February 8, 2024 edition of the Bay Area Reporter

BAAITS Powwow Saturday

PrEP bill signed

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'Rite of Spring' reborn

ARTS

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ARTS

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Queer comics

The

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

Vol. 54 • No. 6 • February 8-14, 2024

Witnesses to history recall ‘Winter of Love’ 20 years on Scott Wazlowski

The former Harvey’s Restaurant and Bar has a new name, and the planning commission signed off on a conditional use authorization at its February 1 meeting.

Old Harvey’s space gets new name

by John Ferrannini

I

t won’t be Brut, but Pink Swallow that will anchor the intersection of Castro and 18th streets.

This is according to the new ownership group that acquired a lease to operate in the old Harvey’s space at 500 Castro Street last year after the restaurant’s abrupt closure.

See page 10 >>

by John Ferrannini

T

he caterers had been hired, and friends and family assembled, on March 11, 2004 when Marin County couple Jeanne Rizzo and her longtime partner, Pali Cooper, trekked across the Golden Gate Bridge to City Hall to do something that just a month earlier had been unthinkable.

Marriage discrimination at that time was written in the laws of 49 of the 50 states (Massachusetts’ Supreme Judicial Court found a ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional in late 2003, though its ruling didn’t take effect until May 17, 2004), the District of Columbia, and the United States government and its territories.

See page 5 >>

San Francisco City Hall was awash in joy during the “Winter of Love” as a couple just married on February 15, 2004 celebrated their union.

Rick Gerharter

B.A.R. election endorsements President: Joseph R. Biden Jr. U.S. Senate: Barbara Lee Congress (Bay Area): Dist. 2: Jared Huffman Dist. 4: Mike Thompson Dist. 8: John Garamendi Dist. 9: Josh Harder Dist. 10: Mark DeSaulnier Dist. 11: Nancy Pelosi Dist. 12: Lateefah Simon Dist. 14: Eric Swalwell Dist. 15: Kevin Mullin Dist. 16: Evan Low Dist. 17: Ro Khanna Dist. 18: Zoe Lofgren CA Assembly Dist. 14: Buffy Wicks Dist. 16: Rebecca Bauer-Kahan Dist. 17: Matt Haney Dist. 18: Mia Bonta Dist. 19: Catherine Stefani

CALIFORNIA PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY

Dist. 20: Liz Ortega Dist. 21: Diane Papan Dist. 24: Alex Lee Dist. 25: Ash Kalra Dist. 26: Patrick Ahrens CA Senate Dist. 3: Christopher Cabaldon Dist. 7: Jovanka Beckles Dist. 9: Marisol Rubio Dist. 11: Scott Wiener Dist. 13: Josh Becker Dist. 15: Dave Cortese Dist. 17: John Laird SF Judges Seat 1: Michael Isaku Begert Seat 13: Patrick Thompson Alameda County Judge Seat 12: Michael Johnson OTHER RACES Alameda County Board of Supervisors Dist. 4: Jennifer Esteen Dist. 5: John Bauters

Alameda County Board of Education Area 2: Angela Normand San Francisco Democratic Party Central Committee AD 17: Trevor Chandler, Vick Chung, Matt Dorsey, Peter Gallotta, Emma Heiken, Jane Kim, Jeremy Lee, Anita Martinez, Michael Nguyen, Joshua Rudy Ochoa, Sal Rosselli, Joe Sangirardi, Sydney Simpson, Luis Zamora AD 19: Michela Alioto-Pier, Dan Calamuci, Connie Chan, Mike Chen, Sandra Lee Fewer, Natalie Gee, Parag Gupta, Hene Kelly, Gordon Mar, Mano Raju, SAN FRANCISCO PROPS Yes on: A, C, D, G No on: B, E, F CALIFORNIA PROPS Yes on: 1

Remember to vote by March 5!

Retail theft panel wants laws changed

by John Ferrannini

T

he consensus of a town hall discussion on mass retail thefts by San Francisco community leaders Monday was that laws and culture need to change to stem the tide.

“There were legislative things that contributed to this but there was also, I think, a culture that contributed to this, which was a culture of tolerance,” said San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, who is up for reelection this fall and faces a challenge from Ryan Khojasteh, now an Alameda County prosecutor whom Jenkins fired from the DA’s office Jenkins, a straight ally, was one of five people on a panel February 5 at the Noe Valley Ministry, 1021 Sanchez Street. She was joined by gay District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman; San Francisco Police Department Captain Thomas Harvey, who oversees Mission See page 10 >>

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<< Community News

2 • Bay Area Repor ter • February 8-14, 2024

t

Two-Spirit powwow celebrates Native culture compiled by Cynthia Laird

Name sought for new SF SOMA park

T

his year’s Bay Area American Indian Two-Spirits 13th annual Powwow will commemorate the 25th anniversary of the LGBTQ group’s founding. The powwow will take place Saturday, February 10, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Fort Mason Festival Pavilion, 2 Marina Boulevard, in San Francisco.

The Grand Entry is scheduled for noon.

All two-spirit, IndigeQueer, and transgender and gender-nonconforming LGBTQIA+ people and their supporters from across the country will come together to celebrate Native culture, build community, and express themselves, a news release stated. The event is open to the public, organizers added.

Jessica Gutierrez Masini, Tzapotl Flores J. Saravia, and Birdie Johnson are the event’s co-chairs. They explained that powwows are intertribal social gatherings between Natives and nonNative peoples and are centered around dance, songs, food, and oral histories.

Last year’s event welcomed more than 4,000 people and an even larger crowd is expected this year, they noted.

Vendors will be onsite selling frybread and other food, as well as Native art and jewelry and other crafts.

“Two-Spirit” is a Native American term for people with both female and male energies. Twospirits may, or may not, also identify as LGBTQ. BAAITS was founded to recover and restore the role of Two-Spirit people within the American Indian/First Nation community by creating a forum for the spiritual, cultural, and artistic expression of Two-Spirit people, according to its website. The powwow is its largest annual event.

In partnership with community organizations from the South of Market neighborhood, the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department is taking proposals for the naming of a new park located within the western part of the district at the intersection of 11th and Natoma streets.

According to Rec and Park’s newsletter, this initiative aims to involve the community in selecting a meaningful and appropriate name that resonates with the park’s location, historical significance, or honors an individual’s contributions to the SOMA community.

The submission deadline is Monday, February 12, with two virtual community meetings to present and review nominations on Tuesday, February 13, and Thursday, March 7, at 6 p.m. For more information, go to http://tinyurl.com/25x42djs.

Courtesy BAAITS

The powwow is a sober event.

BAAITS also has information on etiquette for those attending that can be found on its website. (https://www. baaits.org/2024-powwow/powwow-etiquette) The event is free though donations are welcome.

BAAITS’ COVID protocol states that masks are required and will be available. For more information, go to baaits.org.

SF Pride 2024 theme announced

“Beacon of Love” is the theme for this year’s San Francisco Pride parade and celebration. The announcement was made Monday morning on KGOTV, the local ABC affiliate which

broadcasts the event, by SF Pride board President Nguyen Pham, a gay man, and Executive Director Suzanne Ford, a transgender woman.

SF Pride weekend will be June 29-30.

In other news, SF Pride announced it has unveiled a new website and has started a new project on its social media called “My First Pride,” in which memories and photos are shared by people about their first experience at the world-famous event. People are welcome to share their own stories, officials stated.

For more information, go to sfpride.org.

Carnaval celebrates Mardi Gras

The organizers of Carnaval San Francisco, the annual May street festi-

val and parade, will get into the Mardi Gras spirit next week with a party crawl in the Mission district on Fat Tuesday, February 13, from 5 to 10 p.m.

People are encouraged to wear costumes, masks (Mardi Gras or for COVID protection), and beads and join the fun at over 20 venues, including the 24th Street BART plaza and numerous party hot spots such as Bissap Baobab SF, Arcana, Kimbara Ritmo y Sabor, and Cha Cha Cha, a news release stated. The event also salutes Afro-Diasporic music and Black History Month, organizers noted.

There will be lively music from Cumbia, Rumba, and Soca; Samba drummers, and dance performances.

To register for free tickets and/ or donate, go to http://tinyurl.com/ ms2u46j2.

Courtesy SF Pride

The 2024 San Francisco Pride theme and logo have been announced.

I vote for my family.

Register now and vote in March 5, 2024 Election.

sfelections.org/register (415) 554-4375 sfvote@sfgov.org

City Hall, Room 48 sfelections.org

SF Episcopal church upholds those who have HIV/AIDS

The Church of the Advent of Christ the King, an Episcopal house of worship located at 261 Fell Street in San Francisco, has started recognizing in its Orb newsletter people who suffer from HIV/AIDS, those who have died, and their loved ones. The church years ago started its AIDS candle memorial near the baptismal font that has burned for decades.

The church, under then-Rector Father Bill Rhodes, instituted the candle along with a perpetual novena with words to the effect that “I don’t know what we can do about this except to do what we do very well – pray.”

The church did more than pray, however, the newsletter article noted.

It conducted funerals for those who died and whose families repudiated them, leading to many such services for people whom the parish did not know. “Even though there were considerable expenses related to the many funerals that were held, Fr. Rhodes never turned anyone away who turned to the church for help – either with small monetary amounts or a funeral,” the article stated.

Now, while the memorial candle is still present, the novena is no longer offered. But people can send names of those they’d like to honor in the newsletter in a specific month.

Names should be sent by the 15th of the month to adventsfnews@gmail. com. The Orb will publish first names only. Those who wish to support the memorial candle can do so with a suggested donation of $10-$20 for any given month. Questions can be directed to the Orb’s editor at the above email address.t

Alameda judge sworn in

A

lameda County Superior Court Judge Bentrish Satarzadeh holds her daughter, Emma, after she was enrobed by her wife, Maggie Marano, right, and mother, Violet Satarzadeh, during her swearing in ceremony Friday, February 2, at the Rene C. Davidson Courthouse in Oakland. Satarzadeh, who was des-

Cynthia Laird

ignated to a family court assignment, is believed to be the state’s second Assyrian judicial officer. Assyrians are the Indigenous people from what are now the countries of Iran, Iraq, Turkey and Syria, explained Satarzadeh.

Satarzadeh thanked her colleagues and Governor Gavin Newsom, who appointed her to the position.

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Health News>>

February 8-14, 2024 • Bay Area Repor ter • 5

Newsom signs PrEP expansion bill into law

by Matthew S. Bajko

G

overnor Gavin Newsom has signed into law a bill expanding access to the HIV prevention medication PrEP via pharmacies. He did so Tuesday without comment.

Senate Bill 339 makes it easier for people to receive PrEP from a pharmacy without having to first talk to their primary care physician. It requires health plans to cover up to a 90-day supply of PrEP prescribed by a pharmacist.

It also requires them to cover an ongoing supply if the patient is ensured follow-up care and testing consistent with federal guidelines for the usage of PrEP. The medicine is an effective intervention for keeping people HIVnegative and a key part of health officials’ efforts to eliminate the nearly 4,000 new HIV diagnoses annually reported in California.

“PrEP is a daily pill that almost entirely eliminates HIV risk. SB 339 will help California achieve our goal of eliminating new HIV infections,” wrote gay state Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) in a February 6 post on social media site X. Wiener, who is on PrEP, had au-

<<

'Winter of Love'

From page 1

Rizzo, who said that she had been “traveling for work” on February 12, 2004, when same-sex couples started marrying in San Francisco, had secured the March appointment for the couple to wed.

As they approached City Hall that afternoon to take their vows – they’d invited some 50 friends and relatives for the occasion, including, of course, their young son Christopher – “all of a sudden we’re seeing all this media go in and I thought, ‘someone famous must be getting married’ and they said, ‘Oh, they’re shutting it down,’” Rizzo recalled to the Bay Area Reporter.

The California Supreme Court had granted a stay of the marriages sought by opponents of the nuptials.

“Pali and I go running to City Hall to the clerk’s office,” Rizzo said. “Couples are crying, going home; they’re sad. And I said to Pali, my wife, ‘we have to stand there and be denied.’”

The images of the couple denied their wedding license were broadcast around the world.

“We went back to the house and we had the caterer and everyone was ready to have a party but all we did, all night, was watch ourselves on television,” Rizzo said. It was then that the San Francisco-based National Centers for Lesbian Rights called, asking if the couple would be plaintiffs in a lawsuit, “which meant staying up all night filling out forms,” she said.

Six months later the court voided the approximately 4,000 same-sex

From X

Governor Gavin Newsom

thored SB 339 as a follow up to his first-in-the-nation legislation passed in 2019 that authorized people to acquire a 60-day supply of PrEP from a pharmacist without a doctor’s prescription.

Yet it had limited impact because the amount of pills was not enough and health plans weren’t covering the cost of pharmacists’ labor in preparing PrEP, according to Wiener’s office.

With other states, such as Colorado, Nevada, and Utah, subsequently passing bills without limits on how much PrEP one can obtain via a pharmacy, marriages performed in San Francisco between February 12 and March 11. It did not at that time rule on the question of the constitutionality of only allowing marriages between people of opposite sexes.

That legal issue would be the focus of the case brought by Rizzo and Cooper and other couples, with the California Supreme Court ruling in 2008 via its In re Marriage Cases decision that the state constitution was, in fact, violated by the law only allowing opposite-sex marriages.

It was also featured in Geoff Callan and Mike Shaw’s 2005 documentary “Pursuit of Equality,” which screened at the Castro Theatre February 2 - prior to the movie house closing for renovations - during a private party and reunion held for many of the couples who wed two decades ago. (Rizzo and Cooper were legally married after the In re Marriage Case decision, on September 5, 2008.)

The 20th anniversary of the “Winter of Love” – the month of equality where same-sex marriages were performed in the City and County of San Francisco, stirring national condemnation and worldwide hope and joy – starts this Monday. Mayor London Breed announced on Threads that there will be a special event featuring couples tying the knot to commemorate the anniversary at City Hall on Valentine’s Day, Wednesday, February 14.

“We have so much love to give and celebrate in this city,” the mayor stated.

Couples interested in participating can sign up at http://tinyurl.com/ ybm3pj5t.

Wiener had introduced SB 339 last year to change California’s cap. But he ended up pulling the legislation last summer after the Assembly Appropriations Committee inserted language into it Wiener considered to be a “poison pill amendment,” as the Bay Area Reporter previously reported.

He had contended it would allow insurance companies to impose prior authorization and step-therapy for PrEP and PEP, which is taken immediately after someone believes they were exposed to HIV while having sex. Such policies are significantly limited in California under existing state law and regulations.

After Wiener engaged with his Assembly counterparts last fall and winter, they reached an agreement to remove the amendment language from the bill. It paved the way for SB 339 to be passed out of the Assembly and Senate with unanimous support from both chambers last month.

