February 13, 2020 Edition of the Bay Area Reporter by Bay Area Reporter

AIDS quilt coming

Horizons kicks off 40th year

ARTS

'Orlando' opens

Oscar party!

The

www.ebar.com

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

Vol. 50 • No. 7 • February 13-19, 2020

Naval records indicate SF library’s Milk discharge paperwork a fake by Matthew S. Bajko Courtesy Yahoo

Pete Buttigieg addressed supporters after coming in second in Tuesday’s Democratic primary in New Hampshire.

Buttigieg finishes 2nd in NH primary

analysis by Lisa Keen

GBT leaders in New Hampshire were widely divided on whom to support in Tuesday’s Democratic presidential primary, but the LGBT community could celebrate another history-making performance by gay presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg. Buttigieg, who won the greatest number of state delegates in the February 3 Iowa caucuses, won the same number of delegates (nine) as Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders in New Hampshire, but came in second in terms of votes. Speaking to supporters in Nashua Tuesday night, Buttigieg, 38, thanked the crowd for supporting a “new generation” of leadership. He thanked his grassroots supporters around the country, highlighting first “the woman in Minnesota who donated [to the Buttigieg campaign] in honor of the wife she lost to lung cancer. ...” Early in his speech, he said, “Thanks to Chasten, the love of my life,” to cheers from the crowd. “A campaign that some said shouldn’t be here at all showed that we are here to stay,” said Buttigieg. Sanders, an independent and self-described Democratic socialist, came in first in New Hampshire with 26% of the vote, unofficial returns showed. Sanders came out to give his victory speech while Buttigieg was speaking to his rally, prompting C-SPAN and other major networks to cut away from Buttigieg. On stage just a few feet away from the podium where Sanders spoke was well-known New Hampshire LGBT state activist Mo Baxley, who served as Sanders’ deputy political director. State Representative Gerri Cannon, a transgender woman, and gay former state representative Jim Splaine endorsed Buttigieg, who finished second in New Hampshire with 24% of the vote. Four years ago, Sanders won the New Hampshire primary by 22 points over then-candidate and eventual nominee Hillary Clinton. Senator Amy Klobuchar (Minnesota), who came in third place with 20% of the vote, did not have any high profile LGBT endorsements in New Hampshire. Out state Representatives Ed Butler, Lisa Bunker, and Joyce Weston and former New Hampshire Stonewall Democrats co-chair Gail Morrison backed Senator Elizabeth Warren (Massachusetts), who came in fourth, with 9% of the vote. See page 3 >>

trove of naval records obtained by the Bay Area Reporter confirm that the late gay civil rights leader and San Francisco supervisor Harvey Milk was given an “other than honorable” discharge from the U.S. Navy and forced to resign on February 7, 1955 rather than face a court-martial because of his homosexuality. The 152 pages released by the Navy Personnel Command also reveal that Milk was forced to describe in precise detail the gay sex he engaged in with a number of men in the early 1950s while living in San Diego. The records call into question the veracity of an archival document housed in the San Francisco Courtesy U.S. Navy Public Library’s San Francisco History Center that authors of several recent biographies of Milk U.S. Navy portrait of then-Ensign had used to claim that Milk was honorably dis- Harvey Milk charged from the Navy. Even close associates of The files add “another layer of puzzlement Milk’s, such as Cleve Jones, had been convinced to what is the document in the library’s arthat Milk had left the Navy on honorable condichive,” noted Jones, who worked on the Oscartions due to the existence of the document. “This is fascinating,” Jones told the B.A.R. winning 2008 biopic “Milk” about his friend this week after being shown Milk’s military and mentor’s life. In 1996, Elva Smith donated the Harvey personnel records, “as to my knowledge this is the first time someone has been able to get this Milk Archives-Scott Smith Collection to the library a year after the death of her son, who information from the Navy.”

had been partners with Milk. The 28 cubic feet of materials included a photocopy of what appeared to be Milk’s honorable discharge paperwork from the U.S. Navy. Dated July 23, 1955, the document was signed by an R.C. Johnson, listed as a naval commanding officer. It seemed to discount the stories that Milk had told to reporters and on the campaign trail during his time in San Francisco in the 1970s that he had been dishonorably discharged from the Navy. The veracity of those statements had long been questioned. Milk enlisted in the Navy in 1951 and attended Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. He won praise and was given a security clearance, according to his naval records, with one document from March 1, 1954 noting that “Lieutenant (junior grade) Milk performs his assigned duties in an excellent manner. He conducts himself well as an officer at all times.” At the time Milk was stationed at what was then called the Naval Air Missile Test Center in Ventura County in Southern California. He was serving as a diving instructor. In his acclaimed biography about Milk, “The Mayor of Castro Street,” the late gay journalist See page 15 >>

Two-spirit powwow draws crowd

by David-Elijah Nahmod

eld amid the backdrop of San Francisco establishing an American Indian Cultural District, Bay Area American Two-Spirits’ ninth annual powwow drew several thousand people to Fort Mason’s Festival Pavilion last weekend. “A powwow is an intertribal event that celebrates indigenous culture through song, dance, culture, tradition, and most importantly, community,” Roger Kuhn, 43, told the Bay Area Reporter in November when the documentary “Two-Spirit Powwow” aired on local television. Kuhn, a two-spirit man who is a member of the Poarch Creek Tribe, was at the February 8 event, where he served as powwow chair. Two-spirit is a Native American term for people with both female and male energies. They may or may not also identify as LGBTQ, a BAAITS news release noted. The powwow was held as the city is in the process of forming an American Indian Cultural District in the Mission to help counteract displacement of the local Native population. The proposed district would be bounded by Sanchez, 14th, Folsom, and 17th streets. The district requires the approval of the Historic Preservation Commission and the Board of Supervisors, a San Francisco Examiner article last November noted. District 9 Supervisor Hillary Ronen, who represents the Mission, introduced

Jane Philomen Cleland

Lushanya Echeverria, left, and Beverly Little Thunder took part in the round dance at the BAAITS two-spirit powwow in San Francisco.

the measure. The area now known as Mission Dolores was once the site of an Ohlone village and burial ground, the Examiner reported. Ronen has spearheaded the formation of cultural districts in the city as a way to preserve traditions in various communities before gentrification began. “Cultural districts are one of the most im-

{ FIRST OF THREE SECTIONS }

portant tools we as a city have to proactively strengthen the cultural identities of neighborhoods and communities that face the pressures of gentrification and displacement,” Ronen wrote in an email to the B.A.R. “There are few communities in the country that have experienced displacement as violently and as profoundly as American Indian people, and I am proud to support this community in securing the resources necessary to help protect their cherished cultural assets.” The ordinance establishing the American Indian Cultural District will have to go before the rules committee of the Board of Supervisors, and then before the full board for a final vote. Ronen anticipates having the vote come before the board in late March or April. At the powwow, Kuhn told the B.A.R. that he was very happy about the proposed cultural district. “It’s always important for Native people to have safe spaces to gather to share our culture, traditions, and knowledge,” he said. “Visibility matters; representation matters.” The mood was quite festive at the powwow. Outside the pavilion, dozens lined up at food trucks to purchase American Indian tacos and frybread. Inside, people in traditional American Indian attire signed up for dance and drum roll contests. There were dozens of vendors on hand, selling T-shirts, ponchos, Native hats, drums, See page 14 >>

<< Community News

2 • Bay Area Reporter • February 13-19, 2020

Helpers needed as AIDS quilt arrives in E. Bay

Vote

MARCH 3 SCOTTWIENER.COM

compiled by Cynthia Laird

he National AIDS Memorial Grove has put out a call for volunteers as the AIDS Memorial Quilt arrives in the East Bay later this week. Last fall, the grove and the Names Project, which had overseen the quilt, announced that the grove would be taking over stewardship of the 50,000 panels that make up the historic memorial. It was stated then that the quilt would be moved from Atlanta to the Bay Area. According to an email sent to supporters, strong, able-bodied, and energetic volunteers are needed to help unload and shelve the quilt panels in new warehouse space in the East Bay. Quilt panels are expected to begin arriving on Valentine’s Day. Helpers are needed February 1423, except on Monday February 17. Available shifts are from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m. The warehouse is located near Oakland International Airport. The email noted that volunteers can be picked up at the Coliseum BART station. Those interested in helping out should email Kelly Rivera Hart at angelhart47@gmail.com for more information and to sign up.

DEMOCRAT SD11

2nd vote nears for Castro cultural district board ENDORSED BY:

paid for by re-elect scott wiener for state senate 2020. SWiener_2020_BarAd_vFinal.indd 1

paid political advertisement.

2/11/20 11:39 AM

A community you can connect with.

Life at San Francisco Towers is everything you love about the city and more. It’s a smart, sophisticated, inclusive senior community. Stay involved in your favorite activities. Enjoy the conveniences of a Life Plan Community. And experience the peace of mind that comes with planning for the future now. For singles or couples, San Francisco Towers is the welcome you’ve been looking for. Get to know us. Call 415.447.5527 for more information or to schedule a visit.

1661 Pine Street, San Francisco, CA 94109 covia.org/san-francisco-towers A not-for-profit community owned and operated by Covia. License 380540292 / COA #325

People interested in the Castro LGBTQ Cultural District can soon participate in the second round of voting for five advisory board members. The first five advisory board members were elected in December.

Rick Gerharter

The AIDS Memorial Quilt was displayed on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. in 1996.

The upcoming vote is set for Saturday, February 22, from noon to 4 p.m. at the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus’ National LGBTQ Center for the Arts, 170 Valencia Street. Like the previous vote, anyone who shows up can cast a ballot. According to the website, there will be candidate statements from 12:30 to 1, followed by voting. The Castro LGBTQ Cultural District is the third cultural district in the city that seeks to define locations in San Francisco that have a special significance for the LGBTQ community. The others are the Compton’s Transgender Cultural District in the Tenderloin and the Leather and LGBTQ Cultural District in South of Market. See page 14 >>

Petrelis sues SF over First Amendment

by John Ferrannini

longtime gay activist has filed a lawsuit against San Francisco, alleging his First Amendment and other constitutional rights were violated. The complaint, which was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California February 10, alleges that Michael Petrelis, 61, was unlawfully arrested for a peaceful, nonverbal demonstration inside San Francisco City Hall November 6. The San Francisco City Attorney’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but in a phone call with the Bay Area Reporter Monday, Petrelis said the incident was “traumatizing.” November 6 was the day after Election Day. At that time, nobody knew who would win the city’s hotly contested race for district attorney, which after multiple rounds of ranked-choice voting was between then-interim district attorney Suzy Loftus and thendeputy public defender Chesa Boudin. (Boudin ultimately won the race.) The director of the elections department was going to announce new election tallies at a news conference around 4:30 p.m. “Shortly after the beginning of the press conference, Mr. Petrelis stood peacefully and silently behind speaker John Arntz, the city’s director of elections, holding two small paper signs containing the message ‘SUZY IS CORRUPT’ (referring to Ms. Loftus),” states a February 10 news release from Donald Wagda, Petrelis’ attorney. “Mr. Petrelis’ signs were in ‘exact accordance’ with City Hall building policies governing carrying of signs inside City Hall, according to the allegations set forth in the lawsuit.

photo via Twitter

Activist Michael Petrelis holds signs behind elections department director John Arntz as he started a November 6 news conference about election results in the hotly contested district attorney’s race.

“Shortly after Mr. Petrelis arrived holding his signs behind Mr. Arntz, a sheriff’s deputy interrupted the press conference to express her disagreement with the message of the signs, saying ‘Please. Gimme a break.’ Three sheriff’s deputies then arrested Mr. Petrelis, pushing and dragging him out of the press conference and causing him physical injury,” Wagda added. The incident was partially captured on Twitter by Heather Knight, a San Francisco Chronicle columnist. Petrelis was released seven minutes after his arrest, but he received a strain in his shoulder as a result of the arrest and had to receive medical treatment, according to a copy of the complaint. Petrelis is seeking punitive damages against three sheriff’s deputies in the amount of $1 million each, as well as medically-related expenses and general damages. Petrelis declined to comment on the dollar figures. As the B.A.R. reported October 4, See page 14 >>

Community News>>

February 13-19, 2020 • Bay Area Reporter • 3

Trans woman in ICE custody loses bid to transfer to California facility by John Ferrannini

hormone treatment.” Breyer also rejected the argument Avilez’s attorney made to grant the temporary restraining order because Texas is too far for her to have a right to counsel from her San Francisco attorney. Avilez is being represented by the San Francisco Public Defender’s office. “We are disappointed by the court’s decision to allow ICE to transfer and keep our client away from family, community support, and counsel. The transfer has not only affected our ability to communicate and work with Ms. Avilez, but has exacerbated

her mental health conditions,” Avilez’s attorney, Deputy Public Defender Hector Vega, wrote in an email to the B.A.R. “Her sadness and depression come through each time I get to talk to her. We asked the court to remedy ICE’s improper actions by ordering Ms. Avilez’s return to her home state, however, this court failed to confront the barriers that ICE places on all immigrants’ access to counsel. “Immigration attorneys should not be forced to file lawsuits against ICE and detention centers in order to secure basic needs for our clients,” he added. Vega wrote that Avilez “went months without necessary medical care and proper undergarments, and had to endure segregated detention because she was a transgender woman. The LGBTQ immigrant community continues to be vulnerable against vile actions from ICE, and the court was wrong in allowing these policies to continue without accountability.” Vega said he had hoped to speak to Avilez late last week. There is limited phone access to the Texas facility where she is being held. As the B.A.R. reported January 6, Avilez was brought to the U.S. from Mexico as a child and has been in the custody of ICE for about 14 months,

according to court documents. The public defender’s office brought the suit after Avilez was moved unexpectedly from the Yuba County Jail outside of Sacramento (which works with ICE on detaining people in the U.S. without legal permission), where she’d been detained, to an ICE facility in Texas on Christmas Day 2019, without counsel being notified and after she was told she was about to be released, according to court documents. “We represent people who have their immigration proceeding in San Francisco because the immigration court is here,” Vega told the B.A.R. in January. Vega was seeking Avilez’s release, saying that the petition for a temporary restraining order is to “compel ICE/Yuba to take more immediate action on the case,” either through releasing Avilez or by granting her a bond hearing in California. Avilez has resided in California since 1979, according to court documents. She presented gender-nonconformity from a young age, for which she was reprimanded by her father. She got married in 2000 and became a permanent resident of the U.S. (Federal law allows the spouses of U.S. citizens to become permanent residents. After three years they can apply

for U.S. citizenship.) In 2005, Avilez, then 26, was convicted of a gang-related assault. “In prison and away from her brother’s grip, Ms. Avilez immediately began the process of disavowing her gang ties,” the complaint stated. “For the first time, she began to explore and embrace her sexual attraction to men.” Avilez identified as a bisexual man, which Vega said was the result of a “lack of understanding and acceptance” of trans identities on the part of the wider culture. In 2019, Avilez began to openly identify as a transgender woman and started receiving treatment for depression. She got her name legally changed. By that time she had been transferred to Yuba County and charged with being a permanent resident who was removable from the U.S. While Yuba medical staff recommended hormone therapy, and ICE said the request had been approved, Avilez never received it, according to court documents. Before she was sent to Texas, Avilez had been told she was going to be released and called her family to share the good news, according to court documents. Since her move to Texas, Avilez has been having thoughts of suicide, according to court documents. t

(D-New Hampshire), whose district frequently flips between Democrats and Republicans, stayed steadfastly neutral, refusing to say, even after the polls closed, whom he voted for. Buttigieg’s second place finish continues his history-making performance as a gay candidate

and suggests that, so far, voters are more impressed by his intelligence, temperament, military service, and values than they are focused on his sexual orientation. He also demonstrated during the past week that he could prevail despite numerous attacks by his com-

petitors. After Buttigieg edged out Sanders in securing delegates to the Iowa state convention last week, he became the target of pointed criticism from other candidates. During the February 7 debate, Biden said Buttigieg has not demonstrated the ability to win a “broad

scope of support across the spectrum, including African Americans and Latinos.” The Biden campaign began running an attack ad deriding Buttigieg’s record as South Bend, Indiana mayor, characterizing it as

transgender woman has lost her fight to be moved back to California from a United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Texas. Judge Charles R. Breyer of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, the brother of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, rejected a temporary restraining order request filed on behalf of Lexis Hernandez Avilez, 41, in a ruling dated February 5. Readers of the Bay Area Reporter may remember the former Breyer from the case of another immigrant – Oumar Yaide, a gay man who Breyer ordered the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to return from Chad two months ago. In the Avilez case, Breyer said that Avilez failed to establish that she was being denied medically necessary treatment. “In this case, ICE has begun to take steps to provide the hormone treatment Avilez requires,” Breyer wrote in his opinion. “There is some factual dispute about the extent to which Avilez’s gender dysphoria is being appropriately addressed by ICE. But Avilez and her counsel agree that steps are being taken to provide her with

Primary

From page 1

Somersworth Mayor Dana Hilliard, a gay man, supported former vice president Joseph R. Biden Jr., who came in fifth with 8% of the vote. And gay Congressman Chris Pappas

Courtesy SF Public Defender’s Office

Lexis Hernandez Avilez

See page 10 >>

Mayor London Breed, Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, the San Francisco Democratic Party and the Coalition for San Francisco Neighborhoods ENDORSE:

MAYOR LONDON BREED

UPGRADE

911 call centers so San Franciscans can connect with lifesaving services when they need it most.

SUPERVISOR RAFAEL MANDELMAN

RETROFIT

fire stations, police stations, and public safety buildings to be seismically sound.

REPLACE

our city’s deteriorating cisterns, pipes, and tunnels.

STRENGTHEN

our emergency water system so firefighters have access to a reliable water supply.

JOIN SF FIREFIGHTERS AND VOTE YES ON B. BY MAIL OR ON MARCH 3. Ad paid for by Yes on B, sponsored by the San Francisco Firefighters Local 798. Committee major funding from: 1. Christian Larsen ($100,000) 2. San Francisco Firefighters Local 798 PAC ($25,010) 3. Golden State Warriors ($25,000) Financial disclosures are available at sfethics.org

<< Open Forum

4 • Bay Area Reporter • February 13-19, 2020

Volume 50, Number 7 February 13-19, 2020 www.ebar.com PUBLISHER Michael M. Yamashita Thomas E. Horn, Publisher Emeritus (2013) Publisher (2003 – 2013) Bob Ross, Founder (1971 – 2003)

SF judicial race endorsements

here are three open seats on the San Francisco Superior Court on the March 3 primary ballot. Six women – all straight allies – are in contention, two for each seat, and all returned our candidate questionnaire for endorsement.

NEWS EDITOR Cynthia Laird ARTS EDITOR Roberto Friedman BARTAB EDITOR & EVENTS LISTINGS EDITOR Jim Provenzano ASSISTANT EDITORS Matthew S. Bajko • John Ferrannini CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ray Aguilera • Tavo Amador • Race Bannon Roger Brigham • Brian Bromberger Victoria A. Brownworth • Philip Campbell Heather Cassell • Belo Cipriani • Dan Renzi Michael Flanagan • Jim Gladstone David Guarino • Liz Highleyman Brandon Judell • John F. Karr • Lisa Keen Matthew Kennedy • Joshua Klipp David Lamble • Max Leger David-Elijah Nahmod • Paul Parish Lois Pearlman • Tim Pfaff • Jim Piechota Bob Roehr • Gregg Shapiro • Gwendolyn Smith Sari Staver • Tony Taylor • Charlie Wagner Ed Walsh • Cornelius Washington • Sura Wood ART DIRECTION Max Leger PRODUCTION/DESIGN Ernesto Sopprani PHOTOGRAPHERS Jane Philomen Cleland • FBFE Rick Gerharter • Gareth Gooch Jose Guzman-Colon • Rudy K. Lawidjaja Georg Lester • Dan Lloyd • Jo-Lynn Otto Rich Stadtmiller • Kelly Sullivan • Fred Rowe Steven Underhil • Bill Wilson ILLUSTRATORS & CARTOONISTS Paul Berge • Christine Smith ADVERTISING/ADMINISTRATION Colleen Small Bogitini VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVERTISING Scott Wazlowski – 415.829.8937 NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Rivendell Media – 212.242.6863

LEGAL COUNSEL Paul H. Melbostad, Esq.

Courtesy Evangelista campaign

Courtesy Proudfoot campaign

Courtesy Singh campaign

Maria Elena Evangelista

Dorothy Chou Proudfoot

Kulvindar “Rani” Singh

SF Seat 1: Maria Elena Evangelista

SF Seat 18: Dorothy Chou Proudfoot

SF Seat 21: Kulvindar “Rani” Singh

Maria Elena Evangelista ran two years ago, as part of a group of deputy public defenders seeking to oust sitting judges who were appointed by Republican governors. (The judges were all registered Democrats.) We did not endorse her at that time. (All of the incumbents were reelected.) This time around, however, Evangelista is seeking an open seat and we think she has the breadth of experience needed to ensure fairness in the criminal justice system. Prior to joining the public defender’s office, she worked for the San Francisco District Attorney’s office as an intern for two-plus years. In her role as a public defender, she worked with the collaborative courts, behavioral health court, veterans court, drug court, criminal justice court, clean slate, and the intensive supervisor court, which provides wraparound services for clients. “In these courts, we attempt to address the root causes of crime,” she wrote. “My experience directly serving clients informs me of how we can do better.” Evangelista’s parents emigrated from Jalisco, Mexico in the 1970s, arriving in San Francisco after beginning their journey as migrant farmworkers in Southern California. Her mom, who was pregnant with her at the time, was deported and her dad self-deported to bring her back. They sought refuge from Immigration and Naturalization Services in an apartment building in the city’s leather community. “I was born and raised in a studio apartment in a building that was almost exclusively gay men,” she wrote. “We were each other’s surrogate families. I had so many firsts in this community and then I lost so many of them in the 1980s to the AIDS crisis. “My parents did not speak English and never went to school,” she added. “But growing up in the heart of the LGBTQ community inspired my political activism and I wanted to become a voice for equality and representation.” Evangelista has represented LGBTQ clients who had experienced discrimination. We think her 16-plus years of experience will serve her well on the bench.

Dorothy Chou Proudfoot is currently an administrative law judge for the San Francisco Rent Board, after serving as a deputy district attorney in Marin County. She has 20 years of legal experience, including 16 years of trial work. Her career has involved general litigation practice, state criminal law, federal criminal law, administrative law, and landlord-tenant law. A daughter of Chinese immigrants, she told us that she understands “how critical it is to improve gender and racial representation on the bench.” She is running for an open seat on the San Francisco court. In terms of working with the LGBTQ community, Proudfoot wrote that she has supported the promotion and advancement of members of the LGBT legal community by recruiting out lawyers to join various bar association boards and committees in which she’s been involved. Through the amicus committee of California Women Lawyers, Proudfoot has reviewed friendof-the-court briefs on same-sex marriage, Title IX discrimination, transgender protections, and the contraceptive care mandate. When she was a deputy DA, she handled a case with a transgender woman who was representing herself. The judge constantly misgendered the woman, which led her to become agitated. Proudfoot wrote that she emphasized her use of correct pronouns every time she spoke. “The judge then started avoiding using any pronouns at all – which helped to calm the defendant,” Proudfoot wrote. In short, Proudfoot explained that she tried to model awareness of how important using a person’s preferred pronouns are, even as they were on opposite sides of the case, because she could see the defendant did not feel she was getting fair treatment from the court. We need more judges like this in San Francisco. Proudfoot would be a good addition to the bench.

