March 18, 2021 Edition of the Bay Area Reporter

COVID vaccine update

06

05

Compromise on landmark

Queer youth sing out

ARTS

02

09

Aretha Franklin: Genius

The

www.ebar.com

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

Vol. 51 • No. 11 • March 18-24, 2021

San Francisco gay filmmaker takes intimate look at sex

Courtesy Cannata O’Toole Fickes and Olson

San Francisco Fire Department Assistant Chief Nicol Juratovac

3rd LGBTQ bias case alleged against SFFD

by John Ferrannini

A

San Francisco Fire Department assistant chief became the third – and highest ranking – member of the LGBTQ community to publicly accuse the department of discrimination this year.

Assistant Chief Nicol Juratovac, a lesbian, filed a claim of whistleblower retaliation and discrimination against the San Francisco Fire Department and the city’s Department of Human Resources March 5.

“AC Juratovac has become the target of a relentless campaign of harassment and discrimination by department leadership for taking on the good old boys mentality at the SFFD,” the claim states. A claim is a precursor to a lawsuit.

See page 6 >>

Filmmaker Alex Liu holds a penis-shaped cookie pop.

by Matthew S. Bajko

S

ex wasn’t a topic of conversation for Alex Liu’s Asian American, Roman Catholic family when he was growing up. The lack of openness led Liu to struggle not just with his being gay but also with his sexuality in general.

The internalized stigma and homophobia he felt led Liu to contemplate suicide in his youth. And it left him with nagging questions about what he, his family, and society in general can do to be more open about discussing sex and sexuality.

Liu’s curiosity about the topic has resulted in his 80-minute documentary “A Sexplana-

Courtesy Herra Productions

Golden Gate Audubon Society hires gay ED

by Tyler Breisacher

ested in how we can be there for other people of color who might experience things like that, and how we can learn more about racism.”

Phillips succeeds Pam Young, who served as interim executive director since mid-2019.

“We are fortunate to have someone as experienced as Glenn assuming the role of our new executive director,” stated Eric Schroeder, president of the GGAS board of directors. “Glenn’s leadership and vision will help guide us towards our goal of creating North America’s most birdfriendly urban community.’ “

T Share your B.A.R. memories

by Cynthia Laird

T

he Bay Area Reporter will mark its 50th anniversary next month and we want to hear from you, our readers.

We’re inviting readers to send in brief emails about what the San Francisco Bay Area’s leading LGBTQ newspaper means to you. Was there a particular story that grabbed your attention or spurred you to action? Why is a publication devoted to covering the queer community important to you?

Send in your comments and include your name and a daytime phone, the latter for verification only. You can also send in a photo of yourself. Email to news@ebar.com with BAR 50 in the subject line. Please try to keep your comments to 150-200 words.

The deadline for submissions is March 25.

The B.A.R.’s special 50th anniversary issue will be published April 1 (no foolin’). t

Untitled-11 1

tion,” which he directed and co-wrote with Leonardo Neri. The intimate look at sex and how Americans mostly fail at teaching their youth about the subject matter will have its world premiere this weekend at the Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival, San Jose’s annual independent film festival.

See page 7 >>

he Golden Gate Audubon Society has hired its first openly gay executive director in the organization’s 105-year history.

Glenn Phillips, who grew up in the East Bay, returned to the area after about 30 years in New York, where he was the executive director of New York City Audubon for seven years.

According to a news release from the society, Phillips, 52, grew the membership of New York City Audubon by 50% during his tenure there and increased revenue from $650,000 to $1 million. GGAS currently has almost 7,000 members, and Phillips said in a phone interview that he hopes to at least double that in the next four years, as well as strengthen the relationships between the Golden Gate chapter and the seven other Bay Area Audubon chapters. GGAS covers San Francisco and parts of the East Bay, including some of Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

He added that he wants to increase the diversity of the organization’s membership, not just the sheer numbers. The birding community became part of the national conversation on race and policing last May, when Amy Cooper, a white woman, called the police on gay Black birder Christian Cooper (no relation) when he asked her to put her dog on a leash in New York City’s Central Park. Amy Cooper ultimately apologized to Christian Cooper and New York prosecutors dismissed their criminal case against her.

“All the bird community’s leaders need to be

Conservation and bird protection

Courtesy GGAS

Glenn Phillips is the new executive director of the Golden Gate Audubon Society.

tuned into the fact that not everybody moves through the world with the same privilege that I do and that others like me do,” Phillips said. “Just as we would fight to the end to preserve the diversity of our bird population, we need to stand up for human diversity in the same way.”

Although there is more work to do on inclusivity, the Bay Area birding community is generally welcoming and LGBTQ-friendly, according to queer birder and GGAS member Rachel Silverstein. She acknowledged that birding events “skew very heavily white,” but said the Central Park incident sparked a meaningful discussion among GGAS members, who were “very inter-

Phillips emphasized the importance of small environmental actions that people can take to help birds, such as conserving water and energy, keeping cats indoors, and planting native plants.

However, he noted that not everyone has the ability to make those choices in their community, and that the benefits of those options aren’t evenly distributed either. He added that it’s important for people to engage with elected officials to ensure that “the benefits of moving towards a more carbon-neutral economy are uniformly felt and not reserved for only the wealthy.”

One topic that has been discussed is the SkyStar Observation Wheel in Golden Gate Park. The 150-foot Ferris wheel may be hazardous to migrating birds, as Golden Gate Park is a “staging ground” for birds on their way to Canada and Alaska, Phillips explained.

See page 6 >>

2/12/21 10:45 AM

<< Health News

t People with HIV now prioritized for vaccine in SF 2 • Bay Area Reporter • March 18-24, 2021

by John Ferrannini

P

eople in San Francisco who are living with HIV are now prioritized for COVID-19 vaccines, according to public health officials.

The news was first revealed last week during a town hall intended to inform LGBTQs in particular about the three authorized COVID-19 vaccines.

Meanwhile, on the Peninsula, the San Mateo County Pride Center announced it hopes to set up a vaccination clinic for the queer community.

Dr. Susan Philip, San Francisco’s acting health officer, said during the March 9 town hall that beginning Monday, the state will allow health care providers to use their own clinical judgment in vaccinating individuals ages 16-64 who are “deemed to be at the very highest risk to get very sick from COVID-19” due to medical conditions.

The city’s Department of Public Health published an advisory March 10 confirming that people with HIV will be part of vaccination phase 1c, which began March 15.

On another topic, Philip said that people taking hormones should not worry about their treatments or the vaccine being less effective due to an interaction.

“There’s no information to suggest there is a possible interaction with hormones that would make hormones less effective or the vaccine less effective,” Philip said in response to a pre-submitted question.

The same holds true for people being treated for HIV, and people taking PrEP, she said.

“From evidence we have, there is no interaction with HIV medications whether as HIV treatment or HIV PrEP,” she said, responding to another question. “Do not worry.”

Philip was introduced by Clair Farley, a transgender woman who is a senior adviser to Mayor London Breed and executive director of San Francisco’s Office of Transgender Initiatives.

“Over the last year, we have worked to support COVID relief, and I’m so proud of our LGBTQ community for showing up for each other, for following stay-at-home orders and, as we move toward reopening, we must continue to do our part: get vaccinated and check in on our neighbors,” Farley said. “This is why today’s event is so important.”

Philip apologized for years of mistrust, some deserved, of the medical establishment on the part of minority communities, particularly the LGBTQ community. Still, she stressed that “the vaccine offers hope, a ticket

Screengrab

A slide from the March 9 virtual town hall highlights the safety of COVID-19 vaccines.

out of this pandemic, and a return to the things we enjoy, such as making a living, for some, and being with others without fear of infection.”

Philip said that vaccine distribution is trying to compensate for some of the inequities in health care unmasked by the pandemic. For example, the city’s three mass testing sites – at Moscone Center in the South of Market neighborhood, the City College of San Francisco main campus by Balboa Park, and at the farmers market in the Bayview, were chosen to be on the “southern and eastern” sides of the city because these areas have been hit hardest by the virus.

Further, the state announced March 4 that 40% of its vaccine supply will go toward 400 of the most vulnerable ZIP codes in the state, which total a population of 8 million vaccine-eligible people, according to Dr. Mark Ghaly, California’s health and human services secretary. However, that plan leaves out the Bayview and the Mission district, as Mission Local reported. The Tenderloin and Treasure Island were included on the state’s list.

There are three vaccines being used in the United States that were granted emergency use authorization by the federal Food and Drug Administration: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. The former two require two doses, while the latter is a single shot.

“The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are a new technology called mRNA vaccines,” Philip explained. “They came out first, but within the past week[s] we have seen the approval of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which uses a virus vector that does not infect people themselves. People cannot get COVID-19 in a vaccine.”

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mRNA vaccines do not put a weakened virus into a patient’s body. In-

stead, “they teach our cells how to make a protein – or even just a piece of a protein – that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. That immune response, which produces antibodies, is what protects us from getting infected if the real virus enters our bodies,” Philip said. This technology is newer.

Johnson & Johnson’s is an adenovirus vector vaccine, which uses a harmless virus to deliver the blueprint for a SARS-CoV-2 protein found on the surface of the virus. The immune system will then generate a response to this protein. This is a decades-old technology.

While the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is less effective (72%) than the two authorized mRNA vaccines (94-95%), Philip urged people to take whatever vaccine they are offered. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine proved effective at preventing severe COVID-19 and 100% effective at preventing hospitalization and death due to the virus.

“These vaccines, including Johnson & Johnson, prevent [the most severe complications] from happening,” Philip said. “When the government set the ground for effective vaccinations, it was much lower; 50%, 60% was considered a success.”

Because none of the vaccines use an attenuated virus, there is no risk from becoming sick with COVID-19 from receiving a vaccine, Philip said.

While some people experience flulike symptoms after a second dose of one of the currently authorized mRNA vaccines, this is just a sign one’s immune system is working properly at producing antibodies; though the lack of this sign should not be construed that the immune system is not working, Philip said.

“All three of them prevent the most severe complications of COVID-19,” Philip said. “They keep you from getting to the hospital or dying. ... Not a

single person who received a vaccine in [the] trials died of COVID-19. In real life, they may not be as perfect, but that gives us a lot of confidence.”

Philip said that while “some people worry about the speed with which the vaccines came to us,” no steps were skipped. Rather, Philip said, some steps were undertaken simultaneously (such as production and trials).

“The government put a lot of money to get manufactur[ing] ready,” Philip said, working with the idea that “let’s do everything as though it is going to work.”

A conservative estimate is that everyone over 16 who wants to be vaccinated will be able to get one by the summer, Philip said. Those under 16 will need to wait for more trials, and a timeline of fall 2020-winter 2021 is estimated.

Keep wearing masks

While vaccination offers protection from severe cases of COVID-19 in most cases two weeks after receiving one’s final shot, Philip said that people who have been vaccinated are still urged to wear masks in public and around unvaccinated people for two reasons.

