December 20, 2018 Edition of the Bay Area Reporter by Bay Area Reporter

Eagle Plaza plan advances

Global issues hit Vallejo

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

Vol. 48 • No. 51 • December 20-26, 2018

Ex-CHP officer sues over anti-gay harassment

Milk plaza canopy raises concerns by Matthew S. Bajko

by Alex Madison

uring his 20-plus years with the California Highway Patrol Jay Brome, a gay man, was asked by his superior to take off his skirt and start acting like a man, The Advocate called a faggot, and even had a gun held Ex-CHP officer to his head by some- Jay Brome one who threatened to kill him if he admitted to being gay. After decades of discrimination in three different CHP offices in the Bay Area, Brome is suing. “I think of these instances every day of my life,” Brome, 54, told the Bay Area Reporter. “I’ve pretty much kept all this inside, I was terrified.” The psychological stress from years of abuse finally took its toll January 2015 when Brome took a medical leave of absence from the force, he said. He then filed his suit in September 2016, but the case was dismissed last March on the grounds that it was filed beyond the oneyear statute of limitations. Brome’s lawyer, Gay Grunfeld, managing partner of Rosen, Bien, Galvan and Grunfeld, who did not initially represent Brome, took up the case and filed an appeal in late November in the state’s First District Court of Appeal in San Francisco. The brief argues that the case was thrown out in error, and that Brome was subjected to continued acts of discrimination and that his evidence could not be presented. The CHP has until March 1 to file its reasoning brief. Brome’s career with the largest state law enforcement agency in the country started at the CHP academy in West Sacramento, as did the discrimination against him. “I would hear things derogatory about women, minorities, and gay people and other incidents when I was called a fag,” he said. One of the most frightening situations happened at the academy when he had not fully come out of the closet. “Another cadet put a gun to my head and said ‘I know you’re gay, tell me you’re gay or I’ll pull the trigger.”’ That same person is now a sergeant, Brome said. It was at the academy, too, that an instructor, in front of 30 or 40 cadets, told him to take off his skirt and start acting like a man. “After that I was like open game for all the cadets,” he said. “It started to get even worse at that point.” See page 12 >>

Christmas in the Castro Rick Gerharter

astro resident Larry Bush said he upgraded his holiday light display this year and it shows. The front windows of his home at 245 Diamond Street are adorned with scenes from San Francisco, including a rainbow flag, that was created by landscaper Heidi Becker,

who worked with Bush on the project. The little free library outside the home was created by Marshall Baxter and Bush said that this year, for the first time, it was turned into a gingerbread house by Devin Swisher. “It’s an all-LGBT team,” Bush told the Bay Area Reporter.

t is meant to be the visual focal point for a redesigned Harvey Milk Plaza above the Castro Muni Station. A sweeping canopy that can be lighted at night to evoke the candlelight march that left from the site the evening its namesake was killed 40 years ago last month. It could potentially be built in such a way that it includes glass prisms that refract rainbows of light on the surrounding area during the day. It also could potentially host other artwork honoring Milk, whose election to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977 marked the first time an out gay man won public office in the city and the state of California. “For us it is very important. We think of this new design as a piece of functional art,” explained architect Erich Burkhart, the managing principal of Perkins Eastman’s San Francisco office. “It is a very moving and appropriate tribute to Harvey.” He added that their hope is the artwork will become an internationally recognized symbol for not only Milk’s legacy but also the city itself. See page 7 >>

LGBT groups ramp up giving appeals by Matthew S. Bajko

ith just 11 days left in 2018, LGBT nonprofits are ramping up their end-of-year giving campaigns. Letters and emails have been hitting the mailboxes and inboxes of the agencies’ supporters since the start of December. Many are centered on appeals highlighting that anonymous benefactors of the agencies will match the donations. The inducement is a proven tactic in convincing people to write a check. Both the San Francisco LGBT Community Center and National Center for Lesbian Rights, for instance, have lined up “generous” donors who agreed to match every gift up to $100,000 sent in by December 31. The GLBT Historical Society, which operates an LGBT museum in the heart of San Francisco’s gay Castro district, has a donor willing to match up to $50,000 donated by the end of the month. “Matching donations are very effective. Donors love the idea of their dollars being leveraged,” said Roger Doughty, president of Horizons Foundation, an LGBT philanthropic organization focused on the Bay Area. “And as a donor myself, I understand that. I love knowing my dollar will be doubled or tripled because a donor wants to have impact. And that means double or triple the impact.” Giving some nonprofit executives and their development directors pause this year is an

Jane Philomen Cleland

Horizons Foundation President Roger Doughty

increase to the standard deduction people are able to claim on their 2018 tax returns. The amounts have nearly doubled from 2017, such that a single person can claim $12,000 this year compared to the $6,350 standard deduction they could claim in 2017. Married couples filing jointly can take a $24,000 standard deduction (it was $12,700 last year) or a $12,000 standard deduction if filing separately. Heads of households can opt for an $18,000 standard deduction this year.

The increases could result in fewer people choosing to itemize their deductions on their 2018 tax returns. Doing so means charitable donations that are tax deductible won’t reduce their tax bill this year. So far, Doughty said he has not heard that nonprofits are seeing “anything unusual” in their donors’ giving patterns this year due to the increases in the standard deductions. They are a result of the tax overhaul Congress passed and President Donald Trump signed into law in 2017. “I think there is a lot of speculation about the impact of the tax law. And we are intensely interested to see what those results are,” said Doughty. “The main piece that is a cause of concern to a lot of charitable organizations is the standard deduction was doubled, I believe, or close to it. The result of that was, for many taxpayers, it became better to use the standard tax deduction instead of itemizing their tax deductions.” Yet for many high-income households, which account for the bulk of charitable giving in the country, the changes to the tax law have had little impact to date on their donations to nonprofits. “What we have seen consistently, and it is actually true of many of the last studies we have done, people have consistently said the impact of the tax law change around charitable See page 13 >>

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<< Community News

2 • Bay Area Reporter • December 20-26, 2018

Everything for the holidays

Dublin council gets out member

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y b p Sto s ' ff i l C

Jane Philomen Cleland

ublin City Councilman Shawn Kumagai is believed to be the first out LGBT person elected to a city council in the East Bay’s Tri-Valley region. He was sworn in Tuesday, December 18, in the council chambers by Assemblywoman Rebecca Bauer Kahan (DDublin). He was joined by his brother, Kevin Carter,

BART welcomes out leadership by Cynthia Laird

s BART’s third out member formally joins the board for her first meeting Thursday, December 20, gay director Bevan Dufty is expected to be named president of the regional transit district’s board. Janice Li, a queer Asian-American woman, was sworn in during a ceremony December 13 in the BART boardroom by outgoing San Francisco Supervisor Jane Kim. “It was not that long ago, five or six months, when several of us called and urged Janice to run for BART board,” Kim said after administering the oath of office. “BART is really the spine of the Bay 1:20 PM Area in keeping the region going, and we wanted the best representation from San Francisco.” Li was elected to BART’s District 8 seat, which is in San Francisco and includes the Balboa Park, Embarcadero, and Montgomery stations. She is currently the advocacy director for the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition and said she will keep her day job as the BART position is not full-time. Kim said that Li once fought off a thief trying to steal her bike.

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BART board directors Rebecca Saltzman, left, and Bevan Dufty, right, congratulated Janice Li at her swearing in ceremony December 13.

“That’s the kind of representative you want,” she quipped. Li interjected that the incident occurred in Kim’s District 6. Dufty, another early supporter, told the crowd of about 50 people that BART is at a pivotal time in its history. It is attempting several strategies to keep stations clean, deal proactively with homeless people, and get new train cars into service. “I could watch as people really connected with Janice at Balboa BART,” he said. “I’m really excited about this next phase and the best is

yet to come.” For her part, Li, 31, a first-time candidate and self-described transit nerd, said she “never thought I’d be here.” She said that she wants the rail system to serve everyone and plans to hit the ground running. She said that being a queer woman of color elected to office in San Francisco is “not a normal thing.” In fact, there is only one other LGBT woman elected in the city: bisexual community college trustee Shanell Williams, who is African-American and recently declared she’s running for District 5 supervisor next year. Rebecca Saltzman, BART’s other out director, said the incoming board represents a big change. “Six years ago, four of the members had served for 16 years. Now, we got three new directors two years ago and three new members this year. I think it’s fantastic there’s a transit wonk on the board who I can geek out with. Someone who understands the challenges.” Jordan Davis, a trans woman who supported Li’s campaign, told the Bay Area Reporter that Li is “smart and knows transit left and right.”t

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left, and finance, Alex Rafael (partially obscured) at the ceremony. Kumagai, a Navy veteran and master chief petty officer in the Navy Reserve, ran on a platform of creating a walkable city with economic development in the downtown area that can connect to one of the city’s BART stations.

Kid’s Kid’s

LGBT nonprofits receive grants from Horizons by David-Elijah Nahmod

“Each of our grantees, whether it is a small LGBTQ organization or an orizons Foundation helped LGBTQ program within a larger spread holiday cheer last organization, provides invaluable week as the LGBT philanthropic programs and services that serve the organization distributed more than needs of our entire community.” $400,000 in grants to LGBT-related The program began with a short road Mountain projects and organizations. video in which representatives of road Mountain road Mountain A celebratory breakfast was held three organizations, Transgender Jane Philomen Cleland Now Open Thursday to 7pm! to 7pm! December Now Open Thursday 13 at the San Francisco Law Center, Curry Senior Center, Now Open Thursday to 7pm! Representatives of Now Open Thursday to 7pm! City Club, where Horizons officials Now Open Thursday to 7pm! and LGBTQ Connection spoke of organizations receiving gave out 45 grants totaling $409,532. the work they do for their commuEvery inThursday Aprilbetween between & between 7pm EveryThursday Thursday April &4 7pm Everyin in 4April 4 & 7pm Funds were awarded in the arts, Horizons Foundations grants nities and how Horizons has been Every Thursday in April between 4 & 7pm take 20% parts, accessories & clothing.* & clothing.* Every Thursday inOFF April between 4&&clothing.* 7pm take 20%OFF OFFall all parts, accessories gathered at the San Francisco take 20% all parts, accessories advocacy and civil rights, health and helpful in achieving their goals. Now Open Thursday to 7pm! take 20% OFF all & parts, accessories & clothing.* take 20% OFF all parts, accessories clothing.* City Club last week for the Ash McNeely, a member of Hori*Sales limited to stock on hand. *Sales limited to stock on hand. human services, community buildannual grantee breakfast. limited to and stock on hand. and encompass ing, leadership, *Sales to stock on hand. zons board of directors, spoke at the *Sales limited to stock on*Sales hand. limited Spring programs that focus on youth, the Every Thursday in April between 4 & 7pm breakfast. Francisco O. Buchting,got vice presielderly, immigration, trans rights, “We come together at an exciting m take 20% OFF all parts, accessories We’ve & clothing.* dent of to grants, programs, and straLGBTQ history, and capacity-buildready ride *Sales limited to stock on hand. ing. In a news release, Horizons said See page 12 >> tegic initiatives, said in a statement. that 71.7 percent of the grants were given to LGBTQ-specific organizaCorrection tions, with the remaining 28.3 perThe December 13 article, “Daddyhunt offers sexy with safe-sex mes1065 & 1077 Valencia (Btwn 21st & 22nd St.) • SF cent distributed to organizations 1065 (Btwn & Valencia (Btwn SF have specific LGBTQ programs, 1065 1077 Valencia 21st &415-550-6601 22nd St.)St.) •21st SF• &SF22nd St.) •that sage,” was updated with the following: Wohlfeiler’s title with the CaliforSALES 415-550-6600 • 1077 REPAIRS 1065 &&1077 Valencia (Btwn 21st & 22nd Hybrid/City nia Department of Public Health; that the 2009 survey was to find what SALES 415-550-6600 • REPAIRS 415-550-6601 SALES 415-550-6600 •Thu. REPAIRS arts, or cultural projects. Mon.Sat. 10-6, 10-7, 415-550-6601 Sun. 11-5 SALES 415-550-6600 •Valencia REPAIRS 415-550-6601 1065 & 1077 (Btwn 21st & 22nd St.) • SF would be most supported by dating and hook-up site owners, HIV and “Horizons’ grantees paint a reMon-Sat 10-6, Sun 11-5 Mon.Sat. 10-6, Thu. 10-7, Sun. 11-5 Mon.- Sat. 10-6, Thu. 10-7, Sun. 11-5 STD programs, and users; and that “Daddyhunt” Season 3 included a Mon.Sat. 10-6, Thu. 11-5 markable portrait of the diverse SALES 415-550-6600 •Xmas REPAIRS Closed 4pm Xmas & NY’s Eve and10-7, all daySun. & NY’s415-550-6601 Day notification episode. The online version has been corrected. Bay Area LGBT community,”

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<< Community News

4 • Bay Area Reporter • December 20-26, 2018

Jewish camp designates all-gender cabins by Heather Cassell

onathan Brunn loves going to summer camp with their twin sister Sabina. “I feel, like, awesome about it,” said Jonathan, a 10-year-old transgender and nonbinary camper who uses she/he/they pronouns. “I can’t wait to go.” Sabrina said she gets excited about camp. “It’s a cool experience,” she said. Camp Tawonga, a Jewish summer camp located near Yosemite National Park, has been a safe haven for Jonathan, who was bullied at their former school. Next summer will be extra special because, for the first time, the camp is officially testing two all-gender cabins. Jonathan can’t wait to rock climb, paddle board and kayak on the lake, see the camp’s unofficial cat, Outlaw, and, of course, enjoy the new all-gender cabins created to welcome nonbinary campers. At the request of campers, and with overwhelming approval of families, the camp is renaming cabins G-11 and G-5 to AG-11 and EG-5, all-gender and every gender, respectively. The cabins will operate July 28 through August 13, one for fifth and sixth graders and one for seventh and eighth graders. There will be a strict no nudity policy in the allgender cabins. Campers will have the option to change in the bathroom or in changing rooms, similar to dressing rooms in clothing stores.

Taking the new generation’s lead

Campers had already informally renamed the cabins to AG-11 and EG-5 for the last three seasons to help their fellow nonbinary campers feel safe and welcomed, said Rebecca “Becca” Meyer, camp director. Meyer said that Camp Tawonga is open to anyone. “Tawonga’s mission is to foster positive self-esteem, create cooperative community, foster connections with nature, and develop spirituality and positive Jewish identity. Our campers include those with both Jewish and non-Jewish backgrounds, as well as many interfaith families,” she wrote in an email. Meyer, a 41-year-old ally, has

Courtesy Camp Tawonga

Camp Tawonga participants gather around the campfire in camaraderie and song in 2018.

worked at the camp for 11 years. First as associate director, for the last three years she has run the more than 90-year-old camp that sits on 160 acres in the Stanislaus National Forest. The camp operates on a budget of nearly $5.5 million and serves an estimated 1,300 families plus an additional 1,500 campers, she said. “It feels like a really important step to allow all children, regardless of their gender, to be able to be their best selves at Tawonga and be a part of our community,” said Meyer. Nancy Brunn, the twins’ single lesbian mother, said she felt the action taken by the young people sent a message. “Kids changing the name of the cabin was really a powerful statement of belonging in the world,” she said. She also credited the camp’s leadership for taking the steps to embrace gender-nonconforming kids by creating a positive and safe environment and experience for them. “It’s really terrific. I think that it’s Tawonga taking the next step in being a really welcoming camp,” said Brunn, who first took her family to the Keshet LGBTQ Family Camp before sending her kids off to Camp Tawonga. To her, the all-gender cabins signal one more step in the camp’s tradition of welcoming all kids and families.

“Tawonga has been pioneering, creating inclusive camp environments, and I see this as the next step in that,” Brunn said. “It’s so visible and explicit that really all kids [and] all genders are welcome at camp.” Rates for the various camp options range from $1,415 for six days to $4,465 for three weeks, according to the Camp Tawonga website. Financial assistance is available. For nonbinary campers, Brunn believes, “it feels really good to have their gender affirmed by offering a housing option that is designed to accommodate them.” Meyer said requests for such a change had been building. “Over the last few years there has been more and more demand from our families to offer something like this as more and more campers have identified as nonbinary in their gender identity and/or are gender fluid,” said Meyer. “More kids are breaking out of the boxes.” The “existing paradigm” of girlsonly cabins and boys-only cabins that work for a majority of campers, doesn’t work for everyone, she noted. “Our desire is to serve the whole Bay Area Jewish community and make sure that people of all genders feel seen, supported, and welcome at Tawonga,” said Meyer. The all-gender cabins are not only embracing what is already organically happening at Camp Tawonga,

but are an evolution from the camp’s policy to place “children in the cabins according to their preferred gender identity” as they are following what they see as an increase in nonbinary campers and their friends who want to bunk with them. Camp Tawonga families have been overwhelmingly supportive of the move. “We’ve received nothing but positive responses from the community,” said Meyer, who noted that for the kids, it’s not such a big deal as the adults are making it out to be. “A board member told me that his children were like kind of, ‘Oh, OK,’ like it was no big deal to them,” said Meyer. “I think that for the older generation it feels more radical.” To verify what they were witnessing anecdotally, the camp conducted a survey of its 1,300 families and spoke to a select group of parents about the possibility of creating the all-gender cabins this past spring. Over 13 percent “said that they wanted us to offer this,” said Meyer. Additionally, Meyer reached out to experts at Gender Illumination, Gender Spectrum, and Keshet, which all encouraged the camp to take the leap. “They all thought that this was an excellent idea and something that we should try,” she said. Ariel Vegosen, founder and director of Gender Illumination, is glad that Camp Tawonga took the initiative. “I think that it’s phenomenal and really great,” the 38-year-old queer nonbinary individual who uses all pronouns, told the Bay Area Reporter. Vegosen began working with Camp Tawonga in April with a gender inclusivity training for staff and then began consulting with them about the all-gender cabins. “It ensures not only that campers who identify as nonbinary and genderqueer have a place to be and a place to live, which is fundamental at camp life, it also ensures that all campers of all genders” have the space for freedom to have a new experience, said Vegosen. “It’s really meeting the needs of the campers and families and the needs of where we are at today in society,” Vegosen added. If it’s a success, the camp plans to

expand the program. “I’m hoping we can better serve the campers who we are already serving and help more people feel welcome and invited to participate in Camp Tawonga and be a part of our community,” said Meyer.

Pioneer

For the past 20 years, Camp Tawonga has successfully hosted Keshet’s LGBTQ Family Camp (https://tawonga.org/programs/ ye a r- ro u n d / w e e ke n d - f a m i l y camps/), what Meyer believes was the first of its kind and has since been replicated at other camps, she said. “I feel so proud of Tawonga,” said Deborah Newbrun, who served as camp director at Tawonga for 25 years and launched the LGBT camp 21 years ago. Newbrun, a 59-year-old lesbian, never fully left Camp Tawonga. She still works part-time at the camp serving as a senior Jewish facilitator and director emeritus. She also continues to co-lead the Keshet camp with Jamie Simon, the camp’s executive director. Her gender-nonconforming stepchild, who is a senior at Stanford University, is also a camp staffer, she said. They’ve led the staff all-gender campfires and cabins for the past two to three years. The 2019 LGBTQ Family Camp is August 22-25. Newbrun is proud of Camp Tawonga for its work on nonbinary people and Jews of color. She and Brunn said that the allgender cabins are an evolution of the queer family camp. Newbrun said that she’s also noticed straight families with nonbinary children also starting to attend the Keshet camp. “This work that Tawonga is [doing is] very cutting edge particularly with the gender and right now,” she said, noting that other Jewish camps have also implemented progressive gender variant programs. “That’s what they are advancing most quickly because I think that’s what we know the best.”t Camp registration is now open. To sign up for LGBT Family Week or send kids to camp, visit https:// tawonga.org.

SF makes LGBT band official by Matthew S. Bajko

or its first performance as the city’s official band, the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band played the city’s official ballad “I Left

Untitled-10 1

My Heart in San Francisco,” written by a deceased gay couple, and the official city song “San Francisco.” Twenty-two members of the 40-year-old band performed on the steps under City Hall’s rotunda shortly after Mayor London Breed signed into law the ordinance designating the musical group as the city’s official band for perpetuity. “Today we make the unofficial official band official,” said Breed, a French horn player in the Benjamin Franklin Middle School Band that performed at various public events during Dianne Feinstein’s mayoral administration. Breed presented the pen she used at the December 18 signing ceremony to gay District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, who introduced the ordinance on behalf of the band. It was his first piece of legislation to be signed into law since joining the Board of Supervisors in July. “The arts have played such an important role for the LGBT community and the larger San Francisco community,” said Mandelman, noting that the band in particular has helped with “getting us through the tragedies of the last 40 years.” The LGBT band has called itself the city’s official band since gay

12/18/18 11:20 AM

Jane Philomen Cleland

Mayor London Breed, left, claps during a performance by the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band after she signed an ordinance December 18 making it the official band of the city.

former supervisor Tom Ammiano bestowed the title on it in 1998. But it was only an honorary tribute until this week, as now the city’s administrative code will be amended to formally declare the group as the official band of the city and county of San Francisco. “It is very validating,” said Ginnie Padgett, a lesbian who has played trumpet in the band for 10 years. She first took up the instrument in high school in Baltimore and played

through college in Colorado. She then “took 30 years off” until moving to San Francisco two decades ago, and at the urging of a musical teacher, joined the historic LGBT band. It pegs its first public performance to marching in front of the late gay supervisor Harvey Milk in the 1978 Pride parade. Originally called the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Marching Band and Twirling Corps, its founder was the late Jon Sims, whose French horn continues to be

played by band members and was placed on the desk Breed used to sign Mandelman’s legislation. Padgett said the recognition is especially rewarding since the band “spends so much time bringing music to the city.” It can expect to do even more, as Breed plans to call on the band often to perform. “We have many events in San Francisco and we will need the official band to be there,” she said.t

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<< Open Forum

6 • Bay Area Reporter • December 20-26, 2018

Volume 48, Number 51 December 20-26, 2018 www.ebar.com PUBLISHER Michael M. Yamashita Thomas E. Horn, Publisher Emeritus (2013) Publisher (2003 – 2013) Bob Ross, Founder (1971 – 2003) NEWS EDITOR Cynthia Laird ARTS EDITOR Roberto Friedman BARTAB EDITOR & EVENTS LISTINGS EDITOR Jim Provenzano ASSISTANT EDITORS Matthew S. Bajko • Alex Madison CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ray Aguilera • Tavo Amador • Race Bannon Erin Blackwell • Roger Brigham Brian Bromberger • Victoria A. Brownworth Brent Calderwood • Philip Campbell Heather Cassell • Belo Cipriani • Dan Renzi Christina DiEdoardo • Richard Dodds Michael Flanagan • Jim Gladstone David Guarino • Liz Highleyman Brandon Judell • John F. Karr • Lisa Keen Matthew Kennedy • Joshua Klipp David Lamble • Max Leger Michael McDonagh • Juanita MORE! David-Elijah Nahmod • Paul Parish Sean Piverger • Lois Pearlman Tim Pfaff • Jim Piechota • Bob Roehr Adam Sandel • Jason Serinus • Gregg Shapiro Gwendolyn Smith • Tony Taylor • Sari Staver Jim Stewart • Sean Timberlake • Andre Torrez Ronn Vigh • Charlie Wagner • Ed Walsh Cornelius Washington • Sura Wood ART DIRECTION Max Leger PRODUCTION/DESIGN Ernesto Sopprani PHOTOGRAPHERS Jane Philomen Cleland • FBFE Rick Gerharter • Gareth Gooch Jose Guzman-Colon • Rudy K. Lawidjaja Georg Lester • Dan Lloyd • Jo-Lynn Otto Rich Stadtmiller • Kelly Sullivan • Fred Rowe 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

LEGAL COUNSEL Paul H. Melbostad, Esq.