“Central to our HIV strategy is not to have prior authorizations from health insurance companies,” Wiener noted.

With SB 339 becoming law, health plans will now also have to reimburse pharmacists for their PrEP services.

People will still need to take a test to show they are HIV-negative and have blood work done, things pharmacists can order without the need for patients to see their primary care physician.

The California Health Benefits Review Program estimates SB 339 will result in a $654,000 increase in MediCal expenditures per year and cost an additional $149,000 due to beneficiaries enrolled in county organized health systems.

“HIV continues to take a huge toll on public health in California, and SB 339 unlocks a powerful tool to prevent new infections,” stated Wiener. “PrEP is nearly 100% effective at preventing HIV transmission, but far too many Californians lack access to it. Allowing people to obtain this powerful anti-HIV tool at their neighborhood pharmacy will greatly expand access and is a big step toward a future free from new HIV cases.”

Equality California, the statewide LGBTQ advocacy organization, cosponsored SB 339 along with the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and pharmacists’ professional group. The state’s pharmacy board also backed the legislation, which it estimates will cost it $44,000 per year in fiscal years

2024-26, and an additional $1,000 in information technology costs from its contingency fund.

“On behalf of the members of the California Pharmacists Association, I want to thank Senator Wiener and our co-sponsors for their tireless efforts to remove barriers to pharmacists’ ability to independently initiate and provide PEP/PrEP,” stated California Pharmacists Association President Michael Connor, PharmD. “Every individual who chooses to receive this life-saving medication from their community pharmacy should be able to do so. I would also like to extend our gratitude to the Governor for signing this important piece of legislation. Community pharmacies are important access points and his acknowledgment of this is truly appreciated.”

Newsom’s signing of Wiener’s bill follows his veto last year of PrEP legislation authored by Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Santa Monica/ West Hollywood). His Assembly Bill 1645 would have closed loopholes and strengthened protections in existing law to ensure that California health insurers continue to provide free and complete coverage for preventive services like PrEP and testing for STIs.t

‘Chills down the spine’

action on the issue. Just weeks into his mayoral tenure Newsom had attended Bush’s State of the Union speech on January 20 as a guest of then-House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco). In it the president – facing reelection – came down hard on the aforementioned Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.

“I believe we should respect individuals as we take a principled stand for one of the most fundamental, enduring institutions of our civilization,” Bush said. “Activist judges ... have begun redefining marriage by court order, without regard for the will of the people and their elected repre-

sentatives. On an issue of such great consequence, the people’s voice must be heard. If judges insist on forcing their arbitrary will upon the people, the only alternative left to the people would be the constitutional process.

Our nation must defend the sanctity of marriage.”

Newsom called his chief of staff, Steve Kawa, a gay man, to discuss what steps the city could take, according to a contemporaneous San Francisco Chronicle report.. It led to Newsom’s administration determining the denial of marriage licenses to same-sex

Pressure on Gavin Newsom to marry same-sex couples had been building after his election as San Francisco mayor in November 2003, as the B.A.R. reported in its February 5, 2004 issue.

And as the B.A.R. first reported in its February 12, 2004 issue under the headline “SF to sanction gay marriage,” Newsom two days prior had ordered then-city clerk Nancy Alfaro to figure out how to issue marriage licenses to couples of the same sex.

Ironically, Republican then-President George W. Bush had also played a role in convincing Newsom to take

See page 8 >>

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“Pursuit of Equality” directors Geoff Callan, left, and Mike Shaw welcomed Governor Gavin Newsom to a special screening celebrating the 20th anniversary of the “Winter of Love” February 2 at the Castro Theatre.

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<< Open Forum

t Retain SF Judges Begert, Thompson

6 • Bay Area Repor ter • February 8-14, 2024

Volume 54, Number 6 February 8-14, 2024 www.ebar.com

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S

an Francisco voters should retain Superior Court Judges Michael Isaku Begert and Patrick Thompson. The only reason they are being challenged is because a group called Safer San Francisco, which in 2022 advocated for the recall of former district attorney Chesa Boudin and supported the election of Brooke Jenkins following her appointment by Mayor London Breed, has determined that these two judges – both men of color – have earned a “failing” grade due to actions they have allegedly taken in a handful of cases. We don’t think cherry-picking court cases is a good way to elect judges. And there’s often a lot more that goes into decisions made by judges than people sitting in a courtroom may realize.

Begert

Begert was appointed by Republican former governor Arnold Schwarzenegger 13 years ago. A straight ally, Begert currently serves as supervising judge of the Community Assistance Recovery and Empowerment, or CARE, court program established by Governor Gavin Newsom. In his Bay Area Reporter endorsement questionnaire, Begert noted that San Francisco County was one of the first seven counties to implement the CARE court program, which is a collaboration between public health, the courts, and the individuals and families impacted by serious mental illness. “I support my CARE court program because the way I run it respects the rights of people with serious mental illness while understanding the challenges of psychosis and advocating for better services and treatment,” he stated.

“These treatment courts address the underlying causes of this behavior by connecting defendants to housing, drug treatment, mental and physical health care, and employment,” he added. Before the CARE court program was established, Begert was assigned to drug court, community justice court, and veterans justice court. In short, he’s familiar with the issues these defendants often face.

He also noted that diversion programs, which are when a defendant is offered the opportunity to

Thompson

Courtesy the candidates

San Francisco Superior Court Judges Michael Isaku Begert, left, and Patrick Thompson

complete a program and, if successful, their criminal charges can be reduced or dismissed, aren’t perfect. But, he explained, they “produce long-term results which are far superior to those achieved through temporary incarceration. People in these programs access stable housing, which makes us safer. They address their substance use and mental health disorders, which make us safer. They engage with public services, which makes us safer. They obtain employment, which imparts a sense of personal worth, which makes us safer.”

Begert also has lived experience concerning discrimination. His mother is an immigrant from Japan and raised five children in a rural community. “As a child, my mother would take me into town with her,” he wrote. “She would drop me off at the Woolworth’s so that she could shop at the J.C. Penney’s next door, and I remember the sales clerk following me around the store because I was Asian. I endured racial epithets at school.”

Begert has 34 years of professional experience as a lawyer, volunteer, and judge – all in San Francisco. That tells us he is well informed about the issues facing the city, and works to improve the ones he deals with in the criminal justice system.

It’s also significant that 47 current judges on the San Francisco bench have endorsed him, as have several retired or current LGBTQ judges.

Voters should keep Begert on the bench.

Thompson was appointed by Newsom in March 2022. He runs his courtroom “by the book,” as he has often said on the campaign trail and in his endorsement questionnaire. A Black man and a straight ally, Thompson stated that he has mentored LGBTQ attorneys and served in leadership roles in the Bar Association of San Francisco, the State Bar of California, and the American Bar Association.

“I have tried to fulfill my oath by playing it by the book and affirming the dignity of everyone who appears before me,” Thompson stated.

He added that his first priority “is to apply the law fairly, impartially, and equitably to serve the interests of our community.” He serves on several court committees that reflect his goals of identifying best practices to better serve the community. These include pretrial, where the judges assess tools to comply with applicable law on pretrial custody and develop better tools to assess alternatives to ensure public safety and that defendants return to court; probation, where the judges consider the efficacy of programs and post-conviction supervision; and information technology, where judges consider resources to improve court efficiency and public access.

Thompson stated that he was not able to answer some of our questions because, as a judge, he cannot opine on any legislative or policy matters.

But he did indicate when he was a law partner he represented a defendant who was identified as a closeted gay man seeking political asylum.

“I worked closely with a gay male paralegal who was drawn to work on the project even though he worked at another law firm,” Thompson stated.

“Through our efforts, our client was able to remain in the United States.”

Thompson stated that he considers applicable law in his decisions. That’s exactly what a judge is supposed to do.

Voters should retain Thompson.t

Johnson recommended for Alameda bench

W

e were strongly considering were to be elected and assigned to a endorsing Alameda County criminal court.

Superior Court Commissioner Mark That leaves us with the decision to Fickes, a gay man running a second endorse the other candidate in the time for an open judicial seat. But race, Michael Johnson, a Black man last month, Fickes displayed a shockand straight ally who, to his credit, ing lack of judicial temperament that declined to answer the “Who did you forced us to reconsider. As we have vote for in the DA’s race” question reported, Fickes answered a quesposed at that central committee meetCourtesy the candidate tion from members of the Alameda ing. “The judicial canons prohibit that County Democratic County Central Alameda judicial kind of response,” Johnson told us Committee about who he voted for candidate shortly after that central committee in the district attorney’s race in 2022 Michael Johnson meeting. He’s right about that. and said it was current District AtJohnson already serves as a temtorney Pamela Price. While that was porary judge, so he would be able bad enough, in that it could be a conflict of interest to hit the ground running. While he stated in his and possibly violate the Canons of Judicial Ethics, questionnaire that he does not have experience or Price, who also is an elected member of the cenexposure to discrimination against LGBTQ inditral committee, voted to endorse Fickes, who did viduals or people living with HIV/AIDS, he did get the local Democratic Party’s nod. But in our note his personal experiences with discrimination. opinion that endorsement came at the high cost of “As an African American male, in my lifetime I cerappearing to cozy up to someone whose prosecutainly have experienced discrimination against me tors would appear in front of him every day if he and against other African Americans in the court-

room, administrative proceedings, criminal system, and in the legal profession,” he stated.

He added that in general, his practice is to call out such conduct “immediately to the person(s) who have engaged in that conduct; and address it in a professional manner making certain that the person(s) committing the discriminatory behavior clearly understand that their behavior is unacceptable to me/others, will not be tolerated, and must be immediately corrected.”

Due to the judicial canons, Johnson declined to answer some of our questions. But he did state that if elected, he would do his part “as a judicial officer to always ensure fair and equal access to justice for all.”

Johnson has the support of more than 20 Alameda County judges as well as many other community leaders. He would be a strong addition to the bench, and we recommend him to Alameda County voters.t

2 out candidates for Alameda supe W

e’ve been waiting a long time to have a member of the LGBTQ community elected to the Alameda County Board of Supervisors.

Over the years out candidates have come up short, which has been frustrating given the large queer community in the East Bay. In the March 5 primary, there are two out candidates on the ballot. Gay Black nurse Jennifer Esteen is running in District 4 against incumbent Nate Miley. Meanwhile, the scramble is on in District 5, which became an open race when longtime Supervisor Keith Carson decided in December not to seek reelection. That race includes gay candidate and Emeryville City Councilmember John Bauters.

We’re recommending Esteen and Bauters in their respective contests.

Esteen

Esteen will bring energy and ideas to the Board of Supervisors. She ran unsuccessfully for state Assembly two years ago but since then has remained committed to her East Bay community.

She’s a public health nurse and psychiatric registered nurse who stated in her questionnaire that community-based behavioral health care services should be expanded. Esteen is also a mom, and

Courtesy the candidates

Alameda County Board of Supervisor candidates Jennifer Esteen, left, and John Bauters

that informs many of her policy ideas.

To create more affordable housing, Esteen stated that she’d work to build more mixed-income, deeply affordable, mixed generation, transit-rich, green housing. “We need transit-dense housing connected to community services where people of all ages and income levels co-exist,” she stated.

One source for some of that affordable housing would be on or near BART property. (The transit agency has been involved in projects with community and development partners on its

property that has seen 4,140 housing units built at 16 stations, with some being affordable. More projects are in the pipeline.) She would also like to increase rental subsidies and a robust first-time homebuyer program to support workers that reside in the county with preferences for equity measures including LGBTQ+ identity, she stated.

Esteen would also like to see what she called “inflated investments in jails and prisons” be shifted back into community-based care, particularly for mental health services.

If elected, Esteen would be the first gay Black county supervisor not only in Alameda County, but in California, she noted. “Values and representation matter,” she stated, adding that she would take that into account for various appointments the supervisors make.

District 4 includes portions of Oakland; portions of Pleasanton; the unincorporated communities of Ashland, Castro Valley, Cherryland, El Portal Ridge, Fairmont Terrace, Fairview, Hill Crest Knolls; and a portion of Sunol. Since the race is only between two candidates, the winner will be decided in March.

See page 11 >>

Politics >>

t East Bay bi councilwoman Rubio seeks state Senate seat

by Matthew S. Bajko

F

or nearly three decades Marisol Rubio’s top priority has been taking care of her daughter, Alexandria, who was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer shortly after being born.

Ignoring the advice of doctors to pursue hospice care, Rubio fought for her infant child to receive treatment.

It led Rubio to earning a degree in molecular and cell biology, with a neurobiology emphasis, from UC Berkeley and having a career as a home health care provider. She also became an advocate for women’s reproductive health care and for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Her public advocacy efforts also led her into pursuing a political career to advocate on behalf of other families facing similar situations as that of her and her daughter. After losing her 2020 primary bid against state Senator Steve Glazer (D-Orinda), Rubio was seated on a local water services board in Contra Costa County when no one else ran for it that fall.

Two years ago she won a tough race for a San Ramon City Council seat.

Now, with Glazer termed out of office, she is running again for Senate in the 9th District that now includes portions of southern Alameda County due to the 2021 redistricting process.

“I came into this to fight for the communities I represent and families like mine who have been suffering way too long,” Rubio told the Bay Area Reporter about her decision to seek elected office. “While we have been lucky to have some champions step forward and are vocal and speak up, we don’t have enough. We really don’t.”

As one of just two candidates in the race, Rubio is assured of advancing out of the March 5 primary to the November 5 ballot. But she once again is facing a tough campaign due to running against Assemblymember Tim Grayson (D-Concord) for the Senate seat.

The two Democrats have both secured endorsements from various unions and women’s rights organizations, while moderate party members have endorsed Grayson and progressives have sided with Rubio. Having secured LPAC’s endorsement, Rubio is campaigning for the first time as an out bisexual candidate.

Courtesy the candidate

San Ramon City Councilmember Marisol Rubio is seeking a state Senate seat.

“Anyone coming out and being vocal about this, it is a very personal thing. We have to make ourselves vulnerable,” said Rubio. “At the same time we are doing that, we are lifting up so many other people who are suffering and don’t feel safe speaking up.”

As last week’s Political Notebook reported, Rubio, 50, came out personally at age 18 but put her dating life on hold after becoming a single mom. That changed last year when Alexandria, 28, enrolled in college – she transferred last month to UC Davis where she is majoring in psychology and Spanish – and Rubio found herself having time again to seek a relationship.

“We have to put a face to what our community really looks like, which is everybody, and dismantling those stereotypes ... I think a lot of people tend to attribute certain stereotypes to the LGBTQIA community, which are wrong and incorrect,” said Rubio, who is also gendernonconforming and demisexual. “We have the same aspirations and goals, and have families we love and care for.