The first is because the jury is still out on if vaccinated people, who themselves would be protected against severe COVID-19 complications, could still pass the SARS-CoV-2 virus to an unvaccinated person, creating in them an infection.

“There’s a small possibility that after vaccination, people could get a silent infection and pass it on,” Philip said.

“To be on the safe side, we don’t want to put unvaccinated people at risk.”

The second is to avoid “disrupting the social norm” of mask wearing.

Currently, individuals 65 and older, as well as those who work in education, child care, emergency services, food (including restaurant workers), and agriculture are eligible to be vaccinated. Vaccinations are free of charge, offered by the city, select pharmacies, and health care providers.

People can sign up at www.sf.gov/ vaccinenotify to get a text or email when they are eligible to receive a vaccine.

As of March 14, 15% of San Francisco adults are fully vaccinated (compared to 3% on February 3), and 31% have received at least one dose of vaccine (both mRNA vaccines are double-dose shots; only 10% had received two doses as of February 3), according to data made available by the city.

The town hall was produced by the virtual outreach team of the city’s COVID Command Center and was

hosted by the trans initiatives office, the Department of Public Health, and the SF Bay Area LGBTQ COVID Relief Coalition.

San Mateo County survey

The same day as the town hall, the San Mateo County Pride Center announced the results of a survey highlighting the effects of the pandemic in the LGBTQ community on the Peninsula.

Francisco Sapp, a trans person who is the program director for the center, told the Bay Area Reporter March 11 that the center has high hopes this will lead to an LGBTQ vaccination clinic.

“The COVID impact report we were able to produce was shared widely with San Mateo County officials and it was received positively,” Sapp said.

Sapp said that there is not a certain timeline on when this may come to fruition, but that “given the nature of everything we’ve been able to show, there is a demonstrated need there.”

The Pride center, which in the city of San Mateo, is currently “operating fully remotely,” and so that site may work for the clinic, Sapp indicated.

“There is a possibility our site could lend itself,” Sapp said.

The survey was based on just over 500 responses from community members in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties in the last two months of 2020.

It found, among other things, that 85% of respondents reported negative impacts on their mental health and wellbeing due to the pandemic; that 55% were unable to access “the activities that had sustained them prior to the pandemic” and that 36% “reported negative impacts on financial stability.”

Sapp said that these responses, and more, highlight the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Some of the numbers that were most sobering for me were the full, sheer impact,” Sapp said. “When you think about the comparative analysis, look at the intersectionalist, LGBTQ people with disabilities were 7.3 times more likely to have moved into unsafe housing. These are people and we need to figure out the stories behind the numbers.”

Sapp said that the survey that produced the impact report came about because of a chronic lack of data about how COVID-19 was impacting LGBTQs. The B.A.R. has reported extensively on the lack of sexual orientation and gender identity, or SOGI, data. t The full report is available online at https://rb.gy/wiga3q.

We are grateful to be able to keep our small business OPEN and help our customers with their fireplace projects during this pandemic.

We look forward to your call or visit to our showroom.

Following state and CDC guidelines, we are available to safely meet with you in your home and in our showroom, or answer your questions by phone.

415-626-1110

OKELL’S FIREPLACE

130 Russ Street, SF

okellsfireplace.com

LX2 3-sided fireplace shown here as a room divider with decorative glass, reflective glass liner, and the HeatShift™ system

info@okellsfireplace.com

<< Open Forum

4 • Bay Area Reporter • March 18-24, 2021

Volume 51, Number 11 March 18-24, 2021 www.ebar.com

PUBLISHER Michael M. Yamashita Thomas E. Horn, Publisher Emeritus (2013) Publisher (2003 – 2013) Bob Ross, Founder (1971 – 2003) NEWS EDITOR Cynthia Laird CULTURE EDITOR Jim Provenzano ASSISTANT EDITORS Matthew S. Bajko • John Ferrannini CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tavo Amador • Roger Brigham Brian Bromberger • Victoria A. Brownworth Philip Campbell • Heather Cassell Michael Flanagan • Jim Gladstone Liz Highleyman • Lisa Keen Matthew Kennedy • David Lamble David-Elijah Nahmod • Paul Parish Tim Pfaff • Jim Piechota • Gregg Shapiro Gwendolyn Smith •Sari Staver • Charlie Wagner Ed Walsh • Cornelius Washington • Sura Wood

ART DIRECTION Max Leger PRODUCTION/DESIGN Ernesto Sopprani PHOTOGRAPHERS Jane Philomen Cleland • FBFE Rick Gerharter • Gareth Gooch Jose Guzman-Colon • Rudy K. Lawidjaja Georg Lester • Rich Stadtmiller • Fred Rowe Steven Underhill • Bill Wilson ILLUSTRATORS & CARTOONISTS Christine Smith

VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVERTISING Scott Wazlowski – 415.829.8937

NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Rivendell Media – 212.242.6863

LEGAL COUNSEL Paul H. Melbostad, Esq.

Bay Area Reporter 44 Gough Street, Suite 204 San Francisco, CA 94103 415.861.5019 • www.ebar.com A division of BAR Media, Inc. © 2021 President: Michael M. Yamashita Director: Scott Wazlowski

News Editor • news@ebar.com Arts Editor • arts@ebar.com Out & About listings • jim@ebar.com Advertising • scott@ebar.com Letters • letters@ebar.com Published weekly. Bay Area Reporter reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement which the publisher believes is in poor taste or which advertises illegal items which might result in legal action against Bay Area Reporter. Ads will not be rejected solely on the basis of politics, philosophy, religion, race, age, or sexual orientation.

Advertising rates available upon request.

Our list of subscribers and advertisers is confidential and is not sold. The sexual orientation of advertisers, photographers, and writers published herein is neither inferred nor implied. We are not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork.

SFFD’s 3-alarm fire

T

hree members of the LGBTQ community – all people of color – have accused the San Francisco Fire Department of discrimination this year. Every month since January a lawsuit or claim has been filed against the beleaguered department and together they point to a disturbing trend of allegations of a hostile work environment. That SFFD is led by an out lesbian and longtime member of the department – Chief Jeanine “Neen” Nicholson – is even further cause for alarm, though some of the alleged charges occurred before she took the helm.

Nevertheless, it’s obvious that there’s a problem at SFFD. That’s not good, either for the personnel serving as first responders or city residents.

In January, gay Black firefighter Keith Baraka filed an amended lawsuit in San Francisco Superior Court alleging discrimination against him based on his race and sexual orientation.

First joining the department in 1997, Baraka said that being assigned to a station in the Duboce Triangle neighborhood near the Castro did not provide a safe haven. As we reported, the suit alleges that for years his locker was broken into, his name was erased from the assignment board, and when he entered a room all nonBlack personnel would leave. He said that he’s being retaliated against, as is the department’s LGBTQ affinity group, SF ResQ. https://www. ebar.com/news/legal/301402 In February, Ronnie Jones, a trans Black paramedic with SFFD, filed a lawsuit in San Francisco Superior Court alleging he has experienced discrimination on the basis of his race and gender identity, harassment, and retaliation. Jones, who’s worked for the department since 2006, came out as transgender in 2015. Jones was then

told to switch to using the men’s locker room and other facilities at the station – but the other people who work there were not informed of the transition, which created confusion and discomfort, according to the complaint. Jones, who’s based at the Bayview station, also faced misgendering and other attempts to demean and humiliate him, according to his attorney, Angela Alioto, who’s also representing Baraka.

This month, a claim was filed against the city by lesbian Assistant Chief Nicol Juratovac, the highest ranking Asian woman in the department. A claim is a precursor to a lawsuit and Juratovac alleges SFFD perpetrated whistleblower retaliation and discrimination. As we report, Juratovac is asserting that she experienced retaliation after exposing cheating on promotion exams, safety violations, and racism in the department – as well as for blowing the whistle on what her attorney, Mark P. Fickes, of Cannata O’Toole Fickes and Olson, described as a “drunken” party at a fire station in Noe Valley in 2017.

Nicholson is apparently aware of problems in the department.

Baraka and Jones’ lawsuits both include a telling comment the chief made last summer that “we are not doing a good job in terms of recruiting a good amount of diverse candidates.” And in Juratovac’s case, Fickes, a gay man himself, repeatedly cited a “good old boys” culture at SFFD. It can be difficult for the culture to change at fire departments, long the bastion of straight white men, but the pervasive treatment these three LGBTQ employees have endured, based on their legal

t

filings, is beyond the pale. And it speaks to the work that must be done in the SFFD to restore confidence in the department. “We forge bonds that I think that other people don’t have necessarily in their jobs, you know,” Nicholson told us in a 2019 interview just before she was sworn in as chief. “We deal with life or death situations and we do it as a team. And because of that, we are resilient.”

It seems that the team is disunited. Employees should not have to put up with racist treatment and misgendering, or be retaliated against for exposing alleged wrongdoing, as these three workers have charged. “The city and the Fire Department take equal employment issues seriously,” SFFD spokesman Lieutenant Jonathan Baxter stated, with regard to Juratovac’s claim.

“We are committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive workplace free of discrimination or harassment based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic.” Based on the pattern of the lawsuits and the claim, it would seem this commitment is wavering. That the three involved are people of color is also disturbing.

While these cases make their way through the system, it is incumbent on the Fire Department’s leadership, including the Fire Commission, to address what appears to be systemic bias. An outside investigator should be hired and the city must work swiftly to address the accusations. Firefighters and paramedics are among the heroes during the pandemic; they deserve a workplace free from bias and retaliation.t

Vaccinated and horny: Now what?

by Alan Lessik

I

n a long year for our community since the beginning of COVID, we have experienced lockdowns, loneliness, fear, and grieving as we mourned our lack of connection and intimacy.

During this period, we first flattened the curve and then helplessly watched the wave of infections inundate us. Yet at the same time, we rediscovered community through Zoom and social media as well as experimented with celibacy, selfpleasuring, sex-toy shopping, and the development of pods and COVID sex buddies. So now the day has arrived, you have just received your second dose of Moderna or Pfizer or the single shot of Johnson & Johnson and your mind begins to race, “I’m safe, so let’s go at it again.”

One consistent aspect of COVID has been that simple answers and clear-cut pathways are not part of this virus. Even with vaccinations, we are back to assessing the risks and the ethical considerations of intimacy and connecting sexually.

Let’s look at what we know. Two weeks after the second vaccine injection, the disease prevention efficacy is extremely high. This efficacy lasts at least for a few months and as time goes on, we will find out how long-lasting it is. Medical experts say that those vaccinated still can possibly contract COVID, but that the disease should be non-lifethreatening and manageable. It is also potentially possible to be an asymptomatic carrier of COVID. There are a number of variants of COVID circulating and the efficacy of the current vaccines are being tested against them. For these reasons, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending not to change our public behaviors of wearing face masks and maintaining social distance. We still need to do our part to stem the spread in the community.