Kulvindar “Rani” Singh has been rated “exceptionally well-qualified” by the Bar Association of San Francisco – its highest rating. She has served as an assistant district attorney in San Francisco for almost 21 years and told us she’s had a “rich and varied” experience during that time. Since 2016, she has been the managing attorney for both the domestic violence unit and the collaborative courts and mental health units in the DA’s office. “In my work, I focus on finding a balance in the system where every voice is heard, and factors of trauma, immigration, LGBTQ barriers to services, and socio-economic disparity are recognized,” she wrote. If elected, Singh would be the first Punjabi Sikh woman, appointed or elected, in the state. A distinguishing perspective expressed by Singh is her willingness to continue community involvement if elected a judge. She’s absolutely right when she observed that once judges run and successfully win their seat, they are rarely heard from in the community. “I understand the political line is difficult to navigate as judges, but I think that it should be required not only for elected judges, but appointed judges, to engage in some non-political community engagement,” she wrote. “The bench should not be separated from the rest of the community.” Singh has experience prosecuting hate crimes cases and has advocated for access to health care for people living with HIV/AIDS, especially while in custody. As a managing attorney for collaborative courts and the mental health unit, she has dealt with challenges for all marginalized populations that come into the system. “I am often called in when things are ‘not working,’” she wrote, “and I use innovation and sensitivity to navigate the difficult issues like advocacy for services and access to the same conditions any person who comes into the court should have.” Singh would be an excellent addition to the San Francisco Superior Court. t

Fickes for Alameda County judge

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

his race presents a difficult choice. ute allows for lawsuits against the govThere are two out candidates runernment or its agents for deprivations ning for a single seat on the Alameda of civil rights. County Superior Court, along with a Concerning changes to the Alamstraight ally, who deferred considereda County Superior Court, Fickes ation expressing that an LGBT publicaresponded in his questionnaire tion should endorse LGBT candidates. that he has spoken out about Both Mark Fickes, a gay man, and barriers to access to the civil Elena Condes, a Latina lesbian, would justice system on the cammake great judges, which is evident paign trail. “Many of our Courtesy Fickes campaign by their answers to our endorsement Alameda County most vulnerable citizens find questionnaire. themselves unrepresented in Superior Court We give the edge to Fickes, in part judge candidate family law matters and unbecause of the variety of his experi- Mark Fickes lawful detainer [eviction] acence over 24 years. Fickes has been a tions,” he wrote. Those cases prosecutor, represented plaintiffs and are presently all heard at the defendants in a wide variety of civil cases, and civil Hayward Hall of Justice, which can be difficult for regulatory enforcement matters when he worked people to get to, especially if they don’t have a veat the Securities and Exchange Commission. He hicle. While he stated that he understands the need has represented the government, individuals, for efficiency, he’d like to work with his colleagues farmers, whistleblowers, small businesses, and to evaluate the effects consolidation has had on large corporations. He served for over a year on county residents. He would also advocate for civil the Court Appointed Attorneys Program admincases being heard at the new courthouse in Dubistered by the Alameda County Bar Association, to lin, which right now handles only criminal cases. represent indigent criminal defendants in situaFickes has experience with LGBT people in the tions that disqualified the Alameda County Public court system. Early in his career when he was a Defender’s office due to a conflict. He continues deputy district attorney in Santa Clara County, he to handle occasional criminal cases pro bono even had a domestic violence case involving a same-sex though he is no longer on the CAAP panel. couple. “The victim was scared to testify because Today, Fickes is a partner in a small San Franpolice were not very compassionate when they cisco firm, where he does some civil rights work arrested his partner,” Fickes wrote. “They made under 42 U.S. Code section 1983. This federal statthe arrest because the evidence of violence was

clear, but they were dismissive and disrespectful through the process.” Fickes wrote that he worked hard to encourage the young man to stay involved, but it was not easy. The defense attorney said a jury would never convict under the circumstances. Ultimately, Fickes presented a united front with the victim, police, and other witnesses and settled the case. Another incident affected him personally. During a very contentious case, the opposing attorney started calling Fickes a “faggot,” and said he should screw his boyfriend instead of her client. “No one in the court, including the judge or other attorneys present, said anything,” he wrote. He learned about the incident when another attorney told him about it. The judge later apologized and the attorney who uttered the slur eventually also apologized. No doubt that Fickes’ experiences have afforded him empathy and insight into discrimination and disparities that are present in the legal system. That brings us to our last point about Fickes – if elected he would be the second out gay man on the Alameda County bench. His election would add to the diversity of judges in the county, which already include several lesbians and a trans woman (although not a lesbian of color). Voters must weigh the outstanding qualifications between Fickes and Condes, who has a strong background as a defense attorney; but only one can prevail, so our recommendation is Fickes.t

Politics>>

February 13-19, 2020 • Bay Area Reporter • 5

Newsom reappoints gay CA veterans affairs secretary to his cabinet

by Matthew S. Bajko

alifornia’s gay veterans affairs secretary is remaining on the job, as Governor Gavin Newsom has reappointed him to the position responsible for overseeing the state’s care of its roughly 1.6 million military veterans. Dr. Vito Imbasciani, 73, of Los Angeles, earns $217,292 a year as head of the California Department of Veterans Affairs, or CalVet for short. The urologic surgeon has served in the position since 2015, when former governor Jerry Brown first named him to the role. Five years later, Imbasciani is believed to be the sole LGBT person heading a cabinet-level state agency, as both Newsom’s office and Equality California, the LGBT statewide advocacy group, told the Bay Area Reporter they were unaware of another out state agency leader. Imbasciani’s immediate boss is Cabinet Secretary Ana J. Matosantos, a lesbian who is currently the highestranking LGBT official in Newsom’s administration. Imbasciani is slated to speak about the appointment process for state positions at EQCA’s annual summit for LGBT leaders, taking place March 13 in Sacramento. In an interview this month with the B.A.R., Imbasciani said he has no plans to retire anytime soon, either from his state government job or physician duties with the Southern California Kaiser Permanente Medical Group. Last Friday, he was conducting surgeries as he usually does twice a month depending on his CalVet schedule. “My accountant and tax adviser are scratching their heads,” joked Imbasciani about his desire to continue working. “You know they say 73 is the new 50. Not only am I blessed with good health and good genes, all four of my grandparents all approached 100 or exceeded it because of their good Southern Italian genes.” Imbasciani added that he considers himself to be “at the peak of my career both surgery-wise and cognitive abilities.” And he feels he is also at his peak in overseeing his state agency. He is responsible for ensuring the state’s veterans, the most of any state, have access to the benefits and programs they are guaranteed due to their military service, from housing support and medical care to access to higher education. “It is a mission and a sacred mission and we love it,” said Imbasciani, praising his staff as well for their dedication toward serving veterans. “I have a lot of passion for it and that passion keeps me going.” CalVet recently released a master plan – https://www.calvet.ca.gov/ Pages/2020-Homes-Master-Plan.aspx – for its veterans homes that Imbasciani now wants to see implemented. “I was hired by Brown to bring the department up to snuff, if you will, and improve the veterans homes,” said Imbasciani, who earned a doctor of medicine degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine. There are eight such homes across the state providing residential and skilled nursing services for veterans and their spouses. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs certifies each veterans home, while the California Department of Social Services and/or the California Department of Public Health issues the homes’ operating licenses. “It is the first time in our 73-year

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

Courtesy CalVet

Dr. Vito Imbasciani is head of the California Department of Veterans Affairs.

history of CalVet that we took a look at the existing buildings we built so we are prepared for what is coming in the future,” explained Imbasciani. The report makes recommendations for what the state should do with each of the veterans homes in the coming years as California’s veteran population is expected to see significant declines as those service members from World War II and the Korean War pass away. CalVet estimates that by 2040 the state’s veterans will shrink by 40% to 900,000. “That is barring any new conflict,” noted Imbasciani, which results in another wave of veterans like the previous century’s wars. Due to medical advances in treating service members injured in battle, the type of care veterans need is changing. Thus, Imbasciani has been modernizing the services offered at the veterans homes and wants to increase the number of skilled nursing beds at the facilities versus room and board beds. “The take home message is almost paradoxical. As veterans numbers decrease, the level of the health care needs of surviving veterans – the ones coming back from the current conflict or wars of Iraq and Afghanistan – are going up,” he said. “In California, veterans disability numbers are greater than the civilian population; no surprise there. But California vets have more disability issues than those of other states. I have to be positioned to care for these individuals coming out of war at a younger age and with dual diagnoses compared to WW II and Korea vets who will all have left us in the next five to 10 years.” As it stands now, CalVet has no waiting list of veterans in need of room and board beds, Imbasciani pointed out, but it does for skilled nursing beds. “We are reorienting our veterans home system to take care of the tsunami of need that is coming toward us,” he said. When the B.A.R. spoke with Imbasciani in the fall of 2017, he had been dealing with wildfires threatening the Veterans Home of California-Yountville, which at the time housed 900 people. Luckily, the complex was spared and CalVet was able to evacuate 130 of the most vulnerable residents at the home to other nearby assisted living facilities until the fires subsided. Following that experience, CalVet

instituted updated emergency response systems at all of its veterans homes. And this month Imbasciani is hiring a person to coordinate the agency’s emergency response not just for fires but also power outages, earthquakes, and any disaster that could impact the homes. “Our homes are spread out around the state and each is at a higher risk for one or another of these disasters as well,” he said. Imbasciani also has a master’s and doctorate in musicology from Cornell University and was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to Rome, Italy to write his doctoral dissertation. He was commissioned in the Medical Corps of the United States Army in December 1986 and retired after 27 years in 2014 with the rank of colonel, having deployed four times in support of the wars in the Gulf. He also served as state surgeon for the California Army National Guard from 2006 to 2014. After being hired by Kaiser in 1997, Imbasciani went on to serve as its director of government relations. A Democrat, he ran in 2014 for a state Senate seat but did not survive the June primary. He and his partner, Dr. George DiSalvo, the chief financial officer at the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, have two adopted sons who are both attending Cal State Northridge. Serving in Newsom’s administration is a special honor, said Imbasciani, as he credits being able to marry his husband to the decision Newsom made in 2004 when he was mayor of San Francisco to buck state law and order city officials to marry same-sex couples. It resulted in a yearslong court battle to win equal marriage rights in the Golden State. “I owe him a personal debt too,” said Imbasciani. “I feel like I am partially paying it forward.” 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 Equality California’s latest endorsements in state legislative races. Keep abreast of the latest LGBT political news by following the Political Notebook on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/politicalnotes. Got a tip on LGBT politics? Call Matthew S. Bajko at (415) 8298836 or e-mail m.bajko@ebar.com.

415-781-6500 *Certified by the California State Bar 400 Montgomery Street, Ste. 505, San Francisco, CA

LGBT PROGRESSIVE CATHOLICS † OUR FAMILIES & FRIENDS

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

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including: } Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section. } Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY. } Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY. } Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. } Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. } The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%). These are not all the possible side effects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including: } Worsening of Hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.

ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains: } dofetilide } rifampin } any other medicines to treat HIV-1

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider if you: } Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection. } Have any other health problems. } Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY. } Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: } Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. } BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other. Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

Get HIV support by downloading a free app at

MyDailyCharge.com

(bik-TAR-vee)

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

GET MORE INFORMATION } This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more. } Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5. } If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, DAILY CHARGE, the DAILY CHARGE Logo, KEEP CREATING, LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: December 2018 © 2019 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0105 02/19

KEEP CREATING. Because HIV doesn’t change who you are. BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you. To learn more, visit BIKTARVY.com.

Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the previous page and visit BIKTARVY.com.

<< Commentary

8 • Bay Area Reporter • February 13-19, 2020

What lies ahead

by Gwendolyn Ann Smith

n statehouses around the country, the 2020 legislative sessions have fired up – and with them, several bills have been introduced to curtail the rights of transgender people. The most notable have been introduced in South Dakota, an unlikely battleground for anti-trans legislation. Last year, the Mount Rushmore State tried, and failed, to pass many bills to limit trans rights, with most aimed at trans youth. For 2020, rather than learn from previous losses, lawmakers ramped things up. Already among the dead is Senate Bill 88, which would have required school counselors, psychologists, and social workers to break the trust of transgender or nonbinary youth, and inform parents if they “determine” the student may be “articulating feelings of gender dysphoria.” This could, of course, be disastrous for kids who may feel they need to keep such information from their parents. Second is House Bill 1057, which died February 10 in a committee vote. This bill would have prohibited doctors from providing medically necessary care to trans youth, including emancipated minors. This didn’t just include surgery, but hormone treatments and puberty blockers. Doing so would have been a Class 4 felony, mandating a 10-year prison sentence as well as an optional fine of $30,000. Appallingly, the bill offered one exception: medical intervention would have been perfectly fine under HB 1057 if the child is intersex, an issue intersex activists have fought against for years. The American Civil Liberties Union of South Dakota had opposed HB 1057. It “was clearly fueled by a fear and misunderstanding of transgender South Dakotans,” Libby Skarin, policy director for the ACLU of South Dakota, stated Monday after the 5-2 vote to kill the legislation. Finally, state Representative Tony Randolph (R) introduced a sweeping measure – House Bill 1215 – that attacks the whole of the LGBTQ community, once again attempting to strike down marriage equality in South Dakota, disallowing anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ people and the banning of conversion therapy, halting “drag queen story times,” and even disallowing pronoun changes. While South Dakota is the hottest spot for these bills, it is far from the only state. Bills similar to HB 1057, for example, have also been introduced in Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Oklahoma, and South Carolina. The Florida bill, H 1365, has

We’ve got more bikes in stock & ready to ride than any shop in SF! MANY ON SALE!

Professional headshots / profile pics Weddings / Events

Fitness/Commuter

Kid’s

StevenUnderhill

370more 7152 •bikes StevenUnderhill.com We’ve415 got in stock & ready to ride than any shop in SF! MANY ON SALE!

Road We’ve got more bikes in stock & Electric ready to ride than any shop in SF! MANY ON SALE!

Fitness/Commuter Kid’s ELECTRIC BIKES We’ve got more bikes in stock & ready to ride than anyARE shop HERE!! in SF! MANY ON SALE! Fitness/Commuter

Road

Kid’s

Electric

Fitness/Commuter

Kid’s

Road

Electric

Road

Electric

Christine Smith

died, while the others are still under consideration. There’s more still: Arizona wants to require school staff to use pronouns not consistent with one’s identity and mandate sex education that focuses on biological sex rather than “gender identities.” Kentucky wants to allow students to sue schools that let trans youth use a restroom that matches their identity, echoing attempts in South Dakota and elsewhere in 2019. Finally, Alabama, Tennessee, and New Hampshire have taken yet another page from South Dakota’s 2019 legislative failures, pushing to keep trans students from participating as themselves in school sports. The legislative year is still young, too. We can expect even more. It’s no coincidence that all these bills are out there. For one, this is an election year with a widely unpopular Republican president and a lot of animus toward the GOP. Attacking transgender people is just the sort of “social issue” the Republican Party uses to fire up its base. All of the old anti-queer language they touted for decades now has the word “homosexual” crossed out and the word “transgender” written in in crayon. Many of these bills are being pushed heavily by the same religious right organizations that have pursued anti-gay bills for decades. Still stinging from losses over marriage equality, they seek to turn transgender people into their newest target, allowing their coffers to fill with donations. Not helping matters is the rightward push of the courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, where many of these bills may eventually end up should they pass out of their statehouses. We’re already facing a huge challenge to trans rights from the

Supreme Court this year as it is, with R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Homes v EEOC & Aimee Stephens being decided later this year. No matter how that goes, the court will ignite far more attacks on trans rights going forward. None of this is very good news. Right now, in this moment, may be the most difficult time to be transgender in more than half a century. For better or ill, we live in a time when being transgender or nonbinary and simply existing is a radical act. I’ve said it before, but now is the time when we simply must rely on each other, raise each other up, and look out for each other every step of the way. We need to show up, be visible, and be loud in ways that may scare us and may make things more difficult for us, at least for a while. Furthermore, the ACLU is currently working on each of the above cases, and is an invaluable source in understanding every bill that comes forward to harm trans rights. If you have the option, please consider supporting it, or perhaps your local trans and LGBTQ rights organizations. If that’s not an option, then it’s time to be there, for yourself and for the trans and nonbinary siblings in our community, who are in need right now. This year is a pivotal moment for trans rights, and no matter what happens with each of the above bills, we need to be there for each and every one of us. Every bill sends a message that those in positions of power want us destroyed and forgotten. It is up to every single one of us to stand up and say no, we will not be erased. t Gwen Smith isn’t good at staying quiet. You’ll find her at www. gwensmith.com.

Haney hangs out in SOMA istrict 6 Supervisor Matt Haney, left center, 1065 & 1077 Valencia (Btwn 21st & 22nd St.) • SF talked with Bay Area Reporter leather columnist SALES 415-550-6600 • REPAIRS 415-550-6601 • Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 11-5 Race Bannon and a crowd of others at the Power10651065 & 1077 Valencia 21st& &22nd 22nd & 1077 Valencia (Btwn (Btwn 21st St.)St.) • SF• SF house February 6, during a leather bar crawl in San Closed: 4pm New Years415-550-6601 EVE, and• All Day New Years SALES 415-550-6600 • REPAIRS • Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 11-5 SALES 415-550-6600 • REPAIRS 415-550-6601 Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 11-5

valenciacyclery.com valenciacyclery.com valenciacyclery.com

Closed: 4pmNew NewYears Years EVE, EVE, and New Years Closed: 4pm andAllAllDay Day New Years

1065 & 1077 Valencia (Btwn 21st & 22nd St.) • SF SALES 415-550-6600 • REPAIRS 415-550-6601 • Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 11-5 Closed: 4pm New Years EVE, and All Day New Years

Francisco’s South of Market neighborhood. Haney

Steven Underhill

was joined by members of the Leather and LGBTQ Cultural District and bar patrons as he visited the Hole in the Wall Saloon and the Stud, where drag queen Natalie Ray performed. The group ended the evening at the SF Eagle.

Pride 2020>>

February 13-19, 2020 • Bay Area Reporter • 9

SF Pride board will not ban Google from festivities by John Ferrannini

he board that oversees San Francisco Pride will not ban Google, its affiliate YouTube, and the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office from this year’s parade and festival. While the San Francisco Pride board did not vote on the matter during the public portion of its February 5 meeting – it held a closed session beforehand – Executive Director Fred Lopez issued a statement afterward that said there would be no ban. “We have decided as a board there will not be a ban against Google nor the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office at this year’s Pride celebration. Instead, we are saying yes to inclusivity,” Lopez wrote in a statement sent to the Bay Area Reporter late Wednesday. “The Alameda County Sheriff’s department has not had its own contingent in the parade in years past, and Google has been a responsive corporate sponsor for more than a decade. We are in agreement that banning those groups is not in the best interest of Pride and its members, who look forward to an inclusive event each year that reflects the diversity of our wonderful community.” The meeting, which lasted a little over an hour, featured plenty of discussion of the proposal. As the Bay Area Reporter previously reported January 17, seven people at a Pride general membership meeting last month voted to ban the organizations. Led by two former Google employees, the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office was added into the mix in the wake of its role in the January 14 eviction of four homeless women and their children who had been occupying a vacant house in Oakland. An attorney with the San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration Committee, Inc. – the formal name of the SF Pride organization – said that last month’s members’ vote could not be considered binding. “Pride’s board of directors is set to take up the issue at its meeting next month,” SF Pride spokeswoman Allison Ortiz told the B.A.R. January 24. The item was not on the agenda at the board of directors meeting, which was held at the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus building at 170 Valencia Street. It appeared that about twodozen people attended the meeting. Tyler Breisacher and Laurence Berland, who spearheaded the proposed bans, were at the meeting and expressed their dismay that the board wouldn’t vote on a resolution disclosing how much money Pride receives from Google. Breisacher said that the issue came up last year after YouTube, which is owned by Google, failed to ban a conservative comedian who Carlos Maza, a YouTube content creator, said was directing his followers to harass him. The comedian, Steven Crowder, called Maza a “lispy queer,” among other homophobic and anti-Latino slurs. Google has since updated its harassment policies. “If I walked up to them (the board members) today and asked ‘How much does Google give to Pride?’ they couldn’t tell me,” Breisacher said. “The transparency resolution got less press attention, but it would apply to all companies.” Berland expressed a similar sentiment. “Our efforts to work together have ended in delay, delay, delay without any action,” Berland said. “The board ought to have the transparency motion we put forward so that we can actually talk seriously about the terms of these contracts.” Lopez and board President Carolyn Wysinger both told the B.A.R. after the meeting that not revealing exact

Rick Gerharter

Protesters demonstrated against the appearance of Google in the 2019 San Francisco Pride parade.

contributions was standard nonprofit practice. “That’s a general standard practice with corporate sponsorships,” Lopez said. “Most events don’t share exact numbers. It’s a partnership.” The B.A.R. received a similar answer when it asked Lopez last month how much money Google gave Pride. Wysinger said that the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office had not been included in previous Pride festivities, saying that banning it was being used as a way to draw attention to the Google issue. “Righteous indignation doesn’t move the needle toward equity,” Wysinger, who is black, said during the meeting, addressing those who wanted the ban. “I cannot stand here and allow you to co-opt black pain and black trauma. “Receiving emails about the board not understanding what LGBT people are facing, a better question is, do you know what LGBT people are facing? Are you walking? Have you been among the medically-challenged, or the drug addicted, or are you an armchair warrior?” she asked. Wysinger published the whole statement to her Facebook page after the meeting. In it, she said that the situation is “exactly the reason why white men are not and should not be at the forefront of any social justice movement.” “Somehow the words of enlightened leaders who advise white people to use their privilege to create equity somehow it got filtered into let me DO it. Well we are seeing right now in our presidential election how that works or rather doesn’t work. White men have a penchant for thinking THEY should be the fixer of things. The only problem is that when you lead with your entitlement and ego you destroy everything around it every single time,” she wrote in the post.