A holiday wish list for Newsom O

utgoing Governor Jerry Brown has been great on LGBT issues, but there is more to be done. We would like Governor-elect Gavin Newsom and his team to give serious thought to the following items.

sites will help decrease the number of people shooting up in public, but, more importantly, offer an entry point into seeking medical care and addiction treatment.

HIV/AIDS

It goes without saying that state public schools need more resources, and some of that money needs to be spent on teacher training to support LGBTQ students and address bullying and harassment for all pupils. Kids are coming out at younger ages, as Newsom well knows, and they need help in navigating what can often be a stressful environment. Even in California, trans students are singled out because of their gender identity by teachers or administrators, and this needs to stop. The state needs to provide funding to implement existing policies, and Newsom should sign education bills that will help promote this.

The California Department of Public Health needs a new leader and a renewed focus on HIV/AIDS. For too many years, the agency has not done all it could. For example, while a statewide Getting to Zero initiative was unveiled in 2016, not much has actually been done to accomplish the priorities of getting people into early treatment, making PrEP more widely available, and ending the stigma around HIV/AIDS, all of which will help lead to fewer HIV transmissions. The department’s AIDS Office is seen as a key part of the plan, yet its new director couldn’t be bothered with answering our questions upon her appointment in August. Starting next year, Newsom should name CADPH and AIDS Office heads who will implement the nearly 100-page document, which includes a section on PrEP utilization. More outreach must be done to get local health agencies on board. There must be more engagement with minority communities so that HIV-negative men who have sex with men can get on PrEP. The regimen is extremely effective if taken as prescribed, yet, as we have reported for years, disparities remain among people of color, especially African-Americans. This must change. A few weeks ago, the National Black Justice Coalition pointed out the disproportionate impact of the epidemic on black communities. “It is not the case that black people engage in riskier sexual behavior nor can we blame increases in rates on myths about brothers on the down low,” NBJC Executive Director David Johns said in a statement. “Black people are disproportionately impacted because of racism and systems set up to deny us access to health care, preventive medicine like PrEP, and stigma, which forces many to avoid being tested or engaging in conversations about sexual health.” Ace Robinson, the South Los Angeles HIV commissioner, wrote in an op-ed for the Bay Area Reporter that communities of color need

News Editor • news@ebar.com Arts Editor • arts@ebar.com Out & About listings • jim@ebar.com Advertising • scott@ebar.com Letters • letters@ebar.com Published weekly. Bay Area Reporter reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement which the publisher believes is in poor taste or which advertises illegal items which might result in legal action against Bay Area Reporter. Ads will not be rejected solely on the basis of politics, philosophy, religion, race, age, or sexual orientation. Advertising rates available upon request. Our list of subscribers and advertisers is confidential and is not sold. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, and writers published herein is neither inferred nor implied. We are not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork.

Education

Jane Philomen Cleland

Governor-elect Gavin Newsom speaks to reporters after his victory in November.

to hear messages directed at them that they can relate to. A new approach must be attempted in California so that all residents are empowered to seek better health care and learn about the importance of PrEP. One such move toward this goal, which is not in Newsom’s control, is naming black members to senior positions in HIV/AIDS organizations so they can lobby lawmakers and the governor’s office and explain what would constitute effective programs for their community. Every person who wants PrEP should be able to get it, even if they can’t afford it.

Safe injection sites

It’s unfortunate that Brown vetoed Senate Bill 186 this year, because now San Francisco will likely have to wait another year before it can open a safe injection pilot program. Brown’s veto message suggested that he didn’t understand the need for such a facility, and we think Newsom, a former mayor of San Francisco, does. We expect gay state Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) to try again, and all signs point to Newsom signing such legislation, as he told reporters in October that he disagreed with Brown on this issue. Mayor London Breed and health advocates are already educating the public about the need for the pilot program, and that should continue while a new bill is debated. Safe injection

Hiring

Daniel Zingale, a gay man who was recently named to Newsom’s communication’s team, suggested shortly after the election that Newsom hire LGBT people for state jobs. We agree. While Zingale took a tongue-in-cheek approach, writing online that Newsom “consider applicants who are trans” as he fills vacancies at Caltrans, he also suggested that LGBT people be considered for other jobs. It’s affirming to see oneself reflected in state government, and the message such hiring would send to LGBTQ young people cannot be overstated.

Boards and commissions

Thousands of Californians serve on numerous state boards and commissions, and we want Newsom to increase the representation of LGBT members, especially people of color and trans people. These jobs are often unpaid but are a good way for interested people to become involved in state government and help shape policy recommendations. When he was mayor, Newsom named many LGBTs to city posts, and we want him to continue that when he becomes governor.t

Hope and gratitude by Karen Kai

“Our human compassion binds us the one to the other – not in pity or patronizingly, but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future.” – Nelson Mandela

Bay Area Reporter

remarkable artwork reflecting Nelson Mandela’s expression of hope is on public display at San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral this month. The World Tree of Hope is a 23 foot tall holiday tree adorned with 17,000 origami cranes carrying wishes from compassionate people worldwide expressing their hopes for a better world. Each year hundreds of volunteers come together under the leadership of Rainbow World Fund to renew and re-create the tree as a gift to the city and the world. Believing that hope is an essential quality of the human spirit, Rainbow World Fund, a nonprofit emergency relief and international aid group based in the LGBTQ community, brought the idea of this new, inclusive, and inspiring holiday symbol to thenmayor Gavin Newsom in 2006. With Newsom’s support, a new San Francisco tradition reflecting the city’s compassion, vision, and beauty was born. Rainbow World Fund’s first challenge was to create the origami peace cranes for the wishes that would give the World Tree of Hope meaning. Reflecting on the origins of the origami crane as a symbol of peace originating with the story of Sadako Sasaki, a young Japanese girl who died from leukemia resulting from the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Rainbow World Fund reached out to noted origami artists, Linda and Vicky Mihara of Paper Tree stationery in San Francisco’s Japantown. The Miharas contributed their expertise and

Jane Philomen Cleland

Kazuhiro Inyu, deputy consul general of Japan, left, joined origami expert Linda Mihara and Rainbow World Fund Executive Director Jeff Cotter at the World Tree of Hope lighting ceremony at Grace Cathedral December 3.

engaged the Japanese-American community in the creation of the World Tree of Hope. The World Tree of Hope’s message and purpose resonated with thousands of individuals from all over the world. Their ages, religious traditions, ethnicities, nationalities, residency, educational levels, occupations, and backgrounds are stunningly inclusive. Their messages of hope, including those of former President Barack Obama; Dame Jane Goodall; Isabel Allende; and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King’s adviser, Clarence Jones, Ph.D., were gathered and placed on the peace cranes. Each succeeding year brought more wishes and more volunteers to decorate the tree. Today it is the world’s largest origami decorated holiday tree; a moving testament to humankind’s ability to think and act cooperatively and compassionately. The World Tree of Hope’s home for 11 of its 13 years was City Hall, referred to by some as “the people’s palace,” a center of government; a place reflecting the aspirations of

democracy, freedom and justice. Standing at the top of the grand staircase in the Rotunda of City Hall, the World Tree of Hope was more than a holiday decoration, it was a reminder of the work needed throughout the world to bring peace, safety and dignity to all beings. This year the World Tree of Hope has returned to Grace Cathedral, where it was welcomed in 2014. Often referred to as “the people’s church,” Grace Cathedral is a magnificent setting for the World Tree of Hope that embraces all people regardless of spiritual belief or practice, of all backgrounds, conditions, races and nationalities, genders, sexual orientations, legal or social status; a space that allows for spiritual, personal and social growth and elevation. We’ve returned to Grace Cathedral with gratitude and hope that those who are moved by or are curious about the World Tree of Hope will follow it there. In addition to the World Tree of Hope, Grace is hosting Les Colombes, a special installation by Michael Pendry of 2,000 origami peace doves ecstatically soaring over the Cathedral’s nave. There is great beauty in its architecture, artworks and music. But most beautiful is the spirit of welcome and nurturing of the human spirit you will find in its community. Rainbow World Fund is grateful to all who have helped to create the World Tree of Hope. We invite you to participate by going to http:// www.worldtreeofhope.org. For more information about Rainbow World Fund’s humanitarian aid and relief work visit http://www. rainbowfund.org. Grace Cathedral is located at 1100 California Street. The World Tree of Hope is located inside the cathedral’s Taylor Street entrance next to the United Nations mural. For more information about Grace Cathedral, visit https://www.gracecathedral.org.t Karen Kai is a board member for Rainbow World Fund.

Letters >>

December 20-26, 2018 • Bay Area Reporter • 7

Alternative AIDS confab doesn’t add up

Regarding “Activists plan alternative to AIDS 2020” [December 13], just who do the “activists” named think they’re trying to fool? The group behind the move has its headquarters in Oakland. If having AIDS 2020 in San Francisco and Oakland is that offensive that they feel the need to flee to Mexico City, then why not move their HQ as well? Refusing to join up with AIDS 2020 because “we don’t like Trump” amounts to saying “Trump doesn’t like us, so we’re going to let him push us out of the country.” It’s an understatement to say that we live in uncertain political times. No doubt many changes will happen between now and the summer of 2020, so listing the current political climate as justification to separate yourselves from AIDS 2020 in San Francisco and Oakland is shortsighted. It’s even possible Nancy Pelosi will be president by then. Since when is hosting an AIDS conference in San Francisco a sign of support for a presidential administration? Do they expect us to believe that people will assume that the conference supports Trump and his policies just because it’s held within the USA? No, none of this ads up. My best guess is that the activists in question don’t want to participate because they don’t feel like they’d get enough attention for themselves, and so they are making up weak reasons to have their own conference in Mexico City, as if Mexico City has a shining record of dealing with LGBTQ+ people living with HIV, immigrants, etc. We should stand together against a common enemy, not make up lousy excuses for refusing to participate so

that we can have our own conference and pat ourselves on the back for being so progressive. And if they can’t do that, they really need to at least work harder in coming up with reasons that aren’t so transparently weak. Craig West Oakland, California

Lutheran Church and LGBTs

The article on the arrest of the Reverend Steve Sabin on child porn charges in the December 6 issue [“Gay SF pastor arrested on child porn charges”] mischaracterized the current status of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the largest Lutheran body in the United States, with regard to Sabin and other LGBT pastors. In 2009 at its National Assembly, the ELCA changed its policy to give LGBT pastors all of the rights and responsibilities of their non-gay counterparts. The exclusionary policy was overturned. As a result, Sabin and many other ELCA non-rostered pastors were either reinstalled or installed as official ELCA pastors in a number of special services in 2010. Since that time, dozens of LGBT individuals have become rostered and working pastors in the ELCA throughout the country. And this number continues to grow. Jerry Metzker Oakland, California

[Editor’s note: The online version of the story has been updated.]

by Matthew S. Bajko

Courtesy Place Lab

A rendering shows Eagle Plaza, which fronts the Eagle bar, left.

Local development firm Build Inc. will pay for construction of the plaza as part of a $1.5 million inkind agreement with the city for approval of its mixed-use development across the street from the Eagle bar on what was a surface parking lot. Construction began this summer at 1532 Harrison Street on three seven-story buildings consisting of 136 rental homes. Place Lab, which was started by

Build and this summer merged with the nonprofit San Francisco Parks Alliance, is overseeing the design and construction of Eagle Plaza. It aims to break ground in early 2019 and dedicate the parklet ahead of next year’s Folsom Street Fair at the end of September. As the Bay Area Reporter noted in an October article when the arts panel last reviewed the plans for Eagle Plaza, the scope of the project has been significantly scaled back due to access issues voiced by fire officials. The greenspace in the parklet, which will be built on 12th Street between Harrison and Bernice streets, has been reduced in order to accommodate fire trucks and other safety vehicles. Rather than reduce the street’s width, the design now calls for a 28 foot wide curved street allowing for two-way traffic through the plaza. Bollards will be used to close off the See page 13 >>

Milk plaza

From page 1

“The canopy is a little bit fuzzy and a little bit vague because it should be an artist’s structure,” explained Burkhart. As the Bay Area Reporter first reported on its website December 13, the firm jettisoned a much derided cantilevered amphitheater in favor of the amorphous canopy structure in hopes of winning the support of the arts commission’s civic design review committee. The commissioners had raised objections to the seating plan when they first reviewed the project in October. At their meeting Monday, December 17, the committee members praised the architectural team for listening to their criticisms of the initial design presented to them. The oversight panel voted 4-0 in support of the new plans but did so after raising a number of issues about the canopy structure. Of foremost concern is the fact that it is not completely realized, as

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Arts committee signs off on SF leather plaza s it wends its way through the city’s bureaucracy to obtain the required permits it needs, a leatherthemed public plaza won approval this week from a committee of the San Francisco Arts Commission. The oversight body’s Civic Design Review Committee voted 4-0 in support of Eagle Plaza, named after the South of Market gayowned bar it will front on a portion of 12th Street. The parklet is seen as a focal point for the LGBTQ cultural heritage district city officials created in western SOMA to celebrate its being the home of the city’s leather community. “It is an important part of making sure the cultural district isn’t just historical and about history but also is alive and vibrant. This plaza will be very important to that,” said David Hyman, who co-chairs the outreach committee for the group working to make the cultural district a reality.

Barry Schneider Attorney at Law

Courtesy Perkins Eastman

An amorphous canopy is part of the revised plan for Harvey Milk Plaza.

the architects had planned to seek an artist to flesh out the canopy and design its look. The commissioners strongly advised the architects to take the lead in designing the overhead structure since it is now an integral aspect of their reimagining of the plaza. “The art canopy becomes the signature so everything becomes dependent on the artist,” said Commissioner Paul Woolford, adding that the question of who will design it “becomes critically important for the success of the project.”

Arts Commissioner Kimberlee Stryker, who chairs the committee, added that another key question that needs answering is how the Friends of Harvey Milk Plaza group pushing for the remodel of the site will pay for it. The project is estimated to cost at least $17 million. “The funding needs to be clarified as your next move,” said Stryker, warning that the whole design could fall apart if budgetary concerns lead to the canopy being dropped from the plans. “Overall, I think it is a really moving project, a really beautiful project.” See page 10 >>

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<< Commentary

8 • Bay Area Reporter • December 20-26, 2018

A holiday wish by Gwendolyn Ann Smith

o, once again, we reach the closing of another year. For many of us, this is a time of trees festooned with tinsel and glass baubles, nights filled with candlelight, or myriad holiday traditions. It’s a time of gingerbread and gelt, kinara or a menorah, and all sorts of things we hold dear. When I was much younger than I

am today, as the scent of the Douglas fir my father set up in the front room would waft through the house and the glow of holiday lights would produce a diffused rainbow of color against the window blinds in my bedroom, I would find myself making my holiday wish list. This would start with a long study of the Sears Wish Book, as I considered if the latest offerings from Mattel, Kenner, or Mego would best fit

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under the tree. Or maybe I’d want a new bike or some other big item, like that year I asked for a telescope from ol’ Saint Nick. I’d hand my list to my parents, secured in an envelope so they could send it in the mail to Santa on my behalf. Later, after the ruse was revealed, I would just offer my list to them. Even in those years when I might have snuck in a wish for a more feminine doll or toy, I still avoided asking for my dearest wish on my list. It was the same thing I prayed for every night, lowering my voice to barely a whisper as I held my hands clasped before going to sleep, and the same thing that would come to mind any time I would wish upon the first star I’d happen to spot at dusk. A simple wish, nothing more than a trifle to an omnipotent presence no matter if he wore flowing robes in heaven or a fur-lined suit at the North Pole. I wished that I could be a girl. My parents, who weren’t exactly rich, did provide me with a decent haul for each Christmas, but I never woke up on Christmas morning with a new gender under the tree. Such seemed to be out of the hands of any entity I may have opted to wish to at the time. When I was 8 years old or so, I decided that it was foolish to keep wishing for such, as no jolly old soul was going to drop that down the chimney. It would be 16 years later, after a lot of denial, and pain – and even the occasional glimmer of fleeting hope – that I would decide that this was something I could approach. I would simply have to serve as my own jolly elf of sorts, discovering my own path forward.

In the course of this journey, I lost a few things. Some members of my birth family decided not to be part of my life. Financial security became short-lived. Some things have proved to be more difficult than others, and harder than they might have been if I hadn’t needed to transition. Nevertheless, my wish was granted. Today, this may be easier. There are a lot more resources available, and they are easier to find. When I was wishing as a child, I had only the slightest inklings that this was even possible, fed by what little was said in the media at the time. Even when I did start my transition, there was no internet to find the steps forward. I assure you that I had to walk uphill both ways to transition, and today you have the great and good opportunity not to go through all that I did. That said, while the path is easier, it is not without difficulty. While more accept transgender people today, not all support us. We often still have to jump through hoops to get care, and – especially right now – all of our rights remain in question. The holidays can be hard for those of us who are transgender. We may have to spend time with family who are less than supportive, hiding ourselves from them to remain safe and well. We may have been cast out by family and friends, too, and feeling lost, cold, and alone during this time that is sold to us as “the most wonderful time of the year.” It can be hard to hold onto hope in the middle of all this, and you may feel that there is little recourse. No sleigh is on its way, ready to deliver a

Christine Smith

box containing your deepest desires. There is so much mythology around the season, and so many Hallmark-styled expectations of a warm, happy holiday with family and friends. Even under the best of circumstances, most family gatherings this time of year won’t measure up to the images fed to us in the sentimental tales that make their way to big and small screens. When you add in being transgender, these experiences become just a bit further out of reach. So, this is my gift to you this holiday season. I wish to offer you a moment of hope. As you read this, should you, too, be under this grand umbrella of transgender identities, no matter how you opt to define it, I want to assure you too that your dreams are achievable. You hold the power and the magic to form your needs into your reality, should you just wish it.t Gwen Smith wishes you the happiest of holidays no matter what path you follow. You’ll find her at www.gwensmith.com.

LGBTQ history exhibit planned for Oakland museum compiled by Cynthia Laird

he Oakland Museum of California will present a major exhibition combining art and history to tell the untold and under-recognized stories of California’s LGBTQ communities. The exhibit is scheduled for April 13-August 11. Next year is also the 50th anniversary of the STEVE_2x5_16149.indd 1 12/10/18 11:34 AM Stonewall riots, often considered the birth of the modern LGBT rights movement. Going beyond mainstream narratives, “Queer California: Untold Stories” will be the first museum exhibition of its kind, according to a news release. “At this very tumultuous time in our country, many marginalized communities feel that threats to their basic rights are on the rise,” Christina Linden, exhibition curator, said in the release. “This Call Now to exhibition is needed now Make an Appointment more than ever not with a Wallbed Expert! only to share messages of hope and change, but also pro2 Convenient Locations vide a deeper under550 15th Street standing of the complex Suite #2 history and important San Francisco 415-854-7748 lesser-known stories of LGBTQ communities in California.” 2515 S. El Camino Real San Mateo The exhibit aligns im650-264-9541 portant milestones in LGBTQ culNewly Designed Location ture with untold stories, focusing on the diversity of queer identities, Accessories and More From civil rights, and resistance to oppression. The exhibit will include a timeline that will help ground Largest Selection of Murphy Wallbeds In Town! SFMurphyBeds.com

Saving space beautifully!

Courtesy Oakland Museum of California

Stop AIDS Now or Else protesters blocked the Golden Gate Bridge in 1989.

visitors in the key moments, movements, and figures in the state’s LGBTQ history, as well as organizations, events, and people not often mentioned in that history. Two profound objects will set the stage for the exhibit in a section titled “What Gets Left Out” – the original eightcolor rainbow flag designed by Gilbert Baker in 1978 and contemporary artist Amanda Curreri’s hand-dyed flag displaying the two colors removed from the original design. (The Bay Area Reporter reported in March that Lynn Segerblom co-created the original 1978 flag with Baker and the late James McNamara.) According to museum spokeswoman Lindsay Wright, exhibit

curator Christina Linden said the Baker flag is on loan from the GLBT Historical Society and is a version signed by Baker. “It isn’t the full-size one that flew on the flagpole” mentioned in the B.A.R. article, Wright wrote in an email, “and it is hard to say if it is from a batch that Lynn Segerblom may have collaborated on.” “The flag we are displaying is a prototype for the eight-color flag and our display will highlight what was left out when he modified the flag in order to make it commercially viable,” Wright added. “The curatorial hopes to include more detail in the label text.” Several original works and commissioned pieces will be featured throughout the exhibition, including a new video featuring members See page 12 >>

International News>>

December 20-26, 2018 • Bay Area Reporter • 9

Vallejo LGBTs discuss Tanzanian crackdown by Heather Cassell

allejo LGBT activists and leaders of its sister city commission and association came together earlier this month to figure out responses to November’s crackdown on the African country’s LGBT community. Vallejo has a sister city with the Tanzanian port city of Bagamoyo. The cities have enjoyed a strong relationship for 25 years, according to the Vallejo Sister City Association’s website. A handful of community activists and city leaders met recently to talk about the issue. Authorities in Tanzania began rounding up suspected LGBT individuals after Dar es Salaam regional governor Paul Makonda mandated the search and detention of LGBT people that started November 5 (www.ebar.com/news/ news/267923). Vallejo’s LGBT community had a contentious relationship with the city’s previous mayor, Osby Davis. Davis was religious and homophobic and was quoted in a 2009 New York Times column, “They’re committing sin, and that sin will keep them out of heaven. But you don’t hate the person. You hate the sin that they commit.” Davis said his comments were taken out of context but the Times published a transcript of the expanded quote. He also embraced the sister city leaders who maintained Vallejo’s relationship with Bagamoyo despite Tanzania’s human rights violations, poor HIV/AIDS record, and ongoing attacks on its gay community. Bagamoyo is about 47 miles outside of Dar es Salaam, the East African country’s capital city. It is a district of the Pwani Region, not a

Jane Philomen Cleland

Leaders of Vallejo’s sister city organizations met recently with LGBT community members. From left, Kathy Brehm, Paula Bauer, Carol Cullum, Brenda J. Crawford, Pelton Stewart, and Elissa Shanks Stewart attended the meeting.

part of Makonda’s region. However, Makonda’s mandate, despite being publicly denounced by Tanzanian government officials within a day of his announcement, has given license to authorities to arrest suspected LGBTs and subject them to humiliating anal examinations. Anti-gay vigilantes are openly attacking anyone they suspect as being gay, according to reports. A group of 10 men was arrested within a week of Makonda’s mandate on Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous island region off the coast of Tanzania. Many LGBT Tanzanians have gone into hiding. Gay and bisexual men face up to 30 years in prison if charged under Tanzania’s colonial era anti-sodomy law. Due to Tanzania’s poor human rights record, Vallejo LGBTs have expressed concern over the years about the relationship with Bagamoyo. That included a visit by Tanzania’s former president, Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, in 2013 and Davis traveling with a fundamental religious delegation to Tanzania in 2014 (www.ebar.com/news///244278).

