July 8, 2021 Edition of the Bay Area Reporter, America's highest circulation LGBTQ newspaper.

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Out SFPD commander up for chief’s job in Nebraska

Courtesy SFPD

SFPD Commander Teresa Ewins

by John Ferrannini

T

he highest-ranking out member of the San Francisco Police Department has been nominated as the next chief of police for the Lincoln Police Department in Nebraska, where, if confirmed, she will be the first female and first out LGBTQ chief.

Police Commander Teresa Ewins, a lesbian who is a 26-year veteran of SFPD, was the first woman to head the Tenderloin police station, as the Bay Area Reporter noted in a 2015 article when she was named its captain.

Ewins, 55, was one of four finalists for the Nebraska position, and was endorsed by the Lincoln Journal Star newspaper and the Lincoln Police Union, according to a June 29 SFPD news release.

She was selected as part of a “participatory, community-based interview process,” according to the news release.

SFPD Chief William Scott stated that Ewins’ appointment is “bittersweet” for the department.

“As much as we will miss Teresa, we couldn’t be happier for our colleague,” Scott stated in the release. “Assuming her nomination is confirmed by the Lincoln City Council, I have every confidence that Lincoln’s residents, visitors, and police department members will be extraordinarily well served by Chief Ewins’ commitment to the principles of 21st century policing and her tireless dedication to those she is sworn to protect and serve.”

Ewins was nominated by Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, according to a report from WOWT-TV, an NBC-affiliate station in Omaha.

“Stakeholders in the search process, including street officers, command staff, and community members, agree that she is the right leader for this role,” Baird wrote on Twitter.

Ewins currently is the field operations bureau head for the Metro division, overseeing some 900 sworn officers at Central Station, Southern Station, Mission Station, Northern Station, Tenderloin Station, the Alcohol Licensing Unit, the Serial Inebriate Program, Special Events, Transfers/Payroll, SF Main Library security, Homeless Outreach, Police Law Enforcement Services (PLES) and the Entertainment Commission liaison.

(There are also Golden Gate and investigation divisions, which with the Metro division comprise SFPD’s Field Operations Bureau.)

“A valued member of the San Francisco Police Department’s command staff, Commander Ewins has been instrumental in leading groundbreaking reforms toward bias-free policing, serving as an executive sponsor on bias-related recommendations that emerged from SFPD’s voluntary, comprehensive Collaborative Reform Initiative to fulfill the promise of 21st century policing,” the release states.

Before heading up Tenderloin station, See page 4 >>

Vol. 51 • No. 27 • July 8-14, 2021

SF judge recognizes 2004 samesex marriage state court voided

by John Ferrannini

A

San Francisco Superior Court judge found that one of the parties to a 2004 marriage between two lesbians that had been declared null and void by the state nonetheless qualifies as a “putative” spouse.

The tentative decision in Hernandez v. King, made June 25 by Judge Victor M. Hwang, holds that because Cynthia Hernandez “had a good faith subjective belief that her marriage was valid” from 2004 to 2020, she qualifies as a putative spouse.

To be a putative spouse under state law, one part of a couple must have had a good faith belief the marriage was valid. It does not necessarily have to be a reasonable belief, Hwang’s decision states. According to Valerie F. Horn, an attorney for respondent June King, this doctrine is normally used in situations relating to common law marriages (that is, those not solemnized) in which one of the partners has died.

“A man is with a woman, and one of them makes a claim for death benefits for the deceased partner,” Horn said, explaining the majority of putative spouse cases. “They lived together, shared property... . A person says, ‘I’m the spouse.’”

Rick Gerharter

Same-sex couples lined up outside San Francisco City Hall in February 2004 waiting to wed. Those marriages were later voided by the California Supreme Court.

The court battle came about after Hernandez filed for a dissolution of marriage in early 2020, which Horn said was with hopes of getting community property and spousal support. The two lived together until 2019.

“King filed a request to dismiss, because there was no valid marriage per Lockyer,” Horn said.

In its 2004 decision in the case of Lockyer v.

San Francisco, the California Supreme Court ruled that the city lacked the authority to issue the marriage licenses to people of the same sex and ordered the city to notify all those who’d See page 11 >>

Highlands Resort to LGBTQs: 'Keep your pants on'

by John Ferrannini

N

ot everyone is happy with the changes that have come to the Highlands Resort in Guerneville – perhaps the most visible of which is the new requirement that the pool area is no longer clothing optional.

“So keep your pants on ... it’s going to be a fun new adventure,” part of the resort’s online “About Us” section reads on its website. “(No really, keep your pants on. In an effort to be more inclusive, we are no longer clothing optional.)

We are, however, very excited to see your new bathing suits. We can’t wait to see you!”

The resort changed hands in June after having been run by Lynette and Ken McLean for 26 years.

New co-owner Crista Luedtke, a lesbian who has been a longtime Russian River entrepreneur, told the Bay Area Reporter that the change went into effect June 1 for insurance reasons. Luedtke owns boon eat + drink on Main Street, boon hotel + spa on Armstrong Woods Road, is a partner in El Barrio Bar, also on Main Street, and was a co-founder of Big Bottom Market on Main Street, though she is no longer affiliated with that business.

Keeping the resort clothing optional would have “made the insurance policy much more expensive,” Luedtke said. “Several declined to bid as a result.”

Luedtke said that the new owners had inquired with “probably four or five” insurance companies. When asked by how much the rates would have gone up, she said that she did not know, but referred the B.A.R. to her business partner, Christian Strobel, a longtime hotelier and the founder of Basecamp Hotels, who she said handled the issue.

Strobel stated in an email to the B.A.R. that four companies refused a bid.

“Insurance companies initially refused to bid on our project citing the clothing optional element as a reason to insure as it raises the risk of ‘improper sexual conduct and sexual harassment,’ a liability for any business,” Strobel stated. “Not sure I necessarily agree, but I

Courtesy CABeaches

The Highlands Resort in Guerneville has new owners and has rescinded its clothing optional pool policy.

am not an underwriter.”

Strobel gave insurance, staffing concerns, and potential guest discomfort as the three major reasons behind the change.

“The clothing optional element would have required us to put staff in potentially awkward situations with guests which is something we wanted to avoid in this tough staffing environment where it is hard to recruit and retain staff,” Strobel stated. “We got feedback from a number of guests who felt uncomfortable using the pool given the nudity. Some loved it while others felt excluded by the fact they were uncomfortable being nude with strangers. We believe that by having a clothing policy at the pool it makes our pool more inclusive to all guests and not just those looking to be nude.”

Nonetheless, Luedtke said that the pool area will be clothing optional on Lazy Bear weekend (July 26-August 2) this year, “to honor the Lazy Bear tradition.”

Dwayne Riley, a 65-year-old gay man from Santa Rosa, said that he and his husband had been staying at the Highlands since before the McLeans had owned it.

“They did a good job taking care of it and treating the gay community with respect,” Riley said.

Riley said that he participated in a last hurrah the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, just before the resort changed hands.

“We didn’t know the degree of the changes, which made it more sad,” Riley said.

Riley characterized the new policy as part of a “whitewashing” of the resort and “a betrayal of me and the gay community.”

Luedtke said that another reason for the change is “to create a more inclusive atmosphere.”

But inclusivity means different things to different people. Nick Korkos, 33, a gay man from San Francisco, told the B.A.R. that the changes are “disappointing and disheartening.”

“I feel our community has so few refuges, and what the Highlands created was a place that was inclusive regardless of who you loved or how old you were or how much money you made,” Korkos said. “This new thing of being clothed to be more inclusive is a way of sanitizing people.”

Korkos’ foremost concern, however, was the increase in room rates, which the professional dancer said priced him out of being able to stay at the Highlands. He’d previously been able to rent one of two rooms that was $110 per night; but these are not available for rent anymore, he said.

Luedtke said that these rooms are now $159 per night, and confirmed that other changes to the resort include the end of day-use passes at the pool and the end of the ability to bring your own tent to the camping grounds.

“Sleep under the stars in our fully outfitted, canvas scout tents,” the website reads. “Make your camping trip fun and easy, just pack a bag, your swimsuit, and show up ... we have the rest covered.”

Luedtke said that people can still bring a guest to the pool but the end of the day-use passes was again due to additional insurance liability.

“It makes it better for our guests that they have access to the pool,” Luedtke said. “We want to keep it for guests on the property.”

‘Erasing of the gay’

Riley called the cumulative effect of the changes “the erasing of the gay.”

“They listed on their website that they are See page 8 >>

<< Community News

2 • Bay Area Reporter • July 8-14, 2021

t

SF DA announces new name, pronoun policies

by John Ferrannini

suicide compared with those whose pronouns were not respected.

“It is critical that transgender people feel safe, whether accused of a crime or the victim of a crime,” Boudin said.

Boudin extended a warm thank you to Marshall, “for her leadership and innovation on this policy.”

S

taff at the San Francisco District Attorney’s office will be required to ask all defendants their correct pronouns, as well as if they use a different first name than the one listed in the charging document or police report, according to a new policy announced June 30.

The policy, effective the same day, will also allow people accused of crimes to request that charging documents be changed to the name they want used, though “legal names will also continue to be listed secondarily on all charging documents for the purposes of criminal record-keeping.”

The policy also has provisions to try to ensure correct pronoun and name usage for crime victims, survivors and witnesses.

“SFDA’s intake division and/or charging [assistant district attorneys] will document any available information regarding any witness/ victim’s person’s correct gender pronouns in the SFDA file,” the policy states. “If a witness or victim’s gender pronouns change during the course of a case, the assigned ADA will correct the pronouns in the SFDA file. If a witness or victim/ survivor uses a first name other than their legal name that name will be documented and used by all staff.”

Regarding defendants, however, the policy explicitly states “at or before arraignments or first court dates in all new cases, ADAs shall be required to inquire of all defendants (through their counsel when a defendant is represented) what the defendant’s correct pronouns are, as well as whether the defendant uses a different first name than the one listed on the charging document and/or in the police report.”

Rachel Marshall, Boudin’s director of communications and policy adviser, said that the wording is different for the two groups “because we can speak directly to victims/witnesses to gather that information, whereas we are legally prohibited from speaking directly to defendants, so had to outline that process more explicitly since it has to occur in court.”

At a news conference – held after a Pride party at District Attorney Chesa Boudin’s office in the Potrero Hill neighborhood – the city’s chief law enforcement officer said that it is the first policy of its kind in any California prosecutor’s office.

The San Jose Police Department instituted a similar policy earlier this

John Ferrannini

San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin, center, announced a new name and pronoun policy for transgender and nonbinary people June 30. Joining him, from left, were Pablo Espinoza from Community United Against Violence, Tom Ammiano, Kaylah Williams, David Campos, Mark Leno, and Honey Mahogany.

year, as the Bay Area Reporter previously reported. The San Francisco Police Department’s policy differs from that of its South Bay neighbor in that legal names are used in its legal documents and police reports (though that’s not all the department uses).

Boudin’s Chief of Staff David Campos, a gay man, said he hopes that the office’s new name and pronoun policy sends a message not only to other district attorneys but also “to other entities in the county of San Francisco, who hopefully will take steps in embracing this policy.”

Matt Dorsey, a gay man who is the communications director for Police Chief William Scott, told the B.A.R. after the initial publication of this story that the DA’s policy “tracks very closely” with the SFPD’s policy.

“There is only a minor variance here: the D.A.’s office policy requires legal names be listed secondarily, after chosen names, but that legal names be specifically designated within parentheses,” Dorsey stated in an email. “SFPD’s policy specifies that legal names be listed in the portion of police incident reports where legal names are required, with chosen names and other nicknames or identifiers captured for the record as AKAs, for ‘also known as.’”

Marshall told the B.A.R. that the District Attorney’s policy “goes significantly further than SFPD’s.”

Nancy Crowley, the sheriff ’s director of communications, stated in an email that her department “implemented one of the nation’s first transgender, gender variant, and nonbinary (TGN) policies and procedures in February of 2018.”

“Individuals booked in the SF County Jail are asked to voluntarily self-identify their gender identity on a Statement of Preference form they receive at booking,” Crowley stated. “If they wish, they also note their prefer-

ence for the deputy’s gender identity who performs a visual body search – the first Sheriff’s Department in the country to offer this choice.”

In 2018, San Francisco Mayor London Breed ordered all city agencies and departments that collect demographic data to update their forms, both paper and electronic, so that they include the option of nonbinary in addition to male and female when asking about gender identity. The mayoral directive also ordered that the forms expand on title options beyond Mr. and Ms. and include additional choices for pronouns other than just she/her/hers and he/him/ his. The forms had to also include a line for a person’s preferred name and use gender-neutral labels such as “parent/guardian” instead of “father” and “mother.”

Boudin was joined by several local LGBTQ leaders including Campos, a former city supervisor and immediate past chair of the San Francisco Democratic Party; Honey Mahogany, a queer nonbinary trans person who is the current party chair and an aide to District 6 Supervisor Matt Haney; Tom Ammiano, a gay man who is a former supervisor and assemblyman; Mark Leno, a gay man who is a former supervisor, assemblyman, and state senator; and Kaylah Williams, a bisexual woman who is the co-president of the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club.

“Pride is such a pivotal part of who we are as a city,” Boudin said.

“There’s a long, often-shameful history with law enforcement interacting with the community we celebrate today.”

Boudin said the new policy will help hasten the end of that history, and cited data from the Los Angelesbased Trevor Project showing that trans and nonbinary youth who are referred to by their correct pronouns have a 50% less chance of attempting

Third such policy in the US

During the news conference, Boudin claimed that this was the second policy of its kind in the United States. The first, he said, was implemented in Washtenaw County, Michigan, home of the city of Ann Arbor. Staff there under Prosecutor Eli Savit helped Boudin’s office with the policy.

After the initial publication of this story, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office in Michigan reached out to the B.A.R. to say that theirs was the first such policy. Enacted in 2016, Prosecutor Kym Worthy said that it was the basis for the Washtenaw County, Michigan policy.