Issue of approach

Wysinger and Lopez said that the issue is one of approach – whether to change corporate cultures from the inside or the outside. They both said that SF Pride has been in discussions with Google over the issues raised by Breisacher and Berland. “If it wasn’t for SF Pride going to the table with Google and having those conversations, I would not have been able to take those concerns to Google,” Wysinger said in her statement at the meeting. “We were presented with their harassment policies, which presents why black people must be at the table.” Wysinger said that she initially opposed having Google at Pride when the issue was raised last year, but since then the approach of inclusion has provided positive results for marginalized communities. “In hindsight I’m glad that we didn’t (ban Google) because as many people know I have been working

with a number of social justice organizations about the intersectionality of civil rights and tech,” she said. “This isn’t about supporting companies at all. I have my own personal issue with the fact that these entities believe that it’s important that their LGBT employees have the right to march but that they are too scared to come and advocate for that themselves.” Wysinger and Lopez said after the meeting that the board would continue to discuss corporate accountability. Lopez said that a corporate accountability committee was in the works. “We are going back to the drawing board to take as complete a look at corporate accountability as possible, with people from the business community, the activist community, and the Pride community,” Lopez said. “As early as last June, when the issue came up, we sat down with friends at Google and we have remained in constant contact since then.” A Google spokesperson emailed a statement to the B.A.R. February 5: “Google has been a proud participant in San Francisco Pride for more than a decade and we will continue to support this important community organization and others like it here in San Francisco.” Wysinger told members of the media in attendance that only she and Lopez could speak for the organization. The B.A.R. and other local media outlets were told they could not photograph the board of directors meeting due to concerns about the safety of attendees. The Alameda County Sheriff’s Office did not respond to a request for comment. t

THIS IS THE

san francisco

Columbariu M Funeral Home and

formerly the Neptune Society

We’ve expanded our services and kept the spirit and tradition.

Call (415) 771-0717 One Loraine Court between Stanyan & Arguello

FD 1306

COA 660

SF_Columbarium_2x7.625_033017.indd 1

8/11/17 12:30 PM

Classifieds Cleaning Services>> FEELING DIRTY? – Housecleaning Richard 415-255-0389

Hauling>>

HAULING 24/7 – (415) 441-1054 Large Truck

Jobs Offered >> LIVE ON THE WATER, COMMUTE ON THE FERRY. – View on “YOUTUBE” at 32 Sandy Beach Rd. Contact Betty Kennon, Kennon Realty, 707-480-4908. License # 01182269.

MARKETING SPECIALIST. –

Monitor & forecast marketing & sales trends. Req. Bach in Bus. Admin. or rel. field or foreign equiv & 2 yrs exp in job or 2 yrs exp as Market Research Analyst/Mktg Spec. or rel occup. Any suitable combo of educ, training &/or exp is acceptable. Jobsite: Burlingame, CA. Send resume: M. Cantalino, Focal Systems, Inc, 1300 Old Bayshore Hwy, Ste. 255, Burlingame, CA 94010

SALES DIRECTOR –

Manage key customers monitoring smart home marketing trend. Req. 3 yrs exp in job or 3 yrs exp in rel. occup. Jobsite: San Jose, CA. Send resume: S. Ho, Chicony America, Inc, 53 Parker, Irvine, CA 92618.

Tech Support >>

Tech Support MACINTOSH HELP

Ralph Doore 415-867-4657

Professional 30+ years exp Virus/Malware GONE! Device setup Mobile Support Network & wireless setup Discreet

 Yelp reviews

29 YEARS EXPERIENCE SFMacMan.com

RICK

415.821.1792

<< Community News

10 • Bay Area Reporter • February 13-19, 2020

Horizons celebrates 40 years of giving by David-Elijah Nahmod

orizons Foundation is kicking off its 40th year with over $400,000 in grants to Bay Area nonprofits. The organization held a grantmaking luncheon last week at San Francisco City Club, where a panel discussed the history of the organization and the importance of financially supporting

LGBT nonprofits, or those that aren’t necessarily LGBT-focused but have a queer program or component. Among the new slate of grantee partners are 48 organizations that together received $415,734 in funding. Horizons’ total grantmaking since 1980 now exceeds $48.6 million, according to Horizons President Roger Doughty. The new grantee partners include a

New “Below Market Rate” ownership home at 6 Mint Plaza! 1 bedroom priced at $306,862. Industrial style condo in great South of Market location close to downtown. Applicants must be first-time homebuyers and cannot exceed the following income levels: 100% of Area Median Income 2019. One person - $86,200; 2 persons - $98,500; 3 persons - $110,850; 4 persons - $123,150 etc. Applications must be received by 5pm on 3/16/2020. Apply online through DAHLIA, the SF Housing Portal at https://housing.sfgov.org or mail in a paper application with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to BMR 6 Mint Plaza, #302A, P.O. Box 420847, San Francisco, CA 94142. Postmarks will not be considered. Paper applications can be downloaded from https://housing.sfgov.org or pick up from Home Quest Realty at 5517 Geary Blvd #206, San Francisco CA 94121. For more information or assistance with your application, please contact Rob Belli with Home Quest Realty for an application and more information at (415) 317-8540 or rob@hquestrealty.com. Unit available through the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development and are subject to monitoring and other restrictions. Visit www.sfmohcd.org for program information. *Fair Housing Opportunity*

DUGGAN’S FUNERAL SERVICE

DUGGAN WeLCh fAmiLy the

3434 – 17th StREEt SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110

Thomas V. Halloran General Manager A native San Franciscan with 40 years of professional experience assisting families in need. A longtime resident of the Eureka Valley, Castro and Mission Districts; a member of the Castro Merchants Association and a 25 year member of the Freewheelers Car Club. At Duggan’s Funeral Service, which sits in the heart of the Mission, we offer custom services that fit your personal wishes in honoring and celebrating a life. We are committed to the ever-changing needs of the community and the diverse families we serve.

Please call for information 415-431-4900 or visit us at www.duggansfuneralservice.com FD44

variety of organizations and projects, some of which focused on fighting LGBTQ homelessness. For example, Homeless Youth Alliance was awarded a grant to provide case management for LGBTQ homeless youth; Dolores Street Community Services received a grant to support Jazzie’s Place, the first LGBTQ adult homeless shelter in the nation, a news release stated. Other recipients include the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Bay Area Old Lesbians Organizing for Change, California Coalitions for Women Prisoners, Community United Against Violence, Face to Face: Sonoma County AIDS Network, Gay Asian Pacific Alliance Foundation, HealthRIGHT 360, Oakland LGBTQ Community Center, Queer LifeSpace, San Francisco Trans March, and the San Francisco Transgender Film Festival. Many grantees were in attendance at the luncheon, including Jonathan Cook, 29, a gay man who serves as executive director of the Solano Pride Center in Fairfield. The center received $10,000. “We’re one of three organizations in Solano County that Horizons Foundation is investing in, and we’re grateful for their support,” Cook told the Bay Area Reporter. “The grant means that we’ll be able to increase our capacity and support our most vulnerable clients and insure that we have sustainable funding for the future. I’d like to congratulate Horizons on 40 years and for their legacy of being at the forefront of funding LGBTQ organizations in the Bay Area.” Another grantee is Texas Rose, an Oakland-based country western dance organization for queer womxn, which is inclusive of trans women. It was granted $2,840. “We have a fantastic community, but in order to keep the community growing, we need to do outreach,” said Cheryl Rosenthal, a 58-year-old gender-neutral person of Texas Rose Dance. “At Texas Rose you can find an 18-year-old gender-neutral person dancing with an 80-year-old lesbian and everything in between.”

Panel discussion

The February 6 luncheon included a panel discussion with Paula Morris, Horizons’ former program director (1998-2001); Julie Dorf, former director of philanthropic services (2002-2008); and Francisco O. Buchting, current vice president of grants, programs, and communications. The panel was moderated by Ash McNeely, chair of the grants and programs committee. McNeely noted that it was only recently that an LGBTQ community center opened up in San Mateo County, where she lives, and that it was Horizons who helped to fund it. The San Mateo County Pride Center

7 new “Below Market Rate” ownership homes at The Westerly, 2800 Sloat Boulevard 2 one-bedrooms, and 5 two-bedroom homes priced from $346,547 - $399,091 without parking and $387,959 - $446,948 with parking. Applicants must be first-time homebuyers and cannot exceed the following income levels: 100% of Area Median Income 2019 One person - $86,200; 2 persons - $98,500; 3 persons - $110,850; 4 persons - $123,150 etc. Applications must be received by 5PM on Thursday, March 5, 2020. Apply online through DAHLIA, the SF Housing Portal at https://housing.sfgov.org or mail in a paper application with a self-addressed stamped envelope to BMR – The Westerly, PO Box 420847, San Francisco, CA 94142. Postmarks will not be considered. Paper applications can be downloaded from https:// housing.sfgov.org or picked up from 275 5th St. Suite 314, San Francisco, CA 94103. For more information or assistance with your application, please contact HomeownershipSF at info@ homeownershipsf.org and (415) 202-5464. Units available through the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development and are subject to monitoring and other restrictions. Visit www.sfmohcd.org for program information.

Rick Gerharter

Recipients, past and present, of grants from Horizons Foundation gathered on the stairway in City Club of San Francisco for a group photo.

opened in 2017. “You never leave Horizons Foundation,” said Morris. “Since I left being on the staff of Horizons Foundation I’ve worked with a lot of other foundations over the last 20 years, and the work that I’ve done there has been shaped by the values that I learned from this work at Horizons. I’ve never seen a group of people take more seriously the charge of deciding, making the really hard decisions about where funds would be allocated with such attention and integrity. “We spent a lot of time with organizations, for many of them this was probably the first grant proposal, so we spent a lot of time working with them first, to help them understand and talk through what does it mean to submit a grant proposal,” she added. “We brought people in to meet with the panel to discuss their proposal, a lot of attention was paid to every step.” Morris noted that the money received by those organizations was “transformational.” “It was often the first grant they received,” she said. Dorf noted that many of the donors were able to learn about groups that they might not come into contact with in their daily lives. “It was an era when ‘pink dollar’ was a new term and people wanted to see a gay stamp on their philanthropy,” she said. “We did a lot of fantastic grantmaking in the local community, like a donor who had come into money later in life who was a latchkey kid in the Bay Area and wanted to give back to the public libraries, and wanted to make sure there were after school programs for underserved youth, so we did a $100,000 capital gift to the YMCA in the Bayview Hunter’s Point.” Buchting spoke of Horizons’ participation in Give Out Day, which it now oversees. “Give Out Day is literally across 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico, where we bring over 400 LGBTQ grassroots organizations to engage with over 14,000 donors in one day to raise over $1.1 million last year,” he said. “And we’re going to grow it even more. “So that’s all great, but the story for me is what’s behind Give Out Day,” he added. “We engage with organizations in Mississippi who do not have portals to take donations, organiza-

Primary

From page 3

installing “decorative lights” and “decorative bricks,” language that some activists thought sounded like a subliminal effort to draw attention to Buttigieg’s being gay. “It was as homophobic as it gets,” said gay Democratic activist David Mixner, who has endorsed Buttigieg. The LGBTQ Victory Fund issued a news release condemning the ad, calling it “petty and demeaning.” “As a former mayor myself,” said Victory Fund President Annise Parker, who led Houston, “I find it

tions in North Dakota, organizations in South Carolina, organizations that represent our community across 50 states who are building community and they need a way to find resources. They don’t have a Horizons in those states.” Doughty closed out the luncheon. “At the very heart of Horizons’ work has always been community,” Doughty said. “Being there for every partner, for everyone through thick and thin through both the unbearable and the triumphant. As many of you have heard me say before, Horizons Foundation has always proudly been, and is proudly today, and will always proudly be of, by, and for this community, our LGBTQ community.” Doughty also talked of vision as Horizons begins its anniversary year. “One crucial piece that I wanted to add here is that part of what defines these 40 years of grantmaking goes beyond community, and that piece is vision,” he said. “The idea of sharing for our community a vision of the future. And that relentlessly, fearlessly forging the untraveled path together.” Doughty added that every single Horizons grant has been in pursuit of a shared vision. “Our shared vision: it demands equality,” he said. “It demands justice, it demands access. It demands that every LGBTQ person has a true and equitable opportunity to find joy and meaning and pride and love in their lives. And if you serve our community as a nonprofit organization of one of our grantees then I know you share this vision. And if you’re one of our partners or donors or someone who volunteers their time in this community, I know that you share this vision too. “That same vision that led our founders 40 years ago to found the very first LGBTQ community foundation in the whole world,” he added. He encouraged attendees not to leave anyone behind. “A toast to our community for being there for one another,” Doughty said. “To leaving none of us behind. A toast to all the brave generations that came before us. And to all the LGBTQ generations that will follow. To this potent mission that we share and to the community that we are creating, and most importantly by far, a toast to all of you.”t insulting that he would belittle the important role mayors play in the everyday lives of their residents. ... Biden’s team must be reading some terrible poll numbers for them to release such a desperate ad against a fellow Democrat. It’s time they refocus their fire at Donald Trump.” Parker applauded Buttigieg’s second place finish in New Hampshire, saying it was a strong answer to questions about Buttigieg’s electability. “It shatters the notion that an openly gay candidate can win in only the most liberal hotspots,” said See page 14 >>

SALE

OPEN SUNDAYS 'TILL 9PM - GET IT TODAY, NO CREDIT NEEDED! HURRY IN! SALE ENDS MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH AT 9PM!

up to

†

up to

On purchases with your Ashley Advantage™ credit card from 2/4/2020 to 2/17/2020. Equal monthly payments required for 60 months. Ashley Furniture does not require a down payment, however, sales tax and delivery charges are due at time of purchase. *See below for details.

COLMA - NOW OPEN! SAN JOSE - NOW OPEN!

81 Colma Blvd., Colma, CA 94014 650-761-7015 1082 Blossom Hill Road San Jose, CA 95123 408.878.4235

DOORBUSTERS! HERMISTON Walnut Rocker Recliner Reg. Price $799.99

NOW ONLY

39999 50% $

YOU SAVE

NOW HIRING! Sales Associates

Get it Today! No Credit Needed!

DUBLIN

7885 Dublin Blvd., Dublin, CA 94568 925-660-0480 facebook.com/AshleyHSDublin

COLMA

81 Colma Blvd., Colma, CA 94014 650-761-7015 facebook.com/AshleyHSColma

CONCORD

Exit at Concord, next to Trader Joe’s 2201 John Glenn Dr Concord, CA 94520 925-521-1977 facebook.com/AshleyHSConcord

EMERYVILLE

In the East Baybridge Shopping Center 3839 Emery St., Ste. 300 Emeryville, CA 94608 510-292-4339

facebook.com/AshleyHSEmeryville

FAIRFIELD

Exit Green Valley 4865 Auto Plaza Ct Fairfield, CA 94534 707-864-3537

facebook.com/AshleyHSFairfield

FOLSOM

Located in the Broadstone Plaza 2799 E Bidwell St Folsom, CA 95630 916-986-9200

facebook.com/AshleyHSFolsom

KANOSH Steel Sofa and Loveseat Reg. Price $1349.99

NOW ONLY

YOU SAVE

59999 56%

ROSEVILLE

FRESNO

MODESTO

facebook.com/AshleyHSFresno

facebook.com/AshleyHSModesto

Highland Reserve Marketplace 10349 Fairway Dr Roseville, CA 95678 916-953-5757

REDDING

SACRAMENTO

7502 N. Blackstone Ave Fresno, CA 93720 559-283-8251

LATHROP

18290 Harlan Rd. Lathrop, CA 95330 209-707-2177 facebook.com/AshleyHSLathrop

1405 Dana Drive Redding, CA 96003 530-222-7707 facebook.com/AshleyHSRedding

ROHNERT PARK

MILPITAS

In McCarthy Ranch 128 Ranch Dr Milpitas, CA 95035 408-262-6860 facebook.com/AshleyHSMilpitas

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK: Monday - Sunday 10am - 9pm

3900 Sisk Rd., Ste B Modesto, CA 95356 209-248-6152

Exit Rohnert Park Expwy, across from Costco 6001 Redwood Dr Rohnert Park, CA 94928 707-586-1649

facebook.com/AshleyHSRohnertPark

“Se Habla Español”

facebook.com/AshleyHSRoseville

Located at the Promenade in Natomas 3667 N Freeway Blvd Sacramento, CA 95834 916-419-8906 facebook.com/AshleyHSSacramento

SAN JOSE

1082 Blossom Hill Road San Jose, CA 95123 408-878-4235 facebook.com/AshleyHSSanJose

STOCKTON

In the Park West Place Shopping Center 10904 Trinity Parkway, Stockton, CA 95219 209-313-2187 facebook.com/AshleyHSStockton

SAN FRANCISCO

VISALIA

facebook.com/AshleyHSSanFrancisco

facebook.com/AshleyHSVisalia

707 Bayshore Blvd. San Francisco, CA 94124 415-467-4414

3850 S. Mooney Blvd Visalia, CA 93277 559-697-6399

www.AshleyHomeStore.com

*Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. Ashley HomeStore does not require a down payment, however, sales tax and delivery charges are due at time of purchase if the purchase is made with your Ashley Advantage™ Credit Card. No interest will be charged on promo purchase and equal monthly payments are required equal to initial promo purchase amount divided equally by the number of months in promo period until promo is paid in full. The equal monthly payment will be rounded to the next highest whole dollar and may be higher than the minimum payment that would be required if the purchase was a non-promotional purchase. Regular account terms apply to non-promotional purchases. For new accounts: Purchase APR is 29.99%; Minimum Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders should see their credit card agreement for their applicable terms. Promotional purchases of merchandise will be charged to account when merchandise is delivered. Subject to credit approval. ‡Monthly payment shown is equal to the purchase price, excluding taxes and delivery, divided by the number of months in the promo period, rounded to the next highest whole dollar, and only applies to the selected financing option shown. If you make your payments by the due date each month, the monthly payment shown should allow you to pay off this purchase within the promo period if this balance is the only balance on your account during the promo period. If you have other balances on your account, this monthly payment will be added to the minimum payment applicable to those balances. ††Ashley HomeStore does not require a down payment, however, sales tax and delivery charges are due at time of purchase if the purchase is made with your Ashley Advantage™ Credit Card. Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. No interest will be charged on the promo purchase if you pay the promo purchase amount in full within 12 Months. If you do not, interest will be charged on the promo purchase from the purchase date. Depending on purchase amount, promotion length and payment allocation, the required minimum monthly payments may or may not pay off purchase by end of promotional period. Regular account terms apply to non-promotional purchases and, after promotion ends, to promotional balance. For new accounts: Purchase APR is 29.99%; Minimum Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders should see their credit card agreement for their applicable terms. Promotional purchases of merchandise will be charged to account when merchandise is delivered. Subject to credit approval. §Subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payments required. See store for details. ‡‡Previous purchases excluded. Cannot be combined with any other promotion or discount. Discount offers exclude Tempur-Pedic®, Stearns & Foster® and Sealy Posturepedic Hybrid™ mattress sets, Hot Buys, floor models, clearance items, sales tax, furniture protection plans, warranty, delivery fee, Manager’s Special pricing, Advertised Special pricing, and 14 Piece Packages and cannot be combined with financing specials. Effective 1/1/2018, all mattress and box springs are subject to a $10.50 per unit CA recycling fee. †Subject to availability. Order must be entered by 4 PM. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. Stoneledge Furniture LLC., many times has multiple offers, promotions, discounts and financing specials occurring at the same time; these are allowed to only be used either/or and not both or combined with each other. Although every precaution is taken, errors in price and/or specification may occur in print. We reserve the right to correct any such errors. Picture may not represent item exactly as shown, advertised items may not be on display at all locations. Some restrictions may apply. Available only at participating locations. Ashley HomeStores are independently owned and operated. ©2020 Ashley HomeStores, Ltd. Promotional Start Date: February 4, 2020. Expires: February 17, 2020.

<< Business News

12 • Bay Area Reporter • February 13-19, 2020

French tea service, chaga mushrooms star at gay-run cafes in San Francisco by Matthew S. Bajko

new gay-owned French tea salon is bringing a touch of Parisian flair to San Francisco’s Polk Gulch neighborhood just blocks from the museums and theaters situated in the city’s Civic Center district. A highlight of Maison Danel, set to open its doors February 18 at 1030 Polk Street, will be its daily afternoon tea service. Husbands David and Danel de Betelu, who also own the Frenchinspired Baker Street Bistro in Cow Hollow, have spent close to a decade trying to open their teahouse and French bakery. After a five-year search they signed the lease for three adjacent storefronts in 2017, but then faced delays in seeing the existing businesses vacate their spaces and navigating the city’s permitting process in order to receive the signoffs they needed to open. Showing off the renovated space, which sports an entwined D logo symbolizing their first names and marriage, the couple told the Bay Area Reporter they are excited to be opening a business in one of the city’s historic LGBT neighborhoods. Few LGBT-owned businesses remain along Polk Street, as the center of the city’s LGBT community shifted to the Castro district in the 1970s. “The rent here is reasonable and we are excited to be in a revitalizing neighborhood,” said David de Betelu, who formerly worked as a branding specialist for national chains like Target, Old Navy, and Sephora. “We also thought it was great that we are a local gay-owned business in Lower Polk. To be part of this revitalization of this historic neighborhood is a great thing.” Across town at Fearless Coffee on Second Street in the city’s South of Market district, a gay proprietor has “chaga charged” the cafe’s tea, coffee, and food offerings by adding chaga mushrooms to the menu. The Inonotus obliquus fungus, commonly known as chaga, grows on birch trees throughout the Northern Hemisphere and is hailed for its antiinflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

After discovering chaga through friends while living in Alaska four years ago, Gavin Escolar, 44, launched The Chaga Company upon returning to San Francisco in 2017 at that year’s annual Fungus Fair. He sold out and soon started selling his chaga mushroom elixirs, tinctures, and infused chocolates at farmer’s markets around the Bay Area, including the popular Saturday markets at San Francisco’s Ferry Building. “I don’t forage myself. I work with people who have been doing this for millennia. Also, they do sustainable harvesting, which is really important to me,” said Escolar. “I met with mushroom experts to make it more faster and efficient for the body to absorb. The Alaskans boil it down to a tea but it tastes like ass. We broke it down to get the antioxidants but without the taste.” Through a teammate on the gay Fog rugby team, Escolar met Jeff Handy, who opened Fearless Coffee eight years ago at 303 Second Street. The two hit it off, and in January, Escolar took over day-to-day management of the cafe. In addition to using it as a place to showcase his chaga mushroom offerings, Escolar spruced up the decor by adding live plants and artwork from fellow farmers market vendors he had befriended. Due to its location on the edge of the business district, Fearless is only open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., so Escolar is hoping to partner with other independent-owned coffeehouses and cafes around the city also interested in “chaga charging” their menus. A longtime jewelry maker, Escolar went to Alaska at the invitation of a friend who owned a gold mine there. “I did pan for gold. It was cute the first eight months. But I realized I am a true San Franciscan,” recalled Escolar, who spent time in Juneau, Anchorage, and Fairbanks. It was there he first was introduced to chaga mushrooms. He had been taking pain pills to cope with injuries he had suffered from playing rugby, and friends in Fairbanks suggested he instead try chaga.

We are Your Local Experts helping Exceptional Clients Buy and Sell Beautiful Homes in San Francisco. Call Us for a Free Valuation of Your Property.

Rick Gerharter

Teatime via Europe

Mike Ackerman & Oliver Burgelman LIC# 01388135 | 01232037 415.307.5850 ABZ@ZephyrSF.com BuildingTrust4Life.com

Matthew S. Bajko

Maison Danel co-owners and husbands Danel de Betelu, left, and David de Betelu stand behind the pastry counter during a February 11 media preview.

