May 10 2018 Edition of the Bay Area Reporter by Bay Area Reporter

New digs for Castro CBD

Harvey Milk Day events

ARTS

Kim Novak

Queer Country West Coast

The

www.ebar.com

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

Vol. 48 • No. 19 • May 10-16, 2018

Fremont nixes sex-ed for elementary students

Dale Godfrey

Members of the Flag Supporters group raise a rainbow flag May 3 in Guerneville Plaza.

by Alex Madison

Rainbow flags disappear in Guerneville

by Charlie Wagner

uerneville residents gathered to raise another rainbow flag in the town’s plaza last week, after previous ones were apparently

stolen. Members and supporters of the Russian River LGBTQ community gathered Thursday, May 3, to once again add a rainbow flag to the U.S. and California state flags flying from the flagpole on Guerneville Plaza. See page 16 >>

Jane Philomen Cleland

Castro gets a trash assist

ay District 8 Supervisor Jeff Sheehy places a trash item into a new Bigbelly container that he, Mayor Mark Farrell, and other city officials had installed last week in the Castro. The containers, which have automatic compacters inside allowing them to hold five times more waste, are outfitted with wireless, automated real-time technology that immediately alerts collectors when they are

Trans woman can move forward with lawsuit, judge rules

See page 16 >>

B.A.R. election endorsements SF OFFICES SAN FRANCISCO MAYOR 1: Mark Leno 2: London Breed 3: Jane Kim

by Alex Madison

anesh Nutall, a transgender woman who is suing the city of San Francisco saying her rights were violated, will be able to move forward with her lawsuit taken on by the state Department of Fair Employment & Housing, a judge ruled Tuesday, May 8. San Francisco Superior Court Judge Harold Kahn denied the city’s motion to dismiss the case at the hearing. On behalf of Nutall, the DFEH is suing the city over a February 2016 incident in which an employee of the city’s Department of Police Accountability, formerly known as the Office of Citizen Complaints, allegedly blocked Nutall from using a women’s restroom and called her a “fucking freak” and a “fucking man.” At the time, Nutall, 52, was an employee of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and was attending a training that had been organized by the city’s Department of Public Health at its building located at 25 Van Ness Avenue. The DFEH claims Nutall’s rights were violated under the Unruh Civil Rights Act, a state law that outlaws discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, and disability. The law applies to all California businesses.

full. Farrell and the city’s Fix-It Team installed five of the containers in the Castro; five more will be added each in central Market, Civic Center, and the Tenderloin neighborhoods. The Castro containers are adorned with the Castro/Upper Market Community Benefit District’s logo – the organization partnered with the city on the project.

n a blow to many LGBT advocates, the Fremont Unified School District voted against adopting a controversial new sex education program for fourth through sixth graders at Fremont school a special meeting May 2. board Vice Advocates for comPresident Michele prehensive sex education Berke for elementary school students said having LGBT-inclusive instruction can prevent bullying, increase awareness and acceptance, and create a generation of informed youth, while opponents felt the content is “too much, too soon” for elementary-aged children.

DISTRICT 8 SUPERVISOR Rafael Mandelman EAST BAY ASSEMBLY Dist. 15: Judy Appel

STATE OFFICES

Courtesy TLC

Tanesh Nutall

Deputy City Attorney Brian Ceballo said discrimination laws do not apply to the employee in question because the DPA is not considered a business establishment. Ceballo also questioned the truthfulness of Nutall’s claims. See page 17 >>

Governor: Gavin Newsom Lt. Governor: Eleni Kounalakis Attorney General: Xavier Becerra Secretary of State: Alex Padilla Treasurer: Fiona Ma Controller: Betty Yee Insurance Commissioner: Ricardo Lara Superintendent of Public Instruction: Tony Thurmond Board of Equalization (District 2): Malia Cohen STATE ASSEMBLY (SF) Dist. 17: David Chiu Dist. 19: Phil Ting

OTHER RACES State Assembly (Bay Area) Dist. 18: Rob Bonta Dist. 28: Evan Low Congress (Bay Area) Dist. 2: Jared Huffman Dist. 3: John Garamendi Dist. 5: Mike Thompson Dist. 10: Michael Eggman Dist. 11: Mark DeSaulnier Dist. 12: Nancy Pelosi Dist. 13: Barbara Lee Dist. 14: Jackie Speier Dist. 15: Eric Swalwell Dist. 17: Ro Khanna Dist. 18: Anna Eshoo Dist. 19: Zoe Lofgren

JUDGES SF SUPERIOR COURT Seat 4: Andrew Cheng Seat 7: Curtis Karnow Seat 9: Cynthia Ming-Mei Lee Seat 11: Jeffrey Ross

Alameda County Bd. of Ed. Area 1: Joaquin Rivera San Mateo County Superintendent of Schools: Gary Waddell, Ph.D. Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors Dist. 4: Jimmy Dutra San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo

SF PROPS Yes on: A, B, E, F, G No on: C, D, H, I Regional Prop 3: Yes

CA. PROPOSITIONS Yes on: 68, 69, 71, 72 No on: 70

Alameda County Superior Court Office 11: Tara Flanagan

Remember to vote June 5!

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Community News>>

May 10-16, 2018 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 5

Castro CBD plans office move to storefront by Matthew S. Bajko

n improvement association for the gay Castro district is looking to move its offices into a vacant storefront, giving it a prominent location for the first time. The Castro/Upper Market Community Benefit District is seeking city approval to move into 693 14th Street. Snowbright Launderette, the former longtime occupant of the retail space just off Market Street, closed at the end of January. Since the Castro CBD was established in 2005, it has operated out of various office spaces throughout the neighborhood that were not very visible to the public. Its current location, at 584 Castro Street, is a hidden-away, two-floor structure behind the building that houses Philz Coffee. “I am so excited about it. By being in a storefront, we can have a sign and people could see where we are,” said CBD Executive Director Andrea Aiello.

Rick Gerharter

The Castro/Upper Market Community Benefit District hopes to move into 693 14th Street, which would give it a storefront presence for the first time.

“We will become so much more visible to the community and accessible, which would be so, so good.” The CBD is funded by a special property tax assessment of properties along the neighborhood’s two main commercial corridors, upper Market

Street and Castro Street, as well as city grants and donations it seeks for specific projects. It pays for street cleaning services, additional security patrols, and homeless outreach in the Castro. It also helps program activities at Jane Warner Plaza, the mini

parklet carved out of a section of 17th Street at Castro and Market streets. And the CBD is involved in the efforts to reimagine Harvey Milk Plaza, the outdoor area above the Castro Muni Station. In order to move its offices and staff into the vacant storefront, the CBD is seeking a change of use for the space from city planning officials. Because it is classified as a public facility under the zoning code, the CBD is allowed to seek approval to locate in the ground floor retail space. It does not yet have a hearing date before the planning commission. Should it be approved, the CBD plans to hold its various board and committee meetings, which are open to the public, at the location as it will be ADA accessible. “I would be excited to get in by August,” said Aiello when asked how soon the CBD could relocate its office. To help activate the storefront, Aiello told the Bay Area Reporter the she is

looking at having set hours where the office would be open to the general public so that “people can come in and get information about the neighborhood and about the CBD.”

Progress on vacant storefronts

That section of the neighborhood, centered on the intersection of Church and Market streets, has seen a host of longtime businesses shutter over the last year as well as new ones open. One of the most visible corner spaces, 2101 Market Street, finally saw Santa Cruzbased Verve Coffee Roasters open its first location in the city in early 2017. Across the street at 2099 Market Street, which in the 1990s housed the headquarters for savings and loan association Continental Savings of America, Compass Real Estate has moved into the prominent storefront. Nearby, at 235 Church Street, Il Casaro See page 16 >>

Mexican-inspired cantina opens in Castro by Sari Staver

he co-owner of Papi Rico hopes to bring dating back to the Castro. As a single gay man living in San Francisco, Rick Hamer remembers a time when dating often began in a bar. “You know, a place where people can actually meet and have a conversation,” said Hamer, the restaurateur who opened Finn Town in 2016. Hamer, 56, and business partner William Vastardis, 62, hope their new cantina, Papi Rico, at 544 Castro Street, will be just such a place. “We wanted to bring fun and camaraderie back to the neighborhood,” said Hamer, who came up with

Sari Staver

Rick Hamer, left, and Joan Simon celebrate the opening of Hamer’s Papi Rico with a toast.

the concept after Finn Town, at 2251 Market Street, opened to rave reviews. After months of design,

construction, and permit delays, Papi Rico opened its doors Monday, May 7. Cinco de Mayo weekend was a soft opening, Hamer said. The owners, both of whom love Puerto Vallarta, have designed the space to resemble a beach resort with colorful murals and a spacious back patio (with heaters and a cover) that will “feel like summer year round,” said Hamer. “Working with the city on permits was a nightmare, but we were determined to open for Cinco de Mayo,” said Hamer, whose nickname “Papi Rico,” is Latin American street slang for a good-looking, older man. In an interview May 5 while there was

a private party, Hamer and Vastardis arrived at the restaurant carrying dozens of pillows that will line the banquettes on the perimeter of a cozy lounge, which can also be booked for private events. An employee arrived with the freshly printed menus, “where nothing is over $13,” said Hamer. Cocteles de la Casa (cocktails of the house) are the star of the show, said Hamer. Head mixologist R.M. Richards, a Finn Town bartender, has developed a list of cocktails inspired by Puerto Vallarta, focusing on tequila and mezcal-based drinks, he said. Among the offerings are the Playas Conchas (tequila, lime, grapefruit

bitters) and the Sayulita (sotol, pineapple, hibiscus), as well as frozen libations like Garza Blanca (rum and housemade horchata) and De Oro (seasonal fruit margarita). Each is $12. In addition, the menu offers a selection of shots ($8), Mexican beers ($4-5), wine ($8-$12), seasonal agua fresca $5, and jarritos ($4). The food, said Hamer, is “fingerfriendly,” much like the bites sold from beachside stands in Puerto Vallarta. The antojitos (appetizers) include homemade chips and guacamole ($10), ceviche ($12), cheese empanadas ($3) and crispy fish tacos ($11). See page 16 >>

ALICE PICKS FOR MAYOR:

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ALICE AND MILK CLUBS AGREE: Rafael Mandelman for D8 Supervisor Mark Leno London Breed

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David Chiu

Phil Ting

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Betty Yee

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Ricardo Lara

Tony Thurmond

Malia Cohen

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Michael I. Begert

Angela Bradstreet

Roger C. Chan

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6 • BAY AREA REPORTER • May 10-16, 2018

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uan Carlos Mesen can’t seem to stay away from the Castro district. After being issued a temporary restraining order in December 2017 for allegedly assaulting a man in the Castro Theatre parking lot, Mesen has since been arrested twice for coming within 150 yards of 18th and Castro streets. Greg Carey, chief of patrol for the neighborhood watch program Castro Community On Patrol, recalled the incident in December that led to Mesen’s restraining order. “When I came on the scene, I saw [the victim] lying on the ground with Juan Carlos on top of him,” Carey said in a recent phone interview with the Bay Area Reporter. Mesen, 53, was charged with felony assault. Then, on January 27, Mesen was arrested again in the Castro for threatening the public. In violation of his restraining order, Mesen was then issued a stay away order from the San Francisco District Attorney’s office, according to Alex Bastian, deputy chief of staff for the SFDA’s office, which is effective for three years. Mesen again violated his stay away order and was arrested April 12 in the Castro. According to Mesen’s attorney, Deputy Public Defender Will Helvestine, Mesen pleaded no contest to a single misdemeanor stay away order violation stemming from his arrest last month. Helvestine said there are no pending charges against Mesen and, as part of his plea deal, all his cases have been resolved in what is known as a global resolution. The stay away order is still active. Helvestine did not provide a comment on behalf of Mesen. CCOP has put out flyers asking people to call authorities if they spot Mesen in the neighborhood. “He is very verbally assaultive and threatening,” Carey said. “In the Castro, he often accosts people on the sidewalk in the neighborhood. He is very intimidating both verbally and physically.” Carey said he has received additional calls from the public about Mesen’s threatening behavior, although not all calls resulted in an arrest. Mesen

Courtesy SFPD

Juan Carlos Mesen

is also known to be aggressive while riding his red motorcycle in the area. A motive for Mesen’s actions is not known and Carey said there is nothing that points to Mesen specifically targeting LGBT people. It is not known if the person Mesen assaulted in the Castro Theatre parking lot was LGBT. The San Francisco Police Department did not respond to the B.A.R. for further information regarding Mesen.

