where they obviously were a significant presence. But if “Bright Star” is sometimes neglectful, and even a bit cockamamie, you have to think the creators’ hearts were in the right place. Best of all is the chance to bask in the glow of Carmen Cusack, who can convince us that no matter what, as she insistently sings, the sun is gonna shine again.t “Bright Star” will run through Dec. 17 at the Curran Theatre.

Tickets are $39-$175, available at sfcurran.com.

A Coney Island of the mind

by David Lamble

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oody Allen’s nebbishy character Alvy Singer claimed in the first frames of his Oscar-winning 1977 comedy “Annie Hall” to have been “brought up underneath the roller coaster in the Coney Island section of Brooklyn.” Allen has come full circle and returned to Coney Island in his latest release, “Wonder Wheel,” a melancholy romantic comedy-thriller that boasts a likely Oscar-nominated performance from its ballsy female lead, Kate Winslet.

At its best, “Wonder Wheel,” is sweet East Coast beach nostalgia, satisfying memories of seashores where you could actually make it into the water without freezing your butt off or risking being swept to your death from treacherous riptides. At times during a press screening, this South Shore, Long Island beach-raised kid nearly succumbed to memories of skeeball and the taste of one of Nathan’s Famous hotdogs or a knish.

“Wonder Wheel” kicks off with a burst of energy along the Coney Island beach boardwalk as the story’s narrator, lifeguard/wannabe writer Mickey (Justin Timberlake), sets the scene and introduces the cast of characters. And characters they are.

Allen is at his best when he creates an intimate world of zany types for whom there is no escape beyond the next one-liner or sardonic retort. The film’s embattled quartet consists of Humpty (Jim Belushi), a loutish beer-drinking sap who runs the Coney Island carousel, his estranged adult daughter Carolina (Juno Temple), sexy lifeguard Mickey, and most importantly, Humpty’s long-suffering wife Ginny, a frustrated former actress (Winslet).

This foursome spends the bulk of the film’s 101 minutes flirting, kvetching and taking out their frustrations on each other.

But from opening frame to final

credits, this is Winslet’s movie, reminding both fans and late arrivals that the English-born actress has wowed us with tough-minded and tough-hearted characters in films from “Heavenly Creatures” for New Zealand’s Peter Jackson to the heartbreaking love story of a former concentration camp guard who seduces a young German boy (“The Reader”), or as the lass who challenges her American lover to wipe his memory clean of their affair (“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”), or as the young Englishwoman who tragically loses her working-class lover to sea-going tragedy (“Titanic”). The high point of “Wonder Wheel” comes when Winslet’s Ginny finds herself staring into her bedroom mirror as she brushes her hair and practices her confession to Mickey the lifeguard.

The scene has a world-class performer inhabiting the unfulfilled longings of a talentless middle-aged dreamer.

“I want to be honest with you, Mickey, I’m married. I’m a married woman. I want to be honest with you, Mickey, I’m a married woman, I married, Mickey, I feel strange mentioning it, not that you asked.

I got myself into a bad situation, I got myself, I got myself into a bad situation.”

As he approaches 81, Woody Allen has lost a bit of his old 1970s-era zip, when he was arguably America’s most inventive serio-comic cinema artist. Also, “Wonder Wheel” would be ever so much tastier if Allen had access to a more effectively ferocious Humpty, say the likes of the late James Gandolfini, or if loverboy lifeguard Mickey were given the sexy intonations of Allen regular Jesse Eisenberg.

Still, a big boost for the film’s appeal comes from the summertime color scheme of cinematographer Vittorio Storaro, marking his second behind-the-camera contribution to an Allen film. This warm-weatherhatched treat, filmed in the summer of 2016 for what seems today like a shoestring $25 million budget, is well worth your time. The WinsletTimberlake chemistry may have been enhanced by the stars sharing an on-location trailer. In an interview with CBS “Late Show” host Stephen Colbert, Winslet admitted that their early-morning quarters were close enough for her to hear Timberlake’s morning bathroom rituals. Winslet also confessed to being nervous enough about her American Brooklyn accent that she worked on it for three weeks to receive an Allen thumbs-up of “Nice job!” “Wonder Wheel” opens Friday.t

Amazon Studios

Juno Temple in director Woody Allen’s “Wonder Wheel.”

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Books>>

December 7-13, 2017 • Bay Area Reporter • 25

A life in porn

by John F. Karr

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ans of the films of noted sexographer Arch Brown, director of, among others, Pier Groups, Harley’s Angels, All Tied Up, and New York Men, will pounce upon the memoir he modestly titled A Pornographer, recently published in both hardand softbound format ($30, $20)

by Chelsea Station Editions. Yet they should be forewarned that the book, which was found among Brown’s possessions when he died in 2012 at the age of 76, purposefully contains not a word about those films, nor their stars: Jack Wrangler, J.D. Slater, Scorpio, Christopher Rage, a favorite of mine named Eric Ryan, and the scrumptiously handsome straight boy who was fairly discomforted having homo-sex George Payne.

This is disappointing, to say the least. For although Brown writes that in his films he consciously avoided being heavy-handed with theories, philosophies and ideals, those are mostly what A Pornographer tenders. Brown offers a brief explanation of what drew him to a camera, before delivering well over 200 pages of psychological considerations of the anonymous performers who were drawn to reveal themselves to him. The particular details of the person being described don’t matter, since all of Brown’s matter-of-fact descriptions read the same. What Brown is telling us is that no matter their look or profession, there was a sexually charged individual drawn to his camera, and eager to be released and loosed upon it.

If it’s not truly his rather mundane philosophical musings about personality types we’re after, nor the mildly porno-style descriptions

of their sex acts, we’re grateful for his detailing the accumulation of filmmaking technique he stumbled upon as he filmed people, and the dawning knowledge of the power of his unique personality, his awareness that he is the person to whom their sexuality may safely be revealed. In the days before a standardized recording of sex acts became the porn we know, it was Brown’s ability to see people as individuals, to be their validator, that warmed them to him, and which marks his work.

At long last, in the final chapter of A Pornographer, Brown sets out his raison d’etre as sexographer. It’s an all-too-brief payoff to some repetitious rambling.

The book includes a few stills from Brown’s better-known but undiscussed films, and a handful of himself at different stages of his career. While A Pornographer lacks an index, and seems to have been only lightly edited if at all, it does have an engaging afterword, “Remembering Arch Brown” by James Waller, a former lover of the sexographer and currently President of the Arch and Bruce Brown Foundation. In its detailed biographical information and knowledgeable assessment of Brown’s career, I found this remembrance of almost greater value and interest than Brown’s text itself. For instance, it’s only here, yet even then buried in a footnote, that we learn Brown’s real name.

And as noted, totally absent from Brown’s text is a discussion of his better-known movies, and the performers who matter to us. There was time in the years after the current text stops, and before his death, for Brown to get to this. Though he continued to travel until his ultimate death from cancer, perhaps it sapped his will and energy. I feel in a way responsible that we are denied the pleasure of these unwritten stories. Brown wrote me a fan letter of thanks in 2000, when I favorably mentioned Pier Groups in an article.

I was undergoing a career change at the time, and never replied. I could have been the transcriber of his oral history, could have extracted this material from him, even written a biography. So I’ll continue to feel guilty that the book of Brown’s I want to read is the one I declined to write. Though A Pornographer is a valuable document as is, it could have been, should have been, so much more.t

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<< Film

26 • Bay Area Reporter • December 7-13, 2017

Winston Churchill’s missing bits

by Erin Blackwell

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oe Orton was a gay English playwright whose final play, “What the Butler Saw” (1967), featured “the missing parts of Winston Churchill” as a running gag. Was an irreverent Orton tearing down a tattered old British lion, or elevating him to the status of supreme phallus? Gary Oldman played Orton in Stephen Frears’ “Prick Up Your Ears” (1987), a stunning film, especially considering it’s a biopic. Tasked, 30 years on, with inhabiting the pelt of the old lion himself, Oldman has put on pounds of prosthetics to fill out his lean cheeks and neckline. Make-up does not a performance make, as is proved by “Darkest Hour,” opening Friday in the Bay Area.

Joe Wright, who directed, is a bit Wagnerian, a carver-out of highfallutin’ gesamtkunstwerks, or entire enchiladas, that rework canonic narratives by abstracting them from their original historical and traditional aesthetic contexts. He

Focus Features

Gary Oldman is Winston Churchill in director Joe Wright’s “Darkest Hour.”

likes to film in a vacuum. “Darkest Hour” shows the change of British prime minister from appeaser Neville Chamberlain to anti-Nazi Churchill. Pushpins clutter a map of France in a bunkery war room, and

Dunkirk is evoked through CGI. Standing in for conflict, Chamberlain and his chum Lord Halifax, pitiful pansy peaceniks, limply spar with bulldog Winston, who seems oddly cold-blooded.

Oldman as an actor is a bit coldblooded, but what is wrong with his face? In certain shots, he looks like an escapee from Madame Tussaud’s Waxworks. The silhouette is uncanny, but when he moves his head he turns into Humpty Dumpty. Immobile faux flesh is a terrible burden for an actor onscreen for 125 minutes, his eyes peeking out through a turgid mask of plastic. Other famous Winston impersonators have trusted to their own bones and sinews, even hollow-cheeked Richard Burton, whose deep drinker’s voice was ideal. Oldman tries to force his natural tenor downscale, but his Tallulah Bankhead slur erupts in cockney vowels.

Wright dumbs down the intellect and integrity of the pigheaded Churchill, whose taste for verbal

tussles matched his lust for physical combat. A brilliant but eccentric leader haunted by the 1915 Gallipoli bloodbath, he alone in May 1940 can rally his threatened island kingdom to war with “that man.” A charismatic speaker, he gives a series of blood-kindling speeches pledging Britain will fight with every shred of its being to victory “at any cost.” Even today, his words retain incantatory magic; to read them aloud is to feel the sheer courage of promised sacrifice. Don’t expect, however, to be moved by their passionate, principled persuasion, because you won’t hear it.

Wright muffles Churchill’s ringing oratory in Parliament, shooting from a great distance and maddeningly underscoring them with a raging string section sawing up and down scales with wild redundancy. The term “underscoring” is an understatement: the entire movie, except for one brief scene, is blitzed by Dario Marianelli’s intrusive score. When Winston addresses

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the airwaves, lest we listen, Wright frantically cuts to various people in various rooms listening to various radios: with each new amplifier the sound of the voice alters. Pat the sound engineer on the back for meticulous mixing, but mourn the baffling of sacred British texts.