We want them to be safe and grow and be prosperous in their lives just like anyone else.”

Part of a record number of six bi women seeking state legislative seats on the primary ballot, Rubio is one of two vying for open Senate seats.

Sasha Renée Pérez is running in the 25th Senate District spanning Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties.

To date, the only bi member of the Legislative LGBTQ Caucus has been Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-San Jose), who is seeking a third two-year

term this year. Aiming to join him as its second bi male member is Hawthorne City Councilmember Alex Monteiro, who is seeking the open Senate District 35 seat in Los Angeles County.

The octet of bi candidates is among the 30 LGBTQ people running for either an Assembly or Senate seat on the March 5 primary ballot, where the top two vote-getters regardless of party advance to the general election. It marks the largest group of out legislative candidates to run in the Golden State based on records kept by the B.A.R. Rubio grew up in Chicago in a Catholic household, the youngest of three sisters raised by a single mother, as her immigrant parents from Colombia separated when she was five.

(Her father died in 2022 and her mother now lives in Southern California along with one of her siblings.)

In 2003, Rubio and her daughter moved to the East Bay for her to attend UC Berkeley. This March will mark their 10th anniversary of living in San Ramon.

With her Senate candidacy (https://www.marisolforca.com/) and being a local elected leader, Rubio told the B.A.R. she hopes to inspire LGBTQ youth that there is a future waiting for them. She has been alarmed by the national backlash against rights for LGBTQ young people, especially those who are transgender, which also has become an issue in her local community.

“We are causing them so much harm, they are even willing to contemplate taking their own lives,” said Rubio. “To me, it is just very sad and really a reflection of a lack of compassion and understanding and really seeing each other as human beings and seeing ourselves in each other.”

Milk club backs gay SoCal House candidate

Regarding the January 29, Political Notes column “CA LGBTQ Latino group makes surprising dual endorsement in SF supervisor race”: PACs will PAC. I’ve known of (dis)HONOR PAC for a while now. In 2009, it posted pictures from a Halloween party that included an attendee in blackface. Any other organization in their right mind would not allow that person to attend, let alone take a picture of said offensive action and not only post it but feature it so prominently. It was actually the photo album cover photo! I called it out at the time, but it has stayed up for 15 years until last week when it got visibility beyond Southern California.

The PAC’s stated mission is to give the Latina/ o/e LGBTQ+ movement a voice in government.

So, its decision not to choose either of the two queer Latina/o/e folks running in favor of a straight Latino cis male and a non-Latino gay man is baffling to say the least. It also made many a San Francisco Bay Area Latina/e/o say, “Who the fuck are they? Never heard of them” HONOR PAC has mostly focused on Southern California where it’s based. But with the addition of San Francisco’s Alfredo Pedroza to its board, it has taken a position on the District 9 Supervisor race where Mr. Pedroza lives.

In the column, Mr. Pedroza explains: “The simple part of why we endorsed who we endorsed in this race – both Roberto Hernández and Trevor Chandler – is that they represent the issues that are important to HONOR PAC. We are an issues-based PAC not into the personality politics,” said Pedroza. “Also, they both reached out to us. They were the only two candidates who reached out in this race for an endorsement.”

Barry Schneider Attorney at Law

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

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

Scott W. Wazlowski Vice President of Advertising

! e s i t dver

advertising@ebar.com

A The

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

A gay former San Francisco resident seeking a House seat in Los Angeles picked up the support of the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club ahead of the March 5 primary. Jirair Ratevosian, Ph.D., is one of 15 candidates running for the open 30th Congressional District seat being vacated by Congressmember Adam Schiff (DBurbank) due to his decision to run for a U.S. Senate seat this year.

Ratevosian formerly worked for Congressmember Barbara Lee (DSee page 11 >>

PlanningAhead Ahead isisSimple Planning Simple The benefits are immense.

Letters>> Questions about HONOR PAC endorsement

February 8-14, 2024 • Bay Area Repor ter • 7

Planning Ahead is Simple The benefits are immense.

Why the Bay Area Reporter didn’t push for further exWhen you plan your life celebration and lasting remembrance in planation is beyond me. Especially since there are so many advance, you can design every detail of your own unique memorial unanswered questions: 1) How did these two candidates and provide your loved ones with true peace of mind. Planning ahead know to apply but all the others didn’t? 2) Is this the first When your celebration lasting protectsyou your plan loved ones fromlife unnecessary stress and and financial burden, time HONOR PAC endorsed in the SF Bay Area and why When you remembrance plan your celebration and lasting in allowing themlife to focus on what will matter most at design that remembrance time—you. in advance, you can every just in the district where one of its board members lives? 3) advance, you can design every detail of your own unique memorial detail ofusyour owntheunique memorial andlegacy provide What/who is that common connection between these two Contact today about beautiful ways to create a lasting candidates and the organization (one can infer from reading atyour theloved San Francisco Columbarium. and provide loved ones with true peace mind.

Planning ahead your ones with true peace ofof mind.

Planning the article)? 4) Also, how come many San Francisco Latine/ protects your loved ones from unnecessary stress and financial ahead protectsProudly yourserving loved onesCommunity. from unnecessary burden, x/a/o political folk never heard of HONOR PAC until this the LGBT allowing them focus on whatburden, will matter most them at thattotime—you. story? 5) Did you check in with other local queer Latine/a/o stresstoand financial allowing politicos to see if they even heard of HONOR PAC? focus on what will matter most at that time—you.

Hopefully, someone will do a deeper dive into Contact us today about the beautiful ways to create a lasting legacy this soon.

The benefits are immense.

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

Lito Sandoval San Francisco

Don’t forget the Elephant Walk

Your initial online article, “Old Harvey’s space gets new name” by John Ferrannini on Thursday, February 1, seems to have neglected to mention the space was known as the Elephant Walk, rather famous in gay history as the site of a police riot where patrons were attacked on White Night in one of the most shameful acts of the San Francisco Police Department’s history. Rather like mentioning the old Washington, D.C. Record and Pension Office was being relocated and ignoring that it was also called Ford’s Theater, the site of the Lincoln assassination.

Stephen R. Stapleton Sacramento, California

[Editor’s note: That has been corrected.]

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

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<< From the Cover

8 • Bay Area Repor ter • February 8-14, 2024

<<

t

'Winter of Love'

From page 5

couples violated the state constitution’s equal protection clause and instructing the clerk to take action.

Newsom, now California’s governor, stood by his decision this week in a statement to the B.A.R. on February 6.

“During the historic ‘Winter of Love’ in San Francisco, people of all backgrounds came together to champion human dignity,” Newsom stated.

“In those few weeks we learned to listen to people, not pundits; focus on fairness, not tradition; and err on the side of inclusion. We must continue to apply those lessons and stay vigilant to protect the fundamental rights that were so hard won. The actions taken by countless individuals garnered overwhelming support for equality and protections everyone deserves.”

Then Assessor-Recorder Mabel Teng officiated the first marriage February 12 – of longtime lesbian activists Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin. (Both are now deceased.) Kate Kendell, then the executive director of NCLR, was in the room.

“It was an absolutely chills-downthe-spine moment,” Kendell said. “I obviously – it’s well-documented – burst into tears. I felt – and everyone there felt – like we were in that very rare and privileged position of witnessing a truly history-making moment, and who gets to do that? It was electrifying.”

John Lewis, a gay San Francisco man, decided to attend a Freedom to Marry Day rally at City Hall earlier that day as a way of getting more involved in the struggle for equal rights.

The event had been going on for several years. After a rally on the City Hall steps, same-sex couples would go to the clerk’s office and be denied marriage licenses in an effort to spotlight the discrimination.

“It was literally the first time we decided to get involved,” Lewis said of himself and his now-husband, Stuart Gaffney. “Stuart had a lunch meeting at his office downtown, so we planned that I would go and would report back that evening.”

When he showed up to the rally, however, Lewis heard the heretofore unthinkable news.

“Moments earlier, San Francisco had opened the door for LGBTQ couples to get married, right then,” he said.

“I absolutely did not believe it. I did not even own a cellphone, and fortunately, someone lent me it. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to reach [Stuart].”

Gaffney picked up the phone.

“It was the most urgent wedding proposal you ever heard,” Gaffney said.

“I would have loved to have a romantic dinner and some fine champagne, but this was a historic moment.”

However, the excitement was punctuated by the fact that, in Gaffney’s words, “we were very worried just as soon as the door opened for us to get married the door would slam shut.

This was the reason it was such an urgent wedding proposal.”

Gaffney went on the Muni underground and the two became among the first 10 same-sex couples married in San Francisco.

After the words were pronounced – “by virtue of the authority vested in me by the state of California, I pronounce you spouses for life” – the clerk gave the newlyweds information about pregnancy.

“It was given to us by the clerk in the most deadpan, bureaucratic voice,” Lewis said. “But it meant we were being treated just like everybody else – it was deeply meaningful. Discrimination against same-sex couples had ended that day. … It was the first time in our lives we felt our government was treating us as equal human beings, as queer people. It was transformative and it changed everything.”

Rick Gerharter

Jeanne Rizzo, left, and Pali Cooper spoke during a March 4, 2008 news conference before the California Supreme Court’s hearing on same-sex marriages.

Courtesy B.A.R. Archive

The Bay Area Reporter’s front page for February 19, 2004 reported on the “Winter of Love.”

then-state Assemblymember Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) took exception to that, remembering the late senator’s remarks in a recent interview with the B.A.R. “I thought, ‘Really, senator? These are friends of yours, they waited 50 years, how much longer should they be expected to wait?’” said Leno, who at the time had introduced state legislation in support of marriage equality.

Leno had made his way to City Hall that first day and married many samesex couples.

As it happened, the state courts were closed February 12 due to Lincoln’s birthday holiday. The following day, the Proposition 22 Legal Defense and Education Fund and the Campaign for California Families filed suit, asking for an immediate stay of the samesex nuptials. (Prop 22 was passed by voters in 2000 and limited marriage to one man and one woman.)

But the courts were also closed Monday, February 16, due to Presidents Day. City Hall remained open all of that Valentine’s Day weekend issuing marriage licenses, and on February 19 the city filed its own suit against the state, charging that prohibiting same-sex marriages violated the equal protection clause. On February 20, a San Francisco court did not issue the Prop 22 side’s requested stay, meaning the marriages continued.

Legal maneuvers

Dennis Herrera, a straight ally, was San Francisco’s city attorney at the time.

“I’ll never forget that first Presidents Day weekend,” Herrera said. “I was heading up to Napa and I drove past City Hall on the weekend and I was stunned by seeing a line around the block. I realized, ‘Oh, wow, this was going to continue. This was going to be a really big deal.’”

The city’s same-sex marriage litigation was overseen and successfully argued at the state level by Therese Stewart, a lesbian and Herrera’s chief deputy who would be appointed by then-governor Jerry Brown to a seat on the state appeal court in 2014. In 2022, Newsom elevated Stewart to presiding justice of the 1st District Court of Appeal, Division Two, based in San Francisco. Stewart married her partner, Carole Scagnetti, in a City Hall ceremony in September 2008.

“Once it became clear the mayor was opening the doors to LGBTQ couples to allow them to marry, we at the San Francisco City Attorney’s office were scrambling to prepare for the inevitable requests for temporary restraining orders that opponents of marriage equality would file to try to halt the weddings,” Stewart stated. “We were intent on staving off any injunctions if we could so that the marriages could continue.”

Stewart added that she and Herrera wanted the same thing as Newsom was seeking: for the world to see samesex couples as human beings.

“What began for many as political protest became something much more personal and important,” she added. “As officiants uttered the words

‘Too much, too fast, too soon’

Not everyone was so thrilled.

Former San Francisco mayor and then-U.S. senator Dianne Feinstein (D-California) said the whole thing was “too much, too fast, too soon.” Gay

Drew Altizer Photography

Jeanne Rizzo, left, son Christopher Bradshaw, and wife Pali Cooper spoke at the “Pursuit of Equality” screening.

we are all so familiar with signifying a wedding, many couples unexpectedly found themselves in tears. Hearing those words applied to themselves unleashed both grief and joy: grief from yearning for equal treatment that had so long been denied, and joy that it seemed finally within reach.”

Matt Dorsey, a gay man who now represents District 6 on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, served as Herrera’s press liaison in 2004.

“In 2004, a lot of people pushed back on it – ‘Too much, too soon’ – and thought that Mayor Newsom shouldn’t have done it,” Dorsey said. “Having a front seat to history, I’ll never forget it. ... It was the most important thing I’ve done in my career so far.”

Dorsey said as the time went on and more marriages were performed, it took on a life of its own.

“It went from people making a statement – activists – to groups of families, especially older couples, people flying in from out of town and watching this,” Dorsey said. “It was extremely moving.”

Dorsey said he, too, would watch what had previously been unthinkable, and had trouble blinking back the tears.

“I would come back from lunch and go through the rotunda and watch people’s weddings and I’d come back all teary and people would say ‘where were you?’ and I’d say ‘a wedding,’ and they’d ask ‘who’s?’ and I’d say, ‘I have no idea,’” Dorsey recalled.

Dorsey also remembered the office defending – for the first time – marriages for same-sex couples in court.

That, too, was transformative, he said.

“We went to court the following week and made a case to the court,” he said.

Lewis agreed with that assessment.

“It was a communal joy about that moment, and when I reflect back 20 years later, it was everything that’s right about San Francisco, and obviously put San Francisco on the forefront of this issue worldwide,” he said. “During those days in 2004, City Hall was overflowing with love. In every corner of City Hall, LGBTQ couples were getting married who never thought they could.”

Prop 8 and aftermath

After the marriages were shut down by the stay, Rizzo and Cooper were joined as plaintiffs by Lewis and Gaffney, and by author Jewelle Gomez and Diane Sabin, a lesbian couple who did not participate in the Winter of Love marriages.

“They needed people who had not yet gotten married because the case was built on the premise that our right to marry was taken away, since it had existed for a bit,” Sabin said of the decision to join the suit. “It was certainly a major paradigm shift.”

(Lewis told the B.A.R. he and his husband joined the suit after the marriages were thrown out. “At that point we were in the exact same legal situation,” he said.)

Added Gomez: “We spent a good bit of the time doing press conferences. We had some social media training with NCLR and to really clarify our responses to questions so we were going to some of the court hearings and community forums to really talk

about what rights you gained being legally married by the government.”

Sabin said that “when you’re not able to do something for a long time, you develop a lot of reasons why you wouldn’t want to do it anyway.”

“Who of us knew there were 1,100 federal rights bestowed upon you if you get married?” she asked.

“We have responsibilities, and so we should have the full rights everyone in the culture has.”