Being heard

Vallejo’s current Mayor Bob Sampayan is a world apart from Davis. A human rights advocate, the 66-year-old Filipino mayor is an ally of the East Bay city’s LGBT community, which supported his campaigns for city council and mayor, he told the B.A.R. “Vallejo is one of the most diverse cities in the country,” he said, calling any kind of discrimination “absolutely offensive.” Sampayan is opposed to Tanzania’s recent crackdown and took his concern directly to Vallejo’s Sister City Commission Chairman Pelton Stewart, who heads the sevenmember panel. Stewart agreed with the mayor and suggested Bagamoyo’s sister city relationship with Vallejo was in jeopardy due to the anti-gay crackdown in the country. However, Stewart and his colleague, Elissa Shanks Stewart (no relation), president of Vallejo’s Sister City Association, are exploring all options, from helping Tanzania with its homophobia to ending its quarter century relationship with Bagamoyo.

The association has an estimated 150 members, said Shanks Stewart. Sampayan fully supports the possibility of severing the city’s long relationship if the human rights violations against LGBT Tanzanians don’t stop, he said. “I don’t believe in what Tanzania has done in persecuting the gay community,” he said. “I will support ending that relationship if they do not abide by what we are asking, which is to be accepting of the LGBTQ community,” he added. “If they continue to violate human rights, frankly, I don’t want that relationship with them.” While Sampayan applauded Stewart and Vallejo’s sister city leaders, who have all backed out of a forthcoming trip to Tanzania in 2019, he remains skeptical about their convictions of ending the long relationship over the anti-gay assault upon LGBT Tanzanians. “Frankly, they are going to have to prove that,” said Sampayan. “They are going to have to show me that is a reality.” On December 14, Tanzania’s Finance Minister Philip Mpango told officials that the country won’t back down from its position not to accept LGBT people, despite donors’ encouragement and the country’s desperate financial situation. Stewart, 65, and Shanks Stewart, 70, are reaching out to Vallejo’s LGBT community and allies and met with a small group December 5. “We don’t like it. We disagree with it vehemently,” Shanks Stewart, whose daughter married her female partner five years ago, told the group. Stewart explained that they have raised their own concerns about the anti-gay crackdown with Ahmed Issa, consul general of Tanzania in San Francisco; Sister Cities

International; United States elected representatives and the U.S. Embassy in Tanzania. Currently, the U.S. doesn’t have an ambassador serving at the embassy in Tanzania, Stewart said. They are still waiting on responses from the other organizations. Issa wasn’t able to attend the meeting due to other commitments, Stewart explained. He relayed Issa’s statement reinforcing Tanzania’s official position distancing itself from Makonda’s mandate, but that it “isn’t the official stance of the country,” he said. “He’s very supportive of us, very supportive,” Shanks Stewart assured the group. Issa didn’t respond to a request for comment from the B.A.R. by press time. Brenda J. Crawford, 71, a lesbian who lives in Vallejo, said she was glad she responded to Stewart’s olive branch. “It is incumbent upon us in the LGBT community to come to the table with people who we might consider our enemy and open up that dialogue and start to bridge that gap so that we can develop a whole community,” said Crawford. “Vallejo is an ideal place to do that because of our diversity,” she added. “We want to work with them to get these backward policies addressed in Tanzania,” Carol Cullum, 73, who attended the meeting with her wife, Kathy Brehm, 74, said that she wanted to work with the sister cities to find a way to “put pressure on the government of Tanzania to stop” the attack on LGBT people. “I find this atrocious,” she said. The group discussed a number of ways to approach the situation See page 13 >>

Happy Holidays

The Bay Area Reporter staff

– along with state Senator

Scott Wiener, Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, and Catie Arbona from

wish you and your loved ones the best during this holiday season and a great 2019!

Assemblyman David Chiu’s office –

Photo: Rick Gerharter

<< National News

10 • Bay Area Reporter • December 20-26, 2018

Report finds 7 shades of red and blue in US by Brian Bromberger

he midterm elections are over but the rancor and partisanship that preceded them remain. If it wasn’t obvious beforehand, it is now crystal clear that America is a bitterly divided nation, split almost evenly between red and blue populations. With the holidays here, many are dreading family conversations,

which often expose political discord. Recently, a report, “The Hidden Tribes of America” was published by the independent nonprofit group More in Common. It takes a look at how Americans are divided politically. More in Common is a new international initiative “to build societies and communities that are stronger, more united, and more resilient to the increasing threats of

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polarization and social division ... working in partnership with a wide range of civil society groups to connect people across the lines of division,” according to its website. The report was based on a yearlong 8,000-person online survey of U.S. citizens using interlocking census targets from the 2016 American Community Survey, achieving a representative sample by gender, race, age, education, and geographic regions. The survey asked 58 core belief and behavioral questions related to current political issues, grouped around four thematic areas: immigration and American identity; race and social justice; gender and sexuality; and religion and extremism. More in Common also conducted six hourlong focus groups and 30 one-on-one interviews of at least one hour’s duration with people from across the different population segments. The report’s major finding is that the nation is not split into two, liberal and conservative, but rather, seven distinct groups of Americans: •Progressive activists (8 percent of population), who are more secular, cosmopolitan, highly engaged with social media, concerned with issues of equity, fairness, and America’s direction today; •Traditional liberals (11 percent): cautious, rational, and idealistic, valuing tolerance, compromise, and placing great faith in institutions; •Passive liberals (15 percent): feel isolated from their communities, insecure in their beliefs, try to avoid political conversations because of a fatalistic view of politics and feel circumstances of their lives are beyond their control; •Politically disengaged (26 percent): untrusting, suspicious about external threats, conspiratorially minded, pessimistic about progress, patriotic yet detached from politics; •Moderates (15 percent): engaged in their communities, wellinformed, civic-minded; faith an important part of their lives, shy away from any extremism; •Traditional conservatives (19 percent): religious, patriotic, highly moralistic, believe deeply

Milk plaza

From page 7

The redesign would raise the existing sunken gardens to street level, creating a new belowground exhibit space adjacent to the Muni fair gates where Milk’s story could be told. The proposed canopy would start above a new glass protective shield over a rebuilt entrance into the station. It would then extend over the shaft for a new elevator to be built at the plaza and end in front of a planned grove of 11 ginkgo trees representing each month that Milk held office. The proposal is a long way from being approved by city officials, as the final design requires approval from the full arts commission, the planning commission, transit leaders, and likely the Board of Supervisors.

Praise, criticism

The latest iteration for the plaza makeover continues to draw praise

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“Hidden Tribes” co-author Daniel Yudkin

in personal responsibility and selfreliance; and •Devoted conservatives (6 percent): deeply engaged with politics, hold strident uncompromising views; feel America is embattled, and perceive themselves as the last defenders of traditional values that are under threat. The focus of the Hidden Tribes project is “to understand better what is pulling us apart and find what can bring us back together,” the report stated.

LGBTQ information

For LGBTQ people, the section on sex, gender, and morality is most revealing. About 60 percent of Americans support same-sex marriage and acceptance of transgender people, however, that doesn’t mean there is “an enthusiastic embrace of new norms toward sexuality,” according to the report, as traditional and devoted conservatives believe acceptance of transgender people has gone too far. More than 50 percent of Americans say there is “pressure to think a certain way” about LGBTQ issues, and they question whether changes in attitudes toward sex and sexuality are making America “more accepting and tolerant” or whether they’re simply causing “America to lose its moral foundation.” Eighty percent of Americans believe political correctness has gone too far, the report stated, with people becoming too quick to take

offense and criticize other’s use of language. The Bay Area Reporter conducted a brief email interview with Daniel Yudkin, 32, senior associate with More in Common USA, one of the authors of the study. He was asked about polarization in America. “It is true that, oftentimes in America, small minorities of people who are deeply committed to a cause can hold hostage the rest of the country and prevent things from moving forward in a way that the majority would prefer,” Yudkin wrote. “The only way to counteract such instances is to galvanize an even more vocal majority. Hopefully, our report, by showing the variety of issues that unify Americans, can help point a path in this direction.” Yudkin, who declined to say how he identifies, added that the country likely will continue to be divided on issues that confront opposite views. “As with LGBT rights, it took a long time for gay people to become more ‘normalized’ in the eyes of citizens, which ultimately led to less fear of the unknown and finally to greater acceptance, in the form of gay marriage,” Yudkin wrote. “A similar path is likely to follow with TG issues: as these individuals become more visible, and more accepted, in society and media, a greater sense of understanding and less reactance is sure to follow.” He said, however, that it would be a long process “and not one that is likely to resolve itself in the short term; it will take patience and persistence,” he wrote. “The point of our report is not that we should always compromise on our values. Some things are worth fighting for. When it comes to tolerance of different lifestyles that do not harm others, this is something that should be advocated for in America.”t To read the report, visit https:// www.moreincommon.com/ hidden-tribes. A longer version of this story can be found on our website, www.ebar.com

and objections from community members. Trey Allen, a gay city resident, lauded the latest proposal at Monday’s hearing. “This beacon on the hill will be a great symbol for Harvey and our city,” he said. Although he loves the Castro Muni station, Ingu Yun, a gay man who has lived in the city since 1982, said the plaza is due for an overhaul. “To have it be more inviting seems like a no-brainer to me,” he said. But others disagree and have mounted a campaign to preserve the existing plaza area designed by Howard Grant, who at the time was married to the mother of his children but later came out as gay. He implored the arts commissioners to “respect the architectural integrity of the present vision” for the plaza, which was dedicated to Milk in 1985. Art historian Paul V. Turner, a former Stanford professor who was

friends with Milk and his lover Scott Smith, had objected to the seating area because of it impairing views of the 1922 Beaux-Arts building at 400 Castro Street designed by Edward Foulkes that now houses a SoulCycle. He told the B.A.R. this week that he has similar concerns about the canopy. “The ‘canopy framework’ may look light and relatively unobtrusive in the sketch diagram, but as it would actually have to be constructed, it would be as substantial and incompatible with its surroundings as the bleachers, in my opinion,” wrote Turner in an emailed reply. Gay District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman told the B.A.R. that he was pleased to see the arts committee endorse the project. But he continued to stress that the design will continue to “change over time” for the new plaza. “They are settling on a design that makes more sense,” Mandelman said of the current plans.t

November 30, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada after a brief battle with an illness. He is survived by his sister, Maria Christina; his nieces, Christina and Sonia; his nephew, Patrick; his great-niece Elephteria; and many friends worldwide. Pete touched the lives of so many in deep and profound ways, and his passing has left a void in our hearts and lives. Pete was a kind, caring, generous, intelligent, humble, and beautiful human being and soul who loved unconditionally. It’s difficult to reconcile his premature passing,

but we should find comfort and solace in knowing he lived his life to the fullest, unabashedly and unapologetic; he was, finally, living the life he wanted and working at his dream job: wine maker. Pete worked at wineries in Napa, Sonoma, and Santa Barbara counties and Chile before taking his skills and expertise to Temecula Valley Winery Management. Let’s rejoice in all that he brought to our lives; and celebrate his life, love, spirit, memories, and amazing smile. He’ll forever be in our hearts, memories, and loved.

Obituaries >> Peter John “Pete” Constantine Mousis March 16, 1967 – November 30, 2018 Peter John “Pete” Constantine Mousis (March 16, 1967 – November 30, 2018) passed away surrounded by his family and love on

Sports>>

December 20-26, 2018 • Bay Area Reporter • 11

Sweets and lumps of coal for all by Roger Brigham

ou’ve procrastinated all year and now have just a few shopping days left to get gifts for the holidays. I can’t help you with what to get for your loved ones, but I do have some ideas on gifts for so many in the sports world. For the former board members of the Gay and Lesbian International Sports Association and organizers of the failed Miami World Outgames: snug parkas. Sure, the criminal case may be fizzling and the civil lawsuit is dropped (for now at least), but you’ve got to be feeling pretty chilly after disappointing and misleading so many athletes for so many years. And for the folks who did sign up for the Outgames and the government officials who supplied funding: always remember to trust – and verify. Have answers before you write checks. For the Golden Gate Women’s Soccer League, whose mission has been to support and help grow participation in women’s soccer but whose lack of an explicitly inclusive

transgender policy has left it out of step with the national governing body and fueled reports of unsportsmanlike, transphobic behavior at some games: free consultations with the Women’s Sports Foundation, Bay Area Women’s Sports Initiative, and the Transgender Law Center in developing a fair, supportive, and inclusive policy. For the leadership in the national governing bodies in gymnastics, swimming, and taekwondo, I suggest mandatory passes to a weeklong outdoor seminar in northern Minnesota in February teaching them how to spot and report sexual abuse. Not a little quickie course, but a grueling gut check with the necessary agony and suffering to give the folks an inkling of the suffering that has occurred on their watch. Add holiday cards for the other national governing bodies letting them know the seminar has more spaces available if the need arises. Former gymnastics trainer and team doctor Larry Nassar was convicted for his sexual abuse of hundreds of female athletes over the

years, but he is not the only team official national governing bodies enabled through the decades. On the plus side, orange is definitely his color. For the owners of the Washington, D.C. NFL franchise (hell, the owners of just about any NFL team): an endless supply of prosthetic hands so they may never have to stop slapping their palms on their foreheads for failing to sign quarterback Colin Kaepernick, the former 49er star who sacrificed his career to draw attention to disproportionate violence against African-Americans. Apologists and revisionists assert he is not good enough to play in the league and should not represent any club because he allegedly disrespected the American flag. The reality is he never disrespected the flag, his protests were not against the armed forces but the misuse of force against fellow Americans, he’s better than at least half of the quarterbacks in the league, and if he were given a shot under the revised rule that which now opens up the passing game to an unprecedented degree, he’d show all doubters exactly how good a quarterback and person he is. For international soccer representatives, who through an opaque

Former USA Gymnastics national team doctor Larry Nassar

and disreputable voting process awarded the World Cup men’s soccer tournament to Qatar (after having awarded the past rendition to Russia): a jaded prayer that their event turns out being worth all of the grief and tragedy they have already sown and are likely to sow. In 2017, a British worker fell to his death during construction of one of the stadia and a coroner blamed that death on unsafe work practices; a worker from Nepal died at another stadium site later that year. That same year, Amnesty International found that a major contractor for the stadia construction,

which has since shuttered its business, stiffed foreign workers for thousands of dollars in wages and left them stranded without the financial or legal means to return home. This year, a dozen or so stories regarding LGBT issues were censored or removed entirely fromm the Qatar edition of the New York Times, which said the decisions were made either by the government or the local publisher. FIFA told ABC that its commitment to press freedom is a “cornerstone of FIFA’s human rights efforts” but also said “Qatar as a host country is not subject to FIFA’s statutes, nor is it bound by FIFA’s human rights policy and related FIFA regulations.” As to Qatar’s reputation for homophobic laws, it is illegal there for gays to marry, or have sex; gender transition is forbidden; and gay men are not allowed to donate blood. On the other hand, by comparison it was downright progressive when Qatar dropped the prison sentence for homosexual intercourse from five years down to a maximum of three 14 years ago. Which makes me wonder: Who will they be able to get to choreograph the opening ceremonies?t

Group protests against circumcision by David-Elijah Nahmod

he threat of rain did not stop a group of about 30 activists from the organization Bloodstained Men from gathering Saturday afternoon in the plaza across the street from the San Francisco Ferry Building to protest genital mutilation, the circumcision of young children. Some of the protesters traveled from as far away as Hawaii and Michigan in order to participate in the December 15 action against what they call a human rights violation. Although several women took part in the protest, most of the participants were male. They were dramatically dressed in white, with red stains, meant to represent the bleeding caused by circumcisions, painted on their crotches. The protesters call themselves “intactivists,” a combination of the words intact and activist. According to several of the protesters, the removal of foreskin from the penis not only diminishes sexual pleasure, it causes health issues such as meatal stenosis, the condition of narrowing of the urethral opening causing restricted urine flow. According to intactivist Harry Guiremand, who lives with his husband in Hawaii, this condition can cause a boy to require more painful surgery. “We are a nonprofit human rights organization focused on the right of everyone to their own body, and that includes males, females, and intersex people,” Guiremand

told the Bay Area Reporter, referring to Bloodstained Men. “According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 3, everyone has the right to life, liberty, and the security of person. Everyone means everyone, there are no exceptions to the most fundamental right to your own body. Most people understand that they have a right to their body and they have the right to assert that right.” Guiremand addressed the religions of Judaism and Islam, which require the circumcision of young boys. “If you carve your religion onto someone else’s body that violates their freedom of religion,” he said. “We have to talk about protecting the rights of the vulnerable. The most vulnerable person is an infant, so when it comes to protecting rights, the rights of the infant needs to be given priority over any claimed rights of adults.” As Guiremand spoke, intactivists stood by carrying signs with slogans such as “Foreskin theft;” “His rights don’t end at birth, end genital mutilation;” and “Forced circumcision violates human rights.” As they held up their signage, some passersby stopped to talk, while others walked on. “I always knew this was wrong,” said Lloyd Schofield, a gay man who is a member of Bay Area Intactivists, another anti-circumcision organization. “The more I thought about it and investigated why this was done, the more I was against it.

Rick Gerharter

Dominic Barba hands an informational leaflet to a passerby December 15 across from the San Francisco Ferry Building during a demonstration by about 30 activists from Bloodstained Men and Bay Area Intactivists.

It’s holding down another person and mutilating their genitals. It’s a very easy concept to understand. Children get it. Like any other human rights violation, you have to be taught to accept it. All children, male, female, and intersex, deserve protection from genital mutilation.” Schofield added that the protest

had been getting a mixed, but mainly supportive, response from people. He noted that gay state Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) passed a nonbinding resolution in the Senate this year to call on the medical community to establish standards of care for intersex children that take into account their human rights. Tanya Ma flew in from Michigan

to participate in the protest. “I am the mother of an intact 4-year-old son,” she said. “I discovered this movement three years ago on social media and I think like them. I always thought circumcision was wrong. This is a huge deal. I see it as a human rights violation See page 12 >>

<< Community News

12 • Bay Area Reporter • December 20-26, 2018

CHP

From page 1

From there Brome chose to work at the San Francisco office that same year thinking it would be more welcoming of gay officers. He was wrong. Pink roses were wedged in his mailbox, his locker was damaged, he had his name scratched off an achievement plaque, and his car was keyed, according to the brief. “The homophobia was even worse there,” he said. “There was constant talk about the queers, fags, and freaks at Stud bar.” The Stud is a gay bar in San Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood near the CHP office. Another incident at the San Francisco office was when Brome was called into the office and a fellow officer, in front of many other officers, told him to be careful because the female officer in the office was wearing a strap-on. “That pushed me to complain,” Brome said. “As soon as I did that the officers came after me.” His multiple complaints and the CHP’s investigation into discrimination went nowhere. This also prompted other officers to stop responding to Brome’s calls while

Horizons

From page 2

time for the LGBTQ movement, as well as at a time that reminds us that there is so much we have yet to do for our community,” McNeely said. “Horizons has fueled the LGBTQ movement for 38 years by supporting community nonprofits, increasing financial resources for our community from both individual donors and institutional funders, and ensuring that our community has a dedicated and endowed foundation to rely on for generations to come.” The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, one of this year’s grantees, sent Sister Gaia and Sister Pansies to represent the organization. Both offered a blessing from the podium. “May the blessings of the earth be on you,” they said in part. “May you ever have a kind greeting for those you pass along the way. May the earth be soft under you when

News Briefs

From page 8

of California native communities discussing stories of gender and identity in Native American culture. Other highlights include “Places to Gather,” which will highlight clubs and groups formed in the state, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s; “In the Body,” which consists of materials and artwork related to self; and “Fluid/Fixture,” which will include contemporary sculpture. The museum said that historian and activist Susan Stryker, a transgender woman, and film historian Greg Youmans are consultants on the exhibition. For more information, visit http://museumca.org/.

SF Christmas dinners announced

Tenderloin Tessie will hold its annual Christmas Day dinner Tuesday, December 25, from 1 to 4 p.m. at First Unitarian Church, 1187 Franklin Street in San Francisco. Those who are unhoused or in need can stop by for a full dinner and entertainment. For more information, visit https://www.tenderlointessie.com/. Glide United Methodist Church

Circumcision

From page 11

and sex organ theft, so I felt the need to be part of this growing movement. Over the course of three years I’ve collected a dozen books on

Grunfeld said the case is important on many levels. She said the way CHP, with almost 11,000 employees, treats gay and lesbian officers is “precedential.” She explained that it was significant that Brome faced discrimination in all three of the offices he served, indicating an agency-wide homophobic culture. As well, his complaints were not taken seriously or adequately

investigated. It also offers an insight into how officers treat LGBT citizens, Grunfeld said. Brome was approved for industrial disability retirement, which took effect in late February 2016. In September 2016, less than seven months after he retired, Brome filed a complaint with the Department of Fair Employment and Housing against the CHP. The brief is asking that a jury hear Brome’s evidence. “Jay Brome should be permitted to present to a jury his case of severe and pervasive discrimination, harassment and retaliation faced during his twentyyear, award-winning career employed by Defendant-Respondent California Highway Patrol, simply because he is gay,” the brief states. According to Grunfeld, four former CHP officers have produced declarations in support of Brome and his legal efforts. Brome’s case is not an isolated one. Kenneth Stanley filed a lawsuit against the CHP after being with the agency for 30-plus years. Though Stanley is not gay, he was targeted for homophobic behavior because some of his fellow officers perceived him as gay.