“After two weeks my pain went from unbearable to 75% manageable. I now take it everyday,” Escolar told the B.A.R. over a cup of his turmeric spice with chaga tea ($4), which is a golden color and has a bit of an earthy taste and a hint of ginger. To spread the word about his products in the Bay Area, Escolar hosted garden and mushroom tea parties as well as dinners at the Equinox sports club on Market Street that also featured local artists. At Fearless, customers can add a chaga shot for $1 to their coffee orders – taste-wise it is barely discernable and pairs well with the notes of the coffee beans. Escolar also worked with the cooks at Handy’s Red Dog Restaurant & Bar located in the same office complex on Second Street to infuse chaga into such things as empanadas ($3), biscotti ($2) and chocolate chip cookies ($3) that people can purchase at Fearless. Also on sale are his golddusted chocolate bars ($10 for a 2 oz. package) that Escolar makes with a chocolatier he hired. Each Friday they make a batch of 400 to 500 bars at the food nonprofit La Cocina’s kitchen that Escolar then hand coats with edible gold. “This is truly something I feel helps out people, whether it is their mind, body, or soul,” said Escolar, who credits his chaga diet for his losing 42 pounds and feeling more energetic. For more information about The Chaga Company and to order its products online, visit its website at https://www.thechagaco.com/. Inspired by the tea salons they visited in Paris and Vienna, David and Danel de Betelu had dreamed of one day providing a similar “elegant and elevated experience” in San Francisco since moving to town in 2008. “We have good pastries and places to go for high tea but they are all in hotels. Combining French pastries

Gavin Escolar shows off chaga mushrooms on a birch tree at the Fearless Coffee cafe.

with afternoon tea doesn’t really exist here in San Francisco,” noted David de Betelu. They will be providing the Britishstyle of afternoon tea Americans are most familiar with, but instead of scones there will be croissants, explained Danel de Betelu. They have hired Adrien Chabot, an acclaimed chef from Paris, as the head chef of the new tea salon and pastry shop. “We want to be a destination for good French pastries and tea service,” said David de Betelu. The couple initially met in New York City on the eve of Bastille Day, July 14, 2007. Danel de Betelu had moved to the city in 2002 and was a chef at a French restaurant, which was slammed due to the French holiday, so their first dinner date was at midnight July 15. “It was love at first sight,” recalled David de Betelu, 41, who grew up in Taiwan and moved to the U.S. with his family when he was 10. Danel de Betelu, 46, grew up in Biarritz, France and began his cooking career in his hometown where he opened his first restaurant in 1999. It is also where the couple married in 2015 and their wedding inspired the decor of their patisserie (which refers to sweet cakes that are refrigerated like eclairs and puff pastries), viennoiserie (for baked goods like croissants and apple turnovers) and salon de thé, or tea salon. A crystal chandelier hangs over the barista station, while the seating area sports a tiled floor and exposed brick walls. The build out of the space took 12 months. “We are really trying to build our dream place,” said David de Betelu, “that combines my love of tea and Danel’s French sensibilities.” The eatery’s name translates to “House of Danel” and conveys not only the elegant experience they are aiming to provide patrons but also signals the business is “a brand and

Rick Gerharter

Macaroons and multiple creamy desserts are some of the offerings at Maison Danel.

not just a bakery,” explained David de Betelu, as they would like to have multiple locations of their tea salon. “Our landlord has a building in the Castro he asked us about also leasing. But we said let’s build this here first,” said David de Betelu, adding that the couple’s “goal is to be the best French patisserie in the city and be able to attract people from across the city and the Bay Area.” Maison Danel will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Its breakfast menu will be served from 8 to 11 a.m. and its lunch menu will be offered from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. A weekend brunch menu will be served from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The afternoon tea service will start at 2:30 and run through closing. The Classique ($40) includes a selection of pastries, finger sandwiches, and a pot of tea. The Eugenie ($60) adds a half bottle of cremant champagne, while the Napoleon ($150) also includes a 1 oz. caviar service. For more information about the menu and pricing, or to make a reservation, visit www.maisondanel. com. t Got a tip on LGBT business news? Call Matthew S. Bajko at (415) 8298836 or e-mail m.bajko@ebar.com.

REVERSE MORTGAGES JUMBO AND HECM PROGRAMS Professional • Knowledgeable • Trustworthy • Responsive Specializing in Reverse Mortages for 14 years | Serving the Bay Area David Chee, CPA NMLS# 263222 | Mortgage Loan Officer | Certified Public Accountant

Call for a Free Personalized Quote 510-436-3100 HighTechLending, Inc., licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act. #4130937 NMLS 7147. Equal Housing Lender, NMLS Consumer Access: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.orh. This material is not from HUD or FHA, and was not approved by HUD, FHA or any other government agency. David Chee --- Tri-Color.indd 1

HighTechLending 1/24/20 9:46 AM

ONE OF SEVERAL VALUABLE PRIZES JUST FOR VOTING FOR YOUR FAVORITE PLACES, PEOPLE AND THINGS TO DO IN SAN FRANCISCO AND THE BAY AREA. GRAND PRIZE:

SECOND PLACE:

THIRD PLACE:

4th-10TH PLACE:

LA PRIDE 2020 (VIP Weekend Passes) JUNE 12-14

Pair of tickets to see MIKA at the Masonic on April 13

Pair of Tickets to see Opera Paralelleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s HARVEY MILK (May 15-17 at Blue Shield of California theatre at YBCA)

I GOT YOU BABE: The Best of Sonny & Cher 5-CD SET OF THE SONNY & CHER COMEDY HOUR (Never released before)

VOTE TO WIN

www.surveymonkey.com/r/besties2020

<< Community News

14 • Bay Area Reporter • February 13-19, 2020

Powwow

From page 1

and beaded jewelry, among other items. A sign near the entrance to the pavilion proclaimed “We love trans folks,” while another sign said “Decolonize sexuality.” There was a table filled with fliers for various causes such as “return the Presidio to the Ohlone Nation,” and “Save the Shellmounds,” which are the ancient burial grounds of local Native people located in Berkeley. Some people at the powwow

News Briefs

Petrelis

From page 2

Petrelis protested the news conference where Mayor London Breed appointed Loftus as interim district attorney following the sudden resignation of elected District Attorney George Gascón, saying that it was an example of “corruption” at City Hall. While the appointment was widely viewed as an example of political favoritism and an attempt to tip the scales in favor of Loftus, whom the mayor had previously endorsed in

lived in San Francisco this district is a sign of respect that they deserve,” said Bruce Beaudette, 60. At around 11:30 a.m., the festivities began with a Gourd Dance, a social dance in which around 12 men stood up and danced while the spectators watched. Some of the spectators stood up in their chairs and danced along. Shortly after noon, the Grand Entry took place, during which dozens of participants marched in a circle and danced. Beverly Little Thunder, a 72-year-old two-spirit woman who traveled from Vermont to participate in the powwow, and Erick Ramone, a queer two-spirit man who is a mem-

From page 2

The heart of the district is centered along the 400 and 500 blocks of Castro Street as well as the surrounding residential area. The district’s boundary also stretches down the neighborhood’s commercial corridor along Market Street to Octavia Boulevard where the LGBT community center is located. It also includes the blocks of Laguna Street where the LGBT senior services agency Openhouse has its offices and affordable senior housing development. Also incorporated into the district is the stretch of Valencia Street where the gay men’s chorus’s building is located. Candidates this time include some who were unsuccessful in the first vote. They are: Michael (Tod) Edgerton, an English professor at San Jose State University; Robert Graves, a camping director for the Boy Scouts of America; Sam Gray, a community programs coordinator with the San Francisco LGBT Community Center; Waide Riddle, a Los Angeles-based writer; Jesse Oliver Sanford, who’s been working with the cultural district since its inception; Anvar Shukurliyev, a student at City College of San Francisco; and Ron Williams, a photographer. New candidates include Haley Adams, a Castro business owner and resident; Jesse James Alexander, an Oakland resident who studied in San Francisco and organizes events at the Stud and other venues; Steven Bracco, a San Francisco firefighter and writer at Hoodline; Ms. Billie Cooper, a transsexual woman and founder of the TransLife program at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation; Christian Gabriel, general manager of QBar; Mahsa Hakimi, a Castro resident and founder of a boutique

weren’t sure how they felt about the proposed cultural district. “I have mixed feelings,” said L. Frank, a 67-year-old two-spirit woman who is a member of the Tongva, Ajachmem, and Raramuri tribes. “Funny, to be given a spot of land that is yours to begin with, but at this stage of the game it’s a good thing. My hopes are that the natives who are actually indigenous to Yelamu (San Francisco) have input from the beginning.” A gay man who discovered he was 18% American Indian through a DNA test favored the cultural district. “Being that the Ohlone and other American Indian people have long

Primary

From page 10

Parker, “and underscores Pete’s position as the best candidate to unite Americans in defeating Donald Trump. That the historic nature of his candidacy is relatively subdued is a testament to our progress as a nation. With enormous momentum heading into the upcoming primaries, it is clear America is ready to elect its first openly gay president.” Splaine, one of the LGBT leaders who worked to secure marriage equality in the Granite State, waited until primary day to announce his support. In a Facebook post, he noted, “I have seen many candidates, and I have personally

Rick Gerharter

People can vote February 22 for the next five members of the advisory board for the Castro LGBTQ Cultural District.

law firm in the city; Delvin Hodges, who works for the Human Rights Campaign; Dave Karraker, co-owner of MX3 Fitness; Wes McGaughey, a senior analyst for Sutter Health; Matt Slusarenko, a longtime Castro resident; and Stephen Jon Torres, a substitute teacher. For more information about the election and the candidates, visit https://castrolgbtq.org/election.

There is no cost to attend. For tickets, go to https://bit. ly/39oEUDA.

SF to fund services for trans seniors and adults with disabilities

ber of the Navajo and Gros Ventre tribes, were the head dancers. “This is pretty exciting,” Ramone told the B.A.R. afterward. “I’ve been powwowing all my life so to be able to participate in an LGBTQ+ powwow is monumental to me. To be able to represent my people and where I come from is very important to me.” The powwow continued for the next six hours and included a variety of dances and contests. Included was a dance for tiny tots (very young children), a dance for elders, a Junior contest (6-12 years), a teen contest, golden age (55+), drum performances, and a variety of dances in which

people showed off their elaborate and colorful American Indian outfits. There was much applause and cheering throughout the day. Ronald Wong, a 75-year-old gay man, told the B.A.R. that he was enjoying the powwow as he sat in the spectator area. Wong was also delighted about the proposed cultural district. “It’s great,” he said. “We need to have a cultural district like that. We would want all indigenous people to express their culture in the Bay Area. After all, the first people were Native.” For more information on future powwows and other BAAITS activities, visit https://www.baaits.org/. t

According to the release, DAS is partnering with Openhouse, which provides services to LGBTQ seniors, and Curry Senior Center to create the programs. “We are so excited to be able to provide services for transgender communities of older people and adults with disabilities,” stated Shireen McFadden, a bi woman who’s executive director of DAS. “These programs will help bring our neighbors into supportive services and connect them with resources that will help them age with dignity within their communities.” Karyn Skultety, a bi woman who’s executive director of Openhouse, stated that her agency will be working with trans-led organizational partners, such as St. James Infirmary, which is led by Toni Newman, a transgender woman. Newman added that St. James’ goal is for TGNC adults and adults with disabilities to have access to inclusive housing and vital resources.

utensil set for a friend, and containers for leftovers. Tickets will also be available at the door. There is no cost to attend the dinner. To RSVP, go to https://bit. ly/2ScJijl.

San Mateo County seeks civil grand jurors

San Mateo County Superior Court Judge Amarra A. Lee has announced that applications are now being accepted for service on the 2020-2021 civil grand jury. Lee is the appointed civil grand jury adviser for the next term, which starts July 1, 2020 and ends June 30, 2021. The San Mateo County Civil Grand Jury is an independent investigative body created by the California Constitution. Composed of 19 citizens, the civil grand jury serves as a “watchdog for citizens of the county,” according to the website. According to a news release, any resident of the county for more than one year who is a citizen of the U.S., 18 years of age or older, of ordinary intelligence, sound judgment, and good character, with sufficient knowledge of the English language, is eligible for selection. Elected public officials are not eligible. Lee noted that the court encourages all interested people to apply, as the court strives to obtain a cross section of the county’s population. After the completion of an interview with Lee, jurors will be selected through a random draw. Application forms can be obtained by writing to the grand jury clerk, Court Executive Office, 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063, calling (650) 261-5066, or online at http://www.sanmateocourt.org/ court_divisions/grand_jury/ and click on “Grand Juror Application.” The deadline to apply is March 30.t

The San Francisco Community Health Center will hold a Valentine’s Day event for transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals Friday, February 14, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at Manny’s cafe, 3092 16th Street. Titled “Love Is ...,” it will include a discussion and celebration of the different aspects of love in the trans and GNC community. The event is a collaboration with San Francisco AIDS Foundation, St. James Infirmary, Instituto Familiar De La Raza, Native American Health Center, API Equality Northern California, the Lavender Youth Recreation and Information center, TransLife, and UCSF Alliance Health Project.

San Francisco has become the first city in the nation to fund services specifically for transgender and gender-nonconforming older adults and adults with disabilities. The Department of Disability and Aging Services announced February 10 that it has granted approximately $1 million over three years to create programs centered on fostering community, creating social connections, and addressing unmet social needs for TGNC seniors and adults with disabilities. “We are proud that San Francisco continues to lead the country in providing comprehensive programs and policies that support our LGBTQ community,” Mayor London Breed said in a news release. “This first-ofits-kind program will provide much needed support tailored for trans seniors and adults with disabilities who often experience higher rates of discrimination and isolation.”

the November election, no evidence has been revealed since that it was the result of a corrupt scheme. Loftus did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Petrelis said he got in touch with Wagda after hearing that the attorney helped Shawn Sunshine Strickland, the “Supergirl of San Francisco,” win a $13,000 settlement last year, as the B.A.R. previously reported. “This is part of an ongoing pattern with the deputies and free speech at City Hall,” Petrelis said. “They are applying imaginary rules that hinder

free speech. The deputies just pushed us – in this case, they arrested me for holding a sign.” Strickland claimed she was intimidated while holding a one-person demonstration on the steps of the City Hall against police inaction. Petrelis is alleging the violation of his First Amendment rights to freedom of speech, petition and the press, his Fourth Amendment right to probable cause, his 14th Amendment right to due process, and other civil rights laws, according to the complaint. The complaint also alleges assault,

battery, false arrest, and false imprisonment. The complaint alleges that Petrelis’ right to freedom of the press was violated because the arrest obstructed his ability to report. Petrelis attends public functions and reports on them on his social media pages, according to the complaint. “The First Amendment provides the press and the public an affirmative right of access to newsworthy matters,” Wagda said in the release. “Once a public official chooses to hold a general news conference, excluding a citizen journalist based upon that

journalist’s political viewpoint runs afoul of the First Amendment.” A copy of City Hall policy provided by Wagda states that “signs mounted on sticks or poles are not permitted in City Hall. Banners are permitted only during special licensed events or services and subject to the terms of a written agreement with the City. Small paper or cardboard signs no larger than (11” x 17”) that can be carried by hand are allowed.” t

met every one of those who has served as president since 1964,” wrote Splaine. “... In Pete Buttigieg, I see the makings of another John F. Kennedy. A candidate who can inspire, unite, and motivate the people of our country to be better than we have been.” But Splaine also noted the importance of Buttigieg’s success to the LGBT community specifically, writing “every time Pete Buttigieg does well in an election ... a boy or girl thinking that they are all alone now feels that they more belong.” “And that’s important, especially to me because I felt that way for years during the younger part of my life,” said the 72-year-old Splaine. “Someday, I hope [being gay] just doesn’t matter. But, as we

see in many examples around our nation every day in many ways, it still really does matter.” Buttigieg’s awareness of the impact of his success on young LGBT people was apparent when he choked up briefly during remarks to a town hall gathering at a middle school in Laconia, New Hampshire, February 4. It was his fourth of five campaign events of the day, coming the day after the marathon-long caucuses in Iowa. He said his victory in Iowa “validates for a kid somewhere in a community wondering if he belongs, or she belongs, or they belong in their own family – that if you believe in yourself and your country, there’s a lot backing up that belief.”

Buttigieg has repeatedly said he is not trying to be “the gay candidate,” but his campaign is aware that his being gay could have more impact in South Carolina, where about 29% of the population is African American, a group that Buttigieg has struggled to garner support from. A Buttigieg-commissioned focus group of African Americans in South Carolina last fall suggested they wanted Buttigieg to keep his sexual orientation more low key. And a fivethirtyeight.com analysis of South Carolina polling, published Tuesday, showed Buttigieg in sixth place with only 6.6% support. The South Carolina primary is February 29. The next voting takes place in

Nevada, which holds its caucuses February 22. And the next presidential debate will take place February 19. Buttigieg is one of only five candidates to qualify for that debate, thus far, but the Democratic National Committee has modified its criteria in a way that may allow former New York City mayor Mike Bloomberg to participate. Meanwhile, two Democratic hopefuls pulled out of the race Tuesday: businessman Andrew Yang and Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado. Former Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick ended his long shot bid for the White House Wednesday morning.. t

Trans Valentine’s Day event

Youth, elders dinner in San Mateo

The San Mateo County Pride Center will hold a Black History Monththemed intergenerational community dinner Wednesday, February 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the center, 1021 South El Camino Real in San Mateo. The African American Community Initiative and the center invite people to attend and learn more about black, queer, and trans contributions to civil rights. Organizers said they would provide a portion of the food and are counting on attendees to come together and share food that reminds them of love and home. People are asked to bring a dish to share. The event will also include a sustainability drawing. People can get up to three free chances to win by bringing their own plate/utensils, a plate/

t <<

From the Cover>>

February 13-19, 2020 • Bay Area Reporter • 15

Naval records

and so sad. He probably had to show that when he looked for employment. Wow, it is heartbreaking really.” She said she wished Milk had spoken more about his being arrested for engaging in gay sex. “He did say he was separated from the service but he didn’t talk about the details. That would have been so fascinating,” she said.

From page 1

Randy Shilts detailed how Milk and his gay friends used his off-base apartment in San Diego as a party pad and a place where they could hook up with fellow sailors and other men they met. He also wrote that Milk would later tell San Francisco voters “that despite all his accomplishments, the navy dishonorably discharged him after discovering his homosexuality.” But Shilts signaled his dubiousness about that account by writing Milk “did not like to live dangerously” and “delicately walked the tightrope above the danger.” Shilts’ book says nothing about Milk having to describe his sexual encounters with men to naval investigators. Rather, it noted that Milk lasted three years and 11 months in the Navy, “getting the usual month cut off his enlistment because of his model behavior.” In her 2018 biography “Harvey Milk: His Lives and Death,” author and historian Lillian Faderman also wrote about Milk’s exploits with other men while in the Navy and how, “decked out in his navy uniform, he looked mature and manly, his virility underscored by his brass belt buckle with its navy diver’s insignia.” Her book states that Milk was given an honorable discharge “on February 7, 1955.” She told the B.A.R. she had based her account on the document she had seen at the public library while doing her research for the book. “I found the honorable discharge certificate and found no reason to doubt it,” said Faderman.

Astonished at ceremony

It was why she reacted with astonishment while attending the ceremony held in December at a San Diego shipbuilding yard to mark the start of construction on the naval supply ship the U.S.N.S. Harvey Milk. At the event Stuart Milk, Harvey’s gay nephew who oversees the Harvey Milk Foundation, had noted that his uncle was forced to resign from the Navy in the 1950s after being caught in a San Diego park popular with gay men.

Threatened with court-martial

An artist’s rendering of the Navy ship being built that is named in honor of Harvey Milk.

His remarks generated headlines across the globe, such as the Washington Post’s “The Navy made Harvey Milk resign for being gay. Now they’re building a ship named after him.” When Faderman asked Stuart Milk about his remarks, including mention of a 22-page document that he had confirming Milk was forced to resign from the Navy, she said he declined to share the document with her and told her the honorable discharge certificate in the library’s archives was a fake. “He would not share that document with me, and he has not shared it with the San Francisco Public Library where Harvey’s honorable discharge certificate is housed – nor with anyone else that I know of,” Faderman told the B.A.R. Stuart Milk did not respond to the B.A.R.’s request for comment this week. Back in 2016, when the Navy announced it was naming the ship in honor of Milk, he had said in several news interviews that his uncle had been given an “other than honorable” discharge. For example, the Daily Beast reported at the time that Stuart Milk

had noted his uncle “was neither honorably discharged nor dishonorably discharged but ‘other than honorably discharged,’ meaning he was able to resign in a way that suggested there was an unofficial ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy in the military back then – or at least for some service members.” Stuart Milk was quoted as saying, “They gave him an opportunity to just leave, but it was really another reinforcer of the fact that he was ‘less than,’ but not quite a criminal.” The biography of Harvey Milk posted to the foundation’s website merely says, “In 1955, he resigned at the rank of lieutenant junior grade after being officially questioned about his sexual orientation.”

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038948600

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-20-555559

Library response

In an emailed response to Faderman in December, Tim Wilson, a librarian and archivist with the San Francisco Public Library, had written that the history center didn’t have “the 22 page Navy investigation that Stuart mentioned. I am interested in seeing it, too.” This week, after being shown Milk’s records released by the Navy, Wilson

told the B.A.R. the library would like to get a certified copy from the Navy of his discharge papers. In the meantime, it will be including printed copies of the naval records in its collection and noting for researchers it now believes the honorable discharge “to be falsified.” “We will add this material to the Milk-Smith collection, add a sentence to the provenance note to indicate that this addition was made and the source of the material, and I’ll need to update the finding aid regarding the discharge paperwork,” wrote Wilson. “We will keep the honorable discharge paperwork with a note to indicate that it is believed to be falsified.” Faderman told the B.A.R. this week that she plans to update her book, which is already in paperback, to reflect the new information released by the Navy in its next edition. She also urged the library not to destroy the discharge paperwork in its collection, as she sees it as telling a part of Milk’s story. “What a story. It is much more poignant than I knew about. He forged a honorable discharge document which is in the SF Public Library,” said Faderman. “That point is so touching

Although some of the documents released by the Navy are difficult to near impossible to read, it is clear that he was threatened with being court-martialed on a charge of “participation in a homosexual act” with another serviceman and underwent a psychiatric examination that found him “sane, competent and responsible for his acts.” Milk was also forced to sign an affidavit about his gay sexual encounters. They included his meeting a man at a gay bar in San Diego and bringing him to a hotel where the man gave him a blow job. “By blow job I mean that he took my penis in his mouth and performed a sex act,” states the document. It goes on to detail several more incidents of oral sex Milk admitted to having with other men he met on five other occasions. Milk was also required to tell navy investigators what he thought the names of his sex partners were, according to the document. The naval records are a stark reminder of the harassment gay men faced during the 1950s, noted Jones, at the height of the McCarthy era when fears about both homosexuals and communists serving in the U.S government ran wild. “Especially younger people learning the story of Harvey Milk might not know what was going on in the country at that time. Mad witch hunts were going on,” said Jones. t Next week’s Bay Area Reporter will report on how LGBT veterans given less than honorable discharges can apply to have those rescinded from their records.