When asked about this, Marshall told the B.A.R. July 6 that “We are so grateful for those who implemented similar policies before us and we are proud to join them in promoting inclusivity for all transgender and nonbinary persons.”

Boudin’s office also received the assistance of the Transgender Law Center, the National Center for Lesbian Rights and the San Francisco Office of Transgender Initiatives.

“Transgender Law Center is encouraged to see proactive change from the district attorney’s office, as it’s one of many steps that can be taken to better meet the needs of transgender people who historically are criminalized at high rates simply for being transgender and surviving,” Shelby Chestnut, a trans and queer person who is the director of policy and programs for the Transgender Law Center, stated in a news release.

Imani Rupert-Gordon, a queer woman who is the executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, contrasted the new policy with measures being taken in other states that are taking away rights from trans people.

“Every person who comes in contact with the criminal justice system must be treated with dignity and respect,” Rupert-Gordon stated.

“Given the epidemic of violence against transgender women of color, policies by government officials that protect transgender people are more urgent than ever. NCLR supports

District Attorney Boudin in implementing these common sense protections for transgender and nonbinary people who interact with the district attorney’s office.”

As a matter of fact, the B.A.R. reported on June 29 that the California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the Golden State has added five states to its banned travel list for passing anti-LGBTQ laws since 2015, bringing the total number of states on the list to 17.

Bonta also announced earlier on June 30 the release of a report showing reported anti-trans hate crimes rose 72% in 2020.

Clair Farley, a trans woman who is the executive director of the city’s Office of Transgender Initiatives, said the administrative office is proud to have helped out in crafting the DA’s new policy.

“We are proud to have consulted with the San Francisco District Attorney’s office in drafting this new Gender Inclusion Policy that expands the use of chosen names and pronouns,” Farley stated. “Trans and gender-nonconforming communities – specifically Black trans women – experience disproportionate rates of violence and engagement with the criminal justice system, and this new policy takes important steps in assuring trans residents are respected and feel safe.”

Mahogany said at the news conference that there is still more to be done.

“It’s so incredible how far we’ve come, especially in San Francisco, where we are actually working toward justice for all people,” Mahogany said.

“But there’s a part of me so sad it has taken this long, and that it’s the first policy of its kind in California.”

Campos said that it reminded him of Ammiano’s and Leno’s fight on behalf of trans rights in the Legislature. Ammiano recounted the two working on Assembly Bill 1266, which in 2013 extended gender identity protections to public school students.

He said anti-trans forces fought against it tooth-and-nail, and even some in the LGBTQ community thought it was a back-burner issue.

“We come from San Francisco,” Ammiano said. “Don’t mess with us. We know what blood sport is.”

When an aide to then-Governor Jerry Brown came to the floor of the Assembly to speak with Ammiano, he got nervous.

See page 4 >>

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<< Election 2021

t Woman of color to become area’s 5th state legislator

4 • Bay Area Reporter • July 8-14, 2021

by Matthew S. Bajko

for the legislative seat. Bonta, 49, a Black Latina, has long been seen as the frontrunner in the race and took first place in last week’s contest with 38% of the vote, according to the unofficial returns.

Bonta, president of the Alameda Unified School Board, fell far short of the more than 50% of the vote she needed to win the seat outright.

Ramachandran garnered about 24% of the nearly 60,200 ballots cast.

The political newcomer surprised election watchers with her ability to tap into a network of family and friends to raise money and considerable support from fellow progressives. She was able to best Alameda Vice Mayor Malia Vella, 36, who landed in third place with close to 17% of the vote.

In conceding the race July 1 Vella

expressed hope that soon, the state Legislature would welcome its first Filipina member. Rob Bonta was the first member of Filipino descent.

“I look forward to the day when a Pinay serves in the CA legislature and hope that the voices of democratic #AAPI women and Filipinos will be uplifted despite remaining unrepresented,” tweeted Vella, who has yet to endorse in the runoff race.

From the coastal North Bay cities to San Francisco and the Peninsula south to the booming suburbs below San Jose, men represent all of the state Assembly and Senate seats that are part of the Bay Area delegation. The quartet of local female state legislators – Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) and Assemblywomen Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters), Buffy Wicks (D-Oak-

land), and Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) – all represent northern East Bay districts. The three assemblywomen have endorsed Bonta, as has Skinner.

Bonta announced July 5 that she has received the endorsement of the California Democratic Party for the runoff race.

Statewide LGBTQ advocacy organization Equality California endorsed both Ramachandran and Bonta. The East Bay Times solely endorsed Ramachandran, as did the Bay Area Reporter.

Talking to the B.A.R. last month about her candidacy, Ramachandran expressed confidence that voters in the district would be willing to take a chance on someone new with fresh ideas. She pointed to a cultural shift in recent election cycles where voters gravitated to non-traditional political candidates.

“It’s just really thrilling to have folks be excited about someone like me and someone different and fresh and having bold ideas out here. We are reaching such a wide variety of people I never anticipated to reach in this district,” said Ramachandran.

“It is truly exciting to see that people are excited and energized about progressive policies and about a fresh, relatively young new lawmaker.”

ern, and Tenderloin stations.

She’d also worked in the SFPD’’s homeland security division; headed the SFPD’s special investigations division, which includes hate crimes

and other incidents; worked in the tactical unit; and oversaw the special victims unit.

“We’re definitely up for the challenge,” Ewins told the B.A.R. in 2015

when she began to head Tenderloin station. “We’re going to make it work.”

The SFPD did not respond to a request from the B.A.R. to speak with Ewins. Ewins’ appointment

is effective August 30, according to Angie Birkett, the administrative secretary of the Lincoln City Council, if she is approved by the council in a vote July 19.t

in trouble now.’ But he [the aide] let me know that the governor would sign it. It showed us what could be done.”

Leno called the new policy “constitutionally required.” His succes-

sor in the state Senate, Scott Wiener, issued a positive statement in a news release.

“At a time where LGBTQ rights – particularly rights for trans people – are under attack across

the country, it’s critical that we, in San Francisco, lead on LGBTQ civil rights,” Wiener stated. “This starts with the very basics: respecting people’s gender identity. I applaud District Attorney Boudin’s

commitment to this goal in our courts; we must ensure people’s pronouns and names are respected in every circumstance, including when they come through our legal system.”t

N

o matter the outcome of the special election for the East Bay’s 18th Assembly District seat, one thing is now guaranteed. A woman of color is set to represent Alameda, San Leandro, and a portion of Oakland in the California Legislature come September.

The winner will bring the number of female Bay Area state lawmakers up to five, as the rest of the 23 legislative seats that circle the region are held by men. And should social justice attorney Janani Ramachandran be elected, she will be the first LGBTQ state legislator from the East Bay. Ramachandran, 29, would also be the first legislator who identifies as queer and first out API female state legislator. Of South Indian ancestry, she would also be California’s first South Asian assemblywoman.

The Oakland resident, who also identifies as lesbian, came in second place among the eight candidates who ran in the June 29 special election to succeed Rob Bonta. He resigned earlier this year when Governor Gavin Newsom swore him in as the state’s attorney general.

But Ramachandran faces an uphill climb to defeat Bonta’s wife, Mia Bonta, in the August 31 runoff race

<<

SFPD commander

From page 1

Ewins had previously served in Southern, Mission, Bayview, North-

<<

Name policy

From page 2

“We didn’t know if the governor was going to support it or not,” Ammiano said. “I thought ‘Oh shit, I’m

Courtesy the candidate

Jane Philomen Cleland

Janani Ramachandran, left, and Mia Bonta will face off in the August 31 runoff election for the 18th Assembly District seat.

The two gay Democrats who failed to advance past the June 29 contest have both endorsed their former queer opponent. As the B.A.R. noted in a story posted to its website the day after the election, San Leandro Unified School District Board of Education member James Aguilar, 21, was the first of the two to endorse Ramachandran. In seventh place on election night, Aguilar has since moved up to sixth place with 1,038 votes.

Also on June 30 the third out candidate in the contest, San Leandro City Councilman Victor Aguilar Jr., 42, threw his support behind Ramachandran. No relation to James Aguilar, he ended up in fifth place with 3,934 votes.

Many Democratic Party officials and elected leaders are backing Bonta in the race. She has been rolling out additional endorsements since last Thursday, including from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond, state Senator Lena A. Gonzalez (D-Long Beach), and Assembly members David Chiu (D-San Francisco), Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles), and Bill Quirk (D-Hayward).

“We have created a diverse and enthusiastic coalition of supporters for #AD18 Special Election!” she tweeted.t

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t

Politics>>

July 8-14, 2021 • Bay Area Reporter • 5

Gay Santa Clara councilman Becker adjusts to new role

by Matthew S. Bajko

F

or years Santa Clara native Anthony Becker sought to have a say in the direction of the South Bay city. He ran unsuccessfully five years ago for a City Council seat then came up short in his 2018 mayoral bid.

Undaunted, Becker landed a seat on the city’s planning commission and used that perch to mount a winning bid for council last year.

His victory made him the first gay councilman in Santa Clara and only the second LGBTQ person to serve on the City Council. (Jamie McLeod-Skinner, a lesbian elected in 2004, was the first and served two four-year terms.)

Seven months into his first term Becker is still adjusting to his new role, going from making suggestions as a planning commissioner on various development projects proposed for the city to having final say on if they are approved or not.

Courtesy Anthony Becker “Being a council person, it is difSanta Clara City Councilman ferent,” Becker told the Bay Area Anthony Becker Reporter during a recent phone interview. “Basically, I am picking M. Earlier this year Becker tried to up where I left off on projects I was convince his council colleagues to pushing for as a planning commisallow for up to three dispensaries sioner and deciding on them as a to open but was unsuccessful. The council person.” council voted 4-3 to keep One such issue for in place the moratorium Becker, who turns 36 this against such businesses. month, is allowing mari“There is still a lot of juana dispensaries to open stigma, I guess, here in Santa in Santa Clara. The city’s ISO 12647-7 Digital Control Strip 2009 Clara,”30said Becker, “yet voters passed a30 100 60in 2018 100 70 100 60 100 70 100 60 100 the 70 A voters said yes.” measure that would allow With the city facing a such businesses to oper$29 million budget deficit, ate and provide needed tax Becker tried to make an economic revenues for public safety services.

100 100 60 years 100 100 later, 70 70however, 30 30 100 100 60 100 100 100 100 70 70 for30allowing 30 100 100 60 70 70 argument marijuana Three and dispensaries and growers to operthere are still no places in the city ate in Santa Clara. While he was selling marijuana products as the unable to persuade a majority of City Council has yet to implehis council colleagues on the issue, ment the voter-approved Measure B

Becker said he intends to continue pressing the matter. He pointed to the economic benefits San Jose is reaping from its being able to tax pot sales.

“This is millions they are making,” he said. “We are looking at cutting deficits.”

Another vexing issue has been the city’s oversight of the stadium built in Santa Clara by the San Francisco 49ers. The football team has repeatedly clashed with city leaders and staff about the facility, from how it is managed to what the city is owed in stadium rent, leading to ongoing legal disputes.

During last year’s election team owner Jed York pumped millions of dollars into the council races to help elect Becker and several other council candidates. They were painted as being aligned with the 49ers, which Becker strenuously refuted at the time. But the accusations continue to be thrown at Becker and several other council members whenever issues regarding the stadium management are brought up.

Once such debate this year has centered on the seat license fees for 64 temporary seats the 49ers paid to install and plan to sell for $10,000.

Becker and other council members have met with team officials about the issue, leading to criticism they are working on the 49ers behalf.

“As soon as you do, people think you are a sell-out,” Becker said of whenever 40 or40his 100 fellow 40 100 council 30 100he 40 70 40 members try to address stadiumrelated matters.

It is another area where Becker contends the city could be increas30 30 100 40 but 100 40 100 to 10 40the 40 ing revenues isn’t40due animosity between city officials and the team.

“Anything positive that comes from the 49ers, they will shoot T:9.75" 3%

down immediately,” said Becker, who would like “to find a common ground” that benefits both the city and the team.

With congestion already a concern around the stadium during game days and more development slated for the area, Becker is a proponent of seeing the planned BART extension into the city from downtown San Jose add a stop closer to Levi’s Stadium. The current plans call for the line to end in downtown Santa Clara near the campus of Santa Clara University when it opens in 2030, according to the current timeline.

“I have asked if there are any plans for expanding the line. We are not thinking about the future half of the time,” said Becker, who has also fielded concerns from constituents that the planned downtown Santa Clara BART station could be scrapped. “I am not in favor of getting rid of it. We need that stop, as it will be very beneficial not only for university students but also Santa Clarans because they will have access to downtown.”

Bevan Dufty, a gay man who serves on the BART board, told the B.A.R. there is no talk he has heard of scrapping the Santa Clara Station. It will add to the success of the extension and help to boost ridership, he argued.

“We are very committed to it,” said Dufty. “We don’t think this line will get truncated.”

August, 70 40 40 By 40 70 40 70 40expects 40 3 to take 10 40 40 70Becker part in his first in-person council meeting. He is pushing for the city to create a homelessness task force and remains optimistic he can come 10.2 7.4 7.4 20 70 70 70 70 40 70 40 0 0 0proposal 0 3.1 2.2 2.2to back with a 40revised allow for the opening of marijuana dispensaries that will garner majority support among the council.

And Becker, a freelance film-

maker who graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in radio film and television, would like to see the city create a film commission that could bring in additional revenues by attracting productions of movies and TV shows. It would not only be a budget windfall for the city but also benefit local businesses, he said.

“It will put Santa Clara on the map,” said Becker.

Despite having to conduct most of his city business remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Becker is proud of the fact he has still been able to address constituent needs.

He pointed to one example where homeowners had fought for a decade with the city over maintenance of a tree that was rotting and causing problems with their sewer line.

After he made some inquiries, the tree was finally removed.

“Within three days I get a phone call and email from the residents saying, ‘Thank you so much,’” recalled Becker, whose grandparents first moved to the city in the 1950s.