Car break-ins

Although Mesen continues to be a concern to Castro community members, Carey said crime has been relatively low in the area. He said the weekends have been relatively quiet recently and he has seen a decrease in reports of incidents on the online community forum, Next Door. “It’s been nothing beyond minor incidents lately,” Carey said. “There is a high level of pick-pocketing though. That’s always common, nothing new.” CCOP was instrumental in getting security cameras installed in the Walgreens and Castro Theatre parking lots, which have been a deterrent for car breaks ins. The Walgreens parking lot in the Castro is notorious for having a high volume of car break-ins. The Walgreens and Castro Theatre parking lots have each had one camera for about a year. A new camera and improved lighting were added to the Walgreens parking lot about two months ago, according to Carey. “Walgreens is one of our most prevalent lots for car breaks-ins,”

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Carey said. “But when we patrolled this last weekend, we saw no fresh broken glass, and normally when we patrol these lots, we see one to three cars with broken windows.” The cameras are part of a citywide initiative called the Parking Access & Revenue Control System launched in May 2017. It is now collaborated on by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, Mayor Mark Farrell, Supervisors Aaron Peskin and Catherine Stefani, and San Francisco Police Chief William Scott. The program aims to make city-owned parking garages and lots safer with the use of cameras, lighting, signage, and fences. MTA spokesman Paul Rose did not have data on the Castro district’s cameras’ effectiveness, but said the agency is working with SFPD to gather it. At a May 2 community meeting in Golden Gate Heights neighborhood hosted by Stop Crime San Francisco, a volunteer network of San Francisco residents working to reduce and prevent crime through advocacy, San Francisco District Attorney George Gascón said violent crime was down citywide, but car break-ins and property theft has reached an “unacceptable level.” He said there were about 31,000 car break-ins last year and said although conviction for these crimes is an “uphill battle,” improvements are being made, thanks in part to the security cameras, whose footage can be used as evidence. Of the 31,000 car break-ins, only 550 cases or fewer, about 2 percent, resulted in an arrest, said Gascón. “When I became DA, the conviction rate in our office was less than 50 percent for misdemeanors and 60 percent for felony convictions,” Gascón said at the meeting, which was streamed live via Facebook. “Consistently in the last couple years, our conviction rate has been over 80 percent and last year almost 85 percent. “I do believe we will see car and other burglaries and property crime go down and continue to go down every year,” he added. If anyone observes Mesen within 150 yards of 457 Castro Street, notify the Police Department at the non-emergency number, (415) 553-0123. t

Hormel Center manager settles in by Alex Madison

SAVING SPACE... BEAUTIFULLY

endy Kramer knows the San Francisco Public Library like the back of her hand from years of experience, and now, she’s back, this time as the new program manager for the James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center. But don’t call her Wendy, it’s “Dee Dee.” When the former Hormel director Karen Sundheim retired after a decade in March 2017, Kramer, a lesbian, took over in September. She brings with her a deep love for the public library and a vision to increase outreach and encourage people on all ends of the LGBT spectrum to experience the Hormel Center, one of the country’s premiere archives for the LGBTQ community. “I really want to reach out to people who haven’t seen themselves in the library, trans young people, people of color, and really young people who may not know the center even exists,” she told the Bay Area Reporter in a recent interview. In her first eight months, Kramer, 49, has had a lot on her plate. She is working on reinvigorating the Radar Reading Series to more deeply connect the speakers to the archives of the center. The series, now called “Show Us Your Spine,” invites a handful of writers to explore the archives of the

Courtesy Wendy Kramer

New Hormel Center program manager Wendy Kramer

center for a month at a time and then read from work that inspires them at a public event. “I wanted to get readers more deeply involved in the archives,” Kramer said. “It has had tremendous impact. It’s emotional to watch people interact with the material and then share that with others.” Another program Kramer is working on is Sprightly, which began shortly after her start date. Kramer, who worked for two years in teen services at the Bayview Linda BrooksBurton Branch Library, hopes to

bring a renewed focus on engaging youth, something Sundheim said she hoped her successor would do. The Sprightly program is a twohour event that happens every Sunday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Transitional age youth, 18-25, are encouraged to come to the center’s reading room on the third floor of the main library for coffee, doughnuts, and a queer craft. “These are usually people who don’t have anywhere to live or need access to resources and a lot of the time they are LGBTQ folks,” Kramer said. “I have seen some very interesting intergenerational conversation going on and people pulling books off shelves.” Kramer said she wants youth and anyone who comes to the center to feel “at home.” For the first time, shortly after she started, the center began a fellowship program through the Friends of the San Francisco Public Library, a nonprofit that funds the center through an endowment. Kramer is managing Hormel fellow Mason Smith, who she said is focusing on outreach and social media. Tom Fortin, chief of the main library, said Kramer is doing an excellent job at managing the fellow and gives the center new energy. See page 17 >>

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**NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE WILL NOT IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. ELIGIBILITY: Open to legal residents of California, 18 or older residing within 100 miles (determined by Google maps driving directions) of [Ashley HomeStore at 21301 Victory Boulevard, Canoga Park, CA (the “Store”)] (“Eligibility Zone”), who are not an employee, contractor, officer, or director of Stoneledge Furniture LLC, 755 Ashley Way, Colton, CA 92324 (“Sponsor”) [Stonledge LLC], its subsidiary and affiliated entities, and agencies involved in this promotion, or immediate family or household member of such persons. PROMOTION DATES; GAME CARDS; PRIZES; ODDS: Promotion begins 5/18/18 at 9 a.m. PT and ends 5/18/18 at 9 p.m. or sooner if all Game Cards are distributed (“Promotion Period”). Visit the Store during Store hours during the Promotion Period to get an official Game Card while supplies last. To reveal whether a Game Card is a prize winning card, scratch off the circle on the Game Card. If it reveals “Winner” then to claim the prize, a $5000 Ashley HomeStore shopping spree (ARV $5,000), you must [present the card to a Store Manager]. Prize claim must be made in person at Store by 5/30/18. Prize must be used at store within Eligibility Zone by 6/30/18. Determination of winner subject to verification of eligibility and compliance with Official Rules including timely providing signed Affidavit of Eligibility and Liability and Publicity Release. 500 total Game Cards available in the promotion, 1 is Winning Game Card. Odds: 1 in 500 at beginning of Promotion. If due to a printing, production or other error, more than one (1) Winning Game Card is submitted for a prize claim in the Promotion, then the intended prize in this Promotion will be awarded in a random drawing from among all verified and validated prize claims received by Sponsor. One Game Card request per eligible person. If prize is not claimed by 5/30/18 it will be awarded in Second Chance Drawing. For complete Official Rules by which all participants are bound and details of Second Chance Drawing see Store. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. *Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. Ashley HomeStore does not require a down payment, however, sales tax and delivery charges are due at time of purchase if the purchase is made with your Ashley Advantage™ Credit Card. No interest will be charged on promo purchase and equal monthly payments are required equal to initial promo purchase amount divided equally by the number of months in promo period until promo is paid in full. The equal monthly payment will be rounded to the next highest whole dollar and may be higher than the minimum payment that would be required if the purchase was a non-promotional purchase. Regular account terms apply to non-promotional purchases. For new accounts: Purchase APR is 29.99%; Minimum Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders should see their credit card agreement for their applicable terms. Promotional purchases of merchandise will be charged to account when merchandise is delivered. Subject to credit approval. ‡Monthly payment shown is equal to the purchase price, excluding taxes and delivery, divided by the number of months in the promo period, rounded to the next highest whole dollar, and only applies to the selected financing option shown. If you make your payments by the due date each month, the monthly payment shown should allow you to pay off this purchase within the promo period if this balance is the only balance on your account during the promo period. If you have other balances on your account, this monthly payment will be added to the minimum payment applicable to those balances. ††Ashley HomeStore does not require a down payment, however, sales tax and delivery charges are due at time of purchase if the purchase is made with your Ashley Advantage™ Credit Card. Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. No interest will be charged on the promo purchase if you pay the promo purchase amount in full within 12 or 24 Months. If you do not, interest will be charged on the promo purchase from the purchase date. Depending on purchase amount, promotion length and payment allocation, the required minimum monthly payments may or may not pay off purchase by end of promotional period. Regular account terms apply to non-promotional purchases and, after promotion ends, to promotional balance. For new accounts: Purchase APR is 29.99%; Minimum Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders should see their credit card agreement for their applicable terms. Promotional purchases of merchandise will be charged to account when merchandise is delivered. Subject to credit approval. §Subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payments required. See store for details. ‡‡Previous purchases excluded. Cannot be combined with any other promotion or discount. Discount offers exclude Tempur-Pedic®, Stearns & Foster® and Sealy Posturepedic Hybrid™ mattress sets, floor models, clearance items, sales tax, furniture protection plans, warranty, delivery fee, Manager’s Special pricing, Advertised Special pricing, and 14 Piece Packages and cannot be combined with financing specials. Effective 1/1/2018, all mattress and box springs are subject to a $10.50 per unit CA recycling fee. SEE STORE FOR DETAILS. Stoneledge Furniture LLC. many times has multiple offers, promotions, discounts and financing specials occurring at the same time; these are allowed to only be used either/or and not both or combined with each other. Although every precaution is taken, errors in price and/ or specification may occur in print. We reserve the right to correct any such errors. Picture may not represent item exactly as shown, advertised items may not be on display at all locations. Some restrictions may apply. Available only at participating locations. ±Leather Match upholstery features top-grain leather in the seating areas and skillfully matched vinyl everywhere else. Ashley HomeStores are independently owned and operated. ©2018 Ashley HomeStores, Ltd. Promotional Start Date: May 1, 2018. Expires: May 28, 2018.

<< Open Forum

8 • BAY AREA REPORTER • May 10-16, 2018

Volume 48, Number 19 May 10-16, 2018 www.ebar.com PUBLISHER Michael M. Yamashita Thomas E. Horn, Publisher Emeritus (2013) Publisher (2003 – 2013) Bob Ross, Founder (1971 – 2003) NEWS EDITOR Cynthia Laird ARTS EDITOR Roberto Friedman BARTAB EDITOR & EVENTS LISTINGS EDITOR Jim Provenzano ASSISTANT EDITORS Matthew S. Bajko • Alex Madison CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ray Aguilera • Tavo Amador • Race Bannon Erin Blackwell • Roger Brigham Brian Bromberger • Victoria A. Brownworth Brent Calderwood • Philip Campbell Heather Cassell • Belo Cipriani Christina DiEdoardo • Richard Dodds Michael Flanagan • Jim Gladstone David Guarino • Liz Highleyman Brandon Judell • John F. Karr • Lisa Keen Matthew Kennedy • Joshua Klipp David Lamble • Max Leger Michael McDonagh • Juanita MORE! David-Elijah Nahmod • Paul Parish Sean Piverger • Lois Pearlman Tim Pfaff • Jim Piechota • Bob Roehr Adam Sandel • Jason Serinus • Gregg Shapiro Gwendolyn Smith • Tony Taylor • Sari Staver Jim Stewart • Sean Timberlake • Andre Torrez Ronn Vigh • Charlie Wagner • Ed Walsh Cornelius Washington • Sura Wood ART DIRECTION Max Leger PRODUCTION/DESIGN Ernesto Sopprani PHOTOGRAPHERS Jane Philomen Cleland • FBFE Rick Gerharter • Gareth Gooch Jose Guzman-Colon • Rudy K. Lawidjaja Georg Lester • Dan Lloyd • Jo-Lynn Otto Rich Stadtmiller • Kelly Sullivan Steven Underhil • Dallis Willard • Bill Wilson ILLUSTRATORS & CARTOONISTS Paul Berge • Christine Smith ADVERTISING/ADMINISTRATION Colleen Small Bogitini VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVERTISING Scott Wazlowski – 415.829.8937 NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Rivendell Media – 212.242.6863

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Leno top choice for SF mayor S

an Francisco is in crisis. Not enough affordable housing; lack of housing for people who are homeless, including LGBTQ youth; filthy streets and sidewalks strewn with needles, feces, and trash; and a certain status quo attitude at City Hall that we think needs to change. If city residents truly want a new direction, then we recommend Mark Leno as our first choice for mayor. Leno, a gay man, has decades of experience and public service. He’s a former city supervisor and served as an assemblyman and senator in the state Legislature. That he would be San Francisco’s first openly gay chief executive is not lost on many LGBTQs, but being mayor involves a deep understanding of how the city works, what changes are needed to make it better, and an ability to respond to an emergency quickly and with resolve. We think Leno meets those qualifications. He has a solid plan for ending street homelessness and related problems by 2020. Key to his plan, he says, is utilizing 1,500 empty single-room occupancy hotel units that are spread across various buildings, making for complicated negotiations with multiple parties. “Now, will it be challenging to access them?” Leno asked at our editorial board meeting. “You bet. In my opinion, a day should not go by where the mayor of San Francisco is not sitting down and negotiating with at least one, if not more, of these property owners to gain access to those units.” The cost would be about $1.2 million for 50 units, which would include wraparound social services, or about $36 million for 1,500 rooms. That’s a lot of money, but there will be savings in the long run because the city will spend less on medical costs for treating homeless people who are brought to Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, for example. His plan will also house people, which is critical to their well-being and keeping them out of crises. In fact, central to Leno’s campaign on the issues of homelessness and housing stabilization is that “the first step in all of this is keeping those who have a home in their home,” he said. But it’s not just homeless people who need housing. Middle-class residents, such as teachers and service employees, cannot afford to rent or buy a home in San Francisco. “We need to have some sustainability and some certainty to our housing situation here and we just don’t have it,” Leno said. “Again, it is not specific to San Francisco. It is not unique; it is a regional statewide problem and a national problem. We see the worst of it here.” To help solve that, Leno would advocate for less tax breaks for big corporations and more for increasing the construction trade workforce, which was devastated during the 2008 recession. He would also like to change the city’s budgeting process and demand real results from departments. Right now, he said, departments submit their budgets to City Hall, usually with a modest increase. But there’s little review to determine whether departments’ programs actually work or that the money is spent as intended. Leno would institute zero-based budgeting, by which the mayor’s office can review line items for fraud, abuse, or waste. As Leno pointed out, the city can’t afford financial inefficiencies right now. “And I, as mayor, can’t allow any of that because I need money to do what I want to do,” he told us. “And before I can ask anyone for a tax increase, we’ve got to be able to honestly say we’re using your tax dollars effectively today and we need more for this or that.” Leno has been running a campaign to “shake up City Hall.” He told us that he would conduct a managerial and performance audit of department heads – the implication being that changes likely will be made. The same is true of city boards and commissions, where Leno said there are attendance problems for many appointees and, as mayor, he would return to keeping records, as used to happen. A solution must be found if commissions can’t meet because too many members are absent. He would not commit to appointing an LGBT person to every city board and commission – we asked – but he did say he would commit to making sure commissions reflect the face of San Francisco. “So I will be

Mark Leno

Kelly Sullivan

London Breed

She’s also interested in opening a Navigation Center-type shelter for homeless LGBTQ youth, though a location would probably be the biggest barrier. “I want to take people who are on the streets and I want to make sure they are housed,” Breed said during our editorial board meeting. “But I want to keep them housed. And keeping them housed requires a lot of work sometimes, a lot of wraparound services. It requires a community.” Breed has already successfully negotiated the sale of the McDonald’s property in the Haight to the city for new housing development. As acting mayor, Breed advanced the late mayor Ed Lee’s commitment to get 1,000 homeless individuals off the streets during the winter by expanding shelter capacity and opening new units of permanent affordable housing for formerly homeless veterans at the Auburn Hotel. Public safety is a concern for Breed. She acknowledged recent news of a police officer allegedly using religious and homophobic slurs against fellow officers and members of the public. She supports Police Chief William Scott (who is one of the finalists for the top job at the Los Angeles Police Department, where he used to work), but said she would move more aggressively to get any police chief to respond swiftly when addressing slurs because, as she told us, “words have power.” She praised the San Francisco Police Department for its many good officers, captains, and command staff, and said she values their work in the community. Breed also wants an improved budgeting process to include more accountability attached to dollars, not only for city departments, but for nonprofit agencies that receive city funding.