Some queer folks have invested time and energy into pods or partners and have imposed their own guidelines for COVIDrelated safety behaviors within the group. Others have chosen celibacy. The common thread is that we are survivors of this pandemic and have successfully negotiated the obstacles over the last year to maintain our health. We have all learned to differentiate public from private behaviors. Now the vaccine is offering new opportunities.

Although they do not directly address sex, the latest CDC guidelines (https://www.cdc.gov/ coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated-guidance.html) say that small groups of people who are inoculated can get together relatively safely. This creates the possibility for greater intimacy and sexual adventure again. For many of us who

Steven Underhill

It may be awhile before sexy crowds return like at this Gus Presents MLK weekend party in 2017, but people, especially those who are vaccinated, can begin talking with their partners and others about sex and risk associated with the pandemic.

previously assessed the risks, and decided to have sex as safely as possible, the door opens further.

The lowest risk exists in interactions with folks who are vaccinated. If you know your potential sex partners well, trusting their status should be easy. But for others, should you ask to see their vaccination card? That may be a reasonable idea, but knowing that anything can be counterfeited, it may not be foolproof and one should always chat before acting on desires. At this moment, members of our community over 65 have access to inoculations, as well as essential workers and teachers. (On Monday, vaccinations were opened to more people, including those living with HIV and other medical conditions.) So it may be a time to check in with an elder, Daddy, or essential worker for a safer sex partner.

With an HIV analogy from U=U (undetectable = untransmittable), any risk among people that have been vaccinated should be extremely low. Until we know more, there remains a possibility of catching or spreading COVID, but little chance of dying from it.

The risk factor is greater for an unvaccinated person having sex with someone who has been vaccinated. The possibility that a vaccinated person can still carry the virus must be considered. Using the same precautions for unvaccinated partners will reduce this risk.

The highest risks remain unchanged between unvaccinated persons. Conversation around risk, mitigating behavior, testing, and self-quarantining are still the way to assess and decide on what you may feel comfortable in doing together.

In all cases, we need to talk frankly with our potential sex partners and be aware of other risk factors, including others in their life who may not be inoculated yet. Some vaccinated people are waiting until other members of their household get their shots before they indulge. We are making decisions not only about ourselves, but our close relationships and the broader community.

This last year has been hard on queer folks and for some without partners or access to a pod, it has been extremely isolating. We have been warned not to touch people and to give each other space when meeting in public or private areas. And since kissing and hugging even were forbidden, it might take a while to feel safe around intimacy. Remember this as you begin to interact again. Your potential partner or partners may react with caution and throw up unexpected emotional barriers. Take the time to check in with each other and take it at the pace that you all are comfortable.

With years of discrimination and stigma focused on HIV status, there is some concern that we might have to relive some versions of that fight again. We have to remember that our present situation is different than HIV/AIDS. As San Francisco Department of Public Health says, “People are not positive or negative. Tests are ... remember that we are often doing our best under difficult circumstances to keep ourselves and others as safe as we can. When it comes to COVID-19, we are all in this together.” (https://www. sfdph.org/dph/files/ig/Tips-Safer-Sex.pdf) Unlike HIV/AIDS, any division regarding vaccination status will be temporary. In this early stage, many people are not yet eligible, but

by June, most people should have access to vaccinations. Over the next three months, as more and more people are inoculated, many of these considerations will start to fade. Potentially we can look forward to larger gatherings again, like the Folsom Street Fair, as well as the reopening of bars, clubs, and sex venues. Hopefully then, we will be able to look back at this year as the year we survived and transformed our community once again. t

Alan Lessik is a writer, Zen practitioner, amateur figure skater, and LGBTQ activist.

His debut novel, “The Troubleseeker” (Chelsea Station Editions), was short-listed for the Publishing Triangle’s 2017 Ferro-Grumley Award for LGBTQ Fiction. His nonfiction works and essays have been published by the Bay Area Reporter, Lambda Literary, KQED, the Advocate, and San Francisco Bay Guardian. Lessik is on the board of the LGBTQ Writers Caucus of the Association of Writers and Writing Programs. Follow him at https:// alanlessik.com/.

t

Politics >>

March 18-24, 2021 • Bay Area Reporter • 5

SF supe Mandelman moves forward with partial Lyon-Martin House landmark

by Matthew S. Bajko

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

I

n light of opposition from the new property owners, San Francisco officials appear set to landmark only a portion of the Noe Valley property where the late lesbian pioneering couple Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin lived for much of their 56-year relationship.

Meanwhile, a city open space nearby the property could be renamed in honor of the women.

Preservation groups and LGBTQ historians had sought to see the entire Duncan Street property become a city landmark. They had argued that the adjoining garden plot to the cottage where the women lived should also be included in the landmark because the couple’s cremains were interred and scattered on the undeveloped portion. The city’s planning department had also recommended the entire property be landmarked.

But Paul McKeown and his wife, Meredith Jones-McKeown, who bought the property last summer, argued for the landmark only to include the residence with an address of 651 Duncan Street. They expressed concerns that landmarking the vacant parcel with an address of 649 Duncan Street would hamper their ability to build a new home on it for them and their two young daughters.

The city’s Historic Preservation Commission on a 6-1 vote last month sided with the family and recommended that just the cottage parcel become the city’s fifth landmark specifically related to LGBTQ history. It would be the first focused solely on lesbian history and the first LGBTQ landmark located in a solely residential area.

Gay District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman has decided to follow the advice of the preservation advisory body and seek city landmark status for only 651 Duncan Street. He introduced an ordinance to establish the landmark during the Board of Supervisors March 16 meeting Tuesday.

Mandelman made the decision to do so after meeting with the different parties involved in the matter and concluded it would be the best avenue to take. But he told the Bay Area Reporter those who would prefer to see the entire property be landmarked should contact the supervisors to express that viewpoint.

“I want to do what seems merited, and the fact the commission said we should go with only 651 Duncan carries some weight for me ... carries a lot of weight for me,” he said. “That the preservation community appears OK with that also carries a lot of weight for me. If folks want to make an argument for 649, they have a month to do it.”

The new property owners support recognizing the Lyon-Martin House for its historical importance to LGBTQ history and have pledged to preserve it. Their architect, Yakuh Askew, told the B.A.R. they are pleased that the compromise proposal for the landmark is moving forward.

“We are definitely pleased to see it did not extend to the empty lot, which was sold and marketed as a developable parcel,” said Askew, who was recently reappointed to the city’s arts commission by Mayor London Breed.

Askew said they intend to wait until the landmark process is completed before moving forward with any development plans for the site. They are still working on what the proposal will be for the Lyon-Martin House and will be meeting with local preservation groups to discuss potential ideas for the site.

“We are not making any decisions at this point. We are just absorbing information,” said Askew.

Shayne Watson, an organizer of the Friends of Lyon-Martin House, told the B.A.R. she could not speak

Barry Schneider Attorney at Law

www.SchneiderLawSF.com

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

Screengrab via Zoom

Supervisor Rafael Mandelman has decided to seek landmark status only for the home of late lesbian pioneers Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, center, which would allow for development of the second parcel by the new owners.

on behalf of the group since it hasn’t had a chance to discuss Mandelman’s ordinance. Speaking personally, she called it “a good call” on his part.

“The double-parcel situation creates a win-win for both the new property owners and community members who are supporting the landmarking.

I look forward to an exciting dialogue about what’s next for the Lyon-Martin House,” said Watson, a lesbian and architectural historian who co-wrote a 2015 survey of San Francisco’s LGBTQ cultural heritage that had recommended the couple’s home become a city landmark.

GLBT Historical Society Executive Director Terry Beswick also expressed support for the compromise measure. He hoped it would avoid any lengthy legal fight over the landmarking of the property and lead to the various entities being able to work cooperatively on a plan for the twostory cottage’s future usage.

“It became clear that the important thing was to designate the house and the lot the house sits on,” said Beswick. “Engaging in a long battle that could turn into a legal battle over the garden lot would be a distraction from that. We didn’t want to do that.”

There is still a possibility of seeing an open space area honor Lyon and Martin. Early discussions have focused on possibly renaming the Duncan/Castro Open Space at the intersection of Duncan and Castro streets after the women.

The city-owned rocky outcrop with views of downtown and the bay is just up the street from the couple’s home.

“It is also an opportunity for commemorating Phyllis and Del,” said Beswick.

After a 30-day wait period the supervisors’ land use committee can schedule a hearing on the landmark request. The full board will then need to vote on it twice to make it official.

Mandelman had instituted the Lyon-Martin House landmarking process in the fall following news that the 5,700 square foot property situated atop a steep hill with dramatic views had sold for $2.25 million. It prompted LGBTQ historians and friends of Lyon and Martin to launch a campaign to preserve the women’s home from being torn down.

Lyon and Martin purchased the property in 1955 and tended the undeveloped area as a garden. Journalists who first met in Seattle in 1952, the couple co-founded the influential Daughters of Bilitis, the first political and social organization for lesbians in the United States. Their home was a gathering place within the city’s lesbian community and the site of various meetings and events.

Lyon died last April at the age of 95.

Martin died in 2008 at the age of 87 weeks after the women were the first same-sex couple to legally marry in California that June.

SERVING OUR FULL MENU!!

Other landmarks move forward

The landmarking of two other city sites connected to LGBTQ history are also moving forward. The Orphan Andy’s is open from supervisors’ land use committee at its April 5 meeting will start the 10am-7pm daily, now process to designate the Japanese with seating indoors...

YWCA/Issei Women’s Building a city landmark.

The property at 1830 Sutter Street was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2020. It is one of three sites in San Francisco with ties to LGBTQ history on the ...and in partnership with federal register.

Twin Peaks serving food at their The Japantown Y site was where sidewalk tables from 11am-7pm. the pioneering gay rights group the Mattachine Society hosted its first convention in May 1954, according to the city’s LGBTQ historic con3991-A 17th Street, Market & Castro text statement co-written by Watson 415-864-9795 and public historian Donna Graves.

Bayard Rustin, the late gay African American civil rights leader, also taught a course at the site, according to research done by Graves, a straight ally, in preparing the request to list it on the National Register.

The Historic Preservation Commission last fall voted in support of adding the site to the list of city landmarks. It is now up to the supervisors to finalize its designation.

At its May 19 meeting the commission is scheduled to vote on District 6 Supervisor Matt Haney’s request that the Eagle bar become a city landmark.

It would be the third gay bar location in San Francisco given such status if approved, and the first LGBTQ city landmark located in SOMA and related to queer leather culture.

