February 8,2018 edition of the Bay Area Reporter by Bay Area Reporter

S. Bay starts listening tour

Church St. biz vacancies

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Gondoliers

Banarama is back

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

Vol. 48 • No. 6 • February 8-14, 2018

API Wellness announces name change

SF health panel backs safe injection sites

by Seth Hemmelgarn

by Liz Highleyman

San Franc i s co - b a s e d nonprofit known for providing health services to the city’s Asian and Pacific Islander LGBT community and residents of the TenJane Philomen Cleland derloin neighborhood has changed its Lance Toma name. Asian and Pacific Islander Wellness Center launched its new name – San Francisco Community Health Center – January 26 at its 30th anniversary Pearl Gala. “Since our beginnings over 30 years ago, API Wellness has always stood for quality health care rooted in social justice for Asian and Pacific Islander communities and all marginalized communities,” said Executive Director Lance Toma in response to emailed questions this week. “With our newest transformation two years ago as a federally See page 16 >>

DA’s office praised for pot action by Sari Staver

annabis activists are cheering the January 31 announcement that the San Francisco District Attorney’s office will remove or reduce previous criminal convictions Rick Gerharter from all records in San Francisco Supe- District Attorney rior Court, dating George Gascón back to 1975. The announcement, made by District Attorney George Gascón at a news conference, is a retroactive application of Proposition 64, the 2016 voter initiative legalizing the possession and use of cannabis by adults over age 21. Prop 64 also allows people with convictions to petition courts to dismiss their cases, but many were unaware that they qualified for resentencing or were unable to afford to bring such a petition, said Gascón. The new program See page 16 >>

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Rick Gerharter

Powwow draws two spirits

he Grand Entry of dancers into the arena kicked off the seventh annual Bay Area American Indian TwoSpirits Powwow, held February 3 at Fort Mason Center in San Francisco. The event,

an educational and spiritual gathering open to all, celebrated fluid gender roles and diverse native cultures that were represented. For more information about BAAITS, visit http://www.baaits.org/.

he San Francisco Health Commission unanimously backed a resolution supporting supervised injection services at its February 6 meeting, putting the city one step closer to opening the first safe Liz Highleyman injection facility in the San Francisco United States. Health “This gives San Commissioner Francisco the op- Cecilia Chung portunity to lead listens to again just like we did comments on syringe access during Tuesday’s programs,” Commis- meeting. sioner Cecilia Chung, an HIV-positive trans woman, said after the vote. “We are not endorsing drugs, but we are letting the public know this is a sound public health decision.” San Francisco is home to an estimated

CA bill would extend caps on drug costs for PWAs, others

by Seth Hemmelgarn

ay state Senator Scott Wiener introduced a bill this week that would permanently extend drug-pricing protections for people who are living with HIV/AIDS and other diseases. The legislation, which hadn’t been numbered as of Tuesday, would eliminate the sunset of Assembly Bill 339, the law that caps a person’s out-of-pocket costs for a prescription at $250 every 30 days. It would also make permanent formulary standards that keep insurers from routinely placing specialty drugs in their highest pricing tiers. AB 339’s provisions are set to expire at the end of 2019. Gay former Assemblyman Rich Gordon (D-Menlo Park) authored that bill. “Before AB 339 went into effect, California residents with serious and chronic conditions like cancer, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis, and lupus were particularly vulnerable to higher out-of-pocket costs for their medication,” according to Wiener’s office. “Specialty prescription drugs were placed on the highest tier in the drug pricing formulary, and consumers often were paying $6,000 in one month alone for badly needed medication.”

Rick Gerharter

State Senator Scott Wiener

In a call with the Bay Area Reporter, Wiener (D-San Francisco) said, “Given the federal attacks on health care access, it’s even more important now for California to protect health care consumers,” and extending the co-pay limits “is critically important.”

See page 14 >>

“Frankly, I would like to see these caps even lower than $250 per prescription per month,” he said. That amount “is still high, but it’s much, much better than what we were seeing before, which was people having to pay thousands of dollars for a monthly supply of life-saving drugs.” Wiener said he first became aware of the issue when he served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, where he represented the Castro and other neighborhoods in District 8. Constituents living with HIV were telling him of prescriptions refills that were costing them more than $1,000, and people were worried about dying because they couldn’t afford the high prices. Wiener held a hearing on the issue in 2015, around the same time Gordon introduced AB 339. Health Access California is sponsoring Wiener’s bill, of which lesbian Senator Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) will be a co-author. The San Francisco AIDS Foundation, APLA Health, and Project Inform are supporting the bill, according to Wiener’s office. Anthony Wright, Health Access California’s Executive Director, told the B.A.R., “We want to prevent the extreme cost sharing that leads people to skip medications or otherwise not get medications that they need.”t

{ FIRST OF THREE SECTIONS }

V 0 Z E R D 2 / Y L . T I B / / : P T HT

What is TRUVADA for PrEP?

Who should not take TRUVADA for PrEP?

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

Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP if you:

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

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information I should know about TRUVADA for PrEP? Before taking TRUVADA for PrEP: ® You must be HIV-negative before you start taking TRUVADA for PrEP. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1. Do not take TRUVADA to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confirmed to be HIV-negative. ® Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. If you have flu-like symptoms, you could have recently become infected with HIV-1. Tell your healthcare provider if you had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting or at any time while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin. While taking TRUVADA for PrEP: ® You must continue to use safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may not keep you from getting HIV-1. ® You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP: ® Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months. ® If you think you were exposed to HIV-1, tell your healthcare provider right away. ® To further help reduce your risk of getting HIV-1: ® Know your HIV status and the HIV status of your partners. ® Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV to infect you. ® Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior, such as having fewer sex partners. ® Do not miss any doses of TRUVADA. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection. ® If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat HIV-1. TRUVADA by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time. TRUVADA can cause serious side effects: ® Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. TRUVADA is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV and stop taking TRUVADA, your HBV may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health.

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

What are the other possible side effects of TRUVADA for PrEP? Serious side effects of TRUVADA may also include: ® Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to check your kidneys before and during treatment with TRUVADA. If you develop kidney problems, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking TRUVADA. ® Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. ® Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. ® Bone problems, including bone pain, softening, or thinning, which may lead to fractures. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your bones. Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP are stomach-area (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or do not go away.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking TRUVADA for PrEP? ® All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis. ® If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TRUVADA can harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking TRUVADA for PrEP, talk to your healthcare provider to decide if you should keep taking TRUVADA. ® If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. If you become HIV-positive, HIV can be passed to the baby in breast milk. ® All the medicines you take, including prescription and overthe-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. TRUVADA may interact with other medicines. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. ® If you take certain other medicines with TRUVADA, your healthcare provider may need to check you more often or change your dose. These medicines include certain medicines to treat hepatitis C (HCV) infection. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

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

I’m courageous, not careless. I know who I am. And I make choices that fit my life. TRUVADA for PrEP™ is a once-daily prescription medicine that can help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 when taken every day and used together with safer sex practices. ® TRUVADA for PrEP is only for adults who are at high risk of getting HIV through sex. ® You must be HIV-negative before you start taking TRUVADA for PrEP.

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

Learn more at truvada.com

IMPORTANT FACTS

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

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

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF TRUVADA FOR PrEP

Before starting TRUVADA for PrEP: • You must be HIV-1 negative. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1. Do not take TRUVADA for PrEP to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 unless you are confirmed to be HIV-1 negative. • Many HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include flu-like symptoms, tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting TRUVADA for PrEP. While taking TRUVADA for PrEP: • You must continue to use safer sex practices. Just taking TRUVADA for PrEP may not keep you from getting HIV-1. • You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you think you were exposed to HIV-1 or have a flu-like illness while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. • If you do become HIV-1 positive, you need more medicine than TRUVADA alone to treat HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only TRUVADA, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat over time. • See the “How To Further Reduce Your Risk” section for more information. TRUVADA may cause serious side effects, including: • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. TRUVADA is not approved to treat HBV. If you have HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking TRUVADA. Do not stop taking TRUVADA without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.

TRUVADA can cause serious side effects, including: • Those in the “Most Important Information About TRUVADA for PrEP” section. • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. • Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. • Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. • Bone problems. Common side effects in people taking TRUVADA for PrEP include stomach-area (abdomen) pain, headache, and decreased weight. These are not all the possible side effects of TRUVADA. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking TRUVADA for PrEP. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with TRUVADA for PrEP.

ABOUT TRUVADA FOR PrEP TRUVADA for PrEP is a prescription medicine used together with safer sex practices to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 through sex. This use is only for HIV-negative adults who are at high risk of getting HIV-1. • To help determine your risk of getting HIV-1, talk openly with your healthcare provider about your sexual health. Do NOT take TRUVADA for PrEP if you: • Already have HIV-1 infection or if you do not know your HIV-1 status. • Take certain medicines to treat hepatitis B infection.

HOW TO TAKE TRUVADA FOR PrEP • Take 1 tablet once a day, every day, not just when you think you have been exposed to HIV-1. • Do not miss any doses. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection. • Use TRUVADA for PrEP together with condoms and safer sex practices. • Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months. You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking TRUVADA for PrEP.

BEFORE TAKING TRUVADA FOR PrEP Tell your healthcare provider if you: • Have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis. • Have any other medical conditions. • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. • Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. If you become HIV-positive, HIV can pass to the baby in breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: • Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. • Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with TRUVADA for PrEP.

HOW TO FURTHER REDUCE YOUR RISK • Know your HIV status and the HIV status of your partners. • Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections. Other infections make it easier for HIV to infect you. • Get information and support to help reduce risky sexual behavior, such as having fewer sex partners. • Do not share needles or personal items that can have blood or body fluids on them.

GET MORE INFORMATION • This is only a brief summary of important information about TRUVADA for PrEP. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more, including how to prevent HIV infection. • Go to start.truvada.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5 • If you need help paying for your medicine, visit start.truvada.com for program information.

TRUVADA FOR PREP, the TRUVADA FOR PREP Logo, the TRUVADA Blue Pill Design, TRUVADA, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. Version date: April 2017 © 2017 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. TVDC0161 07/17

TVDC0161_PrEP_D_9-75x16_BayAreaReporter_Cafe_p1.indd 3

8/29/17 7:45 PM

A Security Deposit February 8-14, 2018 • B

t Community News>>

S. Bay queer office launches 10-city listening tour by Heather Cassell

n an effort to understand Santa Clara County’s queer residents’ needs, its Office of LGBTQ Affairs recently kicked off a 10-city listening tour in Mountain View. At the same time, the Mountain View Human Relations Council also announced the launch of an LGBTQ needs assessment survey for queer and allied residents and people who work in the city. The survey, available in multiple languages, is being conducted throughout February. Maribel Martinez and Julie Solomon held the January 27 meeting. The session and the research are fiscally supported through a city and county partnership and also utilizes volunteers, officials said. Martinez, a queer woman of color, is the director of Santa Clara County’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs. Solomon, 49, an ally, is the vice chair and commissioner of the city of Mountain View Human Relations Commission. “We really want to know what’s happening locally in Mountain View,” said Martinez. An estimated 30 people, including state and local elected officials, leaders of community organizations, and residents attended the two-hour meeting to discuss and identify concerns in the city. Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian, who represents Mountain View, along with other cities in the northernmost part of the county that make up District 5, and Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith also attended. The officials spoke briefly about their work on behalf of the community, but they said they were there to listen more than to talk.

vides the opportunity to do so again. California Civil Code Section 1950.5 governs the grounds AY AREA REPORTER • 5 under which security deposits may be collected, held, retained and returned. “Security” means By Chris Dolan any payment, fee, deposit or charge that is imposed at the beThis week’s question comes from Maria in ginning of the tenancy for these Fairfield, who asks: reasons: to reimburse the landlordY for costs associated with Q: “My rented apartment on a P H P H mother OT Oan G RA processing of a new tenant; that month-to-month basis. She gave the landlord first month, last month and two month’s is imposed as an advance payment of rent; to compensate the landlord for non-paysecurity, as required OTSby the landlord. She SH EAtheDapartment Hand ment of rent; to repair damages to the manager had a dispute premises, exclusive of ordinary wear and concerning my brother and his wife, who S days. They were RAforITseveral tear; and/or for cleaning of the premises ORtoTstay Pcame upon termination of the tenancy necessary noisy and upset other tenants. My mom felt to return the unit to the same level of cleanharassed by the manager’s complaints and S T N VEMy mom told the manager that she Emore. liness it was in at the beginning of the tenancy. was going to move out. She gave 30 days’ Section 1950.5 states a landlord may not notice. She moved out before the 30 days demand or receive security in an amount or and tried to schedule a walkthrough to get value more than an amount equal to two her deposit back. The manager said my months’ rent in the case of unfurnished resimother could come back and clean the dential property, and an amount equal to apartment and get her remaining items. The manager then changed her position and told three months’ rent in the case of furnished residential property. This is in addition to my mom she could not come back in to any rent for the first month paid on or before clean or get her things. She also said that StevenUnderhill.com initial occupancy. Therefore, the collection she would not give my mother back her se-

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Heather Cassell

Maribel Martinez, director of the Santa Clara County Office of LGBTQ Affairs, speaks at the first LGBTQ listening tour in Mountain View.

“I have been impressed at how much we’ve accomplished over the years and how much we still have to accomplish,” Simitian, an ally, told the audience, noting that the Board of Supervisors is unanimously behind the South Bay’s LGBT community. “This area can only be well-served if we can communicate what wellserved means,” he continued. “What does it look like? What do we need? This is the day to make sure that we communicate that message. I hope that we will use the time that we have today to make more progress.”

NOW!

Miles O’Bryan, a 74-year-old gay man who lived in San Francisco for 35 years before moving into a retirement home in Mountain View eight years ago, expressed the disenfranchisement he felt from losing his LGBT-specific services. The move was difficult, he said, due to a homophobic intake counselor and not knowing where to find support. He lost his partner of 12 years last May and didn’t know where to turn to for grief services for gay men. “Finding a grief group that understands loss of a same-sex partner has been difficult,” said O’Bryan, noting that many of the social services were supportive, but there weren’t any services specifically for LGBT people. Instead, he was told that he could create a group and space would be provided. Deep in grief, he said that he didn’t have the energy to do that.

n stock & hop in SF! Lack of services close by

Attendees spoke about feeling disenfranchised and the lack of accessing LGBT-specific and LGBTfriendly services closer to Mountain View as it’s difficult to get to the Billy De Frank LGBT Community Center in San Jose. Not everyone knew where to go for services they could trust, particularly youth and seniors.

See page 16 >>

Supes set to vote on Milk airport terminal naming

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a global LGBT icon. Due to a lack of support, Campos worked out a deal with the late mayor Ed Lee to instead name one of the airport’s four terminals in honor of Milk. Delays by Lee in naming his appointees to an advisory panel tasked with selecting which terminal should bear Milk’s name postponed it from meeting until last year. In June the panel chose Terminal 1, which is undergoing a $2.4 billion remodel that will be unveiled in stages through 2024. Panel members reasoned the project would draw years of media coverage and help publicize it being named the Harvey Milk Terminal. Airport commission President Larry Mazzola has been a vocal opponent of the idea. He has pointed to a policy his board created that says areas of SFO should only be named

ntain

for people with a direct connection to the airport. Left unsaid, but implied by Mazzola, is that Milk did not. In a recent interview, Ronen told the B.A.R. that the hold up in scheduling the board hearing had nothing to do with politics. She said the reason for the delay was due to the board’s heavy workload in the fall. Ronen expressed confidence in See page 16 >>

Clarification

In the News Brief item, “Interim ED named for Rainbow center,” [February 1], Philip Arca’s duties at the Oakland Zoo, as described on his LinkedIn account, should have been listed as follows: he built administrative infrastructure where none had existed, and was a key part of turnaround, growth, and path to sustainability at the Oakland Zoo. The online version has been updated.

compiled by Cynthia Laird

San Francisco Board of Supervisors committee is set to hold a hearing in March on naming a terminal at the city’s airport after slain gay rights leader Harvey Milk. The Bay Area Reporter has learned that the supervisors’ budget and finance committee will take up the proposal Thursday, March 22. Should it be approved, the full board would vote on the naming idea at its April 3 meeting. The hearing will come eight months after District 9 Supervisor Hillary Ronen introduced the legislation to name Terminal 1 at San Francisco International Airport after Milk. District 8 Supervisor Jeff Sheehy, the board’s lone gay member and co-sponsor of the legislation, has also called for renaming the airport’s access road in honor of Milk. Forty years ago Milk was sworn in as a city supervisor, becoming the first out LGBT individual to hold elective office in both San Francisco and California. Eleven months later, on the morning of November 27, 1978, Milk and thenmayor George Moscone were assassinated inside City Hall by disgruntled former supervisor Dan White. In 2013 Ronen’s former boss and predecessor, gay Supervisor David Campos, had proposed naming the entire airport after Milk, who is now

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<< Open Forum

t Amazon, build HQ2 in inclusive state

6 • BAY AREA REPORTER • February 8-14, 2018

Volume 48, Number 6 February 8-14, 2018 www.ebar.com PUBLISHER Michael M. Yamashita Thomas E. Horn, Publisher Emeritus (2013) Publisher (2003 – 2013) Bob Ross, Founder (1971 – 2003) NEWS EDITOR Cynthia Laird ARTS EDITOR Roberto Friedman BARTAB EDITOR & EVENTS LISTINGS EDITOR Jim Provenzano ASSISTANT EDITORS Matthew S. Bajko • Seth Hemmelgarn CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ray Aguilera • Tavo Amador • Race Bannon Erin Blackwell • Roger Brigham Brian Bromberger • Victoria A. Brownworth Brent Calderwood • Philip Campbell Heather Cassell • Belo Cipriani Richard Dodds • Michael Flanagan Jim Gladstone • David Guarino Liz Highleyman • Brandon Judell John F. Karr • Lisa Keen • Matthew Kennedy Joshua Klipp • David Lamble • Max Leger Michael McDonagh • David-Elijah Nahmod Michael Nugent • Paul Parish • Sean Piverger Lois Pearlman • Tim Pfaff • Jim Piechota Bob Roehr • Adam Sandel • Khaled Sayed Jason Serinus • Gregg Shapiro Gwendolyn Smith • Tony Taylor • Sari Staver Jim Stewart • Sean Timberlake • Andre Torrez Ronn Vigh • Charlie Wagner • Ed Walsh Cornelius Washington • Sura Wood ART DIRECTION Max Leger PRODUCTION/DESIGN Ernesto Sopprani PHOTOGRAPHERS Jane Philomen Cleland • FBFE Rick Gerharter • Gareth Gooch Jose Guzman-Colon • Rudy K. Lawidjaja Georg Lester • Dan Lloyd • Jo-Lynn Otto Rich Stadtmiller • Kelly Sullivan Steven Underhil • Dallis Willard • Bill Wilson ILLUSTRATORS & CARTOONISTS Paul Berge • Christine Smith ADVERTISING/ADMINISTRATION Colleen Small Bogitini VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVERTISING Scott Wazlowski – 415.829.8937 NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Rivendell Media – 212.242.6863

LEGAL COUNSEL Paul H. Melbostad, Esq.

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.

eattle-based Amazon recently revealed a list of 20 cities that are finalists for a future second headquarters, or HQ2. While no city in the Bay Area made the cut, there are a number of others that would provide a great opportunity for the company, which in turn could offer good jobs to thousands of people, including LGBTQs. But there are cities on the list that should be reconsidered; in fact, some of them are in states without the protection of anti-LGBTQ discrimination laws. As a result, LGBT leaders and activists have launched the “No gay? No way!” campaign to pressure Amazon to reject those sites. Amazon’s search sparked fierce competition among 200 cities bidding for HQ2, many offering millions of dollars in tax breaks and other incentives. In its request for proposals, Amazon stated that a diverse community is preferable: “Cultural Community Fit – The project requires a compatible cultural and community environment for its long-term success. This includes the presence and support of a diverse population, excellent institutions of higher education, local government structure, and elected officials eager and willing to work with the company, among other attributes. A stable and consistent business climate is important to Amazon. ...” Among the finalists are cities in Florida, Georgia, Indiana, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia. In each of those states, LGBTQ employees can be fired, denied housing, or refused service. “We have future LGBTQ employees who will be working at the new headquarters,” longtime gay activist David Mixner told NBC News. “We don’t want them to be at a place where they have no rights and no laws to guarantee their safety. LGBTQ employees should not have to work or live in that atmosphere, especially since taxpayers will be subsidizing a great deal of this move.” Kate Kendell, the executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, is also involved with the campaign. “Amazon should reject for consideration any site that has failed to respect the dignity of its LGBT residents,” she told the network. While some cities in those states do have

non-discrimination policies, a complex as large as HQ2 will certainly have employees living in exurbs or communities that don’t have these protections, which is why statewide laws are necessary. Barring those states, there are enough cities remaining on the list that would provide a great location in keeping with Amazon’s desire for diversity. CEO Jeff Bezos, after all, has donated millions to LGBTQ causes, including marriage equality, and he, too, should prioritize states that protect their residents from discrimination. Amazon started its LGBTQ employee group back in 1999, and has a long history of inclusive policies. Cities in the states without LGBTQ statewide protections should begin lobbying legislators to change their laws, so that the next time a corporation considers moving there, it will be in a state that outlaws anti-LGBTQ discrimination.

About those super PACS

We received a news release from Mark Leno’s mayoral campaign Monday – a super PAC supporting fellow candidate London Breed had released its first “attack” ad against him. At his campaign headquarters, Leno, surrounded by volunteers, denounced the ad and the influx of “big money” into the mayor’s race. “Enough is enough,” he said, calling on Breed to renounce the super PAC and for it to release donors’ identities. The ad, available online and paid for by “SF Women Supporting London Breed for Mayor,” alludes to “backroom” deals by some members of the Board of Supervisors to install Mark Farrell as interim mayor. It shows photos of Farrell, District 3 Supervisor Aaron Peskin (who’s backing Leno), and gay District 8 Supervisor Jeff Sheehy (who’s not), all of whom, the ad says, wanted to “help this guy,” showing an image of Leno. The ad’s implication is that the male supervisors were threatened by Breed, the city’s first African-American woman acting mayor, and wanted to remove her from Room 200 to help Leno, who would be the city’s first openly gay mayor. But conspicuously missing from the ad is the fact that three women also voted with Peskin, Sheehy, and District 7 Supervisor Norman

Yee to install Farrell as interim mayor. Supervisor Hillary Ronen gave an impassioned speech about the negative effect of big money in local races, and then cast her vote for Farrell, a wealthy venture capitalist. Joining her were Supervisors Sandra Lee Fewer and Jane Kim, who’s a candidate for mayor herself. Likewise, the ad seems to have misfired when it comes to strategy. The super PAC supports Breed, a moderate. But by linking Sheehy with it, are backers consequently benefitting his challenger, progressive candidate Rafael Mandelman, to replace him in the District 8 seat in June, which would flip control of the board to progressives? Super PAC ads are usually misleading, and this one is no exception. Breed could renounce the super PAC all she wants, but it’s operating independently of her campaign and she has no control over what it does. By highlighting the attack ad, Leno gave undo attention to its “negative” message; it was the top story on Monday’s 6 p.m. news on KPIX, and print coverage of the ad included a link to view it, and, now, we’re writing about it, too. Super PACS are an unfortunate part of political life, thanks to the U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United ruling several years ago. We’re all for keeping local races funded by mostly local dollars, but it’s legal for these outside groups to raise and spend funds in support of a candidate, as long as they don’t coordinate with that candidate. San Francisco has its own stringent campaign finance rules that all candidates for office must follow. Leno has been pushing his fair campaign pledge, which asks all mayoral candidates to renounce super PACS and independent expenditure committees. In addition to Leno, Kim, Angela Alioto, and queer candidate Amy Farah Weiss have signed it. We’d like to see more discussion about how the candidates differ on the issues facing San Francisco. Leno has raised the most money in the race so far, and he should tell voters how he plans to “shake up City Hall,” and what he will do to improve the quality of life in San Francisco and how his policies would address the city’s housing and homeless crises. That’s what voters want to hear from their next mayor. t

Attitudes have shifted on LGBTQ issues by Rick Smolan and Jennifer Erwitt

he LGBTQ movement for equality dates back to the years after World War II – when contemporary homophobia also really began. Homosexuality was medicalized and pathologized; electroshock therapy and other treatments promised to “cure” it. During the McCarthy era, fears about sexual deviance often intertwined with anti-communism. At the same time, gay consciousness was starting to arise. In the 1950s and early 1960s, pioneering organizations like the Mattachine Society and the Daughters of Bilitis held the first official gay protests. On June 27, 1969, the night gay icon Judy Garland died at age 67, a handful of police officers raided the Stonewall Bar in New York’s Greenwich Village. They had done so countless times before, but this night was different. The crowd fought back, rioted, and barricaded the cops inside the bar. Stonewall was a catalyst. Within months, organizations like the Gay Activists Alliance emerged, demanding equal rights for gays and lesbians. Gay liberation joined the ranks of women’s liberation, the civil rights movement, and the antiwar movement. Attitudes shifted after the trauma of AIDS in the 1980s and 1990s. Ellen DeGeneres came out on her sitcom in 1998; in 1998, “Will and Grace” featured a gay leading man; “Brokeback Mountain,” about two closeted gay cowboys, was an Oscar contender and winner in 2005. By 2015, transgender characters populated TV series like “Transparent” and “Orange Is The New Black.” In 1996, the movement won its first U.S. Supreme Court victory, as the justices threw out a Colorado ban against LGBTQ nondiscrimination laws. Seven years later, Texas sodomy laws were ruled

Courtesy Netflix

Netflix’s “Orange is the New Black” is one of a few shows that has trans characters, and stars trans actress Laverne Cox.

unconstitutional. It would take nearly 20 years for same-sex marriage to become a constitutional right, but the logic of that decision was implicit in the earlier ones: if gay people are people, when gay people get married, it’s marriage. And that is a fundamental right. None of this was as inevitable as it may seem in retrospect. Governments can change laws, but society progresses because of people. Today, the vast majority of Americans under the age of 30 support full legal and social equality for LGBTQ people. t The above essay is reproduced with permission from “The Good Fight: America’s Ongoing Struggle for Justice,” created by Rick Smolan and Jennifer Erwitt (Sterling Books). © 2017 Against All Odds Productions. All Rights Reserved. The book was made possible by the Anti-Defamation League through

a generous grant from Eric and Linda Horodos. “The Good Fight” captures the sporadically violent, often triumphant, always risky struggles of Americans who have experienced hatred, oppression, or bigotry because of their gender, skin color, country of origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or beliefs over the past 100 years. Fought in the streets, the courthouse, and the corridors of Congress, it is a story that has unfolded across America, illustrated here through more than 180 memorable photographs, nearly 60 embedded videos, over a dozen compelling essays plus examples of music and lyrics that rallied America’s resistance to injustice. For those who wish to eradicate bigotry and intolerance in America, “The Good Fight” is a call to action. It shows us how much we as a nation have accomplished; it also reminds us of the fragility of our success and how quickly this hard-fought progress can slip away if we do not remain vigilant.