Jane Kim, third choice

Kelly Sullivan

Jane Kim

there to support my community, the LGBT community, but I will be there to support the Chinese-American community because they’re under-represented. I will be there for the Latino community, the African-American community. The commissions should reflect the face of San Francisco.” We believe Leno will be a mayor for all San Franciscans. And we think the time is now – when LGBTQs are often targeted by the federal government – to have an out gay leader for our city.

London Breed, second choice

San Francisco’s ranked choice voting for mayor allows voters to select up to three candidates in order of preference. Our second choice for mayor is Board of Supervisors President London Breed. She briefly became acting mayor last December when Mayor Ed Lee died suddenly of a heart attack. But rather than keep Breed in that position as provided by the City Charter, the majority of her board colleagues decided that she should not be acting mayor, board president, supervisor, and a candidate for mayor all at the same time, and voted for Supervisor Mark Farrell to assume the duties of mayor in late January. That vote may cost some candidates in the June 5 election, as a backlash gave Breed’s campaign a jolt of enthusiasm. She, too, would represent change at City Hall. An AfricanAmerican woman who was raised in public housing here, Breed has a very compelling life story that resonates. She has also evolved on key positions, such as supporting safe injection sites, and recognizes that the city must try new programs to address addiction issues among those who are homeless. Breed also wants to try something new for LGBTQ homeless youth. Modeled after a similar program in Minneapolis, her host home proposal would match adults who are interested in taking in homeless youth.

Our third choice, District 6 Supervisor Jane Kim, is running a strong campaign for mayor. She is pushing an affordable housing bond to fund homeless services, possibly for the November ballot. She thinks the city has made a big dent in housing homeless families, and thinks the city should do everything it can to keep those at risk of homelessness in place. As she pointed out, the hardest group to house is the one people see everyday: the chronically homeless. She is committed to housing vulnerable groups like transitional age youth, LGBTQ youth, veterans, and others. Kim’s top priorities are clean streets, creating central units in the police department and district attorney’s office to tackle auto burglaries, and improving shelter access and medical care for homeless people. Long a champion of affordable housing, Kim’s plan recognizes the need to build more middle-class and affordable housing while simultaneously preserving and maintaining the existing affordable housing stock. Her platform calls for increasing daytime hours and staffing at shelters so that homeless people have a place to go during the day and deploy city-operated portable bath/shower buses for homeless residents where and when they are needed citywide. She wants to streamline the process for homeless residents to access shelters and conduct an audit of SRO facilities to identify unoccupied or under-occupied units. In our editorial board meeting, Kim also discussed problems in the police department and said she has zero tolerance for bigotry. “I want to be fair, SFPD is reflective, unfortunately, of our greater society as a whole,” she said. “Just like we have not eliminated homophobia, and racism, and sexism from our society, we have not eliminated them from our police department.” She has confidence in police chief Scott. Each of these three candidates possesses individual strengths that would make them powerful mayors to stand up to President Donald Trump and his administration’s policies that target immigrants, LGBTQ people, minorities, and progressive cities like San Francisco. The city is eager for innovation. Leno, Breed, or Kim promise change, and have ideas that would put San Francisco on a path to addressing homelessness and the acute affordability pressures that have overwhelmed many residents.t

Open Forum >>

May 10-16, 2018 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 9

Mandelman for D8 Supe

sually we are inclined to support incumbents, however, this time, we think challenger Rafael Mandelman is the better choice for District 8 supervisor. Over the course of the last year, Mandelman has shown that he has the enthusiasm and knowledge to represent the Castro, Noe Valley, Glen Park, and surrounding neighborhoods. When residents could not get a response from the supervisor’s office, they resorted to contacting Mandelman, who addressed their concerns when he was able. One of those was a high-profile meeting in late January with a property management company when residents expressed concern about the empty storefronts along the Church Street corridor in the Castro. Mandelman did the job of a supervisor by bringing together local merchants, the property management company, and the neighbors. To Mandelman, being a supervisor is not just showing up in the board chambers on Tuesdays and voting. “I think the job is all the work you can do in the community and be available to constituents,” he told us in our editorial board meeting. “Secondly, the supervisor has the ability to advance solutions. I want a mayor who will do a good job and I want a District 8 supervisor to provide leadership. We’re failing on homelessness, housing, and transit.” Both Mandelman and current District 8 Supervisor Jeff Sheehy are gay men. Sheehy is also the first known person living with HIV to serve on the board. He has made fully funding the

Courtesy Mandelman for Supervisor campign

Rafael Mandelman

city’s Getting to Zero initiative a top priority. Mandelman said that HIV/AIDS issues, including funding, and cannabis are also top priorities for him. Even though Mandelman is generally pegged as the progressive and Sheehy the moderate in the race, judging from their stances on the issues, the labels are irrelevant. Both have similar priorities addressing homelessness, HIV, affordable housing, clean streets, and vacant storefronts. Mandelman told us his politics are liberal, and that serving on the City College board has taught him the value of pragmatic governance. Sheehy was an inspired choice when the late mayor Ed Lee appointed him in January 2017 to finish the term of now-state Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco). But in this, his first campaign for the seat, Sheehy has mostly acted like he’s indifferent to winning, and

his lackluster campaign strategy reinforces that perception. In his editorial board meeting, he kept telling us that he’s an activist, not a politician. But serving on the Board of Supervisors is political, and Sheehy has struggled with that aspect of the job, and attempting to stake out a position as an independent on the board has not helped him. We’re also dismayed that he was the crucial sixth vote to remove acting mayor London Breed and that he did not vote against the replacement for lesbian Leslie Katz on the Port Commission, despite saying at the committee hearing that LGBT representation on city commissions is important. “For us, as a community, there is always this assumption we’ve made it,” he said at the hearing. “Anyone who knows the history of the LGBT community knows that whenever we make gains we lose those gains.” In contrast, Mandelman has been everywhere in District 8, campaigning hard, knocking on doors, and meeting with potential voters. He wants the job. As supervisor, constituents can expect to hear back from his office when contacted, and we are confident that he will continue to be accessible. Mandelman has gained experience in his years serving on the City College board, on which he worked very hard to save the community college even when the board’s power was taken away and the school’s accreditation was in question. Thanks to wide community and political support and favorable court rulings, City College’s accreditation remains in place and increasing enrollment is returning to levels it was before the crisis hit. “I feel really, really ready to step into this role,” Mandelman told us. We think so too.t

SF judges deserve re-election F

our San Francisco Superior Court judges are being challenged in the June primary. In stunning fashion in February, four deputy public defenders announced that they would each run against an incumbent judge because they were appointed to the bench by Republican governors and do not reflect San Francisco’s diversity. The challengers have not made a convincing case for change or their candidacy, and their claims do not stand up to scrutiny. We recommend that readers vote to retain the four judges, who, by the way, are all registered Democrats: Andrew Cheng, Curtis Karnow, Cynthia Ming-Mei Lee, and Jeffrey Ross. Each has extensive judicial experience and committed themselves to equal access and equal justice for all. In his Bay Area Reporter questionnaire, Cheng responded that he has a solid record of progressive rulings. As a Chinese-American who grew up in the Midwest, he said that he has personally experienced discrimination. “I see and understand the situation of those who are minorities or who have faced bias,” he wrote. As an attorney, Cheng worked on the city’s tobacco cases that resulted in a $500 million settlement that was used to renovate Laguna Honda Hospital. As deputy chief of the civil division of the U.S. Attorney’s office, Cheng supervised hundreds of federal civil cases. And while Cheng said that he has not presided over any cases in which discrimination against LGBT or HIVpositive people was at issue, he has

been active in his church, Old First Presbyterian Church, and as an elder was among the first to call for the ordination of gay and lesbian elders, deacons, and ministers in 1997. That position was eventually adopted by the Presbyterian Church USA many years later. Karnow stated that the bench “must have judges who are fearless, and who won’t bow to ideology, public pressure, or to party politics – national or local. ... I am one of those judges.” Karnow oversees complex civil cases, and was appointed by the state Supreme Court to its ethics opinions committee. He has also written extensively about legal matters, including as the author of the Rutter Guide, the bible of California’s civil procedure. He’s also wrote a key 2008 paper that is now relied on by state and federal courts as they challenge the state’s money bail system. In terms of LGBT issues, Karnow stated that he has taught courses on implicit bias and worked with the former president of the International Association of LGBT Judges on the issue. “I teach judges here and in other parts of the state on these subjects, focusing on the mechanisms of discrimination, how to recognize and deal with discrimination in ourselves and as manifested by others in the courtroom.” But Karnow is probably best known to readers as the judge who issued the order that saved City College of San Francisco from losing its accreditation. That major decision See page 15 >>

Rick Gerharter

Judge Andrew Cheng

Rick Gerharter

Judge Curtis Karnow

Rick Gerharter

Judge Cynthia Ming-Mei Lee

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SPRING SALE ON NOW!

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10 • BAY AREA REPORTER • May 10-16, 2018

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embers of San Francisco’s sex-positive community, from leathermen and women to those in polyamorous relationships, are courting political power at City Hall. They looking to form a new political Kid’s are Hybrid/City Hybrid/City Kid’s group and to push their own agenda on a host of issues. Roughly 30 people attended a May 2 meeting to formalize a list of action items and gauge interest in creating the new club later this summer, tenKid’ Hybrid/City Kid’s tatively titled the San Francisco Sexpositive Democratic Club. of the issues that emerged Road Mountain Mountainat Some Road last week’s gathering included adNow Open Thursday to 7pm! vocating for venues in San Francisco Now Open Thursday to 7pm! 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Sun. 11-5 SALES 415-550-6600 • REPAIRS 415-550-6601 With housing a longterm goal, the advocates 1065 & 1065 1077Valencia Valencia (Between 21st &St.) 22nd St.)11-5 SF Mon.- (Bewteen Sat. 10-6, 10-7, Sun. 21stThu. & 22nd SF want to see public transit Mon-Sat (Btwn 10-6, Sun SALES 550-6600 • REPAIRS 415 St.) 550-6601 agencies provide bet1065 &415 1077 Valencia 21st11-5 & 22nd • SF 415-550-6601 ter overnight service for Mon.-Sat. 10-6, Thu. 10-7,415-550-6601 Sun 11-5 SALES 415-550-6600 • REPAIRS those who go out or work at sexMon.- Sat. 10-6, Thu. 10-7, Sun. 11-5 positive nightlife venues. Another expressed goal is replicating in San Francisco the decision in mid-December by Berkeley city officials to enact a ban on discrimination based on a person’s relationship structure in housing and employment. It is similar to the LGBT community’s fight to include sexual orientation and gender identity among the list of protected classes covered by local, state and federal non-discrimination laws. “It is really exciting because what they did in Berkeley adding relationship structure to the list of protected classes is something achievable and replicable in San Francisco,” said pro-housing development advocate Sonja Trauss, who is running this fall for the open District 6 supervisor seat, which includes SOMA and the Tenderloin neighborhood. While Trauss doesn’t use the term polyamorous to refer to herself, she is in Receive the Bay Area Reporter delivered by first a non-monogamous marriage. She coclass mail, every week, to your home or office. hosted last week’s meeting with several sex-positive community leaders. Our convenient mail subscriptions are available for “One of the things that came up 3, 6, or 12 month periods and ensure you’ll always over and over was this sense of wanting keep up with the latest and most comprehensive people to know that this lifestyle exists,” said Trauss. “People talked about coverage of national, state and local LGBTQ issues, being shy, individually, about revealing arts & culture, and nightlife. oneself but also having a desire for legitimization, so that is something.” 13 weeks $40 Race Bannon, a gay man who 26 weeks $75 is the Bay Area Reporter’s leather 52 weeks $140 columnist, was unable to attend the meeting but supports the goals expressed by those in attendance. To begin your mail subscription, call us at “With San Francisco typically being 415-861-5019 or email subscriptions@ebar.com on the leading edge of informed and reasoned acceptance of the full range of sexuality expression, the more the city can do to provide a sex-positive and accommodating atmosphere the happier I and many would be,” Bannon told the B.A.R. “The new Leather and LGBTQ Cultural District is a welcome acknowledgement of an often ignored set of leather communities, but we definitely need more venues at which can be held sex-positive events citywide.” He pointed out that both the city’s heated real estate market and state liquor license laws make it difficult for members of the sex-positive community to open clubs or to host events.