Haney sought to landmark the When you plan your life celebration and lasting remembrance in business after the property that housadvance, you can design every detail of your own unique memorial es the bar at 398 12th Street was sold and provide your loved ones with true peace of mind. Planning ahead last September. The nightlife venue, When your celebration lasting protectsyou your plan loved ones fromlife unnecessary stress and and financial burden, which first opened in 1981, is seen as When you plan your celebration and lasting in allowing themlife to focus on what will matter most at design that remembrance time—you. remembrance in advance, you can every a focal point for the area’s Leather and advance, you can design every detail of your own unique memorial LGBTQ Cultural District. detail ofusyour owntheunique memorial andlegacy provide Contact today about beautiful ways to create a lasting It provided the name for the Eagle at the San Francisco Columbarium. and provide your loved ones with true peace of mind.

Planning ahead your loved ones with true peace of mind. Planning Plaza public parklet honoring leather protects your loved ones from unnecessary stress and financial ahead protectsProudly yourserving loved onesCommunity. from unnecessary burden, culture in the city built into the street the LGBT them focus on whatburden, will matter most them at thattotime—you. in front of the bar. That project isallowing alstresstoand financial allowing most complete and could see a formal focus on what will matter most at that time—you. dedication ceremony be held later this Contact us today about the beautiful ways to create a lasting legacy year. t

PlanningAhead Ahead isisSimple Planning Simple The benefits are immense.

Planning Ahead is Simple The benefits are immense.

The benefits are immense.

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

Web Extra: For more queer political news, be sure to check http:// www.ebar.com Monday mornings for Political Notes, the notebook’s online companion. This week’s column reported on San Francisco Democratic clubs accusing a local journalist of “blatant homophobia” on Twitter.

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

SanFranciscoColumbarium.com Proudly serving the LGBT Community.

FD 1306 / COA 660

Keep abreast of the latest LGBTQ political news by following the Political Notebook on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/politicalnotes.

Got a tip on LGBTQ politics? Call Matthew S. Bajko at (415) 829-8836 or e-mail m.bajko@ebar.com.

One Loraine Ct. | San Francisco | 415-771-0717

SanFranciscoColumbarium.com FD 1306 / COA 660

<< Community News

t San Diego Queer Youth Chorus to stream concert 6 • Bay Area Reporter • March 18-24, 2021

compiled by Cynthia Laird

T

he San Diego Queer Youth Chorus will livestream a new concert Sunday, March 21, at 2 p.m.

(Pacific Time).

“Fresh and Original” will include original songs and spoken word pieces written and created by members of the chorus, a news release stated. Working with artistic director Lindsey Deaton, songwriting coach Abby Dorsey, accompanist Gina Seashore, and playwrightrapper Miki Vale, members have written more than nine pieces for the event. Drawing from their experiences amid the pandemic, chorus members have been meeting weekly since last fall to create this unique concert experience, the release stated.

<<

SFFD

From page 1

Juratovac is asserting that she was retaliated against after exposing cheating on promotion exams, safety violations, and racism in the department – as well as for blowing the whistle on what her attorney, Mark P. Fickes, of Cannata O’Toole Fickes and Olson, described as a “drunken” party at a fire station in Noe Valley 2017.

“AC Juratovac heard significant chatter about a going-away party at Station 11, where on- and off-duty firefighters were consuming alcoholic beverages (clearly against SFFD rules), and that a probationary firefighter was sexually harassed by another firefighter,” the claim states. “AC Juratovac initially referred the information to another assistant chief who was on duty on the date of the party.

Later, AC Juratovac was told by her colleagues that this assistant chief was

Courtesy San Diego Pride

Jason Mraz, right, joined artistic director Lindsey Deaton and members of the San Diego Queer Youth Chorus during “Shine” in 2020.

The San Diego Queer Youth Chorus is the only chorus of its kind in the state and is made up of LGBTQ-

telling others that AC Juratovac was ‘putting the heat’ on him to investigate the Station 11 incident.”

When asked about what prompted the complaint of racism, Fickes told the Bay Area Reporter that “it is a collective issue, a combination of things.”

“Here is the highest ranking Asian woman, who is also LGBTQ, to rise to assistant chief in the history of the department,” said Fickes, a gay man who is speaking on behalf of himself and Juratovac. “Clearly as a result of her support for disenfranchised groups, she has been the target of a weaponized disciplinary process.”

Juratovac has had seven disciplinary investigations, six of which were thrown out as frivolous, Fickes said.

“For one, which was for a routine fire drill, the punishment imposed on her is more serious than for other people,” Fickes said. “When you take a look at the way misconduct and alleged misconduct is handled in the department, clearly the investiga-

n o p o H . . . r e v o

The Castro LGBTQ Cultural District will hold its inaugural town hall Saturday, March 20, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The virtual event is open to all.

The meeting will be hosted by the cultural district’s manager, Tina Valentin Aguirre, and advisory board

co-chairs Elizabeth Lanyon and Carnell Freeman.

The meeting will give attendees the opportunity to meet all of the advisory board members: Steven Bracco, César Cadabes, Ms. Billie Cooper, Corey Fusco, Mahsa Hakimi, Levi Maxwell, Sacred Mitchell, Tahirah “T-Fresh” Rasheed, Jesse Oliver Sanford, A. Sparks, Stephen Torres, and Christopher Vasquez.

“I’m excited that our advisory board members provide very important lived experiences and skills to our community-building and organizing efforts,” Aguirre stated.

They added that the district is focused on revitalization, land use,

cultural preservation, and inclusion.

Gay District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman and Julia Sabory from the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development will present background information on why the cultural district was created and how it is supported by the city. Gay state Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) will share how his office is committed to this work at the state level.

There will be a question and answer session for members of the public.

To access the meeting, go to the district’s Twitch channel at https:// www.twitch.tv/castrolgbtq or its Facebook page.t

tive process is worse if you’re not a straight, white male.”

Fickes said that there is a systemic problem at the SFFD, using the term “good old boys” on multiple occasions during a phone interview.

“The department furthered efforts to harass, discriminate and punish [Juratovac] for taking on discrimination,” Fickes said. “This has been going on for years.”

Filing the claim is “is the first step in a lawsuit,” a new release from Fickes’ office states.

The San Francisco City Attorney’s office deferred comment to SFFD. “This is at the claim phase and isn’t litigation yet, so the Fire Department is going to be responding to this,” John Coté, communications director for the office, stated to the B.A.R. The B.A.R. requested an interview with Fire Chief Jeanine “Neen” Nicholson, a lesbian whom Mayor London Breed appointed to the top job in 2019. The department responded

with a statement.

“The city and the Fire Department take equal employment issues seriously,” spokesman Lieutenant Jonathan Baxter stated. “We are committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive workplace free of discrimination or harassment based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. We are also committed to a workplace free of retaliation for any protected activity. As this involves a personnel matter, we are unable to comment on it at this time.”

When asked again if the chief would be open to speaking to the B.A.R., Baxter replied, “The reply I sent is our current statement.”

Fickes alleges Nicholson isn’t doing enough to create a fair workplace.

“My perspective, as an openly LGBTQ lawyer, is here we have Chief Nicholson – who identifies as an out lesbian – and who has benefited from policies to protect LGBTQ people ... and yet when push comes to shove,

rather than try to vindicate the rights of others from marginalized communities, she seems to have sided with the good old boys in targeting people like the assistant chief,” Fickes said.

that are drawn to the beams. When too many of them gather, the lights are turned off for 20 minutes to let them get back on track.

Phillips said similar measures may be necessary here, to ensure that the Ferris wheel doesn’t harm birds migrating through Golden Gate Park.

Another annual “community science” event GGAS members look forward to is the annual Christmas Bird Count. As the GGAS website explains, “From before dawn until dusk, they trek through parks, neighborhoods, and wetlands, venture out in boats on the bay, and skirt reservoirs and bayside mudflats to identify the species and count the numbers of birds at every site.”

The numbers that volunteers report – not just from GGAS but from birders around the world – have been used by scientists for over 100 years to track changes in bird populations, which Phillips said makes it the longest-running citizen science

project in existence. “Bird populations have declined really dramatically since the 1970s, and part of the reason we know that is because of these Christmas Bird Counts,” Phillips said.

The 2020 count was significantly scaled back due to COVID-19, but there will be a “Christmas in May Bird Count” that birders can participate in May 8. Masks and other precautions will still be required.

The Golden Gate chapter has an annual budget of about $700,000, which funds education programs for fourth and fifth graders and adult education, among other things. Phillips declined to disclose his salary as the executive director, but tax records show that a previous executive director earned almost $100,000 in recent years. t

Chris is survived by his parents, John and Marilyn Woitel; his siblings: Kathy (Robert) Flynn, Frank (Genelyn) Woitel, Lara Haben, Michael Woitel, and the late Geoffrey Woitel; his nieces and nephews, Jennifer Haben, Kaitlyn and Meghann Flynn, Melvin & Gary Woitel, Sophie and Jack Woitel, and Zachary, Alayna, and Gabriel Woitel.

Chris was a proud graduate of St. Giles Elementary in Oak Park and Oak Park River Forest High School.

Over the years, Chris tried his hand at a few different career paths, but enjoyed working as a computer programmer most of all. Talented with technology, Chris was always on call to help friends and family members with computer-related issues and questions.

Chris had a very humble personality but left a lasting impression on everyone in his circle. He often opened his home and cared for those less

fortunate in their time of need. His incredible empathy as well as his desire for peace and harmony were unparalleled, and his spirit will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and lives he’s touched.

We ask that you share your memories of Chris with us at https://www. vidhug.com/ Visitation was held March 11 at the Conboy-Westchester Funeral Home in Westchester, Illinois. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 20 (also Chris’ birthday) in St. Giles Church, Oak Park. The Mass will be livestreamed on YouTube. (https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=WZXFtWJGFf0) In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a memorial contribution in Chris’ name to the Community Housing Partnership in San Francisco (https://chp-sf. org/) or to Faithful Fools https://www. faithfulfools.org/

IA2+ and allied middle and high school students, according to the release. It receives support from the Jason Mraz Foundation, San Diego Pride, and the San Diego Women’s Chorus. Deaton is the founding artistic director of the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles and the Diverse City Youth Chorus in Cincinnati.

The event is free. To register, go to https://rb.gy/wiga3q.

Castro LGBTQ district to hold 1st town hall

<<

Audubon society ED

From page 1

The wheel was installed last year for the 150th anniversary of the park, and was originally scheduled to shut down this month. Due to COVID-19, it only operated for 39 days last fall, before reopening again March 4. On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors voted to allow the wheel to remain for four years. An effort by Supervisors Connie Chan and Aaron Peskin to limit it to one year failed to get the eight votes necessary.

In an interview before the March 16 vote, Phillips said that the fouryear plan warranted additional study and monitoring to mitigate the effects on migrating birds.

In New York City, two bright lights shine up into the night sky each year on September 11 to commemorate the anniversary of the 2001 attacks.