As for serving as a councilman, Becker said sometimes it still hasn’t sunk in.

“I would never trade it for anything. It is something I have wanted to do for years, since I was a kid,” he said.t Web Extra: For more queer political news, be sure to check http:// www.ebar.com Monday mornings for Notes, the 25 Political 50 75 90 notebook’s 100 online companion. The column returns Monday, July 12.

Keep abreast of the latest LGBTQ political news by following the Notebook on @ 25Political 19 19 50 40 40 100Twitter 100 80 70 70 100 75 66 66 100 http://twitter.com/politicalnotes.

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

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<< Open Forum

6 • Bay Area Reporter • July 8-14, 2021

Volume 51, Number 27 July 8-14, 2021 www.ebar.com

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BART leads on transit reopening T

he announcement by BART last week was indeed a hopeful sign that we’re venturing out after a year of confinement. The Bay Area transit agency, which saw ridership plummet during the 15-month COVID-19 lockdown, is now increasing service as more passengers return to work and leisure activities, such as dining out, enjoying nightlife, and shopping. As we reported online, starting July 15, BART will be adding late-night limited service Thursdays-Saturdays, with trains leaving either Civic Center or Embarcadero stations at 11:30 p.m.

These trains will only make limited stops in the East Bay and Daly City on the Peninsula, but will benefit people who work later or need transportation and have few other options.

Then, on August 2, nearly a month ahead of schedule, BART will implement a systemwide schedule change that will expand service hours and significantly increase service, according to a news release. Weekday service will return to ending at midnight, as will Saturday service (currently service ends at 9 p.m.). Sunday service will remain 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. with threelines operating. There will also be special service for Oakland A’s night games and limited service for San Francisco Giants night games.

But it’s the expansion to midnight on weekdays and Saturdays that will really help small businesses, restaurants, bars and clubs, not only in San Francisco, but throughout BART’s service areas in the East Bay and Peninsula. Just a couple of weeks ago when we reported on gay sex venues reopening, Ken Rowe, the co-owner of Eros, told us that one of the reasons the San Francisco sex club closes at 9 p.m. is because that’s when BART service ends and he has to find staff in the city who can work later.

When the COVID pandemic started in March 2020, BART officials were clear that when ridership picked up again, they would consider bringing back service to meet demand. At the height of the lockdown, BART trains only ran every 30 minutes, a real inconvenience for commuters and others who depended on it. Since then, train frequency has slowly increased during peak hours in the morning and late afternoon/early evening.

Courtesy KRON-TV

BART has announced it will significantly expand service hours beginning August 2.

These changes are the result of improved relations between BART management and its labor unions. BART general manager Robert Powers and the BART board have worked very hard over the past couple of years to strengthen those relationships, including getting contract negotiations completed early to avoid strikes or other issues. Powers, who took the top job in 2019, will soon mark his second anniversary at the helm. Board members, including out directors Bevan Dufty, Rebecca Saltzman, and Janice Li, and straight ally Lateefah Simon, have brought a more progressive vision to the agency and realize the importance of having a better relationship with union leaders as well as all employees.

Back in 2013, when BART last had a strike, BART management and its unions were at odds, criticizing each other over work rules and other issues. When two BART workers were struck and killed by a train that was moving cars to a facility to clean them of graffiti, it was reported that an operator in training who had worked in other positions at the agency was behind the controls. This seemed to confirm union leaders’ suspicions that BART management was training managers to operate the trains during the strike. In short, it was a low point in the transit agency’s history.

T

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This time, though, the challenges are different – a global pandemic rather than labor unrest – BART management seems to have turned a page. BART’s release stated that management and labor were able to accelerate the hiring, training, and shift sign-up process that will jump-start the August 2 changes. It has already reopened station entrances that were shuttered during the reduced service schedule, and now the system will soon increase the frequency of service to near pre-pandemic levels.

Getting people back on public transit won’t be easy and will happen slowly. Passengers still must wear masks, in accordance with federal regulations, on all public transit, even if fully vaccinated. But as more people return to offices and schools (starting in the fall), we hope that public transit in the Bay Area continues to expand service accordingly. Many service workers have no choice but to depend on public transportation to get to jobs that require their presence. Others who have options may begin a hybrid schedule of in-person and remote work. Trains and buses need to be able to get people where they need to be; we can’t all go back to driving cars.

Moreover, it’s all of us going out to socialize who will help the Bay Area’s economy recover in the hospitality, restaurant, and nightlife sectors. Reliable public transit is key to our economic and environmental recuperation.t

Queer, disabled, and running for office

by Ed Carter

Bay Area Reporter

t

he 117th Congress is the most diverse the United States has ever seen. Twenty-three percent of lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate identify as a racial or ethnic minority, and more women hold elected office than ever before.

2020 also marked the election of Delaware state Senator Sarah McBride (D), the highestranking transgender elected official in U.S. history; the first nonbinary state lawmaker and the first Muslim member of the Oklahoma Legislature (Mauree Turner, D); and a historic number of openly LGBTQ candidates elected to office.

Yet there’s one group that hasn’t seen the same gains in political representation: people with disabilities. Despite the fact that one in four Americans has a disability, fewer than 40 elected officials at the state and federal levels identify as having a disability. For LGBTQ people with disabilities, representation is even sparser.

Researchers have identified disability bias as a major factor in the lack of disability representation in politics. In a nationally representative survey of 6,000 voters, all disabilities were viewed unfavorably when it comes to electability, with voters up to 70% less likely to vote for candidates with certain stigmatized disabilities.

The answer to fighting unfounded bias, of course, is representation.

That leaves would-be candidates in a Catch-22. While bias makes it harder to get elected with a disability, especially when intersectionality comes into play, we need more disabled politicians if there’s any hope of increasing disability representation in politics.

What’s a politically active, queer person with disabilities to do? Here are some suggestions.

Read up on inspiring LGBTQ, disabled, and queer disabled politicians like Pennsylvania state Representative Malcolm Kenyatta

Courtesy LGBTQ Victory Fund

David Ortiz was elected in 2020 as Colorado’s first openly bi state legislator.

(D), Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney (DNew York), U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois), Pennsylvania state Representative Jessica Benham (D); and Colorado state Representative David Ortiz (D).

Partner with disability and LGBTQ campaigning groups like Elevate: Campaign Training from the National Council on Independent Living. Programs like NCIL’s train people without a political background to run effective political campaigns.

Decide where to run. You don’t need to go big to make a big impact. Mayors, city council members, county commissioners, and district attorneys are among local officials with the potential to influence the disability community.

Assemble a phenomenal campaign staff.

Local and state campaigns often run with lean

teams, but you still need a campaign manager, a fundraiser, and a capable marketing team. A treasurer or financial coordinator is another smart hire for any campaign team.

Get your message out. Marketing is how candidates reach voters and communicate their message. It’s also key for busting biases as an LGBTQ and/or disabled candidate. Find an artist who can create the best logo design to capture your campaign and work with public relations specialists to refine your message. Thanks to digital advertising, marketing doesn’t have to be expensive to be effective.

Connect with local organizations. LGBTQ, disability advocacy, and other progressive local organizations are valuable allies on the campaign trail. Local organizations can support candidates with brand awareness, access to resources, and consulting on pertinent political issues.

Become a strong self-advocate. Even with a talented campaign coordinator, disabled candidates are likely to encounter barriers like inaccessible buildings or events without interpreters on the campaign trail. Know your rights and get comfortable asserting them. Ask for accommodations, share concerns when they’re not met, and go up the chain of command when necessary.

A lack of representation is discouraging for would-be public servants, but the only way to solve the representation problem is getting more LGBTQ, disabled, and otherwise diverse candidates elected to office. While blazing trails is never an easy path, the LGBTQ and disabled communities have a long history of advocating for their rights. With diversity finally going mainstream among the electorate, there’s never been a better time to step into power.t

Ed Carter has worked with clients of all ages, backgrounds, and incomes. About 10 years into his career, he saw a need for financial planners who specialize in helping individuals and families living with disabilities.

t

Letters>>

July 8-14, 2021 • Bay Area Reporter • 7

Progress flag leaves out many

James Coleman’s June 25 op-ed “No Pride for some of us without liberation for all of us” [Guest Opinion, online], recites the continuing disparities faced by LGBTQ people in homelessness, economic insecurity, and poorer physical and mental health – facts of which we all need to be reminded. However, these realities hardly make an argument for embracing the so-called Progress flag as the successor to the rainbow flag. Instead, they argue for rejecting it.

The chevron in the licensed-for-profit (https://quasar. digital/terms/) Progress flag is meant to represent trans and Black and Brown LGBTQ+ people. That’s a noble gesture. Rather than being inclusive, however, the insertion of stripes representing certain marginalized groups of LGBTQ+ people but not others is inherently divisive and exclusionary. There are more bi people than gay and lesbian people combined, yet they are often marginalized and suffer significantly greater rates of violence, poverty, and mental health challenges than gay and lesbian people. Why aren’t their colors included? Native/indigenous LGBTQ+ Americans are even more disproportionately harmed by bias and centuries of oppression; their youth attempt suicide at much greater rates than even Black and Latino LGBTQ youth. Where are they represented in the wedge? Asian and Pacific Islander LGBTQ people are currently being subjected to an unprecedented wave of hate-motivated violence – what about them? Even the National Institutes of Health recognizes that the clinical management and treatment of intersex people is “in crisis.” Why are they excluded?

The rainbow flag has been embraced by queer people around the world precisely because it includes all of us. That embrace includes LGBTQ+ people in places where being out and proud is an invitation to brutality or death, including LGBTQ+ Ugandans, Nigerians, Indonesians, Indian Hijra, and Russians (to name only a few).

Coleman rightfully points out that the “rainbow colors” have “become good PR for the largest corporations that are known to donate to anti-LGBTQ+ politicians and even morally reprehensible institutions like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.” True, but our colors have also been adopted by good businesses nationwide to telegraph their welcome to LGBTQ people and their rejection of bigots, often risking their windows being smashed or their stores being boycotted as a result.

Moreover, there is nothing to stop hypocritical businesses from adopting the Progress flag in short order.

Finally, unlike Coleman, I knew Marsha P. Johnson quite well and she wholeheartedly embraced the rainbow flag from 1985 until her death in 1992, even though transgender people were at the margins of the lesbian and gay movement and had a fraction of their visibility and clout today. Her actions, while alive, surely trump the words people want to put in her mouth now.

Matt Foreman San Francisco

1 Castro flagpole is enough

Enough with all the haranguing about different Pride flags [“Castro Merchants proposes 2nd flagpole for newer rainbow flags,” online and July 1 issue]. As for a second flagpole in the Castro, the beautiful one we have now is fine. Let’s just fly all the flags on a weekly rotation and move on to more important things.

Patrick Carney, Co-Founder Pink Triangle San Francisco

Courtesy B.A.R. Archive

Ed Rose San Francisco

A great pink triangle display Thank you to everyone who participated in the 26th annual pink triangle. The illuminated pink triangle shined as a beacon of hope, perseverance, and resilience during Pride Month. San Francisco remains the only city on the planet with a giant pink triangle hovering over its Pride celebration.

The ceremony: Thank you to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) and San Francisco Mayor London Breed, who both spoke and then pushed the button together to light the display. Thank you to Donna Sachet and Gary Virginia, who told the “History of the Pink Triangle.” Thank you to LGBTQ leaders state Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), city Treasurer José Cisneros, D8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, BART Director Bevan Dufty, Tom Paulino for Assemblyman David Chiu (D-San Francisco), City College of San Francisco Trustee Tom Temprano, Pride grand marshal Clair Farley, the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band with the amazing Leanne Borghesi, who performed several times during the ceremony in its first in-person appearance in 15 months.

Lighting: Thank you to the Illuminate the Pink Triangle team: Ben Davis of the nonprofit Illuminate; Vanessa Inn; Patricia Wilson, who produced the pink LED torch procession; David Hatfield; and Madeleine Maguire.

Volunteers: Thank you to the dozens who volunteered to install the pink outline, set up the ceremony staging, took down the pink outline, and those who protected the display as site ambassadors. Thank you to Jazzy, Jeremy, and Keto for the “ambassador chalet” and communal green area. Thank you to Robin Abad Ocubillo for the volunteer signup web portal. Thank you longtime volunteer Debra Walker for ongoing support, Garaje Gooch for the amazing photos, and Brandon Miller for the videos.

Thank you to my husband, Hossein Carney, and my sister, Colleen Hodgkins; I couldn’t still be producing this project for the 26th time without them.

Fiscal sponsors for lighting: thank you to the hundreds who contributed to the GoFundMe campaign.

Fiscal sponsors for the event: Thank you to San Francisco Pride, including Executive Director Fred Lopez and board President Carolyn Wysinger; the Bob Ross Foundation (via Thomas Horn for the T-shirts); Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence; Hodgkins Jewelers; and Brian Gerritsen. Thank you to the San Francisco Mayor’s office. Thank you Martha Cohen for having SF City Hall lit in pink June 1 and 30. Thank you to Mandelman’s office and San Francisco Department of Real Estate for their ongoing support, San Francisco Public Works for clearing the hillside of poison oak, Rec & Park rangers, and the officers of the San Francisco Police Department’s Park Station for watching over the display. Thank you to Katie Hickox for establishing the pink triangle website (www.thepinktriangle.com) in 1999 and keeping it up, even after moving to England.

Thank you to the Dykes on Bikes and the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence for taking part in the pink torch procession and all of the torchbearers.

The pink triangle of Twin Peaks is a highly visible yet mute reminder of inhumanity. It is a reminder and warning. It is a giant educational tool to teach people where hatred can lead and commemorates one of the darkest chapters in human history, the Holocaust.