Despite the California Supreme Court ruling, which saw the resumption of same-sex marriages for about five months, California voters amended the state Constitution to prohibit same-sex marriage in November 2008, with Proposition 8. That, too, was challenged in court during a federal trial in 2010 that declared Prop 8 unconstitutional. (Then-federal judge Vaughn Walker presided over that trial and publicly came out as gay afterward.)

After appealing to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which upheld the trial court, in 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the court ruling vacating Prop 8 to go into effect, determining those defending the proposition lacked standing to appeal. (Under then-state attorney general Kamala Harris, the state of California would not defend Prop 8 against the suit.

Harris is now vice president.) Two years later, in 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the discriminatory laws of the states that had not, on their own, legalized same-sex marriage.

The fact that same-sex marriage is legal in California only by court order is something advocates are trying to remedy this November with a ballot proposition removing the unenforceable, or “zombie,” Prop 8 language from the state constitution. The Assembly Constitutional Amendment was passed by the Legislature last year, clearing the way for voters to decide the issue this fall. Backers of it officially launched their Freedom to Marry campaign Wednesday.

Leno wishes then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger had signed his marriage bill, which the Republican governor vetoed twice, that would have changed state law before the In re Marriage Cases ruling.

“All of this would have changed the course of history if he had signed it,” Leno said. “The dynamic would have been we would have a Republican governor defending his signature, and I believe we would have won at the ballot.”

But victory was by no means assured in those heady days 20 years ago – Newsom was blamed when Bush, running on a nationwide ban on same-sex marriage, beat his Democratic challenger then-senator John Kerry (D-Massachusetts), and exit polls showed “moral values” was the largest single issue for voters in exit polls, NBC News reported. Kerry supported same-sex civil unions, but not marriage, at the time.

Still, “in hindsight, it accelerated the trajectory for winning marriage nationwide,” Kendell said. Just two years ago, President Joe Biden signed a law codifying same-sex marriage rights – with bipartisan support.

“It was without a doubt the most exhilarating chapter of my career,” Kendell said.t

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<< From the Cover

10 • Bay Area Repor ter • February 8-14, 2024

<<

New name

From page 1

Joshua J. Cook, a gay man who is in the ownership group and speaks for it, confirmed the new name to the Bay Area Reporter the same day the San Francisco Planning Commission unanimously approved changes they plan to make at the space.

“It’s a play on words with multiple meanings, that people of all communities, ages, and backgrounds can enjoy,” Cook stated February 1. “Pink pays homage and respect to the Castro community, queer community, pink triangle, and anyone that identifies with the LGBTQIA community.

The Swallow bird has many positive symbolic meanings all over the world, such as love, rebirth, luck, loyalty, and overall positive energy.

Cook noted the name also has a playful and flirty “tongue in cheek” connotation to it.

“Overall, we are excited and hope-

<<

Retail theft

From page 1

Station; SFPD Lieutenant Scott Ryan; and Ryan Allain, the director of government affairs for the California Retailers Association.

Mandelman had announced the town hall in mid-January after a number of mass retail thefts in District 8.

The issue gained renewed attention last week after a local TV news channel broadcast video showing half a dozen people wearing masks and filling bags with merchandise from the Walgreens at 498 Castro Street before fleeing the scene.

Jenkins zeroed in on Proposition 47, dubbed by its supporters the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act, which was passed by California voters in the November 2014 election by a margin of 60% to 40%. It recategorized certain nonviolent offenses, including some property crimes, as misdemeanors.

“I think we started to erode the tools that law enforcement had, as a state, to be able to prosecute theft crimes effectively,” Jenkins said. “One of the mechanisms that caused that was Prop 47, and we have to acknowledge that, and I’m not saying that I disagree with the spirit of what Prop 47 was intending to do … but what it did was, when it raised the threshold [for felony larceny] from $450 to $950, it created far more misdemeanor crimes at the same time the Legislature was watering down the penalties for misdemeanor crimes.”

As an example, Assembly Bill 3234, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2020, granted judges the power to allow for diversion in almost all misdemeanor cases.

Allain said that while retail theft may seem a unique San Francisco issue, it is a problem statewide.

“It’s more acute in San Francisco sometimes,” said Allain, who came to the event from Sacramento. “It hits the media more, but every city is doing this. The I-80 corridor they hit up and down. I can assure you it’s statewide.”

ful that the community will enjoy swallowing all of our delicious food and hand-made cocktails,” Cook told the B.A.R. The ownership group is composed of Cook, the general manager at Beaux nightclub at 2344 Market Street, and other Beaux stalwarts Alexis Lucero, Matthew Mello and Garrett Beighton, and Realtor Marco Caravajal. The new space is being designed by Gi Paoletti Design Lab. B.A.R. readers may remember that back in August the group had selected the name BRUT Bar, Bites and Nightclub, BRÜT, with an umlaut, is the name of an LGBTQ house music dance party that occurs with regular frequency in a number of places, including Los Angeles, Provincetown, Fire Island, and San Francisco.

When first asked about BRÜT, Cook had told the B.A.R. that he was “not aware of a party of that name.”

BRÜT’s Dan Darlington didn’t seem pleased when responding to the The freeway corridor from San Francisco to Sacramento includes exits to a number of cities and shopping centers.

Jenkins said that changing at least some of Prop 47 should be on the table. Changes would have to go before the voters again.

Mandelman said that in the past he opposed efforts to repeal Prop 47, but would be open to looking at making some changes.

“A couple of Prop 47 reforms have been submitted by Democrats in the Legislature, which is a change,” he said.

Allain, who lobbies the Legislature on behalf of his organization, which represents retailers statewide, said that “it is interesting.”

“It seems like a lot of things are changing, but we are trying to find out what we want that change to be,” he said, crediting California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Salinas) for making retail theft a “priority.”

Rivas announced last year the formation of the Assembly Select Committee on Retail Theft, which includes San Francisco Assemblymember Matt Haney (D).

Haney did not return a request for comment.

Allain said that the committee will be visiting San Francisco “later this month or March.”

“From the California Retailers Association’s perspective, I would agree with Brooke Jenkins that Prop 47 – we need to look at that,” Allain said.

“There’s some willingness there that hasn’t been in the past to examine that through a conscious lens.”

Allain said that the association isn’t interested in lowering the threshold for felony larceny – other states, such as Texas, have thresholds twice as high as in the Golden State – but is interested in bringing back the charge of petty theft with a prior, which was eliminated under Prop 47.

Prior to Prop 47, three prior convictions for theft could result in a felony sentence of 16 months to three

B.A.R.’s inquiry regarding the name.

“We have owned a federal trademark registration for BRÜT for more than seven years,” he stated. “The public has come to associate that mark with the high-quality services we provide. Our IP is valuable to us, and we are evaluating our options for protecting our mark and eliminating any likelihood of confusion.”

As for the new name, Cook stated, “We are still in the process of obtaining the trademark, our application was accepted three months ago. However, we don’t anticipate any opposition as there are no existing trademarks of the same name.”

Planning panel gives OK

Meanwhile, the city’s planning commission approved a conditional use authorization at its noon meeting February 1 to establish a nighttime entertainment zone on the first and second floors of the space.

“The project includes a storefront

K

Pink Swallow is expected to open this summer.

The space was initially the home of the Elephant Walk, which first opened in 1974. The disco diva Sylvester performed there, and it was a site of reprisal early May 22, 1979, when San Francisco police officers came in and attacked patrons following the White Night riots downtown, which were a response to the late gay San Francisco supervisor Harvey Milk’s killer, Dan White, receiving only a seven-year sentence for his 1978 crimes of assassinating Milk and then-mayor George Moscone in City Hall. (White ended up serving five years and later died by suicide.)

After a fire almost destroyed it in the late 1980s, the Elephant Walk required extensive remodeling. Harvey’s was opened in the space in 1996 by Paul Langley, the property owner, who had refused to renew the Elephant Walk’s lease. The Paul Langley Co. owns the property to this day.t

John Ferrannini

Gay District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, standing, led a town hall discussion about retail theft at Noe Valley Ministry, 1021 Sanchez Street, on February 5. Mandelman was joined by, from left, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, San Francisco Police Department Captain Thomas Harvey of Mission Station, SFPD Lieutenant Scott Ryan, and Ryan Allain, the director of government affairs for the California Retailers Association.

years for a conviction on a new charge.

There are some exceptions in the law as is, such as if the prior conviction was a sex offense or elder abuse.

DA critiques ‘culture of tolerance’

Jenkins said that there’s only so much changing the penal code would do, however.

“We often talk about tolerance of other things, but when you start to make excuses and condone people’s behavior like this, it signals to them it’s OK,” Jenkins said. “And so I think there was this culture that was developed that, ‘Well, they must be stealing because they’re poor,’ and therefore we should excuse the stealing. ‘Oh, these are big retailers, they can afford to withstand the losses.’ ‘We shouldn’t try to protect big business over poor people.’

It’s kind of realizing at the end of the day – myself included, I was raised by a single mom – you can’t make excuses for stealing. At the end of the day we all have to follow laws. There are many resources we have to help people.”

Jenkins said that her office is not tolerant. She was brought on as district attorney after the successful recall of Chesa Boudin in 2022; under Boudin,

Go-Go’s inducted into CA Hall of Fame athy Valentine of the Go-Go’s is overjoyed as she speaks after being inducted into the California Hall of Fame on Tuesday, February 6, at the California Museum in Sacramento. To the right of Valentine are band members Belinda Carlisle, Gina Schock, bi gui-

merger of two existing storefront spaces at 500 Castro Street and 504 Castro Street, interior alterations, and exterior alterations. The proposed hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.,” the authorization states. “The restaurant use will operate for brunch, lunch, dinner service, and a late-night bar menu. The Planning Department found that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

The Commission’s action constitutes the Approval Action for the project for the purposes of CEQA, pursuant to San Francisco Administrative Code Section 31.04(h).”

The recommendation had been to approve the project, which the commissioners did unanimously as part of the meeting’s consent calendar. Thus, it didn’t hold a hearing on it.

“We are pleased to have received planning commission approval without discussion,” Cook stated. “We look forward to the next steps of the process and further community outreach.”

t

Hector Amezcua/The Sacramento Bee

tarist Jane Wiedlin, and Charlotte Caffey. Former San Francisco mayor Willie L. Brown Jr. was also part of the new hall of fame class. Governor Gavin Newsom and first partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom presented medals to the recipients.

a straight ally, the prosecution rate for petty theft reached a record low of 7.3%, and the diversion rate a record high of 63.6%, according to a 2021 SF Gate report.

She said that store closures have an impact on San Franciscans, as it affects their ability to access goods, such as medicines, and that it impacts the workers in the retail sector.

“Repeat offenders, organized crews: we’re going to walk into court and articulate that we believe they are a public safety risk – which most of them are – and say ‘you don’t get to walk back out of this courthouse like a revolving door,’” Jenkins said. “‘You have to stay there. You present a different danger to our city. You are more brazen. You are often more violent. It is a different level of assault that happens to these workers, who are dealing with four, five, ten people coming in in masks who are pushing and shoving, who are issuing threats.

You are not the kind of people we are going to treat just like an ordinary shoplifter.’”

At SFPD, Ryan works on retail theft operations. He said that the department has been asking retail stores to “give us your most affected stores” and has been sending undercover officers there.

“Different corporations [the retail stores] will fly people from all around the country to help,” Ryan said. “We’ll watch the things going on, and when they go outside, they are confronted by uniformed officers and arrested.”

The SFPD has made “north of 3,000 arrests doing that,” he said. “We’re in great partnership with the DA’s office.”

“We’ve done some as recently as last week,” Ryan added.

Police are also trying to deal with the problem on the back-end, through fencing operations to retrieve stolen merchandise, but this requires much more interagency cooperation across law enforcement.

“Everyone knows, you see the items for sale ended up on a corner,” Ryan said. “Some are shipped outside of the area and even outside of the country.”

Audience members could ask questions in writing. One question asked what people could do to help

the situation.

Harvey, the Mission Station captain, said that the issues Jenkins raised have been made worse by their confluence with the SFPD facing a staffing shortage. In response to the question he encouraged interested people to join the department.

Jenkins said one thing people could do to help would be to lobby their supervisor for more money for prosecutors. The DA’s office currently has only one person assigned to retail theft, Jenkins said, and Ryan reiterated her request, saying hiring a second person could help prevent burnout.

“As people become more brazen, we have to help them learn that we aren’t going to tolerate it,” she said.

Masood Samereie, a Realtor and straight ally who is a former president of the Castro Merchants Association, attended the event. He said he’s been “working with the SFPD and the DA since 2017-18, they’re doing what they can with the limited resources they have.”

“One of the other issues we have is merchants stop reporting, and that’s an issue in itself. When they stop reporting the crime, statistics are not shown properly, and the resources are not sent to proper areas. As a result, their insurance goes up and it causes them to close,” he said.

Samereie then turned to his thoughts on Prop 47.

“Prop 47, what was discussed, making the third offense a felony, that’s what would make the most sense to do,” he said. “Otherwise it sends a free ticket to the offenders that there’s no consequences.”

Samereie said that he’s seen “teenagers come in groups of four to five, maybe six.”

“Two stand on watch and the others fill their backpacks with all kinds of stuff,” he said. “The security guard is sitting right there, also watching it. They say, ‘It’s OK, this happens all the time.’

No, it’s not OK. These kids need to be arrested and released to their parents.

To them it’s OK to steal, and that’s what happens when they grow up. Those are the things that need attention, but I will bring it up in my meetings with the SF DA and SFPD going forward.”t

t <<

Election 2024>>

Political Notebook

From page 7

Oakland), who is also running for the Senate seat once held by the late Dianne Feinstein, as her legislative director in the early 2010s. The decade prior he had lived in San Francisco while enrolled in a medical post-baccalaureate program at UCSF. “I do have some history in the Bay Area. I was very excited about that endorsement,” said Ratevosian about securing the Milk club’s support of his candidacy.

As the Los Angeles native told the B.A.R. last year, Ratevosian credits his time in the Bay Area, which included

<<

Alameda supe

From page 6

We think Esteen has many good ideas that would improve the lives of Alameda County residents.

Bauters

Bauters is in a crowded race for the open District 5 seat. He has served on the Emeryville City Council since 2016, including stints as mayor (the position is rotated among the council-

February 8-14, 2024 • Bay Area Repor ter • 11

his working for Gilead Sciences a decade ago, as helping him come out of the closet later in life. The Armenian American had found it hard to do so having grown up in a conservative culture.

“My years in San Francisco really shaped my identity and my own coming out, really,” said Ratevosian, who last fall married Michael Ighadaro, a gay Nigerian who had sought asylum in the U.S. He is one of several out candidates aiming to survive the primary race for the House seat and be one of the two advancing to the November 5 ballot. Also running are lesbian West Hollywood City Councilmember

Sepi Shyne, who is Iranian; gay Armenian American GOPer Dr. Alex Balekian; and nonbinary transgender drag queen Maebe A. Girl, an at-large representative on the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council who has sought the congressional seat in the last two elections.