Anthony McCarten’s script is threadbare, perhaps to allow time for people to speak slowly in a solemn atmosphere of portentous pauses, either because they have speech impediments like George VI and Halifax, or because everyone’s in a bad mood. As Mrs. Churchill, Kristin Scott Thomas seems not to have got the memo, offering a welcome incursion of stiff-upper-lip briskness in too few snippets. The main thrust, with Hitler as whipping boy, is war fever. The jingoistic belligerence of the crowd in a hokey London Underground scene makes me wonder why, except to fetch Oldman a trophy, this disgruntled slice of propaganda was ever made.t

Refugee camp

by David Lamble

I

n the opening frames of the new Finnish comedy-drama “The Other Side of Hope,” a head appears in a dusty coal-bin aboard what seems like a tramp steamer. Without ceremony we have met one-half of the lead acting team. Khaled (Sherwan Haji) is a young man fleeing the bomb-strewn chaos of his Syrian hometown, Aleppo. It takes more than half the story to discover the crimes committed against him and his family. What we learn quickly is that he is fleeing for his life and desperately needs a warm bed, a simple job and a guarantee that he’s not headed back to Syria.

What he gets instead is a humor-

less bureaucratic two-step, administered by kindly but implacable types who appear to have neither heard the news nor ever experienced a Marx Brothers comedy. For a time Khaled can neither abandon all hope nor kiss Finnish soil in eternal gratitude.

Then the desperate refugee has a bumpy encounter with fate in the form of seemingly humorless businessman Wikstrom (Sakari Kuosmanen, a stock player in this director’s distinctly non-utopian universe). We have witnessed the man leaving his wife – placing his house key and wedding band on the kitchen table, whereupon she sticks the ring in an overflowing ashtray and downs a stiff drink. Every act is

undertaken stoically. Even his waiter who’s a mix of Kafka getaway car is a boxy vehicle and Woody Allen. resembling nothing as much The film from director Aki as an 80s Manhattan Checker Kaurismaki, best-known for cab.

1989’s “Leningrad Cowboys The departing husband Go America,” can be likened to stops only to clean up at a the bleak but worthy resume of friendly poker game, then Jim Jarmusch (“Stranger Than heads for a real estate office Paradise”). Life’s chores and where he invests in a bar/reswars are never won. A happy taurant he dubs “The Golden stand-off is all these dark souls Pint.” Spotting Khaled back can bear. The film is a deadnear the garbage bins, the pan-humor tutorial on the Janus Films men exchange punches berefugee crisis, Neo-Nazi skinfore the older man hires the Scene from director Aki Kaurismaki’s heads and the practical side younger to make sushi. A “The Other Side of Hope.” of surviving in a world nestled great thing about “The Other uneasily between desperate joined by a feckless staff: a clueless Side of Hope” is that we don’t dreams and Fascist means. (In chef (Janne Hyytiainen), a jaded have to dine there, but can enjoy Finnish, English and Arabic, with waitress (Nuppu Koivu) and a head watching those who do. The pair is English subtitles. Opens Friday.)t

The spirit of resistance

by Tim Pfaff

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lassical music has its slaves.

I refer to opera characters, though fans may identify. That Aida merely heads a cast of thousands is a reflection of the historical bonds of slavery – and the way slaves snag something deep in the sympathy of audiences, as far as it goes. When, in 1768, Niccolo Jommelli wrote “La schiava liberata” (“The Slave Girl Set Free,” which in performance, the late Alan Curtis demonstrated, would make a mark today), slavery

was institutional in Europe.

Slavery spans all of human history. Although it’s sometimes more concealed today, there’s no reason to assume that it’s not now at its historical peak. The 2016 Global Slavery Index identified 45.8 million slaves in the world last year. If you eat frozen shrimp, slaves have touched them.

Where I live in Asia, by simply turning down the wrong lane I saw male sex-show performers kept in cages, screaming and reaching out through the bars like hungry Hansels. Guards drove me off the property.

The global effort that yielded the 2016 Index gave occasion for one of the more remarkable projects in Jordi Savall’s career, “Les Routes de L’Esclavage” (“The Routes of Slavery”). It yielded a 2015 concert memorialized live on both CD and DVD in one of the latest sets by Savall’s ensemble Hesperion XXI (Alia Vox).

Savall, who can lead (and play, mostly on viols) the standard early-music repertoire with the best of them, has not sought celebrity. He has augmented his singular and often exemplary recordings of works as basic to the enterprise as Monteverdi’s “L’Orfeo” with enterprising investigations into what is often very early music from the pan-Mediterranean regions, which preceded and influenced European “early music.”

He and Alia Vox have presented them in beautifully produced bookand-CD sets that are, to a one, treasures. This new one is his most overtly political venture. To be clear, this is not the music made by the African slaves in North America.

Expect no elevating “spirituals.”

Casting its light elsewhere, the music in this set explores the slave trade triangulated between Africa, Europe and North America from 1440-1880.

Savall is clear in his goal: “To present the essential facts surrounding that terrible history, thanks

to the extraordinary vitality and profound emotion of this music, preserved in the ancient traditions of the descendants of the slaves.” Lest you see this as sublimation, the music is augmented by a book-sized series of texts that, like the music, explicate a history we think we know from illuminating vantage points, including the Christian-Muslim nexus.

If it got the traction it warrants, this set could be another “Graceland.” Paul Simon’s bittersweet revelry in the music driving the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa took off not just because the music was politically topical in the 80s, but as much because it exuded the vitality of resistance. The same spirit animates the music of “Les Routes de L’Esclavage.”

In the concert, a narrative drawn from historical texts – as telling in its expression of white superiority as it is unflinching about the agonies of the slaves – is narrated, in French, by Bakary Sangare, who animates it. The musical program, so skillfully assembled it seems to unfold on its own, presents music from countries as disparate – but, here, as connected –as Portugal and Brazil, Spain and Mexico, Mali and the islands of the Caribbean. Savall brings many collaborators into his own ensemble.

Its unflagging vitality – Savall’s

word fits best – leaves the listener spellbound. There’s music of sorrow and lament, but perhaps more with the leavening energy of consolation and, paramount here, resistance grounded in the fierce spirit of the African captives in their masters’ cultures. “Roots” music, particularly from Mali – contrasted with the “routes” music – is handled with supreme sensitivity, and is easily the most emotionally moving material.

Unless, that is, you’re willing to include defiance and jubilation in the field of apposite emotions. The dominant strain in the concert program is one of high exhilaration, expressed in vocal as well as instrumental music.

Even a hardened racist hearing this music ignorant of its words might find it irresistible; more receptive listeners will be carried away by it. The stage is crowded with musicians, none of whom seems to be playing the same instrument – including a strummed animal jawbone with its teeth intact, to speak of “original instruments” – but all of a single mind.

These musicians clearly have done their woodshedding at home, because for us they’re not parading their astounding virtuosity but their complete investment in music they inhabit. What could be called a “continuo” group is the amazing 3MA trio, playing instruments that are the even more expressive cousins of the lute, the sitar, and the sarod, all of whom, before the concert is finished, also sing like men possessed.t

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Backstage>>

December 7-13, 2017 • Bay Area Reporter • 27 Donning our gay apparel

where the people-and-puppets musical is back for its fifth annual production, timed to the festive season and running through Jan. 7. Two alternating casts have let the theater schedule more performances per week for what has become a box office champion. Tickets at nctcsf.org.

If there be Scotch pines amid the botanicals in “The Secret Garden,” you won’t find one with tinsel and garlands inside the bleak mansion on the Yorkshire moors. But with its child-centric story of lives rekindled, the 1991 Broadway musical is 42nd Street Moon’s choice for the season, running through Dec. 24 at the Gateway Theatre. Based on Frances Hodgson Burnett’s 1911 novel, the musical tells the tale of orphaned Mary Lennox, who is sent to live with her misanthropic uncle in a house of secrets and unhappiness that she helps resolve. Tickets at 42ndstmoon.org.

Five actors quick-change their ways through more than 30 roles and a dozen countries in Mark Brown’s adaptation of “Around the World in 80 Days.”

Instead of going big, as some previous stage adaptations have attempted, this 2008 version has fun with the smalleris-better approach to Jules Verne’s novel. It’s the holiday offering for TheatreWorks, running through Dec. 31 at the Lucie Stern Theatre in Palo Alto. Tickets at theatreworks.org.

with “The Judy Garland Christmas Show” on Dec. 15 at Oasis.

It’s the 25th year for “Kung Pao Kosher Comedy,” born of the Jewish tradition to head to a Chinese restaurant on Christmas. Cathy Ladman, Wendy Liebman, and Gary Gulman are the headliners, with founder Lisa Geduldig as the emcee at the New Asia Restaurant. There are dinner and cocktail shows on Dec. 23-25. Tickets at koshercomedy.com.

What would the holidays be in San Francisco without another go-round of “The Golden Girls Live: The Christmas Episodes” at the Victoria Theatre? This reenactment of stories culled from the NBC series, The walking dead presented by local It’s not Santa red that a cast drag luminaries, member is sporting at a rehearsal has become more of a holiday show, but the first popular each year. sign that a zombie apocalypse is Tickets are scarce engulfing San Francisco. DIVA or to see Heklina, Die Burlesque is presenting “Just D’Arcy Drollinger, Another Zombie Holiday Show” at Matthew Martin, Exit Theatre through Dec. 16, with and Holotta Tymes eight local burlesque acts trying to through Dec. 23, put on a show despite expanding but you can try necrotic circumstances. Tickets at your luck at goldtheexit.org.t engirlssf.com.

Kevin Berne With Oasis Five actors play more than 30 characters in a less-is-more adaptation of “Around the hosts Heklina and World in 80 Days” at TheatreWorks.

Drollinger jingling their bells at the Victoria, the Drunk greats who have passed through Holiday theatre Drag Broadway players will be offerthe ranks since 1959 include John

From page 21 ing their new deal for Christmas at Belushi, Steve Carell, Tina Fey, SteOasis. “MAnnie,” running through phen Colbert, and Gilda Radner.