50 years in 50 weeks: 1984: Bathhouse battles

I

n 1984, the AIDS epidemic was raging and some officials in San Francisco thought that if the city closed bathhouses, which were frequented by gay men, the spread of the disease could be slowed. Others felt that bathhouses provided venues for safer sex education, and the owners of the establishments, naturally, wanted to remain open for business. The issue came to a head in October of that year, when Dr. Mervyn Silverman, then the health director, ordered the baths closed; they would reopen hours later, as the Bay Area Reporter noted. In October 1984 a San Francisco Superior Court judge issued a temporary restraining order that shuttered nine

gay bathhouses and sex clubs. In late November of that year another judge lifted the restraining order but imposed new rules on how the bathhouses and sex clubs could operate. No longer could they rent private rooms, unless they secured a hotel license, and employees had to monitor the sexual behavior of patrons. Fast-forward 37 years, and bathhouses are now allowed in San Francisco, as the health department in January rescinded the old rules. However, to date, no operator has so far decided to open such a venture. To view the old issues, go to https://archive.org/details/BAR_19841011 and https://archive.org/details/BAR_19841011

Barry Schneider Attorney at Law

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

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

LGBT PROGRESSIVE CATHOLICS † OUR FAMILIES & FRIENDS

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

<< Business News

8 • Bay Area Reporter • July 8-14, 2021

New LGBTQ real estate group expands

by Matthew S. Bajko

A

year after launching in the United States, a new association for LGBTQ real estate professionals is expanding into Canada and looking to jump the pond with chapters in Europe. It’s inviting its 1,300 members to attend its first conference this September in Las Vegas.

The LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance officially formed last June and opened up its membership, which costs $200 annually, in October. It is now up to 55 chapters in America, from Hawaii to Puerto Rico, and recently welcomed chapters in Ottawa and Montreal.

Established as a 501(c)(6) nonprofit, the organization can advocate on various issues and take stands on political policy fights. It aims to push for “housing and shelter for all,” whether someone is LGBTQ or straight.

“We want to be inclusive,” explained John Thorpe, 52, a gay man who is the founding president of the alliance and chairman of its board of directors. “From LGBTQ+ homeless youth to aging LGBTQ community members, there are housing issues in every age group and demographic.

We really want to bring attention to those and focus.”

A key aim of the alliance, said Thorpe, is to assist LGBTQ people

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looking to become homeowners.

It recently hosted a national virtual seminar to explain the process for first-time homebuyers in the LGBTQ community and created a guide for people to follow. The alliance is also encouraging its individual chapters to conduct such sessions for their local communities.

“LGBTQ people don’t necessarily have someone in their corner to help them through the home-buying experience,” said Josh Pringle, 42, a gay Palm Springs resident who is the vice president of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Desert Lifestyle Properties and took part in the alliance’s online seminar. “If you are gay and your family doesn’t speak to you or your family disowned you then you’re on your own in making that significant decision. There is no one to reach out to about buying a home.”

Ironically, Pringle has no plans to become a homeowner himself and is happy being a renter in the city that has long drawn LGBTQ tourists, retirees, and increasingly younger LGBTQ community members and those able to work remotely. The average price of a single-family home in the Palm Springs region is now $900,000 with condos selling in the mid-$500,000s.

Housing inventory for sale has been extremely low, noted Pringle, whose company employs 106 people across three offices and also has divisions focused on escrow, commercial properties, and vacation rentals. He joined the alliance last month and likes how it encourages its members to work closely with homebuyers, whether it is answering their questions about the process or holding people’s hands when they get scared about making an offer.

“We take you down the yellow brick road of buying a home,” said Pringle, who formerly lived in San Francisco and worked in the fashion industry before relocating a decade

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ago to the Coachella Valley and entering the real estate profession.

According to the 2021 Profile of LGBTQ Home Buyers and Sellers released in June by the National Association of Realtors, LGBTQ buyers purchased older and smaller homes than non-LGBTQ buyers, and expect to live in their new homes five years less than non-LGBTQ buyers. They were more likely than non-LGBTQ people to be single men and unmarried couples and were more likely to identify as male than as female.

Bisexual buyers and sellers were more likely than other groups to be younger, be first-time home buyers or sellers and report lower incomes.

The report found that the median sale price for homes purchased by LGBTQ buyers was $245,000, compared to $268,000 for non-LGBTQ buyers, and were heavily tilted toward being in urban areas rather than in small towns or rural areas.

Married couples made up 39% of LGBTQ buyers and sellers, while 21% of transactions were completed by an unmarried couple, 22% by a single male and 15% by a single female. The median age (42) and annual income ($93,200) of LGBTQ buyers and sellers were slightly lower than non-LGBTQ buyers and sellers (46 and $97,000, respectively).

Forty-two percent of LGBTQ buyers were first-time homebuyers, compared to just 32% for non-LGBTQ buyers. The report used aggregated data from the responses of people who specified sexual orientation on the 2015 through 2020 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers survey, totaling 41,950 responses. Just over 4% of all respondents in the survey – 1,574 total individuals – identified as LGBTQ. “Real estate is one of the biggest investments most Americans are going to make,” said Thorpe. “It is significant to the creation of their wealth.”

The national homeownership rate is around 66% but is at 49% among LGBTQ Americans, noted Thorpe.

“It makes zero sense because the American LGBTQ economy is bigger than that of the countries of Australia, South Korea, and Canada together, so there is an anomaly there,” said Thorpe. “Some of that is because a lot of LGBTQ Americans live in metropolitan areas where affordability is one issue. The other is education about the home-buying process.”

A licensed broker in Florida, where he lives part-time in Wilton Manors

<<

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Highlands

From page 1

inclusive but they got rid of day-use, clothing-optional, and camping,” Riley said. “That’s all part of the gay community. They did not reach out to their gay base at all to say ‘don’t go away.’”

Sean Maley, a 57-year-old gay man who lives in Guerneville, said he and his husband recently went to the Highlands for the first time. Lu-

t

with his husband, Thorpe had been a regional vice president with Better Homes and Gardens for 17 years. He recently became vice president for international business development at Von Poll Immobilien/Real Estate and is based out of Frankfurt, Germany, though he spends time in Torremolinos, Spain, where the couple also owns a home.

“It is the South Florida of Europe,” said Thorpe, as it attracts a lot of LGBTQ retirees.

He has been able to continue working with the alliance due to virtual teleconferencing platforms such as Zoom, which was how the Bay Area Reporter reached him Tuesday. At some point the organization would like to form overseas chapters, he said, as it has received requests from interested persons in the United Kingdom, Spain, France, and Germany.

But before it can do that it needs to build out its referral platform, part of the benefits for alliance members.

It is based on ZIP codes and the alliance only recently finished updating its referral system to include Canada, explained Thorpe.

“It has to have searchability,” he said, adding of Europe, “the interest is there.”

A number of the alliance’s founders had been part of the National Association of Gay and Lesbian Real Estate Professionals, which formed in 2007 and has more than 2,800 members, according to its website. It also offers a referral service for prospective homebuyers, whether LGBTQ or straight, and advocates for fairer LGBTQ housing laws at the local, state, and federal levels.

Thorpe told the B.A.R. they decided to form the alliance to have a more transparent association and attract real estate professionals who had not joined a diversity-focused group in the past. Roughly 75% of alliance members, he said, have never been involved with an LGBTQ real estate organization before, while 10% are straight allies.

“It is resonating with so many people,” said Thorpe. “As Hillary Clinton said, ‘It takes a village.’ We have grown tremendously and done extremely well.”

The alliance is hosting its first convention at Resorts World, the newest hotel to open in Las Vegas, September 22-24. The NAR recently came on board as one of its top level sponsors.

It has also signed agreements with the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals and the Asian Real Estate Association of America to work together going forward and host joint events between the different professional groups.

“These are firsts. They have never happened before,” said Thorpe. “Our whole thinking is to help all communities if we work together.”

To learn more about the alliance, visit its website at https://realestatealliance.org/t Got a tip on LGBTQ business news? Call Matthew S. Bajko at (415) 829-8836 or e-mail m.bajko@ebar.com.

edtke is a friend.

“We’ve had a home up here for 35 years and we knew of the Highlands, and that it was clothing optional, but never went there because clothing optional is not our scene,” Maley said. “I went up to the property for the first time and I had no idea how beautiful it is.”

Maley said that the new policy will probably result in more people coming to the resort.

See page 11 >>

Community News>>

t Trans hate crimes surge, CA AG report shows

July 8-14, 2021 • Bay Area Reporter • 9

by John Ferrannini

W

hile hate crimes on the basis of sexual orientation declined last year in California, state officials recorded a 72.2% rise in anti-transgender incidents in 2020 compared to the year prior.

It was part of 31% spike in reported hate crimes against various communities in the Golden State last year, according to a report released Wednesday by the California Attorney General’s office.

The report found that the rise in hate crimes also particularly affected the Black, Latino, and Asian communities. In releasing the hate crimes numbers at a June 30 news conference in Oakland’s Chinatown, Attorney General Rob Bonta also announced the release of guidance to help law enforcement properly identify hate crimes.

He also released a “special report on anti-Asian violence during the pandemic” as deadly attacks against the Asian American and Pacific Islander community have garnered headlines in the Bay Area and across the state for months.

“We are in a full-on state of violence of hate crimes and hate violence,” Bonta said.

There were 235 alleged offenses of hate crimes motivated by bias on the basis of sexual orientation, compared to 263 in 2019, a decline of 24.2%. These include 182 motivated by bias against gay men, 21 motivated by bias against lesbians, and 28 motivated by bias against “homosexual” people. There were zero reports of hate crimes motivated by bias against heterosexual people, and just four motivated by bias against bisexual people.

But hate crimes motivated by bias against transgender people rose 72.2%, from 36 in 2019 to 62

Courtesy AG’s Office

Attorney General Rob Bonta issued his office’s annual report on hate crimes during a news conference in Oakland’s Chinatown neighborhood June 30.

in 2020. Hate crimes motivated by bias against gender-nonconforming people went from four instances in 2019 to six instances in 2020.

The report found that hate crimes motivated by bias against Black or African American people were the highest of any particular group, with 522 incidents reported, compared to 297 incidents in 2019, a rise of 75.8% in a single year.

This was the highest number of anti-Black hate crimes reported in over a decade at least, Bonta said.

There were 204 alleged offenses reported of hate crimes motivated by bias against Latino or Hispanic people, compared to 154 such alleged offenses in 2019, a rise of 32.9%. It is the second most-common category of hate crime by race, ethnicity, and national origin.

Anti-Jewish hate crimes accounted for almost two-thirds of hate crimes motivated by bias in religion, with 122 alleged offenses reported in 2020, a decline from 165 alleged

offenses reported in 2019.

Anti-Asian hate crimes rose by 84.5% amid the COVID-19 pandemic, from 58 in 2019 to 107 in 2020.

Bonta, a Filipino American himself, said that he had to tell his mother recently it may not be safe for her to “go into the city” by herself after a number of violent attacks against elderly Asian people in the Bay Area. The incidents led Alameda County District Attorney Nancy O’Malley in February to create a new response unit to specifically investigate crimes against Asian Americans, particularly seniors, in the East Bay..

Bonta said that a surge in antiAsian hate crimes occurred in March and April 2020, as California entered lockdown due to the COVID pandemic. Then-President Donald Trump employed a number of racist anti-Asian nicknames for the disease, which originated in China.

Bonta blamed the pandemic for

the rise in hate crimes, calling racism an “epidemic” in itself. The state is facing an “epidemic of hate from right here in Oakland Chinatown to the deadly shooting in Atlanta, Georgia,” Bonta said.

(Eight people, six of whom were of Asian descent, were killed at Atlanta-area spas or massage parlors in March. Police allege Robert Aaron Long, 21, was the assailant. Long, who told police he was motivated by his religious beliefs, has been indicted on four counts of murder by a grand jury.)

Bonta said that bringing communities together is the most effective way to combat hate.

“One of our most powerful weapons against hate is knowledge,” Bonta said. “Ultimately, it’s going to take building bridges to make that difference, to ensure every community in the state feels welcome.”

Bonta implored victims of hate crimes to write down anything that was said in the commission of the

alleged crime that they may remember and, if it’s safe, to collect evidence and take pictures.

Still, “we recognize that hate crimes in this state are generally underreported, so let’s take these statistics for what they are,” he said.

Carl Chan, the president of Oakland’s Chinatown Chamber of Commerce, took the podium after Bonta.

Chan was assaulted this spring in Oakland’s Chinatown. Police allege James Lee Ramsey, 25 and of Oakland, was the assailant, and O’Malley’s office charged Ramsey with hate crime assault.

“We are facing a dual pandemic,” Chan said. “We are not just focusing on hate against the API [Asian Pacific Islander] community, but hate based against any community.”

Chan said that “one of the major reasons why people don’t report this kind of crime is a language issue, which is why we are publishing in over two-dozen languages.”

Indeed, updated brochures to help victims and members of the public were published by Bonta’s office in 25 languages: English, Spanish, Arabic, Armenian, Cambodian, Cantonese, Mandarin, simplified Chinese, Farsi, French, German, Hindi, Hmong, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Laotian, Portuguese, Punjabi, Russian, Tagalog, Telugu, Thai, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese. They are available in each of these languages on the attorney general office’s website (https:// oag.ca.gov/hatecrimes).

“I myself was the victim of a hate crime,” Chan said. “I want the public to know there is information.

“Please, don’t be afraid. We are united. We have to work together, and together we can stop hate crimes not just against the API community but against all communities,” Chan added.t

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<< Sports

10 • Bay Area Reporter • July 8-14, 2021

t

Football group relocates championships to DC and Sydney

by Roger Brigham

T

he International Gay and Lesbian Football Association has relocated its world championships to Washington, D.C. and Sydney, Australia after the tournaments were dropped by the Hong Kong Gay Games program.

The 7v7 championship will be held in June 2022 in Washington, D.C.; and the 11v11 championship will be held in February 2023 in Sydney in conjunction with World Pride. Sydney will also host a seven-player team tournament during its championship; the exact dates for both championships have yet to be announced.

“Both proposals were great,” said Gus Penaranda, IGLFA president.

“Both clubs made it very clear that their goal is to increase women’s team participation.”