A team of volunteers and scientists gathers nearby to watch for birds

Other cases

Two Black LGBTQ SFFD members are involved in lawsuits against the department.

In January, gay firefighter Keith Baraka sued the city, as the B.A.R. reported, on account of racial and sexual orientation discrimination.

The following month, paramedic Ronnie Jones, a transgender man, sued, as the B.A.R. reported, alleging that he had been discriminated against on the basis of his race and gender identity, harassed, and retaliated against.

Baraka and Jones are both being represented by attorney Angela Alioto, a past president of the Board of Supervisors.t

For more information, go to https://goldengateaudubon.org/.

Obituaries >>

easter o t ff u den st ything r r a e g v e m Fro ll find ’ u o y , kets. s s e i a l b p r p su you to stuff

479 Castro Street, San Francisco, CA 94114

www.cliffsvariety.com

Christopher J. “Chris” Woitel March 20, 1970 – February 15, 2021

Christopher John Woitel, “Chris,” age 50, passed away suddenly on February 15 in San Francisco.

Chris was born at Loyola Hospital in Maywood, Illinois on March 20, 1970 and grew up in Oak Park, Illinois. Chris was a loving son, caring brother, thoughtful uncle, and a generous friend. He loved nothing more than spending time with those closest to him discussing all things eclectic and thought-provoking. A compassionate soul that lived a relatively quiet life, Chris could often be found outside with friends enjoying some of San Francisco’s lesserknown gems.

Community News>>

t SF health center plans ‘Show of Hope’ Sunday

by Cynthia Laird

A

unique fundraising effort will be available to Bay Area TV viewers as the San Francisco Community Health Center will broadcast “Show of Hope” Sunday, March 21, at 6:30 p.m. on ABC7.

The half-hour presentation will also livestream on ABC7’s website and Facebook Live and feature an appearance by trans TV host and activist Janet Mock and a special musical performance by Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning actor and singer Darren Criss.

Lance Toma, a gay man and CEO of the health center, told the Bay Area Reporter that the nonprofit canceled its gala last year because of the pandemic.

“At the end of the year, the opportunity came up with ABC7 – we pitched that to them,” he said.

“We’re super excited.”

<<

Gay filmmaker

From page 1

“I want to be in touch with my sexuality free from politics and religion,” Liu says in the film.

Not only does Liu open up about his contemplating taking his own life and challenges accepting his homosexuality, he speaks frankly about his personal proclivities when it comes to the types of porn he prefers. He also travels to New Jersey to take part in sex research that has him masturbating while inside an MRI machine.

And he turns the camera onto his parents and grandmother to have frank discussions with them about sex and, in the case of his mother and father, their sex life.

In a phone interview about his film, the 37-year-old Liu told the Bay Area Reporter he isn’t quite ready for how the public will react to the documentary.

“I am very anxious and nervous about how it will be received,” said Liu. “I showed my parents the film

Courtesy Turtlepedia

Darren Criss will perform during “Show of Hope.”

Hosted by ABC7 Mornings anchor Reggie Aqui, a gay man, and television personality Dale Johannes, the program will celand got their seal of approval.

That goes a long way toward how I feel about the film.”

The movie unfolds like a travelogue, with Liu hopping around the Bay Area and flying across North America to interview researchers, educators, therapists, and religious and political leaders about sex and sexuality. A telling vignette for how complicated the subject matter can be comes from the difficulty a number of sex researchers have in defining just what sex is for Liu. “What I want audiences to start thinking about is how much of their authentic sexual expression they repress,” said Liu. “It doesn’t matter if you are gay or straight. Except for maybe very few people, most people grew up thinking some part of their sexuality was wrong.”

Because sex is often never talked about, from an early age people receive messages that somehow sex is dirty or wrong, noted Liu. But sexuality is at the core of who they are, said Liu, and not embracing

March 18-24, 2021 • Bay Area Reporter • 7

ebrate San Francisco Community Health Center’s mission-critical work and raise the funds needed to keep providing quality health care to the public; especially those in underserved and marginalized communities. It will feature special guest appearances by San Francisco Mayor London Breed; comedian, actor, and activist Margaret Cho; and supermodel, TED speaker, and transgender advocate Geena Rocero.

San Francisco Community Health Center was founded in 1987 in response to the 1980s AIDS crisis, specifically focusing on the impact of the epidemic on Asian and Pacific Islander communities. While remaining rooted in these communities, the health center welcomes anyone in need of its services with particular attention to LGBTQ and people of color communities. In 2015 it

became recognized as a Federally Qualified Health Center thereby allowing it to greatly increase its clinical capacity and outreach.

Toma said that the health center’s Polk Street office continues to provide services and has not shut down during the pandemic.

It has a satellite office at the LGBT Community Center that is closed because the center is shuttered due to COVID restrictions.

The health center has worked with clients who are quarantining in hotel rooms, Toma explained, and is the lead organization in the Tenderloin working with the San Francisco Department of Public Health. GLIDE is one of its partners.

“For over 30 years, San Francisco Community Health Center has been providing critical lifesaving services for our Tenderloin neighbors,” Toma stated in a news

release about the event. “We offer primary medical and behavioral health care as well as dental services to those marginalized members of our community who may otherwise not have access to health care.”

During the show, viewers will be encouraged to donate by texting the keyword SFHEALTH to 44321 or by visiting https://sfcommunityhealth.org.

“San Francisco Community Health Center exists to be a first responder to any health crisis in our city,” said Toma. “The AIDS crisis started that, and the COVID-19 pandemic cemented it. We are here to serve everyone.”

The program’s presenting sponsor is Gilead Sciences. The televised event is produced by Momentous.

Toma said the health center has a goal of raising $250,000. t

their sexual self can lead to mental health problems.

“I want people to realize the thoughts, the feelings, the desires they have is not wrong,” he said.

“What you can do with your feelings or desires could be bad.”

People need to make the active choice to talk about sex and sexuality, whether with their parents, friends, or a loved one, said Liu. Don’t be afraid, he added, to share with a confidant what about sex makes you curious, worried, or excited.

“The more connected with our bodies and other people, the more worthwhile life will be for everyone,” said Liu. The roughly $250,000 budget to make the documentary came from crowdsourcing campaigns and assistance in connecting with donors from fiscal sponsor the International Documentary Association. The project began in 2014 with the bulk of filming done be-

tween 2017 and 2019.

Liu and co-editor Brian Emerick, who also served as the cinematographer, spent much of 2020 turning the footage into the finished film.

By last September they had finished it and began submitting the documentary to film festivals.

“I don’t know if we would have finished in September if we were not all stuck at home,” said Liu. The documentary will also screen at the 2021 American Documentary and Animation Film Festival, which kicks off in Palm Springs March 25. Additional festivals will soon be announced, said Liu, who is hopeful it will screen at Frameline, the international LGBTQ film festival held in San Francisco during Pride Month in June.

For the foreseeable future, Liu will be introducing his film to audiences virtually. During Cinequest, his Herra Productions has lined up three online sessions where the public can engage with some of the experts featured in the film.

As for if it is appropriate for children to watch, Liu told the B.A.R. the film is likely not for people under the age of 18 to see on their own. He does hope the film provides parents a way to spark conversations with their children about sex and sexuality.

Something he came to believe in by making the documentary is the importance for families to be able to have frank discussions about sex. There is a place for having those talks both at home and in school settings, said Liu. “I came around to no, you do need parents to be very active participants in a child’s sex education,” he said. “The best thing you can do is have sex education that opens up conversations in the home around the truth about sex.” t

statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/08/21.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039258000

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: GARY K. MACHADO (SBN 253915) PATRICK J. LARSEN (SBN 278835), WATSON & MACHADO LLP, 425 CALIFORNIA ST, 25TH FL, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104; Ph. (415) 362-0900.

Talking about sex

To learn more about the film and how to buy tickets to see it at the various film festivals where it will be screening, visit https:// www.herraproductions.com/asexplanation.

Legals>> ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556102

In the matter of the application of LAURANCE L. LEE & SOFIA M. TOUAMI, 130 VICKSBURG ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114 for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner LAURANCE L. LEE & SOFIA M. TOUAMI are requesting that the name ELYSIA TOUAMI LEE be changed to ELYSIA LEE TOUAMI. 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 8th of APRIL 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

FEB 25, MAR 4, 11, 18, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556137

In the matter of the application of CHARLES BARRY MIIN, 339 WOOLSEY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner CHARLES BARRY MIIN is requesting that the name CHARLES BARRY MIIN be changed to CHARLES BARRY SUN. 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 6th of APRIL 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

FEB 25, MAR 4, 11, 18, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039251300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as FOCUS PRESS, 567 BAY ST #1054, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed KENNETH LO. 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 02/10/21.

FEB 25, MAR 4, 11, 18, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039231800 The following person(s) is/are doing business as CRITICAL GROWTH GAMES, 1478 33RD AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JEFFREY HAYES. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/19/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/29/21.

FEB 25, MAR 4, 11, 18, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039249700 The following person(s) is/are doing business as CLOVER HEIGHTS PUBLISHERS; CLOVER HEIGHTS PUBLISHING, 29A CASELLI AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA

94114. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ELLEN J. LEONARD. 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 02/10/21.

FEB 25, MAR 4, 11, 18, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039248600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as ADAPT FITNESS, 1395 HAMPSHIRE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MELISSA ASHLEY M. PERAZA. 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 02/10/21.

FEB 25, MAR 4, 11, 18, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039250700 The following person(s) is/are doing business as BRIGHT WINDOW CLEANING AND CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, 349 SAN CARLOS ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed EDGAR S MOSQUEDA CRESPO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/07/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/10/21.

FEB 25, MAR 4, 11, 18, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039255200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as CONNECTION COURIER COMPANY, 339 HEAD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94132. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed CHAU N. LY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/18/98. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/12/21.

FEB 25, MAR 4, 11, 18, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039231000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MIKE’S MARKET, 2200 SILVER AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed PHAYNARITH PANH. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/02/20.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/29/21.

FEB 25, MAR 4, 11, 18, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039245100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as BRAIN HOLE ENTERTAINMENT, 200 BROADWAY #106, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed TIANXIANG XIONG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/22/20. The

FEB 25, MAR 4, 11, 18, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039236400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MONEY FAST, 3376 24TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed ALFA BROS INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/21/13. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/03/21.

FEB 25, MAR 4, 11, 18, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039253500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as THE HOME TENDERS, 99 FERNWOOD DR, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94127. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed BERLUTI ENTERPRISES 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 02/12/21.

FEB 25, MAR 4, 11, 18, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039253300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as THEISEN GLASS & QUALITY GLASS & MIRROR DIV, 301 POTRERO AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103.

This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed THEISEN GLASS CO. INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/09/73.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/12/21.