The definition of a holiday show Dec. 10, is described as the story of The collection of holiday-slanted has been stretched wide beyond a little redheaded “whorphan,” her improvised and scripted sketches “A Christmas Carol,” and around gender-bending gal runs through Dec. 31. Tickets at these parts, it can mean transgrespals, billionaire sugar berkeleyrep.org. sive variations on Yuletide merridaddies, plus characKilling My Lobments and shows with no specific ters who wander in ster, San Francisco’s holiday connections beyond stories from other Broadway own long-running that may or may not be suitable musicals. The sings k e t c h c o m e d y for families but can feed seasonal ing is live, in case you troupe, has taken up urges. Here unwrapped are some were wondering. Tickresidence at Pianoproductions that can help with Rainbows & ets at sfoasis.com.

Fight for the holidays. those longings. steamed rice “KLM Presents: A Two only-in-SF tradiNot necessarily Bag of Dickens,” runSketch artists tions are back for 2017. the Yule ning through Dec. The touring arm of Chicago’s Connie Champagne It may have a char16, is the work of six legendary Second City is at Berkebegan channeling Comic Gary Gulman is one of the headliners acter named Christperformers and seven ley Rep with its “Dysfunctional Frances Gumm for the at the 25th annual edition of “Kung Pao mas Eve, but “Avenue Q” has nothwriters who deconstruct various Holiday Revue.” It’s billed as a Featuring award-winning novelist Armistead Maupin, holidays more than 25 Kosher Comedy.” ing to do with any holiday.

Even so, traditions of the season. Tickets at chance to see “the stars of tomorBroadway musical and TV years ago,actor and after sit- star Cheyenne Jackson it has become a popular tradition at pianofight.com. row,” and just a few of the comedy ting out 2016, she’s back New Conservatory Theatre Center, and San Francisco’s premiere dragArmistead sensation Maupin, Peaches Featuring award-winning novelist

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Holiday Gaiety with Armistead Maupin and the San Francisco Symphony

Christ, plusmusical a dazzling of guest stars from stage Broadway actorlineup and TV star Cheyenne Jackson screen, this variety show guarantees an evening and San Francisco’s premiere drag sensation Peaches of festive funa and fabulous flairofyou won’t want to stage miss!

Christ, plus dazzling lineup guest stars from

FRI

DEC 8

and screen, this variety show guarantees an evening of festive fun and fabulous flair you won’t want to miss!

On Stage Edwin Outwater Conductor/Co-Emcee On Stage Peaches Christ Co-Emcee Armistead Maupin Writer Edwin Outwater Conductor/Co-Emcee CheyenneChrist Jackson Singer Peaches Co-Emcee Diana Gameros Singer Armistead Maupin Writer Bob the Drag QueenSinger Guest Artist Cheyenne Jackson Melissa King Top Chef Diana Gameros Singer finalist The Sisters ofQueen Perpetual Indulgence Bob the Drag Guest Artist San Francisco Symphony Melissa King Top Chef finalist

7:30pm

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Recommended for ages 18 and up.

San Francisco Symphony Recommended for ages 18 and up.

EDWIN OUTWATER EDWIN OUTWATER

Featuring award-winning novelist Armistead Maupin, Broadway musical actor and TV star Cheyenne Jackson and San Francisco’s premiere drag sensation Peaches Christ, plus a dazzling lineup of guest stars from stage

EDWIN OUTWATER

and screen, this variety show guarantees an evening of festive fun and fabulous flair you won’t want to miss!

award-winning novelist Armistead FeaturingFeaturing award-winning novelist Armistead Maupin, Maupin, On actor Stage Broadway musical and Cheyenne TV star Cheyenne Broadway musical andactor TV star Jackson Jackson San Francisco’s drag sensation Edwin Outwaterpremiere Conductor/Co-Emcee and San and Francisco’s premiere drag sensation Peaches Peaches Peaches Christ Co-Emcee Christ, plus a dazzling guest stars from stage Christ, plus a dazzling lineup oflineup guest of stars from stage Armistead Maupin Writerguarantees an evening and screen, this variety show and screen, this variety show guarantees an evening Cheyenne Jackson Singer festive fun and fabulous you won’t want to miss! of festiveoffun and fabulous flair you flair won’t want to miss!

TICKETS START AT $15*

Inaugural Partner

Official Airline

SF SYMPHONY_120717.indd 1 Inaugural Partner

Official Airline

5330-17_3-sheet_Gaiety-Updated_11-29.indd 1

Diana Gameros Singer Bob the Drag Queen Guest Artist Box Office Hours Mon–Fri 10am–6pm, Sat noon–6pm, Melissa King Top Chef finalist Sun 2 hours prior to concerts. *Subject to Availability.

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Walk Up Grove Street between Van Ness and Franklin Box Office Hours Mon–Fri 10am–6pm, Sat noon–6pm, Edwin Outwater Conductor/Co-Emcee Edwin Outwater Conductor/Co-Emcee San Francisco Symphony Sun 2 hours prior to concerts. *Subject toOfficial Availability.

Christ Co-Emcee Inaugural Partner Airline PeachesPeaches Christ Co-Emcee Walk Up Grove Street between Van Ness and Franklin Recommended for ages 18 and up.

On Stage On Stage

Armistead Armistead Maupin Maupin Writer Writer

12/4/17 1:27 PM 11/28/17 10:04 AM

<< Music

28 • Bay Area Reporter • December 7-13, 2017

SF Opera Chorus up-close & personal

by Philip Campbell

A

way from the stage of the War Memorial Opera House and out of the shadows of the stars, the esteemed San Francisco Opera Chorus gave its second annual concert last week in the more intimate surroundings of the Taube Atrium Theater in the Diane B. Wilsey Center for Opera. No costumes or makeup were required for the amiable showcase conducted by 30-year SFO veteran Chorus Director Ian Robertson, with Associate Director Fabrizio Corona playing piano accompaniment.

The Atrium’s Meyer Sound Constellation acoustic system was only needed to help enliven the space.

The 47-member SFO Regular Chorus is able to fill any auditorium with a big and thrilling sound. Season after season, the choristers can be clearly heard to mighty effect when singing either onstage or off.

Known as a harmonious and highly professional group capable of blending soloist-quality voices to any stage director’s wishes, they also

manage to create subtly this SFO season with the individual characters Chorus’ passionate perwithout upstaging the formances in “Manon,” lead singers. They serve was represented in two not only the composer, characteristically melodbut also the hundreds ic and perfumed songs of colleagues necessary from Chansons des bois for any successful opera d’Amaranthe. Robertson production. couldn’t resist including Matthew Washburn No wonder the cona lusty all-male Chorus certs at the Taube are of the Roman Soldiers San Francisco Opera Chorus, with Chorus Director becoming such a relaxed from “Herodiade” to Ian Robertson (left) and Associate Chorus Master and lighthearted event. Fabrizio Corona (right). conclude the first half.

It is a once-a-year day Soloists were approfor the singers, freed priately but sparingly and English translations of the texts from the weighty reemployed during the were projected on a rear wall. sponsibilities of vocalizing in charconcert. Baritone Torlef Borsting, The full house of admirers, friends acter. The good vibes are infectious, listed as Chorus member appearing and family enjoyed some seasonal and the intrinsic value of joining in a Solo Role, was excellent in movepieces. “Jauchzet, frohlocket” from singular talents into a team is wonments from Puccini’s Messa a QuatJ.S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, and derfully apparent. tro voci. William O’Neill, another Poulenc’s “Hodie Christus natus The annual programs are relaChorus member appearing in a Solo est” from Quatre motets pour le tively short, but varied enough to Role, was amusing as the Drunken temps de Noel, along with some sashow the group’s musical versatility.

Poet in a scene from Purcell’s “The cred pieces by Verdi and Puccini, set Introducing each selection with a Fairy Queen.” Angela Eden Moser a holiday mood. little history and some gentle wit, and Mary Finch chased him about The opera stage was mostly reRobertson’s delightful Scottish the front of the Atrium performing called by songs from composers best accent (softened over the years) area and the chorus bleachers with known for their theatrical works. added to the fun. Corona provided good-humored commitment. It was Jules Massenet, who got his props excellent support from the piano, more typical of the work they do at

t

the War Memorial, but they blended back in with their colleagues easily. Aria Umezawa was the effectively minimalist stage director.

Renaissance, Baroque and Romantic composers were on the bill; Orlando di Lasso, Michael Praetorius and Johannes Brahms sounded rich and beautifully articulated.

20th-century works were paced throughout the night, but nothing too “modern-sounding” jarred the atmosphere of creamy harmony.

Three Hungarian Folk Songs by Matyas Seiber proved a rustic delight, and an arrangement by John Cameron of the achingly beautiful “Nimrod” from the “Enigma Variations” by Edward Elgar, called “Lux Aeterna,” was a lovely high point.

“Stars” by contemporary composer Eriks Esenvalds, featuring haunting sounds made from rubbing tuned crystal water goblets, made an ethereal finale. An encore from Strauss’ “Die Fledermaus” brought the temperature back up and sent the satisfied crowd back out to Van Ness Avenue humming along.t

Voices united in joy

by Brian Bromberger

A Queerly Joyful Noise: Choral Musicking for Social Justice

by Julia “Jules” Balen; Rutgers University Press, $24.95

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his past October, in an olivebranch tour in light of Trump’s election, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus visited five southern states (AL, TN, SC, NC, MS) in seven days “to share SFGMC’s mission of community, activism, and compassion, supporting our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters, not looking to argue, to preach or be angry, but rather raise awareness, spread acceptance and harmony through song.” This is the type of musicking that Julia Balen, in her new book “A Queerly Joyful Noise: Choral Musicking for Social Justice,” would reference as fulfilling a

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Galleries

From page 21

Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture: “Playtime.” The gay black filmmaker-photographer Isaac Julien, a major figure in British visual art and queer indie cinema who grew up in London’s East End, was last in San Francisco for his lushly romantic photography show “Looking for Langston.” He’s back, this time with three timely, large-scale video installations that address the interconnection of labor, capitalism and information flow in the globalist age. Taking its title from Jacques Tati’s 1967 film “Playtime,” the central 70-minute montage with James Franco and Maggie Cheung plays out across seven large monitors and three capital cities – London, Reykjavik and Dubai – focusing on different characters impacted by the 2008 financial crisis (2014). Also included in the exhibition is a companion piece, “Kapital” (2013), chronicling an academic, London-based panel discussion; and a cinematic cut of “Better Life (Ten Thousand Waves)” (2010), the artist’s ambitious rumination on a migrant labor tragedy and its wider societal implications.