Ratevosian also secured the endorsement of gay former congressman Barney Frank, a Democrat from Massachusetts, whom he had gotten to know via his working for Lee. “When I called him and I told him about the race, he asked me tough and important questions about foreign policy issues,” said Ratevosian, who quit his State Department job under

the Biden administration last spring to run for Congress.

He had called for a ceasefire of Israel’s war in Gaza on October 17, 10 days into its bombing campaign against Hamas. Supportive of Israel’s efforts to defeat the terrorist group following its deadly October 7 attack on the country, Ratevosian also has criticized Israeli leaders for not being more precise with their strikes in the Palestinian territory, which have killed more than 27,400 people.

“Israel has the intelligence and sophisticated weaponry to be more targeted. They don’t have to bomb their hospitals to pursue their goals,” said Ratevosian.t

Web Extra: For more queer political news, be sure to check http:// www.ebar.com Monday mornings for Political Notes, the notebook’s online companion. This week’s column reported on a press gaggle held by lesbian U.S. Senator Laphonza Butler (D-California) while in San Francisco.

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

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

members). He noted in his endorsement questionnaire that he has done extensive work to address housing needs of all incomes in Emeryville, including championing a $50 million affordable housing bond that voters approved in 2018. Combined with other funds, the city has taken remaining city and redevelopment successor agency properties and has been developing them into low-income housing, he stated. This includes housing for everyone, from moderate income

households to permanent supportive housing with wrap-around services for people who are homeless, he explained. “Affordable housing production is possible with leadership,” he stated. He, too, is supportive of BART’s housing program.

On law enforcement reform, Bauters stated that additional work is needed with how some law enforcement officers engage with members of the transgender community. “Use of a deadname, misgendering people,

or not providing access to gender-affirming facilities for people in custody denies members of the LGBTQ community human dignity and personal safety,” he stated.

Bauters would work to increase representation by Black, Brown, and LGBTQ people on boards and commissions, and he readily acknowledged his privilege as a white man.

He said he has worked to mentor, support, elevate, and create space for Black, Indigenous, people of color,

and LGBTQ voices on Emeryville bodies, as well as regional boards and agencies where he serves. That would continue at the county level, he stated.

District 5 includes Albany, Berkeley, Emeryville, Piedmont, and a portion of Oakland including West Oakland, North Oakland, and the North Hills areas.

Bauters has the experience to hit the ground running on the Board of Supervisors.t

FILE A-0402276

Probate requests that COLIN KING be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.)

The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: FEBRUARY 13, 2024, 9:00 am, Dept: Probate, Rm: 204, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined by section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. 1. Remote Access to Department 204 A) Appearance or Public Access by Video and/or Audio via Zoom: Parties, counsel, and witnesses may appear by video or audio-only telephone through Zoom. For a video appearance, go to zoom.us, click ‘join a meeting” and input meeting ID 160 225 4765 and password 514879. For an audio-only telephone appearance through Zoom, call 1-669-2545252 and key in meeting ID 160 225 4765#, then participant ID 0#, then password 514879#. Toll rates may apply. Counsel, parties, and witnesses appearing by video must input their first and last name into the “’Your Name” dialogue box. Attorney for petitioner: MICHAEL F. WOODS, 377 WEST PORTAL AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94127; Ph. (415) 759-1900.

change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner SHARIF DEY AKA ROSCOE ENDRE LEE DUNCAN AKA ROSCOE DUNCAN is requesting that the name SHARIF DEY AKA ROSCOE ENDRE LEE DUNCAN AKA ROSCOE DUNCAN be changed to SHARIF BEY. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept.

103N, Rm. 103N on the 18th of APRIL 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 23rd of APRIL 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

Legals>> SUMMONS SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: RONALD J. ROSCIOLI, YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: BLUEX TRADE INC. CASE NO. CGC-22-601888

NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below. You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response.

You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo. ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service.

If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program.

You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web Site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo. ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. The name and address of the court is: San Francisco Superior Court, Civic Center Courthouse - Civil, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: NEIL PERETZ (SBN 244532), ENUMERO LAW, 925 S. ELDORADO ST, SAN MATEO, CA 94402; (310) 266-3373

JAN 18, 25, FEB 01, 08, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-24558480 In the matter of the application of MIKAIYA PETERS, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner MIKAIYA PETERS is requesting that the name MIKAIYA JADEN PETERS be changed to MIKAIYA JADEN PETERS MCKOY. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 11th of APRIL 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JAN 18, 25, FEB 01, 08, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-24558482

In the matter of the application of LANCE ADRIAN GAURANO, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner LANCE ADRIAN GAURANO is requesting that the name LANCE ADRIAN GAURANO be changed to LUXE DANTE AURANO. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept.

103N, Rm. 103N on the 16th of APRIL 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JAN 18, 25, FEB 01, 08, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23558458

In the matter of the application of YIU LUN CHAN, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner YIU LUN CHAN is requesting that the name YIU LUN CHAN be changed to HARRISON ALAN CHAN. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 28th of MARCH 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as ADVANCE ARCADE, 57 LELAND AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MALO TANUVASA JR. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/09/2024.

JAN 18, 25, FEB 01, 08, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402251

The following person(s) is/are doing business as KELVIN YUK PRODUCTIONS, 500 SWEENY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed KELVIN YUK. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/05/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/05/2024.

JAN 18, 25, FEB 01, 08, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402275

The following person(s) is/are doing business as EFFECTIVE CONSULTING, 575 CORBETT AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LEO CHAN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/10/2008. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/09/2024.

JAN 18, 25, FEB 01, 08, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402054

The following person(s) is/are doing business as LOOK ME UP, 2 BURROWS ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134.

This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed KLAICIE SANDERS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/01/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/08/2023.

JAN 18, 25, FEB 01, 08, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402263

The following person(s) is/are doing business as K. L. CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING, 791 MADRID ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed by K. L. CONSTRUCTION & REMODELING. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/2024. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/08/2024.

JAN 18, 25, FEB 01, 08, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402205 The following person(s) is/are doing business as EAZY VACATIONS, 295 KANSAS ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed SHAW ENTERPRISES LLC (CA).

The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/29/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/29/2023.

JAN 18, 25, FEB 01, 08, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402229

The following person(s) is/are doing business as LA ROUTINE, 340 HAYES ST #505, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102.

This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed BOULANGERIE NOVEMBRE LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/03/2024.

JAN 18, 25, FEB 01, 08, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402261

The following person(s) is/are doing business as ORDINARY OBJECT, 40 HARRISON ST #888, OAKLAND, CA 94607.

This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed MOSSY MOSSY LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/05/2024.

JAN 18, 25, FEB 01, 08, 2024

JAN 18, 25, FEB 01, 08, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-24558488

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402287

In the matter of the application of MELISSA KATE MANDELBAUM, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner MELISSA KATE MANDELBAUM is requesting that the name MELISSA KATE MANDELBAUM be changed to MELISSA KATE SACKS. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 18th of APRIL 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JAN 18, 25, FEB 01, 08, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-24558490

In the matter of the application of OMAR FRAZER RESTOM, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner OMAR FRAZER RESTOM is requesting that the name OMAR FRAZER RESTOM be changed to RAMSEY FRAZER RESTOM. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept.

103N, Rm. 103N on the 18th of APRIL 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JAN 18, 25, FEB 01, 08, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MASITDA GALBI JJIM, 2123 POLK ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed MASITDA LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/10/2024.

JAN 18, 25, FEB 01, 08, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE M-296192

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SUPER TECH BODY SHOP, 370 INDUSTRIAL WAY, BRISBANE, CA 94005. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SUPER TECH BODY SHOP (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/01/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Mateo, CA on 12/28/2023.

JAN 18, 25, FEB 01, 08, 2024

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF BARRY ROBERT KING IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO: FILE PES-24-306956

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

JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 2024

AN AMENDMENT TO THE PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF BUENAVENTURA VINCENT ORTEGA IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO: FILE PES-23-306909

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of BUENAVENTURA VINCENT ORTEGA. An Amendment to the Petition for Probate has been filed by ROSALINA ZANAS in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. The Petition for Probate requests that ROSALINA ZANAS be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.)

The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: FEBRUARY 28, 2024, 9:00 am, Rm. 204, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102.The hearing can be attended remotely. Instructions can be found at https://sf.courts.ca.gov/divisions/probatecourt. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined by section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court.

If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for petitioner: TATIANA PAVLOVACOLEMAN (SBN 350374), PAVLOVA-COLEMAN LAW, INC., 12121 WILSHIRE BLVD. #810, LOS ANGELES, CA 90049; Ph. (310) 405-7551.

JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-23558197

In the matter of the application of AYOOLA MITCHELL, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner AYOOLA MITCHELL is requesting that the name AYOOLA MITCHELL AKA AYOOLA HAYNESWORTH AKA AYOOLA HAQIKAH AKA KELLI WATERFIELD be changed to AYOOLA MITCHELL. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 27th of FEBRUARY 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-24558492

In the matter of the application of JOHN PALMER HARCOURT III, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner JOHN PALMER HARCOURT III is requesting that the name JOHN PALMER HARCOURT III be changed to JAY PALMER HARCOURT. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 19th of MARCH 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-24558497

In the matter of the application of BRUCE JIRO YAMAMOTO AKA JIRO BRUCE YAMAMOTO AKA BRUCE J YAMAMOTO, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner BRUCE JIRO YAMAMOTO AKA JIRO BRUCE YAMAMOTO AKA BRUCE J YAMAMOTO is requesting that the name BRUCE JIRO YAMAMOTO AKA JIRO BRUCE YAMAMOTO AKA BRUCE J YAMAMOTO be changed to JIRO BRUCE YAMAMOTO. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 23rd of APRIL 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-24558500

In the matter of the application of FRANCIS DARIAN BRANT, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner FRANCIS DARIAN BRANT is requesting that the name FRANCIS DARIAN BRANT AKA FRANCISCO VILLABLANCA FLOTTS be changed to BEAU DARIAN BRANT. Now therefore,

JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-24558499

In the matter of the application of KASSANDRA MARIE DONNELS, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner KASSANDRA MARIE DONNELS is requesting that the name KASSANDRA MARIE DONNELS be changed to KASSANDRA MARIE NACHT. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 25th of APRIL 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-24558501

In the matter of the application of JENNIFER IICAR ROWE, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner JENNIFER IICAR ROWE is requesting that the name JENNIFER IICAR ROWE AKA JENNIFER IICAR KIFFOR be changed to JENNIFER AIKA KIFFOR. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 23rd of APRIL 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2024

CHINESE-CHARACTERBASED NAME STATEMENT NICHOLAS (NICK) BERG IS USING THE FOLLOWING CHINESE-CHARACTERBASED NAME: 柏格.

Nick commenced using this Chinese-character-based name on 12/15/2023. He is an individual living in San Francisco, CA.

JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402330

The following person(s) is/are doing business as LATINA LASH SPOT, 201 POPE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual and is signed JAQUELINE JOHANA SANABRIA. The registrant(s) commenced to

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JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-24558491 In the matter of the application of SHARIF DEY AKA ROSCOE ENDRE LEE DUNCAN AKA ROSCOE DUNCAN, for

44 Gough Street, Suite 204, San Francisco, CA 94103

<< Classifieds

12 • Bay Area Repor ter • February 8-14, 2024

transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/2024. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/17/2024.

JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402353

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MM BUNUAN CONSULTING, 454 FERDINAND AVE, EL GRANADA, CA 94018. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MAXWELL M. BUNUAN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/19/2024

JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402308

The following person(s) is/are doing business as FIBO SERVICES, 1631 LARKIN ST #7, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109.

This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ROBERT ROEPKE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/21/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/16/2024.

JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402345

The following person(s) is/are doing business as DANI MARIE INTERIORS, 872A 27TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DANIELLE MARIE PAUTROT. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/18/2024. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/19/2024.

JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402319

The following person(s) is/are doing business as GREGORY SMITH OFFICE DESIGNS, 1850 32ND AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed GREGORY SMITH. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/2024. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/17/2024.

JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402339

The following person(s) is/are doing business as KAYLA CARE FOUNDATION, 30 KEMPTON AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94132. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed KALANI HILLS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/18/2024. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/18/2024.

JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402368

The following person(s) is/are doing business as GUERRERO MARKET, 701 GUERRERO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SUHEIL MALAK. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/15/2001. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/22/204.

JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402369

The following person(s) is/are doing business as F&G MARKET, 3698 20TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed SUHEIL MALAK. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/01/1999. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/22/2024.

JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402362

The following person(s) is/are doing business as NOWHERE, 393 VALENCIA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103.

This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed RYAN RINKER, LEAH MARTIN, & AMBER GAVIN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/22/2024.

JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402304

The following person(s) is/are doing business as HALE AI, 333 1ST ST UNIT N301, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed FIRST STREET VENTURES (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/12/2024.

JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402281

The following person(s) is/are doing business as KOAST, 388 MARKET ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed KRUJIM, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/10/2024.

JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402346

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as BEST COAST COLLECTIVE, 1828 PINE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business was conducted by a limited liability company and signed by BLAKELY HULL LLC (CA). The fictitious business name statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/15/2023. The abandonment of fictitious business name statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/16/2024.

JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2024

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF MIKE S. CRUZ IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO: FILE PES-24-306981

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of MIKE S. CRUZ. A Petition for Probate has been filed by SALVADOR CRUZ in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. The Petition for Probate requests that SALVADOR CRUZ be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.)

The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: FEBRUARY 26, 2024, 9:00 am, Dept. 204, Rm. 204, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined by section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court.

If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for petitioner: NICOLE C. KELLY (SBN 320379), THE KELLY LAW FIRM, 345 FRANKLIN ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102; Ph. (415) 552-0059.

FEB 01, 08, 15, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-24558506

In the matter of the application of ROGER NAISHIN HUANG, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner ROGER NAISHIN HUANG is requesting that the name ROGER NAISHIN HUANG AKA NAI SHINE HUANG be changed to ROGER NAISHIN HUANG. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 30th of APRIL 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-24558507

In the matter of the application of BRENDA ROBLEDO ARGUELLO, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner BRENDA ROBLEDO ARGUELLO is requesting that the name LIAM HANSEL ROBLEDO ARGUELLO be changed to LIAM HANSEL LOPEZ ROBLEDO. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 30th of APRIL 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-24558508 In the matter of the application of BIANCA NIGRI, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner BIANCA NIGRI is requesting that the name BIANCA NIGRI be changed to BIANCA ANETE APPEL. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 30th of APRIL 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-24558509

In the matter of the application of XILIN ZHU, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner XILIN ZHU is requesting that the name WEIDONG ZHANG be changed to KODY ZHU. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept.