IGLFA will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2022 and hold its 24th world championships. Gay Games organizers in Hong Kong dropped plans to host the IGLFA championships in order to concentrate on its own soccer tournament focused more on an Asian market.

While IGLFA was scrambling to relocate its championship, Gay Games

organizers were calling for better government support in Hong Kong and assistance in securing sports venues.

Without that, they said, plans for the event could be in jeopardy.

Usually, registration for the quadrennial sports and cultural festival is open two years or more before the actual competition. Last year’s scheduled Gay Games registration opening, however, was postponed a year because of the global COVID-19 pandemic. It had been rescheduled to open earlier this year, but has not yet started because organizers are unable to secure sports venues. Thirty-five of the 56 venues organizers say they hope to use for the Gay Games are government owned. Hong Kong regulations dictate that those facilities can be reserved only one year in advance, and only then by national sports associations. Other organizations, such as Hong Kong 2022, can book government venues on their own only three or six months in advance.

“We’re not asking for any funding,” Dennis Philipse, co-chair of HK2022, said. “We just need the venues from the Hong Kong government arranged ahead of time.

We really need to have those events, otherwise, it will be a massive PR di-

Courtesy IGLFA

The International Gay and Lesbian Football Association has relocated its World Championships to Washington, D.C. and Sydney, Australia.

saster, not only for the Gay Games, but also for Hong Kong.”

These organizational challenges are playing out against a backdrop of mixed government support and resistance.

Legislator Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee told her colleagues the government should assist organizers to secure the venues in order to maintain the city’s sophisticated image.

Legislator Junius Ho Kwanyiu countered that any economic bumps the event gave the city would be “dirty money,” and fellow lawmaker Priscilla Leung Mei-fun said backing the Gay Games would signal support for same-sex marriage and could deepen social division.

Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee said those colleagues were “out of touch with young people.”

Political poppycock

UEFA, the governing body for European soccer, issued a statement last month saying, “Racism, homophobia, sexism, and all forms of discrimination are a stain on our societies – and represent one of the biggest problems faced by the game today. Discriminatory behavior has marred both matches themselves and, outside the stadiums, the online discourse around the sport we love.”

But the action it attached to that statement – its decision to deny a request to allow Munich’s Allianz Arena to be lit up in rainbow colors for a Euro 2020 match between Germany and Hungary during Pride Month – rendered that idealism toothless.

The Munich request was made after an anti-LGBTQ law was passed

by Hungary earlier in the month. It would have been a televised symbol of hope for Hungarian queers not to despair, letting them know there was support and caring for them in the world.

UEFA said it opposed the rainbow lighting because it was a political statement.

Apparently UEFA opposes racism, homophobia, and sexism only when they are not endorsed by racist, homophobic, or sexist laws.

Heaven forbid it had a backbone to go with its convictions.

Worthwhile reading

Want to brush up on Olympic idealism as we head toward the 2020(1) Summer Olympics in Tokyo? Check out the story “Black women athletes are still being scrutinized ahead of the Olympics despite their successes” by reporter Nicole Chavez on cnn.com. The Olympics are supposed to be a communal celebration of individual excellence and effort. But the biology, politics, and cultural assumptions behind the rules and regulations that dictate Olympic behavior and eligibility have historically been written from a white, male, Western perspective.

Chavez does a succinct job of pulling together how that bias burdens several female Black athletes and their Olympic aspirations.t

SF library exhibit looks at 1990 AIDS confab compiled by Cynthia Laird

gration policies, lack of attention to women with AIDS, and inadequate he Sixth International Conferfunding to support the San Francisence on AIDS, held in San Franco model of community-based care. cisco in 1990, erupted in protest as “The protests were intersectional activists took to the streets and the before the word was widely used, conference hall demanding a voice. bringing up issues such as hoNow, a new exhibition at the city’s mophobia, racial justice, sex workreopened main library looks back at ers’ rights, and reproductive rights,” a news release from the library states.

The exhibit features a representative selection of Gerharter’s photographs from the week of action.

Text by veteran HIV journalists Liz Highleyman (also a B.A.R. freelancer) and Tim Kingston sets the stage for the protests, with comments from participants and conference organizers. The show also includes memorabilia such as posters, conference materials, T-shirts, and other items. The release stated that the exhibit was initially scheduled to run concurrent with the 2020 International AIDS Conference in San Francisco and Oakland last July, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (Last year’s AIDS conference was held virtually.)

When you plan your life celebration and lasting remembrance in “We are excited to invite the pubadvance, you can design every detail of your own unique memorial lic back to the main library, which and provide your loved ones with true peace of mind. Planning ahead is now open on all seven floors, to When your celebration lasting protectsyou your plan loved ones fromlife unnecessary stress and and financial burden, experience this moving exhibit,” When you remembrance plan your celebration and lasting remembrance in allowing themlife to focus on what will matter most at that time—you. in advance, you can design every Tom Fortin, chief of the main liadvance, you canofdesign every detail of your ownand unique memorial brary, stated. “The activism that detail own memorial provide Contact usyour today about theunique beautiful ways to create a lasting legacy took place during the early days of atyour theloved San Francisco Columbarium. and provide loved ones with true peace mind.

Planning ahead your ones with true peace ofof mind.

Planning the HIV/AIDS epidemic had a lastprotects your loved onesProudly from unnecessary stressunnecessary and financial burden, ahead protects yourserving loved onesCommunity. from the LGBT ing impact on our city, and, in many allowing them focus on whatburden, will matter most them at thattotime—you. ways, helped shape our successful stresstoand financial allowing response to the current pandemic.” focus on what will matter most at that time—you.

Gerharter told the B.A.R. that the Contact us today about the beautiful ways to create a lasting legacy exhibit shows the importance at the San Contact FranciscousColumbarium. of two things. “One, that today about the beautiful ways to create the AIDS world now is a lasting legacy at the San Francisco Columbarium. so different than it was One Loraine Ct. | San Francisco | 415-771-0717 30 years ago, and two, just Proudly serving our Community.

SanFranciscoColumbarium.com how influential and powerProudly serving the LGBT Community. ful the demonstrators were.”

FD 1306 / COA 660 He added that at the closing ceremony, then-Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Louis Sullivan was speaking and was shouting down by protesters.

Highleyman said the exhibit is meaningful.

“As we commemorate 40 years since the first medical reports of One Loraine Ct. | San Francisco | 415-771-0717 AIDS, this selection of photos and memorabilia highlights the important SanFranciscoColumbarium.com role activists played in raising awareness about the epidemic and ensuring

T

that historic event.

Photographer Rick Gerharter, a freelancer whose photos have graced the pages of the Bay Area Reporter for decades, was in the streets and inside the convention with members of ACT UP and other activists, documenting their demonstration against discriminatory U.S. immi-

PlanningAhead Ahead isisSimple Planning Simple The benefits are immense.

Planning Ahead is Simple The benefits are immense.

The benefits are immense.

FD 1306 / COA 660

Rick Gerharter

In a taste of the week ahead, AIDS activists welcomed conference delegates during the June 20, 1990 opening ceremony of the Sixth International Conference on AIDS. Then-San Francisco Mayor Art Agnos is onstage, background, at right.

people living with HIV get the care and treatment they need,” she stated.

The free exhibit, “When the Conference Heard from the Street: Scenes from the Sixth International Conference on AIDS, 1990,” is on view on the sixth floor of the main library, in the Skylight Gallery, 100 Larkin Street, through October 9.

Newsom recall set for Sept. 14

California voters will head to the polls September 14 to decide whether Governor Gavin Newsom (D) should be removed from office, and if so, who should replace him.

Following an analysis of the costs of the recall and other actions, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis (D) set the September date last week. It is earlier than a traditional November election, but some Democrats were in favor of the recall vote taking place as soon as possible. County elections officials had told the state that September 14 would be the earliest they could be prepared.

Newsom, a strong supporter of LGBTQ rights, has been criticized by recall proponents for his aggressive handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, as the state reopens, many credit the governor for helping California stem the coronavirus outbreak. The state also leads in vaccination efforts, though health officials remain concerned about the new Delta variant, especially among

those who are not fully vaccinated.

Several Republicans have announced they are candidates seeking to replace Newsom. They include Kevin Faulconer, a former mayor of San Diego who said he voted for President Donald Trump in 2020; John Cox, a businessman who lost to Newsom by 18 points in 2018; and Caitlyn Jenner, a transgender woman and reality TV star who is part of the Kardashian-Jenner clan.

Candidates have until July 16 if they want to file to run in the recall election.

New digital exhibit on MCC-SF

A new online exhibit has been unveiled about Metropolitan Community Church-San Francisco. Titled “The Pink and Purple Church in the Castro” (http://arspgallery. com/mccsf-exhibit-main/) because of MCC-SF’s longtime former home at 150 Eureka Street in the LGBTQ neighborhood, the exhibit uses archival audio along with text and images to evoke this queer congregation and how it faced AIDS in the years before treatment.

According to an email, the exhibit is a project of the American Religious Sounds Project, housed at Ohio State University.

MCC-SF celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. It is currently located at 1300 Polk Street (at Bush) but is holding all services via Zoom due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to its website. For more information, visit https://mccsf.org/.t

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Community News>>

SF judge

From page 1

been given marriage licenses that their marriages “were void from their inception and legally null.”

Hernandez, a lawyer herself, and King began dating in 2000, Hwang’s decision states. Four years later, thenSan Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom famously directed city officials to begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, finding the state law requiring marriages be between one man and one woman to be discriminatory and unconstitutional.

“On February 16, 2004, the parties were married in a formal ceremony at San Francisco City Hall and received an official marriage certificate confirming that they were married. Petitioner testified that thencounty Supervisor Bevan Dufty pulled the parties out of their place in line and took them to a ceremonial courtroom to perform a ‘special wedding,’” the decision states.

“Supervisor Dufty warned the parties that the ‘law would go back and forth but eventually would end up in favor of gay marriage’ and that there would be a ‘period of backlash,’” the decision continued. “Following the ceremony, the parties then went to a church on the recommendation of Supervisor Dufty in order to bolster

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Highlands

From page 8

“It makes the town more fun to come to,” Maley said. “They’ll get more people to go there.”

But Kronos said that he finds the Highlands is “morphing into a clothed, straight world with children.”

Luedtke emphasized that “we very much still are a very gay resort.”

“Every one of the staff here today [July 2] is queer,” Luedtke said, adding that “quite frankly, regulars

July 8-14, 2021 • Bay Area Reporter • 11

the legitimacy of the marriage.”

Dufty did not respond to an immediate request for comment.

Same-sex marriage became legal in California briefly in 2008, and again permanently in 2013, after the U.S. Supreme Court decided that proponents of Proposition 8, the state’s same-sex marriage ban, did not have standing after a federal judge ruled Prop 8 unconstitutional. Same-sex marriage became legal nationwide in 2015, with the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Obergefell v. Hodges. These subsequent events did not have a retroactive effect on the marriages declared null by the Lockyer decision, which Hwang’s decision affirmed.

Hwang found that both the City Hall and religious ceremonies that Hernandez and King had constituted “a conscious and intentional effort to create a valid marriage.” He also stated in his ruling that, “The court believes that petitioner [Hernandez] lied in testifying that she did not receive the Lockyer notice, was deliberately evasive, and disingenuous on the stand.”

Nevertheless, Hwang ruled that “there is nothing in the evidence to prove that the parties knew that they would [have] had to re-marry after Obergefell in order for them to stay married.”

“While this may have been spelled out in the Lockyer notice, this court can only speculate since no evidence was presented on this point,” the ruling states. “As petitioner repeatedly testified, it was her belief that marriage between two gay persons was always legal, but simply barred due to a discriminatory interpretation of the Constitution by certain individuals.

“As such, the court does not find it objectively or subjectively unreasonable for someone, even an attorney, to believe that the Obergefell decision, in finding that same-sex couples have a fundamental right to marry, would overturn the Lockyer decision and reinstate the marriages that had been voided,” the ruling continues. “The specific question is not one of family law, but whether petitioner understood the reasoning of the Lockyer case (in finding that a mayor had overstepped his authority), the interplay between Lockyer and other marriage equality laws and cases, and whether or not Obergefell, in finding marriage to be a fundamental right, would be applied retroactively.”

The decision states that Hwang “had serious credibility issues with the testimony of each of the parties.”

While King testified the purpose of the 2004 ceremonies was “a form

of protest” against unjust laws, the court found based on evidence and testimony that the couple indeed were attempting to solemnize a marriage. Furthermore, an eyewitness contradicted King’s testimony that the two did not share a bed after 2006.

In 2005, Hernandez declared bankruptcy, filing as a single person; nonetheless, the court found this may have been simply because federal bankruptcy law did not recognize same-sex marriages at this time.

“While this court leaves open the possibility that perhaps petitioner did not have a good faith belief between her receipt of the Lockyer notice to her knowledge of the Supreme Court decision, it would be entirely reasonable to believe that even if the marriage was temporarily voided, that it was reinstated by the finding that marriage between two lesbians is a fundamental right,” the decision states.

In any case, it is without dispute that after 2020 Hernandez understood herself to no longer be married. It was that year that all parties agree Hernandez was notified of the implications of the Lockyer decision.

Horn told the B.A.R. that Hwang’s ruling is a “proposed statement of decision. It has not taken

effect yet.”

Horn and co-counsel Amy Harrington have 15 days to file objections (they plan to file 15, Horn said), at which point the court will consider the objections and institute a final statement of decision.

“We plan to file for immediate appellate review,” Horn said. “We are also then going to be seeking a stay.”

Hernandez could not be reached for comment.

– a lot of gay men – are very happy about the change” regarding the clothing policy.

One of those is Chris (who declined his last name be used), a queer man who said that he has been to the Highlands annually every summer since 2012.

“If you go to all the pools in Guerneville, it is by far the most beautiful,” he said. “It was clothing optional, but often you never noticed. The only times it was ever off-the-hook was Lazy Bear [weekend] or if someone brought a pri-

vate party.”

Chris said he likes Luedtke’s leadership and that he does not have strong feelings on the policy in itself.