He lost the case, but filed an appeal with the Third District Court of Appeal in January, citing that “the trial court erred in excluding evidence, and in awarding summary adjudication as to his claims for defamation, harassment, negligence...,” states the claim. The brief describes many incidents of harassment, including when his co-workers superimposed his face onto a nude photo of pregnant actress Demi Moore that was featured on the cover of Vanity Fair in 1991. His photo was also placed on a greeting card featuring gay singer George Michael. Both were posted in a public area of the office. “It’s your typical macho environment (where) to other less-educated individuals in the workforce there can be no greater insult according to them than portraying somebody as gay,” Stanley told the Mercury News. “One would think that we would be well beyond that, but the culture just permeates.” Now being off the force for a few years, Brome said he has “started to heal,” but that the memories still haunt him. Today, he owns a vintage clothing store in Benicia and lives in Vallejo with his husband.t

you rest at the end of the day, may the earth sustain you, and may you sustain her in return.” Representatives from two other grantees also addressed attendees. Devi Peacock and LeahAnn Mitchell from Oakland’s Peacock Rebellion spoke of their work as a Bay Area group of queer and trans people of color artists, activists, and healers who “make sassy, sexy art to help build a culture of social justice, with an emphasis on healing justice.” Jennifer Malone, executive director of the Spahr Center in Corte Madera, spoke of her organization’s work in supporting Marin County’s LGBT community and those in the county who are affected by HIV. Horizons officials said they look forward to the grant party all year. “It’s one of the highlights of the year to be here,” said Roger Doughty, Horizons president. “This is a very competitive process. There are lots and lots of wonderful organizations

and outstanding projects, and yours, all of yours, stood out. You produce that queer arts performance that changes a life. You offer that listening ear when the rest of the world seems not to hear. You link up someone in desperate need with the attorney to protect their rights. You make sure that young queer person finds a place to feel safe.” Doughty added that the work of the grantees is made harder by the current political climate. “We live in an age of divisiveness,” he said. “Powerful forces and strident forces are trying to tear us apart or prevent us from coming together in the first place. Our community and our movement must be about uniting, we must be living diversity and know that diversity is our power, not our weakness.” Several grantees spoke to the Bay Area Reporter about how the monies they receive will help them in their work.

Shawna Virago, executive director of the San Francisco Transgender Film Festival, said that she didn’t know the amount of the grant they had received. “Our bookkeeper, who is not around until next week, has that information,” Virago said. “Horizons’ funding will allow the film festival to continue creating opportunities for trans and gender-nonconforming filmmakers and communities, and to keep fighting transphobic representation of trans people in film, especially for DIY filmmakers.” The San Francisco LGBT Community Center received a $10,000 grant. “The grant will help us reach even more people, share our impact, and inspire them to make donations of all sizes to support our work,” said Roberto Ordeñana, deputy executive director of the center. “In the next year, the center is focusing on program growth to meet demands

for services for some of the most vulnerable members of our community, launching deeper services for homeless LGBTQ youth and for trans and gender-nonconforming employment seekers. This expansion couldn’t be possible without the investment of public and private partners and our entire community.” Turn Out, an organization that connects volunteers with LGBTQ causes, was given a $5,000 grant. “We’re a new organization,” Jack Beck, a gay man who’s Turn Out’s executive director, told the B.A.R. “We launched our programs in March of last year so this grant really helps us to support our overhead and provide our basic services. We connect volunteers with LGBTQ causes around the Bay Area, and since we launched our programs more than 3,000 volunteers have signed up. So there’s a strong need for these services, and Horizons is helping us meet that need.”t

will hold its Christmas celebration starting with breakfast from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., followed by a celebration worship service at 10, and the Christmas meal from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Glide dining hall and church are located at 330 Ellis Street. For more information, visit http://www.glide.org.

affordable health care for all Americans,” Becerra said in a news release. “The ACA has already survived more than 70 unsuccessful repeal attempts and withstood scrutiny in the Supreme Court. Today’s misguided ruling will not deter us: our coalition will continue to fight in court for the health and well-being of all Americans.” According to Covered California, consumer interest has surged in the past week, with approximately 15,000 people signing up for coverage. Consumers can easily find out if they are eligible for financial help and see which plans are available in their area by entering their ZIP code, household income, and ages of those who need coverage into Covered California’s “shop and compare tool” (https://apply.coveredca.com/ lw-shopandcompare/). For more information, visit www.coveredca.com.

Officials at Covered California, the state’s health insurance marketplace under the Affordable Care Act, announced that it is extending the deadline to enroll for 2019

coverage after a federal judge in Texas ruled the ACA, or Obamacare, unconstitutional. The new deadline is Friday, December 21, for health care coverage that begins January 1. Consumers who enroll after December 21, and by January 15, will have their coverage start February 1. “Open enrollment is full-steam ahead and continues in California and other states for several more weeks,” Peter V. Lee, a gay man who is Covered California executive director, said in a news release. “No one in California should let this ruling discourage them from enrolling in health coverage or be worried about using the health plan they have.” Federal officials have indicated that the law will remain in place pending appeal of last week’s decision. Already, state Attorney General Xavier Becerra said late Friday, after the Texas ruling, that California and a collation of other state attorneys general will continue the legal fight. “Today’s ruling is an assault on 133 million Americans with preexisting conditions, on the 20 million Americans who rely on the ACA for healthcare, and on America’s faithful progress toward

California State Parks invites residents and visitors around the Golden State to usher in 2019 in a fun and healthy way with a First Day Hike on January 1.

More than 60 complimentary, guided hikes will be provided in 40-plus state parks around California (vehicle entrance fees might apply). The hikes are part of the First Day Hikes Program organized in all 50 states and Canada aimed at encouraging people to get outdoors. “What better way to start out the new year than by connecting with family and friends in nature?” California State Parks Director Lisa Mangat said in a news release. “With iconic landscapes, beautiful views, and fresh air, hiking in our state parks is a perfect way to absorb the wonders of the outdoors and learn about California’s natural and cultural resources.” Locally, Angel Island State Park (https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_ id=468) has natural beauty and incredible views of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge, as well as a rich history that has been updated with more context from when it was an immigration station. Ano Nuevo State Park (https://www.parks. ca.gov/?page_id=523) continues its equal access walk to view elephant seals January 1 and throughout winter. For more information, visit www. parks.ca.gov/?page_id=27631.t

circumcision and started a YouTube channel talking about circumcision as an intactivist.” Ma said that she could be found on YouTube as MamaTanSwan. She also addressed the religious aspect of circumcision.

“Many Jewish and Muslim families opt out of circumcision,” she said. “I connect them to community resources like Beyond the Bris. You can practice religion, but once religion starts to harm another human body it’s a human

rights violation.” She added that the response she was getting in San Francisco was mixed and included smirks and shocked faces. The protesters were back on Sunday, in spite of the forecast of

heavy rains. Guiremand said that the weekend was chosen because the dates worked out for the group. The B.A.R. attempted to get comments from people who were walking by, but no one was willing to talk.t

on scene including some dangerous situations, Brome’s lawyer, Grunfeld, said. “When an officer is not backed up everyone is in danger,” Grunfeld said. “To not back up a fellow officer because they complained or because they are gay is the antithesis of California and public safety.” Brome finally transferred to CHP’s Contra Costa office five years later where he spent about eight years, then he transferred to the Solano County office in 2008 where he stayed until his medical leave in 2015. “Officers continued to create an intolerable workplace for Officer Brome because of his sexual orientation,” the brief states. “Officer Brome was surrounded by homophobic locker room talk, and fellow officers made derogatory comments about his sexual orientation and the fact that Officer Brome had filed complaints about discrimination and harassment in the past.” Additionally, in the Solano and Contra Costa offices, officers continued not to respond to Brome’s requests for backup at fatal car crashes, traffic stops, and incidents where suspects were armed. The CHP said it does not

Holiday ice rink in Oakland

Oakland Central, which promotes downtown businesses and events, has brought an outdoor holiday ice rink to the area. The Old Oakland Holiday Ice Rink is located at the corner of Ninth and Washington streets, near the 12th Street BART station and numerous bus lines. The rink is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is $13. Skate rental is $5. The rink will be open through January 6.

Covered CA deadline extended

comment on pending litigation, but spokeswoman Fran Clader did provide a statement about the agency’s policy on providing equal employment to all people. “It is the policy of the CHP to provide equal employment opportunities for all persons without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex (includes sexual harassment and gender identity), physical or mental disability, political affiliation/opinion, marital status, sexual orientation, or medical condition,” the statement read. “Equal opportunity in employment practices will be made on the basis of merit, efficiency, and fitness consistent with state civil service and merit system principles.”

Important case

Kick off new year with First Day Hike

t <<

Community News>>

Giving appeals

From page 1

deductions and estate tax have little to no impact on their giving,” said Miki Akimoto, a national philanthropic practice expert at U.S. Trust, which is part of Bank of America. “What we know is that, for ultrahigh net worth households, they are probably going to itemize anyway.” Akimoto was involved in the “2018 U.S. Trust Study of High Net Worth Philanthropy: Portraits of Generosity.” It is the result of an ongoing collaboration between U.S. Trust and the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. The report, issued every other year, has included data on LGBT households since 2016. Of the 1,646 households in this year’s report,

Leather plaza

From page 7

street at both ends for special events. The border for a gathering space in front of the Eagle bar dubbed the Eagle Porch has been designed to allow for fire trucks to back into the area and turn around inside the plaza. San Francisco Public Works also required that the plaza’s chairs

Out in the World

From page 9

in addition to the delegation that canceled the trip. They discussed presenting Tanzanian officials and Sister Cities International representatives with a position paper. They also talked about the possibility of organizing a delegation of LGBT business-owners, LGBT and HIV/AIDS community activists, faith leaders, and allies for a trip to Tanzania to help the LGBT community and educate Tanzanian lawmakers and people about the LGBT community. Other ideas included connecting with LGBT Tanzanians to talk about

December 20-26, 2018 • Bay Area Reporter • 13

whose incomes are greater than $200,000 and/or net worth is greater than $1 million, excluding the value of the primary residence, 7 percent identified as LGBT. According to the report, fully 90 percent of high net worth households in the United States gave to charity in 2017. Their average giving last year was $29,2695, up by 15 percent from $25,509 in 2015. By comparison, the report noted that 56 percent of households in the general population gave an average of $2,520 to charity, according to the latest Philanthropy Panel Study by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. “There has been a shift in the last few years if you look at all charitable giving by individuals nationally,” said Akimoto. “We are beginning to see large, really big seven and eight

figure gifts becoming a bigger and bigger percent than dollars raised and smaller gifts declining.” The report found that giving to causes in the category of “Other,” which includes LGBTQ issues, increased by 25 percent between 2015 and 2017. And among the LGBT households in the study, 43 percent gave to LGBTQ-focused organizations and causes. “LGBTQ households are less likely to donate to religious organizations, health related, combined charities, and youth or family services,” found the report. “Among all high net worth households, a relatively small percentage supported racial or ethnic and LGBTQ affinity groups. However, among these groups, giving to these respective causes was significant.” Overall, the report found that

the majority of wealthy donors in the study expect to maintain (84 percent) or increase (4 percent) the amount they give to charity in 2018 under the new federal tax law. Yet, 26 percent of LGBTQ individuals expect to decrease their charitable giving levels, according to the report. “I know that, from my contacts in the nonprofit sector, there is a great deal of weariness and worry what this end-of-year giving period will look like,” said Akimoto. “They are pretty weary right now, but there is quite a bit of good news in terms of people’s commitment to charity.” Robbie Martin, Equality California’s director of development since June, said he doesn’t expect to see any changes in donor’s giving patterns this year. “To be utterly candid, the topic

of the new tax law has not been a prominent conversation with our donors,” said Martin. The statewide LGBT advocacy group has two donors that will match up to $40,000 in donations that come in by December 31. While those contributions are not tax deductible, donations to the Equality California Institute are. It is aiming to raise $1 million. Rather than wait until the end of the year, Martin has been encouraging supporters of EQCA to join its Capitol Club sustaining donor program by either making a onetime contribution of $600 or donating $50 a month. “I think a good solution for people is moving more toward recurring gifts as opposed to large onetime gifts,” he said. “It is easier to budget for that.”t

and tables be removable rather than permanent. The Eagle bar’s flagpole sporting the leather flag will be moved into one of the plaza’s planting areas in front of it. Sidewalks at both entrances into the plaza will sport the colors of the leather flag, which features a red heart and blue, black, and white stripes. The arts committee had signed

off on the overall plan for the site in October. But it had asked that the design team return with a comprehensive planting plan, updated renderings, and images of the seating before taking a final vote on Phase III of the project. It did so this week largely without comment after hearing from Mark Bonsignore, a program manager with Place Lab overseeing the

plaza plans. Bonsignore told the B.A.R. that he is working with Andres Power, Mayor London Breed’s policy director, on expediting the permit process. He expects that District 6 Supervisor-elect Matt Haney, who represents SOMA, in early January will introduce the plaza’s major encroachment permit to the board, which is needed to allow

construction to begin. The parklet’s estimated cost is $1.85 million. In addition to Build’s contribution, the city awarded $200,000 in grant money to the plaza. The Friends of Eagle Plaza has raised $35,000 over the past three months. To learn more about Eagle Plaza, and to donate to the project online, visit http://www.eagleplaza.org/.t

their experiences with the Vallejo community and hosting a sister cities event celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in 2019. Stewart said that Vallejo doesn’t have the financial clout of Denmark or the World Bank, both of which withdrew millions of dollars in financial support to Tanzania in response to the anti-gay crackdown. “What we have is a voice,” said Stewart, who wants to send a message to Tanzania about how serious they are about the anti-gay crackdown and other human rights violations. “We have citizens that are at this table that are hurting and we are not about hurting our citizens.

“That’s the little clout that we have [that] we are willing to use,” he added.

violations against LGBT people and are considering ending the sister city relationship. “That’s tremendous,” said Crawford. “Rather than in the last administration going over there without any regards to the harm they were causing by engaging in any kind of activity with this homophobic, brutal government in Tanzania. “We are sitting down at the table now talking about [how] this is not acceptable ... so that’s progress,” she added. Cullum said she felt positive about the meeting but is realistic about Vallejo’s power over a foreign government.

She added that it might take an old fashioned boycott with other sister cities members partnered with Tanzanian cities to end discrimination against LGBT people in the East African nation, similar to the fight to end apartheid in South Africa. “The best outcome that I would hope for is that the Tanzanian government prohibits discrimination,” she said. “I don’t think that it’s impossible.”t

Pleased with meeting

The LGBT activists were pleased about the discussion. They felt that they were being heard and action was being taken on behalf of LGBT Tanzanians. “The meeting went incredibly well,” said Crawford, acknowledging the change in the sister cities representatives’ response to the violence against LGBT Tanzanians and Vallejo’s relationship with Bagamoyo. She was impressed that the entire delegation canceled the trip until they see change in the human rights

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Legal Notices>> ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-18-554429

In the matter of the application of: HALEN PAYNE WOOTEN, 4630A 18TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner HALEN PAYNE WOOTEN, is requesting that the name HALEN PAYNE WOOTEN, be changed to ADAM ELLIOTT NEWTON. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 514, Room 514 on the 10th of January 2019 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

NOV 29, DEC 06, 13, 20, 2018 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-18-554426

In the matter of the application of: TOMMY MINH HO, 972 ROLPH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner TOMMY MINH HO, is requesting that the name TOMMY MINH HO, be changed to TUAN MINH HO. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 514, Room 514 on the 08th of January 2019 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

NOV 29, DEC 06, 13, 20, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038403300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HOSTESS EXPRESS, 89 LOBOS ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed TONETTE DENISE PHILLIPS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/20/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/20/18.

NOV 29, DEC 06, 13, 20, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038383700 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: RELIABLE CLEANING/MAINTENANCE, 391 ELLIS ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ANDREE DARNELL WHITE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/02/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/02/18.

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NOV 29, DEC 06, 13, 20, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038385500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: LEXCO, 4297 23RD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ALEXANDER FRANKLIN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/02/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/02/18.

NOV 29, DEC 06, 13, 20, 2018

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038401600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: RAYGUARDPROTECT.COM, 1430 IRVING ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed RAYMOND MICHAEL LEVESQUE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/01/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/19/18.

NOV 29, DEC 06, 13, 20, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038402900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PHO LUEN FAT BAKERY & RESTAURANT, 110 LELAND AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed KENT K. WONG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/17/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/20/18.

NOV 29, DEC 06, 13, 20, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038390300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: LISA’S LITTLE GARDEN, 932 MADRID ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed DINORAH OSORIO & GEORGE OSORIO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/07/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/08/18.

NOV 29, DEC 06, 13, 20, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038399200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HOMESCAPENOW, 580 CALIFORNIA ST, 12TH FLR, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed ARBORISTNOW INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/30/10. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/15/18.

NOV 29, DEC 06, 13, 20, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038402400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PACIFIC COAST PERIODONTICS, 450 SUTTER ST #2400, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SOHYUN PARK, DDS INC (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 11/19/18.

NOV 29, DEC 06, 13, 20, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038405500 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THE LINKS BAR AND GRILL, 3129 CLEMENT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed LYNKSTAR, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/20/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/20/18.

NOV 29, DEC 06, 13, 20, 2018

See page 14 >>

<< Legals

14 • Bay Area Reporter • December 20-26, 2018

Legal Notices

From page 13

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-037881000

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as: PACIFIC COAST PERIODONTICS, 450 SUTTER ST #2400, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business was conducted by a corporation and signed by MARK J. WIESEN DDS A PROF CORP (CA). The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/06/17.

NOV 29, DEC 06, 13, 20, 2018 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-18-554444

In the matter of the application of: KELVIN EUCHARIS MATAU PETERIKA, PO BOX 280042, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94128, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner KELVIN EUCHARIS MATAU PETERIKA, is requesting that the name KELVIN EUCHARIS MATAU PETERIKA, be changed to KELVIN EUCHARIS PETERIKA MATA’U. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 514, Room 514 on the 17th of January 2019 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

DEC 06, 13, 20, 27, 2018 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-18-554443

In the matter of the application of: ORLANDO TODD HOLMON, PO Box 401011, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94140, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner ORLANDO TODD HOLMON, is requesting that the name ORLANDO TODD HOLMON AKA ORLANDO JOCK TOLBERT AKA ORLANDO J. TOLBERT, be changed to ORLANDO JOCK TOLBERT. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 514, Room 514 on the 15th of January 2019 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

DEC 06, 13, 20, 27, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038419500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: TERUYA RAMEN, 3944 GEARY BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed YINGHAN LIU. 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 11/30/18.

DEC 06, 13, 20, 27, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038419300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: K & M MANAGEMENT GROUP, 321 NOE ST #301, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MAX E. MENDOZA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/30/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/30/18.

DEC 06, 13, 20 27, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038418300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CARNEY’S PLASTERING, 1485 BAYSHORE BLVD #114, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed WILBERT T. CARNEY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/22/00. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/30/18.

DEC 06, 13, 20, 27, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038412100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: RECRAFT, 240 SAN BENITO AVE #11, SAN BRUNO, CA 94066. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SALEEM AZAM. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/26/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/27/18.

DEC 06, 13, 20, 27, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038410500 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: J R STRAIGHT DRYWALL, 175 ORIZABA AVE. SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94132. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed VALENTIN J. RODRIGUEZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/26/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/26/18.

DEC 06, 13, 20, 27, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038412300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: JANE RICHEY PHOTOGRAPHY, 70 CONRAD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LESLIE JANE RICHEY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/01/89. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/27/18.

DEC 06, 13, 20, 27, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038412900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SOKNA, 639 44TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed AHMED GABALLAH. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/01/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/27/18.

DEC 06, 13, 20, 27, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038414300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: QUARTET FILMS, 730 10TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed CENTIGRADE INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/13/13. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/28/18.

DEC 06, 13, 20, 27, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038403900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HELIBITES, 1049 MARKET ST #103, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SFF HOLDINGS INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/20/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/20/18.

DEC 06, 13, 20, 27, 2018

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038404000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: FILLMONIAN DARK PRODUCTS, 1049 MARKET ST, #403, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed HSF HOLDINGS INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/20/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/20/18.

DEC 06, 13, 20, 27, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038410200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: S2H SUPPLY; S2H ELECTRIC SUPPLY; CONSTTANT, 1063 FOLSOM ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SPEEDY’S HARDWARE, (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/12/13. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/26/18.

DEC 06, 13, 20, 27, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038411100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CALIFORNIA DETAILING, 340 FELL ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed CALIFORNIA DETAILING INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/13/90. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/26/18.

DEC 06, 13, 20, 27, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038411200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CONNECT TELEHEALTH AND NEUROPSYCHOLOGY GROUP, 1849 GEARY BLVD #15502, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed DR. JESSICA GROBERIO PSYCHOLOGIST, A PROFESSIONAL CORP (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/26/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/26/18.

DEC 06, 13, 20, 27, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038419000 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: LAGUNA, 602 HAYES ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a limited partnership, and is signed LAGUNA HAYES VALLEY, LP. 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 11/30/18.

DEC 06, 13, 20, 27, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038413100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BENTE, 333 BEALE ST #8H, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed JLT INVESTMENTS, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/20/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/27/18.

DEC 06, 13, 20, 27, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038402200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HOLIDAY INN FISHERMAN’S WHARF, 495 BEACH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed DCP SF COLUMBUS AVE OWNER LLC (DE). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/31/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/19/18.

DEC 06, 13, 20, 27, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038407400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: JUST KIDS DAYCARE, 5731 GEARY BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed JUST KIDS DAYCARE 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 11/21/18.

DEC 06, 13, 20, 27, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038407600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: JUST KIDS PRESCHOOL, 5727 GEARY BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed JUST KIDS, 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 11/21/18.

DEC 06, 13, 20, 27, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038412700 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MAIDENSF; EXTRA NOODLES, 555 CALIFORNIA ST #4925, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed MAIDEN 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 11/27/18.

DEC 06, 13, 20, 27, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038394000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: TWO SONS SANDWICHES, 2249 17TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed DELI SPOT DISTRICT, 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 11/13/18.

DEC 06, 13, 20, 27, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038398200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ZHUO KITCHEN, 1380 9TH AVE., SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed ZHUO KITCHEN LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/13/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/15/18.

DEC 06, 13, 20, 27, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038413000

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038400400 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SAN FRANCISCO TOMORROW, 5537 MISSION ST #201, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed SAN FRANCISCO TOMORROW (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/09/70. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/16/18.