103N, Rm. 103N on the 30th of MAY 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402328

The following person(s) is/are doing business as DENIS BARRON, MFT, 4155 24TH ST #2, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed TWO PINES FAMILY COUNSELING, INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/2024. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/19/2024.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as DERIC TRANSPORTATION,894 ROLPH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112 . This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed KA SHING CHAN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/08/2024. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/17/2024.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402241

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402367

JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2024

The following person(s) is/are doing business as PAUL LANGLEY COMPANY PROPERTY MANAGEMENT; PLC; PAUL LANGLEY COMPANY; PLC PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, 4111 18TH ST #1, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed PAUL LANGLEY CO (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/04/2024.

JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402252

The following person(s) is/are doing business as LET’S GET CUTE SALON, 4907 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed EVSTYLESBRAIDS LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/05/2024. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/05/2024.

JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402309

The following person(s) is/are doing business as BETTOLA, 343 CLEMENT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118.

This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed CUORE MATTO LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/16/2024.

JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402363

The following person(s) is/are doing business as DOLGER LLC, 348 CHESTNUT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed DOLGER LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/2024. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/22/2024.

JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402357

The following person(s) is/are doing business as ELEVATE FORWARD NOW, 2000 BROADWAY ST #618, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed ELEVATE FORWARD NOW (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/16/2024. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/19/2024.

JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2024

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-0401183

FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2024

The following person(s) is/are doing business as DUKE PLANT & DESIGN, 1223 FITZGERALD AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LISA DUKE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/22/2024. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/22/2024.

FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402396 The following person(s) is/are doing business as SIMPLYMUZING ENTERPRISES, 3161 B 23RD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed THOMAS FERRAIUOLO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/24/2024.

FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402386

The following person(s) is/are doing business as THIRD THING, 11 CHRISTOPHER DR, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131.

This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LORENZO TAMAYO-LEE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/02/2024. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/23/2024.

FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402408

The following person(s) is/are doing business as ADUNA ACADEMY, 1535 EDDY ST #315, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115.

This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed COUMBA DIOUF. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/01/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/25/2024.

FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402426

The following person(s) is/are doing business as DISCO DOG, 593 HAIGHT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed RACHEL RIGGIN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/12/2024. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/26/2024.

FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402135

The following person(s) is/are doing business as NEVER TOO LATE PROJECT, 110 PORTOLA DR #3, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131. This business is conducted by an individual, and

is signed SABRINA RAPHAEL. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/14/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/22/2023.

FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402164

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MEDESTHETICSRX SF, 2300 SUTTER ST #303, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed RIKKI LAUREN ROBINSON. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/27/2023.

FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402375

The following person(s) is/are doing business as NAILS STORY, 1299 PACIFIC AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed DEAR NAILS INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/22/2024. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/23/2024.

FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402378

The following person(s) is/are doing business as CAMERON HOME BUILDERS, 450 LINDEN ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed CAMERON BUILDERS SF (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/04/2024. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/23/2024.

FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402390

The following person(s) is/are doing business as ARTISAN TRAVEL, 434 UNION ST #B, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133.

This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed ARTISAN TRAVEL INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/01/2001. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/23/2024.

FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402398

The following person(s) is/are doing business as ELLAPRINT; ELLAPRINT.COM; ELLAFONT; ZBALANCE; ZBALANCE, INC., 184 PRECITA AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed ZBALANCE, INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/29/2003. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/24/2024.

FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402421

The following person(s) is/are doing business as ACAI R, 1130 OCEAN AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed TANCHAN CORPORATION (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/26/2024. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/26/2024.

FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402433

The following person(s) is/are doing business as ANXIETY RELIEF CLINIC, 885 CASTRO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed WESTON SCOTT FERRER, MD INCORP. (CA).

The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/26/2024. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/29/2024.

FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402438

The following person(s) is/are doing business as CALIFORNIA DETAILING, 1825 FOLSOM ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed CALIFORNIA DETAILING II, INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/29/2024.

FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402414

The following person(s) is/are doing business as BEST COAST COLLECTIVE, 595 PACIFIC AVE, FL 4, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed AVENUE 8 INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/26/2024.

FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402207

The following person(s) is/are doing business as YOUTH SF, 4722 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed FRIENDS OF ST STEPHENS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/08/2013. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/29/2023.

FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402393

The following person(s) is/are doing business as HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS - UNION SQUARE, 235 O’FARRELL ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a limited partnership, and is signed SURESH PATEL GENERAL PARTNER OF RAJPUTANA LODGING LP. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/16/2018. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/24/2024.

FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402356

The following person(s) is/are doing business as ALASKA REFRIGERATION, AIR CONDITIONING & HEATING CO., 1651 27TH AVE, OAKLAND, CA 94601. This business is conducted by a married couple, and is signed DAGOBERTO T. SANCHEZ & ALISON J. SIEGEL SANCHEZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/01/1986. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/19/2024.

FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402358

The following person(s) is/are doing business as E’PUME STUDIO, 601 4TH ST UNIT 206, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed E’PUME STUDIO LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/05/2024. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/19/2024.

FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402379

The following person(s) is/are doing business as KHAO TIEW, 272 CLAREMONT BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94127.

This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed OLAGHOA LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/23/2024. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/23/2024.

FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402391

The following person(s) is/are doing business as TERRAFORM COLLECTIVE, 351 BUENA VISTA AVE E, UNIT 306E, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed TERRAFORM COLLECTIVE STRATEGIES, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/08/2024. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/23/2024.

FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2024

SUMMONS SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO NOTICE TO RESPONDENT:SCOTT MOULTON, AN INDIVIDUAL; AND DOES 1-10, INCLUSIVE, YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: STAR ONE CREDIT UNION

CASE NO. CGC-23-606473

NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below. You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web Site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association.

NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. The attorney for Plaintiff: BARRY A. SMITH (SBN 48697), BUCHALTER, LLP, 1000 WILSHIRE BLVD #1500, LOS ANGELES, CA 90017; (213) 891-0700. May 12, 2023, Clerk of the Court, Jeffrey Flores, Deputy.

FEB 08, 15, 22, 29, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-24558519

In the matter of the application of HOANG MY HO, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner HOANG MY HO is requesting that the name HOANG MY HO be changed to MYA HOANG. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 30th of APRIL 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

FEB 08, 15, 22, 29, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-24558505

t

commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/02/2024. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/02/2024.

FEB 08, 15, 22, 29, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402480

The following person(s) is/are doing business as DEEP SEA MEDITATION CENTER AND HUMANITARIAN AID, 22 SOUTH PARK ST #220, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed REBECCA LOUISE BRADSHAW. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/16/2023. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/31/2024.

FEB 08, 15, 22, 29, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402470

The following person(s) is/are doing business as GOLDEN CLAW AMUSEMENT, 1706 32ND AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed GOLDEN HONG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/31/2024.

FEB 08, 15, 22, 29, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402490

The following person(s) is/are doing business as BETA HUANG ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC, 2388 35TH AVE #201, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed BETA HUANG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/01/2024. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/01/2024.

FEB 08, 15, 22, 29, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402372

The following person(s) is/are doing business as FOHRM INTERIORS, 275 NEVADA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed COURTNEY FOHRMAN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/22/2024.

FEB 08, 15, 22, 29, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402505

In the matter of the application of JORDANA TAYLOR MACKENZIE LUSK, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner JORDANA TAYLOR MACKENZIE LUSK is requesting that the name JORDANA TAYLOR MACKENZIE LUSK be changed to GRACE OLIVIA DIAMOND. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 25th of APRIL 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as EAGLE HANDYMAN SERVICES, 307 JUSTIN DR, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JOSUE D. ALONZO DEL AGUILA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/05/2024. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/05/2024.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-24558529

The following person(s) is/are doing business as BINU BONU, 230 WEST PORTAL AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94127.

This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed BINU BONU INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/31/2024.

FEB 08, 15, 22, 29, 2024

In the matter of the application of TREVOR BRETT HUGHES-WHITE, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner TREVOR BRETT HUGHES-WHITE is requesting that the name TREVOR BRETT HUGHES-WHITE be changed to TREVOR BRETT HUGHES WHITE. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 2nd of MAY 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

FEB 08, 15, 22, 29, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-24558512

In the matter of the application of QOHLE GREY MARTINEZ, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner QOHLE GREY MARTINEZ is requesting that the name QOHLE GREY MARTINEZ be changed to QOHLE PHOENIX GRAY. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 30th of APRIL 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

FEB 08, 15, 22, 29, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-24558537

In the matter of the application of CAROLINE MARSALA HATCH-BERENS & GLENN ANTHONY BERENS, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioners CAROLINE MARSALA HATCH-BERENS & GLENN ANTHONY BERENS are requesting that the name AJAX LEE HATCH-BERENS be changed to AJAX JAMES HATCH-BERENS. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 9th of MAY 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

FEB 08, 15, 22, 29, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-24558476

In the matter of the application of MICHAEL OLUSEGUN EJITOKUN, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner MICHAEL OLUSEGUN EJITOKUN is requesting that the name MICHAEL OLUSEGUN EJITOKUN be changed to MICKAELLE OLUSEGUN ADELEKE. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 11th of APRIL 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

FEB 08, 15, 22, 29, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-24558533

In the matter of the application of ANDREENA JANAE NISPEROS REYES, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner ANDREENA JANAE NISPEROS REYES is requesting that the name ANDREENA JANAE NISPEROS REYES be changed to ANDREENA JANAE NISPEROS. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 7th of MAY 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

FEB 08, 15, 22, 29, 2024

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-24558535

In the matter of the application of ANAKIN MATEO SALTO, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appears from said application that petitioner ANAKIN MATEO SALTO is requesting that the name ANAKIN MATEO SALTO be changed to ANAKIN MATEO NISPEROS. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept.

103N, Rm. 103N on the 7th of MAY 2024 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

FEB 08, 15, 22, 29, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402407

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SMAART GALLERY & STUDIO, 1045 SUTTER ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed STEVEN M ALLEN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/01/2012. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/24/2024.

FEB 08, 15, 22, 29, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402406

The following person(s) is/are doing business as REBELEA PUBLICATIONS, 1379 45TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed STEVEN LEINER. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/24/2024.

FEB 08, 15, 22, 29, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402218

The following person(s) is/are doing business as BEST FACILITIES MANAGEMENT, 118 BRIGHTON AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JOHNNY WILLIAMS. The registrant(s)

FEB 08, 15, 22, 29, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402471

FEB 08, 15, 22, 29, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402469

The following person(s) is/are doing business as GATES AND BRIDGES PRESCHOOL, 1601 10TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed INFANT DEVELOPMENT CENTER OF SAN FRANCISCO (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/20/1994. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/31/2024.

FEB 08, 15, 22, 29, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402381

The following person(s) is/are doing business as COMPASSIONATE COMMUNITY CARE, 1426 FILLMORE ST #207, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed GOLDEN GATE HEALTHCARE LLC (UT). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/23/2024.

FEB 08, 15, 22, 29, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402452

The following person(s) is/are doing business as AURA FIRE SAFETY, 1288 COLUMBUS AVE #130, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed BC PROJECTS LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/30/2024.

FEB 08, 15, 22, 29, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 603792

The following person(s) is/are doing business as CASABLANCA MARKET, 28971 HOPKINS ST #6, HAYWARD, CA 94545. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed IMPORT MARKET & GIFTS, INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/12/2004. The statement was filed with the City and County of Alameda, CA on 02/02/2024.

FEB 08, 15, 22, 29, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402432

The following person(s) is/are doing business as LEGACY NORTH BEACH BAR, 1326 GRANT AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SUGAR MACK INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/29/2024. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/29/2024.

FEB 08, 15, 22, 29, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402459

The following person(s) is/are doing business as TWO DELULUS LLC, 1177 MARKET ST #1115, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed TWO DELULUS LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/30/2024.

FEB 08, 15, 22, 29, 2024

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0402497

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MOTEL 6 OCEAN BEACH, 1234 GREAT HWY,SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed 1270 GREAT HWY, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/18/2024. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/02/2024.

FEB 08, 15, 22, 29, 2024

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Pina Bausch’s ‘The Rite of Spring’ reborn

by Philip Mayard

T

he riotous premiere of “The Rite of Spring” in 1913 Paris is something of a legend. Igor Stravinsky’s dissonant, pulsating score; Vaslav Nijinsky’s frantic, tribalistic choreography; and the ballet’s depiction of human sacrifice shocked the audience, marked the liberation of ballet from rigid tradition, and proclaimed dance as a vehicle for radical, provocative expression in the 20th century.

Since that audacious premiere, countless choreographers have returned to Stravinsky’s primal

music, using their interpretations of “The Rite” to create groundbreaking works that test the boundaries of the dance art form.

An iconic interpreter of this seminal music was German choreographer Pina Bausch (19402009). One of the most influential figures in modern dance, Bausch transformed the dance world with her revolutionary “Tanztheater” (literally “dance theatre” in German) style, blending movement with theatrical elements including spoken word, song, props, and sets.

Upon the premiere of her “Rite” in 1975 by Tanztheater Wuppertal, where she served as Ar-

tistic Director for 36 years, Bausch said she was inspired by the question, “How would you dance if you knew you were going to die?”

Bay Area audiences will have the rare opportunity to see how she answered that provocative question this month, when the U.S. tour of Bausch’s “The Rite of Spring,” comes to UC Berkeley’s Zellerbach Hall, featuring a cast of more than 30 dancers from 14 countries. An international collaboration between the Pina Bausch Foundation in Germany, École des Sables dance school in Senegal, and Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London, “The Rite of Spring” will be paired with “common

ground[s],” a new duet co-created and danced by two septuagenarians.

Although Bausch’s son Salomon was born at the apex of his mother’s career in the early 1980s, he was never interested in a career as a professional dancer. As the founder and director of The Pina Bausch Foundation since its inception in 2009, Salomon Bausch recently spoke with the Bay Area Reporter about his life journey, “The Rite of Spring,” and his commitment to his mother’s legacy.

See page 18 >>

Pride in Panels Queer comic books to be celebrated at SF main library ‘Pride in Panels’ participating artists include (Left to Right) Ajuan Mance, Ed Luce, Maia Kobabe, Laura Gao and Trinidad Escobar.

by David-Elijah Nahmod On Sunday February 18 San Francisco’s main library will celebrate queer comic books with an exhibition to remember. Titled “Pride in Panels: SF Queer Comics Fest,” the afternoon will bring together scores of queer comic book creators who will display their work and meet with fans. The event is free to all.