Politics >>

February 8-14, 2018 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 7

Out SF candidates report fundraising progress by Matthew S. Bajko

ay District 8 Supervisor Jeff Sheehy reported having more than double the money of his main opponent, gay attorney Rafael Mandelman, to spend on their contest on the June primary ballot as of the start of 2018. Meanwhile, of the quartet of out candidates running for school board seats in the fall, two reported raising more than $11,000 for their campaigns. All of the candidates for local offices had to file their financial reports covering the last half of 2017 by Wednesday, January 31. Sheehy, the board’s lone gay member, was appointed last January by the late mayor Ed Lee to fill the vacancy created by the election of gay former supervisor Scott Wiener to the state Senate. He is the first known person living with HIV to serve on the board. He must run in the special election on the June 5 primary ballot to serve out the remainder of Wiener’s term through early January 2019. There will also be an election in November for a full four-year term as the supervisor of the gay Castro district and Noe Valley, Diamond Heights, and Glen Park neighborhoods. Sheehy has yet to hold an official campaign kick-off or open a headquarters and has churned through two campaign consultants over the last six months. While he has said his main focus is on being supervisor, he has been holding fundraising events. According to his financial report he filed last week with the city’s ethics commission, Sheehy raised $182,435 in 2017 for the June primary race and started the year off with $71,238 in cash on hand to spend. Mandelman, who serves on the City College board, reported raising $165,032 last year for the June primary race. But he spent most of the money, leaving him with $32,233 in his campaign account at the start of the year. It is the second time he has sought the District 8 seat, having lost to Wiener in 2010. For the November general election, Mandelman reported raising $59,279 last year and had $11,242 left in his account. Sheehy reported raising $38,350 for his November campaign account and that $37,657 was remaining at the start of 2018. In the November contest for three school board seats on the seven-member oversight body, Phil Kim, a gay man who works for an operator of charter schools in the East Bay, reported raising the most money among the four out candidates. He netted $13,081 in donations last year and had $12,182 remaining in his account at the start of 2018. This is Kim’s second bid for school board, having lost two years ago. Mia Satya, a transgender woman who is an employment specialist at the LGBT Community Center, had the second best fundraising total. She raised $11,321 in 2017 and had $10,427 in her account. Married transgender public school parent Martin RawlingsFein, who is bisexual, raised $2,550 and had $2,019 in cash on hand. Sarah Thompson-Peer, a married lesbian mom, raised the least amount of money of the out candidates. She reported $790 in donations in 2017 with $478 left in the bank.

Rick Gerharter

SF school board candidate Mia Satya

E. Bay lesbian judge draws challenger

Karen Katz, a retired deputy public defender in Alameda County, pulled papers Tuesday to run against lesbian Judge Tara M. Flanagan for her #11 seat on the Alameda County Superior Court. It is highly unusual for a sitting judge in California, particularly in the Bay Area, to be opposed. None of the 24 other judges on the Alameda court running this year had drawn an opponent as of Wednesday morning, according to the Alameda County Registrar of Voters. Flanagan, a former prosecutor and legal aid attorney who had gone into private practice, won election to an open seat on the East Bay bench in June 2012. Her final vote total of 50.75 percent was enough to avoid having a runoff election in November that year, and she was sworn onto the bench in January 2013. Three years ago the California Fair Political Practices Commission fined Flanagan $4,500 and her friend Carol Pranka $1,500 for misreporting $25,000 in loans Pranka made to Flanagan for her 2012 campaign. Pranka had served as her campaign committee treasurer that year, and the two women agreed to pay their fines in order to settle the matter with the state watchdog agency. Flanagan accepted responsibility for the mistakes, telling the B.A.R. that they were “inadvertent.” She did not respond this week to a request for comment on having a likely opponent this year. Katz could not be reached for comment. She earned her law degree from UC Hastings College of the Law and was admitted to the state bar in December 1985. She went to work for the Alameda County Public Defender, where she remained until 2016. According to her profile on the State Bar of California, she has been listed as inactive since leaving the public defender’s office.

BAYMEC early-endorses

A South Bay LGBT political group has early-endorsed three out candidates running in the June 5 primary. It marks a return to playing a larger role in local elections for BAYMEC, which stands for the Bay Area Municipal Elections Committee, as in 2016 it did not release any endorsements. Two of the candidates picking up early support from BAYMEC are hardly a surprise. Gay Assemblyman Evan Low

(D-Campbell) has long had ties to the group and, as noted in the Political Notes online column Monday, so far has no opponent this year for his 28th Assembly District seat. Shay Franco-Clausen, a queer woman of color who is running for the open District 9 seat on the San Jose City Council, is a former BAYMEC board member. Should she win, Franco-Clausen would be the first female LGBT council member and only the second out LGBT person to serve on the body. “That is a thrilling and historic prospect,” stated BAYMEC Vice President Paul Escobar. The first out San Jose council member was Ken Yeager, who is now serving in his last year on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors due to term limits. No out candidate has filed to run for his seat, and BAYMEC will be hosting a candidate forum with those who have next month. In the contested election for San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools, BAYMEC endorsed Nancy Magee, a lesbian who is the county education office’s associate superintendent for the student services division. She is running against Gary Waddell, Ph.D., a gay man who is the deputy superintendent overseeing instructional services and programs for the county education office. “We believe that Nancy’s bold vision and concrete plans for how to support LGBTQ students and their families – in fact, all of San Mateo County’s students – is what the county’s residents deserve,” stated Escobar.

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SF supes pass pro-trans bathroom policy

As expected, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors at its meeting Tuesday unanimously adopted legislation to require single-room occupancy hotels to designate their single-stall bathrooms and shower facilities as gender neutral. The policy needs to be voted on a second time at the board’s February 13 meeting before going to the desk of interim Mayor Mark Farrell, who is a co-sponsor of the legislation. The first-of-its-kind rule would apply to all hotels in the city. Proponents argue it not only benefits transgender SRO residents but also seniors and disabled people with caretakers of the opposite sex, as well as parents with children of the opposite sex. District 9 Supervisor Hillary Ronen is the lead sponsor of the legislation. Co-sponsors include Supervisors Jane Kim, Aaron Peskin, Sandra Lee Fewer, Ahsha Safai, Malia Cohen, board President London Breed, and Sheehy. “Some SROs already have allgender bathrooms but it is currently not a requirement,” noted Ronen. t

Web Extra: For more queer political news, be sure to check http:// www.ebar.com Monday mornings at noon for Political Notes, the notebook’s online companion. This week’s column reported on the fundraising reports of 12 out legislative candidates in California. 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 email m.bajko@ebar.com.

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t Investment firm quizzed on Church St. biz vacancies 8 • BAY AREA REPORTER • February 8-14, 2018

by Sari Staver

ith numerous commercial vacancies in the Castro, neighborhood activists urged one of the city’s largest real estate firms to make more of an effort to fill the empty storefronts on the Church Street corridor. At a gathering January 31, held in the upstairs meeting room of Churchill bar at 198 Church Street, more than three dozen residents and business owners urged the management team at Veritas Investments to fill the vacant storefronts in the neighborhood. The meeting – called by gay urban development attorney and District 8 supervisor candidate Rafael Mandelman – included representatives from Castro Merchants, Duboce Triangle Neighborhood Association, Eureka Valley Neighborhood Association, and the Castro/Upper Market Community Benefit District. The Castro and Upper Market business district has a vacancy rate of 12 to 15 percent, Mark McHale, an EVNA board member, told the San Francisco Chronicle. Daniel Bergerac, president of the Castro Merchants, ticked off a list of businesses that have left the neighborhood, including Chilango, Sparky’s, Crepevine, Snowbrite, and Church Street Flowers. One business, Photoworks, moved several blocks away. These businesses all have one thing in common, said Bergerac, a gay man who is co-owner of

Sari Staver

Veritas Investments COO Justin Sato, left, talked with Castro Merchants President Daniel Bergerac at a meeting to discuss vacant storefronts on the Church Street corridor.

Mudpuppy’s Tub & Scrub. They all previously occupied a space owned or managed by Veritas. “And the rumor on the street,” said Bergerac, is that Veritas is difficult to work with. Bergerac said that Veritas tenants have complained that the giant real estate investment firm has required business tenants to sign 35-page leases, which can cost a business $7,000 in legal fees for review by an attorney. “That’s a lot of money to a small business,” said Bergerac. The need to fill the many vacancies is greater than ever, said Zephyr Realtor Danny Yadegar, who was the consultant on the 2014 Castro retail strategy report, sponsored

by the CBD. When the report was issued the Castro had a commercial vacancy rate five times higher than comparable neighborhoods, said Yadegar, a number that has increased since then. Justin Sato, chief operating officer of Veritas Investments, defended his firm, describing it as a “San Francisco-based company” with 99 percent of its business in the city. “We do want to partner with neighborhood groups and merchants,” said Sato, claiming that the company has done so successfully in other neighborhoods, including the Geary-Leavenworth corridor in the Tenderloin. “We want to be transparent” about our plans, he said.

Sato said Veritas “has made some progress” in filling empty retail spaces but hasn’t communicated the news. Coming soon to 235 Church (formerly Chilango, which closed in 2015) will be Il Corsaro, the second location of a pizzeria now in North Beach, said Sato. There will also be a “mom and pop” fitness business as well as a real estate company, Compass, both of which should drive foot traffic in the neighborhood, he said. Sato said some of the empty spaces were a result of soft-story retrofitting remodels that wound up taking much longer than anticipated. Veritas’ strategy is to “create spaces that are easy to activate” for new business tenants, a “plug and play” approach, he said. The space at 242 Church Street, formerly occupied by Sparky’s, has been “challenging” to rent, Sato said. The space was in “desperate need of repairs” but following an aggressive marketing campaign, there are now two businesses “very, very interested” in the space, he said, declining to name them. Sato said Veritas would consider donating space to a nonprofit organization that would be a “good fit” for the neighborhood and would also consider short-term leases. “We want to work with you,” he said. “We are not looking for the most money.” Sato said Veritas is planning to increase the security patrols that now monitor the empty spaces in the neighborhood.

“We understand the challenges” with people who are homeless camping out in front of unoccupied storefronts, he said. Some of the attendees at the meeting did not warm up to the Veritas progress report, asking whether it benefitted from tax write-offs from the losses from empty spaces. “Absolutely not,” said Sato. “We get zero” benefit from an empty space. Richard Magary, administrator of Castro Merchants, asked Sato if his organization could afford the $125 annual dues to join the Castro Merchants organization. “I’ve licked the envelope six times,” Magary said, referring to mailing the company promotional materials. Sato agreed to join and attend future meetings, although nobody from Veritas was at the merchants’ meeting the following day. Mandelman thought the session was a step in the right direction. In an email to the Bay Area Reporter, Mandelman said the meeting “gave the community an opportunity to hear directly from Veritas about their plans for the Church and Market area and to express the great frustration folks have about the storefront vacancies. My hope is that Veritas will now follow through on the commitments they made and will be more engaged with the neighbors and local merchants going forward.” Gay District 8 Supervisor Jeff Sheehy did not return a message seeking comment.t

Castro consignment shop shutters suddenly by David-Elijah Nahmod

Castro consignment store abruptly shut its doors Monday. Worn Out West 2nd Generation, the iconic Castro consignment shop located at 2352 Market Street, was closed February 5, with a note posted on the door. Established in 1980, Worn Out West sold a wide range of vintage clothing, leather, rubber, uniforms, and other items. Worn Out West was originally located at 582 Castro Street, but moved to the Market Street location several years ago after the Castro building was sold. The “2nd Generation” moniker was added to the store’s name in conjunction with its move to Market Street. “We are deeply saddened by our

David-Elijah Nahmod

The doors were closed this week at Worn Out West 2nd Generation.

decision to close Worn Out West 2nd Generation and move everything into storage until which time

we can figure out our next steps,” owner Mike Holland said in a statement. “Worn Out West has served

our community for 40-plus years but for the past few years has deeply struggled. We did our very best but have exhausted all means. We need time to regroup and figure out next steps. We ask for patience and understanding as we are faced with this sad and difficult time. We have loved serving our community for 40-plus years and thank you for all the support and love over these years.” Holland added, via email, that people who had given him merchandise to sell on consignment would see their items returned to them. “Everything is in storage but we will need some time,” he said. “They just need to email us and be patient.” The store had established longstanding relationships with many groups, supporting the rubber

community, Bay Area gay rodeo, and the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. Holland pointed out that a decline in sales, combined with the high rents in San Francisco, were the factors that forced his hand. “Sales have declined steadily over the past few years and rents are high to begin with in the Castro,” he said. “Our business did well around the leather event months but struggled with all the other months. This past year we saw a tremendous drop in sales and have exhausted all of our means to stay open at this time.” At the store’s Yelp page, most of the reviews were positive, with many customers praising the good service and the availability of leather goods. Holland can be reached at wornoutwest2@gmail.com. t

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<< Business News

10 • BAY AREA REPORTER • February 8-14, 2018

Out & Equal CEO launches new strategic plan by Matthew S. Bajko

rin Uritus, the new CEO of Out & Equal Workplace Advocates, plans to spend her first year on the job learning about the San Francisco-based nonprofit before she makes any changes to its operations. To assist her in determining what, if any, steps she should take at the business-oriented agency, Uritus will be meeting with staff, board members, and stakeholders over the next 12 months. She is also embarking on a new strategic planning process for the agency, though it remains to be determined how long of a timeline the plan will cover. “I am really excited about it. That is my focus right now,” Uritus told the Bay Area Reporter in a phone interview January 31, her 13th day on the job. One pivot she is making immediately is to move beyond talking about just diversity in the workplace and ensuring that companies are being inclusive as well. “This year our focus is on belonging,” said Uritus. “Diversity is not particularly hard. As a company you can say I have diversity. Inclusion takes it a step forward.” Out & Equal started in San Francisco in 1996 and also has staff in Washington, D.C., where Uritus will be based. She succeeded the group’s founder and former CEO, Selisse Berry, who stepped down in August. Uritus, 44, will earn $220,000. A divorced mother of two daughters, Uritus is currently single and

Courtesy Out & Equal

Out & Equal CEO Erin Uritus

identifies as pansexual and queer. “I am a proud member of the biplus community,” she said. Although she lives in D.C., Uritus told the B.A.R. that there are no discussions at this time of relocating the agency’s Bay Area employees to the East Coast. She does plan to hire more staff for the D.C. office as its workload has expanded. The nonprofit partners with Fortune 1000 companies and government agencies to provide development, consultation, and networking opportunities, among other services. It has increased its focus internationally over the last decade to assist LGBT executives working at companies’ global headquarters, especially in regions where hostility to LGBT individuals is rampant. The agency has held events in

India, Chile, Brazil, and China, while its webinars reach a global audience. Uritus is uniquely qualified to further expand Out & Equal’s global reach into corporate offices and executive boardrooms. She opened the African Women’s Media Center in Dakar, Senegal and worked in Abu Dhabi from 2007 to 2011 on a variety of initiatives, first with the government and later with the educational nonprofit International Schools Services. “We do want to increase our international work,” said Uritus. “I am really excited about that.” Despite the LGBT community’s gains in recent years in the U.S., there is still more to do nationally as well, argued Uritus, noting how LGBT employees lack workplace protections in 28 states. At the federal level, bills to end LGBT-based discrimination on the job have routinely stalled in Congress. “Even though there may have been progress in the states, we are still working hard on that,” said Uritus. She moved back to the U.S. shortly before the election of President Donald Trump, an outcome that “profoundly impacted” her and motivated her to became active again with Out & Equal. She had joined the agency in 2002 as an employee resource group leader at the Booz Allen consulting firm and attended her first Out & Equal Summit that year in Orlando. She recalled taking part in one of the only workshops on bisexuality at the time. Having only recently come

out and still working to appreciate her sexual orientation, Uritus said it was a powerful experience. “That really changed my life, certainly that summit did,” she said. Eventually, she joined the nonprofit’s board and co-founded Out & Equal’s chapter affiliate in Washington, D.C. In 2007 she cochaired its summit in D.C. and a decade later applied to lead the organization. “I came back to my roots, I guess,” said Uritus. Out & Equal is hosting a town call from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday (February 8) with Uritus and its board chair Michael Cox. For dial-in information, visit https:// cc.readytalk.com/registration/ - /?meeting=6sg17l8k2y57 &campaign=nvcb43tpvfv4.

SF to fund trans job training program

San Francisco officials are looking to fund a new program that would train transgender individuals to work in the restaurant industry. The city’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development recently issued a request for proposals from interested groups to oversee the occupational training program. It is meant to focus, in particular, on transgender women of color. The office’s Workforce Development Division anticipates the contract will total between $130,000

and $160,000. The deadline to apply is Monday, February 26, and it is expected that the contract will be finalized by June. Katherine Daniel, the acting director of the division, told the B.A.R. she believes it is the first time that the city agency has set aside funding for a program that specifically targets the transgender community. For years now the office has funded more broadly focused job training and workforce development programs offered by the LGBT Community Center. The restaurant job training program for transgender people was inspired by plans to open a cafe owned and operated by the transgender community within the boundaries of the Compton’s Transgender Cultural District in a section of the Tenderloin. The city is working with community activists to establish the district, which takes its name from the Gene Compton’s Cafeteria that had operated at 101 Taylor Street and was the site of a protest by transgender patrons and others in August 1966. For more information on the RFP, visit http://www.oewd.org/ bid-opportunities. t Got a tip on LGBT business news? Call Matthew S. Bajko at (415) 829-8836 or e-mail m.bajko@ ebar.com.

Alice LGBT Dem club split over SF mayor race by Matthew S. Bajko

nable to coalesce around one candidate seeking to become San Francisco’s next mayor in the June special election, the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club is looking at issuing a dual endorsement in the race. The moderate political club’s political action committee deadlocked last Saturday between gay former state lawmaker and supervisor Mark Leno and Board of Supervisors President London Breed, who served as acting mayor for six weeks upon the death December 12 of the late mayor Ed Lee. Rather than allow her to keep the position while campaigning for it, a majority of Breed’s

board colleagues last month voted to elect former supervisor Mark Farrell as interim mayor through the June 5 election. After hearing from five of the mayoral candidates February 3, the Alice PAC voted three times on making a sole endorsement recommendation to the full club. But each time the PAC voted, it was split between Leno and Breed, according to those present at the meeting. In order to move forward with an endorsement decision, the PAC decided to suspend its bylaws and vote at its next meeting in late February to recommend a dual, unranked endorsement of both Leno and Breed. That decision means the soonest Alice’s general membership could

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vote on a mayoral endorsement is at its meeting in March rather than at its meeting Monday, February 12, as had been expected. That night Alice members will be voting to approve the PAC’s recommendation that it endorse gay attorney Rafael Mandelman in the

special election on the June ballot for District 8 supervisor. He is vying to oust from office gay Supervisor Jeff Sheehy, who was appointed last January by Lee to fill the vacancy created by the election of gay former supervisor Scott Wiener to the state Senate.

In the 2011 mayoral race Alice issued a ranked endorsement, with its first place nod going to City Attorney Dennis Herrera and second place going to gay former District 8 Supervisor Bevan Dufty. Voters in See page 14 >>

Fresno man charged in ’15 killing of trans woman by Seth Hemmelgarn

man was charged this week in the 2015 killing of a transgender Fresno woman. Richard Joseph Lopez, 38, of Fresno, was set to be arraigned Wednesday on a murder charge in the death of K.C. Haggard, 66, the Fresno County District Attorney’s office announced. Haggard, of Fresno, was seen on surveillance video from a tattoo shop walking down North Blackstone Avenue early in the morning of July 23, 2015. In the video, an SUV drove toward Haggard and stopped near her. Haggard walked over to the vehicle and appeared to talk for a few moments with someone inside. After someone jabbed at her throat, Haggard walked away and collapsed on the sidewalk. She was soon pronounced dead. At a news conference Monday to announce Lopez’s arrest, Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer said that an investigation led them to Lopez, who was already in Fresno County Jail on unrelated elder abuse and auto theft charges. Police and prosecutors decided to wait until Lopez was sentenced in that case before trying to interview him. Monday, Lopez was sentenced to three years in prison for elder abuse, but he “chose to have an attorney present prior to making any statements” in the Haggard case, said Dyer. Dyer mixed pronouns when he spoke

Courtesy Fresno County Sheriff’s office

Richard Joseph Lopez

of Haggard, and referred to her by what authorities said was her legal name. He said that police haven’t yet determined “the true motive for what prompted this murder. However, based on the evidence in this case, along with the statements of those interviewed, we strongly suspect that Kenton Haggard was murdered due to his or her sexual orientation of being transgender.” Dyer continued, “The reason I said ‘his or her,’ we have family members that have asked that Kenton Haggard be referred to as ‘Mr. Haggard,’ but we also have members of the transgender community that have demanded that Kenton Haggard be identified as ‘Miss’ or female.”

In an interview Tuesday, Gerald Haggard, 65, K.C. Haggard’s brother, told the Bay Area Reporter that he felt “relief” that a suspect’s been arrested. “This was a violent act on an individual, and I was afraid it might happen to somebody else, plus, I do want justice for the taking of my brother,” said Haggard, who expressed gratitude for trans advocates. “The memorials for Kenton from the transgender community helped keep the spotlight on this,” he said.“It’s been a long time, and it was discouraging.” Explaining why he referred to K.C. Haggard as male, he said, “It’s as much habit as anything else. That was our relationship for 65 years.” The Fresno group Trans-E-Motion previously shared with the B.A.R. a photo of a support group signin sheet where Haggard, who was wearing women’s clothing when she was killed, had signed in as “Kenton (Casey) Haggard.” The criminal complaint against Lopez lists her name as “Kenton Craig Haggard.” Along with the murder charge, Lopez, who’s being held in Fresno County Jail, also faces an allegation of assault with a deadly weapon – the knife allegedly used to kill Haggard. Prosecutors haven’t included a hate crime allegation. Fresno’s KFSN TV has the video of Dyer’s news conference on its website: https://goo.gl/9Zu5Yu. t

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<< Community News

12 • BAY AREA REPORTER • February 8-14, 2018

Queer artists visualize chosen ancestors by Alex Madison

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or many queer and trans people, learning about LGBTQ history was not a part of their growing up. The Queer Ancestors Project, currently on exhibit at Strut, the men’s health center in the Castro, is a way to celebrate the stories of resistance and perseverance of LGBTQ figures past and present. “A lot of us growing up, we didn’t have the opportunity to learn about that part of our history,” said Katie Gilmartin, founder and director of the project. “Being able to see how queer and trans people throughout history have experienced oppression and engaged in fabulous, creative acts of resistance is so important.” Gilmartin commented on the particular importance of the exhibit this year considering the political climate that is advancing policies that roll back LGBTQ rights. “Our history is really, really important, especially these days with what’s going on politically,” she added. The project gives young, Bay Area artists the chance to participate in a free, 18-week program at SOMArts in which they create art surrounding their chosen ancestor. This year, nine artists created prints celebrating the lives of Sylvia Rivera, Jose Sarria, Georgina Beyer, Lou Sullivan, and more. “It’s very moving to see the way the artists forge a relationship with their ancestor and the radically different ways they express their connection,” Gilmartin said. The seventh annual exhibit

Renee Mayer

Katie Gilmartin, holding microphone, welcomes artists and visitors to the Queer Ancestors Project exhibit opening last month at Strut.

opened last month, making history as the largest turnout for a thirdfloor Strut show and welcoming almost 450 people. Speakers included Native-American and LGBTQ activist Landa Lakes, author Juliana Delgado, and Daniel Boa of the GLBT Historical Society. The audience was highly diverse with people of all generations and identities, Gilmartin said. The night was a special moment for participating artist Princesa Venegas, who identifies as a queer, nonbinary person and prefers gender-neutral pronouns. Instead of celebrating queer and trans folk when they are ostracized or See page 17 >>

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<< Commentary

14 • BAY AREA REPORTER • February 8-14, 2018

Blessed be the instigators by Christina A. DiEdoardo “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” – Mike Tyson

here seems to be two general schools of thought when it comes to handling the opposition when they show up at actions. Those who follow the first – I’ll call them the “Engagers” for brevity – generally believe that hecklers or opposing demonstrators should either be ignored or engaged with in a “positive” way, such as by trying to find common ground with them. The second – whom I’ll refer to as the “Instigators” – conclude that the most meaningful communication that can occur with the enemy at an action is that which drowns them out and the best “engagement” with them is that which persuades the opposing force to leave. What’s often not discussed, however, is why those of us in the second group make the tactical decisions we do. For example, it’s a safe bet that any fascists at demonstrations who have their phone cameras out are either livestreaming the event to one of their channels or gathering raw footage for propaganda videos to be made later. Both objectives are frustrated if their cameras are blocked or their sound recordings are interfered with, which is why those of us who are instigators try to do just that. Because the enemy wants to present

Safe injection sites

From page 1

22,500 people who inject drugs, with around 180 overdose deaths annually. Safe injection sites offer a place to use drugs under the watch of medical staff, cutting the risk of overdose fatalities. They provide clean syringes and other injection equipment, preventing transmission of HIV and hepatitis B and C. They also reduce street-based drug use and improper syringe disposal and offer clients an entry point for seeking addiction treatment and medical care. The resolution endorses the recommendations of the Safe Injection Services Task Force and supports the implementation of safe injection services in San Francisco. The task force report was previously presented at a Health Commission

Christina A. DiEdoardo

Refuse Fascism activist Xochitl Johnson, center, with bullhorn, leads a chant as demonstrators block one of the driveways used by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in San Francisco on January 29.