DEC 06, 13, 20, 27, 2018 NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF SCOTT CLARENCE ST. JOHN FKA SCOTT CLARENCE LINN IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO: FILE PES-18-302406

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of SCOTT CLARENCE ST. JOHN FKA SCOTT CLARENCE LINN. A Petition for Probate has been filed by HELENE M. ARTELIS ST. JOHN in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. The Petition for Probate requests that HELENE M. ARTELIS ST. JOHN be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Jan 02, 2019, 9:00 am, Rm. 204, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the latter of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined by section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for petitioner: PAUL M. LAMARTINA 300040, HAAS NAJARIAN, LLP, 58 Maiden Lane, 2nd Flr, San Francisco, CA 94108; Ph. (415) 788-6330.

DEC 13, 20, 27, 2018 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-18-554453

In the matter of the application of: IAKONA ANTHONY SIMPLICIANO, 869 ROLPH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner IAKONA ANTHONY SIMPLICIANO, is requesting that the name IAKONA ANTHONY SIMPLICIANO, be changed to IAKONA ANTHONY SIMPLICIANO THOMAS. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 514, Room 514 on the 15th of January 2019 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

DEC 13, 20, 27, JAN 03, 2019 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-18-554467

In the matter of the application of: KIM CHRISTINE PAULINE BETTY BARBARA EHLER, P.O. BOX 170643, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner KIM CHRISTINE PAULINE BETTY BARBARA EHLER, is requesting that the name KIM CHRISTINE PAULINE BETTY BARBARA EHLER, be changed to NINA MORITZIA RÁABÉ. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 514, Room 514 on the 31th of January 2019 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

DEC 13, 20, 27, JAN 03, 2019 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038428100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SAIL, 3011 20TH ST #3, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed GLORIA LIN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/01/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/07/18.

DEC 13, 20, 27, JAN 03, 2019 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038418200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THE TWO WHEEL MOM, 1624 48TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SUZANNE HARTLEY. 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 11/30/18.

DEC 13, 20, 27, JAN 03, 2019 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038426300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: KIVOON COACHING, 1590 FULTON ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed INNA BUSCHELL. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/01/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/06/18.

DEC 13, 20, 27, JAN 03, 2019 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038426500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: INTENTION TO DETAIL, 140 A LINDA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed RENEE ALORIS LAROSE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/03/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/06/18.

DEC 13, 20, 27, JAN 03, 2019 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038425600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: JANCHAY’S BISTRO, 400 WALLER ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed JANCHAY THAI, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/27/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/27/18.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: DER STUDIOS, 50 MENDELL ST STE 10, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ERIK DER. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/04/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/05/18.

DEC 06, 13, 20, 27, 2018

DEC 13, 20, 27, JAN 03, 2018

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038413300

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038436500

DEC 13, 20, 27, JAN 03, 2019 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038423300

DEC 20, 27, JAN 03, 10, 2019 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038431800

DEC 13, 20, 27, JAN 03, 2019 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038426900

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038434600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: COLIBRI SPACE DEZINE, 1600 15TH ST #532, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed KAREN M. CERDA-SEGURA. 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 11/27/18.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: AMY & AMY BEAUTY SALON, 1728 SACRAMENTO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed EMILIE THE TU. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/01/97. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/04/18.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BAY AREA COMMUNICATION ACCESS, 443 TEHAMA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed ARNITA DOBBINS & KEVIN MOGG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/83. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/06/18.

DEC 13, 20, 27, JAN 03, 2019 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038425500 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: POLICEONE COM, 200 GREEN ST #200, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed THE PRAETORIAN GROUP (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/00. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/05/18.

DEC 13, 20, 27, JAN 03, 2019 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038424300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: VAPOR ROOM, 79 9TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed VRC CMT, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/03/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/04/18.

DEC 13, 20, 27, JAN 03, 2019 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038422200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: AIDS TREATMENT & RESEARCH INFO; SAN FRANCISCO PROJECT INFORM, 25 TAYLOR ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SAN FRANCISCO PROJECT INFORM (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/25/00. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/03/18.

DEC 13, 20, 27, JAN 03, 2019 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038407900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: OMA SUSHI, 330 O’FARRELL ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed SFSHINELAND 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 11/21/18.

DEC 13, 20, 27, JAN 03, 2019 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038426600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ALLIANCE BJJ SAN FRANCISCO - SOMA, 141 11TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed ALLIANCE BJJ SAN FRANCISCO, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/06/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/06/18.

DEC 13, 20, 27, JAN 03, 2019 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038428000 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ESKER CONSULTING, 401 LAKE ST #102, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed ESKER CONSULTING (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/01/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/07/18.

DEC 13, 20, 27, JAN 03, 2019 NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF WALTER ROBERT FRANKLIN SCHUCHARDT IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO: FILE PES-18-302387

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of WALTER ROBERT FRANKLIN SCHUCHARDT. A Petition for Probate has been filed by DAVID COFFING in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. The Petition for Probate requests that DAVID COFFING be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: Feb 19, 2019, 9:00 am, Rm. 204, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the latter of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined by section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for petitioner: ALMA SOONGI BECK (197383) & JANELLE F. ALLEN (284683), LAKIN SPEARS, LLP, 2400 GENG RD #110, PALO ALTO, CA 94303; Ph. (650) 328-7000.

DEC 20, 27, JAN 03, 10, 2019

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: TACOS Y PUPUSAS LOS TRINOS, 4384 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SANTOS H. PEREZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/11/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/14/18.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ALEXANDER KLEINBERG, LMFT, 999 SUTTER ST # 307, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ALEXANDER KLEINBERG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/10/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/12/18.

DEC 20, 27, JAN 03, 10, 2019

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: TIP TOP CLUB, 3776 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed FRANCISCO MENDOZA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/11/78. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/13/18.

DEC 20, 27, JAN 03, 10, 2019 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038432500 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: DIAZ SANTOS CLEANING, 1159 FITZGERALD AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed CARLOS A. DIAZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/12/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/12/18.

DEC 20, 27, JAN 03, 10, 2019 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038434400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MAGNA CARPET CLEANING, 1045 MISSION ST, #487 SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed AVIAD BRACHA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/13/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/13/18.

DEC 20, 27, JAN 03, 10, 2019 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038434200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: 4 PAWS WALKS, 567 HAIGHT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed KEVIN ROSATI. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/13/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/13/18.

DEC 20, 27, JAN 03, 10, 2019 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038432900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ATOMIQ CONDIMENTS, 490 COLLINGWOOD ST #7, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JAMES KOVACS. 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 12/12/18.

DEC 20, 27, JAN 03, 10, 2019 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038432700 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: EASY CLEANERS, 1667 LEAVENWORTH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed EDMOND KWONG & PAK SHING WAN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/05/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/12/18.

DEC 20, 27, JAN 03, 10, 2019 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038437000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: DENTAL STUDIO, 260 STOCKTON ST, 4TH FLR, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed JARROD C. CORNEHL, DDS PC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/01/12. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/17/18.

DEC 20, 27, JAN 03, 10, 2019 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038437100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CASTRO DENTAL GROUP, 375 CASTRO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed CORNEHL DENTAL CORP (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/07/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/17/18.

DEC 20, 27, JAN 03, 10, 2019 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038429400 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GOLDEN, 30 7TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed GOLDEN RECURSION INC (DE). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/18/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/10/18.

DEC 20, 27, JAN 03, 10, 2019 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038422100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BOYS DELI INC, 315 MONTGOMERY ST # 0101, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed BOYS DELI INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/03/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/03/18.

DEC 20, 27, JAN 03, 10, 2019 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038436700 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: NORTH BEACH MEDIATION, 408 COLUMBUS AVE #1, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by a married couple, and is signed STELLA FEY EPLING & JAMES J. MCBRIDE. 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 12/14/18.

DEC 20, 27, JAN 03, 10, 2019 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-037050000

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as: TONGS LAUNDRETTE, 1667 LEAVENWORTH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business was conducted by an individual and signed by YONG ZENG. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/14/16.

DEC 20, 27, JAN 03, 10, 2019

2018 films

2018 books

Vija Celmins

Holiday DVDs

Vol. 48 • No. 51 • December 20-26, 2018

www.ebar.com/arts

Erik Tomasson

Nutcracker leaps to life!

by Paul Parish

n 30 years of reviewing “The Nutcracker,” with which San Francisco Ballet returned to the Opera House last Wednesday night, I’ve never seen such glorious dancing as they brought to the last act: exquisite classical dancing.

San Francisco Ballet in Helgi Tomasson’s “Nutcracker.”

See page 15 >>

Jay Yamada

Cinderella (Kimille Stingily) and Prince Charming (Dedrick Weathersby) in a previous African-American Shakespeare Company production of “Cinderella.”

Steve DiBartolomeo

Opera Parallèle’s 2018 production of “The Little Prince.” The Vain Man (J. Raymond Meyers) and The Little Prince (Sophia Stolte).

Cinderella dreams

Amen corner

by Sari Staver

by Philip Campbell

his year’s African-American Shakespeare Company’s seasonal production of “Cinderella” will be directed by Broadway veteran Mark Allan Davis, an openly gay actor, playwright, dancer, lyricist and choreographer. The annual December musical will be performed five times at the Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness, Dec. 21-23. Davis, 57, who will choreograph and direct the show, makes his first appearance with the company since he moved to San Francisco in 2016. See page 19 >>

wo recent musical events summed up the spirit of the holiday season with messages of love and good cheer. The San Francisco Symphony’s “Messiah” and Opera Parallele’s “The Little Prince” also provided some much-needed moments of reflection. Both works were returning due to popular demand, and while their musical language couldn’t be more different, each deals with life’s mysteries with a wealth of good tunes and sincere wonder. See page 16 >>

{ SECOND OF THREE SECTIONS }

<< Out There

16 • Bay Area Reporter • December 20-26, 2018

Seasoned greetings! by Roberto Friedman

attempt to capture the true spirit of Christmas as we celebrate it in the US, that is to say the commercial spirit.” Merry merchandizing!

STEVE_2x5_16149.indd 1

12/10/18

his time of year the airwaves are full of Christmas carols and other Yuletide ditties, but Out There’s favorite holiday anthem has always been 20th-century song satirist Tom Lehrer’s “A Christmas Carol,” from his 1953 LP “More of Tom Lehrer.” “Christmas time is here, by golly/ Disapproval would be folly, “Deck the halls with hunks of holly,/Fill the cup and don’t say when. “Kill the turkeys, ducks and chickens,/Mix the punch, drag out the Dickens, “Even though the prospect sickens,/Brother, here we go again. “On Christmas Day you can’t get sore/Your fellow man you must adore, “There’s time to rob him all the more/The other three hundred and sixty-four. “Relations, sparing no expense, will/Send some useless old utensil “Or a matching pen and pencil/(‘Just the 11:35 AMthing I need, how nice!’) “It doesn’t matter how sincere it is/Nor how heartfelt the spirit “Sentiment will not endear it/ What’s important is the price. “Hark, the Herald Tribune sings/ Advertising wondrous things,

GET TICKETS NOW!

Grift card

Tom Lehrer’s “A Christmas Carol” can be found on his old LPs.

At first the identity of the title characters of director Hirokazu Kore-eda’s “Shoplifters” seems pretty clear: they’re an impoverished urban family getting by in modern Japan through petty crime and grifting. We see the father, Osamu, teaching his little boy how to shoplift. Though they may lack scruples, these downand-outers still have compassion, taking in an abandoned little girl they find half-frozen. But by film’s end we discover (spoiler!) that they’re not a nuclear family at all but a chosen one, and that makes all the difference. About love, the social contract, and intentional community, the winner of the Palme d’Or at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival, “Shoplifters” is Japan’s official selection for the Academy Awards’ Best Foreign Language Film. It’s also our choice for that honor.t

“God rest ye merry merchants/ May ye make the Yuletide pay. “So let the raucous sleighbells jingle/Hail our dear old friend Kris Kringle “Driving his reindeer across the sky./Don’t stand underneath when they fly by.” “ D e r r i e re - g a rd e recording artist” Lehrer explained about his seasonal song, “It has always seemed to me that Christmas, with its spirit of giving, offers us all a wonderful opportunity each year to reflect on what we all most Magnolia Pictures sincerely believe in. I refer, of course, to money. Yet none of the Scene from director Hirokazu KoreChristmas carols that you hear eda’s “Shoplifters.” on the radio or in the street even

Holiday music

From page 15

An annual visit to Davies Symphony Hall and a stroll through the trees and festive decorations is a tradition for many, and Handel’s “Messiah, a Sacred Oratorio” always provides a glittering centerpiece. Overtly religious and rather lengthy, only the first third of the piece is about the birth of Jesus. The composer’s dramatic structure and gift for melody make the carefully chosen texts, originally conceived for Easter, move imaginatively to a celebratory final “Amen.” Most attendees stand during the famous “Hallelujah Chorus,” but the origins of the practice are uncertain. An appreciation of Handel’s genius is all that’s needed to respect his general theme of hope. There is no definitive version, and performances usually rely on the abilities of soloists and instrumentalists for success. British conductor and musicologist Jane Glover, admired for her knowledge of the Baroque and Classical periods, made her SFS debut in 2006 with a “Messiah” fashioned to please more contemporary tastes. She opted for the middle ground again, blending “authentic” and modern performance practices. The resulting sound was mellow, offering a plush backdrop for the ornamentation of the vocalists. Tenor Nicholas Phan was powerful, proving his versatility in musical styles. Baritone Joshua Hopkins commuted from the War Memorial Opera House, where he recently completed a praised run as the hero’s brother in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” to bring strong focus to his solos. All of the singers used subtle control in their embellishments. The results proved extraordinarily dramatic. Mezzo-soprano Elizabeth DeShong’s clear tone and intensity made the air “He was despised and rejected of men” genuinely moving. Soprano Ying Fan, making her SFS debut, revealed a lovely, pure voice that matched Glover’s freshly cleaned interpretation. Principal Trumpet Mark Inouye added triumphant brilliance, and his orchestral colleagues played in expert unison. The mighty SFS Chorus directed by Ragnar Bohlin won a huge and deserved ovation.

Jim Steere

Conductor Jane Glover.

Heart trails

The cover of the printed program for Opera Parallele’s return engagement of Rachel Portman’s magical opera “The Little Prince” declared, “On a journey to the heart, a child leads the way!” An enchanting performance proved the statement and showed that kids can also teach us a lot about life. Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s beloved novella turned 75 this year. Composer Portman and librettist Nicholas Wright first presented their musical adaptation at Houston Grand Opera in 2003. Opera Parallele’s new production premiered in 2017 as a perfect addition to Bay Area holiday offerings. Produced in collaboration with the award-winning San Francisco Girls Chorus, the OP creative team, led by artistic director/conductor Nicole Paiement and creative director Brian Staufenbiel, took the show to Marines’ Memorial Theatre this year. Colorful illustrations and kinetic media design by Matt Kish and David Murakami, sweetly naive choreography by Yayoi Kambara, and ingenious costumes by Christine Crook brought Saint-Exupery’s philosophical tale back to vivid life. A talented ensemble of actor singers both amused and touched us in

a fast-moving parade of insightful episodes. The production also featured a feminist slant, as women and girls portrayed principal characters. The message of the story felt all-encompassing. Mezzo-soprano Eve Gigliotti was warmly convincing as The Pilot. Stranded in the desert after a crash, she encounters The Little Prince (Sophia Stolte and Erin Enriquez alternating performances), who has fallen to the Sahara from a tiny asteroid. I saw Erin Enriquez in the part, and was captivated by her beautiful voice and endearing innocence. Mezzo-soprano Kindra Scharich was finely nuanced as The Fox, who teaches the Prince the meaning of loving care. Soprano Sabrina Romero-Wilson portrayed The Rose with funny narcissism, and soprano Maggie Finnegan was mysteriously alluring as The Water. Soprano Christabel Nunoo as The Snake (not so evil after all) made an indelible impression. The men did double duty in character parts and hilarious chorus roles. Locally well-known tenor Samuel Faustine was affecting as The Lamplighter/Drunkard. Tenor J. Raymond Meyers (remembered from West Edge Opera’s “Snapshot” showcase) rocked a hysterical Elvis impersonation as The Vain Man. Baritone Zachary Lenox was amusingly bluff as The Businessman. Bass-baritone Philip Skinner (great appearances at the SFO and SFS) was just right as The King. As the chorus of stars and birds, Members of the San Francisco Girls Chorus Level IV Ensemble (prepared by Level II Director Katrina Turman) moved through the audience and stage with amazing assurance and commitment. Nicole Paiement conducted Keisuke Nakagoshi, piano, and Joel Davel, percussion, in a clever orchestral reduction of Portman’s rich and catchy score that sounded bright and remarkably full.t

On the web This week, find Victoria A. Brownworth’s look back at 2018 TV, “Year’s best (& some worst) on the Lavender Tube,” online at www.ebar.com.

Film>>

December 20-26, 2018 • Bay Area Reporter • 17

Best movies of the year, 2018 by David Lamble

all have wanted. Adapted from the book “Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda,” the film’s hook is Simon trying to uncover the mysterious boy Blue who keeps texting him. 6. “The Happy Prince” The last days in French exile for Oscar Wilde (Rupert Everett) and his two-year imprisonment for “gross indecency.” A sublime ensemble includes Colin Firth as Wilde’s friend Reggie Turner, and Colin Morgan as his ravishing but betraying lover Alfred “Bosie” Douglas. Director Everett focuses on the rapidity of Wilde’s decline once he loses his lawsuit to Bosie’s pugnacious dad, the Marquess of Queensberry. With its complicated flashback structure, the film hints at the great storyteller’s posthumous victory over his brutish foes. 7. “The Wife” In the new Glenn Close dramedy it’s 1993, and Joan Castleman (Close), dutiful wife,

is riding through Stockholm with her puffed-up novelist hubby Joe (Jonathan Pryce). Joe is primed for the happiest day of his career as he prepares to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature, but God has other plans. Joe’s day will dissolve into humiliations, while his wife will assume her proper role in the family business. Swedish director Bjorn Runce adapts Meg Wolitzer’s novel to explore the darker recesses of a 40-year marriage, to question why a talented woman would deny her gifts in favor of a showhorse husband, and to hint at the fraudulence at the heart of award ceremonies. 8. “Roma” Director Alfonso Cuaron’s melancholy film memoir concerns a Mexico City clan unsettled by a cheating dad, nurtured by an angelic servant, against the backdrop of a bloody political uprising. 9. “Chef Flynn” In this true-life bio-pic, Flynn McGarry turns the

family room into a dinner club. Director Cameron Yates shows how the boy goes from celebrity teen, subject of a 2014 New York Times Sunday Magazine cover story, to culinary industry force. 10. “Can You Ever Forgive Me?” This comedy-drama introduces a memorable lesbian: the hard-drinking, anti-social Lee Israel (Melissa McCarthy’s slamdunk Oscar bid). Through the 1970s-80s Israel was a successful pop biographer profiling the likes of Katharine Hepburn and Tallulah Bankhead. When her work fell out of fashion, Israel turned to spreading “bad paper,” forged letters providing scandalous new details about dead celebrities such as literary wit Dorothy Parker and vaudeville star Fanny Brice. Israel is assisted by her broken-down gay drinking buddy Jack Hock (wonderfully seedy Richard E. Grant). As an extra treat, the film contains a vivid performance by queer singer Justin Vivian Bond. “This next song goes out to all the agoraphobic junkies who couldn’t be here tonight.” 11. “Bitter Melon” SF’s queer cinema poet H.P. Mendoza delivers a pitch-perfect black family comedy. Family members gather in Daly City for a Christmas party where sibling rivalry plays out between openly gay Declan and the emotionally volatile and sometimes-violent black sheep Troy. 12. “American Chaos” Jim Stern’s timely doc portrays a rogue’s gallery of Trump voters straight out of Diane Arbus.t

of the US Supreme Court, but it’s Justice Ginsburg who reaches the

top. It’s a nice touch, putting the perfect cap on a film that’s an im-

portant history lesson. (Opens on Christmas.)t

he best 2018 films reflect a striking LGBTQ visibility from singular talents such as rising star Lucas Hedges, who offers dynamic performances in both the queerthemed “Boy Erased” and the addiction drama “Ben is Back.” Last year’s honorary gay boy Timothee Chalamet (“Call Me by Your Name”) returns in the taut father-son tugof-war “Beautiful Boy.” Here are my top picks and the logic behind them. Consider the top four tied for Best Film of the Year. 1. “Wildlife” This haunting film, adapted by Paul Dano and Zoe Kazan from a 1990 Richard Ford novel, unfolds over a handful of days as 16-year-old Joe (heartfelt performance from Ed Oxenbould) observes his parents’ marriage implode. In his directorial debut, Dano captures the fragile nature of lowermiddle-class life that feels cruelly isolated from the postwar American dream machine. Dad (volatile Jake Gyllenhaal) is fired from his job as a country club golf pro. Mom (freespirited Carey Mulligan) finds meager work as a swimming instructor. Add to this toxic mix mom’s affair with an aging tycoon, and you have a nightmare that literally bursts into flames: a savage forest fire that is aspiring photographer Joe’s painful baptism into adult life. 2. “Boy Erased” Lucas Hedges appears as a gay youth outed to his family (Nicole Kidman, Russell Crowe) by a malicious fellow student in director Joel Edgerton’s

Fox Searchlight

Focus Features

Left: Lucas Hedges and Nicole Kidman in the “ex-gay” drama “Boy Erased.” Right: Melissa McCarthy in “Can You Ever Forgive Me?”

gripping drama set among American Baptists. Based on Garrard Conley’s 2016 memoir, the film dramatizes the rise of the “ex-gay” backlash. 3. “Ben is Back” 19-year-old Ben Burns (mood-shifting Lucas Hedges) returns to his family’s suburban home just in time to put a wrench in their Christmas. Ben’s mom Holly (powerful Julia Roberts) is relieved and welcoming but wary of her son staying clean. Over a turbulent 24 hours, new truths are revealed and a mother’s love for her son is tested. 4. “Beautiful Boy” Filmed in SF and Marin, based on dueling father-son memoirs. Nic Sheff (gutwrenching Timothee Chalamet) and his worried dad (Steve Carell) struggle over Nic’s dangerous drug binges. 5. “Love, Simon” Nick Robinson stars as a young man who has the coming out fantasy we might

Starring RBG

by David-Elijah Nahmod

upreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg shines in “On the Basis of Sex,” Mimi Leder’s new biopic that recreates Ginsburg’s years at Harvard Law School and the first case she argued in a courtroom. Though Felicity Jones is good as the no-nonsense Ginsburg, the character herself becomes the film’s star. Ginsburg has one of the most brilliant legal minds of all time. As one of the first women to attend Harvard Law School, she had to overcome enormous obstacles. Leder’s opening underscores the boy’s club atmosphere of 1950s Harvard. Hundreds of young men are seen walking towards the building where they will learn how to become lawyers. In the middle of this sea of testosterone walks one woman, Ginsburg, a determined look on her face. She knows that many of her classmates, and perhaps her professors, will not take her seriously. But she keeps her eye on the prize, a law degree. Ginsburg has to deal with more than sexism in her Harvard years. She’s a young wife and mother, and her husband Martin (Armie Hammer), another Harvard law student, has been diagnosed with cancer. As he undergoes treatments, Ruth attends both of their classes, tutoring him as he lies in his sickbed. It’s a

challenge, yet Ruth rises to the occasion. Martin survives, and in 1970, the couple work together on their first case. Ruth, who wants to challenge gender roles, takes on the case of a man denied a tax deduction meant for single working mothers. He’s called a tax cheat by the IRS simply because he’s a man. Ruth reasons that if she can win his case, heard by the Colorado State Supreme Court, she can break the norms of what are expected not only of men, but also of women. That case was the beginning of an incomparable legal career that took her all the way to the Supreme Court. Though it has the feel of a TV film, “On the Basis of Sex” is worth paying to see for Jones’ portrayal of Ginsburg’s iron will. Hammer is somewhat wasted in a role in which he’s little more than window-dressing. Others in the supporting cast do fine work: Sam Waterston as the condescending (to women) Dean of Harvard, and the always-magnificent Kathy Bates as feminist attorney Dorothy Kenyon. From the mid1950s to the early 70s, the film gets the settings, clothes, hairstyles, and attitudes just right. It’s fascinating to watch Ginsburg take on the system, setting the stage for changes to come. The real Ginsburg gives the film her personal stamp of approval. At the end of the film Jones, as Ginsburg, is seen walking up the steps

Focus Features

Justin Theroux, Felicity Jones and Arnie Hammer in director Mimi Leder’s “On the Basis of Sex.”