Shot in Mainland China with contemporary and archival footage of Shanghai, it’s shown on a single screen at San Francisco Art Institute’s newly built Gray Box media gallery on the Ft. Mason campus.

Through Feb. 11. fortmason.org.

social justice objective of changing hearts and minds. Balen, a professor of English at California State University, Channel Islands in Camarillo, who has sung in various LGBTQ choruses, charts how queer choral singing can be personally transformative and “a meaningful form of protest through celebration.” She uses her own firsthand observations, interviews with choral members, and sociological research to show how LGBTQ singers have made themselves heard, and used their music to oppose oppression.

GALA (Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses) in 2016 lists nearly 400 choruses from around the world. As one artistic director reminds his group, “The joy you share in making beautiful music together melts away the doubts or fears. We heal ourselves and those who come to hear us of the damage from the hatred that some still preach.” For

Balen, queer choruses create a shared public voice that “makes our identities more socially legible.” Some members describe their chorus as family, inspiring them to work for social justice beyond the chorus. The chorus helps singers develop a counterstory that challenges the oppression they have felt, establishing healthier self-identities. Dennis Coleman, artistic director of the Seattle Men’s Chorus, lists four nonmusical goals of choruses: “(1) to structure a musical community that provides emotional and spiritual support for its members; (2) to nurture positive self-esteem and pride; (3) to care for member singers affected by HIV/AIDS and other traumatic life

experiences; and (4) to build bridges of understanding, respect, and cooperation between the lesbian and gay community and society as a whole.”

Balen outlines how the labor movement and civil rights struggle developed the template for how music can have an impact. She gives the example of the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus reworking a children’s book, “Oliver Button Is a Sissy,” into a mixed-media movie, “Oliver Button Is a Star,” based on the story of a boy who likes to sing and dance rather than play sports.

This project was later used as their response to the “It Gets Better” antibullying campaign. She notes how choruses change lyrics to fit politi-

cal contexts, and commission new compositions. She cites SFGMC singing a Mendelssohn hymn the night of Harvey Milk’s murder, which expressed the community’s grief as well as their right to live and sing together as a form of protest.

Few books have been written on choruses, almost none on LGBTQ ones, so Balen’s work is a landmark contribution. She critiques the vast majority of choruses as being white, male, and economically privileged, urging them to bridge racial, class, even gender differences, as many choruses are single-sex. A chapter on the history of LGBTQ choruses and how they were first formed would have been helpful. The book should have included more interviewee comments. But Balen is excellent at showing how choruses celebrate queer values, creating safe spaces so members can “hold different identities together in sonic embrace.”t

Haines Gallery: “Lands End: California at Larkin.” I was first wowed by the work of San Francisco photographer John Chiara several years ago at Pier 24. Stationed prominently on the wall in the entry to that facility’s soaring warehouse space, Chiara’s “Embarcadero at Interstate 80,” a pair of exhilarating, monumental 50”x80” pictures shot from underneath the Bay Bridge gazing upward, made me want to stand up and shout. Chiara’s Bay Area landscapes are a world apart from the typical, prettified postcards of iconic San Francisco, in part because he works with a mammoth, custom-built camera obscura, and prints directly onto photographic paper, leaving behind remnants of the process: torn edges, chemical streaking, etc. In his latest show, he

deploys techniques that hark back to the 19th century, training his attention on sweeping ocean vistas and fog-shrouded beaches of the northwestern California coastline with predictably thrilling results, and the steep hills and urban architecture of an intersection where the Tenderloin meets Nob Hill. Through Dec. 23. hainesgallery.com.

Ever Gold Projects: Marc Horowitz’s “’You can’t do that to them,’ the wiser, older Architect said” explores glitches that can alter one’s perspective, but he’s especially interested in disorientation triggered by rifts in time. His fanciful paintings start with an injection of visual nostalgia reminiscent of 19th and 20th century Currier & Ives prints, which promoted the American dream and manifest destiny. But Norman Rockwell Americana this is not. Horowitz, an SFAI alumna, is fond of visual puns, social media pranks he transforms into attention-getting projects, and subverting familiar tropes of pop culture. He overlays his imagery with bursts of color and unexpected references, as in “Old Traps disappear and new ones emerge,” where a hearty pioneer, hurling a weapon in a snowy woodland camp, is eyed suspiciously by a red blob in the shape of a teepee shot through with spears, the kind one might see in kids’ Saturday morning cartoon shows. Through Dec. 16. evergoldprojects.com.

Jack Fischer Gallery at Minnesota Street Project: “Hoodwink

by Didactix.” Ever on the hunt for fairness in an unjust, increasingly ludicrous world, Juan Carlos Quintana has created a rogues’ gallery of unappetizing characters, most of whom you wouldn’t want to be stuck in an elevator with, and lodged them in cartoonish ink & acrylic paintings. The artist’s stinging social commentaries hit their zing-worthy targets – the new elites and the nouveau riche, “hubris, incompetence, arrogance and folly” – with humor and without mercy like an amped-up, hyper-dyspeptic Roz Chast. With titles such as “Maligned Do Gooders,” “Xenophobia,” “Last Selfie Before the Apocalypse” and “Revenge of the Philistines,” one gets where this self-taught Oakland artist is coming from at a time when, as he says, “the powers-that-be fervently gaslight the populace.” Through Dec. 30. jackfischergallery.com.

Robert Koch Gallery’s threephotographer show includes Debra Bloomfield, whose latest large-scale series “Seas” captures the daily drama of the shifting horizon line, gradations of sea, sky, fog and shadow, and the turbulence of a weather-generating ocean, while obliquely addressing climate change and rising seas. Foregoing traditional darkroom techniques and using the lumen print process, Rachelle Bussieres’s recent works, influenced by the hues and golden

light of Western skies, suggest ice formations, mountains, moons and other heavenly bodies, while Rebecca Norris Webb, who has published a half-dozen photography books with her husband and collaborator, Alex Webb, and on her own, creates complex still-lifes with the restlessness of cinema. Through December 30; kochgallery.com Weinstein Gallery: In “Obscure Line between Fact and Fiction,” a mid-career retrospective of work by Marcus Jansen, the German-American painter dubbed the progenitor of “modern urban expressionism,” one can detect vestiges of the rebellious, hit-and-run aesthetic of the 1980s graffiti movement that influenced him. A U.S. army veteran who served on the front lines during the Iraq war, he was profoundly affected by the violence he witnessed, and channeled his PTSD and the wounded desert landscape of wartime memory into an indictment of American imperialism and a media-obsessed society. Alienation, isolation and absurdity go hand-inhand in a succession of emotional, surrealistic canvases: a lone zebra wanders the Savannah wilderness; a solitary figure on the dark side of the moon is dwarfed by a distant eclipse; men in empty suits are minus heads or faces; an anemic pink rooster is subjected to arcane experiments; and a dancer leaps across a chasm from one junk heap to another.

Through Jan. 20. weinstein.com.t

Courtesy the artist

Portrait of Isaac Julien by Graeme Robertson.

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Leather

Arts Events

Shining Stars Vol. 47 • No. 49 • December 7-13, 2017

www.ebar.com V www.bartabsf.com

D

35

o you miss snow? Do you buy a tree ? Do decorate it? Do you choose none of the you above?

Do be doobie do? Celebrate how with festive events all over the Bay Are ever you like, a.

Georg Lester

e 30 >> Listings on pag

On the Tab

Sun 10

Santa Skivvies Run @ Lookout & Castro

Nov. 30Dec. 7

Holiday spirits

Locally made Scotch, Whiskey, Vodka and other gift ideas

by Jim Gladstone

A quartet of pals enjoy Hangar 1 wintry-themed cocktails.

S

ure, that cheery red nose could indicate you’re a reindeer.

But as a BARtab reader, you’re more likely a booze hound.

It’s the time of year to get generous and share the gift of guzzle with your nearest and dearest. Here’s our annual guide to gifts for tipplers.

See page 31

>>

{ THIRD OF THREE SECTIONS }

<< On the Tab Steven Underhill

30 • Bay Area Reporter • December 7-13, 2017

Mixed Forms @ The Stud

Opulence @ Beaux

Pan Dulce @ Beaux

David Harness and Alison Swing play grooves at the str8/queer, house/ techno mixed nights. $5-$10. 9pm3am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

Weekly dance night, with Jocques, DJs Tori, Twistmix and Andre. 9pm-2am.

2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

The hot weekly Latin dance night with sexy gogo guys, drag divas and more, with Club Papi's Frisco Robbie and Fabian Torres. $7. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

Mother @ Oasis Heklina's popular drag show, with special guests and great music themes (No bachelorette parties admitted!

Yay!) Dec. 9 is a Rihanna tribute night. $20. 10pm-3am (11:30pm show). 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

Pound Puppy @ SF Eagle

Thu 7

The cruisy fun canine-themed night welcomes bears and cubs, too, with DJs Taco Tuesday & Trevor Sigler. $10-$15. 10pm-2am. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

Puff @ the Stud

Edited for space.

For full listings, visit www.ebar.com/bartab

Thu 7

Hip Hop and Latin grooves event, with 3 dance floors, gogo studs and drag acts. $10-$20. 9pm-4am. 2111 Franklin St., Oakland. club21oakland.com

After Dark @ Exploratorium

Cubcake @ Lone Star Saloon

The cocktails and science night for adults is this time themed, Glow, with light installations throughout the hands-on exhibit museum. $20.

6pm-10pm. Dec. 14: Vanilla, tastings, live music and films. Pier 15 at Embarcadero. exploratorium.edu

Drag Queens on Ice @ Safeway Holiday Ice Rink The annual fabulous night of local drag stars performing on and off the ice, with Mutha Chucka, Paju Munro, Kylie-Pop, Mahlae Balenciaga, Sister Roma, Queen Dilly Dally and MC Donna Sachet. $20-$25. 8pm9:30pm. Union Square. unionsquareicerink.com

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

Boy Division @ Cat Club The queers and pals New Wave night celebrates the '80s, synth pop and Italo Disco, with DJs Xander, Tomas Diablo; retro garb encouraged. $5-$8, Sagittariuses free! 9:30pm-3am.