Legal Notices>> ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-19-555462 In the matter of the application of: EREZ ZVI HALPRIN, C/O RYON NIXON #295150, 1550 BRYANT ST #750, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner EREZ ZVI HALPRIN, is requesting that the name EREZ ZVI HALPRIN, be changed to EREZ ZVI HALPERIN. 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 3rd of March 2020 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JAN 23, 30, FEB 06, 13, 2020 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-19-555463 In the matter of the application of: NADINE LIAT HALPRIN, C/O RYON NIXON #295150, 1550 BRYANT ST #750, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner NADINE LIAT HALPRIN, is requesting that the name NADINE LIAT HALPRIN, be changed to NADINE LIAT HALPERIN. 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 3rd of March 2020 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JAN 23, 30, FEB 06, 13, 2020 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-20-555537 In the matter of the application of: SAMANTHA LISA JONES, 142 BEAUMONT AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner SAMANTHA LISA JONES, is requesting that the name SAMANTHA LISA JONES, be changed to SAMANTHA GERSHON JONES. 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 February 2020 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JAN 23, 30, FEB 06, 13, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038937800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: JAMIE’S PLACE, 1380 9TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JAMIE’S KITCHEN LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/09/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/09/20.

JAN 23, 30, FEB 06, 13, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038948700 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE HAULING, 1325 EVANS AVE #B, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JULIO E. MENDEZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/01/01. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/16/20.

JAN 23, 30, FEB 06, 13, 2020

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MICHAEL LUMOS PHOTOGRAPHY; MICHAEL J. LUMOS, 33 8TH ST #1236, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MICHAEL SUDDES. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/16/20.

JAN 23, 30, FEB 06, 13, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038948800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GUMBO SOCIAL, 124 KIRKWOOD AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DONTAYE BALL. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/16/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/16/20.

JAN 23, 30, FEB 06, 13, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038943200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: EL CAPRICHO RESTAURANT, 2022 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed EL CAPRICHO RESTAURANT INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/14/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/14/20.

JAN 23, 30, FEB 06, 13, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038924000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SUPER MIRA, 1790 SUTTER ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SUPER MIRA INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/02/20.

JAN 23, 30, FEB 06, 13, 2020 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-20-555556 In the matter of the application of: JENISEL BALDERAS JORDAN, 1209 GUERRERO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner JENISEL BALDERAS JORDAN, is requesting that the name JENISEL BALDERAS JORDAN AKA HEBBEL YENISEL BALDERAS AKA JENNIE HEBBEL MELBER, be changed to JENISEL BALDERAS JORDAN. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Room 103 on the 10th of March 2020 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JAN 30, FEB 06, 13, 20, 2020

In the matter of the application of: NATALYA SMITOVA, 125 CAMBON DR #4E, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94132, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner NATALYA SMITOVA, is requesting that the name NATALYA SMITOVA, be changed to NATALYA PINKHASOVA. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept.103N, on the 10th of March 2020 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JAN 30, FEB 06, 13, 20, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038959100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: AG LANGUAGE SERVICE, 2 GENEVA AVE #11, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ANGELICA M. GRISALES GIL. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/16/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/24/20.

JAN 30, FEB 06, 13, 20, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038956900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ST. BERNARD PARTNERS, 300 BEALE ST #607, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DAVID GOLD. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/15/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/22/20.

JAN 30, FEB 06, 13, 20, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038933000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GOUGH EXPRESS CLEANER, 648 GOUGH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed XIAOTAO SITU. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/07/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/07/20.

JAN 30, FEB 06, 13, 20, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038949100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MON AMI BANH MI, 75 HAWTHORNE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JESSE LE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/17/20.

JAN 30, FEB 06, 13, 20, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038950400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SKIN LOUNGE, 1640 BUSH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JENNIFER N. ARANA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/17/20.

JAN 30, FEB 06, 13, 20, 2020

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038930400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MAX CLEANING SERVICE, 1459 18TH ST #364, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LIE LIE PONTIS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/06/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/06/20.

JAN 30, FEB 06, 13, 20, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038934600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GRR, 908 LAKE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed PATRICK MA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/08/20.

JAN 30, FEB 06, 13, 20, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038953400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: AVA CLEANING, 2231 16TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ARTUR SENIKI HOVHANNISYAN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/21/20 The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/21/20.

JAN 30, FEB 06, 13, 20, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038951400 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: VIVACE CLIQUE, 550 BATTERY ST #313, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed PEACE AJAH. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/17/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/17/20.

JAN 30, FEB 06, 13, 20, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038948100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MODERN REAL ESTATE GROUP, INC., 117 CORTLAND AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed MODERN REAL ESTATE GROUP INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/15/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/16/20.

JAN 30, FEB 06, 13, 20, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038948000 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: COMPAAS, 44 MONTGOMERY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed CATHY LABS, INC. (DE). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/06/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/16/20.

JAN 30, FEB 06, 13, 20, 2020

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038961300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: KNAK GROUP, 101 HENRY ADAMS ST #208, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SKAAR FURNITURE ASSOCIATES INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/27/20.

JAN 30, FEB 06, 13, 20, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038949700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MARINA DELI & LIQUORS, 2299 CHESTNUT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed BELLAMARINA LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/17/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/17/20.

JAN 30, FEB 06, 13, 20, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038938100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GARDEN OF EDEN, 3251 20TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94132. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed EDEN WELLNESS SHOPS, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/10/20.

JAN 30, FEB 06, 13, 20, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038949400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PINE STREET DEVELOPMENT, 1555 PACIFIC AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed 1525 PINE STREET DEV, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/12/19. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/17/20.

JAN 30, FEB 06, 13, 20, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038959500 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HAYES PIZZA, 2077 HAYES ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed JMC FOODS LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/04/19. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/24/20.

JAN 30, FEB 06, 13, 20, 2020 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-037418000

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as: LITTLE KIDS PARADISE, 266 21ST AVE #101, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business was conducted by an individual and signed by TATIANA SERGUNINA. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/10/17.

JAN 30, FEB 06, 13, 20, 2020

<< Section

16 • Bay Area Reporter • February 13-19, 2020

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-036482200

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038938900

JAN 30, FEB 06, 13, 20, 2020 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-038844300

FEB 06, 13, 20, 27, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038940900

JAN 30, FEB 06, 13, 20, 2020 NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF ESTHER SOO HOO IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO: FILE PES-20-303461

FEB 06, 13, 20, 27, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038964800

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as: GOUGH EXPRESS CLEANER, 648 GOUGH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business was conducted by a married couple and signed by JIEHUA LIU & XIAO TAO SITU. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/14/15.

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as: HAYES PIZZA, 2077 HAYES ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business was conducted by an individual and signed by CARLOS ZARATE AMBROCIO. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/28/19.

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of ESTHER SOO HOO. A Petition for Probate has been filed by JOHN SOO HOO in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. The Petition for Probate requests that JOHN SOO HOO be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: March 04, 2020, 9:00 am, Rm. 204, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the latter of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined by section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney or Party Without Attorney for petitioner: John Soo Hoo, 311 Oak St #811, Oakland, CA 94607; Ph. (510) 332-3120.

FEB 06, 13, 20, 27, 2020 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-20-555512 In the matter of the application of: MATT SCOTT, 908 CONNECTICUT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner MATT SCOTT, is requesting that the name MATT SCOTT, be changed to WAZIR ABDULLAH MUHAMMAD. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept.103, Room 103 on the 2nd of March 2020 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

FEB 06, 13, 20, 27, 2020 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE # JD10-3011

In the matter of the application of: RYAN SHEETS # 229823, LAW OFFICE OF RYAN SHEETS, 459 FULTON ST #304, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner CEDRIC JEROME TATUM, is requesting that the name CEDRIC JEROME TATUM, be changed to DOMINIC MORGAN KRASOWSKI. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 425, Room 425 on the 9th of March 2020 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

FEB 06, 13, 20, 27, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038965500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: AVA HANDYMAN SERVICES, 2231 16TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ARTUR SENIKI HOVHANNISYAN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/29/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/29/20.

FEB 06, 13, 20, 27, 2020 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-20-555561 In the matter of the application of: WINNIE JEAN LIU, 2240 BAY ST #207, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner WINNIE JEAN LIU, is requesting that the name WINNIE JEAN LIU AKA WEI WEI LIU, be changed to WEI WEI LIU. 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 2020 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

FEB 06, 13, 20, 27, 2020 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-20-555571

In the matter of the application of: LOUISE ROBB STIMSON, 150 PINE ST #25, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner LOUISE ROBB STIMSON, is requesting that the name LOUISE ROBB STIMSON, be changed to SOPHIE LOUISE SCHULZ. 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 April 2020 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

FEB 06, 13, 20, 27, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038962000 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SUSHI SHOUBU, 2 MARINA BLVD. C370, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed TAKESHI UCHIDA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/27/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/27/20.

FEB 06, 13, 20, 27, 2020

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: WAXMAN & ACHERMANN, 340 PINE ST #503, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JAMES ACHERMANN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/10/20.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SAN FRANCISCO LANGUAGE SERVICES, 82 B MIRABEL AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed FERNANDA M. MONMANY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/20/19. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/13/20.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: RARITY ENTERPRISES, 620 HAMILTON ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DOMINIQUE CLEOPE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/29/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/29/20.

FEB 06, 13, 20, 27, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038961700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: NEPENJI JAPAN CENTER BEAUTY CLINIC, 1825 POST ST #160, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed KANADERU (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/01/15. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/27/20.

FEB 06, 13, 20, 27, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038962200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ALTITUDE LEARNING, 49 STEVENSON ST #1000, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed ALTSCHOOL, INC. (DE). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/01/19. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/27/20.

FEB 06, 13, 20, 27, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038967600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: WAKE THE WOLVES, INC., 933 VERMONT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed WAKE THE WOLVES, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/14/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/30/2020

FEB 06, 13, 20, 27, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038966800 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SPICE, 8 JOOST AVE #4, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed PROJECT SPICE INC (DE). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/29/20.

FEB 06, 13, 20, 27, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038961900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SAKURA APARTMENTS, 1890 SUTTER ST #312, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by a trust, and is signed JOSEPH XUEREB & GRACE WILSON. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/01/84. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/27/20.

FEB 06, 13, 20, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038966000 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: 23 ART DESIGNS, 1570 SUTTER ST #306, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed 23 ART DESIGNS LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/29/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/29/20.

FEB 06, 13, 20, 27, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038967000 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: TERPSICHORA BALLET SCHOOL, 1700 POST ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed TERPSICHORA BALLET SCHOOL, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/29/20.

FEB 06, 13, 20, 27, 2020 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-20-555600

In the matter of the application of: FRANCES BENDER, 2040 BROADWAY #301, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner FRANCES BENDER, is requesting that the name AVA GRACE BENDER, be changed to AVA-GRACE MARGARET BENDER. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm 103 on the 24th of March 2020 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

FEB 13, 20, 27, MARCH 05, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038965500

FEB 06, 13, 20, 27, 2020 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-20-555584

In the matter of the application of: GRACE NAN KAO, 25 SIERRA ST #W304, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107 & AIDAN SIOBHAN MADIGAN-CURTIS, 1395 22ND ST #411, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner GRACE NAN KAO & AIDAN SIOBHAN MADIGANCURTIS, are requesting that the name QUINN ISABELLA MADIGAN-KAO, be changed to QUINN ISABELLA KAO. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept 103, on the 19th of March 2020 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

FEB 13, 20, 27, MARCH 05, 2020

SUMMONS (FAMILY LAW) SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA NOTICE TO RESPONDENT: THOMAS WOODROW PRICE II, YOU HAVE BEEN SUED. READ THE INFORMATION BELOW. PETITIONER’S NAME IS MIRIAM PRICE, AKA MARIAM PRICE, AKA MARIAM MELKO CASE NO. 19FL003010

You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this Summons and Petition are served on you to file a Response (form FL-120) at the court and have a copy served on the petitioner. A letter or phone call will not protect you. If you do not file your Response on time, the court may make orders affecting your marriage or domestic partnership, your property, and custody of your children. You may be ordered to pay support and attorney fees and costs. For legal advice, contact a lawyer immediately. Get help finding a lawyer at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp), at the California Legal Services website (www.lawhelpca.org), or by contacting your local county bar association. NOTICE-RESTRAINING ORDERS: These restraining orders are effective against both spouses or domestic partners until the petition is dismissed, a judgment is entered, or the court makes further orders. They are enforceable anywhere in California by any law enforcement officer who has received or seen a copy of them. FEE WAIVER: If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the clerk for a fee waiver form. The court may order you to pay back all or part of the fees and costs that the court waived for you or the other party. The name and address of the court are FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER COURTHOUSE, 201 N. First St., San Jose, CA 95113. The name, address, and telephone number of petitioner’s attorney, or the petitioner without an attorney, is: Motaz M. Gerges, Esq, 330 Arden Ave #210, Glendale, CA 91203; 818-396-4433. Date: 08/05/19. Clerk of the Superior Court, by A. Georgieva, Deputy. STANDARD FAMILY LAW RESTRAINING ORDERS Starting immediately, you and your spouse or domestic partner are restrained from: 1. removing the minor children of the parties from the state or applying for a new or replacement passport for those minor children without the prior written consent of the other party or an order of the court. 2. cashing, borrowing against, canceling, transferring, disposing of, or changing the beneficiaries of any insurance or other coverage, including life, health, automobile, and disability, held for the benefit of the parties and their minor children. 3. transferring, encumbering, hypothecating, concealing or in any way disposing of any property, real or personal, whether community, quasi-community, or separate, without the written consent of the other party or an order of the court, except in the usual course of business or for the necessities of life, and 4. creating a nonprobate transfer or modifying a nonprobate transfer in a manner that affects the disposition of property subject to the transfer, without the written consent of the other party or an order of the court. Before revocation of a nonprobate transfer can take effect or a right of survivorship to property can be eliminated, notice of the change must be filed and served on the other party. You must notify each other of any proposed extraordinary expenditures at least five business days prior to incurring these extraordinary expenditures and account to the court for all extraordinary expenditures made after these restraining orders are effective. However, you may use community property, quasicommunity property, or your own separate property to pay an attorney to help you or to pay court costs. NOTICE – ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HEALTH INSURANCE: Do you or someone in your household need affordable health insurance? If so, you should apply for Covered California. Covered California can help reduce the cost you pay towards high quality affordable health care. For more information, visit www.coveredca.com . Or call Covered California at 1-800-3001506. WARNING – IMPORTANT INFORMATION California law provides that, for purposes of division of property upon dissolution of a marriage or domestic partnership or upon legal separation, property acquired by the parties during marriage or domestic partnership in joint form is presumed to be community property. If either party to this action should die before the jointly held community property is divided, the language in the deed that characterizes how title is held (i.e., joint tenancy, tenants in common, or community property) will be controlling, and not the community property presumption. You should consult your attorney if you want the community property presumption to be written into the recorded title to the property.

FEB 13, 20, 27, MARCH 05, 2020 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-20-555583

In the matter of the application of: AUDREY ANNE SCHENCK, 2242 SLOAT BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner AUDREY ANNE SCHENCK, is requesting that the name AUDREY ANNE SCHENCK, be changed to AUDREY ANNE SCHENCK BADJO. 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 2020 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

FEB 13, 20, 27, MARCH 05, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038975600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SF TRIAL TECH, 241 NEVADA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MICHAEL SKRZYPEK. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/01/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/04/20.

FEB 13, 20, 27, MARCH 05, 2020 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-20-555577

In the matter of the application of: CORY MICHAEL JUHLIN, 855 BRANNAN ST #678, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner CORY MICHAEL JUHLIN, is requesting that the name CORY MICHAEL JUHLIN, be changed to CORY MICHAEL HAWKRAVEN. 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 2020 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

FEB 13, 20, 27, MARCH 05, 2020 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-20-555578 In the matter of the application of: DAVID ADAM HURST, 855 BRANNAN ST #678, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner DAVID ADAM HURST, is requesting that the name DAVID ADAM HURST, be changed to DAVID ADAM HAWKRAVEN. 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 2020 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

FEB 13, 20, 27, MARCH 05, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038959700 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: JULIE’S SAFE CLEANING, 394 CAPISTRANO AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed GUILLERMINA ALAMILLA RAMIREZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/24/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/24/20.

FEB 13, 20, 27, MARCH 05, 2020

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038963900

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038971600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MISE EN PLACEMENT, 165 MARGARET AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DANTE RAMON NUÑO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/28/20.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SAN FRANCISCO ICE COMPANY, 45 WILLIAMS AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed GLACIER ICE COMPANY (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/03/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/03/20.

FEB 13, 20, 27, MARCH 05, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038963700

FEB 13, 20, 27, MARCH 05, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038976500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: A FINE INDIVIDUAL CLOTHING, 1250 BUCHANAN ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed AFI CRECY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/28/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/28/20.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: NINE HIVES, 738 CLIPPER ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed NOVE VINEYARDS, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/05/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/05/20.

FEB 13, 20, 27, MARCH 05, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038971400

FEB 13, 20, 27, MARCH 05, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038978800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: FOG CITY CONSTRUCTION, 1592 UNION ST #484, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ROBERT KELLER. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/03/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/03/20.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PROXY PRESS, 105 FAIRMOUNT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed CONTEXT MARKETING SERVICES LLC, (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/06/20.

FEB 13, 20, 27, MARCH 05, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038975400

FEB 13, 20, 27, MARCH 05, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038980100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GLOBAL MEDIA X, 219 DWIGHT RD, BURLINGAME, CA 94010. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed LOURDES ALCAZAREN-KEELEY & CAROLINE OCAMPO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/04/20.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CADILLAC BAR AND GRILL, 1355 MARKET ST #160, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed DOS LAREDOS, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/01/13. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/06/20.

FEB 13, 20, 27, MARCH 05, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038964700

FEB 13, 20, 27, MARCH 05, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038959400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: TAISHAN CUISINE, 781 BROADWAY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed HUIYUAN INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/21/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/29/20.

FEB 13, 20, 27, MARCH 05, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038978700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ARBOR, 384 HAYES ST #B, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed THE ABSINTHE GROUP, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/06/20.

FEB 13, 20, 27, MARCH 05, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038954300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ONESTOP WINE & SPIRITS, 1373 CAYUGA AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed ONESTOP TRADING LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/20/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/24/20.

FEB 13, 20, 27, MARCH 05, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038966300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: FIG & THISTLE APOTHECARY, 313 IVY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed 415 NATIVE LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/29/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/29/20.

FEB 13, 20, 27, MARCH 05, 2020

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BRAND NEW DAY, 5455 GARDEN GROVE BLVD #500, WESTMINSTER, CA 92683. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed UNIVERSAL CARE, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/10/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/21/20.

FEB 13, 20, 27, MARCH 05, 2020 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038966500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SOUTH BEND DESIGN, LLC, 726 GUERRERO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed SOUTH BEND DESIGN, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/29/20.

FEB 13, 20, 27, MARCH 05, 2020 SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA RAPID TRANSIT DISTRICT NOTICE TO PROPOSERS – GENERAL INFORMATION CONSTRUCTION PERIOD PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR BART’S PROPERTY AT 2150 WEBSTER ST, OAKLAND, CA RFP NO. 6M4702 The SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA RAPID TRANSIT DISTRICT (“BART” or “District”), 300 Lakeside Drive, Oakland, CA, is advertising for proposals for Construction Period Property Management Services for BART’s Property at 2150 Webster St., Oakland, CA (the “Property”), Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 6M4702, on or about January 31, 2020, with proposals due by 2:00 PM, local time, Tuesday, February 25, 2020. All general questions regarding this RFP should be directed to Erica Elkington at eelking@bart.gov. REQUIRED REGISTRATION ON THE BART PROCUREMENT PORTAL Prospective Bidders or Interested Parties (including prospective Subcontractors of any tier) who are not currently registered on the BART Procurement Portal to do business with BART are required to register on the BART Procurement Portal online at https://suppliers.bart.gov in order to download the Contract Documents (including Contract Drawings and Contract Specifications), updates, and any Addenda issued on line and be added to the Online Planholders List for this solicitation. If a Prospective Bidder is a joint venture or a partnership, such entity must register on the BART Procurement Portal with the entity’s Tax Identification Number (“TIN”) and download the Contract Documents so as to be listed as an Online Planholder under the entity’s name prior to submitting its Bid, in order for the entity to be eligible for award of this Contract. Prospective Bidders or Interested Parties may also purchase printed copies of the Contract Documents from the District Secretary’s Office by downloading the Contract Documents’ Order Form from the BART Procurement Portal website and submitting the completed Contract Documents’ Order Form to the District Secretary’s Office. Prospective Bidders or Interested Parties must be registered on the BART Procurement Portal to do business with BART in order to be able to download the Contract Documents’ Order Form. Downloading the Contract Documents’ Order Form will automatically make a Prospective Bidder or Interested Party an Online Planholder. In order to be an Online Planholder and be eligible for award of this Contract, a Prospective Bidder must either: i) download the Contract Documents for this solicitation from the BART Procurement Portal or ii) download the Contract Documents’ Order Form with which to purchase the Contract Documents directly from the District Secretary’s Office. BIDDERS WHO HAVE NOT REGISTERED ON THE BART PROCUREMENT PORTAL PRIOR TO SUBMITTING A BID AND DID NOT OBTAIN THE CONTRACT DOCUMENTS FOR THIS SOLICITATION EITHER ON LINE OR DIRECTLY THROUGH THE DISTRICT SECRETARY’S OFFICE IN ORDER TO BE LISTED AS AN ONLINE PLANHOLDER FOR THIS SOLICITATION, WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR AWARD OF THIS CONTRACT. BIDDERS MAY OBTAIN INFORMATION ON THE STATUS OF THE AWARD OF THIS CONTRACT BY CHECKING THE BART WEBSITE AT https://www.bart.gov/about/bod FOR CONTRACTS SCHEDULED TO BE PRESENTED BY STAFF TO THE BART BOARD FOR AWARD CONSIDERATION. PRE-PROPOSAL MEETING A Pre-Proposal Conference and Networking Session will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2020. The meeting will convene promptly at 10:00 am, local time, in BART Offices located at 300 Lakeside Drive, 18th Floor Conference Room 1800, Oakland, California 94612. \s\ John A. Mazza John Mazza, Director of Procurement 2/13/20

CNS-3339392# BAY AREA REPORTER

Dear Sugar

ebar.com

Eco-disaster

Pete on TV

Castro thrills

Vol. 50 • No. 7 • February 13-19, 2020

www.ebar.com/arts

Courtesy the artist

Orlando’s odyssey across time & gender by Sura Wood

“O

rlando: A Biography,” Virginia Woolf ’s slender, remarkably enduring 1928 novel inspired by the writer’s love affair with the glamorous elusive aristocrat Vita Sackville-West, chronicled an eternally youthful nobleman’s odyssey across time and continents. Shifting genders, courting lovers of both sexes, falling in love with a Russian princess and visiting with Jonathan Swift and Alexander Pope along the way, his journey begins during the reign of Elizabeth I and continues through three centuries of misogynistic British history, classism and tyranny of inherited wealth. The book was loosely adapted for a timeless 1992 movie directed by British filmmaker Sally Potter, who gave an androgynous, 30-something Tilda Swinton her breakthrough role.