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<< Books

18 • Bay Area Reporter • December 20-26, 2018

Best books of the year, 2018 by Tim Pfaff

ay literary fiction devotees await a new novel by Alan Hollinghurst the way fans of George R.R. Martin await his latest, if more politely. In 2018 the British master of the 21st-century 19th-century novel came through with a book, “The Sparsholt Affair” (Knopf), well worth the wait. Typically for Hollinghurst, it’s a multigenerational saga spanning the lives of a British father and son coping imperfectly with their respective generations’ regard of their homosexuality. Despite its Tolystoyan cast, the novel has no minor characters. It’s “like a Merchant Ivory movie with more credible sex,” I wrote in March, and I stand by that. But the range of its themes is large, and the force and finesse of its storytelling have made it a book I happily can’t shake off. The initial stir about Alexander Chee’s “How To Write an Autobiographical Novel” (Mariner), which, with “Edinburgh,” Chee had done early in our century, was whether the title of his first essay collection constituted truth in advertising. But the way the 16 essays probed Chee’s own changing sense of self – insisting, if anything, on being a work-inprogress at all times – gave the book legs. Reflections on his two years in San Francisco, as an AIDS-activist bookstore clerk with an electrifying one-night stint as a drag queen, are highlights. Acknowledged polymath Stephen Hough, best known as a concert pianist, came out (hardly for

the first time) with his first novel, “The Final Retreat” (Sylph Editions). An unflinching look into the tortured soul of a Catholic priest embroiled in a sex scandal with a rent boy (though there were many), it reinserted compassion into what is better known as an international crime story generating headlines and public rage. It also contained the year’s best sex writing. The best thing about the year was the way LGBT writers – old hands and debutantes alike – went wild. Their noisy refutation of any notion that the novel is dead provided a forceful, perhaps unconscious collective response to renewed, deadly threats to the LGBTQ community. At the crest of the wave of great writing by all manner of trans authors, Jody Rosenberg’s novel “Confessions of the Fox” (One

World) fused the completely reimagined historical novel (about an 18th-century legendary criminal re-envisioned as a trans man) with scholarly reflection on found originals (it has footnotes that gradually take over the book, riotously) floated on high-flying picaresque action. Joseph Cassara’s more somber “The House of Impossible Beauties” (Ecco) deployed comparatively standard narrative devices to revive a time and range of characters that blossomed like night-blooming jasmine. Cassara vividly depicts life in and around a New York sanctuary (with a historical precedent) for outcast drag queens, often cum trans people, making new family out of their own, sundered, dysfunctional ones. The ground broken in Dale Peck’s “Night Soil” (Soho Press) is what its

title refers to, (leaking) containers of human excrement. It’s a novel that takes deadly seriously the reality of LGBTQ internal homophobia, here inexplicably leavened by leaping language that recounts the sins of generations of a once-wealthy American clan dead-ending in a physically grotesque-from-birth queer man, Judas Stammers. It’s a profane, exhibitionist American “Sparsholt Affair” unafraid of the word shit and odors and malodors of any kind, vaulting taboos with brilliantly transgressive language. Two novels as extraordinary, if in altogether different ways – about which more soon – took as their launching pads imagined periods in the lives of great gay creators about which there is no historical record. Ersi Sotiropoulos’ “What’s Left of the Night”

(New Vessel Press) looks at the three days Constantine Cavafy spent in Paris before returning to Alexandria, where he became one of the 20th century’s greatest poets, chronicling his internal passage in language of unfettered imagination. Mathias Enard’s “Tell Them of Battles, Kings and Elephants” (New Directions) builds a readable language of its own to imagine Michelangelo in Constantinople, bidding on a bridge over the Golden Horn whose design by Leonardo da Vinci was declined. Queerness, Michelangelo’s the roughest, abounds. Paul Kildea used equally imaginative nonfiction prose in “Chopin’s Piano” (Norton) to chart a history of Chopin’s Op. 28 Preludes, framed by the composer’s fraught relationship with the mannish George Sand during his lifetime and the advancement of his pursuit by the legendary lesbian harpsichordist, fellow Pole Wanda Landowska. Ronan Farrow – who, as I write, obtained his (real, not honorary) Ph.D. from Oxford – saw his brilliant and superbly written “War on Peace: The End of Diplomacy and the Decline of American Influence” (Norton) appear at the same time he won the Pulitzer Prize (for other journalism), came out publicly and was named one of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People. Its hair-raising account of the degradation of the State Department over successive presidencies includes Farrow’s interviews with the living major players in the saga.t

Classics revisited for holiday giving by Tavo Amador

VDs are good holiday gift choices, especially for fans of classic Hollywood films. Ida Lupino was one of the studio era’s (ca. 1925-60) most distinctive stars. This year marks the centenary of her birth, and tributes are being held in New York and elsewhere. The English-born, husky-voiced beauty died in 1995. She made her mark as both a compelling, versatile performer (1940’s “They Drive by Night,” 1941’s “High Sierra,” 1942’s “The Hard Way,” which earned her the New York Film Critics Best Actress Award) and uniquely as a director-writer. The films she helmed

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were usually low-budget, but they are often gripping. They dealt with then-daring topics like rape and unplanned pregnancies. Their feminist perspective keeps them fresh. A good example is “The Bigamist” (1953), in which she and first-billed Joan Fontaine discover they’re both married to Edmond O’Brien. How the women learn the truth is plausibly rendered. Class distinctions are shown: the elegant Fontaine assists her husband in his business; Lupino is a waitress. The dilemma each wife faces is touching, yet the man isn’t demonized. The final courtroom scene is beautifully handled. Lupino gets fine performances from Fontaine and O’Brien, and gives one herself. Screenplay by Collier Young, then married to Fontaine, but who had once been wed to Lupino. Lupino’s contemporaries Joan Crawford and Bette Davis (all were at Warners in the 1940s) were the subjects of FX’s “Feud: Bette vs. Joan” (2017), and were respectively portrayed by Susan Sarandon and Jessica Lange, both of whom have been much better. Among Sarandon’s many memorable performances is her exquisite Sally in Louis Malle’s wonderful “Atlantic City” (1980), co-starring a sensational Burt Lancaster. This comic, nostalgic look at corruption, an unconsummated May-December romance between an aging, smalltime hood and the estranged wife of a dope dealer, is one of Malle’s most humane pictures. Lancaster was at his considerable best, and Sarandon matches him. With Kate Reid as Lancaster’s sharp reality check. Crawford was not the first real-life movie star Lange portrayed – she gave a riveting performance in “Frances” (1982), based on the life of Frances Farmer (1913-70). That luminous beauty rose to film prominence in the late 1930s, appeared on Broadway in the original production of Clifford Odets’ “Golden Boy” (1937),

then alternated between movies and theatre. Plagued by alcoholism, in 1942 she was also diagnosed with “manic depressive psychosis.” That led to a forced institutionalization. Under Graeme Clifford’s suspenseful direction, Lange gives a harrowing portrayal without resorting to melodramatics. A ferocious Kim Stanley is Farmer’s mother. Farmer was neither the first nor the last now largely forgotten actress to suffer from the demands of stardom and die prematurely. Another was Jean Seberg (1938-79). Shortly before her 18th birthday, director Otto Preminger made her his and George Bernard Shaw’s “Saint Joan” (1957), a major failure that earned her terrible but largely undeserved notices. Preminger then cast her as Cecile in his version of Francois Sagan’s “Bonjour Tristesse” (1958). Cecile’s complicated relationship with her womanizing father (David Niven) is threatened by one of his beautiful old flames (Deborah Kerr). The three leads are excellent, and Kerr’s typically genial, kind demeanor is explored to reveal a more complex character. Seberg subtly captures the indulged Cecile’s self-centered, thrill-seeking rebelliousness, yet is still sympathetic. Set in a black-and-white Paris and

a glorious, full-color Riviera. Gay Arthur Laurents wrote the perceptive screenplay. Givenchy designed the splendid gowns, and the jewelry is by Cartier. In the 1960s, Seberg was targeted by the FBI because of her anti-Vietnam War activities and support for the Black Panthers. Her body was found in the trunk of a car in Paris. The official cause of death was a drug overdose. Another Paris-set picture with a special appeal is the 1961 adaptation of Sagan’s “Aimez Vous Brahms?,” filmed as “Goodbye Again.” It stars a radiant Ingrid Bergman as Paula, a successful interior designer whose long-term lover, Roger (a virile Yves Montand), is charming and adores her, but doesn’t wish to give up his womanizing ways. A chance encounter with Philip (a very appealing Anthony Perkins), the son of one of Paula’s wealthy clients (Jessie Royce Landis), leads to a romance that meets with social disapproval. Sagan and Samuel Taylor, who adapted the novel, demonstrate the double standard by which men are allowed to have younger mistresses, but women risk their reputations when taking a younger male lover. The fatalistic ending underscores a woman’s limited options. Bergman, Perkins, and Montand are splendid. Diahann

Carroll has a bit as a nightclub singer. Directed by Anatole Litvak. The City of Light’s Cirque L’Hiver Bouglione has been an institution since 1852. Carol Reed filmed “Trapeze” (1956) on location there. This romantic triangle features bitter Mike Ribble (powerfully built Burt Lancaster), once the greatest “flyer” in the world but now disabled, aspiring trapeze artist Tino Orsini (a very pretty and well-buffed Tony Curtis), and Lola (Gina Lollobrigida), the ambitious beauty who longs for sawdust stardom. Lancaster, who did his own stunts, and Curtis are terrific. Lollobrigida convincingly transforms Lola from a manipulative user to a sympathetic lover. The marvelous Katy Jurado is touching as bareback rider Rosa, who knows Mike better than anyone, including himself. Thomas Gomez is enjoyable as the circus owner whose main interest is making money. Reed powerfully captures the grittiness, seediness, yet courageous gallantry of life under the Big Top. The fine screenplay is by Liam O’Brien and James R. Webb from a novel by Max Cotto. Ben Hecht and Wolf Mankiewicz had an uncredited hand in the adaptation. The gorgeous color cinematography is by Robert Krasker. Shot in some of Paris’ less familiar neighborhoods.t

Fine Art>>

December 20-26, 2018 • Bay Area Reporter • 19

Vija Celmins’ austerity plan by Sura Wood

ija Celmins is an obsessive, technically astonishing artist, and from all appearances, a very patient one. Patience and a rigorous attentiveness to detail are also required for visitors to “To Fix the Image in Memory,” SFMOMA’s huge new retrospective of 140 works that spans 50 years of her paintings, drawings, prints and objects. Suffice it say, being in a hurry at this particular exhibition just won’t do. Not a disciple of any movement or trend, this cerebral artist, who’s more focused on material than subject, has gone her own way since the start. Born in Latvia and currently based in New York, Celmins fled her native country when she was five years old, after the Soviets invaded, and moved to the U.S. She began her career in Southern California in the 1960s, which is where the show, organized chronologically and loosely by body of work, begins. She has said she started from a dead stop, shedding the theories and aesthetics of her training, focusing instead on using her eyes and hand to document what she saw, free of manipulation. Removing herself and external socio-political issues from her practice, she sought a straightforward exploration of materials and structure, free of illusion and manipulation. But of course, that’s easier said than done. Some results of this austerity plan, paintings of mundane objects that occupied her Spartan concrete studio, are featured in the first gallery. Among them: a space heater whose heating element glows orange in a sea of battleship gray

Cinderella

From page 15

“I was honored to be invited to direct” the holiday production of “Cinderella,” Davis said in a telephone interview with the B.A.R. Davis, who moved to the Bay Area to join the faculty of the School of Theatre and Dance at San Francisco State U., said he was “blown away” after seeing the Shakespeare Company’s 2017 production of the August Wilson play “Jitney.” “I was very impressed, and asked a colleague to introduce me to their artistic director” L. Peter Callendar, who joined the organization when it was founded in 1994. “When Peter later called to see if I was interested in directing for them, of course I was absolutely thrilled,” he said. The Shakespeare Company was founded in 1994 by Sherri Young, a graduate of the American Conservatory Theatre and former Commissioner of the San Francisco Arts Commission. “The culture of the princess is an exacting one,” Young said in a telephone interview, “and little girls may feel they’re failing some prettiness contest that their parents didn’t

Julie Lance

Mark Allen Davis, director of the 2018 production of the African-American Shakespeare Company’s “Cinderella.”

Courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery

Vija Celmins, “Suspended Plane” (1966), oil on canvas.

(the latter a hue she would return to again and again), a portable fan, and two depictions of handguns, recently fired judging from the puffs of smoke surrounding the barrel. (Both are slyly titled “Gun With Hand.”) The works in this group could be mistaken for a series of well-executed illustrations, but one can’t help suspecting they’re freighted with hidden motives despite her declarations to the contrary. Celmins excels at sculpture, a highlight of the show and a medium that engages her deadpan humor. An oversized, six-foot-tall tortoise shell comb scaled to the height of her then-husband (not a good fit for your average toiletries case) is an homage to Magritte’s “Les Valeurs Personnelles” (1952). Originally carved at a lumberyard and lacquered, it’s propped up against a wall near a trio of immense Pink Pearl (painted balsa wood) erasers for undoing those big mistakes. Along with the supersized pencil on

view, they’re perfect for the literary giant in the family. Celmins soon moved on to basing drawings and paintings on news clippings of war and disasters that reminded her of the “soot and bombs” of her youth. An alert, elephant-gray rhino senses danger in tall grasses; a catastrophic forest fire rages; an aircraft is engulfed in flames; and a B-26 WWII bomber is suspended, apparently motionless, mid-air (1965). A searing image of a man on fire (“Burning Man,” 1968) running away from a blazing car wreck lodges itself in the mind and doesn’t let go. It would be her last work in vivid color, which was, she concluded, “really gross, too spatial, too violent.” The exteriors of two surrealistic sculptures of small houses, modeled on actual buildings, are painted with pictures of clouds, recalling Magritte’s famous wine bottles, except for the imagery of explosions. One of the minidwellings has its roof removed, ex-

even know they’d entered. This can be especially cruel for black girls.” She noted that the Shakespeare Company’s performance has been “remade into a black girl positive” version in which the ball gown is nice, but it’s better and more important for girls to find their inner strength, with or without a prince. Young said she’s heard little girls question their race, asking whether its possible to scrub their skin color off because other girls claim that a black girl can’t be a princess. “Our production flips that, and empowers black girls to be proud of themselves.” Director Davis pointed out that the Cinderella story “transcends cultures, continents and language. Cinderella’s story is about dreams and wishes, but more than anything else it is a story about a loving person discovering love in others even while surrounded by disdain,” he said. “Like so many of us, Cinderella wants a seat at the table,” and even when discouraged, perseveres and is successful in finding love. Also, he said, “It’s just a damned good story.” Davis previously lived in New York City, where he was an original cast member of the Tony Awardwinning Broadway production of “The Lion King” and a director and choreographer of the “Lion King” cast’s benefit appearances. Davis, who has staged many original theatrical works, was honored by having his most recent play, “The Last Blues of the Empress,” selected by the New Works Readers Series at the National Black Theater Festival. This year’s cast of “Cinderella” includes Loreigna Sinclair as Cinderella, Tre Zijuan Taylor as Prince Charming, and Clara “Clarae” McDaniel as the Evil Stepmother. The Company’s 2018-19 season kicked off with rave reviews for their production of “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf,” presented last September. The troupe will present “Black Eagles” in March,

a drama about the Tuskeegee Airmen, the nation’s first black fighter pilots. In July, the season concludes

posing interior walls lined with fur. It may be a cliché, but Celmins’ early work, displayed in these opening galleries, really is more interesting. There are at least a dozen graphite drawings of photographs taken of the ocean at Venice Beach. They’re nothing short of amazing. Starting in the late 1960s, they were the central focus of her work for the next decade, a period when she left painting behind. With a light grid over the paper, she would work her way from the lower right-hand corner to the upper left, never succumbing to the charms of an eraser. The effect is uncanny; each successive drawing (and it’s difficult to believe one is looking at a drawing rather than photograph) plays with subtle shifts of light, tone, shading and meaning. It was on a fortuitous trip to New Mexico and Arizona that Celmins collected the river stones that comprise “To Fix the Image in Memory I-XI” (1977-82), the piece that gives

Courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery

Vija Celmins, “House #2” (1965), wood, cardboard, and oil paint.

with Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” in a modern verse translation by Migdalia Cruz.t

the show its name. She recalls tossing the stones on a table – 11 found, 11 made – and arranging them until they formed a mini-constellation. She then cast them in bronze and painted them, an exercise that brought her back to painting. At times, the exhibition can feel interminable, with room after room filled with multiple permutations of expanses, from oceans and deserts to a seemingly infinite number of graphite/acrylic renderings of night skies, whose black voids are interrupted by bursts of white and the occasional beam of light from an exploding star or meteor shower. It’s like a never-ending story that appears to climax, only to continue. But this is where patience and intense concentration come into play. That may be a big “ask” in an age when ideas flash by at lightning speed, unexamined. Perhaps there’s an academic imperative for the inclusion of so many works, but couldn’t five slightly different images of night skies or moonscapes make the same point as 20? Still, for those who persist, there are rewarding moments of dissonance and perfection, like “Desert Surface #1,” a painting of a parched block of wood, cracked and cratered by the sun. A bronzed gun resting on top of a child’s desk gives one pause, while in a gallery that seems like it could be the last, two speckled, irregularly shaped stones wait in a glass case. They could be a pair of abandoned dinosaur eggs about to hatch; and then what?t Through March 31. www.sfmoma.org.

Tickets for “Cinderella” ($25-$45) are available at www.cityboxoffice.com.

Twice a year, in January and July, representatives from the Long Beach, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco pocket billiards organizations come together to compete in a statewide pocket billiard competition called the West Coast Challenge (WCC). Each city sends their championship team, eight individual competitors, four women’s finalists and a Hi-Lo (Scotch Doubles) team to compete in this three-day tournament.

January 4–6, 2019 Hotel Whitcomb Grand Ballroom 1231 Market Street, San Francisco, CA

Exclusive Media Sponsor Untitled-5 1

12/17/18 12:36 PM

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20 • Bay Area Reporter • December 20-26, 2018

Prince of Broadway by Brian Bromberger

hat do Broadway shows “West Side Story,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Cabaret,” “Company,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Evita,” and “Phantom of the Opera” have in common? All these legendary musicals were either produced or directed by Harold (Hal) Prince. To commemorate his 90th birthday this year, director Lonny Price has made a rollicking documentary, “Harold Prince: The Director’s Life,” which premiered on PBS’ Great Performances series at the end of November, and is available for free streaming until the end of December. By using archival clips (with performances) as well as commentary from many of Prince’s collaborators, including Stephen Sondheim, Andrew Lloyd Webber, John Kander, Susan Stroman, and Angela Lansbury, and a detailed interview with Prince himself, we are given insights into the creative mind of the man critics consider the greatest Broadway musical director of the 20th century. Prince believes that audiences, while wanting to be entertained, are also open to politics and controversy. Director-choreographer Stroman notes that Prince always hoped people leaving the theater would have a conversation about the show,

Nutcracker

From page 15

In the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” the delicate chiming of the celesta matched Sasha de Sola’s quiet stillness, her 21-jewel quarterturns so clear, light, and easy they were a miracle. In her coda, when Tchaikovsky’s thrilling music builds in mounting waves, her swelling dynamics matched his rhythms so she could steal time from one step to suspend another as if this were a conversation, and the elisions and emphases were just there to make sure you understood. It was dancing of genius. It’s more excitement than you expect from the end of “Nutcracker.” She made us scream. The run goes twice-a-day through Dec. 29, and it’s well worth seeing. It must be pointed out that SFB is in danger of tending only to the dance values: for years now, they’ve been neglecting the narrative and dramatic values that classic ballets require. Yes, this is a ballet for children (new starting time 7 p.m.), but “Toy Story” and the Harry Potter books had all come out by 2004, when the current production made its debut, and had made it clear that there was a huge audience for children’s stories that paid close attention to the child’s point of view. “Nutcracker” is the story of the inner life of a middle-class girl. Her father is a doctor, her friends are invited to a Christmas party, along with their parents, and her brat of a brother breaks her toys, bullies her and behaves like Donald Trump. Luckily, her extremely cool, probably gay godfather not only feels compassion for her, but also wants to introduce her to a whole new realm of possibilities. SFB’s version stands in the shadow of Balanchine’s great version. The “anxiety of influence” was at work, and Helgi Tomasson, in his generosity to outstanding versions from the past, including the historic SFB versions (1944 was America’s very first “Nutcracker”), conceded too much. There’s a plausibly gay Uncle Drosselmeyer, with the world’s coolest haircut, the ambassador from the world of the imagination. He protects her through her nightmare, when it seems all the new desires her Nutcracker doll has aroused, the whole world of appetites, will

Courtesy PBS

Producer and director Harold Prince always hoped people leaving the theater would have a conversation about the show.