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SF 1

by Matthew S. Bajko

D ay

Trauss for Supervisor campaign

District 6 supervisor candidate Sonja Trauss, left, with her husband, Ethan, and their baby, Anton

“The real estate market is generally shrinking available event venue space and sex-related events are even more marginalized,” he said. “Sometimes our arcane state liquor laws are to blame, but the city could put the weight of its official capacity to increase the possibility of more available spaces.” Mark Press, a campaign consultant helping to form the new political club, told the B.A.R. in an emailed reply that the time was right for the sexpositive community to organize itself. “I am thrilled that the community is embracing local political engagement in order to advance our interests,” wrote Press, who is polyamorous, heteroflexible, and has been involved in the BDSM/poly/queer communities for 10 years, including hosting and managing public and private parties. “I have been deeply passionate for many years about both politics and sex-positive-feminism, but felt that the political moment wasn’t right to combine those passions.” The club will be able to advocate for those within the sex-positive community who are fearful to come out of the closet, noted Press. “Although there have been many fantastic advocates for cultural change, we need to organize around the kinds of legal changes that support our community, and those who fear involvement either due to a lack of access to political power structures, or a fear of risking their access by attaching themselves to topics that some see as controversial,” wrote Press.

Berkeley law under review

Bannon said the time is right for the law to fully accept polyamorous relationships. “Not only are polyamorous relationships out of the closet, but they are growing in popularity,” he noted. “San Francisco should take the lead in accepting these new relationship configurations.” The policy proposed in Berkeley, which has not been previously reported on, would prohibit discrimination in employment, housing, business practices, city facilities and services, or education on the basis of relationship structure. While it would apply to the city and private entities, it would not cover religious institutions. The city manager and city attorney are working to refine the language of the new policy before sending it back to the City Council for final approval. City Councilwoman Linda Maio, who sponsored the proposal, told the B.A.R. this week that the vote would likely be this fall. According to a memo from Maio’s council office, the city would afford all protections currently provided against discrimination on the basis

of sexual orientation to polyamorous people. Those who face discrimination for being in a non-monogamous relationship, or for wanting to be in one, could sue for damages under the city policy. The policy is not meant to be an endorsement of polygamy, where a person marries multiple people, explained Maio. The city would define “relationship structure,” according to her memo, as “the number of consenting adults involved in an intimate relationship and/or the number of intimate personal relationships in which each consenting adult is simultaneously involved.” One of the issues that came up since the council instructed city officials to refine the policy, said Maio, is if employers would be required to extend medical benefits to the partners of polyamorous people. It is not what she had in mind in proposing the policy, explained Maio, so the city is looking at how to limit its scope. “The concern was you could state you have 10 polyamorous relationships and each of the people would be entitled to health care benefits and retirement benefits. You can’t do that; you have to be realistic here,” said Maio. She was inspired to bring forth the policy proposal by a polyamorous couple she is friends with that had voiced concerns about those in the sex-positive community losing their jobs or homes if their landlord or employer objected to their being in nonmonogamous partnerships. “I think there is a lot more of this going on than we probably see or realize,” said Maio.

Trans gov candidate makes write-in campaign official

Having failed to officially make the June 5 primary ballot, transgender hospice nurse Veronika Fimbres is now an official write-in candidate for California governor. The gubernatorial hopeful took her oath as a candidate late in the afternoon Friday, May 4, at the San Francisco elections office. Fimbres, 65, lives in the city’s Sunnyside neighborhood and is a Navy veteran. As the B.A.R. previously reported, she had sought to make the June 5 primary ballot as a Green Party candidate but failed to raise the $3,916.12 filing fee. After a fellow Green Party candidate sent her the information for how to wage a write-in campaign, Fimbres decided to take the long-shot strategy. Based on polling in the race, Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom (D), the former mayor of San Francisco, is expected to be the top vote-getter in the primary and may face a Republican in the November general election, either attorney John Cox or Assemblyman Travis Allen. Former Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (D), however, could end up trouncing the GOPers and compete against Newsom in the fall election. t

Vote NO on E Prop E is a ban on ADULT choices

California recently changed the tobacco purchase age to 21, and the real solution is to strictly enforce the new Age 21 law, punish retailers and other sources who violate the law, and focus the millions of dollars the City and County receives for youth tobacco prevention education to actually educating our kids on the harms of tobacco use.

Banning choices is not what San Francisco is all about

Support San Francisco’s longstanding spirit of not restricting freedom of choice. We’ve never been about telling adults what they can and cannot do. Let’s not start now.

Respect everyone’s choice of how to live their life

Smoking and vaping is a choice, and even if we don’t approve of the choices adults make we shouldn’t tell adults who to be and what to do. Proposition E goes too far by limiting choice and telling adults what to do.

Stop the Prohibition Proposition On June 5th you can help stop City Hall’s misguided ban on the sale of menthol cigarettes, hookah tobacco, most vaping liquids, and other tobacco products.

Vote NO on E June 5th NoPropE.com

Paid for by No on Prop E - Stop the Prohibition Proposition, A Coalition of Concerned Citizens Supporting Freedom of Choice, Adult Consumers, Community Leaders, and Neighborhood Small Businesses, Committee major funding from R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Financial disclosures are available at sfethics.org.

<< Business News

12 • BAY AREA REPORTER • May 10-16, 2018

Stoli to unveil Harvey Milk vodka bottle, mural by Matthew S. Bajko

new mural honoring the late gay Supervisor Harvey Milk will be unveiled in San Francisco’s Castro district May 22 as part of the local festivities taking place this year to mark Harvey Milk Day, an annual day of special recognition in the state of California. Paraguayan artist Oz Montania will recreate the mural he painted inside the Paraguayan LGBT Community Center, known as SOMOSGAY, located in the South American country’s capital city Asunción. It features Milk holding his now famous bullhorn stamped with his promise “Hope will never be silent.” The mural will be painted on the exterior of the building housing gay nightclub The Cafe at the corner of Market and Castro streets and be visible from Harvey Milk Plaza across the street. It will be in a rectangular space below and to the left of the dance club’s covered balcony that fronts the intersection. The artwork is also the inspiration for the label on the commemorative bottles Stolichnaya vodka is releasing this year to honor Milk. The company is flying Montania to town the weekend prior to Milk day so he has enough time to paint the mural prior to its public unveiling the evening of May 22, tentatively scheduled for 7 p.m. Following the event, Stoli will officially debut to the public the Milk vodka bottles at 9 p.m. inside The Cafe. Singer Debby Holiday is scheduled to perform at both unveilings. As the Business Briefs column first reported in January, Stoli’s special Milk bottle marks the first time it has honored an LGBT individual with such a tribute. A limited release of 50,000 bottles – half sized 1 liter and the others sized 750 ml – will be produced so that they are seen as a collector’s item. The prices will range $21-30 for

Paraguayan artist Oz Montania’s mural of Harvey Milk is painted inside the Paraguayan LGBT Community Center, in Asunción. He will recreate it in the Castro.

the larger bottles and $18-25 for the smaller ones depending on where they are sold. According to Stoli, 2,112 will be available for purchase in San Francisco and 1,056 will be released in Oakland. The company is not adding a surcharge for the Milk bottles. “I wish we had more to meet the demand I am already seeing,” said gay San Francisco resident Patrik Gallineaux, who is the national LGBT ambassador for Stoli USA. Milk’s election to his board seat in 1977 made history for being the first time an LGBT person won elective office in the city as well as the Golden State. He and then-mayor George Moscone were assassinated inside City Hall the morning of November 27, 1978 by disgruntled former supervisor Dan White.

Over the last four decades Milk has become a global icon for the LGBT community. Since 2010 California has annually celebrated Harvey Milk Day on May 22, as that was the day Milk was born in 1930. Stoli made “a significant donation” to the Harvey Milk Foundation for its permission to release the special Milk bottles this year, Gallineaux told the B.A.R., and continues to fundraise for the nonprofit. The auctioning off of bottles at recent East Coast fundraisers netted more than $10,000. Milk’s gay nephew, Stuart Milk, cofounded the foundation to bring his uncle’s message to a global audience and help local communities in various countries fight for LGBT equality. During a recent visit to see Mayor Mark Farrell sign legislation naming Terminal 1 at San Francisco International Airport in honor of his uncle, Stuart Milk told the B.A.R. that the foundation had suggested to Stoli that it use the Paraguayan center’s mural as inspiration for the label on the special vodka bottles since Milk is now a global figure. “He is providing inspiration to LGBT people. In certain parts of the world it is still very dark for LGBT people, like in Paraguay,” noted Stuart Milk, who is scheduled to attend the bottle and mural unveiling events. While he is “not a big drinker,” Stuart Milk said he does like Stoli. The company has had ties with the Milk foundation since Stoli became a target of boycott calls during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia due to the country’s anti-gay laws. While it is marketed as Russian vodka, the company is headquartered in Latvia, one of the Baltic states. Due to Milk being of Lithuanian descent,

the Milk foundation has focused on the region in northern Europe, which also includes Estonia. The nonprofit has partnered with Stoli to host an event during Baltic Pride 2018, which takes place the first week of June in Latvia’s capital Riga. “In all three nations there, it is hard for LGBTs,” said Milk, adding that when Stoli was being attacked ahead of the Olympics, he received calls from LGBT leaders in Latvia concerned the local community would be blamed.

Host of Harvey Milk Day events in San Franncisco

Several other events are taking place in the city to celebrate Milk day this year. On May 22 the Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club will present, for the 4th year in a row, the documentary “The Times of Harvey Milk,” at 6 p.m. at the Castro Street Theater. Tickets begin at $10 and can be purchased online at https://www.eventbrite. com/e/the-times-of-harvey-milkscreening-for-harveys-88th-birthdaytickets-45261416114. That Tuesday the GLBT History Museum, located at 4127 18th Street, will once again offer free admission between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Reserve a ticket online via http:// www.glbthistory.org/2018/04/24/ harvey-milk-day-2018/. The Castro Merchants business association is bringing back its Windows for Harvey, which partners local artists with stores in the gayborhood to present artwork inspired by or honoring Milk. It will run from May 1827; for a list of participating locations and artists, visit the website https:// www.windowsforharvey.com/. A neighborhood celebration of Milk will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 19, in the lower level of Harvey Milk Plaza above the Castro Muni Station.

After brief remarks by community and elected leaders, attendees will be invited to march to 575 Castro Street, where Milk had his camera store.

Noe Valley merchants support LGBT center

Merchants in Noe Valley are hosting a shopping day to support the San Francisco LGBT Community Center. A number of businesses along the neighborhood’s 24th Street commercial corridor will be donating 10 percent of their sales Saturday, May 12, to the upper Market Street facility. Those businesses taking part include Astrid’s Rabat Shoes, Charlie’s Corner Children’s Bookstore, Folio Books, Gallery of Jewels, GlobeIn, Noe Valley Wine & Spirits, NOVY Restaurant, and Olive This Olive That. The Church Street butcher shop Barons Meats is also participating. This is the third “Shop OUT Day” event the Noe Valley Merchants and Professionals Association has hosted. It began in 2016 as a nighttime event held during Pride. This year it has been moved up and expanded to be a daylong event. It includes a party dubbed “Out in the Park!” that will take place from 3:30 to 7 p.m. in the Noe Valley Town Square, the public plaza at 3861 24th Street. The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will be overseeing bingo games, while DJ Lovetap will provide disco music for dancing from 5 to 7 p.m. Rainbow sherbet will be handed out to attendees. For a full list of merchants taking part and further details about the day’s goings-on, visit the event’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook. com/events/230516867513079/. t Got a tip on LGBT business news? Call Matthew S. Bajko at (415) 8298836 or e-mail m.bajko@ebar.com.

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May 10-16, 2018 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 13

Berkeley seeks housing options for students by Alex Madison

he lack of affordable housing continues to cloud the lives of students at UC Berkeley, but gay Berkeley City Councilman Kriss Worthington and other LGBT and allied commissioners and elected officials are fighting for them. “The lack of housing, especially close to campus, is the number one thing students talk to me about,” Worthington said in a phone interview with the Bay Area Reporter. “This is something that is undercutting these students’ education.” Worthington introduced two action items at the May 1 Berkeley City Council meeting: the first to allow four temporary zoning amendments to increase student housing in the Southside area; the second, a recommendation to support Senate Bill 1227, which would eliminate parking ratio requirements for developers who are constructing units exclusively for full-time students. The referral to the planning commission to allow four temporary zoning amendments, which is being referred to as a “Temporary Emergency Pilot Project,” was passed with an adopted revision to refer only two zoning amendments to the city manager and planning commission: the conversion of existing commercial spaces for residential use between College Avenue and Fulton Street and Bancroft Way to Dwight Way. The temporary program is being used to expedite zoning amendments to make way for projects laid out in the More Student Housing Now Resolution, which was passed unanimously by the City Council in January. The pilot project will take the place of immediate policy change to “deliver quick relief to those that need it most, the students,” the referral states. The zoning amendments would be in effect for three years. Worthington is the author of the More Student Housing Now Resolution, though he credits most of the work to Berkeley Rent Stabilization Board Commissioner James Chang and Planning Commissioner Ben Fong, both gay men. Chang said in the current planning commission work plan, student housing zoning changes can take several years and the need for student housing has reached a critical point. “UC Berkeley is seeing an increase in enrollment every year,” Chang said in a recent phone interview with the B.A.R. “Freshmen are not even guaranteed housing for the first year. There is a real problem here in not having enough housing for students.” Other zoning amendments in the referral, which were not adopted at the City Council meeting, included the allowance of two tall buildings up to 12 stories and six projects to include a 20-foot height increase. Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin, a straight ally, supports the adoption of the zoning amendments. “The goal of this legislation is to make developers more inclined to build student housing and locking in affordability for students,” Arreguin wrote in an email to the B.A.R. Another win for advocates of more student housing at the City Council meeting was the recommendation to support SB 1227, which passed with six yes votes and three abstentions. The bill is authored by state Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) and the recommendation to support it is sponsored by Worthington and Arreguin.