1190 Folsom St. at 8th. boydivision_ totally80s.eventbrite.com/

Enjoy wit and wisdom from Shazia Mirza (from London), SF political comedian Will Durst, stuttering comedian Nina G, and host Lisa Geduldig. $15$20. Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center, 1317 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley. ashlenaz.com

DJs Lucky, Paul, and Phengren Osward spin 60s soul 45s. $5-$10 ($5 off in semi-formal attire).

10pm-2am. 647 Valencia St. 5527788. www.elbo.com

Flame @ The Stud

Vandana Bali @ Martuni's

Sun 10

Hand to Hand Holiday Luncheon @ Fairmont Hotel

Name, The Oxford Coma, Bitter Lake @ Golden Bull, Oakland Psychedelic and art/industrial/metal rock bands play. $10. 8pm. 412 14th St., Oakland. thegoldenbullbar.com

Blessed @ Port Bar, Oakland Carnie Asada's fun drag night with Carnie's Angels Mahlae Balenciaga and Au Jus, plus DJ Ion. 2023 Broadway. portbaroakland.com

Category Is @ Oasis Halleloo Holidays, a dance, drag and disco daytime party, with DJs Kelly Naughton and Michael Romano. $4$8. 3pm-8pm. 298 11th St. sfoasis.com

Dirty Musical Sundays @ The Edge Sing along at the popular musical theatre night, with a bawdy edge; also Mondays and Wednesdays (but not dirty). 7pm-2am. 2 for 1 cocktail, 5pm-closing. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

Holiday Celebration @ White Horse, Oakland Special holiday party at the historic fun Oakland bar. 5pm-1am. 6551 Telegraph Ave, (510) 652-3820. www.whitehorsebar.com

Puff/Love @ The Stud

Disco guru DJ Bus Station John spins grooves at the intimate retro music night. $5. 10pm-2am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com

Comedy @ Askenaz, Berkeley

Lance Holman's kink-leather night features the Bare Chest Calendar men and DJ Blackstone. $5. 9pm-2am.

1347 Folsom St. powerhousebar.com

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

Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie's Lounge

Thu 14

Lick It @ Powerhouse

Beer, bears, cubs and treats. $5. 9pm2am. 1354 Harrison St. www.lonestarsf.com

The Monster Show @ The Edge

KJ Dana hosts the weekly singing night; unleash your inner American Idol ; first Thursdays are Costume Karaoke; 3rd is Kinky Karaoke 8pm.

43 6th St. www.clubomgsf.com

DJ Jim Collins plays vinyl grooves.

7pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

Queer Channukah party with latke-lovin' queer Jewish peeps and their pals; menorah lighting at 9:30pm, Jewish performance art by Babooshka, Jules Minkoff and others; DJs Yng Gma, Siobhan Aluvalot. $5. 9pm10pm. 399 9th St. studsf.com

The comic drag ensemble performs Mannie, a parody of Annie. $20. 8pm. Dec 6 & 10 at 8pm. Dec. 8 & 9 at 7pm. 298 11th St. sfoasis.com

Queer Karaoke @ Club OMG

Holiday fundraiser for the Oakland LGBTQ Community Center, with a stylish drag show and ball inspired by music of the 1920s-1940s; cash bar, hors d'oeuvres. $55-$80. 6pm-10pm.

1800 Madison St. at Lakeshore. www.oaklandlgbtqcenter.org

Hump @ Powerhouse

The vocalist with an amazing 3-octave range performs music from her recent CDs, plus standards and pop favorites. $15$30. 7pm. 4 Valencia St. www.vandana.net

Drunk Drag Broadway @ Oasis

The monthly pot-friendly event, with Under the Golden Gate's DJ Dank and Maria Konner, hosts a holiday toy drive, with DJ Sergio Fedasz, and Kitten on the Keys. Bring new unwrapped toys for kids. $5$10. 7pm-10pm. Then, enjoy Love, with Thee Pristine Condition, Mama Dora and Ultra.

10pm-3am. 399 9th St. studsf.com

Winter Fairyland @ Lake Merritt Hotel Terrace Room, Oakland

Soul Party @ Elbo Room Club Papi @ Club 21, Oakland

t

Jock @ The Lookout

Wed 13

Joely Fisher @ Feinstein’s

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

Pole$exual @ The Stud Swagger Like Us @ Elbo Room Queer hip hop fun and funk with DJs DavOmakesBeats, Michatron, and Uniqu3, host Kelly Lovemonster. $10.

10pm-2am. 647 Valencia St. elbo.com

Uhaul @ Oasis The women and pals dance party, with DJs Silly Syl, Ms. Jackson and Ripley. $20. 10pm-2am. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

Vivvy's Grand Opening @ The Stud “Garbage basement-dwelling drag queen seeks same." Drag, freaks and fun with VivvyAnne ForeverMORE. DJs Jibbz and Siobhan Aluvalot. $5.

10pm-4qm. $5-$10. 10pm-3am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

Sat 9 Bruzr, Session, House Party @ Powerhouse Afternooon pup fetish celebration (5pm-9pm), groovy lounge atmosphere with DJ Jason Godfrey (7pm-10pm), then the lava lamp house night with DJ Mohammad (10pm-2am). $5. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

Actual pole-dancing, burlesque and variety show, with Suppositori Spelling, Johnny Rockit, Rita Dambook, Kippy Marks, Elsa Touche, Deathlayne, Aurora Rose, Dorothy Fancy Phuk and others. $5-$10.

10pm-3am. 399 9th St. studsf.com

Queer Tango @ Finnish Hall, Berkeley Same-sex partner tango dancing, including lessons for newbies, food and drinks. $5-$10. 3:30pm-6:30pm.

1970 Chestnut St, Berkeley. www.finnishhall.org

Santa Skivvies Run @ Castro and Lookout The SF AIDS Foundation's annual fun run fundraiser. Get pledges and strip down to holiday-themed undies and outfits. Clothes check and before/after parties at Lookout bar. 11am-1pm. 16th at Market St. santaskivviesrun.org

Mon 11 No No Bingo @ Virgil's Sea Room Mica Sigourney and Tom Temprano cohost the wacky weekly game night at the cool Mission bar. 8pm. 3152 Mission St. www.virgilssf.com

Thu 14 Shazia Mirza at Comedy @ Askenaz, Berkeley

Tue 12 Dragula @ Oasis New weekly screenings of LA's Boulet Brothers’ dragtastic TV show of ghoulish glamour. No cover. 7pm. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

High Fantasy @ Aunt Charlie's Lounge Weekly drag and variety show, with live acts and lip-synching divas, plus DJed grooves. $5. Shows at 10:30pm & 12am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com

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

Stag @ Powerhouse Single, or a couple looking for an extra? Cruise it up. $5. 5pm-2am.

1347 Folsom St. powerhousebar.com

Underwear Night @ Club OMG Weekly underwear night includes free clothes check, and drink specials. $4.

10pm-2am. Preceded by Open Mic Comedy, 7pm, no cover. 43 6th St. www.clubomgsf.com

Wed 13

Project Open Hand's annual fundraiser, with celebrity chef Cat Cora, MC Renel Brooks-Moon, and other local luminaries. $350. 11am-1:30pm.

950 Mason st. openhand.org

Night at the Jewseum @ Contemporary Jewish Museum Enjoy cocktails, light installations, hands-on demos and displays, and dreidel-spinning with museum members and LGBT members of Keshet. $5. 6pm-9pm. 736 Mission St. thecjm.org

Sundance Saloon @ Space 550 The Country-Western line-dancing two-stepping dance night. $5. lessons at 5:30pm, dancing til 10:30pm.

Also Sundays. 550 Barneveld Ave. sundancesaloon.org

Thump @ White Horse, Oakland Weekly electro music night with DJ Matthew Baker and guests. 9pm-2am.

6551 Telegraph Ave, (510) 652-3820. www.whitehorsebar.com

Tom of Finland Night @ Oasis Celebration of the new Tom of Finland Wines, the biographical film, with Tom ambassador Terry Miller, leather men, rooftop cigar reception, bookblacks and manly fun. 8pm-12am. 298 11th St. tomoffinlandwines.com Want your nightlife event listed?

Email events@ebar.com, at least two weeks before your event.

Event photos welcome.

Joely Fisher @ Feinstein's at the Nikko The actress-singer performs her cabaret show, Growing Up Fisher: Musings, Memories and Misadventures, which includes tales of her Hollywood family (Eddie Fisher, Carrie Fisher, Connie Stevens). $28-$60. 7pm.

Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. feinsteinsatthenikko.com

Kosmetik @ The Stud Music, lasers, fog, drinks.

DJs Matthew, Jordee. $5.

9pm-2am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

Movie Night @ SF Eagle Enjoy drinks and a flick, with trivia games and prizes.

8pm-2am. 398 12th St. www.sf-eagle.com

Thu 14 Terry Miller at Tom of Finland Night @ Oasis

t

Spirits>>

Alkemista’s cleverly designed Alcohol Infusion Vessel.

<<

Holiday spirits

From page 29

Whether you prefer to give homemade or store-bought gifts, the Alkemista provides solutions, literally. This cleverly designed “Alcohol Infusion Vessel” is the perfect present for your favorite home mixologist; or you can keep it and craft imaginative yuletide spirits to give to friends and family.

The elegantly simple Alkemista, which began as a Kickstarter project, marries a clear glass bottle to a perforated stainless steel filter akin to those found in Japanese teapots.

Pack the filter with fruit, herbs, or spices; lock it into the bottle’s removable steel bottom, attach the bottle body, and fill with the spirit of your choice.

As a tribute to Alkemista’s inspiration, I loaded the filter with a favorite loose tea blend, along with thin slices of fresh ginger and a halved Clementine, then filled the bottle with vodka. A day later, the liquid had taken on a rich amber color and its complex flavor invited straight sipping as well as cocktail mixing. Absolutely no solid particles had escaped the filter, and there was zero leakage from the removable bottom.

Ethan+Ashe, the Los Angelesbased creator of the Alkemista, provides intriguing recipe ideas (whisky and pipe tobacco!) along with suggested infusion times for specific ingredients in a booklet that accompanies the device.

Empty stoppered bottles are also sold, so you can transfer your house hooch for gifting. But why not get as creative with your vessels as your infusions? Fill a flask, a decanter or even a Camelbak and give two gifts in one.