He characterized opposition to the change in policy as “drama.”

“To be real with you, I don’t think we should make drama out of something that’s not drama,” he said.

Stephen Torres, a gay man who is a member of the Castro LGBTQ Cultural District Board of Directors, put the issue in the context of a changing society where many visibly, but by no means exclu-

sively, queer fixtures (like clothing-optional resorts) are disappearing.

“When you acquire a property with that kind of history, it makes sense to be mindful of the history that comes with that,” Torres, who’s been to the Highlands in the past, said. “Clothing-optional resorts are disappearing, so it’s unfortunate another is falling away.

“I think that was one of the nice parts about the Highlands,” he added.

In a follow-up call, Luedtke said that “obviously, we knew change wouldn’t land with everyone” but it was “hurtful” that the B.A.R. was reporting a piece highlighting the concerns of those who were upset about the change.

“What’s interesting is the people are so angry about the change – the property was for sale, off and on, for 10 years,” she said. “I have to, as a business owner, think about a sustainable model.

“I’m going to keep doing what I do,” Luedtke added.t

OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556384

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039368400

as MESTIZO, 750 VAN NESS AVE #203, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed EL MESTIZO LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/08/21.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039372900

JUNE 17, 24, JULY 01, 08, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039355700

Could be far-reaching

If Hwang’s decision stands, the effects of his ruling could be farreaching, Horn said, adding that someone could (under the line of argument followed in the court’s opinion) claim part of someone’s estate as a putative spouse from a marriage invalidated in 2004, or get up to 50% of that person’s community property if they are alive.

“This ruling creates incredible chaos for the 8,000+ people who have relied on the [state] Supreme Court’s ruling from 2004,” Harrington stated in a news release.

“It opens the floodgates for former partners to assert community property claims 20 years after they were notified that their marriages were nullified and void from their inception.”t

Legals>> ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556378

In the matter of the application of LIZBETH MALMSTEAD, PO BOX 410772, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94141, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner LIZBETH MALMSTEAD is requesting that the name LIZBETH MALMSTEAD be changed to LIZBETH PERALTA. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 20th of JULY 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JUNE 17, 24, JULY 01, 08, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556390

In the matter of the application of TALEEN QUIRREH, 233 VALLEY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner TALEEN QUIRREH is requesting that the name TALEEN QUIRREH be changed to TALEEN QIRREH. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 27th of JULY 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JUNE 17, 24, JULY 01, 08, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556394

In the matter of the application of GUOQIANG ZHANG & BEI XU, 227 BAY ST #211, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner GUOQIANG ZHANG & BEI XU is requesting that the name BOHAN ZHANG be changed to ANDREW BOHAN ZHANG. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 10th of AUG 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JUNE 17, 24, JULY 01, 08, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556382

In the matter of the application of MUZAFFAR IMAMOV & ZEBOKHON IMAMOVA, 333 12TH ST #719, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner MUZAFFAR IMAMOV & ZEBOKHON IMAMOVA is requesting that the name MUKXAMMADSODIKOV MUKHAMMADYUSUF be changed to MUHAMMAD YUSUF and the name MUKXAMMADSODIKOV MUKHAMMADUMAR be changed to MUHAMMAD UMAR. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103N on the 29th of JULY 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JUNE 17, 24, JULY 01, 08, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT

In the matter of the application of STEFANI YOANITA, 1658 31ST AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner STEFANI YOANITA is requesting that the name STEFANI YOANITA be changed to STEFANI YOANITA IRWAN. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 29th of JULY 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JUNE 17, 24, JULY 01, 08, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039360200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as MAYAN MOVING, 906 HOWARD ST #201, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed EDWIN EDUARDO CAAMAL QUIJADA & WISMAR ERNESTO CAAMAL QUIJADA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/07/21.

JUNE 17, 24, JULY 01, 08, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039362300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as CRYSTAL MANA, 33 8TH ST #331, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ARES KPAKA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/08/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/08/21.

JUNE 17, 24, JULY 01, 08, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039362000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as EMILIO ORLANDI, 2282 MARKET ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed EMILIO GIRAUDBIT. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/27/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/08/21.

JUNE 17, 24, JULY 01, 08, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039354600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SF BAY AREA JANITORIAL SERVICES, 1912 FOLSOM ST #A, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed CESAR R. MEJIA PEREZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/16/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/27/21.

JUNE 17, 24, JULY 01, 08, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039360900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as FREE & CLEAR AUTOMOTIVE WHOLESALE, 480 GUERRERO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MICHAEL JOSEPH WHITE JR. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/24/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/08/21.

JUNE 17, 24, JULY 01, 08, 2021

The following person(s) is/are doing business as LA ENTERPRISE, 1517 NORTH POINT ST #444, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LIYA ANOSOVA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/15/21.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039362600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as PATISSERIE ON CALIFORNIA, 6833 CALIFORNIA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed PHILIPPE DELARUE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/23/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/09/21.

JUNE 17, 24, JULY 01, 08, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039362700 The following person(s) is/are doing business as LUCKY NAILS, 17 DRUMM ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed NAILS FOR ME INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/09/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/09/21.

JUNE 17, 24, JULY 01, 08, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039359500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as THE BITE, 996 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103.

This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SAHIN INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/07/21.

JUNE 17, 24, JULY 01, 08, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039361400 The following person(s) is/are doing business as ONLY IN CHINATOWN, 864 GRANT AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SF FASHION HOUSE INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/08/21.

JUNE 17, 24, JULY 01, 08, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039363100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as LA BARBERHOOD, 2275-A MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed LA BARBERHOOD LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/09/21.

JUNE 17, 24, JULY 01, 08, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039361300 The following person(s) is/are doing business

JUNE 17, 24, JULY 01, 08, 2021

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MONARCH, 101 6TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103.

This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed ELECTRIC RESISTANCE SOCIETY LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/14/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/27/21.

JUNE 17, 24, JULY 01, 08, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556410

The following person(s) is/are doing business as CALIFORNIA CATERERS; EUROPINK; BLONDI’S; 537 JONES ST #2166, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102.

This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed VITA CAMPISI. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/01/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/18/21.

JUNE 24, JULY 01, 08, 15, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039364200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as ONELUV SKIN STUDIO, 660 MARKET ST. #219, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed BETH SCHATZMAN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/09/15. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/10/21.

JUNE 24, JULY 01, 08, 15, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039358600

In the matter of the application of NAJABAT MURAD ALESKERZADE, 1770 POST ST #340, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner NAJABAT MURAD ALESKERZADE is requesting that the name NAJABAT MURAD ALESKERZADE be changed to ALIX JOY ALDER ASKER. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103 on the 5th of AUGUST 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as KJW FABRICATIONS, 908 POST ST #24, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed KELLY JAMES WATERMAN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/07/21.

JUNE 24, JULY 01, 08, 15, 2021

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MANISHA FASHION COLLECTION, 910 STOCKTON ST #14 & #15, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MANISHA GURUNG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/29/19. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/17/21.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039368600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as IRIS + EMERSON, 790 ARGUELLO BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed TANYA S. ODISHO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/15/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/15/21.

JUNE 24, JULY 01, 08, 15, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039366000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as PARKSIDE CRYSTAL, 367 IVY ST #5, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed RALPH L. ANDERSON. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/18/05. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/14/21.

JUNE 24, JULY 01, 08, 15, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039371000 The following person(s) is/are doing business as KQ CONNECTION COURIER COMPANY, 2093 THOMAS AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed QUANG NGO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/16/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/16/21.

JUNE 24, JULY 01, 08, 15, 2021

JUNE 24, JULY 01, 08, 15, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039372100

JUNE 24, JULY 01, 08, 15, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039369100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as VENTRILOQUENT, 3966 FOLSOM ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ASHWIN SODHI. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/19/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/15/21.

JUNE 24, JULY 01, 08, 15, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039373700 The following person(s) is/are doing business as DAVID JAMES’S GPS, 1050B FLORIDA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DAVID JAMES. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/18/21.

JUNE 24, JULY 01, 08, 15, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039375300

See page 12 >>

<< Legals & Classifieds

12 • Bay Area Reporter • July 8-14, 2021

<<

Legals

From page 11

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SPIRITUAL AWAKENING PSYCHIC CENTER, 533 BALBOA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed KELLY STANLEY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/21/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/21/21.

JUNE 24, JULY 01, 08, 15, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039368800 The following person(s) is/are doing business as LAUREL PROPERTIES, 3543 SACRAMENTO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed LAUREL REALTY INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/15/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/15/21.

JUNE 24, JULY 01, 08, 15, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039370800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as COMPASS DEVELOPMENT MARKETING GROUP; COMPASS DEVELOPMENT; 891 BEACH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed COMPASS CALIFORNIA II INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/16/21.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/16/21.

JUNE 24, JULY 01, 08, 15, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039371700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as EAST WEST ADMINISTRATORS, 1352 HAIGHT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed PODIATRY PLAN INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/01/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/17/21.

JUNE 24, JULY 01, 08, 15, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039371600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as BENEFIT BROKERAGE SOLUTIONS/SILLICON VALLEY HEALTH PLAN, 1352 HAIGHT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed DC RISK SOLUTIONS LTD (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/01/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/17/21.

JUNE 24, JULY 01, 08, 15, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039374200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as KHOB KHUN THAI CUISINE & BREAKFAST, 3741 GEARY BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed KHOB KHON LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/18/21.

JUNE 24, JULY 01, 08, 15, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039374400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as AGUILAR TOW SERVICES, 2810 OAKDALE AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed AGUILAR TOW SERVICES LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/01/21.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/18/21.

JUNE 24, JULY 01, 08, 15, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039374300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as AGUILAR AUTO SERVICES & BODY SHOP LLC, 2810 OAKDALE AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed AGUILAR AUTO SERVICES & BODY SHOP LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/03/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/18/21.

JUNE 24, JULY 01, 08, 15, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039371900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as TOM’S HARDWOOD FLOOR, 2055 TARAVAL ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed TOM’S HARDWOOD FLOOR (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/17/21.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/17/21.

204, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the latter of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined by section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for petitioner: ELIZABETH CANNON (SBN 197434), PLAGEMAN , LUND & CANNON, 1631 TELEGRAPH AVE, OAKLAND, CA 94612; Ph. (510) 899-6100.

JULY 01, 08, 15, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556418

In the matter of the application of CHRISTINE WONG, 2208 MISSION ST #504, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner CHRISTINE WONG is requesting that the name CHRISTINE WONG be changed to CRYSTAL MOLLY WONG. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept.

103N, Rm. 103N on the 10th of AUGUST 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 01, 08, 15, 22, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039377600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as PACIFIC WEST FINANCIAL SOUTH BAY (PWFSB), 29 LAKEWOOD AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94127. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed RUSSELL M. DAVIS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/16/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/22/21.

JULY 01, 08, 15, 22, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039379100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as ART OF HAIR ACADEMY, 521 GREEN ST #15, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JOHN PAUL STRAND. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/23/21.

JULY 01, 08, 15, 22, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039361600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as BRIONES HOUSEKEEPING, 990 GEARY ST #209, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DARIO BRIONES. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/01/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/08/21.

JULY 01, 08, 15, 22, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039378600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as B&J MANUFACTURING, 275 COUNTRY CLUB DR, SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94080. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed BERTHA JIMENEZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/21/86. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/23/21.

JULY 01, 08, 15, 22, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039380800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as HEIMWEE ANTIQUES, 56 MAYNARD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed HUMBERTO JIRON. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/25/21.

JULY 01, 08, 15, 22, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039378900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as ONE UP REAL ESTATE, 891 BEACH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed VINCENT HEUNG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/23/21.

JUNE 24, JULY 01, 08, 15, 2021

JULY 01, 08, 15, 22, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039376200

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039375800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SOCIAL REALTOR DIGITAL, 1801 22ND AVE #4, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed OTIO. DEV LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/22/21.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as HRMONIK, 2261 MARKET ST #450A, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ANN JEAN-PHILIPPE DUTREUIL. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/08/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/22/21.

JUNE 24, JULY 01, 08, 15, 2021

JULY 01, 08, 15, 22, 2021

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF DAVID JOHANNES SCHOENBURG, AKA DAVID J. SCHOENBURG, DAVID SCHOENBURG, HANS SCHOENBURG IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO: FILE PES-21-304571

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039378300

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of DAVID JOHANNES SCHOENBURG, AKA DAVID J. SCHOENBURG, DAVID SCHOENBURG, HANS SCHOENBURG. A Petition for Probate has been filed by JANE W. MCGRATH in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. The Petition for Probate requests that JANE W. MCGRATH be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: July 21, 2021, 9:00 am, Rm.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as ESCOBAR BROS RECYCLING, 1225 THOMAS AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DOUGLAS ESCOBAR. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/23/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/23/21.

JULY 01, 08, 15, 22, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039378400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as ESCOBAR BROS TOWING SERVICE, 1212 UNDERWOOD AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DOUGLAS ESCOBAR. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/23/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/23/21.

JULY 01, 08, 15, 22, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039380900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as LT HOME REPAIR SERVICE, 615 TARAVAL ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LARRY LOC VO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names

on 06/25/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/25/21.

JULY 01, 08, 15, 22, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039381500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as FREEKEH; FREEKEH SF; 3126 16TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ARAFAT A. HERZALLAH. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/25/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/25/21.

JULY 01, 08, 15, 22, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039381600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as PORK STORE CAFÉ VALENCIA, 3122 16TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed 3122 16TH STREET, INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/14. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/25/21.

JULY 01, 08, 15, 22, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-030375400 The following person(s) is/are doing business as LOCALS DISTRO, 1500 BURKE AVE #A, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed THE BURKE GROUP (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 06/21/21.

JULY 01, 08, 15, 22, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-030375500 The following person(s) is/are doing business as BURKE EXTRACTS, 1500 BURKE AVE #A, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed THE BURKE GROUP (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 06/21/21.