“thinking things they might never have thought about previously.” Composer Kander observes that Prince never did anything expected. Former NY Times critic Frank Rich remarks that Prince took chances, willing to be gutsy with no guarantee audiences or critics would like his work. Consequently, all young musical directors, according to Webber, look to him as their guiding star. Producer Jeffrey Seller exclaims that a production like “Hamilton” couldn’t exist without Prince’s innovative explorations in musicals. be taken from her. The house is transmogrified, the Christmas tree grows to gigantic size, she’s smaller than Alice in Wonderland! Gigantic mice leap out from under the tree, her Nutcracker comes to life and leads her armies against them, but in vain until she steps out herself and attacks the Rat King (magnificently embodied by Seth Orza, in a hugethighed, hairy-legged costume). Distracted, the Rat suffers a fatal plunge of the sword from Nutcracker (heroic Aaron Robison), and the day is saved. All this to tremendous music from Tchaikovsky, who excels at transformation scenes. After the battle is won, the transition to the Kingdom of the Snow, and thence to Candyland, is a piece of cake, given the music that depicts it. We’ve arrived at the crux of the matter. Although the ballet begins pianissimo, a child’s fantasies are big as the ocean. In the child’s perspective, by the time the Alice-in-Wonderland changes have transpired, the orchestra has become a very big deal, fortissimo! And complicated! So is the staging. This needs operahouse magic, and a great company of dancers to make it all happen. The Nutcracker is transformed into a cavalier who can do tour jetes and double cabrioles and adores her. He leads her into the Kingdom of Snow (which falls like powdered sugar, to sublime music), where a Merrie Melodie of a blizzard gets danced by ladies in pointe shoes, a Snow Queen and King. The Queen of the snow (Mathilde Froustey) flies through her leaps as if she were on dry ground. Her cavalier (Carlo di Lanno) whips, darts, then lifts her. The pattern of steps is as exciting as they come. The second act is basically a divertissement of national dances set to the Nutcracker Suite. Once we’ve gotten to dances, SFB is home-free. They can just dance, which they are very good at. These dances are presented to Clara and the Nutcracker prince, because “you have a brave heart,” the Fairy says. The Nutcracker prince has explained what happened and how they came here, in thrilling mime and dance. It’s the McGuffin of SFB’s version that the whole story has been re-set in post-earthquake San Francisco, 1915. The second act’s set in the Hall of Flowers, where a throne for Clara and Drosselmeyer gets

Prince says his guiding principle was seeing theater as an empty black box that you fill with your imagination, allowing the audience to complete any blank spaces. Prince knew he wanted to work in the theater from a young age. When the Depression hit his family in 1937, eviscerating their wealth, attending shows became a means of escape. At age 14 he suffered a nervous breakdown, but pulled himself up and graduated college at 19. He visited a well-known producer, padding his resume with shows he

wished he’d directed, and got his first assignment directing summer stock. He wrote a letter to famed director George Abbot, saying he was willing to work for nothing. He started as an assistant stage manager, but learned his craft in an apprenticeship model that no longer exists. After serving in the Korean War, he convinced Abbot to direct “The Pajama Game,” which he produced. He produced “Damn Yankees,” another hit. His best friend Sondheim asked him to produce “West Side Story,” which changed everything with its interplay of song, dance, and serious subject. He also produced “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” and “Fiddler on the Roof,” both blockbusters. His dream was to direct, though he said no when producer David Merrick asked him to direct “Hello Dolly!” He wanted to choose material that excited him. His first feat, the Kander musical “A Family Affair,” was a flop despite his best efforts, but it put him on the map. He directed other musicals, but they failed. With “Cabaret” and its risqué subject, he directed a landmark production, getting the idea for the emcee satirizing the Nazis from a bar in a bombed-out church in Germany with a drag dwarf as ringmaster. “Company” was a hit.

While “Follies” was a critical and artistic tour de force, it didn’t make money in its initial run. “A Little Night Music,” “Evita,” and “Sweeney Todd” gained him rave reviews with critical acclaim. Eventually he won a career record of 21 Tony Awards. But after these masterpieces he entered the longest drought of his career. “I’ve been in this business for 70 years, and I still don’t know how to predict if a show will succeed or not.” He hit the mother lode with “Phantom of the Opera,” which became the longest-running musical in Broadway history. Why is Prince so great at what he does? He loves to collaborate, encouraging artists, especially LGBTQ ones, to do their best, talking through problems until a solution is found. He was always full of energy, with his rehearsal talks legendary. Lansbury claims Prince has a movie in his head of what he wants to see, though he failed as a film director. Sondheim sums him up best when he says, “Under Hal’s influence, musical theater grew up.” This documentary functions as a history of the musical from the late 50s through the late 80s. Prince challenged young directors to do something daring, an inspiration made possible by his own achievements.t

Erik Tomasson

Sasha De Sola and Aaron Robison in Helgi Tomasson’s “Nutcracker” for San Francisco Ballet.

moved around as Spanish chocolate, French marzipan, Chinese tea, Arabian coffee, and Russian licorice each do their thing. The Russians are staggeringly exciting, in a troika choreographed by Anatole Vilzak many years ago, rightly retained by Tomasson. If you hate the idea of “national character” (without which all 19th-century music would have to be discarded), at least these “nations” all had empires. The problem of this Nutcracker is looming: since the heroine is a 12-year-old girl, when it comes time for the fat lady to sing, it’s going to

have to be someone else. They do not handle this well. There is no music for the transformation of the child Clara into the ballerina who dances the Grand Pas. The production gave them no help at all. Luckily, the dancers gave it to us, if the librettists/choreographers did not. The Spanish chocolate dancers were fabulous: Jahna Frantziskonis and Ellen Rose Hummel, with Alexandre Cagnat, Max Cauthorne, and Benjamin Freemantle; the Arabian dancers were Wan-Ting Zhao as the genie in the lamp, carried by Daniel Deivison-Oliveira and Steven

Morse, unbelievably in synch; Lonnie Weeks excelled in Chinese tea as the acrobat chased by a 5-student dragon; Kimberley Marie Olivier, Maggie Weirich, and Ami Yuki were the three insouciant can-can dancers representing French marzipan; Esteban Frances led the Russians, helped by Davide Occhipinti and Myles Thatcher; Mother Ginger was Louis Schilling, festive as a chain of ragazzi poured out of her skirt, with a charming dancing bear played by Joshua Jack Price; not to mention too many flowers to mention, led by the brilliant Sofiane Sylve.t

Leather

Boozy gifts

Nightlife photos

www.ebar.com

Vol. 48 • No. 51 • December 20-26, 2018

Nightlife Events

mrPam

December 20-27

Whether your gifts are under a tree or under mistletoe, the holidays are an odd mix of nightlife; festive escapees from family gatherings, or completely dormant venues, but some are open Christmas Eve and Day. Toys or coal; your choice.

Tue 25 Christmas Party @ Midnight Sun

Listings on page 22 >

Arts Events December 20-27

At year’s end, consider all the artists whose work you have yet to see, hear and enjoy.

Mon 24 San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus @ Castro Theatre

Listings on page 24 > { THIRD OF THREE SECTIONS }

<< Nightlife Events

22 • Bay Area Reporter • December 20-26, 2018

Mon 24

Night Bloom @ Conservatory of Flowers

Spellbound @ The Stud Full moon witchy night with goth drag acts. 9pm-4am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

Winter Sausage Party @ Hole in the Wall Enjoy pork sausages, beer and other drinks. 5pm until they all get eaten. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. hitws.com

Mon 24 Xmas Eve International Mondays @ Qbar Open Christmas Eve, enjoy world grooves all night. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com

Karaoke Night @ SF Eagle

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

Sing along, with host Beth Bicoastal, plus prizes, local celeb judges, and $2 draft beer. 8pm-12am. 398 12th St. www.sf-eagle.com

Prism @ Qube Bar & Grill, San Mateo

Onyx, Pretty in Ink @ Powerhouse

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

Men of Color leather gathering. 5pm-9pm (no cover), followed by the tattoo night. $5. 10pm-1am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

LA’s sassiest drag comic brings her new music and comedy show, Menstrual Krampus, a dark parody of Christmas, to SoMa. $32-$42. 7pm & 9pm. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

Seoul Train @ Oasis

ShangriLa XXX-Mas Party @ The EndUp

Krampus du Nord @ Café Du Nord

Uhaul @ Jolene’s

Jackie Beat @ Oasis

Holiday pop-up bar with a deliciously dark Krampus theme: Norwegian heavy metal, torture décor and a naughty cocktail menu. Thru Dec 22. 5pm-11pm. 2170 Market St. https:// www.swedishamericanhall.com/

The Monster Show @ The Edge 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

Queer Solstice @ Port Bar, Oakland Space Oakland’s pop-up holiday fun; local vendors Queendom Collective and Talk Of The Town provide lastminute shopping, Presumptuous Pepita serves vegan holiday food, plus a toy drive, too: bring new unwrapped toys to donate. 7pm-2am. 2023 Broadway. www.portbaroakland.com

Rice Rockettes @ Lookout Local and visiting Asian drag queens’ weekly show with DJ Philip Grasso. $5. 10:30pm show. 3600 16th St. www.lookoutsf.com

Tony Glaser and The Party, Dragland @ The Ivy Room Funky bass, folk rock and more; also Ian Heid Band. $15-$20. 9pm. 860 San Pablo Ave., Albany. ivyroom.com

Fri 21 Access Happy Hour @ Oasis Linty’s monthly early drag show benefits AccessSFUSD: The Arc. 5pm. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

Alaska: Christmas in Space @ Oasis The RuPaul’s Drag Race star performs her aeronautical holiday drag show. $25-$60. 7pm. Also Dec 22 & 23. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

Fantasy Friday @ Divas Weekly drag shows at the last transgender-friendly bar in the Polk; with hosts Victoria Secret, Alexis Miranda and several performers. Also Thursdays and Saturdays; Thursday karaoke night. $10. 10pm. 1081 Polk St. www.divassf.com

Drag and dancing with Soju, Chester Lockhart and Cash Monet and DJ PeterLo. $10. 10pm-2am. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com The popular roving women’s dance party returns at the new nightclub, now weekly. 10pm-2am. 2700 16th St. at Harrison. http://jolenessf.com/

Sat 22 Beary Merry XXXMas Code @ The Edge Holiday kink and Santa fetish night, with gogo elves and fun; holiday kinkfetish attire, please. $5. 9pm-2am. 4149 18th St. www.edgesf.com

Ben UFO @ The Stud DJ night with Ben, Honey Soundsystem and Jackie House. $5-$10. 10pm-4am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

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

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

Jock Party @ Atlas Super-cruisy monthly party with clothes check; strip down to your jocks and/or sports gear; cash bar. $5-$15. 10pm-3am. 415 10th St. at Harrison. www.pac10.eventbrite.com

Lips and Lashes Brunch @ Lookout Weekly show with soul, funk and Motown grooves hosted by Carnie Asada, with DJs Becky Knox and Pumpkin Spice. The yummy brunch menu starts at 12pm, with the show at 1:30pm. 3600 16th St. lookoutsf.com

Mother @ Oasis Heklina’s popular drag show, with special guests and great music themes. Dec 22: Alaska Thunderfuck and a Stevie Nicks tribute. DJ Omar plays grooves. $15. 10pm-3am (11:30pm show). 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

DJs Aki and Ricky Sixx spin grooves at the monthly party’s holiday dance night, with Miss GAPA 2018 Miss Shu Mai. $10-$50 and up. 10pm-6am. 401 6th St. http://shangrilasf.net/

Winter Onesieland @ Lone Star Saloon Reddroxx onesie/union suit party with DJ BRD. 9pm-2am. 1354 Harrison St. www.lonestarsf.com

Xmas Special Variety Show @ SF Eagle

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

Jason Brock @ Martuni’s The powerhouse vocalist performs his sixth annual Christmas show at the intimate martini bar. $25-$45. 7pm. 4 Valencia St. jasonbrockvocals.com

Kung Pao Kosher Comedy @ New Asia Restaurant The 26th annual popular night of Chinese food and Jewish comedy with a queer edge features Carol Leifer, Joseph Nguyen, Jordon Ferber and host Lisa Geduldig. $52-$72. 5pm dinner show 8:30pm cocktail show. Also dEc. 24 & 25. 772 Pacific Ave. www.Koshercomedy.com

Renegade @ Atlas The popular new weekly super-cruisy party; BYO, clothes check and DJed grooves. $10. 5pm-8pm. 415 10th St. https://www.facebook.com/ groups/2094886877491354/

Death Guild’s Goth-Industrial rock night, open Christmas Day. $5 and up. 9pm-11:30pm. 375 11th St. https:// www.dnalounge.com

Wed 26 B.P.M. @ Club BnB, Oakland Olga T and Shugga Shay’s weekly queer women and men’s R&B hip hop and soul night, at the club’s new location. 8pm-2am. 2120 Broadway, Oakland. www.bench-and-bar.com

Follies & Dollies @ White Horse Bar, Oakland Weekly drag show at the historic gay bar. 9:30pm-11:30pm. 6551 Telegraph Ave, (510) 652-3820. www.whitehorsebar.com

Freeball Wednesdays @ The Cinch Free pool and drink specials at the historic neighborhood bar. 8pm-1am. 1723 Polk St. www.cinchsf.com

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

The weekly fun night at the Bernal Heights bar includes prizes, hosted by Kitty Tapata. No cover. 7pm-10pm. 424 Cortland St. 647-3099. www.wildsidewest.com

NSA @ Club OMG

Sun 23

Jason Brock @ Martuni’s

Weekly underwear party at the intimate mid-Market nightclub. $1 well drinks for anyone in underwear from 9pm-10pm. 43 6th St. www.clubomgsf.com

New Drag @ Port Bar, Oakland Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir @ Slim’s The acclaimed vocal chorus poerforms special Christmas Eve concerts. $17-$20. 7pm & 9:30pm. 333 11th St. https://slimspresents.com

Competition for drag acts, with host Echo. 2023 Broadway. www.portbaroakland.com

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

Tue 25 Xmas Day Thu 27 Gaymer Night @ Midnight Sun

Open Christmas Day. weekly fun night of games and cocktails. 8pm-12am. 4067 18th St. www.midnightsunsf.com

Holiday Ice Rink @ Union Square Enjoy skating at the downtown holiday rink; special performances and events thru January. To skate: $13$25, daily 9:30am-9pm. 333 Post St. http://unionsquareicerink.com/

Open Christmas Day for AA meetings and a holiday potluck dinner, 2pm5pm in the café. 4058 18th St. http:// castrocountryclub.org

Vice Tuesdays @ Q Bar

ShangriLa XXX-Mas Party @ The EndUp

X-Mess @ DNA Lounge

Miss Kitty’s Trivia Night @ Wild Side West

Holiday Potluck, @ Castro Country Club

Sat 22

Enjoy CockShot’s Christmas Day Winter Onesie dance party with DJ Chad Bays; onesies, boxers, briefs, skivvies! Hot gogo Santas will give some gifts. No cover. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

DJed grooves with Doggy Babyy, and residents Matthew Paul and Jordee. $5. 9pm-4am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.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, 5pmclosing. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

Winter Onesie Party @ Beaux

Kosmetik @ The Stud

Sun 23

Dance it up at the historic (and still hip) East Bay bar. 9pm-2am. 6551 Telegraph Ave. whitehorsebar.com The popular Latin club with gogo guys galore and Latin music. $10-$20. 9pm-3am. 2111 Franklin St., Oakland. www.club21oakland.com

Holiday party hosted by the Jewish Community Federation Fund, hosted by Jewbilee SF, with DJ Josh Abrams. $20-$30. 9pm-2am. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

Drag, burlesque, song and dance and more. 9pm-1am. 398 12th St. www.sf-eagle.com

Friday Nights at the Ho @ White Horse Bar, Oakland

Latin Explosion @ Club 21

Latke Ball @ Oasis

Ashlynn Danielsen

Thu 20

Open Christmas Day! Queer femmes and friends dance party with hip hop, Top 40 and throwbacks at the stylish intimate bar, with DJs Val G and Iris Triska. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com

Best of Baloney @ Oasis The saucy, sexy and silly men’s burlesque show presents their best acts in a four-night schedule. $27.50$50. 7pm. Thru Dec 31. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

Literary Speakeasy @ Martuni’s The monthly reading series at the martini bar, this time with writers Pete Bailey, Spencer Tierney, Natalia Vigil, and special guest host Baruch PorrasHernandez. 7pm. 4 Valencia St.

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 Want your nightlife event listed? Email events@ebar.com, at least two weeks before your event. Event photos welcome.

Leather>>

December 20-26, 2018 • Bay Area Reporter • 23

Can sex culture survive?

Daniel Samblanet

Could a local event like the Golden Dildeaux Awards that raises thousands of dollars for local nonprofits be at risk of not being able to properly promote because of overly zealous anti-sex online standards?

A well known kinkster, Jorge Vieto, received this temporary suspension from Facebook for showing a naked shoulder of a man blindfolded, with no nudity at all. After Jorge requested a review they rescinded the suspension, but it still meant the user was shut out of Facebook for a while.

by Race Bannon

riginally this column was going to be a standard pre-holiday shopping piece; where to buy kinky stuff, interesting sexuality books to give as gifts; that sort of thing. Then something happened that made me realize our leather, kink, and indeed all sexual cultures are under attack from sex-phobic forces and we need to start strategically figuring out how to best move forward. A few months ago, I wrote here about the horrific SESTA/ FOSTA legislation that came out of Congress and was signed into law. The legislation purported to target the problem of human sex trafficking by making websites, social media platforms and other online services liable for user content related to sex trafficking. While this appeared to some to be a good thing, the collateral damage to all of us began immediately after its passage and has been getting worse. I’m not going to go into specifics about SESTA/FOSTA and the damage it’s done. Do an online search for it and you’ll see mountains of articles about its wide-sweeping censorship effect. However, two high profile anti-sex impacts happened recently and they’re sending shockwaves through every sex culture whether leather, kink, or other realms of sex. Tumblr announced that their platform would no longer allow adult content. Tumblr has historically been a comfortable place for such content and its sudden removal has disrupted the erotic lives of many.

Maybe this is a time to make the case that we should again be paying for our porn. We’ve enjoyed a lot of free porn and that’s great, but there are companies making quality porn and if we supported them with our dollars, perhaps we’ll keep that industry alive. Close on the heels of Tumblr’s announcement, Facebook appears to be following through on much tighter restrictions on sexual content. There have been reports of users having their posts removed for even mentioning sex. While interpretations vary, the revised standards seem to seek to squelch any mention of sex, even when such mentions are inherently benign. These two high-profile events should serve as notice to any of us who navigate within LGBTQ, leather, kink, or any other culture in which sex is readily discussed that if it comes down to a company’s profit or our sex lives, they will toss our sexualities onto a dung pile of repression in order to maintain their bottom line. This is a wake-up call. In an era during which our physical gathering spaces are shrinking we have turned to online mechanisms to connect, organize and discuss our sexualities. We’ve tended to utilize the few big social media platforms, especially Facebook, to foster our leather and kink communities, promote events, and discuss topics of concern and interest. All that is now at serious risk. I can’t offer a plethora of solutions in this limited space but let me suggest a few ways we might blunt the online sex-negativity in order to help our culture survive.

Of course, the top priority is to get the SESTA/FOSTA law revised or struck down, but that’s a longrange goal. In the meantime, we need to figure out how to ensure that our communities aren’t ravaged by the law such that our cultures are severely hobbled. While you’re calling your people in Congress and contributing to organizations working to roll back the damage of SESA/FOSTA, there are other things you can also do. As an overall suggestion to combat this censorship, I’m going to lean on the concept of decentralization. Decentralization is when the functions or powers of something are distributed more widely rather than concentrated in one or a few places. We need to start decentralizing our habits and platforms and by doing so we will hopefully avoid single point of failure scenarios. We’ve become complacent. The ease with which we’ve been able to use the most popular of free online platforms has slowly had us abandoning other community-building approaches to which we need to return. A song I’ve been singing for a while is to get up off the couch and go out. Go to a bar or sex club. Attend a class. Register for a conference. Volunteer with an organization. Shop at a brick and mortar business. Drag yourself to that party you’ve been meaning to go to but never quite do. Host a dinner. Organize a sex party. Right now, more than ever, we need to mingle and play face-to-face. Being keyboard kinksters has a seductive allure to which we all fall prey. It’s easy. It’s low-bar community engagement. While that’s better perhaps when there’s an entirely free internet on which to do so, it’s not the best of situations when the rug can be pulled out from under us at a company’s or legislator’s whim. Face-to-face needs to again be our default setting, not a nice afterthought. If you’re an organization, producer or venue, keep up your website. Too many have abandoned website upkeep, allowing Facebook to serve as essentially their sole online presence. Make sure event information, calendars and contact information are kept current. Always include direct links to every other online location you frequent. Twitter, FetLife and the newer MeWe are just some of the options. I know that maintenance of websites can be a pain in the ass, but the effort is worth it. Also, remember that it’s a lot easier to share, forward and put in print a memorable web address than it is a long or non-intuitive social media character string. Offshore, non-U.S. locations for website servers might be one of the answers we need to embrace to ensure they remain intact and accessible. Some sites have already done this.

Along with your website, maintain a constantly cleaned and updated mailing list. Capture email addresses from as many people as you can so you can send out notices and perhaps regular newsletters keeping your constituency current and engaged in your real time activities. Much of what I’ve just suggested means producers, clubs, organizations and venues need to prioritize having tech savvy people on their teams. There are a lot of techies around these days. It’s a skillset we need. Let’s make that a priority when forming boards, staff, and production teams.