Alkemista. $59.99. www.ethanashe.com

December 7-13, 2017 • Bay Area Reporter • 31

“This isn’t a party drink.

It’s not for doing shots,” explains SIA founder and longtime Scotch afficionado Carin Luna-Otaseki, who oversaw the brand’s blend of Speyside, Islay and Highland Malts. “It’s a drink to savor and enjoy over conversation.” (The name is Gaelic for the number 6).

That said, Luna-Otaseki, a former creative director who recently relocated from Potrero Hill to Napa, insists that unlike many single malts, SIA’s blend will please the palates of somewhat Scotch-guarded members of the drinking public.

“People who are new to Scotch are often turned off by a strong, smoky nose. SIA starts with vanilla, caramel, and citrus notes and holds back on the smoke until the finish.”

You can taste for yourself –and meet Luna-Otaseki– at The Whisky Shop, 360 Sutter Street in San Francisco, this Friday from 5p.m. to 7p.m., and at Bitters and Bottles, 240 Grand Avenue in South San Francisco, on Saturday from 12:303:30.

SIA is stocked local BevMo and Total Wine & More locations in addition to specialty shops. $40-$50 (750ml).

Smoke and Smell

“I told you, I don’t always drink beer,” Goldsmith says, You can taste Thad eyes twinkling, in the amusVogler’s passion for ingly meta tequila spots. While unique, handcrafted the head-spinning weirdness spirits whenever you orof a fictional character self-refder a cocktail at his San erentially endorsing real world Francisco restaurants, products is unabashedly ofTrou Normand and Bar the-moment, Astral also has Agricole. Often, when old-school artisanal bonafides. mixologists find themIn production, the agave selves in the spotlight, pulp is not removed from the they take advantage of juice until after the fermenthe moment by cranking tation process, leading to a out a volume of cockpleasingly pungent aroma and tail recipes (Somewhere, a tinge of funk on the palate. there’s a dusty, mile-long It has been steadily racking shelf of them). up awards since its introducBut Vogler has taken a tion earlier this year (Food & far more interesting apWine Top 10 Blanco Tequilas, proach to the barman’s Double Gold Medal in the San book: By the Smoke and Francisco World Spirits Comthe Smell: My Search petition, etc.) Look for the rusfor the Rare and Subtic bottle with the pretty blue lime on the Spirits Trail Alanna Hale label. And be aware of Astral’s (Ten Speed Books) is a most interesting potency: Its tipsy travelogue in which Restaurateur and author Thad Vogler.

92 proof—among the stronger readers accompany Votequilas out there. gler on visits to tiny, ers may consider that a Mini CooAvailable at most major liquor agriculturally-rooted distilleries in per. Herb & Lou’s flavor formulas stores throughout the Bay Area.t France, Scotland, Ireland, Cuba, and assume one shot of booze to one Mexico. cube. Still, it’s a fun and undeVogler’s prose is as smooth and niably spiffy gift. nuanced as a fine digestif and, while Available at Paper Source introducing the reader to eccentric stores in the Bay Area, and craftsmen and surprising insights online at www.amazon.com on the creation of top notch tipples, and www.herbandlous.com. he also drops some provocative ad$16.99 and up. vocacy. Why is it that so many selfproclaimed ‘foodies’ insist that their plates be laden with the organic and Tequila! artisanal, but willingly fill Great gifts often have a stotheir glasses with massry behind them. In the case of produced booze?

Astral Tequila, it’s a most inArmchair/barstool travteresting story. elers on your gift list will No longer under contract also appreciate Lonely to Dos Equis beer, Jonathan Planet’s Global Beer Tour Goldsmith, the actor who for (Lonely Planet). The book years played that brand’s Most guides readers to the best Interesting Man in the World craft and micro-breweries character, has been recruited in 32 countries, providing by boutique San Francisco detailed information on advertising agency, Erich & Jonathan Goldsmith pours each, including a mustKallman, to be the pitchman an Astral Tequila cocktail. try brew and tips on other for Astral. vacation activities in close proximity.

Vogler ($27); Lonely Planet ($19.99) At local independent bookstores and online.

Unzipped

Kathryn Gooding’s zippered Asta Glassware.

Hangar One

Another leading lady in the local spirit world is Caley Shoemaker, distiller at Hangar One Vodka in Alameda. Among her special projects is the crafting of seasonal “Distiller’s Exclusive” offerings. She’s currently Scotch-guarded featuring a sensational pink pepperSIA Scotch is not intended for corn variety. drinkers aiming to swing from the Organic peppercorns from Holchandelier. lister provide a surprising sweet note and an almost physical tingle with every sip, with none of the heat you may associate with other highly spiced vodkas (Unlike habaneros and jalapenos, peppercorns are not peppers). It sips great straight, and a half shot makes a perfect spike for a mug of cocoa.

Unlike the brand’s citrus flavors, which are available at retail nationally, limited edition Hangar One Pink Peppercorn is particularly giftable, because it can only be purchased in-person at the distillery ($29.99) Leave yourself time for a tour!

Hangar One distillery, 2505 Monarch St., Alameda.

Open to the public Thursdays SIA Scotch founder Carin Luna-Otaseki. through Sundays. www.hangarone.com

Its hard to look away from the clever XYZ line of barware designed by Kathryn Gooding, of Asta Glass in South San Francisco. Her cheeky open zipper motif is available on a wide range of vessels that are, well, totally fly. From martini glasses to serving pitchers, the zippers are down and the cocktails are showing. Is that a champagne skin flute, dear? Or are you just bubbly to see me?

Asta Glass is a wholesaler only.

Order the entire XYZ collection from www.giftedhomedecor.com or find select pieces at Walter Adams Gallery locations in San Francisco.

From $75.

Gleam the Cube

Sold in a box that’s snazzier than any wrapping paper you’re likely to find, Herb & Lou’s Infused Cubes make for easy gift-giving, and genuinely tasty cocktails. Packed in a tray of a individually sealed cups, just pop these pups in the freezer and, in a few hours, you’re a one-move mixologist.

Each of three varieties makes a dozen chunky flavor-packed ice cubes, specifically tailored to a particular liquor (Though experimentation is welcome). In vodka, the Cecile cubes release a blend of watermelon, cucumber, honey and thyme as they melt.

The Clyde cubes add peach notes, Benedictine herbs, and bitters to tequila. And the Cooper brings a remarkably well-balanced blend of blood orange and ginger to bourbon. Just be aware that some drink-

<< Leather

32 • Bay Area Reporter • December 7-13, 2017

Give the gift of volunteering

by Race Bannon

T

his is my 100th Bay Area Reporter column. How time flies. It seems like only recently I was asked to take over this illustrious and sacred publication space that has documented such a long leather history. I’m grateful for the opportunity and hope what I write here has some value in your life.

As is befitting my 100th, I wanted to write about something that I consider truly important to the leather and kink communities. Also, since it’s the holiday season, I wondered if I could create some sort of tie-in with that as well.

The answer fell into my lap unexpectedly. A friend mentioned the drop-off he’d seen in people volunteering, and my column topic antennae started to vibrate.

I’d heard this same complaint about lack of volunteers from elsewhere. So, I felt compelled to write about giving the gift of volunteering because it’s only through our volunteer efforts that we build the cogs and wheels that create and manage our organized kink scene. It’s only through volunteering that we build community. It’s only through volunteering that we have any sort of leather scene at all.

Consider offering your time to a worthwhile local leather or kink group, event or project.

Volunteers are always needed. Always. It’s rare that an organization or event has too many volunteers.

Volunteering has many benefits for those who do it.

A growing body of research has shown that when people volunteer they feel much more socially connected and that connection wards off depression and loneliness.

Those who volunteer have lower mortality rates, lower blood pres-

Stephen Kling

Contestants at this year’s Mr. SF Eagle contest (left to right): Dirk Nettles, first runner up; Colton Long, winner; and Kevin Harding-Toy.

sure and demonstrate greater functional abilities.

While everyone benefits both mentally and physically from vol unteering, older people experience even more of those benefits. So, our kink communities should be leveraging older participants whenever possible.

Volunteering has so many other upsides for us kinky folks. We learn more from each other. We engage with more people and build friendships and social networks.

We help create the good and meaningful experiences that other kinksters have and that brings us incredible levels of satisfaction and fulfillment.

To volunteer is to give to both yourself and others the gift of happiness.

As for volunteerism lagging lately, one thing every organization or event needs to remember is that a volunteer’s job should never feel like drudgery. Even when the work is not thrilling in and of itself, the reward of feeling they belong in a cause they believe in will keep your volunteers committed and coming

back if you emphasize those aspects.

When a group or event has volunteer needs, I strongly recommend an official volunteer coordinator be appointed. This person’s full-time task is to find and inspire volunteers, to coordinate their duties and schedules, and just as importantly, to effusively and appropriately thank them for their service.

Give volunteers something to take pride in. Link their volunteer hours directly to the good they’re doing. From the start, assign dignity and value to everything volunteers do. Nothing replaces a well-worded and public thank you, but small tokens of appreciation like free access to an event or a specially designed t-shirt can sweeten the thanks even more.

If volunteering on its own merits isn’t necessarily a draw for you, consider this. Volunteering gets you laid. Really, it does!

A friend recounted a lovely story of when a guy approached him about volunteering, telling my friend, “I’m really shy and have a hard time meeting people. Is there a job I could do where I’d be forced to talk to strangers?”

The guy ended up volunteering and it changed not only his relationship to the community, but ultimately even his relationship to himself. In the process he met another shy guy at the event at which he was volunteering, and they’re married now.

Speaking of volunteering, here are three local events I attended this past week that clearly illustrate the importance of people pitching in to help to make our various leather and kink events happen.

Onyx Northwest Tom of Finland Reception One of my favorite all-volunteer organizations is Onyx, an organization formed and operated by men of color who enjoy the leather lifestyle.

The national organization recently approved a local Onyx Northwest chapter and that chapter met at the Powerhouse on Saturday, November 25, 2017, for a Tom of Finland movie reception in collaboration with the Roxy Theater where the movie was playing.

Lots of volunteers make both the larger national Onyx organization and the local Onyx Northwest chapter function and thrive.