an image of a coordinated body of fascist inevitability, they tend to be more rigid in their planning and to be more dependent on unit cohesion than those of us who oppose them. By directly confronting the fascists, instigators exploit this weakness, force the fash off their game plan, and require the fash to improvise quickly, which most aren’t good at. That’s not to say there aren’t individual fascists who are capable of creative leadership on the fly – such as the crew from Identity Europa who thought it meeting in November, during which dozens of people who use drugs and public health advocates spoke in favor of safe injection sites. The matter does not need to go before the Board of Supervisors. Tuesday’s meeting was also well attended, with most of the speakers using their public comment time to thank the commissioners in advance for their support of the resolution. “Thank you for your bravery and your willingness to care about the health of drug users in the city of San Francisco,” said Holly Bradford of the San Francisco Drug Users Union. This week’s resolution is the outcome of years of work by people who use drugs and harm reduction advocates. During that time, opposition has softened in the face of a growing overdose epidemic and public concern over street drug use and discarded needles. “This took a lot of hard work and

On Thursday, January 25, and Monday, January 29, Refuse Fascism led a coalition of other groups, including Occupy SF and Code Pink, in protest in front of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s

headquarters in San Francisco at 630 Sansome Street. As chants of “ICE out of Cali!” and “If you come for the immigrants, you have to get through us!” filled the air at both actions, participants used their bodies to block the driveway ICE vehicles use to deploy. This was an act both of civil disobedience and of instigation, because it forced ICE to respond in a way that a simple protest in front of their building wouldn’t have. Toward the end of the first action, one worker got out of his car, angrily gesticulated with his hands and demanded (through a private security guard) that the demonstrators get out of his way because he claimed not to work for ICE. Those blocking the driveway responded in the best way possible – by loudly demanding that he “show us your papers” and prove he didn’t work for ICE. After the worker refused to do that, the collective suggested he use the other exit, which hadn’t been blocked due to lack of personnel. Predictably, the guy ended up going back to his car, kept the engine running and his headlights intentionally trained on those blocking his way for about 15 minutes before ultimately giving up and using the other exit. At the next action, Refuse Fascism and the other members of the coalition had enough people to block both

exits – and, in apparent response to the prior blockade – two Department of Homeland Security police officers in body armor showed up for the first time and tried to get demonstrators to let an (allegedly) non-ICE employee through. As on January 25, the collective demanded that the employee “show us your papers.” In contrast to the prior action, however, this time the worker presented her ID badge and since it showed she was employed by the Social Security Administration, the collective decided to let her pass, showing that they were able to adapt to a new situation far better than the DHS officers were. Because of those who instigated by literally putting their bodies in the way of ICE’s vehicles, the agency was forced onto the defensive and into a parley with the unarmed and non-violent demonstrators blockading its HQ. Indeed, despite having guns and body armor and the ability to terrorize immigrants across the Bay Area, ICE couldn’t even regain control of its own driveways over the protesters’ objection, a lesson that is likely to be remembered by both sides for some time. That’s the kind of victory one can only get through instigating.t

partnership with the community,” Eileen Loughran of the DPH’s Community Health Equity and Promotion branch told the Bay Area Reporter. “The health department looks at this as another tool to meet the needs of people who use drugs. San Francisco has always been a leader and has always worked collaboratively with the community.” The resolution also puts the commission on record in support of Assembly Bill 186, the safe injection bill sponsored by lesbian Assemblywoman Susan Talamantes Eggman (D-Stockton) and co-authored by gay state Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco). The bill, which would allow cities to authorize supervised injection facilities on a pilot basis, fell just short of passing last September and will be reconsidered this year. But San Francisco does not intend to wait for state law to change. The first two supervised injection sites

could open as soon as July 1, lesbian Health Director Barbara Garcia told the San Francisco Chronicle. San Francisco has a history of innovative public health approaches that challenge state and federal laws. In the late 1980s, activists started one of the country’s first unsanctioned needle exchanges, distributing safe injection supplies from a baby carriage. Task force member Laura Thomas of the Drug Policy Alliance suggested that a closer analogy would be medical cannabis, where the health department played a direct role in implementing an identification card system for patients and permits for dispensaries in contravention of state (at the time) and federal law. San Francisco is one of several cities vying to open the first U.S. supervised injection facility, along with Baltimore, Denver, New York City, and Seattle. Last month Philadelphia

city officials announced that they would work with community-based organizations to operate safe injection facilities, though they did not specify an opening date. The location of the first San Francisco facilities has not yet been determined – or at least has not yet been publicly disclosed. Garcia said she is talking with community-based organizations that already provide syringe access and other services for drug users – such as the San Francisco AIDS Foundation’s Sixth Street Harm Reduction Center – about adding supervised injection services. “This is a happy day for me to see us moving forward,” task force member Michael Discepola, director of behavioral health services at SFAF, said at the meeting. “The bottom line of this is about a message to drug users that their lives matter.” t

Leno and Kim in the race and are set to vote on the endorsement in the mayor’s race at their meeting Tuesday, February 20. Several endorsements have already come in from other groups in the race. Service Employees International Union Local 1021, which represents over 54,000 health care workers, educators, non-profit and public workers in Northern California, issued a ranked-choice endorsement with Kim in first, Breed second, and Leno in third. The National Union of Healthcare Workers also issued a rankedchoice endorsement, giving Leno its first place nod, followed by Kim in second and former supervisor Angela Alioto in third.

31. In 2017 Leno raised $418,146 for his mayoral bid. According to his filing, he spent $93,379 on his campaign last year and had $338,267 in his account at the start of 2018. He can use that money for this year’s special election. In a news release last month, Breed’s campaign announced it had been able to match the campaign war chest Leno was sitting on. It said she had raised $320,000 over 22 days last month after filing to enter the mayor’s race on January 9, the deadline to do so. Alioto, who twice before has run for mayor, reported this week that she had raised $60,557 and that she had $48,138 remaining in her account. As for Kim, she reported raising $51,080 and reported having $48,753 at the start of February. Queer nonbinary Democrat Amy Farah Weiss reported raising $7,589 and had most of it remaining. An advocate for the construction of affordable housing, Weiss ran unsuccessfully for mayor against Lee in 2015. t

would be cute to hang an anti-immigrant banner above the westbound Bay Bridge tunnel sometime between January 27-28 – but those opposing them can usually improvise a rapid countermeasure (as the members of Bay Area Antifascists, a local antifa collective, demonstrated by both capturing IE’s banner and consigning it to flames shortly thereafter) before the fash can respond again. Successful confrontation doesn’t always require literally following Tyson’s advice in the quote cited at the start of this piece. Indeed, some of my best counters have never involved physical contact between me and my opponent. The goal is to get the fash in question to leave – or, failing that, to piss them off enough so that they react instead of respond, since angry people tend to do foolish things. In the final analysis, instigation works because it changes the shape and rules of the game and knocks the fascists off their plan. The best part is that it works admirably as a general principle whether one is going up against the private sector fash or their more organized government colleagues, as two recent actions in San Francisco demonstrated.

‘ICE out of Cali’

SF mayor race

From page 10

San Francisco can rank up to three candidates for mayor on their ballots. As the candidates with the least votes are eliminated, their voters’ second and third choices for mayor are tabulated until someone receives 50 percent plus one of the vote and is declared the winner. While the PAC is expected to confirm the unranked, dual endorsement of Leno and Breed, the delay in the decision does give time for supporters of both candidates in Alice to push for a different outcome. Alice co-chairs Eric Lukoff and Gina Simi did not respond to the Bay Area Reporter’s request for comment, nor did Leno’s campaign. In an emailed reply to the B.A.R., Breed stated, “I would be extremely proud to have the endorsement of the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club. I’ve been a longtime Alice member, friend, and supporter of all the club’s work for our LGBTQ community and for the city at-large.”

Rick Gerharter

Cynthia Laird

Mayoral candidate London Breed

Mayoral candidate Mark Leno

A similar scenario could play out at the more progressive Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club with its mayoral endorsement vote, which was moved up a month at the request of supporters of District 6 Supervisor Jane Kim. Its PAC will hold a special meeting from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, February 17,

at the Main Library’s Koret Auditorium to hear from mayoral candidates before voting on an endorsement recommendation. As with Alice, it is unclear if any one mayoral candidate can meet the 60 percent threshold to secure a sole endorsement from Milk. Members of the club appear split between

Financial reports show Leno, Breed evenly matched

Because he had launched his mayoral bid last year when the election was to be in 2019 to succeed Lee, Leno reported having the most money of the main mayoral candidates in the race when he filed his financial disclosure form on January

Got a tip? Email me at christina@ diedoardolaw.com.

Community News>>

t CA bill, SF report aim to support LGBTQ students

February 8-14, 2018 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 15

by Seth Hemmelgarn

alifornia Assemblyman Tony Thurmond has introduced legislation that would provide for training educators to support LGBTQ students. Meanwhile, San Francisco’s Family Violence Council released a report showing 21 percent of LGB students who were dating have experienced dating-related violence. Thurmond (D-Richmond), who is running for state schools chief in June, stated that he recently heard from students, educators, and others at a town hall about needing additional support for LGBTQ students. “There are resources available to make schools a safe place for LGBTQ students,” said Thurmond in a January 29 news release announcing the bill. “This bill will train educators in the availability of both school site and communitybased support systems available to LGBTQ students. All students deserve a safe and supportive school environment in which to learn.” The 2015 National School Climate Survey by the nonprofit GLSEN found that 66 percent of LGBTQ students had experienced LGBTQ-related discrimination at their schools. Many also reported physical harassment or assault. Peer support groups and other support services are available to students and educators, and Thurmond’s bill is meant to ensure educators know about them so they can connect them. The bill would also provide for schools to get training in best practices in areas like anti-bullying and harassment policies. The statewide LGBT advocacy group Equality California is sponsoring the legislation. “This is going to be a high priority bill for us,” EQCA Executive Director Rick Zbur told the Bay Area Reporter. “We know that having cultural competency training for teachers and counselors and all youth-facing school staff is important to give them the tools to understand when LGBTQ students are at risk and what they need to do to address it,” said Zbur. “LGBTQ students face very high rates of school dropout, suicide attempts and ideation, and bullying in schools, so this law will help address that.” There are other reasons the legislation is needed, too, he said. “Schools are one of the safety nets for LGBTQ youth and [the bill] in part addresses the cycle of poverty, homelessness, and interaction with law enforcement that’s caused by kids leaving school because of a lack of acceptance,” along with the discrimination they face, said Zbur. Many LGBTQ youth are “essentially having to live their lives without having completed school, which leads to all these other problems,” he said. “A focus on our schools and making sure our schools are equipped to identify and serve LGBTQ kids is a high priority to address many of the disparities in health and well being that LGBTQ youth and all LGBTQ people experience compared to the general public.”

Rick Gerharter

Emily Murase, at podium, director of San Francisco’s Department on the Status of Women recently presented the “2016 Family Violence in San Francisco” report. Also present were Supervisor Jeff Sheehy, left, and members of the Family Violence Council.

Thurmond’s office is asking community stakeholders with interest in the bill, which isn’t yet numbered, to contact his Sacramento office at (916) 319-2015.

San Francisco data

In San Francisco, educators have worked for decades to address the needs of LGBTQ students. Last week, the city’s Family

Violence Council released its “2016 Family Violence in San Francisco” report, which covers data from city agencies and communitybased organizations. The report highlighted data showing that in the 2014-2015 school year, 21 percent of lesbian, gay, and bisexual high school students who were dating reported experiencing sexual dating

violence, while only 8 percent of heterosexual students said they’d had similar experiences. The data come from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which the San Francisco Unified School District administers every two years. It asks students how many times in the past year someone they were dating had forced them to do sexual things such as kissing or intercourse. Debbie Mesloh, president of the San Francisco Commission on the Status of Women, who’s on the Family Violence Council, said in a news release, “As widespread cases of sexual assault and harassment continue to make headlines, it is disturbing to learn that our lesbian, gay, and bisexual students are almost three times more likely to experience sexual dating violence.” According to the council’s report, LGB students who were dating also experienced physical dating violence more often, with 12 percent of them reporting that they’d experienced it, compared to 6 percent for heterosexual students. (The report said that data for transgender students wasn’t included

because of low sample size.) According to Kevin Gogin, the school district’s director of safety and wellness in its Student, Family, and Community Support Department, data for 2017 are similar to what’s in the Family Violence Council’s report. Erik Martinez, a program manager with the school district’s LGBTQ Support Services office, said in an interview, “We acknowledge that our LGBTQ students need specific and deeper support around issues” that come up for them. Gay-straight alliances are common in San Francisco’s schools, and Martinez, who identifies as queer and Latinx, said the district has created confidential support groups for LGBTQ students that are housed in its wellness centers. The aim is to offer a more confidential setting than what students have had so that they can get more social and emotional support. Topics include coming out and healthy relationships, and staff members co-facilitate the groups along with people from community-based organizations like Lavender Youth Recreation and Information Center.t

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<< Community News

16 • BAY AREA REPORTER • February 8-14, 2018

API Wellness

From page 1

qualified health center, we are committed to ensuring full access to any and all low-income and homeless individuals in the Tenderloin. So many health care needs are going unaddressed for so many vulnerable communities, including transgender individuals, in San Francisco and we want to ensure that everyone knows they are welcome to access health care with us.” Toma, a gay man, said that some

Pot action

From page 1

doesn’t require any action be taken by those who are eligible. Since 1975, nearly 8,000 people have been convicted of marijuanarelated crimes in San Francisco. Now that pot is legal in California, those convictions no longer make sense, the district attorney’s office said. “While drug policy on the federal level is going backwards, San Francisco is once again taking the lead to undo the damage that this country’s disastrous, failed drug war has had on our nation and on communities of color in particular,” Gascón said in a news release. “Long ago we lost our ability to distinguish the dangerous from the nuisance, and it has broken our pocket books, the fabric of our communities, and we are no safer for it.” According to Gascón, 3,038 misdemeanor pot convictions would be dismissed and sealed, while 4,940 felonies will be reviewed by the DA’s office, possibly resulting in recalling

Listening tour

From page 5

Furthermore, he hasn’t found a new community of gay men for friendship or dating, he said. He has many female friends, but, “I want to be with the boys. I want the boys to be with me,” he said. Other issues brought up at the meeting were preventing anti-gay violence, starting with bullying in schools, and helping people feel safe when they report hate crimes. People didn’t simply raise issues, they proactively threw out suggestions to help solve some of the problems they identified and praised the city’s diversity and openness to different cultures. “I’m really proud that Mountain View was first,” Christopher Clark, a gay man who is on the Mountain View City Council, told the Bay Area Reporter following the meeting Clark and Solomon both liked receiving the community’s input, and said it confirmed anecdotal information they previously heard, identified new gaps in services, and suggested solutions.

News Briefs

From page 5

the naming idea being approved by the supervisors. Should it reach his desk, interim Mayor Mark Farrell could sign the legislation prior to this year’s commemoration of Harvey Milk Day. A state day of special significance, it is observed in California every May 22, Milk’s birthday.

Tickets available for mayoral forum

Horizons Foundation has set up ticketing for the mayoral forum it is co-sponsoring with the Bay Area Reporter and KQED. The March 19 event takes place from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Castro Theatre, 429 Castro Street. The event is free, but tickets are required and can be obtained by visiting http://bit.ly/2FTiuf9. People can also submit questions at questions@horizonsfoundation.org.

clients had reported they felt they couldn’t access the health center’s services “because they weren’t Asian or Pacific Islander,” so the new name is intended, in part, “to say to the community that anyone who is in need of our services can get them here. We will continue to be committed to the API community, all communities of color, LGBTQ communities, and really, the queerest among us.” For the past several years the nonprofit has been expanding its health care services. In 2015 its Polk Street clinic was designated a federally

qualified health center and was rebuilt as the agency ramped up its capacity to treat more patients. In April 2017, with the opening of its new primary care clinic in the LGBT Community Center, the wellness center touted it as the first “health home” for the entire LGBT community in San Francisco’s gay Castro district. Toma said that despite the new name, the health center’s programs and services would continue “as they have always been operating in service of community need. Our intention

is that we will continue to grow and expand with our new brand.” With a budget of about $7 million, the nonprofit serves about 3,000 unique clients, “and we have plans to expand the number of clients we serve,” he said. “We hope that our name change is a sign to the community that we truly believe that everyone deserves quality health care and that we want everyone – including the queerest among us – to feel welcome accessing services with us.” However, the new name has been

“an adjustment for everyone,” he said. “While some folks have been sad about our name change, most have been excited about this change and how inclusive this name is for everyone that currently accesses services with us,” said Toma. “We will be continuing our API-focused programming alongside everything else we do. I have really been grateful to our diligent staff working with our clients to make this transition relatively seamless.” For more information, visit http://apiwellness.org. t

or resentencing in those cases. Gay District 8 Supervisor Jeff Sheehy, speaking at the news conference announcing the new program, congratulated Gascón on the announcement and also thanked District 10 Supervisor Malia Cohen for introducing legislation creating an “equity program” to give opportunities to people who have been harmed by the punitive laws. A similar equity program was approved in Oakland, creating opportunities for people to work in the cannabis industry. Cohen’s proposal is aimed at helping people whose lives were harmed because of the “unjust laws” that should never have been on the books to begin with, said Sheehy. Sheehy also noted the “irony” in the recent death of cannabis pioneer Dennis Peron. “I wonder how many convictions he had” compiled, said Sheehy. Rafael Mandelman, a gay man who is running against Sheehy in the June primary, said in an email to the Bay Area Reporter, “I strongly

support the district attorney’s actions on cannabis related convictions going back to 1975. The drug war has wrought so much devastation in so many communities. This doesn’t make up for all the harm of decades of failed policies, but it’s a solid start.” In a written statement, Paul Armentano, deputy director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, said, “The stigma associated with a marijuana arrest and criminal conviction is lifelong, and can directly lead to numerous lost opportunities later in life. The San Francisco District Attorney’s office is to be commended for proactively rectifying this situation – one that has disproportionately burdened far too many young people and people of color.” A statewide effort to require state courts to automatically expunge past marijuana convictions is underway with Assemblyman Rob Bonta’s (DOakland) Assembly Bill 1793. Bonta, praising Gascón’s move, said in a statement, “This is the right thing to

do. I encourage other district attorneys throughout the state to follow San Francisco’s lead.” In a prepared statement, Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, a longtime cannabis advocate and candidate for governor, said, “This example, one of many across our state, underscores the true promise of Proposition 64 – providing new hope and opportunities to Californians, primarily people of color, whose lives were long ago derailed by a costly, broken, and racially discriminatory system of marijuana criminalization. This isn’t just an urgent issue of social justice here in California – it’s a model for the rest of the nation.” The DA’s office estimated that between 1915 and 2016, California law enforcement made 2,756,778 cannabis arrests. While Prop 64 allows for those convicted of marijuana crimes to petition to have their convictions reduced or wiped away, according to the Drug Policy Alliance, only 4,885

Californians have petitioned state courts to have their cannabis convictions expunged since the initiative’s passage. With the Department of Elections reporting that nearly 75 percent of San Franciscans voted to legalize marijuana, nearly three out of every four San Franciscans voted to provide this relief to those convicted of marijuana offenses, according to Gascón’s office. “As indicated by the disparities in San Francisco arrest and booking rates, the War on Drugs has produced disparate arrest rates across racial groups,” the DA’s office stated in the news release. “This is despite the fact that multiple studies have found that rates of drug use and drug sales are commensurate across racial lines. In particular, African-American and Latino communities interact with the criminal justice system, including via arrests, bookings, and incarceration, at a rate far higher than their Caucasian counterparts.” t

“We heard a lot of really good ideas from the group that will help to inform us as we move forward,” said Solomon. “I really appreciated that people made very specific suggestions, not just identifying a particular gap but offering specific suggestions on how to address it.” Clark added “It was really good to hear that were generally on the right track as a community. It’s good to have confirmation of that.”

a joint project between individual cities’ governments, community leaders, and the county, Martinez and others said. The survey was a good starting place, but Martinez said that she learned that the data was “challenging for individual cities to really learn about their local jurisdiction.” “By having events like this [and] by partnering with local agencies, we can get a better snapshot about what the needs are of our local communities and, also, begin to build those partnerships with service providers, the city, or nonprofits that interface with the community directly,” Martinez told the B.A.R. It’s unclear if every city will do its own survey and report, like Mountain View is doing, but Martinez will be visiting 10 cities throughout the year to host discussions like the recent one in Mountain View. At the end of the year, she plans to present the information gathered at the sessions to the public. One of the key findings in the 2013 health survey was that community members were accessing services they needed, said Martinez. The office’s goal is to create pathways

for LGBT community members to access services, identify unknown issues, create programs and policies that will be institutionalized for the future, and create a welcoming environment for LGBT people in every corner of the South Bay, she said. Martinez wants “to really get a clearer and better snapshot about what is happening in our local communities,” she said, and set benchmarks comparing local data to national data. “It’s really important to have community input. We want to make sure that the community knows what we’re doing and that we’re here to serve them,” said Martinez. “A big piece is allowing time and space to be intentional about getting direct community feedback.” Another goal is to build awareness of the Office of LGBT Affairs and how it can help the community, as well as attempt to decrease the sense of “unsureness” about where the county stands with what’s happening at the national level, she said. Once the listening tour is completed, it will mark the first time at a government level that information has been collected about the South

Bay’s LGBTQ residents. Ultimately, the goal is “building lasting change ... that’s going to live beyond us,” Martinez told the audience. Simitian believes the tour will get better with each stop, “Mountain View was a good start,” he said. “I think we’ll learn something new from each one of these.” “The pivotal moment will be when the city tours are completed, and we will step back and say, ‘What have we learned?’ and more importantly, ‘What will we do with what we’ve learned?’” he said. The survey is available to LGBT and ally adults living or working in Mountain View in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Russian at https:// www.surveymonkey.com/r/NYZ57BH. A separate comment card is available for individuals who don’t live in Mountain View but visit the city often. The survey closes February 28. The next community listening forum will take place in Palo Alto, Thursday, March 29, at 7 p.m. at the Mitchell Park Community Center, 3700 Middlefield Road. Refreshments will be provided. t

who has been “bringing the mayor’s office to the people” at locations around the city, will be outside of the LGBTQ Community Center, 3207 Lakeshore Avenue, Saturday, February 10, from noon to 3 p.m. For the past several months Schaaf has brought a desk and city staffers to different neighborhoods in an effort to hear directly from Oakland residents. During the afternoon, people can apply for a library card or pay a traffic ticket, in addition to asking questions of the mayor and her staff. For more information, as well as other activities taking place at the center, visit http://www.oaklandlgbtqcenter.org.

Sunday, February 11, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the GLBT History Museum, 4127 18th Street in San Francisco. The Red Envelope Giving Circle creates positive social change in the greater Bay Area through philanthropic support for queer API people and communities. This year’s recipients are: An Intergenerational Feast of Resistance by QTViet Cafe, an event that brings together different generations of Vietnamese Americans through cooking and performance; “Rooted,” a docuseries by the Asian Prisoner Support Committee that follows the lives of three formerly incarcerated queer and trans API women; and Hunnies and Hot Sauce, a community space for queer, trans, genderqueer, and nonbinary folks. Other grantees are Gender Sexuality and Diversities Program’s Gender Justice Youth Exchange; Historically Queer Digital Project; San Jose State University’s Queer See page 17 >>

Serving the South Bay’s LGBT community

An estimated 76,776 residents, or 4 percent, of Santa Clara County’s 1,919,402 inhabitants identify as LGBT, according to a 2013 survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the 2016 U.S. Census, the most recent population data available. The county stretches north to south from Palo Alto to Hollister and east to west from Milpitas to Los Gatos. Building upon the “Status of LGBTQ Health: Santa Clara County, California 2013,” survey conducted and published by the county in January 2014, the listening tour is Confirmed participating candidates are Angela Alioto, London Breed, Richie Greenberg, Jane Kim, and Mark Leno. KQED’s Scott Shafer will moderate.

LGBT asylum drop-in project

The LGBT Asylum Project and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation have partnered to provide a monthly drop-in service for LGBTs seeking information about asylumrelated services. The drop-in clinics begin Saturday, February 10, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Strut, the AIDS foundation’s men’s health center, 470 Castro Street. Thereafter, the clinics will be held at Strut the second Saturday of the month at the same time. According to a Facebook announcement, people who may think they qualify for asylum can stop by for a free legal consultation and to learn more about the asylum process.

Courtesy Oakland LGBTQ Community Center

Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf will hold office hours outside the Oakland LGBTQ Community Center.

The LGBT Asylum Project provides free legal services to LGBT people seeking asylum in the U.S. For more information, visit www.lgbtasylumproject.org or email info@ lgbtasylumproject.org.

Meet Oakland mayor at LGBTQ center

Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf,

API LGBT groups to get grants

The Red Envelope Giving Circle will have a community reception in celebration of its nine grantees that support and improve the lives of Asian and Pacific Islander LGBTQs

t <<

Legals>>

News Briefs

From page 16

and Asian retreat; API Equality Northern California’s Trans Rights and Empowerment Day; Trikone and Asian Pacific Islander Queer Women Transgender Community’s mind body workshop; and Reclaiming the Sacred Workshop series that celebrates healing through lei-making. The Horizons Foundation and Asian American Pacific Islanders in philanthropy are community sponsors for the event. Those interested in attending should RSVP to http://bit. ly/2E9Otdt.

RCC crab feed

The Rainbow Community Center of Contra Costa County will hold its 12th annual crab feed benefit Saturday, February 24, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Pleasant Hill Senior Center, 233 Gregory Lane. People will enjoy crab, pasta, salad, and dessert. The evening will also showcase fun raffle and auction items. Tickets are $60 before Valentine’s

February 8-14, 2018 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 17

Day and proceeds benefit RCC and its programs. For tickets and more information, visit http://conta.cc/2DIkmHp.

Grace Cathedral’s Carnivale gala

Grace Cathedral will hold its Carnivale gala Tuesday, February 13, beginning at 6 p.m. at 1100 California Street. This year’s theme is “All You Need is Love.” The gala will see the neo-Gothic cathedral transformed into an elegant and festive venue for this annual fundraiser. There will be a cocktail reception, seated dinner, live auction, and a performance by jazz singer Paula West. Proceeds benefit Grace Cathedral’s mission of compassion, inclusivity, creativity, and learning. Organizers said that this year, there will be a tier of half-priced ticketing for young professionals (under 35). Regular tickets are $250. For tickets and more information, visit https://www.gracecathedral.org/events/carnivale/. t Matthew S. Bajko contributed reporting.