JULY 01, 08, 15, 22, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039379500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as RADISH, 2565 3RD ST #310, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed MY RADISH, INC. (DE). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/24/21.

JULY 01, 08, 15, 22, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039380300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as DRUGOTC.COM, 1836 NORIEGA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed OJN, INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/05/11. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/24/21.

JULY 01, 08, 15, 22, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039373900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as PROPOSITION CHICKEN, 3465 CALIFORNIA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed REMA RESTAURANTS LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/18/21.

JULY 01, 08, 15, 22, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039379600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MFA FINANCIAL PLANNING; MOORE FINANCIAL ADVICE; 586-B WISCONSIN ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107.

This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed CNM ASSOCIATES, LLC (CA).

The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/24/21.

JULY 01, 08, 15, 22, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039379900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as CHAPTER, SAN FRANCISCO; CHAPTER HOSTEL; 655 ELLIS ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed COSA FRANKLIN STREET LLC (NV). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/15/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/24/21.

JULY 01, 08, 15, 22, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039372200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as CAFÉ MEUSE, 1400 PACIFIC AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed NOB HILL NOSHERY, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/29/06. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/17/21.

JULY 01, 08, 15, 22, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039381400 The following person(s) is/are doing business as THAI SPICE RESTAURANT, 1730 POLK ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed KUSONTHAMMARAT LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/25/21.

JULY 01, 08, 15, 22, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039361200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as THE HAT MAN, 3064 CANYON WAY, PITTSBURG, CA 94565. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MERRITT BROWN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/08/21.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/08/21.

JULY 01, 08, 15, 22, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039375100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as BISTRO CENTRAL PARC, 560 CENTRAL AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed BISTRO PARC LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/02/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/21/21.

JULY 01, 08, 15, 22, 2021

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-039057300

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as BISTRO CENTRAL PARC, 560 CENTRAL AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business was conducted by a corporation and signed by BISTRO CENTRAL PARC, INC. (CA). The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/01/20.

JULY 01, 08, 15, 22, 2021 SUMMONS IN A CIVIL ACTION IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA CIVIL ACTION NO. 3:21-CV-02362-SK BRIAN WHITAKER, PLAINTIFF V. EVA C. JEONG, IN INDIVIDUAL AND REPRESENTATIVE CAPACITY AS TRUSTEE OF THE STEVE M. JONG AND EVA C. JEONG REVOCABLE TRUST DATED DECEMBER 26, 1995; JOHNNY LY, DEFENDANTS To Eva C. Jeong, in individual and representative capacity as trustee Of The Steve M. Jong And Eva C. Jeong Revocable Trust Dated December 26, 1995, 146 Wood St Apt 8, San Francisco, CA 94118-3465 and Johnny Ly, c/o Latte Express #5, 646 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA 94108, a lawsuit has been filed against you. Within 21 days after service of this summons on you (not counting the day you received it) – or 60 days if you are the United States or a United States agency, or an officer or employee of the United States described in Fed. R. Civ. P. 12(a)(2) or (3) – you must serve on the plaintiff an answer to the attached complaint or a motion under Rule 12 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The answer or motion must be served on the plaintiff or plaintiff’s attorney, whose name and address are Amanda Seabock, Esq., SBN 289900, 8033 Linda Vista Road, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92111; Phone (858) 375-7385; (888) 422-5191 fax. If you fail to respond, judgment by default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint. You also must file your answer or motion with the court. Date: 4/2/2021. Clerk of the Court Susan Y. Soong; signed Sheila Rash, deputy clerk.

JULY 01, 08, 15, 22, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556421

In the matter of the application of WENJIE ZHONG, 288 9TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner WENJIE ZHONG is requesting that the name WENJIE ZHONG be changed to WENNIE ZHONG. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 9th of SEP 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 08, 15, 22, 29, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556416

In the matter of the application of ROY MILTON BOSWELL, 1788 CLAY ST #207, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner ROY MILTON BOSWELL is requesting that the name ROY MILTON BOSWELL be changed to ROY MILTON BOSWELL-VIGGIANO. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103 on the 10th of AUGUST 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 08, 15, 22, 29, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556432

In the matter of the application of SUNJUNG KIM, 260 KING ST #417, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner SUNJUNG KIM is requesting that the name SUNJUNG KIM be changed to MICHAEL SUNJUNG KIM. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103 on the 17th of AUGUST 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

JULY 08, 15, 22, 29, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556436

t

was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/17/21.

JULY 08, 15, 22, 29, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039384600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as EARTH ALLY, 743 11TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed CHARLOTTE CANNER. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/02/20.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/30/21.

JULY 08, 15, 22, 29, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-0393875 The following person(s) is/are doing business as SASSY LOCS HUMAN HAIR, 1101 PHELPS ST #A, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JANET PICKENS-STANFORD. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/02/21.

JULY 08, 15, 22, 29, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039386700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MAESTRO APPLIANCE, 150 SAN MARCOS AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ANDRE SAVKIN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/02/21.

JULY 08, 15, 22, 29, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039364700 The following person(s) is/are doing business as MYPLIANCE, 136 FOERSTER, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed ROMAN STEPANYUK & OLEKSANDR STEPANYUK. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/11/21.

JULY 08, 15, 22, 29, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039386900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as PHO HUONG VIET, 5733 GEARY BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed PHO HUONG VIET INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/01/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/02/21.

JULY 08, 15, 22, 29, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039386400 The following person(s) is/are doing business as NAILS N BEAUTY, 2385 CHESTNUT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed NAILS N BEAUTY (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/01/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/02/21.

JULY 08, 15, 22, 29, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039385100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as EGGCELLENT WAFFLES, 891 BUSH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed WAI YAM KWAN HK LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/01/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/01/21.

JULY 08, 15, 22, 29, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039386200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as LILIKOI, 3108 FILLMORE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed KINGDEW ENTERPRISES LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/02/21.

JULY 08, 15, 22, 29, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-03938560

In the matter of the application of GENEVA CARTER, 32 MAXWELL CT, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner GENEVA CARTER is requesting that the name AIRAM VERRILL JACKSON be changed to KY’REAL KENYA DUVALL and the name GENEVA HELEN CARTER be changed to MALAYSIA GRACE DUVALL. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 17th of AUGUST 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as THE ANCHOVY BAR, 1740 O’FARRELL ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed THE PROGRESS PROVISIONS, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/20.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/02/21.

JULY 08, 15, 22, 29, 2021

The following person(s) is/are doing business as RITUAL NAIL BAR, 340 DIVISADERO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed HOANG & NEAL, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/02/21.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039371800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as WELLNESS WARRIOR SF, 1050 NORTH POINT ST #402, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ELIZABETH CHANG WILSON. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/03/21. The statement

JULY 08, 15, 22, 29, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039387600

JULY 08, 15, 22, 29, 2021

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Niv Nissim and John Benjamin Hickey in Sublet

New lease on life

by Gregg Shapiro

Eytan Fox’s ‘Sublet’ moves in

S

ince his 2002 breakout film Yossi & Jagger, which went from being a hit on the LGBTQ film festival circuit to gaining an even larger following via home video, gay Israeli filmmaker Eytan Fox has consistently made films of the highest quality. Included in that list is Yossi, Fox’s 2012 Yossi & Jagger sequel which greatly improves on the original, as well as The Bubble, Walk On Water, and the unexpected comedy Cupcakes.

Newly released on home video, Sublet (Greenwich Entertainment/Kino Lorber), Fox’s latest (co-written with Itay Segal), breaks new ground for the writer/director by featuring an American actor, John Benjamin Hickey (who is gay), in the lead role. Additionally, most of the dialogue is in English, with the remainder in Hebrew.

New Yorker Michael (Hickey), writer of “The Intrepid Traveler” column in The New York Times, specializes in writing about what a person can discover and enjoy about a city in five days.

Therefore, it makes sense that Sublet is separated in five sections, Day One through Day Five.

Day One covers Michael’s arrival at his Tel Aviv sublet. Things get off to an awkward start when the tenant, Tomer (Niv Nissim making his memorable film debut), a student filmmaker, insists that Michael arrived a day early. He’s wrong, of course, and must quickly straighten up the apartment for his short-term renter.

Michael, meanwhile, unpacks and settles in before going out to explore the neighborhood and beach. He ends the day with a Skype call from his husband David (Peter Spears).

Michael’s second day begins with a visit to an art museum. While there, he’s distracted by

an unexpected call from a woman regarding the selection of a surrogate for him and David.

This sets the stage for an important reveal later in the movie.

On a lighter note, there is a shift in the way that Michael and Tomer interact. Tomer stops by the apartment to get his weed and ends up hanging out with Michael. The previous day’s tension has subsided (thanks, in part, to the pot), and their conversation is friendly and funny. When Michael shares his list of places he plans to visit and write about, Tomer teases him, saying that they’re fine, “if you’re a Jewish princess on her Birthright tour.”

Tomer provides Michael with a local’s perspective and takes him to wonderful places off the beaten path. While eating lunch, Tomer tells Michael about Googling him, learning about his “thrilling debut” novel. But, while flattering Michael, he also inadvertently insults him.

After spending the day together, Michael

suggests that Tomer, unsure of where he’ll sleep that night, crash on the couch. They watch one of Tomer’s movies. Then Tomer’s friend Daria (Lihi Kornowski), an actress/dancer who was in the movie they just watched, comes by the apartment after having a fight with her Palestinian boyfriend Amir.

On the third day, Michael finds Tomer at the beach. Tomer shows Michael the copy of his book that he found in a secondhand bookshop.

It’s a sweet moment that leads to a discussion about relationships and Tomer’s sexuality.

An uncomfortable Skype call with David almost ruins Michael’s day, which is redeemed when Tomer and Michael attend Daria and Amir’s dance show. The day concludes with another unexpected turn involving the Israeli version of Grindr, and a visit from sexy Kobi (Tamir Ginsburg).

Unsettled by the events of the night before with Tamir and Kobi, Michael plans to check

into a hotel for his last full day in Tel Aviv. However, Tamir convinces Michael to stay, telling him that his mother Malka (Miki Kam), has invited them to dinner at the kibbutz where she lives (and where Tamir was raised). It’s one of the more powerful scenes in the movie, combining humor and drama, for a visceral impact.

Back at Tamir’s apartment, Sublet makes its most predictable move (can you guess?).

Somehow it follows its natural course and is not as off-putting as you might think. This leads to the day five finale that calls in all of the available feels. Even Tomer’s affectionate acknowledgment of crying at the airport is a kind of wink and nudge to the audience. Hickey and Nissim are marvelous (every bit as good as Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci in the recent Supernova). Sublet is a successful and welcome addition to Fox’s canon. Rating: B+

dustry; very embarrassing moment. It means forgiveness, but it also means that somebody actually looks at my art as respectable. It’s just something to be celebrated from the same label that dropped you [laughs].

so, what did he think of it?

I never heard what Stevie thought of it.

I think he’s heard it. This guy from Hidden Beach (Records), I forgot his name, handed me a phone one time and Stevie Wonder was on the phone. I said, “I hope this isn’t a person imitating him [laughs]!” I was young; it’s very much a copy album, to me. I really hoped that he was honored, but I don’t think he was impressed. I’m just saying what I feel.

The Colored Section being released during June, which was both Pride Month and African American Music Appreciation Month. Please say something about the significance of that to you.

Being gay and coming from a Hebrew Pentecostal church, it was even more difficult than being from your average Pentecostal church, because it was very much Leviticus (based).

So, what it means to me is just a balance. Having both feet out of the closet. I had to stand up for gay people, but I was still uncomfortable because I wanted my mother to love me.

It’s very significant, because she’ll be listening.

She’s gotten over a lot of it, still, She might as well, I’m not gonna stop. Plus Juneteenth!

It’s me [laughs], the month! The music, Juneteenth which is very Colored Section/black history, and gay rights month.

Donnie’s welcome back to ‘The Colored Section’

by Gregg Shapiro

L

et’s spill the tea here and now. What was passing for Motown Records during the late 1990s and early 2000s was a poor excuse for what was once a groundbreaking and important home for music. There were a few exceptions (see Erykah Badu), but the suits and corporate conmen running the show mistreated several artists, including gay retro-soul artist Donnie.

In spite of across-the-board favorable reviews, Donnie’s exceptional debut album The

Colored Section was virtually ignored. As if to set the record straight (so to speak), Motown is reissuing The Colored Section in an expanded 20th-anniversary edition. Donnie was gracious enough to answer a few questions in advance of the reissue’s release.

Gregg Shapiro: Your acclaimed debut album The Colored Section is being reissued in an expanded 20th-anniversary edition.

What does such an auspicious occasion mean to you as an artist?

Donnie: As an artist, it means forgiveness first of all. I didn’t do well in the music in-

Everything at once! How involved were you in the process of selecting the bonus material that is included in the reissue?

I was not involved. They own the masters to the track. They don’t own the songs, but they own the masters, so they did what they did. It’s a business.

What do you think about the bonus material that was chosen?

I really don’t like “Trois.”

It was a recording I made for a movie soundtrack, but they put it on there anyway.

There are songs that people have heard, a love song called “When You Call My Name” and people really love that. I thank God. You have cited the influence of Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway and Marvin Gaye on your work, all of whom come through loud and clear in your powerful lyrics and your vocal style. Do you know if Stevie Wonder ever heard The Colored Section, and if

www.kinolorber.com/product/sublet-dvd

In addition to Stevie, Donny and Marvin, black gay male performers such as Sylvester, Luther Vandross, Labi Siffre, Blackberri, Johnny Mathis, and even Little Richard, preceded you. What influence, if any, did they have on you?

I would say all of them. I love American music. Sylvester comes from the Pentecostal church, which a lot of gay men do. There are a lot of gay men in the choir! I loved Sylvester’s music before I ever heard about the common ground with Pentecostalism. The church was fighting against me, but I’m sorry, here’s this man dressed like a woman with this high voice singing this pumping song, “You make me feel might real!” It was inspiration! Even Johnny Mathis. He sang the theme song for Family Ties. Him and, woo, Deniece Williams! Oh, my gosh! Anybody who came out and was openly gay or were found out…because it’s not the easiest thing. I’m not hard on people about it.