Mr. SF Eagle Leather On Saturday, December 2, 2017, the SF Eagle held its annual contest to select the new Mr. SF Eagle Leather. Producers Alex Montiel, Mike Leon and Gage Fisher planned the evening’s agenda well, and emcees Beth Bicoastal and Harrison Kong kept the proceedings moving along nicely as a large turnout packed together to watch the contest.

Judges for this year’s contest were Matthew McGowen, Cody Elkin, Michael Lara, Daddy Ray Tilton and Erick Lopez. The contestants they were charged with judging were Dirk Nettles, Colton Long and Kevin Harding-Toy. When votes were tallied, the winner was Colton Long with Dirk Nettles taking first runner up. Colton will move on to complete in the Mr. San Francisco Leather contest in early March 2018.

This contest was yet one more illustration of volunteering, because it’s volunteers that make it happen.

t

Appreciating Volunteers One of the key ways good volunteer coordinators know to keep volunteers happy and coming back to help is by acknowledging their service, appreciating them, letting them know their contributions are valued. Each year that’s exactly what the San Francisco Bay Area Leather Alliance does, and they did it again this year on Sunday, December 3.

2017, at their Volunteer Appreciation Holiday Party.

Volunteers from all walks of the local leather and kink scene were in attendance, and they absolutely felt appreciated.

Make a Commitment Again, nothing really happens in our scene without volunteers. We can’t rely on a few commercial enterprises to keep it all alive. It takes an army of us volunteers to make the rest of it manifest.

As we experience this holiday season and the new year approaches, why don’t you make a commitment to volunteer somewhere? Do it with a leather or kink club, organization, event or project that resonates with you. Talk to others. Ask about where you might be able to help and where your interests and skill sets sync with others’ needs.

There’s a place for everyone in our communities to volunteer. Find your place. Give yourself that gift.

For Leather events, visit www.ebar.com/bartab Race Bannon is a local author, blogger and activist.

You can reach him on his website, www.bannon.com

Top: Race Bannon, Bottom: Rich Stadtmiller

Top: Onyx Northwest members (front left to right) Graylin Thornton, Darius, Danny Nguyen, (back left to right) Jack Thompson and Trey, met recently for a Tom of Finland movie reception at the Powerhouse.

Bottom: SF Bay Area Leather Alliance’s Volunteer Appreciation party.

RJ Muna

t

Arts Events>>

December 7-13, 2017 • Bay Area Reporter • 33

Arts December Events 7-14 hands, ing it out, clap your show d an y pay your mone s. art the support for

S

Garret + Moulton Da

nce @ ODC Theater

Thu 7 5 on 25 @ Safehouse Dance premieres by Alma Esperanza Cunningham, Nina Haft, Joe Landini and Ronja Ver for the 25th anniversary of the indie dance space. $15-$30. Thu-Sat 8pm. Thru Dec. 16. 145 Eddy St. www.safehousearts.org

Art Walk @ Castro District Dog Eared Bookstore hosts nearly a dozen artists selling handmade shirts, jewelry, prints, paintings and linens. 6pm-9pm. 489 Castro St. www.dogearedbooks.com

Beach Blanket Babylon @ Club Fugazi The musical comedy revue celebrates its 43th year with an ever-changing lineup of political and pop culture icons, all in gigantic wigs. Book now for holiday special shows. $25-$160.

Beer/wine served; cash only; 21+, except where noted. Wed-Fri 8pm. Sat 6pm & 9pm. Sun 2pm & 5pm. 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd. (Green St.). 421-4222. beachblanketbabylon.com

Black Rider @ Ashby Stage Shotgun Players’ production of the Williams S. Burroughs, Tom Waits and Robert Wilson adult fairytale musical about a lowly clerk who must prove himself to his fianceé’s father by riding through a mysterious forest. $25-$40. Thru Dec 31. 1901 Ashby Ave., Berkeley. www.shotgunplayers.org

Cirque de la Symphonie @ Davies Symphony Hall A concert of holiday songs with traditional and contemporary film music. $35-$89. 7:30pm. 201 Van Ness Ave. www.sfsymphony.org

Classic & New Films @ Castro Theatre Dec. 7: Charlie Chaplin’s The Kid (4:30, 7:40) and The Florida Project (5:35, 8:50). Dec. 8: Tim Curry in Clue (7pm) and The Rocky Horror Picture Show (9:10). Dec. 9: Pam Ann live (8pm). Dec. 10: Pig: The Dam Keeper Poems (10am), The Wizard of Oz (3:10, 7pm) and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (5pm, 8:55). Dec 11: Harold and Maude (7pm) and Being There (8:40). Dec. 12 & 13: Rick Prelinger, Lost Landscapes of San Francisco (7:30). Dec 14: Bullitt (7pm) and 48 Hrs. $11-$16. 429 Castro St. www.castrotheatre.com

Drag Queens on Ice @ Safeway Holiday Ice Rink The annual fabulous night of local drag stars performing on and off the ice, with Mutha Chucka, Paju Munro, Kylie-Pop, Mahlae Balenciaga, Sister Roma, Queen Dilly Dally and MC Donna Sachet. $20-$25. 8pm-9:30pm. Union Square. unionsquareicerink.com

Dysfunctional Holiday Revue @ Berkeley Rep

Tender Life @ Tenderloin Museum

The Second City’s comic sketch series focuses on seasonal satire and sacreligious songs. $40-$60 (includes one drink!). Tue, Thu-Sat 8pm. Wed & Sun 7pm, Sat & Sun 2pm. Thru Dec. 31. 2025 Addison St., Berkeley. berkeleyrep.org

Opening reception for Tender Life: Graphic and Ceramic Memories of Tenderloin Living, 1999-2004, a group exhibit of contemporary ceramic and other works by Holly Coley and others. 6pm-9pm. 398 Eddy St. tenderloinmuseum.org

Girls of the Golden West @ War Memorial Opera House

Winter Walk @ Union Square

San Francisco Opera’s production of John Adams’ new opera about the Wild West, directed by Peter Sellars. $26-$346. 7:30pm. Also Dec. 10.

301 Van Ness Ave. sfopera.com

Justin Spring @ Rakestraw Books Reading with the author of The Gourmands’ Way. 7pm.

522 Hartz Ave., Danville. www.thegourmandsway.com

Kitka @ Various Venues The amazing women’s folk vocal ensemble performs their Wintersongs concert series. Dec. 7, Holy Cross Church, Santa Cruz. Dec. 9, Osher Marin JCC, San Rafael. Dec. 10, Arts at St Bedes, Menlo Park.

Dec. 15, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Oakland. Dec. 16, Old First Church, SF. Dec. 17, Nile Hill, Oakland. Dec 21 Filoli Gardens, Woodside. Thru Dec 21. www.kitka.org

The Rose That Grew From Concrete @ LGBT Center Opening reception for an exhibit of multimedia art by members of the Center’s Youth Program. 6pm-8pm.

1800 Market St. www.sfcenter.org

The Secret Garden @ Gateway Theatre 42nd Street Moon’s production of Marsha Norman and Lucy Simon’s Tony-winning 1991 musical based on the novel about an orphaned young girl’s discovery of an enchanted garden. $15-$45.

Various times, Wed-Sun Thru Dec 24. 215 Jackson St. at Battery. www.42ndStMoon.org

Smuin Ballet @ Mountain View Center for the Arts, YBCA The SF company performs Michael Smuin’s popular Christmas Ballet.

Dec 6-10 in Mountain View. Dec 14-24 at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission St. smuinballet.org

Truth and Love @ GLBT History Museum Truth and Love: Finding the Soul of the Sixties, a discussion with author Carol Blackman. Dec. 14 : Foreign Bodies: Homophobia, Race and Immigration, a panel discussion with Marcia Ochoa and Andrew Spieldenner. Both $5. 7pm.

Also, OUT/LOOK and the Birth of the Queer, an exhibit about the groundbreaking LGBT quarterly based in SF from 1988 to 1992; curated by E.G. Crichton. Also, Faces of the Past: Queer Lives in Northern California Before 1930, part of the Queer Past Becomes Present main exhibit. $5. 4127 18th St. glbthistory.org

Always FREE to listen and reply to ads!

San Francisco:

(415) 692-5774

www.megamates.com 18+

Thu 14

Edited for space.

For full listings, visit www.ebar.com/arts

Playmates or soul mates, you’ll find them on MegaMates

Join Juanita MORE! and the House of More queens for a holiday romp, with drag shows, corny Christmas photo booth with ugly sweaters, DJ Jim Collins and more.

5:30pm-8:30pm. 133 Stockton St. juanitamore.com offthegrid.com/ event/winter-walk-south-block

Fri 8 Bright Star @ Curran Theatre Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s new bluegrass musical about an unlikely love story in the 1920s American South. $49-$175. TueSun various times thru Dec. 17. 445 Greary St. www.sfcurran.com

A Christmas Carol @ Geary Theatre American Conservatory Theatre’s 41st annual production of Carey Perloff and Paul Walsh’s acclaimed stage adaptation of the Charles Dickens story, with a cast of dozens and a lavish design. $20-$135. Thru Dec. 24. 415 Geary St. act-sf.org

Communities Against Racism and Fascism @ New Valencia Hall Organizational meeting for those interested in protesting and resisting invading far-right goons.

7pm. 747 Polk St.

The Golden Girls @ Victoria Theatre The hugely popular drag performances of Christmas episodes from the classic elder women sitcom return, with Heklina, Matthew Martin, D’Arcy Drollinger, Holotta Tymes and special guest stars. $25-$40. Wed-Sat 8pm.

Sun 7pm. (Sun Dec. 10 & 17, 2pm). Thru Dec. 23. 2961 16th St. goldengirlssf.com

Holiday Gaiety @ Davies Symphony Hall Enjoy a festive gay night of music with the SF Symphony, Armistead Maupin, Cheyenne Jackson, Peaches Christ, Bob the Drag Queen, Edwin Outwater, Melissa King and Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. $15-$79. 7:30pm?

201 Van Ness Ave. sfsymphony.org

Just Another Zombie Holiday Show @ Exit Theatre Theatrical comic cabaret where the cast shows up late and hungry for brains. $15. 8pm/8:30pm. Thru Dec. 16. 156 Eddy St. theexit.org

See page 34 >>

<< Arts Events

34 • Bay Area Reporter • December 7-13, 2017

Oscar Gallegos Zamora @ Strut

Various Events @ Oakland LGBTQ Center

World Tree of Hope @ City Hall

Exhibit of the gay artist’s phtysique and fantasy collage works. Thru Dec. 470 Castro St. www.strutsf.org

Social events and meetings at the new LGBTQ center include film screenings and workshops, including Bruthas Rising, trans men of color meetings, 4th Tuesdays, 6:30pm.