Queer artists

From page 12

deceased, Venegas said they wanted to spread words of wisdom of future ancestors or trans women of color living in today’s society. Venegas created prints that contained the words of Bay Area trans women of color. One print with words from Davia Spain, a multidisciplinary artist reads, “Trust your intuitional knowledge. Never fear abnormality and be selective with the ones you keep close to you.” Another print with words from Orchid Bakla, a trans, Latino woman, reads in bright pink lettering, “Know history, know self. No history, no self.” Venegas explained that one must know their history to know one’s self. For Venegas, the 18-week program was an extremely powerful experience. They talked about the time spent at SOMArts, as being more than just a time to create art, but one to heal, talk, and bond with other queer and trans young people. “It was a very beautiful experience,” Venegas said. “It really made you think about what you want to preserve, what you want to carry forward and what stories we want to tell.” Another artist in the program, Ben Panico, a trans man who considers himself pansexual, connected to his chosen ancestors through words as well. Panico created portrait prints of Sullivan, a trans man and founder of FTM International, and Georgina Beyer, a New Zealand politician who is the world’s first openly transsexual mayor and member of parliament. Through many days researching at the GLBT Historical Society, Panico discovered Sullivan’s diary. As one of the first trans men to identify as gay, Sullivan worked to distinguish gender identity from sexual orientation in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual and is largely responsible for the modern understanding of these topics as being unrelated. “He was a powerful force in bringing together trans men both in San Francisco and around the country,” he said of Sullivan, who died in

Artist Princesa Venegas’ piece in the exhibit

1991 of AIDS-related complications. “A lot of the time when people talk about trans history, they talk about trans women so it was really cool for me and others to be able to learn about the history of trans men.” Panico said he was proud that his artwork, along with the other artists’, “inspired conversations about queer and trans history.” The exhibit will be up through the spring. The artists will unite once more for a closing party May 19 from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at Strut. The event is free and open to the public. The night will include readings from works created by writers of the newly formed Queer Ancestors Project Writes program. The writing program offers free workshops that explore the same mission as the visual QAP for writers age 18-24 now until June 11. Applications are still being accepted through the end of February at bit. ly/2B4LEWg. Supporters of both programs include the Horizons Foundation, Southern Exposure, and the San Francisco Arts Commission. t The QAP exhibition is on display on the first and third floors of Strut, 470 Castro Street. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is closed Sunday.

Legal Notices>> SUMMONS SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: ALL PERSONS CLAIMING BY, THROUGH OR UNDER THE STONECREST CORPORATION, A DISSOLVED CORPORATION, ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN, CLAIMING ANY LEGAL OR EQUITABLE RIGHT, TITLE, ESTATE, LIEN, OR INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT ADVERSE TO PLAINTIFFS’ TITLE, OR ANY CLOUD ON PLAINTIFF’ TITLE HERETO, AND DOES 1 THROUGH 10, YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF’S JOHN E. HADELER AND AILEEN N. WATANABE CASE NO. CGC-16-553913 NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below. You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/ selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. The name and address of the court is: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO, 400 McAllister Street, San Francisco, CA 94102, The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff’s attorney, or the plaintiff without an attorney, is: Lawrence M. Scancarelli Esq., 220 Bush Street, Suite 1650, San Francisco, CA 94104 08/26/16, Clerk of the Court by Madonna Caranto, Deputy. JAN 18, 25, FEB 01, 08, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037921100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SIT STAY SF, 854 54TH ST, OAKLAND, CA 94608. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ALTHEA S. KARWOWSKI. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/11/12. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/29/17. JAN 18, 25, FEB 01, 08, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037936800 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GOLDEN STATE ROAD SERVICE, 156 9TH ST, RICHMOND, CA 94801. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JAYSON FULLER BRYANT. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/05/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/09/18. JAN 18, 25, FEB 01, 08, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037910700 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: RMS ASSOCIATES, 850 POWELL ST #502, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed RICHARD SCHLACKMAN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/22/17. JAN 18, 25, FEB 01, 08, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037944200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: AVENUE, 3361 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCICO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed BING CONSULTING SERVICES (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/12//18. JAN 18, 25, FEB 01, 08, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037946700 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: NOKTURNAL, 708 POLK ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed S.A.K. BARS, 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 01/12/18. JAN 18, 25, FEB 01, 08, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037943100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MANAGEMENT, 2549 NORIEGA ST, #203, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed ZMX CORPORATION (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 01/11/18. JAN 18, 25, FEB 01, 08, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037934600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THE SUPPLY CLOSET, 501 CESAR CHAVEZ ST #100C, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed JD BERGLUND GROUP (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/21/10. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/08/18. JAN 18, 25, FEB 01, 08, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037934500 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ARMOUR FENCE, 2900 BRODERICK ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed JD BERGLUND GROUP (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/08/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/08/18. JAN 18, 25, FEB 01, 08, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037939400 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: FITNESS SF SOMA, 1001 BRANNAN ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed BRANNAN STREET FITNESS INC. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/13/12. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/10/18. JAN 18, 25, FEB 01, 08, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037916100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ALL STATES BEST FOODS, 1607 20TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed ALEES CORPORATION (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 12/27/17. JAN 18, 25, FEB 01, 08, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037916000 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: DAVE’S FOOD MARKET, 1601 20TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed ALEES CORPORATION (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 12/27/17. JAN 18, 25, FEB 01, 08, 2018

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037934900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BLAZE TRADERS, 815 TERESITA BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94127. This business is conducted by a married couple, and is signed ABHINAV SANSON & SHARIKA SANSON. 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 01/08/18. JAN 18, 25, FEB 01, 08, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037940300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: DOBBS FERRY, 409 GOUGH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed DIABLO RESTAURANT GROUP 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//18. JAN 18, 25, FEB 01, 08, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037934800 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SIZZLING POT KING, 139 8TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed GAN XIANG YU LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/08/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/08/18. JAN 18, 25, FEB 01, 08, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037922300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PAPI RICO, 544 CASTRO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed RY & RIC LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/01/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/29/17. JAN 18, 25, FEB 01, 08, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037938600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CLOCKWISE, 1067 MARKET ST #1018, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed LOCKBOX ESCAPES LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/09/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/09/18. JAN 18, 25, FEB 01, 08, 2018 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-18-553619 In the matter of the application of: RICHARD ANTHONY MAJORS, 766 SUTTER ST #22, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner RICHARD ANTHONY MAJORS, is requesting that the name RICHARD ANTHONY MAJORS, be changed to RICE ARCHIMEDES MAJORS. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 514, Room 514 on the 15th of March 2018 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted. JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037957300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATES, 5135 ANZA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed CHRISTOPHER ALAN SPROUL. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/19/18. JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037937000 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: DE LEON JANITOR SERVICES, 566 MOSCOW ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed FERNANDO DE LEON BAMACA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/09/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/09/18. JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037951500 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SAN FRANCISCO BAY COMPUTER SERVICES, 4736 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed EDUARDO SANCHEZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/17/18. JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037943400 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PAUL & DAVES MIXED DRINKS, 150 AVOCET WAY, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DAVID SPRINGER. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/11/18 The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/11/18. JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037948800 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CALIFORNIA PAINTING, 786 MADRID ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JOAO NUNES DA SILVA JUNIOR. 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 01/16/18. JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037947800 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SYNCHRONIZED, 210 POST ST #1121, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed BRANDON PATRICK SHING. 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 01/16/18. JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037926700 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CASTRO’S CLEANING SERVICE, 1916 FOLSOM ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed AGUSTIN BEGINNER CASTRO ALVARADO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/18/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/03/18. JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037952500 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: INNOVATION LAB, 301 MISSION ST #24H, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed FAISAL QURESHI. 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 01/17/18. JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037922500 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CHINA DELIGHTS, 295 ORIZABA AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94132. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JINGJING ZENG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/25/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/29/17. JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037942000 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BLOOM THERAPY, 2224-A BUSH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LANDON ZAKI. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/10/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/11/18. JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2018

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037947600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: UNCOVER, 98 MARTHA AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SAMANTHA T. FOSTER. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/16/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/16/18. JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037930700 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: VASYL HANDYMAN CO., 165 MORTON DR, DALY CITY, CA 94015. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed VASYL GOLUB. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/05/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/05/18. JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037957900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: AUMNI TOURS, 97 JEFFERSON ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MITRA KHAYAMI. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/16/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/19/18. JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037931400 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SF DENTAL HEALTH, 2460 MISSION ST #215, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed YANG DDS INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/04/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/05/18. JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037943800 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: TENBUY COMMERCIAL, 870 MARKET ST #315, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed TENBUY CORPORATION (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/12/18. JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037958800 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: LOVE PATISSERIE & MORE, 5900 3RD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed S.F. CYCLE, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/19/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/19/18. JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037929800 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: TRIBE; TRIBE SF; TRIBE FITNESS, 222 COLUMBUS AVE #220, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed TRIFITSF LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/02/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/04/18. JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037959800 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HANDLEBAR SPIRITS, 849 AVENUE D, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94130. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed TREEHOUSE CRAFT DISTILLERY, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on NA. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/19/18. JAN 25, FEB 01, 08,15, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037960400 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HAIKUSEEDS; MEANINGFUL INSIGHTS, 1770 POST ST #234, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed MEANINGFUL INSIGHTS LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/22/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/22/18. JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2018 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-037148300 The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as: SAN FRANCISCO BAY COMPUTER SERVICES, 4736 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business was conducted by a general partnership and signed by MICHAEL POHLABLE & EDUARDO SANCHEZ. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/22/16. JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2018 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-037128500 The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as: EMPAWTHY, 3215 20TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business was conducted by an individual and signed by ALISHA JEAN ARDIANA. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/06/16. JAN 25, FEB 01, 08, 15, 2018 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-18553626 In the matter of the application of: JOSE FERNANDO LEMA, 3008 ULLOA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner JOSE FERNANDO LEMA, is requesting that the name JOSE FERNANDO LEMA, be changed to DANIEL LOPEZ. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 514, Room 514 on the 15th of March 2018 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted. FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2018 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-18-553622 In the matter of the application of: DEEPTI ROHATGI & MAX KELLY, C/O LAW OFFICES OF YASMINE S. MEHMET, 435 PACIFIC AVE #200, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioners DEEPTI ROHATGI & MAX KELLY, are requesting that the name SIMCHA HECATE AURORA ROHATGI KELLY, be changed to SIMCHA HECATE AURORA ROHATGI-KELLY. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 514, Room 514 on the 15th of March 2018 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted. FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037935600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: TOUCH TOUCH FLOWER SHOP, 1550 CALIFORNIA ST #1R, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ISAO KASE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/09/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/09/18. FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037975300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: TRANSCENDENT COUNSEL, 870 MARKET ST #400, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ALEXANDER THEBERGE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/29/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/29/18. FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2018

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18 • BAY AREA REPORTER • February 8-14, 2018

Legal Notices>> FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037959300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ADVENT ANGELS, 34 RAE AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MORENA V. ABELLO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/19/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/19/18. FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037962000 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: JT NAILS, 1848 FILLMORE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed TRANG THI TRUONG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/22/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/22/18. FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037963500 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: JAVIER FIGUEROA HANDYMAN AND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE, 202 VERANO DR., DALY CITY, CA 94015. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JAVIER HERIBERTO FIGUEROA MARTINEZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/23/18. FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037975000 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: TINO’S CLEANING, 70 OCEAN AVE #10, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed FLORENTINO MORALES. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/29/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/29/18. FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037971000 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: D1 MUSIC, 3012 16 TH ST #201, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LOU GORDON. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/26/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/26/18. FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037976600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: APPLIED CABINET, 1709 TENNESSEE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed APPLIED CABINET TECHNOLOGIES, 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 01/29/18. FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037960800 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SAN FRANCISCO COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, 726-730 POLK ST, 4TH FLR, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed ASIAN & PACIFIC ISLANDER WELLNESS CENTER, INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/22/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/22/18. FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037966900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SIMPLY SF, 1001 BRANNAN ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed BRANNAN STEET FITNESS, 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 01/24/18. FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2018

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037961800 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MAYER THERAPY, 1774 UNION ST #3, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed MAYER THERAPY, A MARRAIGE AND FAMILY THERAPY CORP (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/15/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/22/18. FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037939800 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: TENROKU RAMEN #2, 4435 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by a corporation and is signed W & C JAPANESE RESTAURANT INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/10/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/10/18. FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037939000 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THIRD WAY MEDIA, 660 MISSION ST, 2ND FLR, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed BARNES MOSHER WHITEHURST LAUTER & PARTNERS 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 01/10/18. FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037953600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SUGAR SAN FRANCISCO, 1116 SUTTER ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed SUGAR METHOD LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/01/13. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/17/18. FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037969000 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MARRAKECH MOROCCAN RESTAURANT, 419 O’FARRELL ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed MMR-SF LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/24/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/25/18. FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2018 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-035088300 The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as: JUDAH CLEAN CENTER, 3944 JUDAH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business was conducted by an individual and signed by SANDY WALSER. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/07/13. FEB 01, 08, 15, 22, 2018 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-18-553635 In the matter of the application of: NICOLLE BUNNY ROSENBERG, 2125 BRYANT ST #110, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner NICOLLE BUNNY ROSENBERG, is requesting that the name NICOLLE BUNNY ROSENBERG, be changed to BUNNY ELIZABETH ROSENBERG. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 514, Room 514 on the 22nd of Mar 2018 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted. FEB 08, 15, 22, MAR 01, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037976400 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BARRETT VOICES, 535 LEAVENWORTH ST. #44, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed BARRETT EDMONDS. 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 01/29/18. FEB 08, 15, 22, MAR 01, 2018

SUMMONS (FAMILY LAW) SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO, NOTICE TO RESPONDENT: HONGJUN XUN, You have been sued. Read the information below and on the next page. PETITIONER’S NAME IS: JEREMY T. PAZ CASE NO. FDI-18-789129 You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this Summons and Petition are served on you to file a Response (form FL-120 or FL-123) 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 partnerships, 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.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), at the California Legal Services website (www.lawhelpca.org) or by contacting your local county bar association. NOTICE: Restraining orders are on page 2: These restraining orders following are effective against both spouses or domestic partners until the petition is dismissed, a judgment entered, or the court makes further orders. These orders 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: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO, UNIFIED FAMILY COURT, 400 McAllister St, San Francisco, CA 94102; The name, address, and telephone number of petitioner’s attorney, or the petitioner without an attorney, is: Jeremy T. Paz, 1859 Fulton St, Apt1, San Francisco, CA 94117, 415-846-8770 Clerk of the Superior Court by Annie Toy, Deputy. STANDARD FAMILY LAW RESTRAINING ORDERS: Starting immediately, you and your spouse or domestic partner are restrained from: 1. Removing the minor child or children of the parties, if any, from the state 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 child or children; 3. Transferring, encumbering, hypothecating, concealing, or in any way disposing of any property, real or personal, whether community, quasicommunity, 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 the 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, quasi-community 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 1-800-300-1506. WARNING: California law provides that, for the 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 08, 15, 22, MAR 01, 2018

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037975100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: POTTED, 3600 21ST ST #204, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SPIN STUDIO, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/23/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/29/18. FEB 08, 15, 22, MAR 01, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037988900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HILL TOP GENERAL STORE, 1398 LEAVENWORTH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a married couple, and is signed TIMOTHY TALBOT & YOUNG MI KIM. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/17/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/02/18. FEB 08, 15, 22, MAR 01, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037979600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ALYSSON SANTOS, 584 CASTRO ST #490, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed ALYSSON SANTOS BRANDS LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/27/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/30/18. FEB 08, 15, 22, MAR 01, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037964200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MARIJUANA TOURS; FREE MARIJUANA TOURS, 6 CYRUS PL, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed GREEN GUIDE TOURS LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/01/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/23/18. FEB 08, 15, 22, MAR 01, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037982200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: WOOLY PIG, 2295 3RD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed CAP SPIKE BUZZ, 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 02/01/18. FEB 08, 15, 22, MAR 01, 2018

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA RAPID TRANSIT DISTRICT NOTICE TO PROPOSERS - GENERAL INFORMATION The SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA RAPID TRANSIT DISTRICT (“District”), 300 Lakeside Drive, Oakland, California, is advertising for proposals to provide Construction Management Services in support of various BART Projects, RFP No. 6M8132, on or about January 31, 2018, with proposals due by 2:00 P.M. local time, Tuesday, March 27, 2018.

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED

The District is soliciting for the professional services of consulting firms or joint venture (“CONSULTANTs”) to provide Construction Management Services in support of various BART Projects. The selected CONSULTANT shall assist and advise the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District in construction management, procurement activities, and related tasks associated with BART design-bid-build and design-build projects; or other delegated work assignments in accordance with the requirements as specified in the Scope of Services of the Request for Proposals (RFP). The selected CONSULTANT shall provide multi-disciplinary construction management services to administer, interpret, and enforce contract provisions to ensure compliance with contract document requirements. The disciplines called forth under this RFP include, but are not limited to, the following: Architecture, Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Traction and Station Power Engineering, Systems Engineering and Integration (including Train Control, Communications, and Computer Applications), Surveying, and Geotechnical. A list of typical projects, which consist of both design-bid-build and design-build contracts for which the CONSULTANT may provide services, includes, but is not necessarily limited to, the following: Earthquake Safety Program (“ESP”), Hayward Maintenance Complex (“HMC”), train control systems, tract renewal, power renewal (cable replacement, new substations, substation replacement), facilities (stations and buildings), escalator and canopy upgrades, mainline and yard infrastructure, parking and intermodal access, controls and communications, and rail vehicle support. Work is expected to be performed over the next five years, contingent upon funding availability. Estimated Cost and Time of Performance: The District intends to make up to eight (8) separate standalone awards as a result from this RFP. Each of the up to eight (8) separate agreements shall not exceed twenty million dollars ($25,000,000). The term of each agreement entered into pursuant to the RFP will be five (5) years. A Pre-Proposal Meeting will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2018. The Pre-Proposal Meeting will convene at 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M, local time, at the Joseph P. Bort Metro Center, located at: 101 8th Street, Oakland, California, 94607. At the Pre-Proposal meeting the District’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Small Business Entity (SBE) Participation Program and goals will be explained. The DBE subcontracting goal for this Agreement is: 22% and the SBE goal for this Agreement is: 30%. All questions regarding the DBE and SBE participation should be directed to Mr. James Soncuya, Office of Civil Rights, at: (510) 464-7578, email: jsoncuy@bart.gov; FAX (510) 874-7470. Prospective proposers are requested to make every effort to attend this only scheduled Pre-Proposal Meeting and Networking Session, and to confirm their attendance by contacting the District’s Contract Administrator, Ron Coffey, at telephone: (510) 287-4775, email: rcoffey@bart.gov, FAX (510) 464-7650 prior to the date of the PreProposal Meeting. Networking Session: Immediately following the Pre-Proposal Meeting, the District’s Office of Civil Rights will be conducting a networking session for subconsultants to meet with the potential prime consultants for DBE and SBE participation opportunities; and James Soncuya from the Office of Civil Rights is the point of contact for this effort.

Proposals must be received by 2:00 P.M., local time, Tuesday, March 27, 2018 at the address listed in the RFP. Submission of a proposal shall constitute a firm offer to the District for one hundred and eighty (180) calendar days from date of proposal submission. Please direct all questions concerning the RFP, other than the District’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Small Business Entity (SBE) Participation Program, to Mr. Ron Coffey, at the referenced points of contact.

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FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037991000 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BELKIS CLEANING SERVICES, 844 NORTH MELITA CT., TRACY, CA 95391. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed BELKIS MARCIA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/05/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/05/18. FEB 08, 15, 22, MAR 01, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037976200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PLAYMAKERS MOBILE MASSAGE, 114 KIRKWOOD AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ROWENA I. LANG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/29/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/29/18. FEB 08, 15, 22, MAR 01, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037977200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: RED BOOT PR, 1501 28TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LAURA GOLDFARB. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/02/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/30/18. FEB 08, 15, 22, MAR 01, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037971800 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ALL BAY AREA DUSTLESS BLASTING, 318 21ST AVE #4, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ALEXEI GURBANOV. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/25/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/26/18. FEB 08, 15, 22, MAR 01, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037949800 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PAR MADERO CLEANING SERVICES, 1743 REVERE AVE #A, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed AMILCAR A. HERNANDEZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/06/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/16/18. FEB 08, 15, 22, MAR 01, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037974900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ROSE KITCHEN, 607 LARKIN ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed SU NGUYEN & HUNG HAU. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/29/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/29/18. FEB 08, 15, 22, MAR 01, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037985200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CREATIVE SUSHI CATERING; IKE’S KITCHEN, 800 VAN NESS AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed IJSY WORLD KITCHEN, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/30/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/01/18. FEB 08, 15, 22, MAR 01, 2018

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In order for prospective Proposers to be eligible for award of an Agreement being solicited on the BART Procurement Portal, such Proposers are required to be currently registered to do business with BART on the BART Procurement Portal on line at https://suppliers.bart.gov and have obtained Solicitation Documents, updates, and any Addenda issued on line so as to be added to the On-Line Planholders List for this solicitation. If a prospective Proposer is a joint venture or partnership, such entity may register on the BART Procurement Portal with the entity’s tax identification number (TIN) and download the Solicitation Documents so as to be listed as an on-line planholder under the entity’s name prior to submitting its Proposal. If such entity has not registered on BART Procurement Portal in the name of the joint venture or partnership prior to submitting its Proposal, provided that at least one of the joint venturers or partners registered on line on the BART Procurement Portal and downloaded the Solicitation Documents so as to be added to the On-Line Planholders List for this solicitation, such entity will be required to register with the entity’s TIN as an on-line planholder following the submittal of Proposals, in order for the entity to be eligible for award of this Agreement. PROPOSERS WHO HAVE NOT REGISTERED ON THE BART PROCUREMENT PORTAL PRIOR TO SUBMITTING A PROPOSAL, (OR FOR A JOINT VENTURE OR PARTNERSHIP AS DESCRIBED ABOVE PRIOR TO AWARD) AND DID NOT DOWNLOAD THE SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS FOR THIS SOLICITATION ON LINE SO AS TO BE LISTED AS AN ONLINE PLANHOLDER FOR THIS SOLICITATION, WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR AWARD OF THIS AGREEMENT.

415 861-5381

Dated at Oakland, California this 29th day of January 2018. /S/ Richard Wieczorek____ Richard Wieczorek, Manager of Procurement San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District 2/8/18 CNS-3095264#

Speedo limit

Royal flush

Berlin stories

Fantastic spirit

David Allen

Vol. 48 • No. 6 • February 8-15, 2018

Savoyard affair by Philip Campbell

amplighters Music Theatre entered the 2018 side of their 65th season last weekend with an exuberant production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s “The Gondoliers, or, The King of Barataria” at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. The San Francisco-based company is a Northern California tradition that happily survives, relying on a corps of professionals and a constantly refreshed ensemble of new talent. Standards are kept high, and respect for the wonderfully topsy-turvy world of G&S is supreme. See page 28 >>

Michael Desnoyers as Marco and Samuel Rabinowitz as Giuseppe in Lamplighters Music Theatre’s “The Gondoliers.”

Women’s music pioneer Cris Williamson: “I love the couple of hours on stage when anything can happen, and often does.”

PBS

Jane Higgins

African-American lesbian playwright Lorraine Hansberry.

Lorraine Hansberry lives!