Preproduction image made by director Sally Potter to help secure funding for the film “Orlando,” spring 1988.

See page 18 >>

Author and pianist Stephen Hough.

Michael Caulfield/Getty Images

Jiyang Chen

Barbara Eden: Out of the lamp, into SF.

Garden of Eden

Rough Hough

by David-Elijah Nahmod

by Tim Pfaff

conic TV star Barbara Eden, best-known for her role as the genie in the 1960s sitcom “I Dream of Jeannie,” will be honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award at San Francisco Conservatory of Music’s Annual Fanfare Luncheon on Fri., Feb. 14. It’s a homecoming for the actress, whose career dates back to the 1950s. Eden grew up in San Francisco and attended Abraham Lincoln High School in the Sunset District. See page 17 >>

an Francisco Symphony fans of the de Waart and Blomstedt eras, when Michael Steinberg wrote the program notes, will recall regularly hearing, “Music sounds even better when Michael writes about it.” The next writer to pick up that particular mantle, writing deeply informed reflections about classical music in language that engages the non-specialist, is Stephen Hough, whose pieces are collected in “Rough Ideas: Reflections on Music and More” (FS&G). See page 21 >>

{ SECOND OF THREE SECTIONS }

<< Out There

18 • Bay Area Reporter • February 13-19, 2020

Games people play: short excerpts by Roberto Friedman

e don’t always get to read all the review copies of books that pile up on the Arts Desk. But here are a few representative passages from some new offerings that we have enjoyed. 1. “Physical domination may sometimes involve struggle or physical force, but it doesn’t always have to. I’ve seen a very small woman hold her very large submissive partner up against a wall with a single finger pressed lightly to his chest.” – “The Dominance Playbook: Ways To Play with Power in Scenes and Relationships” by Anton Fulmen (Greenery Press). 2. “Jeff interrupted whatever they had been talking about and launched right into the story about Kelly and the Spectrum sign. “‘And then that lesbo tried to tell me that I was harassing her!’ “‘Whoa, dude!’ said maybe-Matt.

Orlando

From page 17

Nearly three decades later, the actress has returned the favor. She has curated her first art exhibition, a photography show named for “Orlando,” a fable she has called a “wild goose chase of a fantasy” and a “magic carpet ride.” Exploring not only gender – a word mentioned only once by Woolf – but transformation in a broad sense, the show includes 11 artists from different generations and some specially commissioned works. After opening last year in New York at the Aperture Foundation, it has landed at McEvoy Foundation for the Arts. MFA has expanded on the original exhibition, adding pertinent photographs

‘What did you call her?’” “‘And before you answer that,’ said maybe-Mark, ‘you oughta know my aunt’s a lesbian.’ “‘And she could kick your butt!’ added maybe-Matt. ‘She does aikido. She’s scary!’” – “Rick,” Y/A novel by Alex Gino (Scholastic Press, 4/20). 3. “‘This reminds me of a bachelor party I once went to. You know Bob Dole? Well, it was 1975, and–’

“Barack shushed me again. The look on his face said it all. Too bad. It was quite the story, and I couldn’t guarantee I’d be in the mood to tell him later.” – “Hope Rides Again: An Obama/Biden Mystery” by Andrew Shaffer (Quirk Books). 4. “Mickey Jessup smirked down at Faye. She was dressed in slacks and a shirt and tie. Her hair was combed flat-back, mannishly. “‘It took you long enough to get

from its own collection, which has a strong representation of female photographers and an emphasis on portraiture. Prime examples are Nan Goldin’s luminous, ingeniously composed “Sisters” (2010), part of a project that incorporated the Louvre’s classical paintings and contemporary images, and “Plastic Nude” (2016), where naked photographer Talia Chetrit posed with her camera aimed at the viewer, turning the tables on the male gaze in a “So, there!” moment. The show is both intellectually provocative and visually stunning. The gorgeous pristine prints are impeccably installed throughout the gallery’s expansive spaces, leaving plenty of room to engage and ruminate on concepts from imper-

manence and the constructs of binary gender norms to the open, “all fences down, all arms wide” world Swinton envisions. She invited friends who are practicing artists to participate; all but one accepted, and no wonder. Who could refuse a call for entries from Tilda? It didn’t hurt that the source material, an uncanny mirror through which to view oneself and the idea of gender fluidity, resonates as if it were written last week. Lynn Hershman Leeson, with whom Swinton worked on five films including “Conceiving Ada” and “Teknolust,” which MFA will screen April 4, was an inevitable choice. The Bay Area artist has long been interested not only in mutable gender but mutable identities. She famously developed Roberta Breitmore, a fictional alter ego with her own passport, credit cards and P.O. box. Breitmore’s portrait appears here, as well as excerpts from “Hero Sandwich,” a 1980s series that merged negatives of publicity photos of male and female celebrities. David Bowie/Katharine Hepburn and Bogart/Gena Rowlands hybrids are on view. A fascinating section features pre-production stills of Swinton in period costumes shot by Potter at the 14th-century estate where Sackville-West grew up. Potter compiled the images, accompanied by text, into 100 handcrafted books, and shopped them to studio executives in hopes of securing funding for her film. She kept only one for herself; it’s displayed in a vitrine, open to a page that ponders the nature of time. Swinton is beguiling in these pictures, demonstrating, as Potter intended, that the actress could be convincing as a male in fancy nobleman’s garb or as an upper-class woman, captured here in a billowing dress, her head resting against a huge wooden door in one of the mansion’s vast stone rooms. The beauty of Swinton’s movie performance is that one doesn’t see a man or a woman, one only sees her, validating Orlando’s assessment of his newly transformed, naked body: “Same person. No difference at all. Just a different sex.” A 35mm print of the film will be shown at the Roxie Theater on Feb. 25. One wonders if a similar experience was shared by model Casil McArthur, whose transition from tomboyish girl to girlish boy was documented by fashion photographer Collier Schorr; the two met when McArthur had just begun a career modeling as a young man. For this archive of candid, strikingly intimate portraits, Schorr eschewed the trappings of a glossy magazine shoot. What remained constant

Creating Memories for a Lifetime! THE CLIFF HOUSE TERRACE ROOM A UNIQUE SAN FRANCISCO EXPERIENCE Stunning Ocean Views with a Private Outdoor Terrace Ceremonies | Receptions | Holiday Parties | Business Entertaining

DINING

AT THE

C LIFF HOUSE

CliffHouse.com 415-386-3330 1090 Point Lobos San Francisco 94121 Private Events Direct 415-666-4027 virginia@cliffhouse.com

around,’ she said to Faye. She glanced at Gene. ‘Hi, Little Boy Blue. What are you doing in here? The place for queer men is down the street. I know; that’s where all my husbands ended up.’” – “Tormented Virgin” by John D. Keefauver (Lethe Press). 5. “When a pair of players sits down to play ‘Consenticle,’ they embark on a sexual encounter between a human (Kit) and a large, blue-skinned, tentacle alien (Dup). The players’ goal is to reach mutual sexual satisfaction. To do this, they attempt to interact with each other in complementary ways – such as by licking, touching, penetrating, or enveloping one another at the right moments – without complete knowledge of the other’s

desires.” – “The Queer Games AvantGarde: How LGBTQ Game Makers Are Reimagining the Medium of Video Games” by Bonnie Ruberg (Duke Univ. Press, 4/20).

Game show

While we’re in a literary mood, congrats go out to the folks who put on the literary festival Litquake, which was recently a clue to a “Daily Double” on “Jeopardy!” It read: “This California city is home to Litquake, which celebrated its 20th anniversary on 2019.” Answer in the form of a question, please! “What is San Francisco, Alex?” A question we’ve been asking ourselves since we moved here in 1983. “Correct! Litquake is San Francisco’s literary festival. Next dates are Oct. 8-17, 2020, with workshops and programs throughout the year.”t

Courtesy the artist

Jamal Nxedlana, “FAKA Portrait” (Johannesburg, 2019).

was her astute eye and her subject’s unattainability and gift for seducing the camera. When it comes to seduction, no one can quite compete with genderbending, sexual appropriation artist Yasumasa Morimura. The notorious shape-shifter, who has inhabited visions of Marilyn Monroe, Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, Douglas MacArthur and Hitler, shows up in a 1996 self-portrait (from MFA’s collection) as a fetching Liz Taylor, poised to make a grand entrance in a short French coiffure and clingy slip dress. From a distance, African American artist Mickalene Thomas’ suite of studio portraits, embedded in period wallpaper she designed, might be mistaken for Morimura’s excursions. Influenced by Gauguin and Manet, her lush color prints, commissioned for the show, evince a yearning for transformation. In particular, they imagine Orlando’s encounters with

the ancient Queen Elizabeth I, who was infatuated with the poet’s boyish beauty. Played by Quentin Crisp in the film, she’s infinitely more nubile in Thomas’ fantasia. Thomas dressed her chameleons, partner and muse Racquel Chevremont and performance artist Zachary Tye Richardson, in elegant gowns and suiting, elaborate wigs, jewels and crowns, and nestled them among pillows and greenery, tableaux of fluid sexuality that also reference the pageantry of a third-gender Samoan community where boys are raised as girls. In blurring conventional notions of identity – masculine, feminine and stations in-between – Swinton says that Thomas got to the heart of the matter. “Everyone is Orlando, that’s the thing.”t Through May 2 at McEvoy Foundation for the Arts, 1150 25th St., Bldg. B, SF. mcevpyarts.org

On the web

This week, find Victoria A. Brownworth’s Lavender Tube column, “Buttigieg inspires in televised victory,” online at www.ebar.com.

Theatre>>

February 13-19, 2020 • Bay Area Reporter • 19

‘Tiny Beautiful Things’: Smart advice by Jim Gladstone

ike Esther and Pauline Friedman, the estranged twin sisters who wrote as Ann Landers and Dear Abby, a duo of dueling life counselors is currently dropping pearls of wisdom just a city block away from each other here in San Francisco. My strong advice to local theatergoers is to take in both ACT’s “Wakey, Wakey” (reviewed here last week), in which a guy named Guy offers guidance that’s often as nondescript as his name, and San Francisco Playhouse’s “Tiny Beautiful Things,” in which a woman with the pseudonym Sugar dispenses sweet empathy along with tart kicks in the pants. The coincidence of these two fine productions running simultaneously offers a fascinating opportunity to consider how similar subject matter can be approached with wildly different artistic styles. “Tiny Beautiful Things,” tenderly directed by SF Playhouse artistic director Bill English and starring Susi Damilano, the company’s cofounder and English’s wife, is by far the more straightforward of the two productions. Damilano exudes

Jessica Palopoli

Letter Writer #2 (Kina Kantor), Sugar (Susi Damilano), Letter Writer #3 (Jomar Tagatac) and Letter Writer #1 (Mark Anderson Phillips) make peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches together in “Tiny Beautiful Things” at San Francisco Playhouse.

hard-earned, no-nonsense smarts as the writer of the online advice column “Dear Sugar,” which ran for a couple of years on The Rumpus website, written under nom de plume by Cheryl Strayed, now better known for her bestselling memoir, “Wild.” The show’s conceit has letter-writers (Mark Anderson Phillips, Kina Kantor and Jomar Tagatac, in multiple roles that span ages, ethnicities and genders) materializing on a set that simultaneously evokes Sugar’s apartment and her mind. Designer Jacquelyn Scott situates a kitchenette and living room sofa amidst a

shimmery synaptic forest of silver bamboo-like poles. Their cross-braces also bring the phrase “emotional crutches” to mind. Tagatac turns in stand-out performances, morphing elegantly from a little kid to a man in the midst of gender transition to an everyday Joe who’s afraid to say, “I love you.” Phillips’ turn as a father grieving for his son, killed by a drunk driver, is harrowing, made all the more remarkable given that he embodies this psychologically complex character mere minutes after having played someone else. Letters taken verbatim from

Strayed’s columns are the basis of Nia Vardalos’ script, with Sugar’s correspondents becoming oral interlocutors. They blurt, stammer, sigh and kvetch, seeking support with their loves, losses, addictions, identities and estrangements. Sugar’s eloquently articulated replies draw deeply on her personal experiences with these same topics. Unlike most advice columnists, Sugar never sets herself at a remote, omniscient distance from her letterwriters, so we ultimately hear more of her own story than any one of her questioners’. It includes sexual and

substance abuse, the death of both parents, and single motherhood. There’s a radical transparency to this approach that makes Sugar not only a source of information and compassion, but also a fellow traveler to both her correspondents and, by extension, to audience members who feel correspondences of their own to the situations being described. Because there’s no overarching plotline to be worked through, the show is able to keep leaping from one crisis and solution to the next, never boring and pretty much assuring there will be something specific that everyone can relate to. “Tiny Beautiful Things” is an admirably sly theatrical contraption, more audience-friendly but just as unconventional as its neighbor around the corner, “Wakey, Wakey.” Stirring voyeurism and sentiment, it gives viewers a license to eavesdrop and a shortcut to intimacy, pushing our naughty and nice buttons at the same time.t Tiny Beautiful Things, through March 7. SF Playhouse, 450 Post St., SF. Tickets ($35-$125): (415) 677-9596, www.sfplayhouse.org.

Ecological slog to the gallows by Jim Gladstone

the government-declared disaster area. Every morning James crosses he West Coast premiere of the borderline as if heading to work. playwright Lucy Kirkwood’s Hazel thinks he’s keeping their cows “The Children,” now at the Aurora fed. He’s actually burying the aniTheater in Berkeley, is dreadful. It’s mals’ cancer-ridden carcasses. skillful and thoughtful as well, but High-strung Hazel busies herself those qualities are largely swept with yoga routines and preparing aside by a relentless sense of dread. the healthiest meals she can come The eco-disaster drama opens with up with given a contaminated food a blackout and seat-shaking sonic supply. James, when he’s home, slips boom, establishing a foreboding between states of irritation and distone that continues through its last consolate silence. Into this domestic scene, when all three of its characwasteland arrives Rose (Anne Darters essentially resign themselves to ragh), a long-ago professional colimminent death. league of the pair who left England The action takes place in a bedragfor the U.S. more than three decades gled seaside cottage on an unnamed ago. In her mind, she’s returning to island off the coast of England. the scene of a crime. The house is a loaner where retired Turns out that this threesome was nuclear engineers Robin (James part of the team that oversaw the Carpenter) and Hazel (Julie Eccles) design of the architecturally flawed have retreated after a recent tsunami nuclear facility that has now poiand subsequent power plant disaster soned their native countryside. Rose, have left their own home in a danrather presumptuously, has arrived gerously irradiated “exclusion zone.” to propose that the trio of expert While the couple’s grown daughter old-timers volunteer to replace the and her children have moved far skeleton crew of younger workers away, their own refuge, with an erwho remain in the carcinogenic ratic water supply and inconsistent plant. She sees it as their responsibilelectricity, is just 10 miles outside ity to take ownership of past errors, rather than passing them on to younger generations. Hence the play’s title. While Rose frames her plan in terms of environmental legacy, there are more personal motives at stake, too. She’s never married or had children, and her early flurry of questions about Hazel and Robin’s grown kids suggest a gnawing curiosity about paths she didn’t take in life. Whatever sense of emptiness she may have felt before the disaster seems compounded by the fact that her professional life now feels invalidated. Perhaps marching into radioactive martyrdom will help her counteract her sad self-regard on both fronts. Her impulse to drag her onetime colleagues along with her, leveraging their guilt while minimizing the value of their family ties, feels vindictive. That impression is deepKevin Berne ened by the eventual revelaAnne Darragh (foreground) and (back) tion that Rose had a romance Julie Eccles in Lucy Kirkwood’s “The with Robin long ago, before Children” at Aurora Theatre. he married Hazel. Their sense of impending death stirs up

long cooling embers, and there are a few moments of rekindled adolescent impulses as the play winds down. But neither the distant love triangle’s tinkle nor the apparent discord in Robin and Hazel’s timeworn relationship can be heard very well beneath the roar of mortality that overwhelms the evening. While appropriate in its monotony, Barbara Damashek’s direction often feels like a long slog to the gallows. It’s not helped by a script

in which none of the characters is likable. Darragh successfully embraces Rose’s self-regard in a vivid but unpleasant portrayal, and Eccles is spot-on with Hazel’s brittle excitability. Carpenter, one of the Bay Area’s finest actors, who excels at volcanic emotion, feels wasted here as the wan, receding Robin, his skin sallow and soul drained by ambient radiation. During the somewhat arduous experience of “The Children,” one may

find oneself hoping to be exposed to some strong argument about environmentalism from Kirkwood. But strangely, her script ends up elevating the lives of adults who often behave like children above their profound impact on Mother Earth.t The Children, through March 1. Aurora Theatre Co., 2081 Addison St., Berkeley. Tickets ($40-$70): (510) 843-0822, www.auroratheatre.org.

<< Film

20 • Bay Area Reporter • February 13-19, 2020

February becomes the Castro Theatre by David Lamble

othing beats a post-Oscar hangover quite so well as a late February night at the Castro Theatre, where the programmers have booked a baker’s dozen worth of traditional and freshly minted classics. “Jojo Rabbit” In New Zealand filmmaker Taika Waititi’s humane and daring black comedy, an imaginative and lonely 10-year-old German lad, Jojo (Roman Griffin Davis), joins the Hitler Youth, who appeal to him for their snazzy uniforms, martial spirit and seeming pathway to successful Nazi-era German adulthood. To his dismay, Jojo learns that his single mom (Scarlett Johansson) is concealing a young Jewish girl (Thoma-

sin McKenzie) in their attic. Despite his imaginary pal Adolf Hitler (deftly played by Waititi), Jojo needs to face down his blind allegiance to the Nazi cause. “A Hidden Life” Terrence Malick

Let’s talk cannabis. CASTRO • MARINA • SOMA C10-0000523-LIC; C10-0000522-LIC; C10-0000515-LIC

(“Days of Heaven”) returns with the story of a humble Austrian farmer who chose to resist the Nazi war machine by claiming conscientious objector status during the height of WWII. Brought to the screen by a superb ensemble including Matthias Schoenoerts and the late Bruno Ganz. (both 2/13) “Harold and Maude” Much of the late Hal Ashby’s reputation as a hopeless romantic director rests on this February/December mad affair between a suicidal boy-man (Bud Cort) and a take-no-prisoners old lady played by veteran actress Ruth Gordon. Add the music of Cat Stevens, and you’ve got a road movie for the ages. “Trust” Writer-director Hal Hartley’s seldom-seen masterpiece about a runaway teen girl (Adrienne Shelly) who meets an adult on the skids (Martin Donovan). They decide to run their lives as a couple. (both 2/14) “Casablanca” It may seem like this 1942 classic is the film most often appearing on the Castro schedule, but isn’t that a good thing? Filmed while the outcome of WWII was still very much in doubt, Humphrey Bogart’s toast “Here’s looking at you, kid!” to Swedish-born beauty Ingrid Bergman can still prompt weeping jags from diehard romantics. It climaxes in one of the truly great homo-social

fadeouts between two rugged guys: Bogart to co-star Claude Rains, “Louis, this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship!” “Gilda” Glenn Ford and Rita Hayworth conduct a sizzling illicit affair in Charles Vidor’s Latin American casino drama. Hayworth gives a sultry performance of “Put the Blame on Mame.” (both 2/15) “New York, New York” The Martin Scorsese musical whose boxoffice and critical failure broke his heart led to a big career change: his very next film was the boxing classic “Raging Bull.” Robert De Niro is the edgy jazz saxophonist to Liza Minnelli’s ambitious singer, in the complete uncut version. “The Clock” Vincente Minnelli directed this valentine to the charms and perils of a 1945 war-weary New York. Judy Garland and Robert Walker collide while he’s on a twoday pass from the Army, finding instant chemistry while trying to pack a lifetime of memories into a frantic 48 hours. (both 2/16) “Bombshell” Director Jay Roach and screenwriter Charles Randolph expose the backstage shenanigans at Fox News as a trio of female newscasters (Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie) takes down Fox attack dog Roger Ailes, getting the right-wing icon fired for harassing women in the company.

StevenUnderhill 415 370 7152 • StevenUnderhill.com

A great supporting cast (John Lithgow, Kate McKinnon, Mark Duplass, Malcolm McDowell, Allison Janney) shines in this opening salvo, surely not the last word on the topic. (2/17-18) “Monty Python and Holy Grail” This laugh fest comes with a special treat: the Castro is supplying free coconut shells to early arrivals. Those who love this 1975 classic will know what the shells are for. “Monty Python’s Life of Brian” Graham Chapman plays a luckless martyr whose life parallels that of Christ, with all the problems that would entail. (both 2/19) “The White Sheik” The first feature from Italian master Federico Fellini follows a couple on their honeymoon to Rome. The groom (Leopoldo Trieste) is dismayed when his bride (Brunella Bovo) drops him in favor of more worldly pursuits. (2/25-26) “Uncut Gems” Comic Adam Sandler drops the shtick to play New York jeweler Howard Ratner, who pushes the envelope trying to sell an especially fine black opal. Written and directed by the brother team of Benny and Josh Safdie, this film is getting rave reviews where Sandler has never tread before. (2/27-28) “The King of Marvin Gardens” An early-70s gem starring Jack Nicholson and Bruce Dern as ill-matched brothers in Atlantic City, in what turns out to be a lethal real estate scam. Nicolson has a gig as a latenight monologist who commutes on Philadelphia’s decrepit streetcar. Dern is a desperate gambler in way over his head with a dangerous crowd. Nice supporting turn from Ellen Burstyn as Dern’s deranged girlfriend. A unique slice of life from young talent on their way up. (2/27) “Thief” James Caan is very convincing as a jewel thief living life on the edge. (2/28)t

Chinese customs by Brian Bromberger

Professional headshots / profile pics Weddings / Events

he Academy made a colossal mistake not nominating “The Farewell” as one of its Best Picture nominees. It was one of 2019’s finest films, featuring original work by Lulu Wang, one of the female directors also ignored by the Oscars. Just released on Blu-ray by Lionsgate and comically introduced as “based on an actual lie,” it is from Wang’s true-to-life experience. The story feels real, as does the family it depicts undergoing the heart-wrenching potential death of its matriarch. The film does not sacrifice laughs and manages to avoid racial stereotypes, mawkishness, and squeamishness. Billi Wang (Awkwafina), a struggling 30-year-old artist in Brooklyn, hears that her beloved Nai Nai (Mandarin for Grandma), who lives in the northern Chinese city of Changchun, was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer and has only a few months to live. Her distraught parents (Tzi Ma and Diana Lin, both wonderful) are returning to China along with the rest of the family to spend time with Nai Nai (Zhao Shuzen), their first reunion in 25 years. But the family has decided not to tell her the truth and is coming

home under the ruse of celebrating the marriage of Billi’s cousin. Nobody wants Billi to visit, as she can’t hide her emotions. But Billi decides on her own to travel to China. She will be reconnecting with a China she left when she was a child, clinging to fond memories of it. Can the family maintain the deception? Will Billi play along with the charade? Does Nai Nai discover the lie? In China, where the family and society rank over the individual, it’s considered a good lie to keep a dire diagnosis from a patient. They believe it’s the fear, rather than the disease, that kills people. In love, the family takes the responsibility and

bears the emotional burden for her. In an insightful conversation on the Blu-ray, Wang admits she isn’t sure if this is the right way to deal with imminent death. The movie’s theme of how secrets and lies impact family dynamics will resonate for LGBTQ audiences, provoking the question, Can it be best to lie about one’s personal life? “Farewell” works because it balances melancholy with comic relief, contrasting the strengths of China and America. Wang also contrasts Nai Nai’s unconditional love for Billi vs. her parents’ love, which seems dependent on how she performs. Zhao Shuzen is a marvel as Nai Nai, who bosses everyone, to make herself feel important but also to take control of overwhelming circumstances. Her scenes with Billi are effervescent as she encourages Billi to live her dreams. “Life is not about what you do, but about how you do it.” Awkwafina, known for her comic roles, makes the most of a dramatic role, portraying subtlety, irony, and honesty. Wang opens the door for other ethnic filmmakers to universalize their personal stories on their terms. This wise, culturally observant movie, with its surprise ending, is a triumph, even without Oscar recognition.t

Books>>

February 13-19, 2020 • Bay Area Reporter • 21

Monsters among us by Jim Piechota

Pet by Akwaeke Emezi; Make Me a World Books, $17.99

“F

reshwater,” Nigerian-born author Akwaeke Emezi’s debut novel, caused a stir in 2018 with its vivid depiction of a West African girl with split identities migrating from Nigeria to America. They instantly became an emerging literary writer to watch. “Pet,” their creatively exceptional sophomore effort and a finalist for a National Book Award, reflects a daring and surprising move to Young Adult territory with a story set in the city of Lucille, a utopian place where

Barbara Eden

From page 17

During her visit, Eden will tour the Conservatory of Music’s campus and participate in a student-led Q&A. In a telephone interview with B.A.R., Eden said it feels good to be coming home to SF. It’s been a while since she’s been here. The last time was about 10 years ago when she appeared at a Marc Huestis-produced tribute at the Castro Theatre. “We lived at 1207 Bush St.,” Eden said of her early years. “My dad liked to fish, so he would take all his equipment and me, and we’d go on the trolley car down to the wharf. He’d fish and I’d roller skate. There were tourists, but not many. It was mostly people from the neighborhood, fishermen, lots of fishing boats, and the ferries were running.” Eden recalled a Great Aunt who lived in Vallejo. Her family took the ferry across the Bay to visit her. She vividly remembers the sounds of the foghorns. “That was San Francisco to me,” she said. “The fog, the ferry boats, my dad fishing.” When she was five years old, Eden won first prize for a Halloween costume she wore to a contest on Polk Street. “It was fun,” she recalled. “I had a red wig on. I was Little Miss Muffett.” She seemed destined for a career in show business. She was Miss San Francisco 1951. “It was a wonderful experience,” she said. “I was shocked when I won.