FEB 25, MAR 4, 11, 18, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039259600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as FOREST DELIVERY, 1635-A ROLLINS RD, BURLINGAME, CA 94010. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed FOREST RESTAURANT SUPPLY 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 02/17/21.

FEB 25, MAR 4, 11, 18, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039249400 The following person(s) is/are doing business as APOTHECARIUM, 2029 MARKET ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed RHMT, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/20/11. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/10/21.

FEB 25, MAR 4, 11, 18, 2021

The following person(s) is/are doing business as GREEN HEART FOODS, 2565 3RD ST #313, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed THE FIRE SOCIETY 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 02/17/21.

FEB 25, MAR 4, 11, 18, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556134

In the matter of the application of RANDOLPH MARTIN VARGAS, 739 VALENCIA ST #3, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner RANDOLPH MARTIN VARGAS is requesting that the name RANDOLPH MARTIN VARGAS be changed to BRANDOL MARTIN VARGAS BORRELL. 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 6th of APRIL 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAR 4, 11, 18, 25, 2021 NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF CURTIS C. CHAN; AND PETITION FOR PROBATE OF LOST WILL IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO: FILE PES-20-304118

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of CURTIS C. CHAN. A Petition for Probate has been filed by JEAN-PAUL WEST LACOUNT in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. The Petition for Probate requests that JEAN-PAUL WEST LACOUNT be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: MARCH 23, 2021, 9:00 am, Dept. 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

MAR 4, 11, 18, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556151 In the matter of the application of THOMAS PATRICK MOONEY & ELIZABETH RACHAEL BULLOCK, 2221 MORAGA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner THOMAS PATRICK MOONEY & ELIZABETH RACHAEL BULLOCK is requesting that the name JOHN PATRICK O’MOONEY be changed to JOHN PATRICK MOONEY. 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 13th of APRIL 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAR 4, 11, 18, 25, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039238900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as THOMAS BRENDA P. DDS, 2299 POST ST #101, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed BRENDA PEOPLES THOMAS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/04/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/04/21.

MAR 4, 11, 18, 25, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039252600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as AQUINO’S PROFESSIONAL CONSULTING, 338 BOSWORTH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LINDA A. AQUINO RODRIGUEZ. 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 02/11/21.

MAR 4, 11, 18, 25, 2021

See page 8 >>

<< Classifieds

8 • Bay Area Reporter • March 18-24, 2021

Legals>> FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039266900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as INA BOTANICALS & TEA, 1766 43RD AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed BERNADETTE AGUIRRE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/08/21.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/22/21.

MAR 4, 11, 18, 25, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039274400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as GENEFACTOR, 26 CAMELLIA AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed GENE LEE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/01/09. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/26/21.

MAR 4, 11, 18, 25, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039274000 The following person(s) is/are doing business as SURF HOTEL, 2265 LOMBARD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed NARANJIBHAI PATEL. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/01/96.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/26/21.

MAR 4, 11, 18, 25, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039244100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as THE TECH TRIFECTA, 46 SUMNER ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed RYAN MEINZER. 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 02/05/21.

MAR 4, 11, 18, 25, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039244500 The following person(s) is/are doing business as SRI THAI CUISINE, 4621 LINCOLN WAY, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed SIRIWAT CHITKLAEW & SONGPHOL AMORNRIT. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/23/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/08/21.

MAR 4, 11, 18, 25, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039268700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as HENRYS HUNAN RESTAURANT, 1708 CHURCH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed EDDY & JEFFS HUNAN INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/29/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/23/21.

MAR 4, 11, 18, 25, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039269900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as CALG LLP, 96 JESSIE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105. This business is conducted by a limited liability partnership, and is signed BENJAMIN FEUER (GENERAL PARTNER OF CALIFORNIA APPELLATE LAW GROUP LLP) & ANNA-ROSE MATHIESON (GENERAL PARTNER OF CALIFORNIA APPELLATE LAW GROUP LLP). 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 02/24/21.

MAR 4, 11, 18, 25, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039248800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as ELECTRONIC PAYMENTS OF CALIFORNIA, FOUR EMBARCADERO CENTER #1400, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed EPICALI LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/23/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/10/21.

MAR 4, 11, 18, 25, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039256900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as ON CALL PROJECT MANAGEMENT, 132 PARNASSUS AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JOANA PROCTOR GRAY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/02/88. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/17/21.

MAR 11, 18, 25, APR 01 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039263300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as THE FIDDLE MERCANTILE, 305 SHOTWELL ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed BRANDON SCOTT GODMAN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/08/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/19/21.

MAR 11, 18, 25, APR 01 2021

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF RAYMOND C. YIN (AKA RAYMOND YIN) IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO: FILE PES-20-303725

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of RAYMOND C. YIN (AKA RAYMOND YIN), C/O MARISSA C. SMITH (SBN#275382), 4306 GEARY BLVD #301, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. A Petition for Probate has been filed by RAYMOND C. YIN (AKA RAYMOND YIN) in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. The Petition for Probate requests that JACQUELINE L. YIN be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: March 29, 2021, 9:00 am, Rm. 204, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the latter of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined by section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250.

A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for petitioner: JACQUELINE L. YIN, 4306 GEARY BLVD #301, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118; Ph. (415) 742-4522.

MAR 11, 18, 25, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556161

In the matter of the application of ANDRES MORENO, 365 WILDE AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner ANDRES MORENO is requesting that the name ANDRES MORENO be changed to ANDREW MAXIMILIAN FRIEXA. 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 APRIL 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAR 11, 18, 25, APR 01 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556052

In the matter of the application of ANAHIT ABRAHAMI PASKEVICHYAN ARAKELYAN, 1071 MISSISSIPPI ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner ANAHIT ABRAHAMI PASKEVICHYAN ARAKELYAN is requesting that the name ANAHIT ABRAHAMI PASKEVICHYAN ARAKELYAN be changed to ANAHIT ABRAHAMI PASKEVICHYAN. 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 APRIL 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAR 11, 18, 25, APR 01 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039275800 The following person(s) is/are doing business as EXCELSIOR WELDING COMPANY, 261 MUNICH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ROBERTO CARLOS ACEVEDO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/11/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/26/21.

MAR 11, 18, 25, APR 01 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039280100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as JPG YOGA, 1569 DOLORES ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JOHN PAUL GAUER. 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 03/02/21.

MAR 11, 18, 25, APR 01 2021

Classifieds Hauling>> HAULING 24/7

(415) 441-1054 Large Truck

Tech Support >> MACINTOSH HELP 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE SFMacMan.com

RICK

415.821.1792

Tech Support >>

Tech Support Ralph Doore 415-867-4657

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

 Yelp reviews

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039283000 The following person(s) is/are doing business as APEX SOFTWARE SERVICES, 1535 CLEMENT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed AARON SADINO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/18/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/03/21.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039281900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as 24 BART LIQUOR STORE, 3347 24TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed BINAYA POKHAREL. 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 03/01/21.

MAR 11, 18, 25, APR 01 2021

MAR 18, 25, APR 01, 08, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039278600

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039277400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SLK TRADING CO., 899 41ST AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by individual, and is signed SHIKAI LI. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/20/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/01/21.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as CURATED STATE, 26 BRODERICK ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed COURTNEY NORRIS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/01/20.

The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/01/21.

MAR 11, 18, 25, APR 01 2021

MAR 18, 25, APR 01, 08, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039269000

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039278300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as BRIDGES TO MENTAL WELLNESS, 754 ATHENS ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed KARIMAH ADISA THOMAS. 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 02/24/21.

MAR 11, 18, 25, APR 01 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039268000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as PIZZA INFERNO; GRANDMA’S HOMEMADE PASTA; PARMA PIZZAIOLO; PASTA INFERNO; 1800 FILLMORE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed 1800 FILLMORE CORP (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 02/23/21.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as CREATIVE MUSIC OF SF ONLINE; CREATIVE MUSIK EMPORIUM, 911 SADDLEBACK DR, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ELBA CLEMENTE-LAMBERT. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/06/85. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/01/21.

MAR 18, 25, APR 01, 08, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039287900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as VALENTINA SADIUL PHOTOGRAPHY, 680 8TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed VALENTINA SADIUL. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/16/15. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/09/21.

MAR 11, 18, 25, APR 01 2021

MAR 18, 25, APR 01, 08, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039281500

STATEMENT FILE A-039289900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as PORTOLA GROCERY OUTLET, 1390 SILVER AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed FDC FOOD INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/17/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/02/21.

MAR 11, 18, 25, APR 01 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039277800 The following person(s) is/are doing business as PETER PANOS, 109 GEARY ST FL 2, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by a married couple, and is signed PANOS ARISTAKESSIAN & SALPIE ARISTAKESSIAN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/13/20. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/01/21.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as THE FRESH CUP, 798 SOUTH VAN NESS AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed CYNTHIA OLMEDO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/01/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/11/21.

MAR 18, 25, APR 01, 08, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039289300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as BAY CITY VENDING, 310 HAMILTON ST #4, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MIA MIKA ANDERSON. 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 03/10/21.

MAR 18, 25, APR 01, 08, 2021

MAR 11, 18, 25, APR 01 2021

MAR 11, 18, 25, APR 01 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556140

In the matter of the application of HANNAH VICTORIA CENTER, 818 VAN NESS AVE #307, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner HANNAH VICTORIA CENTER is requesting that the name HANNAH VICTORIA CENTER be changed to HANNAH VICTORIA CENTER MAVERICK. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103 on the 13th of APRIL 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAR 18, 25, APR 01, 08, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556141

In the matter of the application of CHELSEA DORA TURNER, 818 VAN NESS AVE #307, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner CHELSEA DORA TURNER is requesting that the name CHELSEA DORA TURNER be changed to CHELSEA DORA SHAFRON MAVERICK. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. Dept. 103 on the 13th of APRIL 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAR 18, 25, APR 01, 08, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556149

In the matter of the application of BISERA JAHICFERRERO, C/O ALEXANDER M. KALLIS (SBN 264915), 951 MARINERS ISLAND BLVD #300, SAN MATEO, CA 94404, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner BISERA JAHIC-FERRERO is requesting that the name BISERA JAHIC-FERRERO be changed to BISERA JAHIC FERRERO. 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 13th of APRIL 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAR 18, 25, APR 01, 08, 2021 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556187

In the matter of the application of LILIA OUNDI KAZEMI, 840 POST ST #906, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner LILIA OUNDI KAZEMI is requesting that the name LILIA OUNDI KAZEMI be changed to LILIA KAZEMI. 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 22nd of APRIL 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAR 18, 25, APR 01, 08, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039283200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as VALDEZ OPTOMETRY, 231 MONTGOMERY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed LYNN VALDEZ OPTOMETRY (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/01/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/03/21.