But it was very inspirational for people to have the balls to do that because they’re black. Being black and being gay, you are persecuted by own race and by others.

The Colored Section was released before we had queer black music icons including Janelle Monae, Billy Porter, Frank Ocean, Todrick Hall, and Lil Nas X, to name a few.

How do you feel about the evolution of queer black performers?

Like I said, it’s bold. But I think it’s needed.

A lot of people give opinions on what it is to be gay and don’t even know any gay people.

See page 15 >>

<< Theatre & 50 in 50

14 • Bay Area Reporter • July 8-14, 2021

Matt Yee Keeps fun afloat in trying times

by Jim Gladstone

M

ost years at around this time, gay men flock to Matt Yee’s campy, comedic singalong concerts aboard vacation mega-ships like Royal Carribean’s Oasis of the Seas. But this year, with the cruise industry still semi-landlocked in the pandemic’s wake, San Franciscans can catch him at Oasis of the UrineSoaked Sidewalks.

The Oahu-based party starter who has, in aggregate, spent about ten of his past 20 years performing aboard cruise ships, brings an updated dry dock extravaganza to town for two shows this Friday and Saturday night.

“I’m excited and apprehensive at the same time,” Yee says about cruise companies’ slow float back to normal.

“My bookings are very touch and go.”

In fact, during the week between

Monday 8am

(last seating 9:45pm)

Tuesday 8am

(last seating 9:45pm)

Matt Yee

his initial interview with the Bay Area Reporter and Yee’s San Francisco shows, he was anxiously awaiting a call from gay cruise operator Atlantis Events which –after a stuttering series of trip postponements

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and cancellations while conditions and regulations evolved worldwide– is finally returning to sea with a Greek island itinerary on August 15.

When that call finally came last weekend, Yee learned that, given the revenue constraints created by ships’ COVID-driven reduced passenger capacity, Atlantis was unable to fly him from Hawaii to Greece for the gig.

“My last cruise was a round-trip from New York to the Bahamas at the beginning of last March,” says Yee, whose theater fandom rivals his hamdom. “After we docked, I hurried to Broadway to see Moulin Rouge and catch Patti Lupone in Company. And then the next day it was all over. I flew home to Hawaii.”

“I’m very lucky,” says Yee of the nest egg that allowed him and husband Paul to weather a year of drastically reduced income. But he expresses serious concern for fellow members of not one but two major industries that he’s a part of: the entertainment business and the hospitality business.

“At least those of us who are performers could turn to the internet,” he says, noting that in the early months of travel restrictions he performed online every weekend. “In March, we were having 13,000 to 15,000 people tune in.”

That’s one of the benefits Yee sees in having built an audience for his act on cruise ships all over the world. Another, he points out, is that when performing at sea, he has time to form stronger connections and real friendships with fans.

“It’s thanks to a guy from Baltimore named Joey Watson who I first met on a cruise that I was able to do these pandemic livestreams.

He’s an internet genius and he was able to set things up so that people could tune in from whatever platform they were most comfortable, so it wasn’t just limited to Facebook or Instagram or Zoom.”

“Matt is crazy addictive,” says

Marcus Dawson, a local fan who lives in Clarenden Heights. “I’ve seen him at least a dozen times; on cruises for the past seven years or so, and then I’ve gone to see club shows here and in New York and in Miami.

I kidnap my friends who haven’t seen him and take them to shows when Matt’s at a club. For someone like me who loves to sing but isn’t going to win a Grammy anytime soon, Matt makes it easy to shake of your self-consciousness.”

Yee brought his trademark muumuus, wigs, props and double-entendres to his online shows. But the energy at first is distinctly different.

“I basically sat at an electric keyboard here in my house and yelled at my computer,” said Yee. “Because I was on all the platforms and there’s digital delay, I couldn’t see any audience and the only feedback I got was in comments. But, to be honest, it gave me a sense of purpose. I didn’t have that existential dilemma that you can have as a non-performing performer, like ‘What am I here for?’

In the first few shows, I went on for hours. Eventually I pared it down to 60 minutes, but unlike on a cruise where people see me perform one or two times, people came back week after week, which meant I had to develop some new material.”

In fact, the internet’s contentgobbling hunger will prove a boon for longtime Yee fans who catch his shows at Oasis. As he readily acknowledges, Yee’s shows have long been heavily loaded with evergreen schtick that he can perform repeatedly since his shows provide a familiar vacation ritual for many fans.

“I have my repertoire and it works,” he concedes.

But time in drydock has inspired some new numbers that Yee looks forward to sharing.

“Paul and I watched that new HBO Tina Turner documentary, and just watching her come on stage at Wembley Stadium –‘All the men come in these plaaaces…’– it was fantastic. And I’d never done ‘Private Dancer’ before, so now that’s in.”

The pandemic also generated some unexpected requests.

“This couple reached out to me online to ask if I would do a videogram of ‘W.A.P.’—for their daughter’s bat mitzvah!” The stalwart cruiser responded with a hearty ‘Whatever floats your boat’ and fulfilled the request.

Yee also plans to put a medley from the musical Dear Evan Hansen, Lizzo’s “Good as Hell,” and the Al Green/Annie Lennox hit “Put A Little Love In Your Heart” into

t

heavy onstage rotation.

“These songs just fit the overall theme of my shows, which is people getting together and feeling uninhibited enough to do silly things together. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you look like, just come together and have fun. And sing! I don’t care if you don’t know how to sing. Sing louder!”

Matt Yee at Oasis, 298 11th St. July 9 (7pm) and 10 (9:30pm). $35. sfoasis.com mattyee.com

On the Radio

Two queer San Francisco stage stalwarts are taking to the agitprop airwaves in the San Francisco Mime Troupe’s latest release of streaming radio plays.

Francis Jue, who grew up in the Richmond, has starred in M. Butterfly on Broadway, guest-starred on The Good Wife and Law & Order: SVU, and recently trod the Bay Area boards in David Henry Hwang’s Soft Power and Lauren Yee’s King of the Yees. Rotimi Agagbiaka recently released a film of his solo show Manifesto and starred in We Players’ site-specific romp through McClaren Park, Psychopomp.

On the July 11 episode of the SFMT’s Tales of the Resistance, the pair stars in “Jailbreak!” by Michael Gene Sullivan, in which an Antifa activist and a black drag queen are thrown into a jail that also houses the leader of a right wing insurrectionist group. Mayhem, with music! ensues.

New episodes of Tales of the Resistance are being released weekly through July and are available to stream free of charge at sfmt.orgt

Francis Jue and Rotimi Agbabiaka in SFMT’s Tales of the Resistance

50 Years in 50 Weeks:

1984­

Saluting Sylvester

1984

was a tumultuous year, not only for the local community. Elections, a huge increase in AIDS infections and deaths, and antigay politics continued. Yet the arts and nightlife scene carried on, providing music and more at fundraisers and featured shows.

Our weekly search for the year’s best item stopped still for a fascinating two-page interview with the late great Sylvester. In the January 19, 1984 interview, the singer discussed his ‘Decade of Faaaabulous Falsetto’ with Jerry De Gracia and Jon Seifer.

The feature served as an advance to his now-legendary Feb. 4 One Night Only concert at The Castro Theatre.

“So many things have happened,” said Sylvester in the interview. “I’ve been to so many places and met so many important people in the world and it seems like it never ends.”

Sadly, Sylvester died of AIDS four years later.t

Read the Dec. 22, 1988 feature obituary and other vintage news at https:// archive.org/details/bayareareporter Also, watch Sylvester at a later 1987 return concert at The Castro Theatre: https://youtu.be/l-IeMHiE-6M

t

Music & Film>>

July 8-14, 2021 • Bay Area Reporter • 15

Seelig to retire as Chorus Director-Conductor in 2022

by Jim Provenzano

A

fter a decade as Artistic Director & Conductor, San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus announced that Dr. Tim Seelig will retire at the end of the chorus’ 44th season in 2022.

A committee led by Paul Saccone and Maren Amdal will formally launch the search for SFGMC’s next Artistic Director on August 1.

“As I look back over the last decade with the chorus, the milestones are humbling,” said Seelig in a press statement. “The chorus has been able to honor its commitment to music and mission. The music, new and old, has been glorious.

The mission continues to stand as a beacon guiding this chorus through what is now 43 years. For me, the successes of these 10 seasons with SFGMC are not counted in numbers of singers or dollars, but in the lives and hearts moved by the music we have made together.”

Considered one of the nation’s most prolific choral directors, Seelig has had an accomplished ten seasons at San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus marked by several distinguished milestones, including the Lavender Pen Tour, the groundbreaking tour that took the chorus through five southern states in the fall of 2017; the subsequent release of Gay Chorus Deep South, the award-winning documentary chronicling the Lavender Pen Tour.

Dave Earl

Dr. Tim Seelig

“San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus will forever be indebted to Tim for his many years of service and contributions to the chorus and our community,” said the chorus’ Executive Director Chris Verdugo.

“During his tenure, the organization has seen an overwhelming increase in chorus members –expanding to over 300 singers– and he’s created an artistic product to rival some of the best men’s choral ensembles in the country. He helped elevate SFGMC to the global stage while also transforming the chorus into a worldwide leader in the

LGBTQ+ choral movement. He’s been a partner, friend and leader.”

Prior to joining San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, Seelig was Artistic Director and Conductor of Dallas’ Turtle Creek Chorale for 20 years, where he is currently Conductor Emeritus, and served on the faculty at Southern Methodist University for 14 years. Seelig’s early training was as a singer. In 2022, Dr. Seelig will have been conducting LGBTQ choruses for 35 years.t www.sfgmc.org

Frameline awards faves and filmmakers

Steven Underhill

Firebird star Tom Prior and director Peeter Rebane outside The Castro Theatre.

By Jim Provenzano

W

ith both online and in-person screenings, Frameline’s 45th annual LGBTQ International Film Festival welcomed 89,000 attendees who watched films at home, at drivein theaters, and at both the Roxie and re-opened Castro theaters. The 18day festival included 134 film screenings and 16 world premieres.

The hybrid festival provided both

<<

Donnie

From page 13

What they’re really seeing is what has already been, what was in the clubs.

Now they’re getting the chance to experience it. It’s not the easiest thing, but because it’s art, people don’t get such a hard time. Even though they gave Tevin Campbell a hard time, I heard. I wish he could have made it.

He had talent. But he was gay, and he was feminine. They wanted someone for the girls can go crazy over. I feel that they’re needed, and folks are going to have to get used to stuff.

They’re not the only ones here!

In the interim, between your second album The Daily News and

in-person and virtual offerings, a series of thought-provoking talks.

The festival expanded its viewership by streaming films nationally for the first time, with viewers in 45 states enjoying the selection of movies.

Size isn’t everything, but for fun scale, Frameline45 produced their largest-ever screenings of In the Heights and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, both presented in partnership with SF Pride and the now, have you been working on any new music?

I’ve been working on a musical.

It’s called The American Mythology.

I’ve been working on The American Mythology for, I would, guess 15 years. I didn’t stop because it was my heart, it’s what kept me alive. It’s a musical. It’s not about Donnie. I want this to go to Broadway, but I want to put it on stage first. It’s not easy, but I do have a connection. I’m going to do it. Maybe I’ll do a single, every now and then. But a Donnie album? I don’t know. [Laughs] you never know.t

Read the full interview, with music clips on www.ebar.com

SF Giants on the 10,000 square foot jumbotron at Oracle Park.

After a 15-month hiatus, the re-opening of the Castro Theatre was a highlight. Alongside David Hegarty’s fabled organ performances, the standing ovations at Castro Theatre screenings signaled a return to cultural events missed over the past year.

Awards were given to several films.

Outstanding First Feature (selected by the San Francisco Bay Area Film Critics Circle) was Milkwater, directed by Morgan Ingari. Jury Honorable Mentions included Firebird, directed

by Peeter Rebane and Language Lessons, directed by Natalie Morales.

The Audience Award for Best Feature was given to Lola (Lola vers la mer), directed by Laurent Micheli.

The Audience Award for Best Documentary went to Invisible, directed

by T.J. Parsell. The Audience Award for Best Short went to Sheer Qorma, directed by Faraz Arif Ansari.

Find out about more films, including continued online screenings, and the upcoming Fall Festival, at https://www.frameline.org/t

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Take it Outside

ROUND BARN FOUNTAINGROVE

Nestled in the hills of Fountaingrove, City Ventures’ new community Round Barn is just a short jaunt to the Russian River, Trione-Annadel State Park, and the Fountaingrove Club. Or taking a more relaxed outing is easy when your new home is in one of California’s top food and wine destinations, home to more than 425 wineries ranging from rustic to regal.

Don’t miss your opportunity to own your new home at Round Barn.

SOLAR TOWNHOMES IN FOUNTAINGROVE | 1,746-1,884 SQ. FT. | 3-4 BEDROOMS | 2.5-3.5 BATHS COMMUNITY AMENITIES INCLUDE: POOL, SPA, CABANAS, CLUBHOUSE, PARKS, PLAYGROUND, COMMUNITY GARDEN FROM THE LOW $600,000s

RussianRiverLiving.com | 707-657-3353 | 208 Semillon Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 All renderings, floor plans, and maps are concepts and are not intended to be an actual depiction of the buildings, fencing, walkways, driveways or landscaping. Walls, windows, porches and decks vary per elevation and lot location. In a continuing effort to meet consumer expectations, City Ventures the right to modify prices, floor plans, specifications, options and amenities without notice or obligation. Square footages shown are approximate. *Broker/agent must accompany and register their client(s) with the onsite sales team on their first visit to the community in order to be eligible for any broker referral fee. Please see your Sales Manager for details. ©️2021 City Ventures. All rights reserved. DRE LIC # 01979736.