Maintain your own personal contact lists outside of social media connections. Enter their information in your personal contact list so you can text, call or email people if a platform suddenly yanks the ability to communicate. Diversify your outreach. Perhaps we need to go back to using palm cards and posters more than we have been even though they are costlier than only using a digital presence. Maybe we need to start encouraging increased person-toperson outreach and communications in parallel with anything we do online. I wish I had all the answers to this dilemma in which we now find ourselves, but we must start addressing it now because there are forces at work that would like nothing more than to squelch anything sexual from public discourse let alone anything LGBTQ, kinky or edgy. We can do this. I know it won’t be easy, but I don’t think we have a choice. Let’s start now. Give yourself a gift this holiday seasons. Give yourself the gift of fostering your and other people’s sexual freedoms. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.t

For Leather Events, visit www.ebar.com/events Race Bannon is a local author, blogger and activist. www.bannon.com

<< Arts Events

Kevin Berne

24 • Bay Area Reporter • December 20-26, 2018

Mary Poppins @ SF Playhouse

Southern Lights @ Z Below

The popular Broadway adaptation of the P.L. Travers book and Disney film about a magical nanny gets a local production; music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman; book by Julian Fellowes. $30-$55 and up. Thru Jan 12. 450 Post St. www.sfplayhouse.org

3Girls Theatre Company’s production of Lee Brady’s country music love story. $20-$45. Thru Dec 22. 470 Florida St. www.zspace.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

One Googol & One @ Brava Theater Center Aidaa Peerzada’s reimagining of the One Thousand and One Nights, with a modern perspective about historical injustices. $35-$45. ThuSat 8pm, Sun 2pm. Thru Dec 22. 2791 24th St. www.sfbatco.org

Thu 20

A Christmas Carol @ Geary Theatre

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

Thu 20 Arcadia @ Ashby Stage, Berkeley Shotgun Players’ production of Tom Stoppard’s masterpiece that explores mathematics, landscape gardening, Byron, and the undeniable power of the human heart. $7-$52. Thru Jan 6. 1901 Ashby Ave., Berkeley. www.shotgunplayers.org

Avenue Q @ NCTC The foul-mouth puppets are back, in the theatre company’s 6th popular production (with two casts) of Robert Lopez, Jeff Marx and Jeff Whitty’s Tony-winning musical. New Year’s Eve show, too. Extended thru Jan 13. $33-$59. Wed-Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm. 25 Van Ness Ave., lower level. www.nctcsf.org

A Bronx Tale @ Golden Gate Theatre Touring production of the acclaimed musical adaptation of Chazz Palminteri’s autobiographical story, with music by Alan Menken and Glenn Slater, about a Bronx teenager enamored of a mafia boss. $56-$256. Tue-Thu 7:30pm. Fri & Sat 8pm, Wed, Sat Sun 2pm. Thru Dec. 23. 1 Taylor St. at Market. www.shnsf.com

A Christmas Carol @ Geary Theatre American Conservatory Theatre’s annual lavish big-cast production of Paul Walsh and Carey Perloff’s popular stage adaptation of the Charles Dickens story. $10-$120. Thru Dec 29. 415 Geary St. www.act-sf.org

Classic and New Films @ Castro Theatre Dec 20 & 21: West Side Story in 70mm! (4:30, 7:30). Dec 22: A Christmas Story (12:30), It’s a Wonderful Life (4K restored print, 2:30, 5:15, 8pm). Dec 24: SF Gay Men’s Chorus live concert ($30$40, 5pm, 7pm, 9pm). Dec 26: Singin’ in the Rain (2pm, 4:15, 6:30) and Xanadu (8:30). Dec 27: Some Like It Hot (2:15, 7pm) and The Apartment (4:30, 9:15). 429 Castro St. www.castrotheatre.com

Dear Evan Hansen @ Curran Theatre National tour of Steven Levenson, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul’s Broadway hit musical (six Tonys) about a letter that changes lives. $75-$250. Thru Dec 30. 445 Geary St. https:// sfcurran.com/

Mike Pierce @ Spark Arts The artist’s exhibit of dyed scarves and silk fabric art. 4229 18th St. www.sparkarts.com

Once Upon a December @ Gateway Theatre

Cinderella @ Herbst Theatre

Bay Area Musicals’ two-night benefit concert, with stars of their season shows performing holiday songs and show tunes, with food, cocktails for purchase, and after-party. $25-$45. 7:30pm. 215 Jackson St. www.bamsf.org

African American Shakespeare Festival’s production of holiday kid-friendly show about a young woman, her fairy godmother and a handsome prince. $25-$45. Thru Dec. 23. 401 Van Ness Ave. www.african-americanshales.org

Reorienting the Imaginaries @ SOMArts Cultural Center

Fool La La! @ The Marsh

Exhibit of multidisciplinary works that bring together more than a dozen artists of color who are connected by complex histories, identity and power; thru Jan 24. 934 Brannan St. www.somarts.org

Unique Derique’s fifth annual kid-friendly Over the Rainbow holiday show, with zany circus fun and juggling workshops. $15$100. Fri & Wed 2pm, thru Jan 6. 1062 Valencia St. themarsh.org

Skating @ Safeway Holiday Ice Rink The Union square ice rink is open, with hourly rates, skate rentals, and special events through Jan. 21. $13-$18. 333 Post St. unionsquareicerink.com

Smuin Ballet @ YBCA The popular local dance company performs its annual holiday program. $34-$91. Thru Dec. 24. 701 Mission St. smuinballet.org

Tony Glaser and The Party, Dragland @ The Ivy Room Funky bass, folk rock and more; also Ian Heid Band. $15-$20. 9pm. 860 San Pablo ave., Albany. ivyroom.com

World Tree of Hope @ Grace Cathedral See the Rainbow World Fund’s annual holiday tree, with 1000s of origami paper cranes, in its new location. Daily, 1100 California St. www.worldtreeofhope.org/help-us

Fri 21 The Bathroom Line @ SOMArts Cultural Center Radar Productions’ exhibit about intimacy, ritual, and public/private space, expressed in visual and text pieces by several queer People of Color artists. 934 Brannan St. www.somarts.org

Thu 20

Smuin Ballet @ YBCA

Queer Variety Show @ SF Circus Center Fundraiser for the Transgender Law Center features aerialists and singers Caroline Wright, Joey The Tiger, Myles Hochman, Nika Printz, Holden Cox, drag king troupe Nine Inch Males, goth drag king boy band Logan De Ley and host Sparkles Devine. $20. 7:30pm. 755 Frederick St. www.transgenderlawcenter.org

The kid-friendly circus-theatre troupe performs two shows, My Friend Hafiz (Dec 20-23) and Mittens & Mistletoe (Dec 26-30). $25-$75. 3316 24th St. http:// sweetcanproductions.com/

You Betta Work Comedy Fiesta @ San Mateo County Pride Center Jesús U. Bettawork hosts the monthly LGBTQ-friendly laugh-fest. 7:30pm. 1021 S. El Camino Real, San Mateo. jesusubettawork.com

Sat 22 Beach Blanket Babylon @ Club Fugazi The musical comedy revue celebrates its 45th year with an ever-changing lineup of political and pop culture icons, all in gigantic wigs. $25-$160. Beer/ wine served; cash only; 21+, except where noted. Holiday show tickets now on sale. Wed-Fri 8pm. Sat 6pm & 9pm. Sun 2pm & 5pm. 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd. (Green St.). 421-4222. beachblanketbabylon.com

Annual holiday festivities include exhibits, arts, crafts, food and drinks, all with a Dickensian costume flair. $14-$120. Thru Dec. 23. Lower Exhibition Halls, 2600 Geneva Ave., Daly City. www.dickensfair.com

Photographer Fabian Echevarria’s exhibit of Latinx and Beyond models. 8pm-10pm. Exhibit thru Dec. 470 Castro St. www.strutsf.org

They’re back! D’Arcy Drollinger, Heklina, Matthew Martin and Holotta Tymes perform drag versions of holiday episodes of the classic elder women’s sitcom. $25-$50. Thu-Sat 8pm, Sun 7pm thru Dec. 23. 2961 16th St. thegoldengirlslive.com

Sweet Can @ Dance Mission Theatre

Dickens Christmas Fair @ Cow Palace

Fotohoto @ Strut

The Golden Girls @ Victoria Theatre

Films @ BAM/PFA

Fri 21

Sweet Can @ Dance Mission Theatre

A History of World War II @ The Marsh Prolific playwright and director John Fisher’s new solo show’s subtitled The D-Day Invasion to the Fall of Berlin. $20-$100. Thu 8pm, Sat 8:30pm. Extended thru Feb 2. 1062 Valencia St. www.themarshsf.com

John Legend @ The Fox Oakland The talented vocalistcomposer performs his Legendary Christmas concert. $150-$500. 8pm. Also Dec 22. 1807 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. http://apeconcerts.com/

Kitka @ Old First Church The acclaimed women’s Balkans, Caucasus and Slavic music ensemble performs music from their Evening Star and Winter Songs albums. $20$140. 8pm. 1751 Sacramento St. http://www.kitka.org/

Artistic and award-winning films, including international features, and documentaries about artists; ongoing. 2155 Center St., Berkeley. www.bampfa.org

The Santaland Diaries @ Lohman Theatre, Los Altos Hills Joe Mantello’s solo stage adaptation of David Sedaris’ popular story about working as a holiday elf is performed by Max Tachis. $45. Thru Dec. 23. 12345 S. El Monte Road, Los Altos. www.TheatreWorks.org

LGBTQ Histories from the WWII Home Front @ Rosie the Riveter Visitor Education Center, Richmond Park indoor exhibit that showcases the lives of historic LGBT people. Open daily 10am-5pm. 1414 Harbour Way South, Suite 3000, Richmond. www.nps.gov/rori/index.htm

The Nutcracker @ Paramount Theatre, Oakland Oakland Ballet’s 47th production of the classic Tchaikovsky score with choreography by Graham Lustig, with the Oakland Symphony. $25$97. 1pm & 5pm. Also Dec 23 1pm. 2025 Broadway, Oakland. www.oaklandballet.org

Nutcracker Sweets @ Cowell Theater Mark Foehringer’s tenth annual concert of his colorful kid-friendly abbreviated version of the classic ballet set to Tchaikovsky’s music. Thru Dec 23. Fort Mason Center, 2 Marina Blvd. www.mfdpsf.org

Other Cinema @ ATA Gallery Weekly screenings of wacky, unusual, short, documentary and animated films; free books, vinyl, VHS and wine. $7. 8:30pm. 992 Valencia St. www.othercinema.com

Arts Events>>

December 20-26, 2018 • Bay Area Reporter • 25

Queer Tango @ Finnish Hall, Berkeley

East Meets West @ Legion of Honor

Exclusion @ Presidio Officers Club

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

Jewels of the Maharajas from the Al Thani Collection, thru Feb 24. Also, Séraphin Soudbinine, Lynn Hershman Leeson, Framing the Body, Mummies and Medicine and other exhibits of classical and modern art. Free/$30. Lincoln Park, 100 34th Ave. www.legionofhonor.famsf.org

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

Sandra Wright Shen @ Old First Church The talented pianist performs traditional and modern music with a holiday theme. $5-$25. 4pm. 1751 Sacramento St. oldfirstconcerts.org

Various Exhibits @ Chabot Space & Science Museum, Oakland

Sat 22

Beach Blanket Babylon @ Club Fugazi

Through-LINES: The Art of Ballet @ 836M Exhibit of stunning dance photos by prolific photographer RJ Muna, with design and sound installations by Christopher Haas, Bernie Krause and Jim Campbell; presented by Alonzo King LINES Ballet as part of its 35th anniversary season. Thru Jan 7, 2019. 836 Montgomery St. www.836m.org

Various Exhibits @ SF Public Library Holiday Train, a model train exhibit (thru Jan 3); Portal: Group Show of Speculative Fiction, thru Feb; Shaped: Sharing HIV/AIDS Photos Essentially Deaf, thru Feb 1; Art/ Work: Art Created by the Staff at SFPL, thru Mar. 8; SF Wildlife: Photography by Jouko van der Kruijssen, thru Mar. 28. 100 Larkin St. www.sfpl.org

Wild SF Walking Tours @ Citywide Enjoy weekly informed tours of various parts of San Francisco, from Chinatown to the Haight, and a ‘radical’ and political-themed LGBTinclusive tour. Various dates and times. $15-$25. wildsftours.com

The World of Charles and Ray Eames @ Oakland Museum Exhibit of the innovative designers’ works, including furniture, toys, and rare prototypes; thru Feb 17. Also, Cruisin’ the Fossil Coastline, Ray Troll’s illustrations paired with paleontologist Kirk Johnson’s research. Also, Take Root: Oakland Grows Food etc. Friday night events 5pm-9pm. Free/$15. 1000 Oak St. www.museumca.org

Sun 23 Animation Exhibits @ Walt Disney Museum Exhibit of animation art by the prolific artists, including Walt Disney’s Nine Old Men: Masters of Animation ( Bambi, Peter Pan, Lady and the Tramp) , and Home for the Holidays at Carolwood, thru Jan. 7. Other exhibits of Disney artifacts and film screenings. 104 Montgomery St, The Presidio. $5-$25. 10am-6pm. Closed Tue. www.wdfmuseum.org

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

Painting is My Everything @ Asian Art Museum Art From India’s Mithila Region, thru Dec 30. Also, contemporary works by Kim Heecheon and Liu Jianhua; also, exhibits of sculpture and antiquities. Sunday café specialties from $7-$16. Free-$20. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. 200 Larkin St. www.asianart.org

Wed 26

Altai Kai @ Ashkenaz, Berkeley

Eternal Boy Playground @ Telematic Liat Berdugo and Emily Martinez’ multimedia installation that playfully explores the cultural tropes surrounding crypto-currencies like Bitcoin; thru Feb 2. 323 10th St. https://tttelematiccc.com/

Space, science and planetary exhibits, including planetarium shows and the Observatory; special nighttime events like meteor shower shows. Free-$18. 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. chabotspace.org

Friendly Fire @ Wessling Gallery

Mon 24 Xmas Eve

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

Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir @ Slim’s The acclaimed vocal chorus performs special Christmas Eve concerts. $17$20. 7pm & 9:30pm. 333 11th St. www. slimspresents.com

San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus @ Castro Theatre Home for the Holidays, the chorus’ annual Christmas Eve concert, will warm hearts and bring cheer. $30$40. 5pm, 7pm & 9pm. 429 Castro St. https://www.sfgmc.org/

Tue 25 Xmas Day

Group exhibit of vibrant works in various media by 14 artists. 440 Brannan St. wesslinggallery.com/

Various Events @ Oakland LGBTQ Center

Thu 27 Altai Kai @ Ashkenaz, Berkeley Virtuoso throat singers perform traditional folk music with a unique style; Australian didgeridoo musician Stephen Kent opens. $15$18. 7:30pm. 1317 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. www.ashkenaz.com

Connecting Threads @ JCCSF

Playmates and soul mates...

Quilts From the Social Justice Sewing Academy, an exhibit of textile art by local youth, with political themes. Mon-Fri 8am10pm, Sun 8am-8pm, thru Nov. SF Jewish Community Center, 3200 California St. www.jccsf.org

San Francisco:

Plant Collections @ SF Botanical Garden Visit the lush gardens with displays of trees, flowers and shrubs from around the world. Monthly plant sales, plus art exhibits and gift shop. Free entry with SF proof of residency. $5-$10 for others; FREE on Christmas Day. 7:30am-closing. 9th Ave at Lincoln Way. www.sfbotanicalgarden.org

Community Free Day @ Contemporary Jewish Museum Day of family fun with exhibits, art, noshes and soft drinks; 11am-4pm. Also,Veiled Meanings: Fashioning Jewish Dress, from the Collection of The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, an exhibit of detailed clothing from dozens of countries; thru Jan 6, 2019. Also, Lew the Jew and His Circle: Origins of American Tattoo, an exhibit of the prolific tattoo artist’s work, tools and life; thru June 9, 2019. Also, In That Case: Havruta in Contemporary Art— Oxossi Ayofemi and Risa Wechsler, thru July 2019. 736 Mission St. https:// thecjm.org/

Wed 26 Bodyscapes @ Strut Group exhibit of art by the 50-Plus Network members. Thru Dec. 470 Castro St. https://www.strutsf.org

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Fever @ Center for Sex & Culture Fever: Documenting the Human Sexual Experience, a group photography exhibit curated by Anissa Malady. Tue 11am-5pm. Wed 10am-3pm, Thu 3pm-7pm and by appointment. Thru Dec. 28. 1349 Mission St. www.sexandculture.org

The Life and Times of Jo Mora @ Cartoon Art Museum New exhibit of drawing, maps, paintings and ephemera by the prolific illustrator of American culture (1876-1947). Thru April 28, 2019. 781 Beach St. www. cartoonart.org

Modern Art @ SF MOMA Wayne Thiebaud, Etel Adnan, Alexander Calder, Donald Judd, Louise Bourgeois and many classic Modern works. The Sea Ranch: Architecture, Envioronment and Idealism (thru April 28). Vija Celmins: To Fix the Image in Memory, thru March 31. Free/$25. Fri-Tue 10am-6pm. 151 3rd St. www.sfmoma.org

Scott Fraser @ Jenkins Johnson Gallery Earthly Delights, the painter’s new exhibit of realist/surreal works. Thru Dec. 22. 464 Sutter St. www.jenkinsjohnsongallery.com

<< Spirits

26 • Bay Area Reporter • December 20-26, 2018

Holiday spirits Nice and naughty gifts for tinseled tipplers geles’ Greenbar Distillery. You’d be wise to keep it in the kitchen, because while City Bright has gin’s requisite juniper kick, it doesn’t go down like a fistful of pine needles. Instead, it sips surprisingly well with some of Californians’ favorite cuisines—Chinese, Mexican, Thai and Indian—thanks to a vivid blend of botanicals including ancho chile, cumin, lemongrass, kaffir lime, Sichuan peppercorn, spearmint, and star anise. www.greenbardistillery.com

miniature bottle cap. The Vintage model has a deep red barrel and a sculpted cork. And there’s probably no queer quaffer who wouldn’t delight in the series’ Absinthe-themed entry: Its emblazoned with a fetching green fairy. www.retro51.com

Maple sweet

Left: Lauching Glass Margarita Above: Beer-themed socks

by Jim Gladstone

n Splasher, on Boozer, on Mincer, on Schmoozer! Even Santa agrees that this is a year that needs to be washed down with a stiff drink. To that end, we’ve made our annual list of nice and naughty gifts for the tippler (all available online as well as at local retailers). Let’s raise a glass to optimism and send 2018 down the hatch. Red nose? Check! Bowlful of jelly? Skip it. Bay Area entrepreneurs Carey Clahan and Sydney Rainin Smith have created Laughing Glass Cocktails, a line of attractivelybottled all-natural tequila margaritas that are plenty potent but low in calories. They’re remarkably wellbalanced (no sticky sweetness here) and ready-to-pour, in citrus, pomegranate orange, and a lip-tingling “Firecracker” blend incorporating pineapple and ancho chiles. www. laughingglasscocktails.com

Fruits & nuts

Local libations in limited editions are on offer from the Sonoma Distilling Company. The Petalumabased distillery has released two short-run seasonal bottlings, ideal for gifting. The Cherrywood Rye Whiskey makes a smart happy hour pairing with dried fruit and nuts, and the Cherrywood Smoked Bourbon is a warming fireside sip. www. sonomadistillingcompany.com

Rockin’ on the rocks

“On the rocks” takes on new meaning with Blackened, a stuntin-a-bottle produced in partnership with Bay Area favorites, Metallica. A combination of whiskeys and bourbons aged in black brandy casks, the basic blend actually has nice spice

and a slightly honeyed finish. But here’s where things get headbangingly daft: While casked, each batch gets blasted with a range of Black Noise soundwaves akin to specific Metallica songs which, the marketeers boast, “cause movement of the barrel and the liquid...resulting in a deeper penetration of the spirit into the wood.” You can find a playlist for your bottle online. Party on, Garth! www.blackenedwhiskey.com

Super Green

Our favorite new gin, City Bright— poured at local watering holes including Whitechapel, Barvale, and the Sunset Reservor Brewing Co.— is made by Los An-

Spike it

Another Bay Area music maker, rapper G-Eazy, is a part owner of Stillhouse Spirits. Taking a note from craft brewers, who have lately reemphasized the benefits of protecting their elixirs from Spirited pens light, Stillhouse has created a line of sour mash whiskies packaged in rectangular stainless steel cans rather than bottles—with its handsome red-matte finish, the flask-like 375 mL size makes a great under-$20 stocking stuffer. In addition to Stillhouse’s traditional corn whiskey, there are flavorinfused varieties, including spiced cherry and apple crisp. And in a distinctive black can, there’s super smooth Tennessee bourbon that’s been rested in coffee beans, a perfect spike for your Christmas breakfast.

From snowy Vermont comes our favorite mixology gift of the year, the Runamok Maple cocktail pairing collection of infused organic maple syrups. Providing a more distinctive sweetness to drinks than simple syrup, just a few drops from one of the collection’s concoctions (sold as a set) can add unexpected dimensions to your favorite brown Be Your Own Bartender liquor or a touch of welcome wintry richness to vodka (or Book and bar even a coupe of champagne). The Be Your Own Bartender, by the set includes four 2 oz. bottles: one Bay Area’s own Carey Jones and each of maple syrup inJohn McCarthy, is our favorite cockfused with ginger, hibiscus, tail book of the year. The authors, and jasmine tea, and maple who write a weekly column called syrup, and one that’s been “Liquor Cabinet Roulette” for Food smoked over pecan wood. & Wine online, have gamified mixwww.runamokmaple.com ology, creating playful decision trees Write on to help readers pick their poisons: For your oenophile and Want a whiskey drink? Great. Now, beer enthusiast buddies do you want to sip it slowly or throw who are obsessed with jotit down? Drinking alone or by the ting down tasting notes evfireplace with your honey? The ery time they sip something questions go on, some silly, some senew, handsome pens from rious, leading you along flow charts Retro 51’s Speakeasy Series until you land on a recommended will make the perfect gifts. recipe. The 160 original cocktails The Pilsner version of their here draw incredible variety from a smooth-flowing, lacquersmall core of basic bottles, making it finished retractable rolleran ideal resource for home bartendball has a fizzy golden barrel ers, and available at bookstores and design and is topped with a online.t

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Sock it to me

The classic turducken of stocking stuffers is socks. This year, give your tootsies something boozy. We love SockGuy’s flashy orange mid-century martini pattern, along with their “Beer Republic” style, which reimagines the California flag, setting our grizzly bear set on bright, bubble-punctuated yellow. www.sockguy.com

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Nightlife Photos>>

December 20-26, 2018 • Bay Area Reporter • 27

We Are One @ Gough Mansion Photo by Gooch

Gooch

Above: The co-owners of Jolene’s Below Right: Photos from Jolene’s soft opening last week.

e Are One, a Dec. 14 fundraiser for victims of California wildfires, was cohosted by Emperor Leandro Gonzales, Empress Pollo Del Mar,

the Imperial Council and the Rainbow World Fund. Patrons enjoyed wine, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and live entertainment at the beautiful home of philanthropist John Newmeyer. http://www.rainbowfund.org/

Grand Opening @ Jolene’s J

olene’s, the new queer bar in SoMa, opened last weekend to much local appreciation. A soft opening on Dec. 15 included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and the return of Uhaul, now each Friday, marked the first week of events. Jolene’s is open Thursdays through Sundays, and they have a big New Year’s Eve party planned. 2700 16th St. http://jolenessf.com Both photos: Jolene’s

Shining Stars Steven Underhill Photos by

Circuit Sundays @ The Café C

ircuit, Gus Presents’ new Tea Dance at The Café, blends dance beats (with DJ Roland Belmares), gogo treats and social greets in the heart of the Castro district. 2369 Market St. http://www.cafesf.com/ 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

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