MAR 18, 25, APR 01, 08, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039273400 The following person(s) is/are doing business as GROSVENOR ATRIUM, 1690 BROADWAY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a limited partnership, and is signed VGA LLC (CA), GENERAL PARTNER. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/01/77. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/25/21.

MAR 18, 25, APR 01, 08, 2021 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039289500 The following person(s) is/are doing business as AUSSIE RECRUIT, 1387 FRANCISCO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed AUSSIE SF BAY LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/18/19. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/10/21.

MAR 18, 25, APR 01, 08, 2021 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-038486300

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as ANA ELLIOTT & ASSOCIATES, 55 MANCHESTER ST #6, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business was conducted by an individual and signed by ANA ELLIOTT. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/22/19.

MAR 18, 25, APR 01, 08, 2021 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-038382800

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as HARMONIOUS GOODS, 2490 46TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116.

This business was conducted by a limited liability company and signed by HARMONIOUS GOODS LLC (CA). The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/01/18.

MAR 18, 25, APR 01, 08, 2021 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-037897900

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as BAY HOTEL, 124-128 JONES ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business was conducted by a limited liability company and signed by BAPU DOLATSINH LLC (CA). The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/13/17.

MAR 18, 25, APR 01, 08, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039285700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as COTE OUEST BISTRO, 2953 BAKER ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed MARLAU LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/10/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/05/21.

t

SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA RAPID TRANSIT DISTRICT NOTICE TO PROPOSERS - GENERAL INFORMATION The SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA RAPID TRANSIT DISTRICT (“District”), 300 Lakeside Drive, Oakland, California, is advertising for Request for Statement of Qualifications (RFSOQ) to Provide Environmental Consulting Services (RFP) N o. 6M5159, on or about March 8, 2021, with proposals due by 2:00 PM local time, Tuesday, April 6, 2021, to BART District Secretary, 300 Lakeside Drive, 23rd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612. All general questions regarding this RFP should be directed to Rhonda Lockhart at rlockh2@ bart.gov.

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED Consultant shall assist and advise the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District in environmental consulting services, procurement activities and related issues associated with BART’s environmental projects. Professional services to be provided

by Consultant under this Agreement shall comply with the latest edition of all applicable codes, ordinances, criteria, standards, regulations and other laws unless otherwise specified by BART. Consultant shall maintain required professional and business licenses throughout the duration of the Agreement, as appropriate. In accordance with the terms of the Agreement, the District will authorize work hereunder by the issuance of Work Plan(s). Tasks to Support Scope of Services to be provided by the Consultant under this Agreement may include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following: Program management services to place WPs, assure quality deliverables, assign and manage qualified staff, and ensure performance objectives are met by the team. Hazmat Program Management Services, hazard analysis, safety analysis and cost effectiveness. Site Facility and Field Investigations, comprehensive site investigation. Administrative tasks generally associated with the environmental consulting services provided, which include documentation of work progress, progress reports, document control, correspondence, record keeping, payment verification, and conducting communications with BART and other agencies as required. Emergency Services Support Services, field facilities activities. Quality control/quality assurance to ensure the accuracy and quality of work products are provided by way of CONSULTANT procedures and controls. Regulatory Compliance, NEPA/CEQA project support.

Technology Implementation/Construction Management. Rapid or emergency response to BART as required.

The total value of the construction management agreements shall not exceed Six Million Dollars ($6 Million) over a five (5) year period. BART intends to award up to two (2) Agreements under this RFSOQ that shall not exceed the amount of Three Million Dollars ($3 Million) each. However, there is no guaranteed minimum level of compensation.

REQUIRED REGISTRATION ON BART PROCUREMENT PORTAL In order for prospective Proposers to be eligible for award of an Agreement being solicited on the BART Procurement Portal, such Proposers are required to be currently registered to do business with BART on the BART Procurement Portal on line at https:// suppliers.bart.gov and have obtained Solicita-

tion Documents, updates, and any Addenda issued on line so as to be added to the OnLine Planholders List for this solicitation.

If a prospective Proposer is a joint venture or partnership, such entity may register on the BART procurement portal with the entity’s tax identification number (TIN) and download the Solicitation Documents so as to be listed as an on-line planholder under the entity’s name prior to submitting its Proposal. If such entity has not registered on BART procurement portal in the name of the joint venture or partnership prior to submitting its Proposal, provided that at least one of the joint venturers or partners registered on line on the BART Procurement Portal and downloaded the Solicitation Documents so as to be added to the on-Line planholders List for this solicitation, such entity will be required to register with the entity’s TIN as an on-line planholder following the submittal of Proposals, in order for the entity to be eligible for award of this Agreement.

PROPOSERS WHO HAVE NOT REGISTERED ON THE BART PROCUREMENT PORTAL PRIOR TO SUBMITTING A PROPOSAL, (OR FOR JOINT VENTURE OR PARTNERSHIP AS DECRIBED ABOVE PRIOR TO AWARD) AND DID NOT DOWNLOAD THE SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS FOR THIS SOLICITATION ON LINE SO AS TO BE LISTED AS AN ON-LINE PLANHOLDER FOR THIS SOLICITATION, WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR AWARD OF THIS AGREEMENT. A Pre-Proposal Meeting and Networking Session will be held on Wednesday, March 24, 2021. The Pre-Proposal Meeting will convene at 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M., local time, via WebEx Presentation. All interested parties must RSVP via email to: bartprocurementsupport@bart.gov by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 22, 2021 in order to participate in this Pre-Proposal Meeting. The email subject must include RFP 6M5159, Environmental Consulting Services.

Prospective Proposers are requested to make every effort to attend this only scheduled Pre-Proposal Meeting and Networking Session, and to confirm their attendance by contacting the District’s Contract Administrator, Rhonda Lockhart. telephone: (510) 874-7318, email: rlockh2@bart.gov, FAX (510) 464-7650 prior to the date of the Pre-Proposal Meeting.

Email is preferred.

Networking Session: Immediately following the Pre-Proposal Meeting, the District’s Office of Civil Rights will be conducting a networking session for subconsultants to meet with the potential prime consultants for MSBE participation opportunities; and Fei Liu from the Office of Civil Rights is the point of contact for this effort. Prospective Proposers are requested to make every effort to attend this only scheduled Pre-Proposal Meeting.

Proposals must be received by 2:00 pm, local time, April 6, 2021 at the address listed in the RFP. Submission of a proposal shall constitute a firm offer to the District for one hundred and eighty (180) calendar days from date of proposal submission.

Dated at Oakland, California this _8th___ day of March 2021 \s\ Gloria Abdullah-Lewis Gloria Abdullah-Lewis, Principal Contract Specialist San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District 3/18/21 CNS-3449494# BAY AREA REPORTER

Aretha Franklin: Genius National Geographic series dramatizes the life of The Queen of Soul Cynthia Erivo as Aretha Franklin in Genius: Aretha.

negotiating fame is made evident in every frame, every sad, stoic glance and clipped cadence of the woman who became what Rolling Stone magazine proclaimed the number one vocalist on its list of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.

Transcending the dark side of church culture, Black street culture and the shady side of entertainment, Franklin meets her creative director and road manager, Ken Cunningham (played by rap icon, Tip “T.I.” Harris, who should expect a lot more acting work), who plays the role of her first “do-right man.”

Franklin embraces her radical feminism and activism with some trepidation and steely resolve.

Her 1972 gospel album, Amazing Grace, is still the all-time bestselling gospel album, as well as a

Spirited disruption Celebrating 150 years of the San Francisco Art Institute

serious “dis” against her domineering father.

Ultimately, the film serves as a time machine and, for present and future generations, it will be extremely enlightening and inspiring to see the development of the first Civil Rights Movement and connect it to the present-day Black Lives Matter movement.

Everyone within the Baby Boomer generation and before should steel themselves, because the miniseries will be triggering, both positively and negatively.

Although the film is far from perfect, it is truly authentic. It will be available on Hulu, following its initial run, and should be in every American home. National Geographic presents a past where alcohol, smoking,

cornbread, collard greens, Afros, righteous anger and sex marinate every moment of Franklin’s life.

The speech patterns, pop culture references, ecstasy and redemption are embraced in a way that heals and inspires as an example of the human condition, all self-taught, embraced and shared unto a weary world that can be saved only when one allows their humanity to lead the way.

There has never been such a documentary that blurs the history of a nation with its minority cultures. I strongly recommend that everyone within the LGBTQ community watch this miniseries and live their lives accordingly. t

Courtesy of artist.

A

retha Franklin, The Queen of Soul, is the voice of the African Diaspora.

Independently of her shining career of hits, she has the singular ability to create mind-bending, transcendent events with her performances that are indelibly linked to our collective national history.

In recognizing Franklin’s genius, the National Geographic Channel has included her in the third season of their Genius series, following profiles of Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso. Among the miniseries’ executive producers are Oscar winners Brian Glazer and Ron Howard, Pulitzer Prize winner Suzan Lori-Parks and music maestro Clive Davis.

Genius: Aretha does not disappoint.

Beginning with Franklin’s 1967 official coronation as The Queen of Soul in Chicago, the series utilizes all of the techniques of cinema, in a freedom that only cable television can present, without fear of prudish eyes and ears choking on their Slim Jims and Dr. Peppers.

Little Ree (played note-perfect by the young discovery, Shaiain Jordan) is exposed far too early to the racism, sexism, moral hypocrisy and abuse inflicted upon and facilitated by her father, Rev. C.L. Franklin (played by Courtney.

B. Vance, who brilliantly suspends reality in each of his scenes).

The adult Aretha experiences her past and present in PTSD-induced flashbacks that display the strength, anger, resolve, talent, tenacity, courage and artistry that made her a political, moral and gender representative of what it means to be “young, gifted and black” in America, during its most tumultuous times.

Aretha (brilliantly underplayed by Tony, Emmy, and Grammy winner and two-time Oscar nominee Cynthia Erivo) survived abuse from her pimp first husband, Ted White (played by Malcolm Barrett). She endures the appreciative but ambivalent guidance from music executive, Jerry Wexler (played by David Cross, whose performance defines the music industry).

The hard work of birthing “genius” and

www.nationalgeographic.com

by Cornelius Washington

Howie Klein: modern music man Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Modern Attack ‫ ہلمح دیدج‬2020, screen print on muslin, velvet, various trimmings and tassels

by David-Elijah Nahmod

B

eginning March 19 and running through July 3, the venerable San Francisco Art Institute will celebrate its 150th birthday with an extensive exhibition of a diverse array of alumni. There will be a particular focus on Black, indigenous people of color and LGBTQ+ artists at the exhibition, which takes place at the institute’s historic Chestnut Street campus and online.

Titled A Spirit of Disruption, the exhibit will include a large selection of artwork and archival materials which celebrate the ethos of the institution while highlighting the contributions of artists and individuals who have often been overlooked. There will also be a ten episode podcast which will supplement the exhibition.