Cris Williamson thrives! by Sari Staver

by Brian Bromberger

n 2016, when The Denver Post asked 177 theater professionals nationwide what were the 10 most important American plays,“A Raisin in the Sun” was ranked #8. Arguably the original promulgator of Black Lives Matter, the African-American lesbian playwright Lorraine Hansberry, though dead 53 years, hasn’t been forgotten. See page 28 >>

ans of Cris Williamson have two opportunities to see the legendary lesbian folk and rock singer at Berkeley’s Freight and Salvage. If you like her classic love songs, check out the program for her Valentine’s show, “Love is Love” on Feb. 10. If you’d rather see her perform a brand-new show, she’ll be back at that venue on March 25, with details available after her February show. See page 20 >>

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OAKLAND SYMPHONY

<< Out There

20 • Bay Area Reporter • February 8-15, 2018 ONO-BookofMormon-BARad.qxp_04HolFctSheet 1/31/18 11:39 AM Page 1

R IC HMOND /E RMET A ID F OUNDATION P RESENTS

‘Peanut’ farming

by Roberto Friedman

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was given to long dissertations on the meaning of ut There grew up reading Scripture and other religiocartoonist Charles M. sociological texts. His overSchulz’s classic “Peanuts” comic compensation in the form strip. We loved how, especially of academic achievement in the strip’s early days, the cast and Sunday School honors of characters consisted entirely will be familiar to any queer of children, yet they contemboy or girl who took refuge plated such adult topics as the in being a “good little boy” meaning of existence, religion, or “girl,” thus deflecting any and loneliness. It was like readquestions of sexuality. He ing Camus recast as a coloring also spent many late nights book. In later years, “Peanuts” hanging out in that classic devolved into a personality cult Peanuts cruising area, the centering on the pathologipumpkin patch. His alibi Courtesy “Peanuts” cal narcissist Snoopy and his was some invented creature enabling sidekick Woodstock. “Peanuts” gets integrated: Franklin and Linus called the “Great PumpBut at heart the comic was all shake hands in Charles M. Schulz’s classic strip. kin.” Yeah, right. about Charlie Brown-style exOr take Schroeder: we istentialism. mean, really! Schroeder’s David Kamp pointed out in a The Charles M. Schulz Mudevotion to Ludwig van New York Times opinion piece last seum can be found 56 miles north Beethoven and countless hours month, many African Americans of San Francisco by car on Highway spent practicing at his tiny piano found Franklin “to be anodyne at 101, located at 2301 Hardies Lane meant that he could safely ignore all best and a token at worst.” Kamp cites in Santa Rosa, CA. Its new exhibithe attention that Lucy and Violet a hilarious bit by comedian Chris tion “50 Years of Franklin,” which were always bringing his way. He was Rock, who complained that Franklin opened a few weeks ago, remains on clearly not interested in heterosexual had none of the signature traits that view through August 5. flirting. Truth be told, we had a wee characterized the other “Peanuts” Franklin was the face of racial incrush on Schroeder ourselves, but kids. “Linus got the blanket, Lucy’s a tegration in the world of “Peanuts.” we knew that he was way out of our bitch, Schroeder plays the piano, The museum puts it this way: league. Piano four hands, maybe? Peppermint Patty’s a lesbi“Franklin was a confident Then there was no doubt that an. Everybody got their kid and felt accepted Peppermint Patty would turn out thing except Franklin! by all his friends. Many to be the fiercest butch dyke in her Give him something! of the strips placed womyn-only auto-repair shop. She Damn, give him a Jahim in the classroom, was devoted to competitive sports, maican accent!” where he almost always had no time for feminine frou-frou, We’re glad Rock noted, knew the answer and bossed Charlie Brown and his crew even in passing, Pepfrequently helped his around mercilessly, and confused permint Patty’s memfriends. His quiet, inSnoopy with a “funny-looking kid,” bership in the junior dustrious demeanor believing him to be an exchange stuchapter of the Daughters was an important part dent. Her best gal pal, Marcie, rouof Bilitis. But may we also of who he was. His tinely called her “Sir!” This led us point out that OT, as a gay boychik, inclusion in the strip was a bold and to the certainty that Patty knew her found traces of homo-resonance in important step in the right direcway around a St. Andrew’s Cross the person of other “Peanut” pals tion for civil rights.” and Japanese bondage techniques. as well? Linus, for example: besides Franklin’s stolid presence could So by all means, celebrate Frankhis blanket fetish (an early sign of be found in the strip for the next lin. But don’t forget the latent LGBT an incipient Plushy/Furry?), Linus 30 years. But, as the culture writer crew of “Peanuts!”t

CMY

Cris Williamson

From page 19

We called Williamson at her Seattle home, which she shares with her longtime partner and manager Judy Werle, to ask about the shows, as well as how life has changed as she enters her fifth decade performing. In many ways, said Williamson, her professional life is much the same as it’s always been since she first began recording at 16, when she produced her first album. “Rehearsing, rehearsing, rehearsing,” she said. Williamson became a household name among lesbians during the 1970s, when the then-20something schoolteacher recorded “The Changer and the Changed” for Olivia Records, the first womanowned record company. “My work back then became known as ‘women’s music,’ which was created, performed and marketed specifically to women,” she explained. Today, Williamson added, that recording remains “one of the best-selling independent releases of all time. “In the 70s, when Olivia was born, we started our own system for women’s music. The existing system didn’t have much room for women in it,” she said. “I love my job. That part also hasn’t changed. I love the couple of hours on stage when anything can happen, and often does. I love travelling that emotional, watery journey in the vessel composed of music and words.” For most of her career, Williamson has performed in a wide variety of venues, including churches, festivals, music clubs, concert halls, and cruises. “Each audience is different,” she said. “But back in the day, we’d tell one lesbian about a concert, and that was all that was needed to fill the house.” More recently, with the dwin-

dling number of venues for live performance, and the competition from “the world of streaming,” Williamson said it’s a “lot more difficult” to make a go of it doing live music. “Please don’t take this as a complaint,” she said. “All industries change, and you either adapt or find another occupation.” Williamson’s music has had a ripple effect, she points out. “My lyrics are in books and thesis papers, and my albums are part of the curriculum for women’s studies courses.” With more than 30 albums to her credit, Williamson still spends the year Courtesy Denver Times touring the world, adding Cris Williamson at the Women’s March. new material at each stop. The main difference today, she said, “is that we worry a The travel today is “more gruelbit more about filling the house. It’s ing,” she said. But “I still love it. I’m hit-and-miss, and we often don’t such a road dog.” While road trips know until just before the perforoften mean getting up in the middle mance how many people are going of the night to get to the airport in to turn out.” Clubs are also more time, the gigs on cruise ships still cautious about booking shows, she retain their glamour. On April 2-9, said, with businesses struggling Williamson will be among the enand “hustling really hard to get 300 tertainers on Olivia’s 45th annual people in a room.” cruise, sailing from Ft. Lauderdale Williamson travels alone, conto San Juan, Puerto Rico on a new necting with band musicians she ship, “The Celebrity Summit,” with knows at each destination. All the the first American woman captain arrangements are made by her manat the helm. ager, “but unfortunately it’s usually “I am so looking forward” to the just too expensive for us to be able cruise, she said. “Performing with to travel together.” old friends, and hopefully seeing At her upcoming trips to the many people I’ve known for deBay Area, Williamson will stay cades. What could be better? And with friends, as she always did in we have a captive audience. We the “early days.” But back then, she know people are going to pack every said, fans would often make chicken show.”t soup and bring it to her before the performance. “It became a welcome Cris Williamson, “Love is Love,” routine,” she said. “We’d send down Freight and Salvage, 2020 our recipe, including the ginger and Addison, Berkeley, on Feb. 10. the garlic, and fans would be happy Tickets ($30 + fees): ticketfly. com. Info: thefreight.org. to make it for us and bring it over.”

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<< Theatre

22 • Bay Area Reporter • February 8-15, 2018

Swimsuit competition by Richard Dodds

Disney” and the audaciously conceived Ibsen sequel “A ou wouldn’t want this guy Doll’s House, Part 2,” which as your lawyer. Not only marked Hnath’s recent does his defense introduce Broadway debut. extraneous belittlements of While Hnath’s plays exhis client, it is filled with startamine fundamental issues of and-stop phrases that don’t human behavior, they do so quite get to their point before in very different ways. With lurching off in a new direction. “Red Speedo,” you’d be forIf he were a cartoon character, given if David Mamet came large drops of sweat would be to mind, especially in the flying off his forehead into the opening scene as Peter’s dejury box. But we are poolside, fense of his brother becomes not in a court of law, and his a steamrolling monologue client also happens to be his filled with the verbal tics and brother standing before us flexible integrity often found mute and naked save for the in Mamet’s characters. But microscopic swimsuit that Hnath affirms his own voice gives Lucas Hnath’s sleek moas the play proceeds, as ratiorality tale its title. nalizations and justifications In “Red Speedo,” Ray is an become the lingua franca. Olympic hopeful who finds Even the docile swimmer kevinberne.com a promising career on the Ray, who his own brother acline when his coach discov- Gabriel Marin, left, and Max Carpenter plays brothers with a troublesome knowledges is not too bright ers a stash of performance- relationship in the Center Rep production of Lucas Hnath’s “Red Speedo.” and has no other marketable enhancing drugs in the club’s skills, has convinced himself refrigerator. His brother Peter that it would be an unfair In 80 intense minutes, Hnath lays presenting the West Coast premiere is already negotiating an endorsedisadvantage is he were to be denied out the snowballing cost of a series of of “Red Speedo.” First seen offment deal with Speedo and his own testosterone-boosting supplements. ethical compromises. “When you go Broadway in 2016, it’s the Bay Area’s ticket out of an unloved job as an After finding a way to measure the for what you want, when you think second look at the young playattorney. Whether or not the drugs finger lengths of his fellow teamabout yourself, when you do what’s wright’s already prodigious resume. belonged to Ray, and the brothers mates, he concluded those with the best for you, everyone benefits,” says San Francisco Playhouse presented try to put the blame on another longest fingers had the best times. Peter early in the play, but by its end, “The Christians,” a very different swimmer, if the coach reports his “It’s like affirmative action,” he says, any remaining rewards are slim picklook at right and wrong, and among discovery to the proper authorities, since his finger lengths come up on ings even for scavengers. the works we have to look forward all swimmers under his tutelage the short side. In a sharp and stylish producto are the intriguingly titled “A will be tarred. No glory, no medals, With a sliver of a water-filled tion at the Lesher Center for the Public Reading of an Unproduced and no Speedo deal. pool at the front of the stage in Arts in Walnut Creek, Center Rep is Screenplay About the Death of Walt

Dipu Gupta’s set of blank-canvas sterility, the full focus is on the four characters who combine in different permutations in the series of short scenes. Working with a cast who clearly get the characters, director Markus Potter carefully modulates the script’s increasing intensity until an explosion of less-than-convincingly-staged violence. Gabriel Marin oozes with authentically rendered sleaze as Ray’s self-serving brother, while Max Carpenter, with a body ready for a Speedo ad, is able to play both dumb and shrewd as Ray, whose gracefulness seems limited to water. As the swim coach, a stalwart Michael Asberry displays the strongest ethical boundaries, which turn out to be more problematically complex as the play proceeds. Rosie Hallett effectively appears in one scene as Ray’s former girlfriend and steroid provider with her own specific agenda. “Red Speedo” certainly whets the appetite for more plays by Hnath to make their ways westward. He seems to recognize where we bury our metaphorical bodies, and while he digs into those places, the audience becomes a participant in any judgments to be made.t “Red Speedo” will run through Feb. 24 at Lesher Center for the Arts. Tickets are $40-$52, available at centerrep.org.

A Royal visit to Davies Hall by Philip Campbell

n the wake of artistic director and principal conductor Charles Dutoit’s departure due to allegations of sexual misconduct, the Royal Phil-

harmonic Orchestra still managed to embark on a planned six-concert West Coast tour of the United States last month. They docked recently in San Francisco at Davies Symphony Hall with another Swiss conduc-

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tor, Thierry Fischer, at the helm. They may have been bringing coals to Newcastle, considering Northern California’s own highly prized symphonic organizations, but the RPO is used to heavy competition. Coming from spoiledfor-choice London (three other major orchestras performing regularly), the RPO has survived for over 70 years with tours of more musically deprived areas of the UK, a yearly season of concerts at the Royal Albert Hall (home of the legendary “Proms”), Cadogan Hall and Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall. International tours, recordings, film and TV work, and Courtesy RPO community and education The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in front of the Royal Albert Hall in London. projects also keep the RPO viable, maintaining the legacy of beloved founder Fischer hasn’t just kept his eye catnip for the enthusiastic crowd, Sir Thomas Beecham. on the past either, commissioning and the lighter selections on each Then there are those symphonic exciting world premiere works for concert also earned cheers, not unpop-rock albums to help pay the Utah, including queer composers like a lively “Proms.” bills. Who can so easily dismiss “ABNico Muhly and Andrew Norman, The big news on each bill were BAphonic,” “Symphonic Queen” or which can be sampled on another complete readings of Stravinsky “The Wonder of You: Elvis Presley live recording HDCD, “Dawn to story ballets “The Firebird” (1910) with The Royal Philharmonic OrDust.” and “Petrushka” (1911). Fischer chestra?” Coming to San Francisco with the fared better with the latter, where his Good-natured ribbing aside, RPO for two concerts in the Great penchant for extremes of soft and Beecham’s taste for grand and viPerformers Series, Fischer made his loud playing seemed less prominent. brant presentations has obviously stamp on repertory that must have The full-length “Firebird” seemed, survived decades of changing tastes. been chosen well before his hiring. ironically, more fragmented than At least, the disgraced latest leader He also showed sympathetic supthe more frequently performed of the RPO has left a band of ready, port for some starry guest artists, Suite, but the purposely divided steady and seasoned musicians for in personalized renditions of two segments of “Petrushka” were draThierry Fischer to promenade with. wildly contrasted concertos. French matically thrilling, especially the big Fischer, who is music director of artists, cellist Gautier Capucon and and chaotic public scenes. the Utah Symphony, has shown a The RPO musicians kept the pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet, are personal taste for orchestral richness energy at a high level for two nights no strangers to DSH. They each and dynamic contrasts, less like Duof strenuous playing with a real took the spotlight with predictably toit’s precise elegance, but perhaps sense of enjoyment, and I came expert performances, of Haydn’s closer to Beecham’s famously lavish away feeling a shared sense of fun. briskly witty Cello Concerto No. sound. His Reference Recordings Whether Fischer will become a 1 and Liszt’s borderline-pompous HDCD of Mahler’s mighty Eighth, permanent replacement for Dutoit Concerto No. 2 in A Major for Piano with the Utah Symphony and Moris anybody’s guess. He certainly and Orchestra. mon Tabernacle Choir, doesn’t have deserves to maintain Principal Fischer seemed more in tune much new to say, but still proves an Guest Conductor status like Pinchas with Thibaudet’s broad strokes, but overwhelmingly grand and beautiZukerman, with close to 10 years of he also kept pace with Capucon’s ful listening experience. partnership.t remarkably strong technique. It was

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<< Film

24 • Bay Area Reporter • February 8-15, 2018

Best Wedding Photographer as voted by BAR readers

Back for more Berlin & Beyond

WINNER Best Wedding Photographer

Steven Underhill

PHOTOGRAPHY

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Les Films d’Antoine/Coin Film/Toprak Film

Scene from director Ayse Toprak’s “Mr. Gay Syria,” part of the Berlin & Beyond film festival.

by David Lamble

Best Breakfast & Best Late-Night Restaurant Celebrating our 40th year!

he 22nd Berlin & Beyond Film Festival unspools Feb. 9-11 at the Castro Theatre, Feb. 12 at Berkeley’s Shattuck Cinemas, and Feb. 13-15 at the Goethe-Institut (530 Bush St., SF). With over 12,000 admissions annually, the festival is the largest North American venue for German-language films, primarily from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Mr. Gay Syria Director-writer Ayse Toprak offers a joyful plunge into the upside-down lives of LGBTQ refugees from the Middle East, particularly war-torn Syria, still dominated by warlords and their crazed disciples, some willing to maim or murder their own queer kinfolks. The hero of this freewheeling doc is a handsome 24-year-old barber. Husein has a great fashion sense, an ex-wife, a young daughter, and the desire to live as an openly gay man with a male partner. During our 88 minutes with him and his queer band of brothers, we witness him winning the Mr. Gay Syria contest, then facing the practical challenges this honor may pose in obtaining visas and other travel documents. Highlights include sexy swimsuit shots of the contestants, Husein getting a question from a small boy about why he’s wearing eyeliner, getting his ears pierced, and hearing a confession from a Syrian organizer of why he makes the effort despite roadblocks posed by authoritarian governments. A family member threatens Husein’s life unless he “swear[s] on the Koran that you’re not gay!” Warning for pervasive smoking scenes: these handsome boys are smoking hot in more ways than one. In Arabic, Turkish, and English, with English subtitles. (West Coast premiere, Castro, 2/10) Dream Boat Director Tristan Ferland Milewski blends the experiences, beauty tips, hissy-fits and other pleasures of several hundred queer men from many nations on a yearly cruise whose passenger list is limited to gay men, particularly from countries hostile to gays. The passengers include an Indian man, Dipankar, fleeing a traditional arranged marriage; Palestinian Ramzi, escaping police persecution, moving to Europe for freedom and safety; wheelchair-bound Philippe, remembering his able-bodied youth while enjoying shipboard solace

with his partner; HIV+ Austrian Martin finding the cruise a hedonistic escape from normal life; and Polish bodybuilder Marek escaping loneliness amid glitter and frenzy. In English, French, German and Arabic, with German subtitles. (Goethe, 2/15) Welcome to Germany Openingnight film is director Simon Verhoeven’s (son of filmmaker Paul Verhoeven) feisty, family-centered comedy-drama. Against the will of her aging husband Richard, Angelika invites a young African refugee to live in the basement of their Munich home. Soon opinionated young Nigerian Diallo moves in, bringing a whirlwind of complications. These events upset the lives of adult children Philip and Sophie, put the marriage at risk, and imperil the chances of Diallo’s being granted permanent German residency. The biggest German film box office hit of 2016 with over 3.5 million admissions, in German and English, with English subtitles. (Castro, 2/9) Godless Youth Swiss director Alain Gsponer reveals a dystopian, results-oriented society where teens compete for grades while their dreams are broken by an unfeeling system. (Castro, 2/11; Shattuck, 2/12) Beuys An intimate peek, through a montage of archival clips, at visionary artist Joseph Beuys, “the man with the hat, the felt and the fat corner,” 30 years after his death. (Goethe, 2/14) The Bloom of Yesterday Filmmaker Chris Kraus offers an awkward romance when a Holocaust scholar, grandson of a Nazi war criminal, mentors an intern, granddaughter of a Holocaust victim. (Castro, 2/10) Code of Survival, or the End of Genetic Engineering Director Bertram Verhaag spots the movement towards non-toxic agriculture in India, Egypt and Germany. (Goethe, 2/13) Egon Schiele: Death and the Maiden Dieter Berner’s portrait of early-20th-century Viennese artist Egon Schiele (Noah Saavedra), whose career and life are driven by beautiful women and the end of an era. (Castro, 2/11; Shattuck, 2/12) The Final Journey Following the death of his wife, 90-year-old Eduard (Jurgen Prochnow) boards a train for Kiev in search of the woman he fell in love with while serving with the Cossacks. Nick

Baker Monteys’ drama has its American premiere. (Goethe, 2/14) My Brother Simple Director Markus Goller presents a moving road-trip of two brothers on a motorcycle. Ben’s brother Simpel is a grown man with the mental capacity of a three-year-old. Actors David Kross and Frederick Lau give memorable performances. (Castro, 2/9; Goethe, 2/15) Paradise Director Andrey Konchalovskiy tells a pitiless tale of three people whose paths cross during WWII. Olga is a Russian emigrant and member of the French Resistance who strikes a bargain with Jules, a French collaborator, before entering into a dangerous liaison with Helmut, a German SS officer. In Russian, German, French, Yiddish, with English subtitles. (Goethe, 2/13) Rock My Heart 16-year-old Jana has a bad heart, a good boyfriend and a wild stallion named Rock My Heart. Jana rebels against her illness and her despairing parents, bonding with the horse. (Castro, 2/9, 11) Streaker In Swiss filmmaker Peter Luisi’s story, a middle-aged teacher uses streakers as a sportbetting gimmick. (Castro, 2/11) Text for You Clara (director Karoline Herfurth) misses her boyfriend Ben, killed in an accident, and keeps sending texts to his phone. The messages find their way to a guy who got the dead boy’s number. (Castro, 2/10) That Trip We Took with Dad Anca Lazarescu presents a 1968 road-trip drama. Brothers from Arad get their ailing dad into their car under false pretenses and head for Communist East Germany. (Castro, 2/10) Three Peaks Director Jan Zabeil gives us the harrowing tale of a young man, Aaron, who wants to form a family with his girlfriend and her son. But a hiking trip high up in the Italian Dolomites turns into a tough outing. (Castro, 2/11) We Used To Be Cool Austrian filmmaker Marie Kreutzer presents the struggles of three young affluent couples whose lack of material needs becomes a problem. (Castro, 2/9) Wunderlich’s World In Dany Levy’s drama, Mimi, a failed musician, daughter of an addicted gambler and unmarried mother of a hyperactive son, takes a chance when her boy signs her up for a Swiss talent show. (Castro, 2/10)t

Film>>

February 8-15, 2018 • Bay Area Reporter • 25

Transgender heroism by David Lamble

“A

Fantastic Woman,” the 2018 Best Foreign Film Oscar nominee from Chile, opens in the shadows, within a poorly lit Santiago nightclub. Orlando (Francisco Reyes), an aging textile manufacturer, is celebrating his young lover’s birthday. Marina (transgender singer-actress Daniela Vega) is blissfully happy. Now, there’s a general rule of thumb that film protagonists must earn their happiness. After all, movies are about happiness for the paying customers, thee and me. Following a night of erotic bliss, Orlando becomes seriously ill, expiring in a local hospital the next morning. For Marina, this tragedy kicks off a cascading series of unfortunate events as Orlando’s conservative, mean-spirited family come after her with a vengeance, imploring the local authorities to tie her to Orlando’s death. They want to deprive her of every physical trace of this highly unconventional relationship – in their eyes, a profoundly sinful bond that they feel deserves neither recognition nor respect. The family’s campaign includes

denying Marina the right to attend Orlando’s funeral, and insisting that she promptly vacate their apartment. Their murderous rage escalates to a brazen physical attack, in which our heroine has her mouth taped shut, and later, to a humiliating police-station interrogation conducted by an arrogant female detective. “Was he paying you?” “We were a couple.” “He was old enough to be your father!” The filmmakers pose a powerful and moving question for their worldwide audience: What was Marina’s crime? What was so hideous about her that the film’s conservative forces would relentlessly brutalize and rob this fantastic woman of her respect, dignity, humanity, and ultimately, her identity? At a moment of seemingly global conflict on issues of freedom and identity, the filmmakers are calling for a cleansing, empowering burst of empathy.

On the record

Last month I and members of a San Francisco preview audience viewed “A Fantastic Woman,” then

Sony Pictures Classics

Transgender singer-actress Daniela Vega as Marina in director Sebastian Lelio’s “A Fantastic Woman.”

joined in a Q&A with director Sebastian Lelio and the film’s transgender lead, Daniela Vega. Lelio and Vega described their year-long process of developing the story and her character before filming could commence. The audience at the Delancey Street screening praised

the film and asked Vega about her experience preparing for this huge transition. She was especially proud of doing her own singing in the nightclub segments. This is Lelio’s fifth feature, and he is currently preparing a lesbianthemed narrative film. He described

his film’s intentions and methods in a director’s note. “I see ‘A Fantastic Woman’ as a film of aesthetic splendor, narrative vigor, tension and emotion. It’s a film that is both a celebration and examination of its main character, Marina Vidal.” I asked Lelio about the hostile forces arrayed against Marina. “The woman police detective seems to represent a very conservative society.” “In Chile, everything is holy war, the country is divided,” said Lelio. “It’s a country marked by the cross, an influence of Spain, and then 18 years of dictatorship. So that friction is part of life. Only recently the [Catholic] Church has been retreating a little bit on one side. There’s another face to the country, the other force, the counterforce is strong as well.” As Vega’s Marina Vidal character explains in the film, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”t “A Fantastic Woman” opens Friday. In Spanish, with English subtitles. MPAA rated R for language, sexual content, nudity and a disturbing assault.

More independence

Courtesy Buck Lewis

Sasha Feldman stars in director Eric Stoltz’s “Confessions of a Teenage Jesus Jerk.”

by David Lamble

he 20th San Francisco Independent Film Festival continues through Feb. 15 at the Roxie (3117 16th St.), Victoria (2961 16th St.) and 518 Val Pop-Up (518 Valencia). Confessions of a Teenage Jesus Jerk One-time 80s star Eric Stoltz directs screenwriter Tony DuShane’s dire comedy of a teen boy, coming of age during the Reagan years, discovering he enjoys many things his family and his religion frown upon. (Roxie, 2/10, 15) Funny Ha Ha (2002) Andrew Bujalski achieves an emotional cross-dressing: we see the post-college frustrations that befall nerdy guys through the eyes of a young woman. In the weeks leading up to her 24th birthday, Marnie is subjected to bad temp jobs, denied her first tattoo, rejected by the guy of her dreams, drunkenly kissed by several Mr. Wrongs, clumsily wooed by a guy she humiliates in a one-on-one basketball shootout, and finally, totally unexpectedly, wakes up to find herself in control of her life. The boy who gets away is Alex, a handsome, skittish computer programmer who competes with Marnie to be the film’s Annie Hall. The scenes between Kate Dollenmeyer’s Marnie and Christian Rudder’s Alex runneth over with nervous body language. He plays with his hair, she stammers and makes bad jokes,

they both avoid eye contact. Don’t be fooled into thinking that Marnie and Alex are just friends. This noncouple resembles a little-remarkedupon niche of gaydom where a queer boy is hooked on a straight one who isn’t exactly not interested. (518 Val, 2/11) The California No Ned Ehrbar’s modern comedy opens with a bewildered married man learning that he’s been living in an open relationship. Elliott confesses his problem to a gay male friend, who responds, “As per usual, the homosexual community has been way out in front of this particular trend.” Elliott: “Have you ever been in a relationship long enough for it to become exclusive so it can subsequently become an open relationship?” “So you just rolled the menage into a hot tub, and it just evolved from there?” “No, there’s no hot tub or any menage.” “Are you two still together?” “No. We’re affectionate roommates on good days.” (Roxie, 2/10, 12) Harmony and Me (2010) Robert Byington’s slacker breakup comedy finds a young songwriter embracing his own misery after a bad breakup. Loquacious young Harmony’s self-imposed descent into misery serves as a source of annoyance to his stubborn mom and a source of amusement to his eccentric friends. (518 Val, 2/10)

Jimmy and Judy (2006) In the suburbs of Cincinnati, social misfit Jimmy Wright (Edward Furlong) always has his videocamera: at his shrink’s, spying on his parents in their bedroom, and watching highschool senior Judy Oaks-Kellen. He rescues Judy from a teacher and students who torment her. Showing her his videotape of revenge kickstarts their friendship, which is soon in an overdrive of romance, sex, and pleasure. In the hands of co-directors Jonathan Schrader and Randall Rubin, “Jimmy and Judy” becomes a hip twist on the classic lovers-onthe-lam adventure. (518 Val, 2/11) Maze Stephen Burke’s drama is based on the true story of an IRAengineered escape by 38 prisoners from a notorious British prison, the HMP Maze. (Roxie, 2/11, 15) The Manhattan Front Cathy Lee Crone unearths the long-forgotten tale of how a WWI-era German spy attempted to engineer American entry into the European war by infiltrating America’s progressive labor movement. (Roxie, 2/10, 14) Mindhack In Royce Gorsuch’s sci-fi thriller, a genius young man, Mason, hatches a clone of his inner mental state called Finn. The two of them try to keep the technology from falling into the wrong hands. (Roxie, 2/11) Musclecar Australian Dwayne Labbe tells the story of Aussie lass Bambi and her dream car, which must be fueled with the blood of male chauvinist pigs! (Roxie, 2/10) Kill Me Please (2016) A Brazilian teenage girl probes unsolved murders, which come with Facebook tributes to the victims. (518 Val, 2/10) I Am a Knife with Legs (2015) Bennet Jones’ tale comes complete with a girlfriend dead in a suicide bombing and a fatwa sworn out against his screen hero. One of IndieFest’s best titles. (518 Val, 2/10) For Now Hannah Barlow directs this SF-centered road-trip drama in which she sets up an audition for kid brother Connor at the San Francisco Ballet. The 79-minute personal film includes a trip up the California coast with her sibling and boyfriend. (Roxie, 2/10, 14) Cruise Robert D. Siegel, screenwriter of the cult hit “The Wrestler,” returns with a 1987-set Queens Blvd. romance between a poor Ital-

ian American kid and a damsel who appreciates fast cars and rough surroundings. (Roxie, 2/9) Ramen Heads Koki Shigeno takes us into the kitchen of one his country’s top ramen-producing kitchens for a sublime Japanese movie/food trip. (Roxie, 2/10, 13) The Misogynists Dylan Baker is a smug Trump backer who’s trying to line up drugs and prostitutes with his buddy (Lou Jay Taylor) to cele-

brate his hero’s unexpected triumph on the night of the 2016 election. Writer-director Onur Tukel uses a party-down scenario to mark how the electoral debacle impacts the lives of hungover Trump supporters in a fully-stocked hotel room. With a supporting turn from Christine M. Campbell, this loose-limbed black comedy captures the freaky weirdness of our current moment. (Closing film, Roxie, 2/15)t