Stephen Hough

From page 17

Hough’s fame as a polymath – concert pianist, composer, painter, critic and novelist – informs the “and More” of the subtitle, but given the high quality of his writing about music, it’s questionable that Hough’s ideas have ever remained rough for long. Ardent as my Hough fandom has been from the beginning, I’ve had trouble keeping up with the prolixity of his creativity, particularly with his London Telegraph blog, which, while the most fun stuff, appeared so often that there was always reader fear that something delicious had got away. It’s all in one place now, and it’s lost none of its savor. Along the way are quasi-technical articles that will weed out some readers – such as the ones on pedaling, trills, editions and practicing (the latter of which he writes about separately for amateurs and professionals) – while enticing all. Who doesn’t want to hear from a professional about stage fright, page-turners, concert attire and his legendary forebears, including who among them, including on today’s stages, just might be queer in the bargain? Pedigreed as his writing is, it’s not at all leery of venturing less than universally held opinions. Applause between movements? He’s fine with it. Being thrown out of a concert for

lethal hovering monsters were alive in the past. They’ve all been eradicated by an army of angels. Born after the monsters lived and died, Jam, a selectively mute transgender teenager, and her best friend Redemption have believed this victory over evil to be true, but things soon change in this imaginative narrative. The story comes to horrific life when Jam’s mother Bitter, a painter, creates a tapestry of angels and monsters as a reminder of what was once a large part of life in Lucille. “Forgetting is how the monsters come back,” Jam thinks to herself. When a bleeding scratch on her hand drips a drop onto the painting, a menacing monster, an eye-

less creature with horns, claws, and chest fur named Pet, comes to life to wreak havoc on Jam, her family and friends, and the entire population of Lucille. Human and monster share a telekinetic connection whereby Jam learns that Pet’s purpose is to hunt and uncover a monster that still remains cloaked from exposure in Lucille, who wasn’t killed off by the angels. The monster’s identity comes as quite a surprise in a novel that’s as entertaining as it is engrossing. The citizens of Lucille reiterate their commitment to each other by shouting across the plains, “We are each other’s magnitude and bond.” Emezi’s publisher, Make Me a

I was studying acting, and my acting teacher said that I was shy. She said if I could stand in a bathing suit in front of people, it’d help me. It was

very difficult for me, inside I was really embarrassed, but I did it, so that was a learning experience.” She studied singing at the Con-

Courtesy the subject

Barbara Eden was Miss San Francisco in 1951.

“disgraceful” behavior as an audience member? He pleads guilty to one count in a must-read chapter. His thoughts on audience decorum are almost shockingly permissive (minus the ring tone, of course), and proof that he doesn’t shy from controversy is meted out in a pair of essays: “I don’t love Bach”; “I don’t hate Bach.” After Michael Steinberg, the writer he most reminds me of is his fellow Brit, Geoff Dyer, a novelist who is a comparable omnivore and as eager to share his opinions and ideas about art, film, music, and procrastination (a whole book). Hough’s thoughts on the agonies and ecstasies of recording – there can be few living pianists with more acclaimed studio recordings (60) to their name – spill over into those about art shows and exhibitions, architecture, poetry, fine food (“Beef Stroganoff and a bag of bones”; also, his are the only acceptable pictured food tweets other than Stephane Degout’s) and, surprising only to those who don’t follow him regularly, religion. A gay convert to Catholicism, his relationship with some doctrinal verities, such as suicide, “Sodom and Gomorrah,” and gays in the church and priesthood, arguably the Vatican Teaching Office in general, are often uneasy. It’s patent in his novel “The Final Retreat,” about a sex-addicted gay priest dispatched for “treatment,”

but wrestling with faith is as core to Hough’s spiritual life as tasteful if attention-getting hats are to his sartorial one. They’re among the final set of essays, characteristically thoughtful, un-doctrinaire (“Suicide? Let me assist you”) and as shot through with passion as his writings about any other subjects. The attitude underlying his writing that makes it most engaging is this: “Listening to music should always be an active process, and those who attend – pregnant verb – concerts, who listen, who respond, who treasure what they hear there, are musicians. When vibrations in the

World books, is a diversity-focused imprint of Penguin Random House committed to bringing fresh literary voices and perspectives to mainstream audiences. Now that “Pet” has published, Emezi, 32, is fulfilling a two-book deal with Riverhead Books, the first of which, “The Death of Vivek Oji,” is scheduled for a 2021 publication. Steeped in African and Caribbean culture, their young adult fantasy novel is a moving representation of human wizardry and reflects themes of individualized strength and power, community solidarity, the joy of uncommon friendships, and the personal power of embracing one’s own trans identity.t

servatory, and went home to study her work. “My mother told me I was singing every note perfectly, but I didn’t mean a word of what I was singing,” Eden recalls. Her mother suggested that she try acting, and she did. Eden has fond memories of her teacher Paulina Giovanini at the Conservatory of Music. “She really gave me the freedom to sing,” she said. “She gave me the tools to use, she placed my voice. I can never say enough thank yous to her. I enjoyed singing when I was working with her. It was fun, a thrill.” Her acting teacher urged her to “leave the nest” and go to NY or LA to pursue a career. She chose LA because she had relatives there. She worked at a bank at night and looked for acting work by day. Among her early jobs were guest shots on “Perry Mason” and “I Love Lucy.” She also received good reviews for the play “The Voice of the Turtle,” which led to a contract at 20th Century Fox. Eden has nothing but praise for “I Love Lucy” star-producer Lucille Ball. “She was wonderful,” she said. “She was so good to me. This was my third job. I was playing the sexy young thing, and I put the dress on for our dress rehearsal. She and her assistant put sparkles on the dress to make it prettier. I couldn’t believe it. She wasn’t only a kind and good person, she wanted her show to be good. She knew what was important and what wasn’t.”

Eden spent seven years at Fox, then tested for “I Dream of Jeannie” when she saw a casting notice in the trade papers. The show ran from 1965-70, producing 139 episodes, and is now considered a TV classic. “It’s just amazing to me,” she said, “and wonderful. She’s very easy to live with. I am surprised that it’s been seen all over the world, and I get mail from all over. I think it’s wonderful.” Eden is happy to be returning to the Conservatory of Music, where she’ll be honored for her impact on art and culture. She laughed when asked if she could say something about the impact that she’s had. “It’s too subjective,” she said. “I’m really happy that I’m getting the honor. I’m going to meet the students,” she said. “I’m really looking forward to that.” Though she won’t have time to visit her old haunts, Eden is still happy to be coming home for a few days. “It makes me feel good to be in San Francisco. It just feels like home. It feels, smells, tastes like home.” The San Francisco Conservatory of Music’s Annual Fanfare Luncheon will include an interview with Eden before she’s given the Distinguished Alumni Award. Proceeds support SFCM student scholarships. It takes place on Fri., Feb. 14, 12 p.m. in the Green Room at the War Memorial and Performing Arts Center. A limited number of tickets ($500-$1,000) are available at sfcm.edu.t

air create vibrations in your soul, you are a member of the club.” Hough has recently curated a residency at London’s prestigious Wigmore Hall devoted to Brahms, whom he’s unafraid to claim as his favorite composer, and including other Brahms-influenced music, including his own. Simultaneously, his recording label, Hyperion, has just released his “Brahms: The Final Piano Pieces,” Opp. 116-119, among the most beloved works for the instrument. His reverence for the composer is unquestionable but, importantly, interpretively Hough remains his own man, or Brahms’. The pieces fit in the cluster of explicitly valedictory music that sometimes is taken as a whole as “serious,” the word the composer attaches to his own last songs. The final Op. 122, 11 chorale-preludes for organ, are unflinchingly “world-leaving.” (Never pass up an opportunity to hear them, as sublime as they are rare.) One consequence is that many a pianist has approached the Fantasias and Intermezzi with an enveloping somberness and even sentimentality, neither of which is Hough’s stuff. Op. 117 achieves richness and depth without lingering, and what impresses most about Hough’s playing is its investment in the short works’ individuality, their sense of spontaneity, a variety in which the composer reveled

throughout his final piano pieces – in Hough’s bracingly thoughtful hands, strong stuff, all of it.t

Since 1977

Serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner all day Open 24/7 3991-A 17thSt Market & Castro, San Francisco

415-864-9795

Arts Events

Leather

www.ebar.com

Nightlife Events Vol. 50 • No. 7 • February 13-19, 2020

Leslie Jordan

Joe Kim Booster

by David-Elijah Nahmod

by Jim Gladstone

“I

t was an interesting thing growing up with this face in an all-white family in an all-white town,” noted Joel Kim Booster in a 2018 Comedy Central stand-up set. Then Booster, 31, who was born in South Korea and brought to Illinois by his adoptive parents as an infant, takes his joke in an unexpected direction, explaining that “I literally knew I was gay before I was Asian.” See page 25

Picture

est known for his hilarious portrayal of Beverly Leslie, a queenie gay Republican on Will and Grace, funny man Leslie Jordan returns to Feinstein’s at the Nikko on February 19 and 20 with Over-Exposed, two evenings of storytelling. Jordan will be sharing anecdotes from his own life as a gay Southern Baptist, as well as the “unbelievable real life stories” from his vast career. See page 23 >>

Rich Stadtmiller

Academy of Friends @ Commonwealth Club

scar fans enjoyed watching the annual Academy Awards as patrons of Academy of Friends, this year held at The Commonwealth Club’s theatre, reception area and rooftop.

Photos on page 27 >

{ THIRD OF THREE SECTIONS }

@LGBTSF

@eBARnews

Cabaret>>

February 13-19, 2020 • Bay Area Reporter • 23

Leslie Jordan loves the Hotel Nikko.

Leslie Jordan

From page 22

In addition to Will & Grace, Jordan has appeared on American Horror Story, in the film The Help, and in the stage and screen versions of Sordid Lives, among many other roles. For the past several years he has toured in a series of autobiographical one-man shows, packing in the crowds wherever he plays. Jordan appeared at Feinstein’s back when it was called The Rrazz Room, then began appearing for the new owners when the venue was renamed, performing under the Feinstein’s banner around three or four times. “I love that venue for several reasons,” said in a Bay Area Reporter interview. “It’s so wonderfully acoustic and it’s just so intimate, but I also love staying in that hotel; I just love the whole trip. It’s wonderful to be able to use your hotel room as your dressing room. They tell me to be there at ten before eight, I walk down, walk onstage, do my job, then go back up and go to bed. So it’s just a wonderful experience.” Jordan said that Over-Exposed is a combination of many shows he’s done over the years. “If it’s an audience that’s probably going to be primarily gay, I’ll go in a certain direction,” he said. “If I think it’s not, I’ll go in another direction. I just try to feel the room. It’s basically about how each of the shows that I’ve done over the years has reflected where I was at that point in my life, and it ends with a wonderful story about when I threw the first pitch out for the Chicago Cubs and the Washington Nationals the day after that tragedy in Orlando where 49 of my comrades were murdered at the Pulse nightclub.” Jordan goes full circle, also recalling his dad from when he was a kid. He wasn’t good at sports. He said that he’d rather have twirled a baton than throw a football. “So when I was asked to throw the pitch out I had never held a baseball in my life,” he recalled. “It’s that story that cements the whole show, how a kid that wasn’t good at sports, was teased, and all of a sudden I’m throwing the first pitch out.” Jordan always tries to include stories from Sordid Lives, Will & Grace, and American Horror Story. “I try to keep some of my old standards in,” he said. “I always think about going to see a rock band. If they don’t play the songs you used to hear them play, you feel a bit disappointed.” He tries to keep his shows at 75 minutes, feeling that 90 minutes is too long and one hour is too short. The show’s press release states that he’ll be including stories about his life as a “flamboyant” youth raised as a Southern Baptist, but Jordan assures us that he was not as flamboyant as all that. “That’s pure press,” he said. “I don’t know where they came up

with that. I mean, I wasn’t one of the butchest boys on the block, but I didn’t flame, I don’t think I came out until high school.” He did have a bit of a rough childhood, though. In the Baptist church he was raised in, the word “homosexual” was never spoken, just alluded to. Kids were led to believe that they would burn in hell. “It’s terrible to raise children to have fear of burning in hell,” Jor-

dan said. “I think that’s just spiritual abuse. There’s just a big divide in our country now, people who believe stuff and people who don’t believe stuff. The arrogance of the religion that I was raised in is that we were taught that our way is the only way. Even back in the 1970s there was a movement called One Way. I think there are many paths to God.” Jordan, who has been in recovery for twenty-two years, noted that

recovery allows for people to find a God of their own understanding. “It can be nature,” he said. “It can be the universe itself. My favorite quote is from Carrie Fisher, who said, ‘I’m a very enthusiastic agnostic who would love nothing better than to be proven wrong. As it stands right now, He’s going to have some explaining to do.’ So where I am now, and it seems to be the most comfortable place for me, is that I seek, I keep an open heart. Because we don’t know; is there a God, is there not a God? You don’t know. And it’s almost in the seeking and keeping an open heart that you find some faith.” Jordan won’t be talking about his spirituality in the Feinstein’s show, because he wants the evening to be fun and fast. Unlike Beverly, his Will & Grace character, Jordan is proud to be openly gay. He feels that it’s important to be an out performer. “When I got sober, I was 42 years old, and this is a big source of my shame; I had never registered to vote,” he said. “I was just too busy. I didn’t know a Republican from a Democrat. My generation marched in the streets, which is all well and good. But that does not bring about change. Marching in the street brings attention to your cause but the change comes from within. And more important than being an out performer, I want to be an out performer who tells

Real Men. Real Hookups. VISIT WWW.SQUIRT.ORG AND CHECK OUT OUR NEW FEATURES:

Video Push Notifications Search Filters … and more!

young gay men and women that you have to vote. Your vote counts. We’re in a crisis right now. And for you to sit home for any of these elections is unacceptable, you have to vote. And that’s my big platform now.” Jordan is very proud of the show he’s doing at Feinstein’s. In addition to sharing stories from his more distant past, he includes a lot of stories from Hollywood over the years. He describes it as “the journey of a little boy who fell out of the womb and landed in his mother’s high heels.” He feels that his show transcends the generation gap. He noted how much things have changed since he was younger. In those days, an LGBT person could walk into a gay bar and be at home, but these days people have to find their own community within the community. “I feel that my journey will speak to anyone,” he said. “I’m so thrilled when I walk out and see someone very young. My audience tends to skew older gay men. But you know what? Now that I’m on Instagram, I have a huge audience of young people. If the young twenty-somethings need to come to see me, it’s for nothing else than to get a picture after the show for Instagram.”t Leslie Jordan in ‘Over-Exposed,’ February 19, 7pm; February 20, 8pm. Feinstein’s at the Nikko, 222 Mason St. $60-$80 ($20 food/drink min.) www.feinsteinssf.com

<< Arts Events

24 • Bay Area Reporter • February 13-19, 2020

Valentine’s Party @ Gough House

Arts Events

Rainbow World Fund welcome future donors to an elegant party, with libations, hors d’ouevres, desserts, and a reading by Elena Schwolsky will be in San Francisco for the release her book Waking in Havana - A Memoir of AIDS and Healing in Cuba. 7pm-10pm. 2004 Gough St. www.rainbowfund.org

Feb. 13-20, 2020

Sat 15 Different Drum: A Celebration of Linda Ronstadt @ Ivy Room, Albany

Thu 13

Dance Lovers 9 @ Joe Goode Annex

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

Thu 13 Author Events @ City Lights Books Feb 13: Howard Eiland (translator of Walter Benjamin’s Origin of the German Trauerspeil ). Feb 18: Dennis Baron ( What’s Your Pronoun?). Feb 20: William T. Vollmann ( The Lucky Star); each 7pm. 261 Columbus Ave. www.citylights.com

Dance Lovers 9 @ Joe Goode Annex A dozen-plus artists (lovers, best friends, sisters) perform duets about love at the 9th Annual Valentine’s dance concert, with James Graham, Erik Lee and other performers. $19$39. Thu-Sat 8pm. 401 Alabama St. www.joegoode.org

Homobiles @ Ivy Room, Albany Queer rock, plus Pls Pls Me and LeFemmeBear. $8-$10. 8pm. 860 San Pablo Ave., Albany. www.ivyroom.com

Kronos Quartet @ Zellerbach Hall

Paula West @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko

The award-winning music ensemble performs A Thousand Thoughts, a multimedia music and film collaboration celebrating composer Terry Riley and the group’s 45th anniversary. $24-$58. 8pm. UC Berkeley campus. www.calperformances.org

The popular local singer returns to the elegant nightclub with her band for a multiple-night residency of concerts. $65-$85 ($20 food/drink min.). Thu-Sat 8pm; Sun 5pm thru Feb 16. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. www.feinsteinssf.com

Levi Strauss: A History of American Style @ Contemporary Jewish Museum Opening day of a new exhibit showcasing the jeans manufacturer’s innovations. Also, Threads of Jewish Life: Ritual and Other Textiles from the San Francisco Bay Area. Free-$16. 736 Mission St. www.thecjm.org

Manifesto @ Brava Studio A Call to Arms, a Spectacular Reckoning, Rotimi Agbabiaka’s new solo show about a gay Black actor’s struggles with success versus integrity. $25. 8pm. Various dates and times thru Feb 15. 2773 24th St. www.rotimionline.com

Who’s Your Mami Comedy @ Brava Studio Diane Amos, Sampson McCormick, Dominique Gelin, Baruch PorrasHernandez host Marga Gomez will keep you laughing at the popular monthly comedy series. $10-$15. 8pm. 2773 24th St. www.brava.org www.margagomez.com

Fri 14 AIDS Memorial Quilt Volunteer Days @ Oakland The Quilt is returning to the Bay Area! Volunteers are needed to help unload trucks full of them to their new storage space near the Oakland Airport; BART station pickups available. Feb 14-16, 18-23, 10am2pm and 1pm-5pm. Info: Kelly Rivera Hart at angelhart47@gmail.com

Cats @ Roxie Cinema Enjoy a Valentine’s Day screening of the bizarrely amazingly awfulwonderful film adaptation of the Andrew Lloyd-Webber musical. $8-$10 includes popcorn, a chocolate bar and commemorative Cats buttons! 6:45pm. 3117 16th St. www.roxie.com

Chicago @ San Jose Stage Company Broadway’s longest running multiple Tony-winning musical about 1920s criminal corruption and hype gets a South Bay staging. $32-$60. Thru Mar. 15. 490 Soputh 1st St., San Jose. www.thestage.org

Noura @ Marin Theatre Company Heather Raffo’s intense drama about an Iraqi New York family’s dramatic holiday gathering; extended thru Feb 9. $25-$70. 397 Miller Ave., Mill Valley. www.marintheatre.org

After their sold-out concert at Oasis, the local collective of musicians and singers (Leigh Crow, Ruby Vixen, Jill Rogers, Liz Lewis, Lynne Maes, Peter Fogel, Allegra Bandy, Jessica Rose, Marilyn Fowler and others) perform Linda Ronstadt hits for an East Bay audience. $15. 9pm. 860 San Pablo Ave., Albany. www.ivyroom.com

The Full Monty @ Victoria Theatre Bay Area Musicals’ new production of the stage show based on the film about a crew of workers who put together a male strip act to raise money. $35-$85 (Opening Night Feb 15 fundraiser $50-$100). Thru March 15. 2961 16th St. www.bamsf.org

Kaleidoscope @ Exploratorium Cells to Self, an exhibit with amazing displays showing how single cells in the human body work, portraits engineered from DNA and more (talks, hands-on workshops and nightlife events). $10-$30. Pier 15 at Embarcadero. www.exploratorium.edu

Lawrence Lindell @ Strut The comic artist’s exhibit of uplifting gay works. 470 Castro St. www.lawrencelindell.com

Living the Shuffle @ the Marsh Berkeley Film director Robert Townsend ‘s acclaimed solo show shares his story of the odds of making it in Hollywood while Black. $40-$100. Fri 8pm, Sat 8:30pm Sun 5:30pm thru Feb 29. 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley. www.themarsh.org

The Queer Ancestors Project @ Strut Exhibit of prints by queer and trans emerging artists; Christine Abiba, grace cho, rai dang, Kazayra Miranda González, Kimiko Goeller, jess ‘sylk’ rodriguez, Satän, Sen, Striff, and curator Katie Gilmartin. Thru May 9. 470 Castro St. www.strutsf.org