“I think Senator Skinner’s bill has accomplished the right balance between availability and the affordability of housing,” said Worthington. “We are working with the university to build more housing and we need to remove impediments from other policies.” The bill would remove vehicle parking ratio requirements for housing developments that house full-time college students throughout the state, a first for California. The bill aims to amend the

Courtesy YouTube

Berkeley City Councilman Kriss Worthington

existing density bonus law, which allows developers who construct

units offering housing to very low, low, and moderate-income households to opt out of the vehicle parking requirements. SB 1227 would give this option to developers building housing to be used by full-time students enrolled in an accredited university like UC Berkeley, including 20 percent dedicated for low-income students. “I am glad that the Berkeley City Council is on record supporting SB 1227,” Arreguin said.

“Many students can’t afford the region’s high rents and are forced to commute far distances, live in substandard housing or crowded housing. It’s simply unacceptable.” The unanimous passage of the More Student Housing Now Resolution in January was a strong testament to the critical need for student housing, said Chang. “The issues of housing, especially when it comes to development, See page 14 >>

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<< Commentary

14 • BAY AREA REPORTER • May 10-16, 2018

Being and becoming by Gwendolyn Ann Smith

here is a certain popular culture view of transgender people that cannot be easily shook: transgender people are born as men or women, and choose to become women or men. Aside from the above completely

sidelining nonbinary and other identities, this view does a huge disservice to transgender people as a whole. It is also a view clearly crafted by people who don’t know a thing about being transgender. Those who might state such are looking at the body as being the arbiter of who we are or are not, but it is

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likely that these same people would not apply the same feelings when applied to their own body; they would likely claim it is their brain that holds sway, and has ultimate sway over their being. That’s by and large how it is for those of us who are trans. Our bodies – that is, the skinbased wrapper you see overlaying a collection of bones, nerves, and other squishy bits – are just the container of our consciousness. And while it serves as an avatar by which we pilot through this existence, our innate sense of “being” is firmly between our ears. So perhaps we can say that physically, a trans person may opt to adapt their body to align with their mind, but they truly are the gender they sense within themselves. This is why it is so disingenuous when people try to mock trans people by claiming we can simply decide one day to change our genders out of the blue, or that we might do so to gain entry into a changing facility or restroom. A majority of us may well spend years of our lives, starting as a child, grappling with feelings of wrongness. We may not exactly have a handle on what the issue is, especially if we grow up in situations where information on being trans is hard to come by – but we know there is something. It’s one of the bitter realizations I think many of us go through, too: we may fight for years of our lives, feeling that maybe we’re just not being man or woman “enough” in our dayto-day lives. I’ve known more than my share of people who shoehorned themselves into the most stereotypical expressions of the gender they were assigned at birth, hoping it would somehow “cure” them of feeling as they do – only to discover that it intensified the feelings of innate “wrongness” they felt. While access to information and support is changing things, for some it’s years, even decades, before we’re able to truly be ourselves – and when we finally do come out, we face rejection, discrimination, and derision for doing so. Our very being is called into question, based in large part of the body we inhabit. To compare, imagine what it is like to have to hear, again and again, that

Berkeley

From page 13

is controversial and is hard to get a unanimous vote, but [More Student Housing Now] passed unanimously on a Council that shares different views on housing,” Chang said. Fong said in a news release, “Addressing the urgent need for student housing is one of the primary building blocks for a sustainable housing solution in Berkeley.” The More Student Housing Now

Christine Smith

one doesn’t need to be gay, or that one simply “hasn’t found the right man/woman,” or all of that claptrap? This is what it’s like for transgender people to have their identities reduced to their physical bodies and be told that this collection of cells is who we are no matter what we may think. Not too long ago, I decided to try a simple experiment. I opened a poll on my Twitter account. Now, I’m not going to try and claim that such a thing is in any way scientific, particularly given the relatively small sample size and otherwise non-controlled aspect of such a thing. Nevertheless, I found it interesting to g e t a small sample of my friends to give some feedback. First, I asked my nontransgender friends to think about photos of themselves from 10-plus years ago and tell me if the person in those shots still feels like them. Then I asked my trans friends about photos of themselves from pre-transition years, and if they felt that person was them. Unsurprisingly, to me, the transgender people on my timeline pretty overwhelmingly (71 percent) said that that pre-transition person they saw in old photos did not feel like them, with an additional 24 percent willing to say that they sort of felt it was. Meanwhile, half of the non-transgender folks were more willing to say that it sort of was, with roughly a third saying that those old

photos certainly felt like them. When I look at old photos of myself, I remember the time and place, I recall the experience just like anyone else – but it’s more like looking at a picture of someone else, not me. I’m not delusional, and do understand the reality of the picture in question – but there is a huge disconnect between what I see, and how I feel about it. It’s just not “me,” per se. That’s how this feels. We may know the realities of our physical selves – sometimes all too well – while knowing that the essence of our being is something quite different. To paraphrase a friend of mine, while many might look into a mirror and be dismayed by a gray hair, a pimple, or some crow’s feet, we may see a face and figure staring back at us that feels distinctly wrong, and that disunion between how we perceive ourselves and what we see staring back in the mirror is so often at the heart of the dysphoria a transgender person struggles with. This is why that simple notion of us being men or women who become women or men just doesn’t fit. We are what we are, and we may take steps to express that better, and to literally feel like we belong in our own skins. t

Resolution aims to increase market rate and low-income housing for students and other residents by addressing zoning barriers and other obstacles preventing housing from being built. It advocates that having more student housing close to campus “reduces air pollution and traffic congestion, and encourages pedestrian, transit, and bicycle travel.” The resolution proposes the same zoning amendments as that of the Temporary Emergency Pilot Project, along with the construction of high

rises for students, modular and micro units, the expansion of the car-free overlay area between College Avenue and Fulton Street and Bancroft Way to Dwight Way, and allow noncommercial use on the ground floor in the Telegraph Commercial District, excluding Telegraph Avenue, among other projects. The resolution is currently held up in the planning commission, which Worthington said was simply because it has many other proposals in the pipeline for consideration. t

Jackson, Florida with the U.S. Navy, working at USN Hospital for a year before he was sent to Vietnam to serve as an officer in charge of a 20-man medical team. In 1968, after his tour of duty in Vietnam, Dick returned to New York Memorial Hospital. In 1970 he went to Brussels, Belgium, to participate in clinical research at UCB Pharmaceutical Co. By 1971, Dick had moved to San Francisco. In 1973, he became a member of the California Society of Internal Medicine. He maintained a private practice in San Francisco for years as an internist. Later on he went to work for the San Francisco Department of Public Health at Tom Waddell Clinic, working with the medically underserved population. Dick began to work one night a week at Mission Neighborhood Health Center, treating HIV-positive patients and later patients co-infected with hepatitis C. Dick worked for 12 years in the HIV clinic at Mission Neighborhood Health Center, Clinica Esperanza. While he held positions at Tom Waddell and Clinica Esperanza he was an assistant clinical professor at UCSF School of Medicine

from 1994 to 2007. He never left Tom Waddell and spent the rest of his professional life there. Throughout his career Dick made lifelong friends. When he finally decided to retire from Tom Waddell, a co-worker wrote a farewell article in a local clinician’s newsletter titled, “We’ve Lost Our Dick.” Dick had a great sense of humor and could be charmingly mischievous. He was a good friend, an accomplished physician, and loving husband. Words cannot convey how much he is already missed. He lived his life well and made the world a better place.

Gwen Smith is a collection of some 37.2 trillion cells. You can find her at www.gwensmith.com.

Obituaries >> Richard E. Dolbec April 20, 1938 – November 25, 2017

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Dr. Richard Dolbec passed away November 25, 2017 in San Francisco, the city he came to love and call his permanent home. He was 79 years old. He is survived by his husband of 21 years, and by his three nephews: Dan, Tom, and Michael Hagan of Chicago. Dick began his medical career in 1963 with an internship at St. Luke’s Hospital in Chicago. He then moved to New York, where he became a board-certified oncologist and worked at Memorial Hospital. He remained in New York for a research fellowship at Sloan Kettering Institute and finished his New York days as a fellow in medicine at Cornell University Medical College. In 1966, Dick’s next move took him to

Peter K. Lee November 25, 1924 – June 27, 2017 Peter K. Lee passed away on June 27, 2017 at the age of 92. Born in Hong Kong, he was a longtime resident of San Francisco for over 50 years. He is survived by his sister, wife, children, and grandchildren. He is remembered as a kind and caring elder who enjoyed reading the newspaper and traveling the world. He will be sorely missed.

Open Forum >>

May 10-16, 2018 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 15

Appel’s the one for AD 15

he East Bay has never advocates for LGBT chilhad an out state lawdren and families. She curmaker but that could rently serves on the Berkechange this year. There ley school board. are three LGB candidates In her editorial board running for the open 15th meeting, Appel emphaAssembly District seat. We sized to us that education is think that Judy Appel is her top priority; but that’s the best candidate, gay or more than just making straight, for the sprawling sure state laws and policies Appel Campaign district that includes cities Judy Appel are implemented, like the in Alameda and Contra Fair, Accurate, Inclusive, Costa counties. and Respectful Education Appel may be familiar to readers Act that calls for LGBT content in as she used to be the executive directextbooks. Appel also wants to furtor of Our Family Coalition, which ther anti-bullying programs, like one

adopted by the Berkeley school board that includes specific language and information aimed at protecting LGBTQ students in public schools. On housing – a major issue in the district and the Bay Area – Appel supports repeal of the Costa Hawkins rent control law and the Ellis Act, a state law that lets landlords take property off the rental market and evict tenants in the process. State voters may face a ballot initiative to repeal Costa Hawkins

Editorial: Judges

From page 9

allowed the community college to get back on its feet, and was an important ruling to students, teachers, and the San Francisco community. Regarding changes to the court, Karnow wrote in his questionnaire that he has spent “over three decades pushing for access to justice – making the process more affordable and transparent.” Lee, who has been a judge for 20 years, led the San Francisco Superior Court as the first Asian woman presiding judge in its history. During that position, 2013-2014, she was the sponsor for technology improvement to make the court “paperless” and instituted other efficiencies to keep the doors open in a time of severe financial crisis. In her questionnaire, Lee said that she has had LGBT victims, witnesses, and defendants in cases over the years. “I believe every person is entitled to dignity and respect and insist that the attorneys act in a manner that honors that dignity,” she wrote. “In jury selection, I educate the jury that their decision must be made on the law and evidence and not based on sexual orientation, race, gender, ethnicity, or socio-economic status.” Most importantly, she added, “If a lawyer raised LGBT or HIV/AIDS as relevant to his/her case, I would have a hearing

this fall. Appel thinks it should be replaced “with a new system to stem the tide of displacement and address the ongoing housing crisis,” she wrote in her questionnaire. She said that she spearheaded a partnership between the Berkeley school district and city to draft an affordable housing program for educators. She also supports researching a statewide rent control regulation that would provide a floor for rent control upon which local

municipalities can build to meet the needs and priorities of their residents. Appel is a lesbian parent of two kids, one of whom identifies as genderqueer. She knows first hand what it’s like dealing with teachers and others to ensure that proper pronouns are used for her child. She has appointed LGBT people to represent her on commissions, including a queer person to the youth commission. The 15th Assembly District is diverse and progressive. Appel has the skills to meet those challenges and the priorities that are in tune with East Bay voters. t

a depth of knowledge that benefits San Francisco.

on the court’s inclination for a resolution, then helps them find a way to resolve it or divert the case. Regarding LGBT issues, she wrote, “On an ongoing basis, I also have had the opportunity to talk to attorneys about issues related to gender identity and take efforts to ensure that court users are comfortable and correctly identified by the court based on their preferences/identity.” She recalled a case in which a deputy district attorney repeatedly misidentified a litigant “by what seemed to be the wrong gender identity, and took the opportunity to inquire of the court user and attorney how they/she/he wished to be called.” As we and other news outlets have previously reported, Flanagan was fined a few years ago by the state Fair Political Practices Commission for an unintentional campaign finance violation she committed during her first election in 2012. She admitted her mistake, took responsibility, and paid the fine. Having learned from her mistake she retained a professional campaign treasurer for this race, and we see no reason why this past violation should disqualify her from continuing to serve as a judge. Flanagan is a solid choice for Alameda County voters.t

Flanagan for Alameda court

Rick Gerharter

Courtesy Flanagan for Judge campaign

Judge Jeffrey Ross

Judge Tara Flanagan

without the jury present to determine the relevancy of those issues.” On occasion, she said, she has had to interrupt an attorney attempting to raise sexual orientation or health status after she had already ruled it irrelevant or inadmissible. Ross said his courtroom respects people and treats them fairly. He presides over San Francisco’s veterans court, where he works with veterans to get them housing, and mental health and drug treatment, and to avoid incarceration. In criminal court, Ross stated in his questionnaire that he works to find alternatives to incarceration, including inpatient treatment facilities. “For undocumented defendants, I tried to resolve cases with outcomes which will not subject them to deportation,” he wrote. “When I have the jurisdiction

to do so, I have reduced charges, and exercised my discretion to lessen the effects of the three-strikes law.” As an attorney, he helped a man living with AIDS regain custody of his daughter. He represented an AfricanAmerican man on death row who was denied a fair trial. As a judge, he dismissed criminal charges against Sean Moore, an African-American with mental health issues who was shot by police in the stairwell of his home. (The district attorney’s office has appealed that decision to the Court of Appeal.) In summary, these four San Francisco judges – Cheng, Karnow, Lee, and Ross – have served the city well. Their leadership collectively has resulted in more transparency for people who encounter the court system, efficiency to save scarce resources, and

Alameda County Superior Court Judge Tara Flanagan is also being challenged as she faces re-election June 5. We recommend re-electing her to the bench. Unlike San Francisco, Alameda County does not have many LGBT judges; Flanagan is just one of three lesbians now serving. In her questionnaire to us, she replied that she brings a diversity of life experience to the bench, and integrates that into her judicial perspective. “I understand how society marginalizes many and how the justice system must be culturally competent, fair, and unbiased to all,” she wrote. “I have a deep understanding of our LGBT community – and of course all people – needing fairness and justice,” she wrote. “I also believe the community needs to see something of themselves reflected back at them when they come to court, or any government institution.” When Flanagan sees inequities in cases before her, she wrote that she generally tries to urge the attorneys to find a just resolution, or advises them

Panel looks at California marriage ruling compiled by Cynthia Laird

to register to vote or update their registration, drop off vote-by-mail ballots, or exchange a spoiled ballot. In related news, the elections department announced that it started to send out vote-by-mail ballots this week. For more information about the June 5 primary election, contact the department at (415) 554-4375 or sfvote@sfgov.org.

he 10th anniversary of the California Supreme Court’s historic same-sex marriage ruling is next week, and a panel of legal experts will discuss its impact during a luncheon program in San Francisco. California Supreme Court Justice Goodwin Liu, who was not a member of the court when it made its 2008 decision that briefly legalized same-sex marriage in the Golden State, will be a special guest. He will join Shannon Minter, legal director at the National Center for Lesbian Rights; David Codell, former NCLR constitutional litigation director; and UC Davis law professor Courtney Joslin Tuesday, May 15, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Morrison and Foerster LLP, 425 Market Street. Kate Kendell, outgoing executive director at NCLR, will moderate. The court case, In re Marriage Cases (43 Cal. 4th 757 2008), recognized the freedom to marry for same-sex couples and strict judicial scrutiny for laws that discriminate based on sexual orientation. The panel will discuss the far-reaching impacts of the decision. Same-sex couples began marrying in California in June 2008, and the weddings continued until they were halted after voters passed Proposition 8, the state’s same-sex marriage ban, in early November. A yearslong court fight ensued, ultimately leading the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down Prop 8 on a technicality in 2013. Two years later, the court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.