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26 • Bay Area Reporter • February 8-15, 2018

The Winter Games Olympians play by Victoria A. Brownworth

hey’re back! It’s Winter Olympics time, and we are so very ready. We were born in February, and have a familial lineage that traces back to the Norsemen. Snow is in our veins, and while we enjoy the sweaty bodies of the Summer Olympians as much as anyone, it’s the Winter Olympics that get our hearts pumping. For the next 18 days it will be nonstop Olympians competing in some of the most dangerous and death-defying sports that test the body’s endurance and abilities. Other than the high dive and gymnastics, there isn’t much risk involved in the Summer Olympics. Be prepared to watch extreme sports on snow and on ice. There are ski jumps where competitors are literally flying through the air. Rather than landing in water, as with a high dive, they’re landing on the ground, hopefully in one piece. Skiing freestyle and cross-country, snowboarding, luge (most terrifying sport ever), figure- and speed-skating, biathlon, ice hockey and that most bizarre yet compelling (and not at all death-defying) precision team sport, curling. These are the sports that demand the most a body is capable of, and require not just skill and training, but nerves of absolute steel. The Winter Olympics are thrilling, and you are going to want to watch. It’s gonna be all TV, all the time. The Olympic Games return to NBC with a record-high 2,400 hours (!) of live coverage airing across the networks and digital platforms of NBCUniversal. The highly anticipated XXIII Olympic Winter Games kick off from PyeongChang, South Korea on Thurs., Feb. 8, the day before the Opening Ceremony, and will conclude with the Closing Ceremony on Sun., Feb. 25. The complete schedule of competition and TV listings are available at NBCOlympics.com. NBC’s live coverage includes daytime coverage, airing from 3-5 p.m. ET on weekdays, and 3-6 p.m. ET on weekends across all time zones. Primetime coverage will air at 8 p.m. ET each night, and 7 p.m. ET on Sundays. Primetime Plus coverage will air during the late-night window following Primetime. NBCSN will present 369 hours of coverage, including live primetime and 10 days of 24-hour coverage from Feb. 18-25. The PyeongChang Games officially begin on NBCSN on Wed., Feb. 7, 11 p.m. ET, with live coverage of mixed doubles curling. CNBC will present 46 hours of coverage, including its curling telecasts beginning Mon., Feb. 12, ending Fri., Feb. 23. NBC’s USA Network will present 40.5 hours of ice hockey and curling coverage, most of which will air live between 7-9:30 a.m. ET. Coverage begins on Sat., Feb. 10, with a live presentation of the Women’s hockey qualifying round, which is going to be amazing. NBCOlympics.com and the NBC Sports app will combine to present more than 1,800 hours of streaming

coverage, including live streaming of all NBC network Primetime broadcasts. The site will also provide additional Olympic content including exclusive video coverage, extensive video highlights, and three digital-only programs: Gold Zone, Olympic Ice, and Off the Post. For ultra-enthusiasts like us, for the first time, NBC Olympics will provide more than 50 hours of live virtual-reality coverage powered by Intel True VR during the Games to authenticated users with Windows Mixed Reality headsets, Samsung Gear VR, and both Google Cardboard and Google Daydream, with compatible iOS or Android devices via the NBC Sports VR app. It will mark the first time that VR will be available for a Winter Olympics, and that Olympic VR programming will be live in the U.S. on a wide range of devices and platforms. There are myriad athletes to watch, but we’ll be rooting for certain ones. Erin Jackson, 25, became the first black speedskater to qualify for the long track in 2018. Jackson became only the third black athlete to make a U.S. Olympic speedskating team, and the first black woman to qualify for the long-track competition. There will also be a couple of out gay U.S. athletes to watch for the first time, and there will be a record eight out gay and lesbian athletes competing at the Winter Games: three men, five women. Figure skater Adam Rippon, 28, the first openly gay man to qualify for the Winter Olympics, was selected for the U.S. figure-skating team on Jan. 7. Having earned a spot on the U.S. Ski Team Jan. 21, Gus Kenworthy is the second openly gay man who will compete for the U.S. Kenworthy, 26, placed second at the final Olympic qualifier for freeski slopestyle, according to NBC. This is exciting news. Previously, figure skater Johnny Weir competed in the Winter Olympics, but was not out at the time. (He has since flamed his way out of the closet with flamboyant abandon.) Another gay athlete, luger John Fennell, had hoped to compete, but didn’t make the cut. Rippon has already been outspoken about the Trump Administration’s choice of Vice President Mike Pence to lead the U.S. Olympic delegation. In an interview with USA Today last month, Rippon said, “You mean Mike Pence, the same Mike Pence who funded gay conversion therapy? I’m not buying it.” Rippon told USA Today, “If it were before my event, I would absolutely not go out of my way to meet somebody who I felt has gone out of their way to not only show that they aren’t a friend of a gay person but that they think that they’re sick,” Rippon said. “I wouldn’t go out of my way to meet somebody like that.” Rippon, who has said he was bullied badly for being gay in Scranton, PA, said of Pence, “I don’t think he has a real concept of reality. To stand by some of the things that Donald Trump has said and for Mike Pence to say he’s a devout Christian man is completely contradictory. If he’s okay with what’s being said about

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U.S. figure skater Adam Rippon, 28, is the first openly gay man to qualify for the Winter Olympics.

people, Americans and foreigners, and about different countries that are being called ‘shitholes,’ I think he should really go to church.” Rippon said he will not go to the White House post-Games. Lindsey Vonn has also said she would not go to Trump’s White House. There are no openly lesbian athletes from the U.S. this year, but there are some from other countries, notably the Netherlands’ Cheryl Maas. At Sochi, after Vladimir Putin proclaimed there could be no expressions of homosexuality because “of the children,” Mass gave a snowboarding salute to LGBTQ folks in protest to Putin, holding up her gloves, covered in rainbows and unicorns, in view of the cameras after a run. Maas is married to former Olympic snowboarder Stine Brun Kjedlaas, and the couple has two children. This will be Maas’ third Olympics. Austria’s Daniela Iraschko-Stolz won the silver in Sochi in 2014 for ski jumping, becoming the second openly gay athlete to medal in Russia. Before heading to the 2014 Olympics, she married her partner Isabel Stolz, telling the Kurier newspaper at the time, “I don’t want to hide myself. I never cared at all what other people think about me.” Snowboarder Belle Brockhoff and cross-country skier Barbara Jezersek both qualified to represent Australia. Brockhoff came out as a lesbian in 2013, a year before competing in the Sochi Winter Games. At the time she was vocally critical of Russia’s antigay laws, telling BBC Sports, “I’m not afraid of these laws, and I want others that live in Russia who are homosexuals to see that.” Brockhoff was also one of 27 athletes to sign a letter opposing Kazakhstan as a host nation for the 2022 Winter Olympics because of the country’s anti-LGBT policies.

Way gay

The two gayest shows on TV right now are also the most compelling: “American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace” and “The Alienist.” Alas, both shows are vivid, painful evocations of the horrors of homophobia. There was such deep poignancy in the Jan. 31 episode of “Versace,” which focused on Andrew Cunanan’s (Darren Criss) murder of real estate magnate Lee Miglin, that it was painful to watch. The episode belongs to the brilliant Judith Light, who gives an Emmy-winning performance as Marilyn, the wife who has spent decades pretending her husband isn’t gay because he, too, was pretending right along with her. Until Cunanan exposed the lie. Lee is so conflicted and deeply self-loathing, he has his own chapel deep in the basement of the couple’s swank townhouse. As played by Mike Farrell (“M*A*S*H”) in a beautiful, haunting performance, Lee is the picture of yearning. He loves his wife. They go to bed to-

gether at night holding hands, she de-nuded of her excessive make-up, yet with a touch of perfume, because she remains hopeful of intimacy. He aches to be in the arms of another man, to feel the kind of kiss the young, beautiful and virile Cunanan, the paid escort he tragically chooses, offers. The tragedy of the closet is so vividly depicted in this episode it takes one’s breath away. Lee, like other older married men Cunanan targeted, is so starved for male companionship he’s willing to follow Cunanan’s lead, not knowing the seething brutality Cunanan feels for his own sexuality. Lee allows Cunanan to lure him to the garage, tape his face and head, remove his hearing aid. He wants to experience the senses that Cunanan has awakened in him, not realizing where it will lead. Ryan Murphy doesn’t play with his audience in “Versace.” We aren’t treated to some facile explanation of the tortured reasons why Cunanan does what he does. Instead we see him as he was: beautiful, seductive, conniving, and above all, dangerous. Cunanan lacks all empathy for his victims, and kills with impunity to get what he wants. It doesn’t matter that any of it would be given to him freely, he needs to take it and leave no trace. That all of his victims except Versace put themselves in his path with their closeted desire is the contrapuntal melody in this chilling orchestration. TNT’s new series “The Alienist,” based on the best-selling novel by Caleb Carr, taps some of the same undercurrent as “Versace,” but from a century earlier. Psychology is a newly created (1879), not wellestablished science in 1896 when “The Alienist” opens. Mental illness is still a vastly misunderstood terrain when the alienists, those who study the mentally ill, are operating in New York City. A series of gruesome murders of boy prostitutes has gripped the city. Newly appointed police commissioner Teddy Roosevelt calls upon Dr. Laszlo Kreizler (Daniel Bruehl) and newspaper illustrator John Moore (Luke Evans) to conduct the investigation in secret. Joining them in the probe is Sara Howard (Dakota Fanning), secretary to the police commissioner, as well as Jewish twin brothers Marcus and Lucius Isaacson, both detective sergeants in the NYPD. “The Alienist” is both sumptuous period piece and shocking expose. Scenes of the madhouses are horrifying, as is the way the “boy whores” are paraded like meat, with only the choicest bits making the cut. Complicating the action is that the term homosexuality is itself new, having just been devised in 1892, as is situating “homosexuality” within the newly created field of psychology. Bruehl is superb as Kreizler, devoted to his work and to peeling back the layers of the human psyche to discover whatever deprav-

ity lies beneath. Evans evokes the barely restrained emotive character of Moore, as he and Kreizler delve deeper into the crimes. Fanning is dogged and ethereal as she attempts to make a place for herself in this male world. “The Alienist” is compelling: part thriller, part documentary, part horror story, it lures the viewer and holds us there. Out gay actor Luke Evans makes this series even more compelling. In 2002, when he was only 23, Evans said of his sexuality, “Everybody knew me as a gay man, and in my life in London I never tried to hide it,” and that by being open he would not have “that skeleton in the closet they can rattle out.” If only the men in “Versace” and “The Alienist” had followed the same precept, their lives would have been so different. Finally, a few films are streaming this month on Netflix that you might want to see for the first time or again. Highly recommended: “Kill Bill: Vol. 1 & 2,” because who doesn’t feel like Uma Thurman taking off some heads right about now? “Terms of Endearment,” because Shirley MacLaine is our role model for how to advocate for the sick when her daughter Debra Winger needs pain meds for her cancer. “Amelie,” because it’s one of the most charming films ever made, and it’s a template for how to remain civil in these uncivil times. “West Side Story” is also available this month. One of the best musicals ever made, this version of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” is as heartbreakingly realistic in its depiction of racism and the conflict between one set of immigrants and another as it was in 1961 when it premiered. Plus, “WSS” is inherently gay, with its beautiful and haunting score by Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim, as well as the Oscar-winning performance of the great George Chakiris, whose gayness kept him from more and better roles despite that Oscar. The inimitable Rita Moreno sets fire to the screen and even the why-did-theycast-a-Russian-as-a-Puerto-Rican winsome Natalie Wood is charmingly sweet and, in many respects, perfectly cast. There’s talk of a remake, but that rooftop scene with Chakiris and Moreno singing and dancing to “America” is perfection and will never be bested. Watching Patti LuPone perform “Don’t Cry for Me, Argentina” at the Grammys, we were reminded of how the first often remains the best. We still get chills thinking about it. Last but not least, because we need superheroes so badly right now, “Wonder Woman” is also available this month. So for the knee-jerk jingoism that is always just below the surface when watching the Olympics, the heartbreaking depictions of the killings of gay men and boys, and the usual Sturm und Drang in Washington, you know you really must stay tuned.t

Fine Art>>

February 8-15, 2018 • Bay Area Reporter • 27

California dream design landscape by Sura Wood

n their way, Californians are just as chauvinistic as New Yorkers. But where our East Coast brethren may consider their city the center of the universe, we sun-kissed folks believe that most of the great new ideas, innovations and trends – some admittedly better than others – are generated and nurtured in our free-thinking, unconventional state, then emanate outward to the rest of the world, which has to catch up or catch on. This received truth, which has made California a magnet for brilliant people in the field, is illustrated and borne out to some degree in the series of small displays that comprise “Designed in California,” a new exhibition at SFMOMA. Its focus is the “collaborative, human-centered, technology-driven” Charles and Ray Eames, Eames Office conference room, 1944-89 design landscape that has blossomed since the advent Knee prosthetics; a star-shaped ruban antique Macintosh personal of digital revolution and the deparber “Pouff ” courtesy of the miracle computer (1984) on view here are ture from Modernism’s idealistic of 3-D printing and recycled tires; dinosaurs by today’s ultra-sleek “good design for all” ethos of the and the affordable laptop and standards. But they’re reminders of 1960s and 70s. In its investigation of lightweight Foldscope microscope, just how rapidly tech design and how ideas have been translated into which have been a boon to ecoour expectations of its pleasures design concepts, and the cross-polnomically disadvantage students. A and convenience have evolved, even lination between what people need miniature paper model of a Heras it has grown ever more intruand yearn for and the visionaries man Miller Furniture System (1987) sive. In this context, one would’ve who imagine and create products under glass is pretty neat, as are thought there would be greater ator environments that fulfill those Lisa Krohn’s futuristic “Cyberdesk” tention paid to Steve Jobs, who was needs and desires, the show offers (1983), a necklace of glass and metal a certified genius at anticipating and more to think about than to see. It disks connected to a headset and shaping design needs of users, but doesn’t go much beyond the intereyepiece; and “The Odin,” Josiah in a strange omission, he’s barely esting categories it lays out, or terZayner’s ominously named, genetic alluded to. ribly deep in terms of analysis, and engineering home-laboratory kit. Speaking of visionaries, there’s in some instances, it’s a little short Let’s not forget the 3-D Robotics Charles and Ray Eames, the on explanation. drone cruising overhead in a neighhusband-and-wife industrial and It won’t come as news to anyone borhood near you. furniture design team who founded who lives in the Bay Area and in In California, technology has an unorthodox architecture/design close proximity to Silicon Valley played an especially crucial role in studio in Los Angeles in the 1940s. that California designers work with design innovation. Early prototypes “Anything I can do, Ray can do beta heightened social, political and enof Apple’s mouse and off-the-shelf ter,” Charles once said of his wife vironmental awareness more acute components – two small silver balls, and partner, which puts him on than in other parts of the country. a light switch and a thingamajig that the A-list in my book. Among their One section includes remarkable bears a striking resemblance to a invaluable contributions to Western inventions like D-Rev’s Re-Motion remote garage door-opener – and Civilization: their classic lounge

chair and the coveted black leather and chrome executive chairs of “Mad Men” vintage. The latter are shown off in a mockup of their office conference room, along with Mexican art and eclectic objects they collected like a Guy Fawkes mask and a Picasso/Cranach poster. “View from the People Wall (1966), a 22-screen multimedia projection with still images, film footage and narration, originally created for the New York World’s Fair, and similar to the then cutting-edge presentations for which they were known, runs in a loop. The Eames’ furnishings are a welcome respite from those designed by the back-to-the-earth crowd, who harvested Tom Bonner found materials to construct wooden chairs that are more conducive to afterschool punishment than comfortable seating. They’re part of a section that features off-

the-grid counterculture gurus, a number of whom converged in Sausalito, a perfect place to tune in, turn on and drop out. The Ant Farm Collective, who specialized in “underground architecture” and tools for projects such as “Make Your Own Real City” (1970), is represented here by a graphic with 3-D cut-outs for large-scale inflatable buildings. Among this cadre, Stewart Brand was more receptive than others to the virtues of technology. He published his first “Whole Earth Catalog” in 1968, a bible combining vanishing craft traditions with adventures in design and living that had a global following back in the day. A copy on display is sure to tug at the heartstrings of nostalgic baby-boomers. Sheila Levrant de Bretteville’s 1970 poster for the California Institute of the Arts School of Design provides a fitting coda for the exhibition. Affixed with a tiny pine cone and a single silver jack, its message cautions, “Taste and style just aren’t enough.” Perhaps the best is yet to come.t Through May 27; sfmoma.org.

Don Ross

The North Face, Oval Intention tent, 1976

Gay & bi lives

by David-Elijah Nahmod

lmost as lovely as the Oscarnominated “Call Me By Your Name,” James Fanizza’s romantic drama “Sebastian,” shot in Toronto, comes to DVD courtesy of lesbianowned Wolfe Video. The film poses the question, What do you do when your soulmate turns out to be your cousin’s boyfriend? Sebastian (Alex House), who lives in Buenos Aires, is visiting his Canadian relatives. He meets Alex (writer-director Fanizza) for coffee. The attraction between them is instantaneous and irresistible, love at first

sight. The pair is forced to confront two realities: Alex is dating Sebastian’s cousin, whom he has no feelings for, and Sebastian is due to return to Buenos Aires in a week. The film follows their week-long relationship as the bond between them grows stronger and deeper. When Alex’s boyfriend catches them together, all hell breaks out. Alex and Sebastian briefly break up but get back together. They are simply unable to resist each other. When the time comes for Sebastian to return to Argentina, they have to decide what to do. Will they split up for good, or find a way to stay

together? House and Fanizza have amazing chemistry together. The screen sizzles when they kiss. Fanizza’s mature script does not villainize them for hurting Sebastian’s cousin. They mean no harm. Brian McCook (aka Katya Zamolodchikova from “Drag Race”) is on hand as Alex’s best friend, but this casting is the film’s one flaw. McCook’s character Xenia is never developed, a decorative role. We see Xenia performing drag in the local gay bar and urging Alex to follow his heart. It’s a thankless part that anyone could have played. But “Sebastian” is a sweet romance. Anyone who’s felt the exhilarating joy and pain of love can relate to Sebastian and Alex. We give the film three out of four kisses. Kino Lorber offers Anna Muylaert’s “Don’t Call Me Son,” an intense drama from Brazil. The life of bisexual 17-year-old Pierre is thrown upside-down when he learns that he and his sister were stolen out of a maternity ward by the woman they think is their mother. While Mom sits in jail, Pierre is returned to his biological parents, who insist on calling him Felipe,

their name for him. They ignore his resentment at being torn from his family. The box cover suggests that the film has more queer content then it actually does. Pierre’s bisexuality is made clear. He’s seen having sex with a girl and kissing another boy. But these are throwaway scenes that have nothing to do with the film’s plot. He begins to cross-dress in front of his parents, but he doesn’t

appear to be trans. He’s doing this to piss them off. Naomi Nero gives a layered performance as the angry young man who just wants his family back. Dani Nefussi is good in the dual roles of both mothers. If you want to see a film that offers a look at a young bi kid’s struggle with sexuality, look elsewhere. But if a drama about family loyalty sounds interesting, then find “Don’t Call Me Son.”t

<< Music

28 • Bay Area Reporter • February 8-15, 2018

The Gondoliers

From page 19

Even when plots are contrived and improbable (and with W.S. Gilbert, that’s usually the case), the Lamplighters cut to the core with expert comic instinct and musicianship. With “The Gondoliers,” these virtues are especially important. One of those “mix-ups at birth” stories that kept audiences roaring with laughter at London’s Savoy in 1889, the scenario brings two infant boys from fictional Barataria to Venice, where the grownup lads, raised to become gondoliers, pick their brides in a sort of “blind-man’s bluff.” In typical G&S fashion, both of the chosen sopranos are clever, willful and pretty. The quartet of lovers soon learns one of the boys was whisked away in infancy to protect him until his eventual assumption of the throne of Barataria. His parents also married him to the baby daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Plaza-Toro before the carrying-off to Italy. On top of that, only their ancient nursemaid can identify which of the youths is the actual royal heir! The lately impoverished Duke and Duchess arrive in Venice with Casilda, their daughter (the bride), to claim kinship because the throne has finally been cleared by an insurrection. It goes on; believe me, it goes on, until the sublimely silly deus ex machina of the finale. But who really cares if the story is believable? The jokes and patter songs are plentiful, and Arthur Sullivan supplied some of his sunniest melodies for the ballads and rousing choruses. “The Gondoliers” was the 12th G&S collaboration of 14, and a big hit, racking up 554 performances, to make it the fifth longest-running piece of musical theatre in history at the time. Loyal Savoyards will pardon the rather tired retread of the partners’ formula. I look to “The Gondoliers” for the irresistible music. Veteran director Phil Lowery has excelled with a tightly staged production that moves swiftly through the twists and turns of the libretto. Choreographer Jayne Zaban also speeds the action. The surprisingly

Lorraine Hansberry

From page 19

Her life is celebrated in the PBS American Master series in an electrifying documentary, “Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart,” which can be streamed for free until Feb. 16. While her play is now considered a classic drama, winning the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award, but shamefully not the Pulitzer Prize, little about her life has been publicly known. While “Raisin” was a landmark accomplishment, it was only one part of a multifaceted lifelong commitment to fighting injustice during the Civil Rights movement. Hansberry’s quest for equality must have been in her genes. Her

nimble ensemble gleefully executes her tricky steps. “Dance a cachucha,” a cross between a tarantella and the Macarena, is one of the show’s highlights. Peter Crompton’s scenic design is colorfully attractive, and the gorgeous costumes, always a Lamplighters hallmark, are breathtaking. Kerry-Rider Kuhn’s realistic wigs beautifully adorn Judy Jackson’s (original costume design) and Miriam Lewis’ (additional costume design) lavish outfits. After more than four decades, Music Director/Conductor Baker Peeples still elicits a warm and rich response from the solid orchestra. He maintains a lively beat, always ready to caress a charming refrain. The current production is single cast. After the thoroughly confident opening-night performance, I could understand why. Without any weak links or need of forbearance for apprentices, the cast tore through the night with aplomb. The young gondoliers were attractively and convincingly portrayed by Michael Desnoyers as Marco and Samuel Rabinowitz as Giuseppe. Matching them for sheer cuteness and singing excellence, Amy Foote as Gianetta and Whitney Steele as Tessa added strong personality to their roles. Standing apart from the quartet of principals, Patricia Westley was a lovely Casilda. Her singing and acting showed an impressive range. As her snobbish and befuddled parents, Lamplighters veterans F. Lawrence Ewing and Cary Ann Rosko had the audience hanging on every amusing word. Don Alhambra Del Bolero, the grand inquisitor, was essayed by the irrepressibly arch Charles Martin. Looking like Captain Hook and sounding just as sly, he was both funny and rich-voiced. As the character who embodies the aforementioned deus ex machina, lyric tenor Patrick Hagen was an agreeably robust Luiz (the Duke’s Attendant).t “The Gondoliers” continues at Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek, Feb. 9-11 (easily accessible by BART), and Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, Feb. 17-18.

father Carl was a wealthy real-estate broker on the south side of Chicago, where she was born in May 1930. When he bought a house in a white neighborhood in 1938, the Hansberrys were eventually forced out, even though he fought all the way to the Supreme Court. Disillusioned by the legal system, Carl moved to Mexico City as an exile, dying of a stroke. The 15-year-old Lorraine, who had remained in Chicago to finish high school, believed racism killed him. He was the most significant person in her life, inspiring her quest for liberation. Arriving in Harlem, the cultural and political center of black life, she wrote for the Pan-African newspaper Freedom and became an active member of the Communist Party,

David Allen

F. Lawrence Ewing and Cary Ann Rosko as the Duke and Duchess of Plaza Toro in Lamplighters Music Theatre’s “The Gondoliers.”

which would result in the FBI keeping a file on her. She fell in love with a married radical Jewish Communist publisher activist, Robert Nemiroff, and after his divorce, married him in 1953, despite interracial marriage being illegal in half the states. She made the leap from journalism to fiction, writing a social drama about a working-class, multi-generational black family, the Youngers, struggling against discrimination. After they receive a $10,000 life insurance check from their late father, they decide to buy a house in a white neighborhood, paralleling Carl Hansberry’s struggle. Its title from a line in a Langston Hughes poem, “A Raisin in the Sun” became the first Broadway play written by an African-American woman. It became a sensation with critics, the biggest hit that season. James Baldwin said it was the first time the truth about black people’s lives had been exposed on the stage. Columbia Pictures bought the rights to the play, and Hansberry wrote the screenplay “so it wouldn’t become a minstrel show or perverted.” But the studio edited out most of the raceissue material she added. Her success enabled her to become an eloquent spokesperson for black civil rights. Separated from Nemiroff around 1957 (they would divorce in 1964, but remained close friends; he was her literary executor), she moved to Croton-on-Hudson for privacy, leading a secret life as a lesbian (“for me, it has to be a woman,”) mostly with white women. She published

four short stories on lesbians under the pseudonym Emily Jones, sending anonymous letters to the lesbian Daughters of Bilitis magazine The Ladder. She discussed lovers only in her private journals and letters. Edie Windsor remembers her going to the same parties she attended, finding Lorraine “delightful, smarter than hell, so lovable.” But despite occasional love affairs, Hansberry felt lonely. In 1963, what became terminal pancreatic cancer was discovered, but Nemiroff and her doctor decided not to tell her the truth, a common practice at the time. She continued fundraising for civil rights groups and actions, and met Attorney General Robert Kennedy in 1963, along with Baldwin. She felt Kennedy couldn’t hear the pain of black Americans, and felt futility in making white Americans understand the horrors of racism. She believed all forms of resistance, legal/ illegal, violent/nonviolent, were necessary for freedom for blacks, here and in Africa. Years earlier she had spoken at the first conference of Negro writers in NY, saying, “One cannot live with sighted eyes and feeling heart and not know or react to the miseries which afflict this world.” Her second play “The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window” opened on Broadway in October 1964, about a racially mixed group of activists dealing with racism, women’s rights, homosexuality, and suicide. She was too ill to finish all the rewrites. With audiences expecting a

sequel to “Raisin,” it was savaged by critics, closing on the night of her death, Jan. 12, 1965, at 34. Six hundred mourners braved a blizzard to attend her funeral, where Paul Robeson paid tribute, friend Nina Simone sang, and Martin Luther King sent a telegram proclaiming she would be an inspiration to generations yet unborn. The power of this documentary comes from the fact that much of what Hansberry wrote and fought for seems so topical today. One aches with sadness for a woman who was clearly ahead of her time yet isolated, arguing for intersectionality, that the struggle for civil rights, LGBT liberation, and feminism were all connected, because an oppressive society in any form dehumanizes everyone. She questioned if mere words were sufficient, though she was furious at white liberals who urged patience. Entertainer Harry Belafonte grieves over what artistic contributions she could have made yet never got the chance. The documentary is narrated by actress LaTanya Richardson Jackson, and actress Anika Noni Rose voices Hansberry, with actors Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee, Louis Gossett Jr. and lesbian writer Ann Bannon sharing intimate memories. Hansberry’s lesbian lovers weren’t interviewed on this neglected aspect of her life. Still, during times of resurgent racism, “Sighted Eyes/ Feeling Heart” reminds us not only what a loss her death was, but how badly we need another Lorraine Hansberry today.t

Mary Wilson

Arts Events www.ebar.com V www.bartabsf.com

Jeremy Spreadums Vol. 48 • No. 6 • February 8-14, 2018

On the Tab February

8-15

ove is in the air. Love is like oxygen. Love lifts us up where we belong, except on Valentine’s Day with a box of chocolates as our date. In which case, put on your dancing shoes. Dance like nobody’s Grindr-ing.

page 32 Listings start on

Sat 10

Pole dancer Sean Michael Polaris with Rachel Lark & The Damaged Goods @ Brick and Mortar

Bananarama’s Back The vocal trio’s lasting appeal by Jim Gladstone

ou say Bananarama. They say Banahnahrahma. But no one’s calling the whole thing off. In fact, it’s on, all over again, for the first time in nearly 30 years. See page 34 >>

{ THIRD OF THREE SECTIONS }

Bananarama at a recent concert in Glasgow.