Recoding CripTech @ SOMArts Group exhibition of multimedia depictions of disabled people reimagined technologies and prosthetic tools; curated by Vanessa Chang and Lindsey D. Felt. Thru Feb 25. 934 Brannan St. somarts.org

Soft Power @ SF MOMA Soft Power, a new exhibit of 20 artists, 12 countries, 58 new works. Also, Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power 1963-1983. The Chronicles of San Francisco, photomuralist JR’s interactive community giant group portrait. Free/$25. Fri-Tue 10am-5pm; Thu 10am-9pm. 151 3rd St. www.sfmoma.org

You’ll Catch Flies @ NCTC The world premiere of Ryan Fogarty’s biting comedy about a group of gay friends and their familial and familiar revelations at a party. Wed. pre-show with cocktails, 6:30pm-7:30pm. $25-$55. Wed-Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm; thru Feb 23. 25 Van Ness Ave., lower level. nctcsf.org

Sun 16 Awaken @ Asian Art Museum A Tibetan Buddhist Journey Toward Enlightenment, an exhibit of Tibetan antiquities and modern works – sculptures, paintings, textiles and book arts made between 800 and 2016– with many related events and activities; thru May 3. Also, Lost at Sea: Recovered Art From Shipwrecks. Free-$20. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. 200 Larkin St. www.asianart.org

Black is Beautiful: The Photography of Kwame Brathwaite @ MOAD Prints by the Harlem Renaissance photographer of the 1950s and ‘60s; Also, multimedia works by Rashaad Newsome; Don’t Shoot: An Opus of the Opulence of Blackness, and Baye Fall: Roots in Spirituality, Fashion and Resistance; all thru Mar. 1. $5-$10. 685 Mission St. www.moadsf.org

The End of You @ Grand Theater Gray Area’s unusual immersive multimedia experience about the natural interconnectivity of nature and the planet. $15-$25 (kids under 12 free). Wed-Sat 5pm-11pm. Sun 11am-6pm; thru March 1. 2665 Mission St. https://endofyou.io/

Exclusion @ Presidio Officers Club Exhibit documenting the Presidio’s Japanese-American incarceration during World War II; other exhibits show the history of the former military base and the SF peninsula. Also, Andy Goldsworthy’s fascinating outdoor sculpture exhibit three-mile walking tour. Free, Tue-Sun 10am-5pm; extended thru June. 50 Maraga Ave. www.presidio.gov

Soul of a Nation @ de Young Museum Art in the Age of Black Power 19631983, thru Mar. 15. Also, exhibits of Modern and historic art, including embroidery, Maori portraits and installations. Free/$28. 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, Golden Gate Park. www.famsf.org

Pete Escovito Orchestra @ Yoshi’s Oakland The Bay Area legend’s Latin jazz band performs at the stylish restaurant-nightclub. $44-$74. 8pm & 10pm. Feb 15, 7:30pm & 9:30pm, Feb 16, 7pm. 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland. www.yoshis.com

Radical @ Spark Arts John Fisher’s new satirical drama about San Francisco politics. $25$45. Thu-Sat 8pm, Sun 5pm thru Mar. 1. 4229 18th St. www.therhino.org

The Spongebob Musical @ Golden Gate Theatre The wacky fun musical based on the cartoon show hits town. $56-$226. Thru Feb 16. 1 Taylor St. shnsf.com

Sat 15

The Full Monty @ Victoria Theatre

Comedy>>

February 13-19, 2020 • Bay Area Reporter • 25

Joe Kim Booster

From page 22

Unexpected directions have become a modus operandi for Booster, not only in his joke-writing, but in his life and career paths. The boy band handsome 31-year-old –who plays four shows at Cobb’s Comedy Club next weekend– was raised in a conservative evangelical household where many of the topics he now gleefully riffs about onstage (Porn, S&M, drugs, liberal politics) were anathema. He has been estranged from his parents since they discovered journal entries about his attraction to boys during his senior year of high school. Comedy was a detour for Booster, too. During high school and at the church-affiliated Milliken University, Booster explained in a phone

interview with the Bay Area Reporter, “I was focused on acting. I must have done around 40 productions. I did a lot of classic American musicals and I did a lot of Shakespeare. I was always being cast in the young, male ingenue parts. The whole reason I started doing stand-up was that I wanted a chance to do more diverse material.” After honing his comedic chops in Chicago while working as a copywriter, Booster moved to New York in 2014 where, while continuing to build his stand-up audience, he was quickly recognized for his writing skills. He’s been part of the writers’ room for Netflix’s raunchy animated teen sex series, Big Mouth, TBS’ Search Party and The Other Two, Comedy Central’s sly sit-com about the adult siblings of a Bieberesque teen idol. He’s also had the chance

Sun 16 The End of You @ Grand Theater

to zig-zag back to acting, including appearing on Hulu’s Aidy Bryant hit, Shrill (Booster played the boyfriend of John Cameron Mitchell). But Booster’s most fascinating recent acting gig has been his least recognized and most moving. In the subtly stunning narrative fiction podcast, Moonface, he plays Paul, a 27-year-old Korean American man who immigrated to California as a child and still lives with his mother in a working-class neighborhood. Drawn from the life of its writer and producer James Kim, the podcast has Booster playing a role that listeners unfamiliar with his work may presume aligns with his own distinctly different biography. “As a kid, I really didn’t think of myself as Asian-American,” says Booster. “I never felt quite at home around my white friends, but when I met kids who grew up in AsianAmerican families, I didn’t really connect with them either.” To this day, he has never sat down to a meal with a multi-generational Asian-American family and experienced the shared dynamic that informs comics including Margaret Cho, Awkwafina and Jo Koy. “I’m not connected with an immigrant experience,” Booster explains. “It wasn’t really until I moved to New York that I really spent much time with Asian Americans. And that was mainly through the queer scene. Most of my Asian friends are queer. And most of them are not close to their families. We’re creating something for ourselves. I’ve been thinking a lot about what Asian-American culture is for us, something that’s not about the specifics of Korean, or Japanese or Chinese culture. Its very interesting and I can’t quite pinpoint it.”

Booster’s inclination to roll things over in his mind, approaching often clichéd comedy topics like race and sexuality from unexpected directions, adds a layer of compelling complexity to his stand-up. His sets are boffo beverage-through-nostril funny but also rich in self-conscious subtext for

those who choose to take notice. As he puts it himself: “I’m a real smart fucker.”t Joe Kim Booster at Cobb’s Comedy Club, February 21 & 22; 7:30pm & 9:45pm. $25. 915 Columbus Ave. (415) 928-4320. cobbscomedy.com

Playmates and soul mates...

San Francisco:

1-415-692-5774 Megamates.com 18+

Marina Blvd. www.fortmason.org Other multimedia works also on exhibit at Museum of the African Diaspora thru March 1: www.moadsf.org

The Supers @ Z Space Sara Moore’s science fiction magical realism human cartoon opera costars DeMarcello Funes and includes music by Rob Reich. $15-$55. Thu-Sat 7:30pm. Sat 2pm, Sun 5pm thru Feb. 29. 450 Florida St. circuscenter.org/supers

Vincent Meis @ Dog Eared Books The local gay author reads from and discusses his fifth novel, Four Calling Burds. 7pm. 489 Castro St. www.dogearedbooks.com

Thu 20 Mon 17 Gallery of Illustrious Queers @ SF Main Library Photographer Jordan Reznick’s LGBT portrait photo exhibit; extended thru Feb. 20. Hormel Center, 3rd floor, 100 Larkin St. www.sfpl.org

William Blake in Color @ William Blake Gallery Exhibit of classic plates in the new gallery of historic art by the 18th- and 19th-century poet and illustrator. Mon-Fri 10am-5pm. Sat 11am-5pm. 49 Geary St. #205. www.williamblakegallery.com

Tue 18 Richard Caldwell Brewer @ Lost Art Salon Exhibit of works by the late gay artist (1923-2014). Also, Cappi and Michael Insinna. Mon-Sat 10am5:30pm. 245 South Van Ness Ave., #303. https://lostartsalon.com/

Robert Buelteman @ Slate Contemporary, Oakland The creator of illuminated plant images exhibits some of his work. Thru Mar. 28. 473 25th st., Oakland. www.buelteman.com

Wed 19 Naked Men’s Sketch @ Eros Get naked and take turns modeling at the sex club’s popular weekly event. Donations/no entrance fee. 7pm-9pm (Open Christmas 12pm9pm). 2051 Market St. erossf.com

Rashaad Newsome: To Be Real @ Fort Mason The artist’s stunning exhibit of collage, sculptures and interactive A.I. blends queer diva iconography, robotic and African American imagery to question concepts of identity. Wed-Sun 11am-5pm, thru Feb. 23. Main gallery, Pier 2, 2

Diane Keaton @ Syndey Goldstein Theater

Personals Massage>>

Models>>

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY FABULOUS F**K BOY

The actress discusses her memoir, Brother & Sister. $59 (includes a book). 7:30pm. 275 Hayes St. www.cityboxoffice.com

The Rainbow Did That: Remembering Gilbert Baker @ GLBT History Museum Panel discussion about with Charley Beal, the manager of the Gilbert Baker Estate; Baker’s friend Vincent Guzzone; community activist Ken Jones; and Cass Brayton (Sister Mary Media); also, Performance, Protest & Politics: Gilbert Baker’s Art, an exhibit of the works and ephemera by and about the creator of the Rainbow Flag. $5. 4127 18th St. www.glbthistory.org

Show Us Your Spines @ El Rio Radar Productions presents authors LGBTQ authors Al Aguas, Kiyaan Abadani, Madhvi TrivediPathak and Maneo Refiloe Mohale 6pm. 3158Mission St. elriosf.comt

MEN TO MEN MASSAGE

I’m a Tall Latin Man. If you’re looking, I’m the right guy for you. My rates are $90/hr & $130/90 min. My work hours are 10 a.m. to midnite everyday. 415515-0594 Patrick call or text. See pics on ebar.com

SEXY ASIAN $60 Jim 415-269-5707

Model looks 6’ 150# 27yrs, 8” uncut beautiful tight yummy ass. Smoky sexuality erotic male nympho. Hndsm hedonist. Str8, gay, married men at yr apt, hotel, mansion! Greek god Nick 415-818-3126. Leather fetish fantasy roleplay kink dom sub group scenes mild to wild. Pretty boy with a dirty mind, romantic & unforgettable! $400/hr, $2000 overnight neg.

People>> PLAYMATES OR SOULMATES Browse & Reply FREE! SF - 415-692-5774 1-888-MegaMates Free to Listen & Reply, 18+

TO PLACE YOUR PERSONALS AD, CALL 415-861-5019 FOR MORE INFO & RATES

<< Leather

26 • Bay Area Reporter • February 13-19, 2020

That’s how you do it!

Ms. San Francisco Leather, SoMa Bar Crawl at Leather & LGBTQ Cultural District

on Wednesday, March 25, from 6pm to go on stage. South of Market bar crawl. I did the to 9pm in the Rainbow Room at the There was an intermisentire crawl with at least 50 other San Francisco LGBT Center at 1800 sion long enough to get a people in attendance as we started Market Street. drink and adequately soat The Stud and moved on to the During the Town Hall, the Discialize a bit. Powerhouse, Hole in the Wall, The trict will provide highlights of their The silent auction, bar Lone Star Saloon, and ended up at work and vision, present plans for and bootblack setups were the SF Eagle. developing a long-term strategy (a executed flawlessly. I loved that the District sponCHHESS report) and seek commuWhile I know it was the sored this event, which gave attendnity input through breakout groups. competitors who were reees a chance to mingle with some So, if you want to influence the fusponsible for creating their of the District staff and Board and ture of the District, attend this event fantasy performances, they learn about the great work the Disand participate in a breakout group. were so tight and entertaintrict has planned for the future. Beth Hunt, the Cultural District Anyone with a stake in the District’s ing that at times I wondered Manager, said this about the crawl. success is welcome. if they’d been coached by an “The bar crawl was a great sucMark your calendars also for entertainment professional. Rich Stadtmiller cess! We were honored to have SuSaturday, May 9. That’s when the The final contest results Left to right: Lola Ursula; Ms. WillowKat; Reika, Ms. SF Leather 2019; Caity pervisor Matt Haney and the new District will be hosting its official were essentially immediate. Lynch, winner of Ms. SF Leather 2020; and Tammy Lg Hatter, first runner-up No killing time at the end director off SFMTA Jeffrey Tumlin Launch Event at Folsom Street Ms. SF Leather 2020. join in the fun. We look forward to Foundry, 5pm-9pm, showcasand waiting! future collaborations with all our ing various aspects of the District. If they had also elimiguests from West CBD, SF Pride, There will be performances, food nated the introduction of for the contest should be lauded for by Race Bannon and D6. This is how we build a from local restaurants, leather all current titleholders on stage (this listening to past audience and comstronger neighborhood.” demonstrations, a bootblack, and takes a lot of time) and had them he new Ms. San Francisco munity input. To ensure that the District has a maker’s market with community stand up instead like they did for Leather 2020 is Caity Lynch. After an easy and efficient door sufficient community input, they vendors, craftspeople, and artists. the past Ms. SF Leather winners, it Caity won among a field of topcheck-in process and a nice length are hosting a Town Hall gathering Admission is free. While wearing would have been a nearly perfect notch competitors who all did outof time for audience mingling and the leather or gear that makes contest in my eyes; maybe standing: Ms. WillowKat, Lola Ursocializing, the contest started on you feel sexy is encouraged, next year. sula, and Tammy Lg Hatter. Tammy time! I know starting an event on it’s not required. And the audience loved was the first runner up. time shouldn’t be exceptional, but We are so lucky to live in a it. People afterward kept Those tasked with selecting it’s rare enough that I think it needs city that has the open-mindcommenting repeatedly the winner were Vick Gerto be applauded when it ed heart to have a Leather how appreciative they were many, Bennett, Haley, happens. & LGBTQ Cultural District of the changes and the Miss Lola Sunshine, As for the contest itself, in the first place, and even speed with which the conJack Thompson, Jawn I loved just about everyluckier that it’s actively entest was completed. At least Marques, and Tomo. thing they did. gaging with its local coma dozen people must have The competition was so The skilled emcee, munity constituents in such said that to me. good that as an audience Val Langmuir, moved it a welcoming and inclusive Well done, Ms. SF Leathmember I hadn’t a clue all along quickly and with Race Bannon manner.t er! May other contests emwho would end up winlots of humor. Left to right: Matt Haney, San Francisco District ulate you. ning. Instead of lengthy 6 Supervisor; Beth Hunt, Leather & LGBTQ Those are just some of judges’ bios they read conFor leather events, Cultural District Manager; Lex Montiel, owner of Crawling around SoMa the people to whom I might tip my cise, abbreviated versions (somevisit www.ebar.com On Thursday, February the SF Eagle; and Honey Mahogany, Legislative hat, because it was one of the best times those go on forever during 6, the Leather & LGBTQ Aide to Supervisor Matt Haney, as they reached run contests I’ve seen in a long time; other contests). Race Bannon is a local Cultural District, along the soon to be finished Eagle Plaza at the end of that’s what I want to focus on. They had the past Ms. SF Leather author, blogger and activist. the Cultural District bar crawl. with District 6 Supervisor Producer Daddy Sal and the enwinners in the audience stand to be www.bannon.com Matt Haney, sponsored a tire production and volunteer crew recognized rather than take the time

SF Beer Week @ Multiple Venues

Fri 14

Enjoy tastings, food pairings, parties, music and more at multiple events with lots of locally-brewed beer; thru Feb 16. www.sfbeerweek.org

Feb. 13-20, 2020

Nightlife Events

Asheq @ Oasis

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

Thu 13 Beso Latinx @ Jolene’s Von Kiss hosts a new night at the queer nightclub. 9pm-2am. 2700 16th St. at Harrison. www.jolenessf.com

Friends Live @ Oasis Drag parody of the 90’s sitcom, with Caleb Haven Draper, Carol Ann Walker, Emily France, Titus Androgynous, Sue Casa, Paul Grant, Hovannes, Cassie Wassie, Kirk Saraceno, L Ron Hubby and Anne Norland. $27.50-$50. 7pm. Thu-Sat 7pm thru March 14. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

Homobiles @ Ivy Room, Albany Queer rock, plus Pls Pls Me and LeFemmeBear. $8-$10. 8pm. 860 San Pablo Ave., Albany. ivyroom.com

Polythene Pam @ El Rio Queer and trans folk, pop and original music; also Shawna Virago, Scorpio Moon and Soft Vowel Sounds perform. No cover. 8pm-10pm. 3158 Mission St. www.elriosf.com

Puff @ The Stud The monthly cannabis appreciation night takes on Valentine’s Day, with love in the air; DJ Sergio Fedasz, host DJ Dank, a drag show and stoner raffle. $10. 6pm-9pm. 299 9th St. www.studsf.com

Fri 14 Asheq @ Oasis The Middle Eastern and North African dance party for LGBTQ folks and friends returns, with belly dancers, dance mixes and delicious cocktails. $10-$20. 10pm-3am. 298 11th st. www.sfoasis.com

Cubcake @ Lone Star Valentine’s Day edition of a cubs, chubs, treats and beats night, with DJ Paul Goodyear. $5. 9pm-2am. 1354 Harrison St. www.lonestarsf.com

Drag in Love @ The Stud Happy hour cabaret drag show. $20$30. 6:30pm-8pm. 299 9th St. www.studsf.com

Lick It @ Powerhouse Lance Holman hosts the laidback yet cruisy leather and kink night, with DJ Blackstone. $5. 9pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

Lonely Hearts @ The Stud Anti-Valentine’s Day party with songs of heartache and bitter breakups. 10pm-2am. 299 9th St. studsf.com

My Spooky Valentine @ The Golden Bull, Oakland

Sat 15 RBBR @ Powerhouse Rubber kink fetish happy hour, 6pm-9pm. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

Reddroxx @ Lone Star Eighth anniversary of the bear party, with DJ BRD. $5. 9pm-2am. 1354 Harrison St. www.lonestarsf.com

Swagger Like Us @ Jolene’s Queer dance party. 9pm-2am. 2700 16th St. at Harrison. jolenessf.com

Sun 16 Disco Daddy @ SF Eagle DJ Bus Station John’s monthly retrogroovy T-dance. $8. 7pm-1am. 398 12th St. at Harrison. sf-eagle.com

Renegade @ Atlas The weekly cruisy semi-private party. $5-$20. 6pm-10pm. Now also Truck Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 9pm-2am. 415 10th St. www.atlas-sf.com

Sunset Arcade @ Emporium SF Unique nightlife event with DJed dancing (1Accord, Flamingo Boy. Neon Bunny), pinball, multiple games, karaoke, furry and cosplay attire welcome; two full bars, outdoor area. $8-$20 9pm-2am. 616 Divisadero. www.emporiumsf.com

The Ink Bats, Suicide Queen, Pretty Frankenstein, plus drag performers Kai Mira and Yasferatu at a Goth-punk live music night. $10. 8pm. 412 14th St., Oakland. thegoldenbullbar.com

Mon 17

Valentine’s Gay @ 924 Gilman, Berkeley

Drag night with Mercedez Munro. No cover. 10pm. 4067 18th St. www.midnightsunsf.com

Lolly Gaggers, CopySlut and Middle-Aged Queers play fun so-gay rock-punk sets. $10-$12. 7:30pm. 924 Gilman St., Berkeley. 924gilman.org

Munro's at Midnight @ Midnight Sun

Underwear Night @ 440 Strip down to your skivvies at the popular men's night. 9pm-2am. 440 Castro St. www.the440.com

Tue 18 Gaymer Night @ Midnight Sun Weekly fun night of games and cocktails. 8pm-12am. 4067 18th St. www.midnightsunsf.com

GLBT Historical Society Benefit @ The Edge Enjoy retro-tunes, videos and vintage hits at a fundraiser for the museum. 8pm-10pm. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

Wed 19 Cocktail Time @ Ginger’s Enjoy drinks at the intimate downstairs tribute to the original dive bar. Tue & Wed 6pm-9pm. Thu-Sat 5pm-2am. 86 Hardie Place.

Miss Kitty's Trivia Night @ Wild Side West The weekly fun night at the Bernal Heights bar includes prizes, hosted by Kitty Tapata. No cover. 7pm-10pm. 424 Cortland St. wildsidewest.com

Valentine’s is a Drag @ UC Theatre, Berkeley Enjoy saucy drag and live music with Mala, Poison Oakland, WorkCapKid, Jbuk and others. $12.50. 8pm. 2036 University Ave., Berkeley. www.eventbrite.com

Thu 20 Greater Sirens @ The Ivy Room, Albany Local rock band performs, plus Butterfly Knives and The Elegant Bachelors. $8-$10. 8pm. 860 San Pablo Ave., Albany. ivyroom.com

Nap's Karaoke @ Virgil's Sea Room Sing out loud. No cover. 9pm. 3152 Mission St. www.virgilssf.comt

Shining Stars>>

February 13-19, 2020 • Bay Area Reporter • 27

SHINING STARS STEVEN UNDERHILL PHOTOS BY

ACADEMY OF FRIENDS @ COMMONWEALTH CLUB

scar fans enjoyed watching the annual Academy Awards as patrons of Academy of Friends, this year held at The Commonwealth Club’s theatre, reception area and rooftop. The revamped nonprofit focused on the LGBT Asylum Project as its main recipient. Local glitterati, including cohost Cip Cipriani, Academy of Friends founder Kile Ozier, Juanita MORE, Sister Roma, Heklina, Ken Henderson, John Bellemore, Adam Sandel (Director of Fundraising Events for the LGBT Asylum Project) and Executive Director Okan Sengun were among dapper attendees who donned formal wear in the 40th anniversary ‘Ruby Red’ theme. www.lgbtasylumproject.org www.academyoffriends.org See plenty more photos on BARtab’s Facebook page, facebook.com/lgbtsf.nightlife. See more of Steven Underhill’s photos at StevenUnderhill.com.

||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

For headshots, portraits or to arrange your wedding photos

call (415) 370-7152 or visit www.StevenUnderhill.com or email stevenunderhillphotos@gmail.com

EXPERIENCE CINEMA’S GREATEST LOVE STORY

HHHHH

“CÉLINE SCIAMMA’S GLORIOUS PERIOD ROMANCE IS

A MASTERCLASS.” –TIME OUT

“A TIMELESS WORK OF ART.

ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL AND TRANSPORTING FILMS YOU WILL EVER SEE.” –ROLLING STONE

“A ROMANCE FOR THE AGES.” –PRIDE

WINNER

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

WINNER

NEW YORK FILM CRITICS CIRCLE

BEST SCREENPLAY FESTIVAL DE CANNES

CÉLINE SCIAMMA NOÉMIE MERLANT ADÈLE HAENEL a film by

SPECIAL ENGAGEMENTS START FRIDAY FEBRUARY 14

LANDMARK THEATRES

EMBARCADERO

1 EMBARCADERO CENTER, PROMENADE LEVEL (415) 352-0835 SAN FRANCISCO

P O R T R A I T M OV I E . CO M F O R T I C K E T S Bay Area Reporter Thursday, 2/13

AMC KABUKI 8 1881 POST STREET AT FILLMORE C (415) 346-3243 SAN FRANCISCO