New Gays Against Guns group

California Supreme Court Justice Goodwin Liu

The luncheon program is free for anyone who’s not an attorney, organizers said. Lawyers pay $35, which includes one hour of MCLE credit. To register, visit https://goo.gl/ChkYSR.

City Hall open for voting

The San Francisco Department of Elections started early voting this week at the City Hall Voting Center, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 48. The voting center will operate through Tuesday, June 5, as follows: weekdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (except Memorial Day, May 28); the two weekends before the election (May 26-27, June 2-3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.); and Election Day, June 5, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The center will offer accessible voting equipment. People can also stop by

A new chapter of Gays Against Guns has formed in San Francisco and its next meeting is Thursday, May 10, at 6 p.m. at Metropolitan Community Church-San Francisco, 1300 Polk Street (at Bush). The group plans to meet the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. Organizers said that all are welcome.

STD rates increasing

San Francisco health officials said last week that the city is experiencing a significant increase in sexually transmitted disease rates, including syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. The highest rates of STDs are among men who have sex with men, adolescents and young adults, and transgender persons. “With the rising rates, we are diagnosing more severe complications of STDs, particularly congenital syphilis and neurosyphilis,” said Drs. Tomas Aragon and Susan Philip of the

Department of Public Health. Aragon, health officer for the city, and Philip, director of disease prevention and control, urge providers to integrate sexual health and STD prevention into routine primary and HIV care. Additionally, the “Treat Me Right” message from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (https:// www.cdc.gov/std/sam/2018-providers.htm), has information for providers and patients. DPH urges men who have sex with men and trans patients be screened for rectal and pharyngeal gonorrhea and chlamydia, syphilis, and HIV every three months. Sexually active women under 26 should be screened annually for gonorrhea and chlamydia. Those with a history of an STD in the last year, methamphetamine use, sex work, incarceration, intimate partner violence, and women whose male partners have sex with men should consider additional screening, officials said. For more information, visit SF City Clinic at http://www. sfcityclinic.org/.

Nonprofit tax seminar

The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration will hold a free seminar for nonprofit and exempt organizations Tuesday, May 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Elihu Harris State Building, 1515 Clay Street, in Oakland.

Organizers said that local nonprofit leaders and tax practitioners are welcome to attend and learn how state laws apply to the operation of their organizations. Representatives from the tax department will be on hand, along with officials from the Employment Development Department and Franchise Tax Board. They will discuss basic sales and use tax for nonprofit and exempt organizations, employment taxes for nonprofits, and compliance for exempt organizations. To register, visit http://www. cdtfa.ca.gov/seminar/seminar. aspx?flag=705.

Final Milk plaza meeting

The fourth and final meeting in a series on the redesign of Harvey Milk Plaza will be held Tuesday, May 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Sanchez Elementary School, 325 Sanchez Street. At the meeting, the new design proposal for the plaza will be unveiled. For more information, visit https:// www.friendsofharveymilkplaza.org/.

Queer youth in France, US

The French Consulate in San Francisco will join with the Lavender Youth Recreation and Information Center and the GLBT Historical Society for a program titled, “LGBTQ Youth in France and the U.S.: Looking Back, Looking Forward” Thursday, May 17, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the GLBT History Museum, 4127 18th Street. Panelists will offer perspectives on See page 16 >>

<< Community News

16 • BAY AREA REPORTER • May 10-16, 2018

Castro CBD

From page 5

Pizzeria is planning to open where the former eatery Chilango had been. Boombox Fitness, a private training studio, has taken over 2109 Market Street, which had housed the shoe retailer Good Feet. An art pop-up is going in temporarily to 212 Church Street, where Church Street Flowers had been. All of the retail spaces, including

Cantina

From page 5

The main courses include six different protein options – steak, chicken, carnitas, fish, veggie, and pork – each available as a taco, tostada, or quesadilla ($5-$7). Churros with chocolate and crème anglaise ($9) are on the dessert menu.

Rainbow flag

From page 1

The flag has been stolen about a half dozen times since it was first put up in June 2017, according to lesbian Beth Streets. Her unofficial Flag Supporters group at its own expense has replaced the flag each time. Streets lives in Santa Rosa but said half of the supporters are Guerneville residents. The flagpole itself was funded by donations from the local Rotary Club and erected on the plaza in May 2006 with the U.S. flag on top and the California State flag below, as flag etiquette dictates. The plaza is Sonoma County property and the county agreed to manage the flags. The flags are illuminated at night and fly 24 hours a day. The flagpole was dedicated to veterans but, as Streets pointed out, “Not all veterans are straight.” The inspiration for adding the rainbow flag happened the night after the

Fremont

From page 1

After hours of deliberation in a room filled with parents and community members, the Fremont Board of Education voted 3-2 to adopt the comprehensive sex-ed program for seventh through ninth grade students and exclude sex education entirely for elementary school students. More than 100 people spoke at the meeting that lasted until almost 2 a.m. (The school board posted video of the meeting on its website.) The sex education curriculum known as the Three Rs: Rights, Respect, Responsibility includes education about LGBT identities, including transgender people, gender fluidity, and sexual orientation. The content also addresses some emotional aspects of sexual activity and rape. “In general, there were some members of the board who believed that there was inappropriate content in the four-six [grade] curriculum,” Michele Berke, vice president of the school board, wrote in an email to the Bay Area Reporter. Berke advocated for the sex-ed program for both elementary and middle school students. “Rather than allowing parents to opt-out, the decision was made to not provide it at all. It is very disappointing that our elementary students will not get the education that they need and deserve.,” she wrote. School board member Desrie

News Briefs

From page 15

how the lives of LGBTQ teens and young adults in France and the U.S. were shaped in the past and how LGBTQ communities and their allies are working to support queer youth today. Speakers will include Michael Lucey, French professor at UC Berkeley; Don Romesburg, professor of women’s and gender studies at Sonoma State University; and Nicolas Noguier and Clare Hart from Le

the one the CBD has a lease for, are controlled by the property management firm Veritas Investments Inc. It has been working to seismically upgrade some of its properties at that intersection, leading to several of the vacant storefronts, while a few of its commercial tenants have closed their doors, such as Sparky’s Diner at 248 Church Street and Crepevine at 210 Church Street. Veritas officials met this winter with

neighborhood leaders concerned by the retail tenant turnover. They outlined the steps they have been taking to find new merchants and vowed to do a better job of communicating with Castro neighborhood groups. At a recent meeting of the Castro Merchants business association, Veritas asset manager Justine Shoemaker said the company was close to inking deals with two tenants for the former diner space, which needed a lot of

work to bring it up to code. In today’s challenging retail environment, Shoemaker said it is not easy to lease out the empty storefronts. “Re-tenanting spaces takes a long time,” she said, noting that in the past “it used to take three to four months to get a tenant and now it can take a year or longer.” Contrary to rumors that Veritas has sought substantial rent increases from its commercial tenants, Shoemaker

said the company tries to work with them to find a rate that is acceptable for both parties. It is currently seeking between $4 and $6 a square foot for its upper Market Street storefronts, she said. “I don’t want those tenants to go away. We work with them on their rents,” said Shoemaker. “We have never kicked out a tenant, that is not what Veritas does.” t

Outside of Puerto Vallarta, “a huge destination for LGBT travelers,”Papi Rico is “as authentic as it gets,” said Hamer. “We wanted to offer the neighborhood something that was fun, easygoing, and geared to the gay community.” He described the cantina as “fast casual” – customers order at the front counter and have their food delivered to their table.

Hamer wouldn’t be specific but said he intends to roll out “special events unique to the neighborhood” in the coming weeks. The key to the events, he said, is to bring back “dating and conversation.” Other aspects of the new spot give a nod to the current obsession with selfies on Instagram and Snapchat, said Hamer. The murals are “a perfect

backdrop,” he said. Castro bars “haven’t changed in decades,” said Vastardis, a retired financial services executive who also owns a bar in Palm Springs. “They’re all dark. We wanted something different.” Finn Town regulars will recognize some of the Papi Rico staff from the Market Street restaurant. Vastardis will be at the cantina most evenings,

while Hamer will split his time between the two spots. Once things are going smoothly, the Castro entrepreneurs already have plans for a third food-related business. “We’ll have an announcement soon,” said Hamer.t

June 2016 Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida, according to Streets. “We had a vigil in Guerneville and someone asked, ‘Why don’t we have a flag here?’” Streets recalled. “The flag is about diversity and love, and represents a lot more than just the LGBTQ community.” Streets’ group received permission from the county to add the rainbow flag to the pole, flying it in the third position, closest to the ground. “There was resistance from some groups in the community,” according to Streets, “but we pushed and were granted permission.” Streets explained that, “The Rotary people passed responsibility to us” for maintaining the rainbow flag. “We’ve seen no problems since October 2017,” she noted. “There were times the flags needed to be lowered for a particular date, such as when people died, and people did not always put the rainbow flag back up,”

she said. “But I don’t think it was done with malice.” In the latest flurry of incidents, Streets said, “I noticed the flag was missing on Monday, April 23, and it looked like somebody had tampered with the box containing the halyard. On Friday, April 27, I put a new flag up. I got a call Saturday mid-day that it was gone. Tuesday, May 1, a friend and I went and put another one up. That was down by May 2.” In a Facebook post dated May 3, Russian River Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence member Sister Sparkle reacted strongly to the latest incident and wrote, “Most folks supported the idea, while a few very clearly and loudly HATED it. Someone has been stealing the flag during the night and leaving threatening letters with the Chamber [of Commerce].” Russian River Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Elise Van Dyne confirmed part of that

statement when she said the chamber had received notes asking it to take the flag down and the notes included messages like “Second warning” and “Third warning.” “I threw out the notes and gave a report to the sheriff,” Van Dyne said. Van Dyne described how the last time the flag was removed without authorization, it was pushed through the chamber’s mail slot and so “became a chamber issue.” “We called Susan Upchurch in [Supervisor] Lynda Hopkins’ office to tell her what happened and because we thought Susan could contact those who put up the flag,” said Van Dyne. A spokeswoman in Hopkins’ office confirmed the chamber reported the incident to the supervisor and told the B.A.R. that Hopkins has asked the sheriff’s office to investigate the alleged thefts as a hate crime. The investigation is going on now, she said. Staff in the Guerneville substation of

the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office referred the B.A.R. to the press officer for the county sheriff, but no one from that office returned a request for comment. Streets said the supporters group contacted the sheriff after one flag theft, thinking it might qualify as a hate crime. They were told it was not, but the sheriff’s office told supporters it planned to investigate further. There are security cameras pointing at the plaza but Van Dyne said she could not discuss where they were aimed. She categorized the idea that the sheriff was reviewing recordings from those cameras as “rumors.” The chamber office is adjacent to Guerneville Plaza. On May 3, Flag Supporters members gathered once again to re-erect the flag but, this time, they added a halyard lock inside a heavy-duty box to discourage further vandalism. On the morning of May 8, Van Dyne confirmed all three flags were still flying.t

Campbell, who does not support the Three Rs for elementary school students, said at the meeting, “If we had a curriculum that was more age appropriate then perhaps we wouldn’t be having this conversation.” The California Healthy Youth Act of 2016 currently requires all school districts to teach sex education in seventh through 12 grades that includes information about gender identity, sexual orientation, HIV prevention, and the harm of negative gender stereotyping. Elementary school children are not required by law to undergo sex education in public schools, although authorized, and parents can opt their children out of any sex-ed program at any age. Up until the vote, sex education had been taught in Fremont schools to fifth and sixth graders since the 1980s and to fourth graders since 2011, according to KQED. The board’s vote May 2 to adopt sex-ed for seventh through ninth graders was required in order to comply with California law. Parents, community members, and some students spoke passionately at the podium. Many talked about the importance of a comprehensive sex education program that includes LGBT information, citing the support of health professionals, while others claimed the Three Rs content eroded family values. An advocate for the Three Rs instruction and a parent of FUSD students, Dianne Jones, said at the meeting, “Diversity in all forms is to

be celebrated and not ridiculed ... It is important to listen to diverse ideas. I implore you to not deny access to this critically important sexual health content to the students and families who want and need it just because those who can opt out are unhappy with that legally available option.” Carol Zilli, an educator for more than 30 years and a former member of the Fremont Unified School District Health and Sex Education Advisory Committee, said she felt the sex education program is damaging to what she called the family unit and used the teaching of gender identity as an example of that. “It is stated to the teachers in Three Rs ‘help them to challenge the gender norms that have been taught to them from their earliest ages.’ This is a perfect example of the erosion of the family values,” Zilli said at the board meeting. Brian Davis, a gay man, works in Fremont at the Tri-City Health Center as a tobacco control program coordinator and runs the Just for Us: LGBT Tobacco Prevention Project. He spoke at the May 2 board meeting on behalf of 35 LGBT organizations, which support comprehensive sex education for elementary school children. He read a statement that said, “Learning about gender and gender identity is important for all students, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. But it is critical for students who are transgender, especially as they approach puberty.” Among the 35 organizations are the