Over the past few years, DC Comics, home

to Batman, Superman, and many other super heroes, attracted a good deal of attention when they began introducing LGBT characters into their stories. One of the most notable examples of this phenomenon happened in 2021 when Tim Drake, the third Robin, came to realize that he’s bisexual on the pages of “Batman: Urban Legends #6.” But there are also other queer superheroes, some of whom graced the pages of independently produced books written and drawn by queer comic book artists and writers.

One of those creators is Justin Hall, a gay man who has an impressive list of credits. He has, among many other accomplishments, curated the first museum show of LGBTQ comics at the SF Cartoon Art Museum. He now sits on the Board of Directors of Pride in Panels.

Hall told the Bay Area Reporter that there’s a robust community of LGBTQ comics creators in the Bay Area and that there has long been a need for more comics conventions so that creators can sign and sell their work, connect with fans, build

community with each other and get their stories out into the world.

“Queer comics have provided a unique window into the hopes, fears and fantasies of queer people for decades,” Hall said. “The queer comics scene has never been as dynamic and diverse as it is right now. ‘Pride in Panels’ wants to celebrate and showcase all of this.”

See page 19 >>

<< Theater

14 • Bay Area Repor ter • February 8-14, 2024

Celebrating the music, not the man

Matthew Murphy/MurphyMade

Roman Banks and dancers in ‘MJ’

by Jim Gladstone

H

ow do you solve a problem like Michael Jackson?

Amidst all the goosebump-inducing musical moments in “MJ,” the Jackson-inspired show now playing at the Orpheum Theatre, there’s a quick snippet of song that’s particularly worthy of attention.

Considering it may help ambivalent potential audience members troubled by the Gloved One’s unsavory extraartistic legacy let down their resistance, adjust their perspectives, and enjoy the many aspects of this production that are, in a positive sense of the word, sensational.

During one of director/choreographer Christopher Wheeldon’s elegantly integrated flashback sequences, we hear young Michael and his brothers briefly step away from bubblegum funk to sing a few bars of Rodgers and Hammerstein.

It’s “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” and it’s

a pointed reminder that the representation of the Jacksons in “MJ” is no more intended as realism than was the portrayal of those other singing siblings, the Von Trapps, in “The Sound of Music” (You know, the Broadway musical that some once earnestly argued had sugarcoated the horrors of the Holocaust).

A-B-C, do-re-mi, that’s how misguided moral outrage can be.

It’s a Broadway glitter bomb, folks, not a referendum on Michael’s morality, let alone your own. Michael Jackson is not your problem to solve.

ing his demands as he prepares for his 1992 “Dangerous” tour.

There’s just enough dialogue to give you a sense that Jackson wasn’t good

Magic act

It turns out that “MJ” is more music delivery system than hagiography anyhow. The show never makes Jackson out to be a hero.

In Lynn Nottage’s canny, unidolatrous script, he’s economically etched as an anxiety-wracked perfectionist; twitchy, demanding, whiny or sullen whenever underlings are not meet-

Matthew Murphy/MurhpyMade

Roman Banks and Mary Kate Moore in ‘MJ.’

Magnificently familiar

by Jim Gladstone

T

here’s lots of beautiful music in “Cult of Love,” the coruscatingly funny drama now on stage at the Berkeley Rep. Alas, every song is a cover tune.

The Dahl clan – elderly parents, four adult children and their partners – has gathered at the old suburban homestead on Christmas Eve. Accompanying themselves on piano, guitar,

company. But there’s such an abundance of galvanizing song and dance that you’re able to set aside the character’s personal presence to focus on his musical gifts.

Roman Banks, the phenomenal talent in the title role, moves like he has electric current running through every bone and sinew. Not only when he’s flinging his legs and unhinging his elbows in the familiar yet freshly dizzying choreography of numbers like “Don’t Stop ‘til You Get Enough” and “Smooth Criminal,” but even when his Jackson is standing on the sidelines, conferring with managers, or assessing the flaws of his backup troupe.

Jackson’s wrists flip and his ankles flex with involuntary restlessness, taking on purpose only when he’s performing. The Michael Jackson we are given in “MJ” is not a psychologically coherent personality; he’s a conduit for mystic musicality.

Throughout the show, there is only the scantest suggestion that Jackson ever intentionally concentrated on composing a song or choreograph-

fiddle and, at one point, a pathetically comical melodica, they sing psalms and carols and Christian folk tunes, as if fleeting moments of vocal harmony might somehow cover up their family’s fundamental fractiousness.

They lift their voices in song, vainly hoping to avoid raising them in anger. And their failure is the audience’s reward.

The counterpoint of sweet singing and bitter recrimination sharpens up

t

‘MJ’ at the Orpheum ing a dance routine. He comes off as a vessel for some magical force, not an artist struggling with creative process.

Certainly, this sells Jackson short. But it also allows audiences to get swept up by the music without getting uncomfortably close to the man.

Who’s bad?

“Dangerous” rehearsals form the bulk of “MJ,” making it feel very much like a stage version of 2009’s “This Is It” documentary, which chronicles the creation of the London residency that a scandal-embroiled Jackson was putting together in the weeks before his death earlier that same year.

But while that film felt like a willfully disingenuous immediate postmortem cash grab, Wheeldon, Nottage and the artist’s estate (which authorized this production) smartly set “MJ” within a timeframe that ends nearly two decades prior to Jackson’s demise.

There’s no narrative necessity to address the 17 years of unsavory public scandal and controversy that followed. The show’s essentially plotless foreground is flecked with enough chiming, kinetic backstory to remind us that Michael was already a thriller in the innocent days of his childhood (and that his father was a well-intentioned creep).

The script also includes passing acknowledgements of Jackson’s pillpopping, cosmetic interventions, and financial irresponsibility. “MJ” is by no means a whitewash, nor is it anything close to the definitive Michael Jackson story. It’s an exhilarating shot of showbiz dopamine.

The wallop of joy it delivers has to do with the place of Jackson’s music in your life, not his.t ‘MJ,’ through Feb. 25. $65-$234.

Orpheum Theatre, 1192 Market St. (888) 746-1799. www.broadwaysf.com

Berkeley Rep’s ‘Cult of Love’ sings and prickles

the old saw of the family gatheringcum-meltdown. And playwright Leslye Headland’s sublimely serrated dialogue makes the most of the genre’s more predictable elements.

Yes, there’s a drug addicted prodigal son in the valley of these Dahls, and a gay sibling, too. The clashes between conservative Christianity and left-leaning atheism are hardly unexpected, nor is the simultaneous deep denial and looming omnipresence of mental illness. Sibling rivalry, parental favoritism, and hidden marital strife are all in the mix.

There’s an undeniable affection for old-fashioned kitchen sink drama

here, but Headland and director Trip Cullman have polished it all to such a winking gleam that the production manages to tiptoe a fine line between homage and parody. Everything simultaneously tickles and stings.

Imagine Eugene O’Neill and “Mama’s Family” in perfect equipoise.

Scenic designer Arnulfo Maldonado’s nutcracker-crowded, garlandstrangled, split-level set is as utterly believable and as painfully ridiculous as the characters it teems with.

Cullman has choreographed every crowded moment with immaculate precision, his cast of 10 moving and speaking with an interlocked, fine-

grained realism.

Each member of the extended family feels specific and distinct, even as they coalesce into a single, indivisibly dysfunctional whole.

And still, when the Dahls sing together, you sense an inexplicable reservoir of compassion, deep beneath the chaos. A living family portrait with an uncanny high-def sheen, this is an ensemble performance not to be missed.t ‘Cult of Love,’ through March 3. $22.50-$134. Berkeley Repertory Theatre’s Roda Theatre, 2015 Addison St. (510) 747-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org

Let’s talk cannabis.

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Kevin Berne/Berkeley Repertory Theatre

Kerstin Anderson, Lucas Near-Verbrugghe and Virginia Kull in Leslye Headland’s ‘Cult of Love.’

Everything we know started in the stars.

The Universe in Us A new planetarium show narrated by Diego Luna

The universal truth? Everything around you shares a celestial ancestry.

Trace how generations of exploding stars forged every atom and element that make up Earth, the Solar System—and us.

Now open | Get tickets at calacademy.org Every visit supports our mission to regenerate the natural world.

32371-CAS-Spark-Bay Area Reporter-9.75x16-11.22.23-FA.indd 1

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11/22/23 3:09 PM

<< TV

16 • Bay Area Repor ter • February 8-14, 2024

Cruises & comedy crashes

Hulu

Hulu

t

NBC

Left: Violett Bean and Mandy Patinkin and Middle: Lauren Patten and Karoline in ‘Death and Other Details’ Right: Ayo Edebiri and Nikki Haley on ‘Saturday Night Live.’

by Victoria A. Brownworth

H

ulu’s new murder mystery thriller series “Death and Other Details” will remind you of “White Lotus,” “Only Murders in the Building” and Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express.” Rufus Coteworth (Mandy Patinkin), who used to be “the world’s greatest detective” finds himself on a luxury cruise liner.

Set amidst the glamor of the global elite on this cruise, the drama centers on the “brilliant and restless” Imogene Scott (Violett Bean). Imogene despises Coteworth, who she first encountered

when she was ten and her mother had just died under suspicious circumstances and Imogene had been taken in by the wealthy Collier family. Fast forward to the present of the story and Imogene, now 28, has become the prime suspect in the locked-room murder mystery after boarding the SS Varuna at a Mediterranean port.

As for Coteworth, he is no longer the famed detective, which means they both have reasons to work together to solve the mystery. But Imogene is far from happy to be forced to

enlist Coteworth’s help to prove her innocence.

“Death and Other Details” is chaotic and complex, like all dramas about rich people with long lineages, lots of secrets and lots of money. Which is the theme of the series–secrets and more secrets. Intrigue is everywhere. Among the Christie-esque contingent of suspects are three lesbians: Anna Collier (Tony winner Lauren Patten), Imogene’s wealthy and gay best friend since they were children, Leila (Pardis

Saremi), Anna’s fragile, paranoid wife, who is a former clickbait journalist, and Eleanor Chun (Karoline), heiress to a fashion empire and Anna’s former lover from business school. Also in the mix is Linda Emond as Agent Hilde Eriksen. Emond played gay repeatedly on the “Law & Order” franchise.

We don’t want to reveal spoilers, but there’s a lot of complicated relationships.

“Death and Other Details” is a dark, clever and compelling whodunit with more than a soupcon of queerness.

SNL slip slides

We tuned in to “Saturday Night

Live” this past Saturday because “The Bear” star and Emmy winner Ayo Edebiri, who’s funny and queer, was making her hosting debut on the show with musical guest Jennifer Lopez, who we just really like to look at, even when her songs are not that great.

We weren’t expecting Nikki Haley dissing Donald Trump and apologizing for forgetting about slavery, but “SNL” can still change it up. In the cold open, the former UN Ambassador, South Carolina governor and GOP presidential candidate made a cameo appearance to ask James Austin Johnson’s Donald Trump some questions in the pseudo town hall sketch.

“Why won’t you debate Nikki Haley?” she asked, to which “SNL” Trump replied, “Oh my God. It’s her, the woman who was in charge of security on Jan. 6. It’s Nancy Pelosi.”

It would have been funnier if it wasn’t what he’d claimed repeatedly at a rally two weeks ago.

Haley followed that with, “Are you doing okay, Donald? You might need a mental competency test.”

Johnson’s Trump said, “You know what, I did. I took the test and I aced it, okay. Perfect score. They said I’m 100 percent mental.”

Edebiri, as a town hall audience member, asked Haley what she would say “was the main cause of the Civil War. Do you think it starts with an ‘S’ and ends with a ‘lavery’?” Edebiri asked.

“Yep, I probably should have said that the first time,” Haley replied.

Haley got major pushback for failing to cite slavery as the cause of the Civil War at a New Hampshire town hall on December 28.

At the end of the skit, Haley said, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!” –the standard opening for the NBC series.

It was a moment.

SNL’s flip flop

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

Also, Shane Gillis, was hired and fired by “SNL” in 2019 after people posted videos of Gillis making racist, homophobic, Islamophobic and misogynistic jokes on his own podcast and other media. Now “SNL” is having him host, during Black History Month, no less, on Feb. 24.

In addition, Anheuser Busch revealed Gillis is their new Bud Light advertising partner in an Instagram post on Jan. 31, with a photo of Gillis at a Budweiser brewery. “Welcome to the team,” the caption read. “Excited to be a part of your 2024 tour.”

TikTok influencer Dylan Mulvaney, who is trans, was Bud Light’s previous face, which made MAGA America insane and got Mulvaney a bazillion threats as well as pushback from GOP members of Congress.

Gillis, now a regular on anti-vaxxer transphobe Joe Rogan’s popular show, had referred to “white f*gg*t comics” and used a racial slur for Chinese people repeatedly, among other “comedy” he called “pushing boundaries.”

We keep telling you, kids, cancel culture ain’t real for straight white dudes. The GOP even chose a rapist indicted for 91 felonies as their leader and symbol of family values.t Read the full column with video clips, on www.ebar.com.

t

Farewell>>

February 8-14, 2024 • Bay Area Repor ter • 17

An homage to Chita Rivera

Items from J.A. Valentine’s collection of Chita Rivera memorabilia

Chita Rivera in 2016

by J.A. Valentine

T

he passing of Chita Rivera on January 30 at age 91 will be deeply felt by many. Her triumphs and accolades could fill an encyclopedia; 18 Broadway shows, hundreds of regional theater productions, television and international cabaret shows, three Tony Awards, the Kennedy Center Honor for Lifetime Achievement and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Nobody danced better or longer than she did, but it was so much more than just steps well executed. She was a consummate entertainer. Song and dance was her medium, her connection with a live audience was immediate and electric.

Rivera originated the roles that every subsequent triple-threat longs to play, in “West Side Story,” “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Chicago,” “Kiss of the Spiderwoman,” each permanently sculpted by her performance.

She had the artistry and stamina to sustain seven decades in musicals.

Into her 80s, she played eight shows a week and darn near never missed a performance. Remaining staunchly in the present moment, her arsenal of signature songs were not performed by rote. She continued finding fresh interpretations of the lyrics to “America” and “All That Jazz,” rendering them anew.

Rightfully, much is made of Rivera’s exquisite dance technique and those million-dollar legs. A relaxed grin and sly wink accompany every contortion, as her face never belies the hard work. Notice her hands, which unfold like origami birds of paradise, yet another way to convey the music, to complete the picture. She just does more.

Known to be a loyal friend and the den mother of every show she appeared in, her dressing room had an open door. She eschewed public gossip, always lifting those around her.