“The podcast will be an opportunity for listeners to hear an expansive oral history of the San Francisco Art Institute across its legendary departments,” said exhibit curators Margaret Tedesco and Leila Weefur in a joint statement. “Those who won’t be able to see the physical exhibition will get the chance to experience it through this 10-episode historical deep-dive.”

A Spirit of Disruption will include works by more than thirty alumni and faculty from the 1960s until the present day, as well as a

dynamic media installation drawn from the school’s vast archive. There will also be a section dedicated to artist model Florence “Flo” Wysinger Allen, who posed for countless paintings, sculptures, and drawings from 1933 until her death in 1997.

“150 years is a really long time,” said Weefur. “I think something that has really been important to both of us is taking this 150 years and sort of re-prioritizing who is at the forefront of that history. Across the board we all know that in art history in terms of who has been historically celebrated predominantly has been a specific body or group of people; white, cisgender, variations of that. I think it’s really been important to us to really dig deep into the history and not just lean on our own experiences of the institution and who we already knew. We wanted to find new people, we wanted to really allow the archive to reveal itself to us.”

Weefur explains why the show is called A Spirit of Disruption.

“Something that kept coming up is wanting the title to embody the essence or the nature of the school and the students,” she said. “The idea of the Spirit of Disruption was able to really capture that essence. A lot of the students were really interested in disrupting the formality of the art world.

See page 10 >>

Howie Klein (right) with the band Green Day

by Gregg Shapiro

D

epending on how long you’ve lived in San Francisco, and by extension, how long you’ve been reading the Bay Area Reporter, the name Howie Klein may be familiar to you. Klein, who wrote about music for the BAR 40 or so years ago, was a radio DJ who cofounded the legendary 415 Records label. 415 was home to important San Francisco bands including Romeo Void, Wire Train, Translator, The Nuns, Pop-O-Pies, and Pearl Harbor and the Explosions, to name a few.

In Los Angeles, Klein went on to work for major label conglomerate Warner Brothers/Reprise/ Sire where he supervised artists including Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Depeche Mode, The Pretenders, The Smiths, Talking Heads, Green Day and others.

I had the privilege of speaking with Klein, who is openly gay, about record label Liberation Hall’s series of reissues of albums by 415 Records acts including the Readymades, the Uptones and SVT, as well as his work as a progressive political activist.

Gregg Shapiro: You and Chris Knab named your San Francisco-based indie record label 415 Records. 415 is both the police code for disturbing the peace, as well as the San Francisco area code. Was that coincidental or intentional?

Howie Klein: We had both in mind when we named the label. We thought it was cute and we liked it. We didn’t think it was deep, we just thought it was cute.

I lived in Boston in the early 1980s while attending Emerson College as a writing major. If I remember correctly, Romeo Void, a band on 415 Records, even came to Boston to record its Never Say Never EP at Ric Ocasek’s Synchro Sound Studio.

It was even more wonderful than that. They came to Boston because we were selling significant numbers of records there. That was because of all the airplay, basically because of [WBCN DJ] Oedipus, who loved Romeo Void.

I loved Oedipus! He was the best DJ ever!

Yes, Oedipus was wonderful. He was very supportive of the 415 stuff including the Romeo Void music before “Never Say Never.” In any case, they came there to play a show and Ric Ocasek was at the show and he was blown away. He went up to the band and said, “I have my own studio. If you have any songs, I’d be happy to record them with you.” There was nothing planned ahead. The band had a song that they hadn’t recorded yet, which was “Never Say Never,” and they went into the studio with Ric and recorded it. It changed their lives, changed my life, changed Chris’ life, all our lives.

See page 10 >>

<< Books and Music

10 • Bay Area Reporter • Date 00-00, 2021

<<

Howie Klein

From page 9

Being that you had a background in radio, how significant was it that you, as the head of a label, had that kind of attention being paid to your artists on the radio?

It makes all the difference in the world. For one thing, it’s no longer true, but at that time, in the late 1970s and early ’80s, radio was basically almost the only way to get a band known outside of the immediate circle of its hometown where it could play live all the time.

The reason that Romeo Void broke out of a few cities around the country –Boston being one of them– was because there were cool radio stations. The college stations, BCN and FNX, suddenly turned Romeo

Void into something real that then sold and was on charts. Then people from other record labels would see that; bigger labels that were then interested in working with the band.

Following your experience with 415 Records, you were at Sire, Warner Brothers, and Reprise. In addition to your work there with both cutting edge and classic rock bands, you also brought Joni Mitchell and Neil Young back to the fold at Reprise. Would you consider that to be among your most significant acts while in the Warner family or is there something else that has more importance to you?

That’s like asking a parent which of their children is more important to them. I worship people like Joni Mitchell and Neil Young. On top of that, I also personally love Joni Mitch-

ell. I love Neil, too. It’s just that I was personally closer to Joni just because more than anything else she lived here [laughs] in LA. I was able to grab a meal with her every now and then.

But I love both of those people.

When I was in college, many years before I worked at a record company, I booked both of them to play at my school. That’s how far I go back with both of those artists.

In addition to your lengthy career in music, you are renowned for your political activism, particularly progressive causes. How much of that do you ascribe to your connection to the punk rock scene and how much of it can be attributed to having lived in San Francisco and being gay, or are they all connected?

I could spend an hour talking with you about a very close old friend of mine named Harvey Milk but let’s not go down that road.

There is something important about the question that you asked me.

What it has to do with is the connectivity between the kind of music that I like and what music does to people, and the political feelings that I have.

Let’s go back to when I was in college. The kind of artists that I was I was playing on the radio and that I was booking to play at my school were all cutting edge artists. In those days, that was a hippie time.

The very first band I ever booked

<<

Spirited disruption

From page 9

Whether that was through a material practice or some kind of performative practice or if it was just a way of pushing against a kind of industry expectation, that spirit of disruption carried through throughout the Bay Area; anyone who comes out of SFAI, there’s an Ouvre that they carry with them.”

Weefur pointed out that this is the first time many of these artists will share a gallery together.

t

Chester Simpson

Howie Klein (left) with the band U2

was a band from New York called The Fugs. I was like I was a freshman class president at the time and I booked them to play the freshman class dance. At that dance, which was packed, you couldn’t move, it was in a small lobby. Bob O’Connor, the captain of the basketball team, who was the opposite of me in every way, came up to me. You could see the vein on his neck was pulsing, his very white face was very red. He looked like he wanted to tear my head off.

He started screaming in my face that his girlfriend was so offended by this smut that I brought to the school and she couldn’t get out of this place be-

cause there was no room to get out; it was too crowded.

At that moment I realized if music can do this, get someone so emotional like this, this is something I have to look into further [laughs]. It wasn’t the decisive factor, but it was one of the things that helped me decide to be in the music industry. I could spend hours talking about the connection between cutting edge music and progressive politics, and there always has been. t

“What I personally want attendees to take away from this is the discovery of the history of SFAI,” said Weefur. “I want people to go into the gallery and say ‘I had no idea this person went into the school; I had no idea that this person made this kind of work at the school.’ Something that I think Margaret and I have done, kind of unintentionally because we are artists and curators, is make a lot of formal and consensual connections between a lot of the works. I want people to come into the gal-

lery and to live with what we’ve curated and see all these parallels in different generations of SFAI alumni and faculty and see how each practice bled into each other.”

Mask and social distancing protocols will be in effect for those who attend the show in person. Reservations are required. To make a reservation to see the show in person or online, and to listen to the podcast, visit: https://sfai.edu/ t

Read the full interview on www.ebar.com.

Read the full review on www.ebar.com.

Remembering Michael Callen

by David-Elijah Nahmod

Professional headshots / profile pics Weddings / Events

StevenUnderhill 415 370 7152 • StevenUnderhill.com

Locally-made, with love.

Gay-owned, locally in SF! FREE DELIVERY IN SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY 1-844-23-COCOA 1-844-23-26262 Winner Best Chocolatier in America Award, ‘20 & ‘21 Winner Good Food Award, 2018

M i c h a e l s c h o c o l at e s . c o M

M

ichael Callen (1955-1993) is not as well remembered today as he deserves to be. But during the peak years of the AIDS crisis, Callen was known the world over not only for his AIDS activism, but for his music. Callen was a gifted singer-songwriter who made a name for himself both as a solo artist and as a member of the gay a cappella singing group The Flirtations. But it was his AIDS advocacy for which Callen made his greatest impact.

Callen loved being gay, and he loved sex, celebrating both unashamedly. In 1983, soon after his own AIDS diagnosis, Callen published How to Have Sex in an

Epidemic: One Approach, which he wrote in collaboration with his friend Richard Berkowitz and Dr. Joseph Sonnabend, his physician. Callen was one of the earliest proponents of safe sex. Ironically, some in the community attacked him for his stand.

The legacy of Callen is now remembered in Love Don’t Need a Reason: The Life and Music of Michael Callen, a new full-length biography by gay historian Matthew J. Jones. The book is a riveting account of Callen’s 38 year sojourn on Earth and leaves little out.

“Telling LGBTQ stories, especially untold or overlooked stories, motivates everything I do,” Jones told the Bay Area Reporter.

“As someone who grew up in the shadow of the AIDS epidemic, whose notions of what it means to be a gay man are fundamentally shaped by the epidemic, I’ve also been very interested in that history too.”

The author recounts Callen’s difficult midwestern childhood, where it was obvious early on that he was different.

Callen had a tempestuous relationship with his parents, though there’s no denying that they all loved each other. Jones follows Callen on his move to New

Michael Callen

York City, where Callen embraced the promiscuous gay life of the period while pursuing a career as a singer. Diagnosed with HIV early in the epidemic, Callen became a fierce advocate of safe sex.

Though a bit on the long side, Love Don’t Need a Reason: The Life and Music of Michael Callen nonetheless serves as a remembrance not only of an extraordinary activist, but of a time in gay male history that must never be forgotten. So many young LGBT people of today have no idea about what the community went through during the 1980s, when people fought back even as they lay dying. Jones takes readers back to that era and brings it to life. He does so while imbuing an enormous amount of respect not only for Callen, but for all those who loved him. t Read the full review on www.ebar.com.

Fancy seeing you here.

Now Open Reconnect with your Academy favorites.

From the splashing penguins in African Hall to the wildflowers on the roof, the building is bursting with life. You’re invited to come explore.

Make your reservation at calacademy.org.

Live RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY ROUND BARN S A N T A

R O S A

• TOWNHOMES FROM $599,990 • EXPANSIVE VIEWS • DECKS AND PRIVATE COURTYARD • SOLAR INCLUDED • COMMUNITY POOL, SPA, CABANAS, PARKS, PLAYGROUND AND GARDEN

1 ,74 6 -1 , 8 8 4 Sq . Ft . | 3 - 4 B e drooms | 2 . 5 -3 . 5 B aths

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.