Queer South Asian National Network, Genders and Sexualities Alliance Network, and Equality California. “Too often, LGBTQ students are made to feel invisible, or worse, like they don’t belong in health classes,” Equality California legislative manager Jo Michael wrote in an email to the B.A.R. “LGBTQ‐inclusive education provides all students with an opportunity to learn accurate information about LGBTQ people and families. We hope that the school board will listen to parents, students, and leaders like Congressman Ro Khanna and reconsider this decision.” Khanna (D-Fremont) decried the decision in a Facebook post, which said, “Sex education is critical for the safety of individuals of all ages, and this policy will silence voices, put students in danger, and increase overall risk in our communities.” Davis talked about his experience as a gay youth, discovering he was gay when he was a fourth grader, and said at the time he knew his feelings for another boy were not accepted in society. If he had had a sex-education program that taught him and his peers about the LGBT community, it could have progressed the acceptance of his LGBT identity he feels. “Like many of us, for many years, we have denied or attempted to not be gay, which was particularly damaging to me in a lot of ways and stunted my emotional growth,” Davis, who does not have children in the Fremont

Unified School District, said, in an interview. “At the fourth-grade level, children are not too young to be hearing this message.” Davis said there were many young people at the board meeting who shared similar stories and expressed how important a comprehensive sex-ed program is for the health and safety of LGBT youth. One of those students is Sameer Jha, a gender flux queer 16-year-old. Jha went to middle school in Fremont at Hopkins Junior High where he faced severe bullying for his identity. He originated the gay-straight alliance club at the middle school, which today is very successful. Jha said his bullying came from youth who were ignorant and not informed about the LGBT community, something that can be mitigated through the Rights, Respect, Responsibility curriculum, which Jha said would teach students that it’s normal to have different sexual orientations and gender identities and that LGBT people are equally deserving of respect and love. “Sex education is a way to get information to students and to show LGBT students that they are important and valued by the school and its curriculum,” he said in a recent interview with the B.A.R. “It’s a great way to prevent bullying.” The Fremont school district, in the future, will consider other recommendations for a new sex-ed program to be implemented in elementary schools next year. t

Refuge, a French organization that provides support to queer youth rejected by their families. Tickets are $5. To register, visit https://bit.ly/2rmt9tG.

involved in volunteer activities, athletics, health, lifestyle, and arts and culture. They can meet new friends or bring their friends to this free event. For more information, check out the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ events/2030108257242819/.

other organizations to participate in the All of Us research program, an effort to advance individualized prevention, treatment, and care for people of all backgrounds. People ages 18 and older, regardless of health status, are able to enroll. The official launch date will be marked by community events across the country as well as an online event. National enrollment began May 6. “We are proud to serve as a partner in this national effort to ensure all communities are included in the All

of Us research program,” Amanda Heier, CEO of the SFGH Foundation, said in a news release. The foundation, in partnership with the Center for Vulnerable Populations at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, is providing support by raising public awareness about the program among the LGBTQ community. To learn more about the program and how to join, visit https://www. joinallofus.org/lgbt. t

LGBT networking fair

AtmosQueer, the LGBTQ community connection fair, will take place Sunday, May 20, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Strut, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation’s health and wellness center, located at 470 Castro Street. People can learn how to get

SFGH foundation partners in NIH research project

The San Francisco General Hospital Foundation is partnering with the National Institutes of Health and

For more information, visit http:// www.papiricosf.com.

International News>>

May 10-16, 2018 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 17

Castro puts Cuba’s LGBTs on constitutional reform agenda by Heather Cassell

Assembly of People’s Power, told reporters. uban LGBT rights It’s an opportunity to advocate Mariela Caspresent sweeping reforms tro announced May 4 that during the constitutional she will push for same-sex change rather than changing marriage and other sexual one law at a time, she said. orientation and gender Same-sex marriage is identity rights during a legal in some other Latin forthcoming revision of American countries, such Courtesy EFE the country’s constitution. as Argentina, Colombia, Cuban LGBT Currently, Cuba’s con- rights advocate Costa Rica, Uruguay, and stitution defines marriage Mariela Castro Mexico City and some as between a man and a states in Mexico. woman. In January, the InterIt’s anticipated that the National American Court of Human Assembly will begin the constitutionRights issued a landmark al reform process in July. ruling, ordering all Latin The reform of the Communist American and Caribbean country’s constitution is expected to countries that haven’t modernize it. legalized same-sex marThe announcement is part of riage to institute marCastro’s ongoing push for marriage riage equality laws. equality in Cuba. A straight ally, Castro Cuba doesn’t have to wasn’t forthcoming about the details comply because the counof her proposed recommendations in try isn’t a signatory of the the new constitution, reported Telesur. American Convention on However, she plans to present her proHuman Rights, reported the Washingposal to the assembly as a part of the ton Blade. constitutional modernization process, Havana-based WPLG-TV reporter she told reporters during an early Hatzel Vela broke the news for the morning news conference in Havana. South Florida news station. “The main idea is not to delay them Castro is also the director of in new law and incorporate them in Cuba’s National Center for Sexual those that already exist so that it is more Education. As head of the Caribexpeditious,” Castro, who is the daughbean country’s sex education center of former Cuban President Raul ter she’s been a longtime advocate Castro and a member of the National for LGBT rights and heads Cuba’s

Trans lawsuit

From page 1

“Departments and municipality entities are not business establishments,” Ceballo said at the hearing. Jennet Zapata, staff counsel, and Catherine Habash, civil rights fellow, for the DFEH, who were present at the hearing, said the city was conducting itself as a business establishment on the day of the incident and are responsible for properly training their employees on bias and discrimination. The judge’s ruling, which came after a short 10-minute hearing, claimed that facilities, which are open to the public or where people are invited, are analogous to a public club, which is considered a business entity. “San Francisco respects the rights of all individuals,” city attorney spokesman John Cote said in a statement. “This city has been a leader on equality for decades. We also have a legal responsibility to San Francisco taxpayers. It is our understanding that the factual allegations in this lawsuit are not entirely accurate and that a city employee did not violate Ms. Nutall’s protected rights. We look forward to the full picture coming out in court.” Nutall is involved in a second lawsuit against the city on her own behalf, also alleging violations of state discrimination laws. In that

Hormel Center

From page 6

“We are ecstatic to have Dee Dee and she’s done a great job already in the position,” Fortin said in a phone interview with the B.A.R. He said what stood out about Kramer during her interviews for the job was her emphasis on including and engaging the queer community; when the Hormel Center first opened in 1996, its main focus was lesbians and gays. A few years ago it changed its name to include LGBTQIA to better reflect the community. “Dee Dee really brings that attention to the queer community,” Fortin said. “As the community has evolved

annual Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia marches as well as pushes for pro-LGBT legislation in the National Assembly. She made the same-sex marriage announcement ahead of Havana and Pinar del Rio’s week of events leading up to the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia marches May 17. The announcement comes less than a month after her father, Raul Castro, who is the brother of the late President Fidel Castro, stepped down and the National Assembly chose Miguel Diaz-Canel to succeed him as Cuba’s president. Castro hopes to work with Diaz-Canel on improving LGBT rights in Cuba, she told reporters. Diaz-Canel recently defended Castro’s doctorial thesis focused on the “social integration” of transgender people. He has also supported El Mejunje, an LGBT cultural center, when he was secretary of the Communist Party in the Villa Clara Province, reported the Blade.

LGBT rights in Cuba

Cuba repealed its anti-sodomy law in 1979. The country’s LGBT population endured harsh persecution during and after the Cuban revolution, 1953-1959, which brought Fidel Castro to power.

During the revolution, an estimated 25,000 gay men were sent to labor camps, deemed unfit for military service, and that was just the beginning, according to LGBT activists and scholars. “The Cuban government began a series of initiatives to repress the gay and lesbian community,” Michelle Chase, a professor of Latin American history at Pace University and author of “Revolution Within the Revolution,” a book outlining the role of gender politics in Cuba in the 1950s and early 1960s, told NBC News. She added that the government “closed down a lot of urban nightlife and bars, barred gays and lesbians from certain professions, such as education, briefly detained gay men in street roundups, and – most notoriously – imprisoned some gay men in forced labor camps.” Fidel Castro apologized for forcing the gay men into the work camps in 2010. When the HIV/AIDS crisis hit Cuba, the government quarantined people who contracted the disease in state-run sanitaria until 1993. In recent years, Cuba has done an about-face legally, but not necessarily socially, and much of it appears to be due to Castro’s advocacy. t To read the full story, visit www. ebar.com.

case, she is being represented by the Transgender Law Center, which calls the allegations “shocking.” The city filed a motion to dismiss that case as well. A federal judge will hold a hearing May 14 on the city’s motion to dismiss the suit. “We think that it’s really shocking the position San Francisco has taken in these cases,” said Shawn Meerkamper, staff attorney at the Transgender Law Center in a phone interview with the Bay Area Reporter. “The fact that a city like San Francisco, which prides itself on being a beacon of progressiveness and acceptance, is arguing that non-discrimination laws do not apply to them, saying they can’t be held accountable for these egregious actions for a city employee who harassed our client and called her a fucking freak and a fucking man, is really unfortunate.” Nutall said in a statement through TLC that she had to leave the city. “I had to leave San Francisco because, after a city employee verbally attacked me, I no longer felt safe there as a black transgender woman,” she said. “Now, the city is arguing they did nothing wrong, and that I don’t have the right to use the bathroom in a city building without being harassed because of who I am. All my life I’d heard about San Francisco as a place where transgender people could be safe and accepted as ourselves, but the

city itself is saying that’s a lie.” During Nutall’s participation at the city-sponsored training session in February 2016, Nutall took a break at about 11 a.m. to use the women’s restroom located near the training room. Entry to the restroom required a key code, which was posted on the training room’s wall. Mary Ivas, who worked at the then-Office of Citizen Complaints, which has an office near the training room, was entering the restroom as Nutall approached, so Nutall asked her, “Excuse me, miss, can you hold the door?” according to the complaint Nutall filed February 16 in San Francisco Superior Court. Ivas turned and said, “No, this is a women’s restroom,” and quickly closed the door to block Nutall, Nutall claims. Nutall said she went back to the training room and told Natalie Thoreson, the presenter, about the incident and asked her to come with her to the restroom so she could get in. They saw Ivas as they approached the restroom, and Nutall said she told Thoreson, “That is the woman right there. She would not let me use the restroom.” Ivas turned to the women and said, “Yes, this is a women’s restroom, and that is a fucking man.” She then turned to Nutall and called her a “fucking freak,” the complaint says. Through her lawsuit, Nutall is seeking damages exceeding $25,000

and “a permanent injunction ordering all defendants and their agents and employees to cease engaging in the unlawful conduct” she described, along with other relief. Nutall claims in her lawsuit that she’s suffered panic attacks, depression, and other problems and has had to take medications and get therapy as a result of the incident. She also ended up being late for work or missing it entirely, and the AIDS foundation “constructively terminated” her in April 2017. Ivas remembers the incident differently. Ivas, whose LinkedIn page says she was an investigator with the DPA for more than 20 years, filed a police report shortly after the incident. The DPA confirmed Ivas no longer works for the agency. She told Officer Alexandra Medina, “I feel like I’ve been assaulted,” stated the report filed February 18, 2016. In the report, Ivas claims she never called Nutall a freak and “felt threatened” because both Nutall and Thoreson, and the other person present, “were physically large people in her personal space, and yelling at her.” It also claims that when Ivas entered another office after her initial interaction with Nutall, “she felt two hands on her back physically pushing her forward” into the room. The B.A.R. obtained her police report through a public records request. t

and the conversation has evolved, the center is evolving and looking at serving the entire queer community and Dee Dee brings great energy and positivity to that work.” Another aspect that Fortin really liked about Kramer was her vast experience in public libraries and archives services. Kramer first joined the San Francisco Public Library in 2005 as a part-time adult services librarian, then went on to teen services in the Bayview before spending seven years at the San Francisco History Center. She left briefly for a position with UCSF in the industry documents library before becoming the program manager for the Hormel Center. What Kramer said she has enjoyed

about her job so far are the people and the meaningful connections she is making with the employees, readers, and the material itself. The center houses more than 13,000 books and nearly 5,000 films, a portion of which Kramer is working to digitize, another project on her plate. With San Francisco Pride just around the corner, Kramer is also gearing up for the event. The center will have a book mobile, hats with books on them, and a special handout that Kramer would not reveal. “It’s been hectic, it’s been interesting, it’s been exciting,” she said of her first few months. Although a lot of work, Kramer said she is honored and humbled to

be the new program manager. “As a lesbian, it’s something very close to me,” she said. “I have so much love for the library and for the people.” Kramer provided her salary to the B.A.R., which she stated as $102,154. The Hormel Center is one of the country’s premier archives for the LGBT community and the first permanent gay and lesbian center in any municipal building in America. It was founded in 1996 and named after James C. Hormel, the country’s first openly gay ambassador, who donated $500,000 to help launch the collection. The center’s holdings span the history and culture of the LGBTQ community, with a special focus on northern California. t

Legal Notices>> FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038081400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THE ERGO LADY, 1519 OAK ST #5, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed CAMERON STIEHL. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 03/29/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/05/18.