<< On the Tab

32 • Bay Area Reporter • February 8-14, 2018

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

Queer Karaoke @ Club OMG KJ Dana hosts the weekly singing night; unleash your inner American Idol; first Thursdays are Costume Karaoke; 3rd is Kinky Karaoke 8pm. 43 6th St. www.clubomgsf.com

Thu 8 After Dark @ Exploratorium

Royal Variety Show @ Moby Dick

The cocktails and science night for adults, with installations throughout the hands-on exhibit museum. $20. 6pm-10pm. Pier 15 at Embarcadero. www.exploratorium.edu/

Queen Dilly Dally's weekly fun variety show of drag, music and even puppets. 9pm-11pm. 4049 18th St. www.queendillydally.com

Circle Jerk @ Nob Hill Theatre

Sundance Saloon @ Space 550

Bootie @ DNA Lounge Resident DJs and guests spin at the mash-up DJ dance party, with Adrian A, Mysterious D; four rooms of different sounds and eight DJs; The Monster Drag Show hosted by Sue Casa. $10-$15 and up. 9:30pm-3am. 375 11th St. bootiesf.com

The Country-Western line-dancing two-stepping dance events celebrates 18 years. Free-$5. 5pm-10:30pm. Also Sundays. 550 Barneveld Ave. www.sundancesaloon.org

Terrie Odabi @ Feinstein's at the Nikko

Bounce @ Lookout

The Oakland singer performs classic Blues and R&B songs. $19-$45. 8pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. www.feinsteinsatthenikko.com/

Dance music with a view at the Castro bar. 9pm-2am. 3600 16th St. lookoutsf.com

Con Funk Shun @ Yoshi's Oakland

Porn actor David Emblem leads the very interactive sex-play party. $20. 9pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

The veteran funk band performs classic songs at the elegant restaurant-nightclub. $29-$39. 7:30pm & 9:30pm. Also Feb 11 & 12. 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland. https://www.yoshis.com/

Gayface @ El Rio Queer weekly night out at the popular Mission bar. 9pm-2am. 3158 Mission St. elriosf.com

Heart Throb @ Club Six

Junk @ Powerhouse MrPam and Dulce de Leche cohost the weekly underwear strip night and contest. Feb 8 /15: Bare Chest Calendar prelims (8pm-10pm). $5. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. powerhousebar.com

The Monster Show @ The Edge

Fri 9

Thu 8

Trixxie Carr @ Oasis

Alotta Boutte at Red Hots Burlesque @ The Stud

Terrie Odabi @ Feinstein’s

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

NightLife @ California Academy of Sciences The museum parties return. Feb. 8: DJs Toro y Moi and Chulita Vinyl Club, Noise Pop fun, too. $12-$15. 6pm-10pm. 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. calacademy.org

Puff @ The Stud The monthly queer pot-happy night, with DJ Dank, Maria Konner and her band rockin', Sergio Fedazs DJing, and a stoner raffle. 7pm-10pm. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars @ Oasis Viewing party for the new season special of the popular drag competition show, cohosted by Sister Roma and Honey Mahogany, with porn prizes, lipsynch contest and more. Feb. 15 with Ben deLaCreme. $10-$25. 7pm. 298 11th St. sfoasis.com

RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars @ Port Bar, Oakland BeBe Sweetbriar hosts the East Bay screenings of the new edition of the RuPaul drag competition show. 8pm. 2023 Broadway. portbaroakland.com/

Fri 9

Thursday Night Live @ SF Eagle

Pound Puppy @ SF Eagle

Peter Murphy @ The Chapel

Rock bands play at the famed leather bar. $8. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

The legendary Bauhaus singer and soloist performs a series of concerts spanning his musical career. $45-$50. 9pm. Also Feb. 10, 11, 14 & 15. 777 Valencia St. petermurphy.info

Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie's Lounge

Red Hots Burlesque @ The Stud

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

Fri 9 La Bomba Latina @ Club OMG

Tamale Time @ Oasis Leandro Gonzales' Emperor campaign includes tasty tamales. $4-$20 for 1-6 tamales! Proceeds benefit Mama G's Thanksgiving Street Dinner. 7pm. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

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

Trixxie Carr @ Oasis

Drag show with DJ Jaffeth. $5. 9pm2am. 43 6th St. www.clubomgsf.com

Boy Division @ Cat Club

Uhaul @ Oasis

The Queer Wave dance party celebrates The Smiths and Morrissey, with DJs Xander, Donimo, and more grooves in the back rooms. $5-$10. Free this month for Aquarians. 9:30pm-3am. 1190 Folsom St. sfcatclub.com

Sexy cruisy monthly night with DJs Jeremy Castillo, Taco Tuesday, gogo studs, too. 9:30pm-2am. $10. 398 12th St. at Harrison. sf-eagle.com

The saucy women's burlesque show hosted by Dottie Lux will titillate and tantalize, with guests Alotta Boutte, Shells Bells, and Caramel Knowledge. $10-$20. 8pm-9:30pm. 399 9th St. www.redhotsburlesque.com The veteran faux queen performs live comic (and sincere) takes on pop and rock music hits. $30. 7pm. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

Mother @ Oasis

The hot women's monthly dance party, with DJs Ms Jackson, China, Jibbz and C-L.A. $20. 10pm-2am. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

Gaymer Night @ SF Eagle

Cubcake @ Lone Star Saloon

Video games on multiple screens for a nergasmic night. 8pm-2am. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

DJ Colline Bass spins at the popular bears, beers and treats night. 9pm2am. 1354 Harrison St. lonestarsf.com

Vibe Fridays @ Club BnB, Oakland

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

Friday Night Live @ El Rio Enjoy the weekly queer and LGBTfriendly live acoustic concerts. $5pm. 3158 Mission St. www.elriosf.com

Jeremy Spreadums @ Nob Hill Theatre The muscled porn actor (see interview this issue) does solo strip shows (8pm) and sex shows with David Emblem (10pm). $25. Also Feb. 10. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

Latin Explosion @ Club 21 The popular Latin club includes drag shows, with gogo guys, drink specials and table reservations available. Feb. 9 features Paquita De La Barrio and gogo celebrity stud Trey Morrison. $10-$20. 10pm-3am. 2111 Franklin St., Oakland. club21oakland.com

Lick It @ Powerhouse Lance Holman's kinky sexy night, with DJ Blackstone. $5. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

House music and cocktails, with DJs Shareef Raheim-Jihad and Ellis Lindsey. 9pm-2am. 2120 Broadway. (510) 759-7340. www.club-bnb.com

Vivvy's Grand Opening @ The Stud

Comfort & Joy (the Burning Man queer party crew) hosts a love/dancefest of epic proportions, with DJs David Harness, Hil Huerta, Tomas Diablo and Trever Pearson, Chickpea's glam decor, stage shows, a passion pit. All are welcome; costumes, onesies, drag welcome, too (full clothes check available). $20-$50. 10pm-5am. 60 6th St. http://bit.ly/2GFPVTg

Heklina's popular drag show, with special guests and great music themes (No bachelorette parties admitted!) Feb 10 is Divas Live night, with special guest Chad Michaels (Cher impersonator). DJ MC2 plays grooves. $15. 10pm-3am (11:30pm show). 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

Ocean Film Fest Gala @ The Pearl Off the Reef, the 15th annual gala fundraiser benefitting SF International Ocean Film Festival (March 8-11), with silent auctions, dinner, drinks and DJ Bryce; hipster cocktail attire with sneakers encouraged. $250 and up. 5:30pm-10:30pm. 601 9th St. www.oceanfilmfest.org

VivvyAnne ForeverMore's wild drag night, with Hollow Eve, Dulce de Leche, Bobby Barnaby, Eartha Kunt. $10. 10pm-4am. 399 9th St. studsf.com

Sat 10 Bal Masque XV @ The Café Krewe de Kinque’s annual party, themed "Flight 420," includes lavish costumes, raffles, auctions, performances by Donna Sachet, Violinist Kippy Marks, Deana Dawn, John Weber, Mark Paladini, Kit Tapata, Cotton Candy, Lady Cuki Couture, Kelly Rose and guests, and a parade led by mayoral candidate Mark Leno; with DJ Sergio Fedasz. $40$50, $100 (VIP). Proceeds benefit the Larkin Street Youth Services. 5pm-9pm. 2369 Market St. mardigrassf. brownpapertickets.com/

Sat 10 Leandro Gonzales’ Tamale Time @ Oasis

On the Tab>>

The Playground @ Club BNB, Oakland Revamped night at the popular hip hop and Latin dance club. Feb. 10 is a Whitney Houston tribute and Valentine's party. $5-$15. 9pm to 3am. 2120 Broadway. (510) 759-7340. www.club-bnb.com

Rachel Lark & The Damaged Goods @ Brick and Mortar Enjoy a wild acrobatic night with the talented vocalist-songwriter, plus comics Wonder Dave and Kate Willet, acrobatic pole dancer Sean Michael Polaris, plus games and a feminist bachelor auction to raise funds for Planned Parenthood. $15$25. 9pm. 1710 Mission St. https:// brickandmortarmusic.com/

Soul Party @ Elbo Room DJs Lucky, Paul, and Phengren Osward spin 60s soul 45s. $5-$10 ($5 off in semi-formal attire). 10pm-2am. 647 Valencia St. 552-7788. elbo.com

Technoclam 03 @ The Stud

February 8-14, 2018 â&#x20AC;˘ Bay Area Reporter â&#x20AC;˘ 33

Polesexual @ The Stud Acrobatic vaudeville show, with a Shady Pines elder theme; DJ Dakota Pendant. $10 (free in drag) 10pm. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

Sunday's a Drag @ Starlight Room

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

Pillows @ Powerhouse

The weekly brunch and drag show with a panoramic view. $45. 11am, show at noon; 1:30pm, show at 2:30pm. 450 Powell St. www.starlightroomsf.com

Glamamore's crafts and drag night. 9pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

Sundies @ Lone Star Saloon

Sing-along night with talented locals, and charming accompanist Joe Wicht. 9pm. 4 Valencia St. at Market.

Underwear jock special event at the popular bear bar, with DJ Collin Bass. No cover, clothes check available, drink specials for the undiesclad. 8pm-2am. 1354 Harrison St. lonestarsf.com

Will Roland @ The Venetian Room

Piano Bar 101 @ Martuni's

Underwear Night @ 440 Strip down to your skivvies at the popular men's night. 9pm-2am. 440 Castro St. 621-8732. the440.com

Wed 14 Bottoms Up Bingo @ Hi Tops Play board games and win offbeat prizes at the popular sports bar. 9pm. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www. HiTopsSF.com

B.P.M. @ Club BnB, Oakland

Comedy Showcase @ SF Eagle

The Rocky Horror Picture Show @ UC Theatre, Berkeley

Kollin Holtz hosts the open mic comedy night. 5:30pm-8pm. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

The star of Broadway's Dear Evan Hansen performs his cabaret show, Loser Songs. $55. 5pm. Fairmont Hotel, 950 Mason St. bayareacabaret.org

At the Hop @ Oasis Enjoy '50s and '60s music at the new night, with drag acts, retro gear and poodle skirts encouraged. $5. 9pm2am. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

Fuego @ The Watergarden, San Jose Weekly DJed sex party with Latin videos and musics, free salsa bar, halfprice lockers, at the South Bay bath house. 4pm-12am. 1010 The Alameda, San Jose. thewatergarden.com

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

Weekly Latin night with drag shows hosted by Vicky Jimenez and DJ Carlitos. (Comedy Open Mic 5:30pm). 7pm-2am. 43 6th St. clubomgsf.com

GlamaZone @ The Cafe Pollo del Mar's weekly drag show takes on different themes with a comic edge. 8:30-11:30pm. 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com

John Oates with The Good Road Band @ Great American Music Hall One half of Hall and Oates performs a variety of songs and rock styles, featuring Sam Bush and Paul Franklin. $36-$61 (with dinner). 8pm. 859 O'Farrell St. slimspresents.com

Enjoy a Valentine's night screening of the campy scifi queer classic film adaptation of Richard O'Brien's musical, with the Barely Legal shadow cast, a costume contest, prizes and fun. $17-$27. 8pm. Taube Family Music Hall, 2036 University Ave., Berkeley. theuctheatre.org

Thu 15

Blessed @ Port Bar, Oakland

Domingo De Escandal @ Club OMG

Pan Dulce @ Beaux The hot weekly Latin dance night with drag divas and more, hosted by Amaya Blac and Delilah Befierce; Feb. 14 Selena tribute singer Karol Posadas, and Valentines gogo studs. $6. 9pm-2am (free before 10:30pm). 2344 Market St. www.clubpapi.com

Sun 11

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

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

Olga T and Shugga Shay's weekly queer women and men's R&B hip hop and soul night, at the club's new location. No cover. 8pm-2am. 2120 Broadway, Oakland. www.bench-and-bar.com

Techno dance night with DJs Anastasia Kristensen, Christina Chatfield, Qzen, and Experimental Housewife. $10. 9pm-4am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

Dirty Musical Sundays @ The Edge

Miss Kitty's Trivia Night @ Wild Side West

Ho is Life @ The Stud

Sat 10

DJ David Harness at Heart Throb @ Club Six

Mon 12 Epic Karaoke @ White Horse, Oakland Mondays and Tuesdays popular weekly sing-along night. No cover. 8:30pm-1am. 6551 Telegraph Ave, (510) 652-3820. whitehorsebar.com

Sex worker and pals' safe space to party. 10pm-2am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

Wed 14

Erykah Badu @ The Armory

Tue 13

Dick at Nite @ Moby Dick

High Fantasy @ Aunt Charlie's Lounge

Grace Towers' weekly drag show at the fun local bar. 9pm-12am. 4049 18th St. http://www.mobydicksf.com/

Weekly drag and variety show, with live acts and lip-synching divas. $5. Shows at 10:30pm & 12am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. auntcharlieslounge.com

Erykah Badu @ The Armory

Drag night with Mercedez Munro No cover. 10pm. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com

Open mic for women and queer comics, with host Irene Tu. 6pm-8pm. 4 Valencia St.

Four-time Grammy-winning soul singer-songwriter performs at the spacious venue, with Thundercat. $45-$99. 8:30pm. 333 14th St. http://www.sfarmory.com/

Musical Mondays @ The Edge

Naked Night @ Nob Hill Theatre

Follies & Dollies @ White Horse Bar, Oakland

Munro's at Midnight @ Midnight Sun

Sing along to shows tunes on video, lip-synched, and live, at the Castro bar. 4149 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com

Hysteria Comedy @ Martuni's

Strip down with the strippers at the clothing-optional night. $20. 9pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

Weekly drag show at the historic gay bar. 9:30pm-11:30pm. 6551 Telegraph Ave, (510) 652-3820. whitehorsebar.com

My So-Called Night @ Beaux Carnie Asada hosts a weekly '90s-themed video, dancin', drinkin' night, with VJs Jorge Terez. Get down with your funky bunch, and enjoy 90cent drinks. '90s-themed attire and costume contest. No cover. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

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

Thump @ White Horse, Oakland Weekly electro music night with DJ Matthew Baker and guests. 9pm-2am. 6551 Telegraph Ave, (510) 652-3820. www.whitehorsebar.com Want your nightlife event listed? Email events@ebar.com, at least two weeks before your event. Event photos welcome.

<< Feature

34 • Bay Area Reporter • February 8-14, 2018

Bananarama

From page 29

If you listened to pop radio or watched MTV during the 1980s, it was pretty much impossible to avoid the London-based trio, which plays the Warfield on February 21. Between 1982 and 1988, Sara Dallin (now 55), Siobahn Fahey (58) and Karen Woodward (56) released an impressive string of pop hits. Well before Madonna hit the scene, Bananarama’s music videos were among the first to featured scantily clad back-up boys dancing to songs with a taunting female-first attitude. The group’s 1986 signature song, a cover of “Venus,” went to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, repeating the success of the song’s original version by Shocking Blue, which topped the same chart in 1969. Other hits included “Cruel Summer,” “Really Saying Something,” “Love in the First Degree,” and “I Heard A Rumour.” But, remarkably for a group with major sales, airplay, and recognition factor, the trio never toured until last year. “I think it’s partly because we’re women that we never really

A recent glam shot of Bananarama

got out onto the road in the early years,” recalled Keren Woodward, in a recent conversation with the Bay Area Reporter. “The record companies felt they could get us enough exposure by

making videos and sending us on magazine photo shoots. They didn’t see a need to invest in us as a live act.” While the music industry has since gone topsy-turvy, it was only a few decades ago that most artists generated the bulk of their revenue from record and CD sales; for relatively young acts, most concert tours served as promotional vehicles more than as cash cows. But wait!, you protest! You’re sure you saw Bananarama play San Francisco back in the spring of 1989, at the very same venue where they’ll perform later this month. Well, sort of. After almost a decade of continual success, Bananarama’s record label deemed them ready for a Greatest Hits album and a major four-month world tour that would take them far beyond the U.K. to solidify their international fan base in Asia, Australia and the U.S. But before the restrospective album’s release came a Banana split: Siobahn Fahey left the group, married Dave Stewart (of Eurythmics) and moved to Los Angeles. The 1989 first-and-only Bananarama world tour went on nonetheless, with a new third member, Jacquie O’Sullivan, subbing for Fahey. (A slippery bit of Bananarama history: Six years prior, O’Sullivan and all of the original Bananarama members had appeared in a Eurythmics video: “Who’s That Girl?”). Fahey had first met childhood friends Dallin and Woodward when all three were studying at the Fashion College of London. Immersed in the early ‘80s music scene, they performed back up vocals for the likes of Iggy Pop and The Jam. Their tastes at the time were reflected to a degree in Bananarama’s spare early UK hits, including “Robert DeNiro’s Waiting” and “It Ain’t What You Do” (a collaboration with Fun Boy Three). But rather than being an extension of punk, Bananarama’s early

Bananarama in the 1980s.

sound reached back in music history to evoke American doo-wop and sassy 1960s girl groups. “When we started, we were not very slick and we looked very tomboyish,” recalls Woodward. “But even though we came out of the punk scene, I always thought of our music as pop.” By the time Fahey left the group, Bananarama was having its greatest worldwide chart success with songs recorded with Stock Aitken Waterman, the then-omnipresent dancepop production team (Rick Astley, Dead or Alive, Kylie Minogue). In describing her departure from the group to The Guardian, Fahey recalled: “Musically, we’d gone absolutely full-on pop at a time when I was feeling lost and dark and depressed in my life. I was obsessed with the Smiths.” Fahey went on to form Shakespears Sister, a decidedly darker (but still quite poppy) electro-soul act that had one huge hit with 1993’s Stay. Jacquie O’Sullivan left Bananarama after three years, one album and no hits to rival the original threesome’s (Technically an employee, with no creative input, O’Sullivan resented being viewed as an inauthentic stand-in by the group’s fans). Dallin and Woodward continued to record and appear as a duo under the Bananarama name. And though the pair’s later records never rivaled the popularity of the trio’s earliest smashes, they never tired of performing live and loved the energy they got from their fans. Over the years, the pair’s friendship with Fahey proved more enduring than Bananarama’s breakup. As time passed, the three ended up spending time together when schedules and geography allowed, and provided emotional support in times of need: Dallin divorced her husband, a former Bananarama back-up dancer; Fahey and Dave Stewart split after six years of marriage; Woodward ended a 25-year relationship with ex-

Wham! man Andrew Ridgeley. In the summer of 2015, during a casual girls’ night of drinking and reminiscing, the three began singing and dancing around Fahey’s kitchen. “I said to Siobahn that I really wished she had experienced the joy of singing our songs together for our fans,” says Woodward. “They were her records too, and she never got to feel that amazing energy from the audiences.” Thus began the hatching of a plan for a one-time UK victory lap to celebrate Bananarama’s 35th anniversary in 2017 and to finally give Fahey a taste of Bananamania. “It was phenomenal,” recalls Woodward of the unexpectedly feverish response to their “Original Lineup Tour” announcement. Seven additional shows were added to a largely sold-out 15-concert sprint through England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales in November and December. Fans flew in to shows from across Europe and even the U.S. “I actually feel a bit guilty,” says Woodward. “We really did think we were only going to tour the U.K. when we announced it and loads of people came from abroad because they thought it would be a one-time opportunity.” But as popular demand would have it, the trio ended up booking this month’s gigs in Los Angeles, Toronto, and New York along with some European festival shows this summer. No further touring or recording plans have been announced, but at this point, Woodward doesn’t rule anything out. “It’s not like we need to do this for the money,” she says. “But it’s just been so much fun.” “When we first announced this,” Woodward remembers. “I thought the shows could very well be a series of girls-and-gays nights out. But I’ve been astonished at the mix. I mean yes, at Hammersmith Odeon, and I expect San Francisco, the first 20 rows were all gay men; but we’ve got husbands and wives coming, and even bringing their kids.” “I should have known,” Woodward continues. “I grew up in a household where my parents were always playing Frank Sinatra, and I came to love that music as much as my own music.” So what are the women of Bananarama listening to these days? “Well,” says Woodward. “We used to love going out dancing together, so we play some old funk and disco to get in the mood backstage before shows. ‘Brick House’ by the Commodores is a big one for us.” “But to be honest, for myself, in the car, I’m mostly into audiobooks. That makes me sound dreadfully old, but I don’t care. I find it very soothing.”t See Bananamarama at The Warfield, February 21 at 8pm. $39.50-$55. 982 Market St. thewarfieldtheatre.com

Cabaret>>

February 8-14, 2018 • Bay Area Reporter • 35

Mary Wilson

The Supreme singer performs at Feinstein’s

Risher Mary Wilson

by David-Elijah Nahmod

he incomparable Mary Wilson, a founding member of Diana Ross and The Supremes, makes her debut at Feinstein’s at the Nikko on February 16. The chanteuse will be singing familiar Supremes classics as well as tunes from the Great American Songbook. “In most of the shows I sing a good amount of the Supremes’ hits, as well as some of my favorite top hits of other artists,” Wilson tells Bay Area Reporter. “I don’t want to give it away as song selections change all of the time.” San Francisco has long been a staple on Wilson’s touring schedule. “As a Supreme, I have performed in San Francisco many times, mostly at the famous Fairmont Hotel,” she said. “I have performed at the York Hotel where I recorded my first American song book CD called, Up Close. I still have many very close friends there whom I visit often. I love the city.” She shared her most memorable San Francisco experience. “Someone broke into our designer’s studio in the late 1960s and stole the jackets of one of our most famous suits,” she said. “That I will always remember.” It was in 1963 that The Supremes scored “When the Lovelights Start Shining Through His Eyes,” their

first hit. This was followed by a string of top sellers. Songs like “Baby Love” and “Where Did Our Love Go” cemented the girl group as superstars. Wilson remained with the group until 1977, long after co-founders Diana Ross and Florence Ballard had departed. She is in fact the longest serving member of the group. During her post Supremes years, Wilson found success as a solo concert performer. She has released a number of CDs –she is currently working on a new disc– and wrote two best-selling autobiographies. Her achievements are many. In 2003 she was named U.S. Cultural Ambassador by then-Secretary of State Colin Powell.

Above: Mary Wilson Below: The Supremes in the 1960s.