Film screenings, 4th Saturdays, 7:30pm. Game nights, Fridays 7:30pm-11pm. Vogue sessions, first Saturdays. 3207 Lakeshore Ave. Oakland. oaklandlgbtqcenter.org

See Rainbow World Fund’s 12th annual festive tree, where thousands of paper origami cranes send messages of hope. 8am-5pm.

1 Dr Carlton B Goodlett Place. worldtreeofhope.org

Perfectly Queer @ Dog Eared Books

Fri 8 Bob The Drag Queen, Edwin Outwater, and Peaches Christ in Holiday Gaiety @ Davies Symphony

<<

Arts Events

From page 33

Noh Christmas Carol @ Noh Space Theatre of Yugen’s theatrical Japanese reinterpretation of the Charles Dickens short story. $30$70. Fri & Sat 7pm. Sun 4pm. Thru Dec. 24. 2840 Mariposa St. www.theatreofyugen.org

Older and Out @ North Berkeley Senior Center Weekly group discussion about problems for elders in the LGBT community. 3:15pm. 1901 Hearst Ave., Berkeley.pacificcenter.org

The Royale @ Aurora Theatre, Berkeley Ringside drama about boxing and race by award-winning TV writer and producer Marco Ramirez. $33$65. Tue-Wed 7pm. Thu-Sat 8pm.

Sun 2pm & 7pm. Thru Dec. 10. 2081 Addison St., Berkeley. www.auroratheatre.org

San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus @ Nourse Theatre The acclaimed chorus performs Elfstravaganza, their new holiday concert of fun and sweet songs. $25-$99. 8pm. Also Dec. 9, 2:30pm & 8pm. 275 Hayes St. Also Dec 24 (5pm, 7pm, 9pm) at the Castro Theatre, 429 Castro St. sfgmc.org

Le Switch @ NCTC Philips Dawkins (The Homosexuals) ’ witty new play about a gay librarian who’s swept into a romance at a Montreal wedding. $25-$50. WedSat 8pm. Sun 2pm. Thru Dec. 10. 25 Van Ness Ave, lower level. nctcsf.org/

Pam Ann @ Castro Theatre The popular comic and Australian air hostess lands back in the Bay for a night of wacky in-flight entertainment. $30-$60. 8pm. 429 Castro St. castrotheatre.com

Trans, queer-friendly and elder adultfriendly movement class with the acclaimed local choreographer. Free.

1pm-3pm. 1800 Market St. www.seandorseydance.com

Sexy Liberal Resistance @ Herbst Theatre Stephanie Miller, John Fugelsang and Frangela perform their scathingly funny comic indictments of the Trump regime. $50-$150 (VIP meet & greet). 8pm. 401 Van Ness Ave. sexyliberal.com

Sun 10 Chanticleer @ Various Venues The Grammy-winning men’s a cappella vocal ensemble performs holiday concerts through Northern CA. Dec 10: Cathedral of Christ the Light, Oakland. Dec 13: Stanford Memorial Church, Palo Alto. Dec 14 in Sacramento, Dec 15 in Petaluma.

Dec. 17 at St. Ignatius Church, SF. Dec. 18 at First Congregational Church, Berkeley. chantcleer.org

Browse unique gifts for sale by dozens of local artists and craftspeople. 11am-4pm. 50 Scott St. harveymilkphotocenter.org

Magic Makers @ Humanist Hall, Oakland Queer art, craft and healing fair, with dozens of artists and craftmakers offering their wares.

12pm-6pm. Also Dec. 10. 390 27th St. at Broadway, Oakland. queermagicmakers.com

Nutcracker Sweets @ Cowell Theater Mark Foehringer’s annual kid & family-friendly abbreviated fun version of the The Nutcracker ballet.

Sat & Sun 11am, 1pm (and some 4pm) thru Dec. 23. Fort Mason Center for the Arts, 1 Marina Blvd. nutcrackersweets.org

Unearthed @ California Academy of Sciences

Watch on the Rhine @ Berkeley Rep

Grand (Re)Opening @ Union Made

69th Pilot Program of new dance works by Carly Lave, Carmen Roman, Dana Genshaft, Alexandre Munz, Katelyn Hanes and Arina Hunter. $15. 8pm Also Dec. 3, 4pm & 7pm. Studio B, 351 Shotwell St. www.odc.dance/pilot

Family Jewels, an exhibit of the artist’s colorful new works. 4058 18th St. castrocountryclub.org

Sean Dorsey Dance Workshop @ LGBT Center

Sat 9

Interspace/ology @ ODC Dance Commons

Timothy Snyder @ Castro Country Club

Sabbath,The Dorothy Saxe Invitational group exhibit, thru Feb 25. Also, Jewish Folktales Retold: Artist as Maggid (thru Jan 28). Free (members)-$12. Fri-Tue 11am-5pm, Thu 11am-8pm (closed Wed). 736 Mission St. 655-7800. thecjm.org

Holiday Craft Fair @ Harvey Milk Arts Center

Join Juanita MORE! at the clothing store’s reopening, with DJed grooves, raffle for gift cards. 6pm-9pm. 493 Sanchez St. unionmadegoods.com

A Dyke, a Pervert and a Transwoman Walk into a Bookstore, readings by Deb Busman, Jordy Jones and Natasha Dennerstein. 7pm. 489 Castro St. www.dogearedbooks.com

Exhibits and planetarium shows with various live, interactive and installed exhibits about animals, plants and the earth; new exhibit, From Stone Age to Space Age, showcases minerals through time.

Special events each week, with adult nightlife parties many Thursday nights. $20-$35. Mon-Sat 9:30am5pm. Sun 11am-5pm. 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park.

379-8000. www.calacademy.org

Sabbath @ Contemporary Jewish Museum

Wed 13 LGBT Book Club @ Dog Eared Books The group discusses Aaron Sanders’ book, Speakers of the Dead. 7pm.

489 Castro St. dogearedbooks.com

Robert Rauchenberg @ SF MOMA Erasing the Rules, a new expansive exhibit of work by the post-modern artist; thru March 25. Also, Walker Evans ; an exhibit of 300 prints by the acclaimed historic photographer of American culture from the 1930s, with 100 of his own collected artifacts. Also, exhibits of Pop, Abstract and classic Modern art.

Free/$25. Fri-Tue 10am-6pm. Thru Feb 4. 151 3rd St. www.sfmoma.org

Local new production of Lillian Hellman’s Nazi/anti-fascist-themed drama set in 1940. $30-$60. Tue, ThuSat 8pm. Wed, Sat & Sun 7pm, Sat & Sun 2pm. Thru Jan. 14. 2025 Addison St., Berkeley. berkeleyrep.org

Exhibit of prints by the prolific photographer of pop and rock musicians. Thru Jan. 6. 50 Scott St. blakesberg.com

Smile! The Comics of Raina Telgemeier @ Cartoon Art Museum New exhibit of works by the awardwinning author and illustrator of graphic novels, at the museum’s new location. Free/$10. Thu-Tue 11am5pm. 781 Beach St. Thru Mar. 20. cartoonart.org

Mon 11 Cindy Wilson @ Café du Nord The B52s band member performs music from her solo album. Sarah Jaffe opens. $20-$35. 7:30pm. 2174 Market St. swedishamericanhall.com

Colin Quinn @ Strand Theater The comic actor performs his new show, One in Every Crowd. $30-$45.

Most 7:30pm (Dec 16 also 9:30; Dec 17, 2pm). Thru Dec. 17. 1127 Market St. www.act-sf.org

Garret + Moulton Dance @ ODC Theater 15th anniversary of Janice Garrett and Charles Moulton’s vibrant dance company, with three new world premieres, including a juggling romp Zingo, with a cast of 18. $25-$32, Gala fundraiser Dec 16 $60-$500.

Thu-Sat 8pm. Dec 16 also 3pm. 3153 17th St. garrettmoulton.org

Radar Reading @ SF Public Library Red Light Lit co-presents the December Queer Reading, with Kar Johnson, Anand Vedawala, Kim Pierce, Kimberly Reyes, and host Juliana Delgado Lopera. Free. 6pm. 100 Larkin St. sfpl.org

David Perry’s online and cable interviews with notable local and visiting LGBT people, broadcast through the week. Wed 7pm, ThuTue 11:30am & 10:30pm.

ComcastHometown.com

Tue 12 Jaye Blakesberg @ Harvey Milk Photo Center

Thu 14

Ten Percent @ Comcast

Mon 11

Cindy Wilson @ Café du Nord

To submit event listings, email events@ebar.com.

Deadline is each Thursday, a week before publication.

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Messiah Sing-Along @ Lakeside Presbyterian Church SF City Chorus performs a sing-along concert of the Handel masterpiece, with an 18-piece orchestra; plus, a holiday fair of crafts and gifts for sale. $15. Fair 6pm-9pm (free), concert 7pm. 201 Eucalyptus Drive at 19th Ave. www.sfcitychorus.org

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December 7-13, 2017 • Bay Area Reporter • 35

Shining Stars Steven Underhill Photos by

Help is on the Way for the Holidays @ Marines Memorial Theatre

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Read more online at www.ebar.com

he Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation’s annual holidaythemed benefit concert featured the stellar vocal talents of cast members from the touring production of Disney’s Aladdin, plus Kimberley Locke, Jake Simpson, Shawn Ryan, Jason Brock, Kim Nalley, Jessica Coker, and dancer Gregangelo. Proceeds benefited Project Open Hand and Larkin Street Youth Services. Event producer extraordinaire Mark Rhoades received the 2017 Community Partner Award for his years of fundraising. The VIP afterparty with drinks and desserts was held at the stylish Redwood Room at the Clift Hotel. www.reaf-sf.org See plenty more photos on BARtab’s Facebook page, facebook.com/lgbtsf.nightlife. See more of Steven Underhill’s photos at StevenUnderhill.com.

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For headshots, portraits or to arrange your wedding photos

call (415) 370-7152 or visit www.StevenUnderhill.com or email stevenunderhillphotos@gmail.com