Broadway’s golden age

children to raise, Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero was an exuberant handful from the start. Dance classes led to a scholarship to study with Balanchine, bringing her to New York City as a teen.

An audition attended with a friend led her to leave the world of ballet for that of musical theatre and from the beginning, her dance roles were featured. Once forced to sing, she was catapulted out of the ensemble and into roles.

As the Golden Age of Broadway was dawning, she was ready, collaborating in rapid succession with a Who’s Who of the greats. Director/choreographers as a species are known to be terrifying. Jerome Robbins, Jack Cole, Gower Champion, Michael Kidd, Bob Fosse; Chita met their demands and exceeded their expectations. Soon, roles were being created for her and she seemed to work ceaselessly, carrying each show and rising blameless from the occasional bomb.

Like many Broadway stars of that era, Rivera didn’t repeat her stage roles on film, “Sweet Charity” being the only cinematic document of her prime.

Unhindered, she thrived in front of live audiences and was the last of the ilk who toured in their hit shows.

Seemingly unstoppable, even a car crash in her middle years that shattered one leg couldn’t bench her. A

Born in 1933 in Washington, DC to a Puerto Rican father who died young, leaving her Scottish/Italian Chita Rivera’s 2023 memoir mother with a house full of

year later she was besting the Rockettes in a tour of “Can-Can.” If the dancing shoes were eventually surrendered, her way with a song and her flirtatious chemistry with an audience endured. For a deeper dive into the body of her work, see the recently published “Chita: A Memoir,” a boon to her legacy that adds context to the showbiz stories and offers a glimpse of the personal life that she previously kept guarded, such as her romance with Sammy Davis, Jr. You’ll also find a rare smattering of dish.

Meeting a legend, locally

San Francisco was treated to many of her greatest roles, such as Velma Kelly and Aurora the Spiderwoman, not to mention two infamous flops that found their final resting place here (“Zenda” and “1491”…anyone?).

She graced our symphony and fre-

quented our cabarets. Thanks to this trouping, I was able to experience a Broadway icon live in my own city many times.

We’re cautioned against meeting our heroes, as they might never live up to the image we have of them. I met Chita a handful of times and she was never less than gracious, hilarious, a little salty and utterly unpretentious.

Jaw-dropping talent aside, to me she was a light to steer by, a beacon of optimism, an inspiring example of excellence and how much further talent goes with integrity and a genuine respect for the audience.

In interviews she would attempt to debunk the idea that she was nice 24x7. It’s doubtful she suffered fools, but if after a career spanning that many years there’s not a single colleague or fan on record with a negative word, she may have been one of the

kindest people in the business.

‘Legend’ and ‘icon’ are words whose meanings have deteriorated from overuse, but in this case, they are legit.

Associated Press drama critic Michael Kuchwara once wrote, “Rivera is more than a musical theater star. She’s a force of nature.”

Director/producer Hal Prince said, “Very simply, there is nobody who can act, sing and dance like Chita Rivera,” calling her a performer “with her own aura, who in essence carried around her own spotlight.”

Rivera is survived by three siblings; her daughter, Lisa Mordente; her exhusband Tony Mordente, and a legion of fans who’ll not see the likes of her again. To borrow a lyric from longtime collaborators, Kander and Ebb, “Lucky Lindy never flew so high.” www.chitarivera.com

<< Film & Dance

18 • Bay Area Repor ter • February 8-14, 2024

Mostly British Filmfest @ The Vogue

t

Left to Right: ‘How to Please a Woman,’ ‘Mad About the Boy: The Noël Coward Story,’ Olivia Colman in ‘Wicked Little Letters,’ and ‘Pretty Red Dress,’ at the Mostly British Film Festival

by Joel Shepard For some jolly good cinema, the Mostly British Film Festival returns on February 15 to 22 at the Vogue Theatre. The 16th annual tribute to English language films from the former Commonwealth screens 26 movies from the UK, Ireland, Australia,

<<

New Zealand, and India.

Program highlights with a queer edge include “Pretty Red Dress,” a high-voltage film about masculinity, sexual fluidity, and a spectacular red dress; and “Mad About the Boy: The Noël Coward Story,” which surveys the larger-than-life English playwright, narrated by Alan Cumming

and featuring the voice of Rupert Everett as Coward.

Also of interest, “How to Please a Woman,” in which a woman’s birthday gift of a male escort inspires her to form a crew of all-male housecleaning hunks, and “Wicked Little Letters,” starring Olivia Colman, based on a real life small town scandal.

The Opening Night selection, “How To Have Sex,” is a wildly entertaining new drama about youth culture, consent, and sexual pressure at a Spring Break from hell.

The festival winds down on Feb 22 with the Closing Night screening and party, featuring a special sneak preview of the BAFTA-nominated “The Old

Oak,” a compassionate refugee drama by acclaimed director Ken Loach.t The Mostly British Film Festival at the Vogue Theatre, 3290 Sacramento St. Tickets range from $15$20 for single films, and $250-$350 for a full pass to all events. www.mostlybritish.org

Pina Bausch

From page 13

Philip Mayard: Were you ever interested in becoming a professional dancer?

Salomon Bausch: I grew up with the company in the studio and on tour. I enjoyed watching the work but it never came to my mind that I would do that professionally. I think it was good, actually. Because of my name, it would have been tricky to be in the same field as my mother.

You were going to be a lawyer, correct?

Yes, I was studying law, but when my mother passed away in 2009, I decided to establish the Pina Bausch Foundation immediately. We had talked about doing this, but there were no concrete plans or even a draft, it never felt urgent, it was just a general idea. When my mother died quite suddenly it was very clear to me, as the sole heir, that this is what I wanted to do, to found this foundation.

Let’s talk about this project, “The Rite of Spring.” This has been a huge undertaking, and

Monday 8am

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Tuesday 8am

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Uwe Schinke

Maarteen Vanden Abeele

Salomon Bausch

Pina Bausch’s ‘The Rite of Spring’

quite different from the typical work for your foundation.

Yes, this has been a massive project.

Normally, dance companies come to

us and ask if they can perform one of Pina’s pieces. If we approve, then we send a team to teach and rehearse the work, we oversee casting, and make sure there’s enough time committed to it. We have worked with many of the big European ballet companies, like English National Ballet and Paris Opera Ballet. That’s how it normally works, but this project was completely different.

One of our rehearsal directors had the idea to stage Pina’s “The Rite of Spring” with a company put together specifically for this one purpose. Then we could choose people with specific qualities, and everyone would be 100% committed to that work. I loved the idea, but we didn’t know how to find the people, where to rehearse it, where to present it, and of course, who would pay for it.

At the same time, one of our other projects is the Pina Bausch Fellowship for Dance and Choreography, which gives grants to dance artists from any style or technique, age, or place. We get applications from all over the world each year, and I realized how many of the applicants were from or connected to the École des Sables school in Senegal, and the founder Germaine Acog-

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ny. I could see how important this school is not just for dance in Africa, but around the world. We met with Germaine and asked if she wanted to partner with us. She was absolutely shocked, but she said yes right away.

I read that you had over 200 applicants. Were you surprised?

I didn’t have any expectations, since I was not familiar with the networks we were addressing. We did workshops in three places in Africa: Burkina Faso, Senegal, and the Ivory Coast. Then we brought around 140 dancers from each of the workshops to École to make the final selections for the cast. About 50% of the dancers are connected to École des Sables in some way, the other 50% are not. The dancers come from a huge array of backgrounds, from hip-hop to traditional African dance.

Our other really important partner is Sadler’s Wells. We could not have done this without them. They organize everything. Rehearsing and traveling with 30 performers from 14 countries in Africa, two European countries, and two South American; dealing with embassies and travel visas; it’s extremely complex. We also

had the pandemic. We started this project in 2019, but just as we were finished setting the piece in March 2020, everything stopped for a year and a half. Then we had to get everyone back together again for rehearsals before we could perform the work.

Now that the piece is up and has been touring Europe, Canada, and the U.S. for nearly two years, if this project achieves one thing, what would you want it to be?

For people to see this piece in a new, different way. This project is an important step for my mother’s legacy.

The choreography is exactly what she created; we haven’t changed anything.

But just by having this cast and this approach, it’s impacted the dancers of course, but also our view of the work.

This is important because a dance performance is gone in second. You have to work to keep it alive. We are committed to keeping Pina’s work fresh, relevant, and really high quality.t “[common ground(s)]” and Pina Bausch’s “The Rite of Spring,” $33$125, Feb. 16 & 17, 8pm. Feb. 18, 3pm. Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley campus. calperformances.org

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“To be afraid is to behave as if the truth were not true.”

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Books & Events>>

February 8-14, 2024 • Bay Area Repor ter • 19

A murder mystery in Provincetown

by Laura Moreno

W

ritten with great creativity and passion, “The Distance Between Us” by A. C. Burch is a fun page-turner with echoes of “Murder She Wrote,” Miss Marple, and at times Jane Austen.

It’s peppered with camp humor and a high-bouncing array of vivid characters that come to life. But one charismatic character stands out. Helena Handbasket is the professional drag queen and pillar of the artistic community who was also featured in Burch’s previous novel, “The HomePort Journals.”

The story opens with CeliaJane (CJ) Strongue, recent widow of The Scrap Metal King of Hunts Point and latent lesbian no more, as she attempts to make a long-awaited move from Brooklyn to the Provincetown area at first without her beloved pooch.

The only person CJ has met thus far who has shown any interest in her is protagonist Helena Handbasket, even though she is busy planning an exhibition of the art of acclaimed artist and local super-star Mavis Chandry. But when art works are stolen, others are vandalized, and Mrs. Strongue’s body turns up just as key law enforcement

<<

Author A.C. Burch

assets are on extended leave for the summer, many in the tight-knit community fear a dark underworld has silently wrapped its tentacles around their town.

Fortunately, Helena is a sassy diva with hobbies like sailing and amateur sleuthing when she finds herself thrust into the middle of this convoluted murder mystery. Readers will appreciate the novel’s witty repartee, fabulous fashion and drag performances, and

Queer Comics

From page 13

Panels & film screening

In addition to the convention, there will be a screening of the featurelength documentary “No Straight Lines: The Rise of Queer Comics.” The screening will take place on Saturday February 17 at 2pm at the Hormel LGBTQIA Center Reading Room at the SF Library’s main branch. Completed in 2021, the film made its debut at the Tribeca Film Festival and was the closing night screening at Frameline.

“The film follows the careers and life stories of five pioneers of queer comics,” Hall said. “Alison Bechdel, Howard Cruse, Mary Wings, Rupert Kinnard and Jen Camper. It’s pretty damn awesome if I do say so myself.”

There will be a moderated panel discussion after the screening. Topics of discussion will be the making of the film, what it was like to be an LGBTQ cartoonist and how things have changed, and what’s in store for the future. In addition to Hall, panelists include Ajuan Mance, who’s in the film, and Lee Marrs, who has art in the film and who’s a contemporary of the five pioneers.

“It’s a great panel of speakers and should be a really interesting conversation,” said Hall. “And once again, it’s free and open to the public, thanks to the SF public library.”

In addition, there will be a queer comics reading hosted by Laura Gao

Comic artist Justin Hall

at the Silver Sprockets store at 1018 Valencia Street. The reading takes place on February 16 at 7pm.

But it’s “Pride in Panels” that will be the main event and the event that Hall is most looking forward to.

“It’s been absolutely wonderful working with the library folks,” said Hall. “The festival lines up with their own mission to promote reading and learning in our communities. We love our libraries.”

Nearly 100 queer comics creators will be selling and signing their work in the library’s main exhibition hall.

There will also be panels on diverse topics, such as one on all-ages queer comics and another on queer horror comics.

the fact that Helena has cobbled together her own found family.

Cape Cod their adopted home.

But the recent pandemic disrupted the harmony of the serene sea-side community when tensions developed between monied newcomers or “wash-ashores” and the “townies.”

The newcomers moved in, bought up property and sent property values sky high, creating a housing crisis for the long-time residents. It’s a problem too great to be ignored.

Anyone with a fondness for New England’s history will appreciate that the Cape’s nearly forgotten colonial history of pirates and lost loves also comes to life in the novel.

Burch does not shy away from painful issues, like the birth of a deformed child, vituperative ex-lovers who specialize in betrayal, and how difficult it can be to earn a living busking and waiting tables in P’town.

Like a Jane Austen novel, Burch also addresses big-picture issues by sneaking in social commentary. With an en-

gaging plot that reveals surprise after surprise, this is a book about identity and belonging, acceptance and selfacceptance. From the very first page, Burche’s memorable novel is full of heart.t “The Distance Between Us” by A.C. Burch, HomePort Press, $16.73. www.homeportpress.com www.acburch.com

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A Fascinating History

P’town, in the novel as in real life, is a charming mix of disparate groups: the Portuguese, the LGBT community, and monied newcomers. The longtime Portuguese families whose ancestors worked on the whaling boats welcomed the LGBT community that made their small town at the end of

Queer characters from Marvel, DC and Archie Comics will not be on display at “Pride in Panels.” Only independent artists and publishers will be exhibited.

“Representation in mainstream publications is incredibly important,” Hall said. “It provides people, especially young people, an opportunity to see themselves represented in pop culture and mass media. That can literally save lives. But our focus is on work that can go a step beyond that, commenting upon, analyzing, poking fun at, challenging and celebrating queer lives and experiences from an insider’s perspective that would be inappropriate in a mainstream, company owned title.”

Hall urges the public to attend the events. “Support your local queer artists and have a blast doing it.”t ‘Pride in Panels: SF Queer Comics Fest,’ Feb. 18, SF Main Library, 100 Larkin St., 12pm-5pm.

Queer Comics reading, Feb. 16, Silver Sprockets, 1018 Valencia St., 7pm-9pm.

Film screening: ‘No Straight Lines: The Rise of Queer Comics,’ Feb. 17, Hormel LGBTQIA Center Reading Room, SF Main Library, 100 Larkin St., Feb. 17, 2pm-4:30 pm.

All events are free. www.justinhallawesomecomics.com www.silversprocket.net www.sfpl.org

Lookout

Going out

Despite the deluge of rain, you can still get soaked in culture and nightlife, like Drag Brunch at Lookout (see photo). Check our high and dry online listings, this week and every week in Going Out.

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WEST COAST PREMIERE

Taylor Mac & Matt Ray’s Bark of Millions

A Rock Opera Meditation on Queerness Taylor Mac visits with an epic four-hour rock opera meditation on queerness. Featuring 55 original songs—one song per year since the Stonewall uprising—this West Coast Premiere is inspired by queer antecedents throughout world history and is performed by an international ensemble of 22 artists.

★★★★★

“This four-hour musical-operavariety show from the celebrated US performer is a moving, witty, extravagant exercise in pure pleasure and spectacle.”

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Feb 23–25

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