“It was an honor being asked by Colin Powell to be an American Cultural Ambassador,” Wilson recalls. “I had the opportunity to travel the world all over again in this position, meeting with people in various governments like the presidents of African countries. To speak with children there about AIDS and the epidemic and its effect on people all over the world; it was truly an honor to be in such a role.” Wilson, along with her Supremes comrades, have also been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. “The Supremes’ legacy for me is hard to define,” said Wilson. “I would venture to say that the music and the clamor would be what the world saw. But for Black America, the subtitle is the inspiration of our achievements. African-Americans opened their eyes to see three Black girls of color on The Ed Sullivan TV show; in all their beauty. That was so new to the American culture. Americans sat in front of their TV sets to watch colored people with their entire families. It was truly a miracle, almost like Obama becoming the first Black president of the U.S.” Wilson is also involved in the fight to stop musical artists’ work from being stolen. “The Truth in Music bill has been passed in more than 30 states,” she says with pride. “This bill is to stop impostors from using the names of famous groups as their own. This movement was started by me and many other artists like The Drifters. We lobbied on Capitol Hill. As our nation speaks of identity theft, we the music makers speak of the theft of our music and famous names; our plight is the same only in a musical sense.” Above all, Wilson considers her family to be her proudest achievement, saying, “Having my children was the icing on the cake as a woman.”t Mary Wilson performs at Feinstein’s at the Nikko, Friday February 16 at 8pm. $48.75$85 ($20 food/drink min.). Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. www.feinsteinsatthenikko.com

Playmates and soul mates...

San Francisco:

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

<< Arts Events

36 • Bay Area Reporter • February 8-14, 2018

ArtsFebruary Events 8-15

Otra Mas: 40 Years of Carnaval in San Francisco @ MOAD

Be Not Still: Living in Uncertain Times @ diRose Center for Art, Napa

Performance and celebration of Mardi Gras, featuring dance companies and party crewes, 6pm-9pm. $5-$10. Feb 10: Engage: Beyond Feathers & Glitter, a symposium on Carnaval culture; $25-$55. 10am-5pm. Also, the exhibit En Mas’: Carnaval and Performance Art of the Caribbean, thru Mar. 4. 685 Mission St. www.moadsf.org

Group exhibit of conceptual art that explores the dangers of contemporary times and ideas, with Rigo 23, Allison Smith, Ala Ebtekar, and Dodie Bellamy & Kevin Killian showcase works that represent fear and foreboding. Thru May 27. 200 Sonoma (Carneros) Highway, Napa. dirosaart.org

A Rap on Race @ Oakland Metro Opera House

plifting dance concerts, thrilling organ recitals with pizzaz, and stirring exhibits feature in arts events this week.

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

Thu 8 The multi-Tony-winning musical about the Mormon Church, written and composed by the South Park guys, returns. $80-$246. Thru Mar. 4. 1192 Market St. http:// bookofmormonbroadway.com/ https://www.shnsf.com

Call Me By Your Name @ Bay Area Cinemas The gay-themed film (with four Oscar nominations) plays at Alamo Drafthouse, 2550 Mission St.; Embarcadero Center, 1 Embarcadero; AMC Van Ness 14, 100 Van Ness Ave.; Kabuki 8, 1881 Post St. and other theaters.

Otra Mas: 40 Years of Carnaval in San Francisco @ MOAD

Queer Ancestors Project @ Strut

Beach Blanket Babylon @ Club Fugazi

Queer youth exhibition of art about LGBTQ pioneers. 4709 Castro St. http://strutsf.org/

Feb 8: A. J. Lees on his William S. Burroughs book, Mentored by a Madman, 7pm. Feb 14: Joyce Carol Oates, 7pm. 261 Columbus Ave. www.citylights.com

The musical comedy revue celebrates its 43th year with an ever-changing lineup of political and pop culture icons, all in gigantic wigs. $25-$160. Beer/ wine served; cash only; 21+, except where noted. Wed-Fri 8pm. Sat 6pm & 9pm. Sun 2pm & 5pm. 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd. (Green St.). 421-4222. beachblanketbabylon.com

SF Independent Film Fest @ Roxie, Victoria Theaters

Brass Mafia @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko

29th annual festival of 33 features and 51 short films, including classic French noir, a documentary tribute to Dennis Hopper, and parties. $15$200 (full filmfest pass). Thru Feb 15. Roxie, 3117 16th St.; Victoria, 2961 16th St. www.sfindie.com

Celebrate Mardi Gras with the energetic New Orleans jazzinfused band, featuring vocalist Yvette Pylant, at the intimate elegant nightclub. $22.50-$50 ($20 food/drink min.) Feb 9 & 10, 8pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. feinsteinsatthenikko.com

Readings @ City Lights Bookstore

The Book of Mormon @ Orpheum Theatre

Fri 9

Born Yesterday @ SF Playhouse Garson Kanin’s 1946 comedy gets a stylish revival at the downtown company’s stage. $35$60. Thru Mar. 10. 450 Post St. sfplayhouse.org

Cameron Carpenter @ SF Jazz The celebrated keyboardist performs pop and classical music with a twist, on his International Touring Organ. $30-$75. Thu-Sat 7:30pm. Sun 2pm. Thru Feb 11. 201 Franklin St. sfjazz.org

Megabytes the Musical @ Shelton Theater

Classic & New Films @ Castro Theatre Feb 7 & 8: Oscar nominee Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (4:30, 7pm, 9:30) Feb 9-11: Cameron Carpenter @ SF Jazz Berlin & Beyond Film Festival. Feb 12 & 13: Lady Bird (5pm, 7pm, 9:15). Feb 14-16: Phantom Thread Show Us Your Spines (7pm) and I Know Where @ SF Public Library I’m Going (5pm, 9:20). Radar Reading’s writer residency $11-$16. 429 Castro St. reading by Queer People of www.castrotheatre.com Color, with Yolandi Cruz, Thea Matthews, Natalia Vigil and Jamil Dance Lovers Moises. Free. 6pm. James Hormel @ CounterPulse Center, 3rd floor, 100 Larkin St. James Graham Dance Theatre’s radarproductions.org seventh annual concert of seven

Thu 8

fascinating unusual duets, this year includes a new duet between choreographer Graham and his mother. $18-$38. Thu-Sat 8pm. 80 Turk St. counterpulse.org

Dennis Conkin @ Tenderloin Museum Color is Pure Feeling, the local artist and former B.A.R. journalist’s exhibit of vibrant abstract paintings. Thru Mar. 31. 398 Eddy St. tenderloinmuseum.org

A Fatal Step @ The Marsh Jill Vice’s solo show about a hardboiled detective, told by a femme fatale. $20-$100. Thu 8pm, Sat 8:30pm. Thru Mar. 3. 1062 Valencia St. www.themarsh.org

Fri 9 Angel Davis: OUTspoken @ GLBT History Museum Opening reception for a new exhibit of art and ephemera about the historic lesbian activist and scholar. $5. 7pm-9pm. Feb 15: We’ha: The Life & Times of a Traditional Zuni Two-Spirit, an illustrated talk with historian Will Roscoe (The Zuni-Man Woman). $5. 7pm. Also, Faces of the Past: Queer Lives in Northern California Before 1930, part of the Queer Past Becomes Present main exhibit. $5. 4127 18th St. glbthistory.org

Morris Bobrow’s comedy song revue about the frustrations of technology. $25-$30. Fri & Sat 8pm thru Mar. 3. 533 Sutter St. megabytesthemusical. com

ODC/Dance @ Grace Cathedral KT Nelson’s site-specific work, Path of Miracles, is performed with a choir. 7:30pm. Also Feb 10. 1100 California St.odcdance.org

Older and Out @ North Berkeley Senior Center Weekly group discussion about problems for elders in the LGBT community. 3:15pm. 1901 Hearst Ave., Berkeley. pacificcenter.org

Thu 8 James Graham Dance Theatre’s Dance Lovers @ CounterPulse

Cal Performances presents Spectrum Dance Theater performing choreographer Donald Byrd and actor-playwright Anna Deavere Smith’s theater-dance work based on the lengthy historic discussion between gay Black author James Baldwin and white anthropologist Margaret Mead. $54-$68. 8pm. Feb 10, 2pm & 8pm. 522 2nd St., Oakland. calperformances.org

Reel to Reel @ Magic Theatre World premiere of writer-director John Kolvenbach’s play about an elderly couple’s recorded and forgotten memories. $35$80. Tue 7pm, Wed-Sat 8pm. Sun 2:30pm. Thru Feb 25. Fort Mason, 2 Marina Blvd., Bldg D, 3rd floor. MagicTheatre.org

Constructed Communication @ Museum of Craft and Design Dogpatch warehouse is a museum store, gallery and program space. Tom Loeser’s Please Please Please (artistic unique furniture) and T.W. Five (vinyl murals). Thru May 20. Mon-Fri 9:30am-5:30pm. 2569 Third St. 773-0303. www.sfmcd.org

Ida Lupino Films @ Berkeley Art Museum/ Pacific Film Archive Screenings of films starring the innovative actress who wrote, produced and directed films in the ‘40s and ‘50s. $5-$13. Thru Feb 24. 2155Center St., Berkeley. bampfa.org

Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Jonathan Biss @ Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley The acclaimed pianist performs piano concertos by Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Haydn, Ravel, Timo Andres and Salvatore Sciarrino with the orchestra, and Tsontakis’ O Mikros, O Megas ; 3 programs. $48-$86. 8pm. Also Feb 10, 8pm & 11, 3pm. Bancroft Way at Dana, UC Berkeley campus. calperformances.org

Still at Risk @ NCTC Tim Pinckley’s new play explores the hazards of rewriting an AIDS activist’s past as he tries to move forward. Pre- and post-show panels and events. $35-$45. Wed-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm. Thru Feb 25. 25 Van Ness Ave, lower level. www.nctcsf.org

Widowers’ Houses @ Aurora Theatre, Berkeley Aurora Theatre Company’s production of George Bernard Shaw’s 1892 comic satire romance and villains. $33-$65. Tue, Wed Sun 7pm. Thu-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm. Thru Feb. 25. 2081 Addison St., Berkeley. http://www.auroratheatre.org

Sat 10 Anansi, an African Folktale @ NCTC Youth Theatre production of Stephanie Temple’s new twist on the magical folk story about the trickster spider god. $10-$15. Sat & Sun 2pm & 4pm. thru Feb. 18. 25 Van Ness Ave, lower level. www.nctcsf.org

Fri 9 Angel Davis: OUTspoken @ GLBT History Museum

Miya Ando @ Nancy Toomey Gallery Oborozuki (Moon Obscured by Clouds), the artist’s evocative exhibit of paint-on-aluminum depictions of clouds. Thru Feb 22. 1275 Minnesota St. nancytoomeyfineart.com

Object Action: The ‘F’ Word in a Post-Truth Era @ State Collect for Change’s politicallythemed multimedia group feminist response to the current political climate, featuring Ana Teresa Fernández, Chitra Ganesh, Michelle Hartney, Angela Hennessy, Nadja Verena Marcin, Sanaz Mazinani, and Michele Pred. and other events, too. Thru Feb 16. 1295 Alabama St. akart.com/collect-for-change

Our Great Tchaikovsky @ Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts Hershey Felder’s solo show about the life of the Russian composer, one of his many piano-biography theatre works. $40-$100. Tue-Wed 7:30pm. Fri-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm. Thru Feb. 11. 500 Castro St., Mountain View. mountainview.gov

Skate Night @ Church on 8 Wheels Wheeled fun at the former Sacred Heart Church-turned disco roller skate party space, hosted by John D. Miles, including Saturday’s Black Rock night (Burning Man garb encouraged). 7pm-10pm. Sat afternoon sessions 1pm-2pm and 3pm-5pm. $10. Kids 12 and under $5. Skate rentals $5. 554 Fillmore St at Fell. churchof8wheels.com

Arts Events>>

February 8-14, 2018 • Bay Area Reporter • 37

Mon 12 David Spiher @ Strut The gay artist’s exhibit of compelling portraits and figure paintings. Thru Feb. 470 Castro St. www.strutsf.org

Fantasy Life @ SF City Hall Tabitha Soren’s 15-year project photographing Oakland A’s players through their careers. Extended thru March 23. Ground Floor & North Light Court. sfartscommission.org

Looking Through the Lens @ Diane Wilsey Center for Opera

Sat 10

Skeleton Crew @ Marin Theatre Company, Mill Valley

Skeleton Crew @ Marin Theatre Co., Mill Valley

Casanova: The Seduction of Europe @ Legion of Honor

Bay Area premiere of Dominique Morisseau’s play about workers at a Detroit plant who have to make tough decisions to survive. $25-$44. Thru Feb 18. 397 Miller Ave., Mill Valley. marintheatre.org

See Rococo finery in an 80-work tour of paintings, furniture and lavish objects. Thru May 28. Also, Séraphin Soudbinine, Lynn Hershman Leeson, Framing the Body, Mummies and Medicine and other exhibits. Free/$30. Lincoln Park, 100 34th Ave. legionofhonor.famsf.org

Sweeney Todd @ San Jose Stephen Sondheim’s wickedly amazing musical about a serial-killing barber gets a local production. $32-$72. Wed-Thu 7:30pm. Fri-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm. Thru March 18. 490 South First St., San Jose. thestage.org

Tender Life @ Tenderloin Museum Tender Life: Graphic and Ceramic Memories of Tenderloin Living, 1999-2004, a group exhibit of contemporary ceramic and other works by Holly Coley and others. 398 Eddy St. tenderloinmuseum.org

The Third Muslim @ SOMArts Cultural Center Queer and Trans Muslim Narratives of Resistance and Resilience, a group exhibition with performances, curated by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Yas Ahmed. Reg hours Tue-Fri 12pm7pm; Sat 12pm-5pm. Thru Feb 22. 934 Brannan St. www.somarts.org

Various Exhibits @ NIAD Art Center, Richmond Exhibits of art by visiting professionals, and art made by developmentally disabled people. Mon-Fri 10am-4pm. 551 23rd St. Richmond. (510) 620-0290. niadart.org

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

Sun 11 The Art and Science of Pinball @ Chabot Space & Science Museum, Alameda New exhibit of 35 pinball machine, historic early versions, models, diagrams and demos. $5-$15. 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. chabotspace.org

Ecstatic Dance @ Sacred Heart Church Weekly group freeform dance with a spiritual flavor at the former church-turned event space. $15. 9am-12pm. Also Wed. and Fridays in Oakland and Fairfax. 554 Fillmore St. ecstaticdance.org

Isaac Julien’s Playtime @ Fort Mason Trio of video installations by the award-winning British artist. Free. Wed-Sat, 12pm-8pm; Sunday, 11am-5pm. Thru Feb 11. Gallery 308, FMCAC Visitor Center, SFAI Gray Box Gallery. 1 Marina Blvd. fortmason.org/event/playtime

Magnificent Magnolias @ SF Botanical Garden Visit the lush gardens for winter Magnolia displays, plus many other trees and plants. Free with SF proof of residency. $5-$10 for others. 7:30am-closing. 9th Ave at Lincoln Way. sfbotanicalgarden.org

OutLook Video @ Channel 29 The weekly LGBT TV show, with updates on current events. 9:30pm. www.outlookvideo.org

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

Question Bridge @ Oakland Museum Question Bridge: Black Men, a video installation with 160 Black American men discussing important current themes of race and class (thru Feb 25). Other exhibits about local art and natural history. Friday night events, too. $7-$16. Wed-Sun 11am5pm (til 9pm Fridays). 1000 Oak St., Oakland. www.museumca.org

The Glory of San Francisco Opera, Past and Present, an exhibit of historic productions photos from the San Francisco Opera’s many productions. Free. Mon-Fri 9am6pm. Veteran’s Building, 401 Van Ness Ave. www.sfopera.com

William Blake in Color @ William Blake Gallery

Unearthed @ California Academy of Sciences Exhibits and planetarium shows with various live, interactive and installed exhibits about animals, plants and the earth; new exhibit, From Stone Age to Space Age, showcases minerals through time. Special events each week, with adult nightlife parties many Thursday nights. $20-$35. Mon-Sat 9:30am5pm. Sun 11am-5pm. 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. 379-8000. www.calacademy.org

Various Events @ Oakland LGBTQ Center Social events and meetings at the new LGBTQ center include film screenings and workshops, including Bruthas Rising, trans men of color meetings, 4th Tuesdays, 6:30pm. Film screenings, 4th Saturdays, 7:30pm. Game nights, Fridays 7:30pm-11pm. Vogue sessions, first Saturdays. 3207 Lakeshore Ave. Oakland. oaklandlgbtqcenter.org

Exhibit of the artist’s collage portraits of African American girls. Thru March 17. 464 Sutter St. jenkinsjohnsongallery.com

Roger Guenveur Smith’s solo show about the 19th-century Black activist. $15-$25. 8pm. Odell Johnson Performing Arts Center, 900 Fallon St., Oakland. bit.ly/2Ek0Dk3

Lucia Berlin: Stories @ Z Below Word for Word’s staging of short stories by the acclaimed late author. $20-$75. Wed-Thu 7pm. Fri-Sat 8pm, Sun 3pm. Thru Mar. 11. 470 Florida St. www.zspace.org

Opera Paralléle @ SF Jazz

The Rocky Horror Picture Show @ UC Theatre, Berkeley

Perfectly Queer @ Dog Eared Books

Tue 13 Deborah Roberts @ Jenkins Johnson Gallery

Voice of the Central City @ Tenderloin Museum Exhibit about the history of The Tenderloin Times. Thru Mar. 30. Reg hours Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. Free-$10. 398 Eddy St. tenderloinmuseum.org

Smile! The Comics of Raina Telgemeier @ Cartoon Art Museum

Enjoy a Valentine’s night screening of the campy scifi queer classic film adaptation of Richard O’Brien’s musical, with the Barely Legal shadow cast, a costume contest, prizes and fun. $17-$27. 8pm. Taube Family Music Hall, 2036 University Ave., Berkeley. theuctheatre.org

Thu 15 Comedy Returns @ El Rio Enjoy wit and wisdom with Kurt Weitzmann, Francesca Fiorentini, Nathan Habib, Victor Escobedo, and Lisa Geduldig. $7-$20. 7pm. 3158 Mission St. elriosf.com

Various Exhibits @ The Beat Museum Enjoy exhibits, a bookstore and gift shop that celebrates the era of ‘beatnik’ literature (Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, William S. Burroughs, etc.), with frequent readings, walking tours and other events in North Beach. $5-$8. Daily 10am-7pm. 540 Broadway www.kerouac.com

New exhibit of works by the awardwinning author and illustrator of graphic novels, at the museum’s new location. Free/$10. Thu-Tue 11am5pm. 781 Beach St. Thru Mar. 20. cartoonart.org

Traces of the Past & Future @ Asian Art Museum Fu Shen’s Painting and calligraphy, thru Sept. Many other exhibits of sculpture and antiquities. Free-$20. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. 200 Larkin St. www.asianart.org

Frederick Douglas Now @ Laney College, Oakland

Hormel at 20: Celebrating Our Past/Creating Our Future, a dual exhibit of archival materials celebrating two decades of the LGBTQ collections. 100 Larkin St., 3rd floor, and at the Eureka Valley Branch, 1 Jose Sarria Court at 16th St. sfpl.org

Deborah Roberts @ Jenkins Johnson Gallery

Exhibit of multimedia art by members of the Center’s Youth Program. 1800 Market St. www.sfcenter.org

All That Glitters is Gold, a new exhibit of the Bay Area sculptor’s amazing whimsical toy-assemblages. Thru mid-Feb. 766 Valencia St. paxtongate.com/index

Queerest Library Ever @ SF Public Libraries

Tue 13

The Rose That Grew From Concrete @ LGBT Center

Bernadette Bohan @ Paxton Gate

Leonard Bernstein’s Trouble in Tahiti and Jake Heggie’s At the Statue of Venus are performed. $30-$170. 7:30pm. Thru feb 18. 201 Franklin St. www.sfjazz.org

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

Valentine’s romance with authors Anna Pulley ( The Lesbian Sex Haiku Book, with Cats!), Meg Elison ( The Book of the Unnamed Midwife ), and Monica Nolan ( Lesbian Landlady); Wayne Goodman and Richard May cohost. 7pm. 489 Castro St. www.dogearedbooks.com

Wed 14

Fri 9

A Rap on Race @ Oakland Metro Opera House

To submit event listings, email events@ebar.com. Deadline is each Thursday, a week before publication.

<< XXX Interview

38 • Bay Area Reporter • February 8-14, 2018

Jeremy Spreadums reveals all

I look for a man who has experience being a top and a bottom. I look for passionate, humble, and genuine men with whom I can connect. What do you want tops to understand about bottoms? It takes a moment, after inserting a cock into someone’s butthole, for the muscles to relax. I’d like tops to understand this and remember it every time they slide inside someone. Count to ten and slowly insert, then you may plow as much as you’d like.

Above and Right: Jeremy Spreadums

by Cornelius Washington

t is rare to meet someone so fully integrated with their sexuality, sensuality, intelligence and concern for his LGBTQ community. We’re talking about Jeremy Spreadums, a man with a gold medal body, a flawless complexion, a cover model face, who is willing to show how you how it all works together in the genre of gay male pornography. The Nob Hill Theatre has him

this weekend for a series of shows featuring unadulterated, blatant masculinity. With his beautiful costud David Emblem, the evolution of man-to-man sex will be on full display. The Bay Area Reporter has the full scoop. Cornelius Washington: These are your first performances at The Nob Hill Theater. What are you most looking forward to? Jeremy Spreadums: I think a live

performance will be far more intimate with an audience and I’m looking forward to being able to be sensual, feel sexy, and get naughty up close and personal.

I grew up in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale and gay men there are direct, spicy, and sensual and that went hand-in-hand with my personality and how open I am to sexuality.

When and why did you begin performing live, and what do live sex shows do for you? This is my first live performance ever, so, to be honest, I’m a bit nervous, but, after I get warmed up on stage, the energy from a live show will keep me pumped.

How and why did you get into the porn industry? I was 21 and started doing artistic nude photo shoots. I created a Model Mayhem account and was scouted a few months later by Sean Cody. The rest is gay porn history. What’s surprised you most about the industry, etc? My first shoot: the closet of dildos in the prep room. I’d never seen so many sex toys in one room in my entire life (at the time). Longevity in the industry is rare. How have you maintained your career? I’d have to say it’s been due to a combination of physical maturation in appearance, like my face and muscle mass, and involvement in social media like Twitter, Instagram, and my YouTube channel.

What makes for a spectacular live sexual performance? Sensual music, eye contact with the audience, sexy costumes and I recommend practicing a routine beforehand. Who are your fantasy live sex partners? This is not an easy question to answer, since there are so many, but I will narrow it down to Francois Sagat, Javi Velaro, Stas Landon, Adam Russo and Valentino Medici. You grew up in Florida. How did your upbringing affect how you embraced your sexuality?

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Your personality is very bubbly. How do you avoid becoming jaded? I like to do things that ground me like watch comedy shows and films that represent problems people deal with in comical ways. I also have an app that has daily motivational quotes to keep me perked up. If I feel down (like the majority of the population), I like to let it out. I watch a sad film or a drama to get emotions out, I write it out in a journal or sing a song that matches the emotions I feel that could get me down and jaded. What have you done privately that you can’t wait to do onscreen? Double penetration, car sex and getting banged on a sling. What have you done in porn that scared you at first, but, now, you love? I was afraid my butthole wouldn’t go back to normal if I took on a huge cock. After working with Jason Vario (huge mother*cking cock), I love a huge cock because I know I can take it. When and why did you decide to begin barebacking in your films? I started in porn with barebackonly films and was more comfortable knowing accurate testing is done prior to any bareback scene. Financially, it is more ideal as a performer and that was a big factor in bareback for me. Who have been your favorite scene partners thus far, and why? Again, not an easy answer! My favorite has been Damien Stone thus far, because he was ready to get dirty as soon as we arrived on set. I also think he’s hot (woof) and he’s got a fantastic everything. What do you look for in a man when you bottom?

What led you to create your YouTube gay male sex education channel? I’m currently enrolled in a Master’s of Science in clinical psychology program, with a major in sex therapy. Many gay men today did not get the “birds and bees” talk from those who cared for them while young and could you even imagine your dad giving you tips on how to sexually please another man? Awkward. The show has two purposes: 1. To educate gay men in fun ways on sex topics that can improve their sex lives and, 2. I will be using statistical data from the channel based on viewer ratings, feedback and popularity, based on view numbers to compare it with current LGBT views on gay sexuality and education. Outside of porn, what are your other careers? I work as a surgical tech for eye surgery and am in the operating room a few days out of the week. I’m currently enrolled in an MS in Clinical Psychology program to become a sex therapist. How do you maintain your toned physique? It’s hard, but I try my best to monitor what I eat. Your diet is probably 70% of the reason that you look the way you do and feel the way you do, so I balance fruits, veggies, and lean protein. I also lift 3-4 times a week and do cardio 3-4 times a week for 30 minutes. How do you maintain your flawless complexion (products, methods, etc.)? It’s funny, I actually just released an episode on “Sex-Ready Skin.” I make sure to wash my face morning, night and before a workout. I use a witch hazel toner after cleansing and use two oil-free moisturizers (one with SPF for daytime and one without for night time). To combat any blemishes, I use a mint face mask three times a week. Finally, what do you want to say to the LGBT community, and have them understand about you? I want to be understood as a gay man who is career-oriented and who is also a performer to a unique and misunderstood industry that encourages sexual expression and exploration through visual representation. I have big plans on being involved in the LGBT community through the field of clinical psychology and sex therapy.t

Read more with Jeremy Spreadums at www.ebar.com/bartab Jeremy Spreadums on Twitter: twitter.com/jeremyspreadums Jeremy on YouTube: https:/ www.youtube.com/channel/ UCpTomo4ueEe_9UPb5LezslA Cornelius Washington’s Erotic Fetish Photography: http://www.cuirphoto.com

Shining Stars>>

February 8-14, 2018 • Bay Area Reporter • 39

Shining Stars

Photos by Steven Underhill

Sue per Bowl @ Oasis

ue Casa hosted an intimate viewing party of the PatriotsEagles football sportsing show on Feb. 4, where both Tom Brady and Justin Timberlake tanked. Festivities kept the fans going, along with nonstop nachos, dip and a bit of makeshift drag. Oasis, 298 11th St. https://sfoasis.com/ See plenty more photos on BARtab’s Facebook page, facebook.com/lgbtsf.nightlife. See more of Steven Underhill’s photos at StevenUnderhill.com.