APR 19, 26, MAY 03, 10, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038087100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: RED SHELF, 1232 UNION ST, OAKLAND, CA 94607. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed OBAIDALLAH MEDHAT KAMAL MAHMOUD. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on NA. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/09/18.

APR 19, 26, MAY 03,10, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038072700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SAN MARCOS RESTAURANTE, 98 LELAND AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SULMA YOJANA CASTANON. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 03/15/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/29/18.

APR 19, 26, MAY 03, 10, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038091600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: AGENCY ALL ABOUT CHILDREN, 1410 NORIEGA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed EDWARD Y. ROMANOV. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 10/20/17. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/11/18.

APR 19, 26, MAY 03, 10, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038083200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: KIDS PARADISE, 1700 31ST AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SHEYNDEL SAMERS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 03/01/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/05/18.

APR 19, 26, MAY 03, 10, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038089300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: LAMELLA, 381 VALENCIA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed CLAUDIO MARTONFFY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on NA. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/10/18.

APR 19, 26, MAY 03, 10, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038099000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GREEN SPA & NAIL, 347 JUDAH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed NGOC-TRANG TRAN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 04/16/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/16/18.

APR 19, 26, MAY 03, 10, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038094300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SF TRUCKER, 1330 VAN DYKE AVE #B, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed JAGPAL SINGH & SANDEEP KUMAR. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 04/12/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/12/18.

APR 19, 26, MAY 03, 10, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038096800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: EGGXOTIC, 3251 20TH AVE #156, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94132. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed EGGXOTIC INC, (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on NA. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/13/18.

APR 19, 26, MAY 03, 10, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038090200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: MISSION DENTAL HEALTH, 2725 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed VICTOR J. QUANT, DDS INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 04/01/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/10/18.

APR 19, 26, MAY 03, 10, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038093000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: HART, 925 O’FARRELL ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed STAG DINING GROUP (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 03/28/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/11/18.

APR 19, 26, MAY 03, 10, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038087800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: RAAVI EATERY, 1063 MARKET ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed BHUWAN FOOD INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 02/01/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/09/18.

APR 19, 26, MAY 03, 10, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038091700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: AZAR REALTY GROUP, 2700 SAN BRUNO AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed AZAR REALTY GROUP INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 03/14/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/11/18.

APR 19, 26, MAY 03, 10, 2018 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-037839500

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as: MISSION DENTAL HEALTH, 2725 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, 94110. This business was conducted by an individual and signed by JEROME HOWARD WEITZ ESTATE. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/03/17.

APR 19, 26, MAY 03, 10, 2018 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-037221700

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as: EMPIRIKAL SERVICES, 1782 LOMBARD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business was conducted by an individual and signed by JOHN MILO. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/18/16.

APR 19, 26, MAY 03, 10, 2018

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Legal Notices>> STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-037159000

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as: BAY SUBS & DELI, 2486 SACRAMENTO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business was conducted by a married couple and signed by SANG WOO LEE & MI HYANG LEE. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 06/30/16.

APR 19, 26, MAY 03, 10, 2018 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-037886500

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as: KIDS PARADISE, 1700 31ST AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business was conducted by a married couple and signed by EDWARD ROMANOV & JANET ROMANOV. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/08/17.

APR 19, 26, MAY 03, 10, 2018 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-037279800

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as: MARINA PET HOSPITAL, 2024 LOMBARD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business was conducted by a limited liability company and signed by LEGACY VET-MARINA, LLC (WA). The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/26/16.

APR 19, 26, MAY 03, 10, 2018 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-18-553825

In the matter of the application of: JAMES STUCKY, 363 LYON ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117, for change of name having been ﬁled in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner JAMES STUCKY, is requesting that the name JAMES STUCKY, be changed to JAMES ASHER. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 514, Room 514 on the 5th of June 2018 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

APR 26, MAY 03, 10, 17, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038107000 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THE CRAFT [INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE], 935 SUTTER ST #32, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JAMES MATTHEW COTTRILL. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 04/20/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/23/18.

APR 26, MAY 03, 10, 17, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038081200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: EL ALAMBRE, 80 RICE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MIGUEL ANTONIO BLANCO CHUC. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 04/03/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/04/18.

APR 26, MAY 03, 10, 17, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038104500 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: STUDIO 252MYA; TECTONIC APPS, 1436 CALIFORNIA ST #7, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed BRIAN GARLAND. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 01/01/17. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/19/18.

APR 26, MAY 03, 10, 17, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038101800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: IRVING PIZZA, 928 GEARY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MOHAMAD ALBAWAYAH. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 04/17/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/17/18.

APR 26, MAY 03, 10, 17, 2018

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038104700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: OMIGO, 1159 HOWARD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed BRONDELL, INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 04/01/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/20/18.

APR 26, MAY 03, 10, 17, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038101500 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: J REILLY CONSTRUCTION, 2127 25TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed J REILLY CONSTRUCTION (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 02/14/14. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/17/18.

APR 26, MAY 03, 10, 17, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038102600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: WEED HUB, 1510 WALLACE AVE, UNIT B, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed BAY AREA SAFE ALTERNATIVES COLLECTIVE, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 04/18/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/18/18.

APR 26, MAY 03, 10, 17, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038095500 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SOCKSHOP HAIGHT STREET, 1742 HAIGHT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SOCKSHOP INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 04/01/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/13/18.

APR 26, MAY 03, 10, 17 2018 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-18-553863

In the matter of the application of: CRISTIAN GERARDO CALVA GALINDO, 2102 BUSH ST #4, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115, for change of name having been ﬁled in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner CRISTIAN GERARDO CALVA GALINDO, is requesting that the name CRISTIAN GERARDO CALVA GALINDO, be changed to JERRY RAYMOND KLEIN. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 514 on the 21st of June 2018 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

MAY 03, 10, 17, 24, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038092300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: NICE AND BETTER, 3170 21ST ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed HERALD DANILO BERMUDEZ AGUILERA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on NA. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/11/18.

MAY 03, 10, 17, 24, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038116400 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BARKEEP, 230 CASELLI AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed TIMOTHY A. EICHER. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 03/09/10. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/30/18.

MAY 03, 10, 17, 24, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038114800

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038115900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: A.B.C. SPA, 441 STOCKTON ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LISA LEE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/30/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/30/18.

MAY 03, 10, 17, 24, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038109100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GALA, 91 CHARTER OAK AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JORGE SOTOMAYOR. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/24/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/24/18.

MAY 03, 10, 17, 24, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038105000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SUE TRUPIN RN PATIENT ADVOCATE, 389 DAY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SUE TRUPIN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/18/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/20/18.

MAY 03, 10, 17, 24, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038110400

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MAY 10, 17, 24, 31, 2018 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Notice is hereby given to the creditors and contingent creditors of Frieda Berger, deceased, that all persons having claims against the decedent are required to submit them complete with evidence of support, to Jeffrey B. Leith, Executor of the estate, at 46 Grand View Terrace, San Francisco, CA, 94114, within 120 days after the date this notice has been first published. For your protection, you are encouraged to file your claim by certified mail, with return receipt requested.

MAY 03, 10, 17, 24, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038112800

MAY 10, 17, 24, 31, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038133000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: AAA ENERGY SOLAR, 816 PERU AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed GREEN-TECH DEVELOPERS DBA AAA ENERGY SOLAR (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/25/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/25/18.

MAY 03, 10, 17, 24, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038116500 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BEAUX, 2344 MARKET ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed DEVIATE SF, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 03/08/13. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/30/18.

MAY 03, 10, 17, 24, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038114500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ELMIRA ROSTICCERIA, 154 MCALLISTER ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed JPMD, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 09/06/16. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/27/18.

MAY 03, 10, 17, 24, 2018 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: LES PETITES FLEURS, 599 3RD ST #302, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed GRACE HUBERTS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 04/27/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/27/18.

MAY 03, 10, 17, 24, 2018

MAY 10, 17, 24, 31, 2018

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: Y-LEARNING & CONSULTING, 1905 14TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DEWEY YEE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on NA. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/07/18.

MAY 10, 17, 24, 31, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038128500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SPARKJOYSF, 2912 DIAMOND ST #359, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed CHARLES STEVEN PELTZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 05/03/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/03/18.

MAY 10, 17, 24, 31, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038113600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: OLIVE THIS OLIVE THAT, 304 VICKSBURG ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JANELL PEKKAIN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 04/19/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/26/18.

MAY 10, 17, 24, 31, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038121900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ULTIMATE SPORTS MEDICINE, 3727 BUCHANAN ST #203, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ROY ALLEN WOOD. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 03/23/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/03/18.

MAY 10, 17, 24, 31, 2018

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MAY 10, 17, 24, 31, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038114700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: WIC MARKET, 4992 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by a general partnership, and is signed GUIMEI WU & LIFENG WU. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on NA. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/27/18.

MAY 10, 17, 24, 31, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038120900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: URBAN MICE, 790 EDDY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed GO WEST TOURS (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on NA. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/02/18.

MAY 10, 17, 24, 31, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038129600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: ORCHIDHOLIC, 686 BRANNAN ST #A, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed EPLANTWORLD, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 03/22/13. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/04/18.

MAY 10, 17, 24, 31, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038104100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: FRJTZ MISSION, 3412 17TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed FRJTZ LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 02/18/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/19/18.

MAY 10, 17, 24, 31, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038114200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: USHITARO, 1382 9TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed HKS OHANA LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on NA. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 04/26/18.

MAY 10, 17, 24, 31, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038120800 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SAIGONSUN AUTO SALES, LLC, 77 CHARTER OAK AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed SAIGONSUN AUTO SALES, LLC. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 03/08/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/02/18.

MAY 10, 17, 24, 31, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038117900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: TIPP RAMBLER, 1928 JACKSON ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed WICK VINTNERS LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on NA. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/01/18.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: TRIPLE BK LANDSCAPE GARDENING, 3845 MARKET ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed TRIPLE BK LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 04/22/14. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/01/18.

MAY 10, 17, 24, 31, 2018 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-038133200

MAY 10, 17, 24, 31, 2018

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The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SF GATHERING PLACE, 3 STARK ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed YULIA A. ISKANDAR. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 05/01/18. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 05/01/18.

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Purple reign

Father time

TV finales

Buddhist inferno

Vol. 48 • No. 19 • May 10-16, 2018

www.ebar.com/arts

Hitchcock Blonde by David-Elijah Nahmod

ollywood legend Kim Novak will appear at the Castro Theatre on Sunday, May 20, for “A Tribute to Living Legend Kim Novak.” The evening will include a screening of one of her most iconic films, Alfred Hitchcock’s “Vertigo.”

Outsider Enterprises

See page 22 >>

Hollywood legend Kim Novak: “I want to be a part of it.”

H.P. Mendoza tackles domestic abuse

Courtesy CAAMfest

by Sari Staver

s the crew scrambled to put the finishing touches on the new film “Bitter Melon,” director H.P. Mendoza got some good news from CAAMfest 36, the upcoming Asian American film festival where his new film will be the centerpiece narrative. See page 23 >>

“Bitter Melon” director H.P. Mendoza cheers on the crowd.

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<< Out There

2:23 PM

Brave New World

Rui Dias-Aidos

A New World Symphony Wallcast concert in Miami Beach, in front of the New World Center.

by Roberto Friedman

ast month Out There was invited on a press trip to Miami Beach to experience the work of the New World Symphony, an orchestral academy for talented young musicians led by artistic director Michael Tilson Thomas. The NWS chooses 87 Fellows, each an orchestra seat, from 1,200-1,500 applicants a year. Their curriculum is comprised of musicianship (70-80 concerts, and a chamber series), community participation, and learning entrepreneurial skills. Fellows go on to top orchestra jobs and other music leadership positions. The academy is really a vibrant community of star musicians. In the heart of Miami Beach, the New World Center concert hall, designed by architect Frank Gehry in collaboration with MTT and opened in 2011, is rather straightforward for a Gehry building. There are no Gehry quirks on the exterior: no titanium, no swooping roofscapes, just plenty of right angles. Inside, however, the building is cheerfully idiosyncratic, with unusual spaces, its performance halls chock-

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full of state-of-the-art electronics, piece by murmuring, “Once upon a premium acoustics designed by the time,” and they were off! master Yasuhisa Toyota, 17 miles of Saturday night brought the muchfiber optics, lots of natural light, and anticipated “Side-by-Side” concert. room for music-making. An airy We listened to the first half inside atrium features the stainless alumithe concert hall, and the second half num tubing sculpture “Taboehan” outside in SoundScape Park, via the (2003) by artist Frank Stella. The NWS’ Wallcast. This was a live simul“juice” in the architectural vision, as cast projected onto the concert hall’s they say, is all interior. 7,000-sq.-ft. wall surrounded by Part of the center, Per167 outdoor speakers. Each wallcast formance Hall, with its draws up to 2,000 people, and no “vineyard seating” for wonder: it’s a relaxing way to enjoy 756 concertgoers, was a concert, and the sound system is designed for a total imphenomenally faithful to the fare. mersive audio environNWS President Howard Herring ment. Five large, 360-delikens the attraction to a “drive-in gree curvilinear acoustic theater for classical music.” “projection sails” bring On our last day in Miami, OT had lunch with MTT, his husband video components into Joshua Robison, and a small cohort the concert experience. of music journalists (from the BBC, Lighting is state-of-theUSA Today, and elsewhere) in a topart and can be dramatic. Tiers of floor lounge adjacent to the music seating can be moved to transform director’s private office. We spoke the space into a “nightclub” setting. about many things, including the The hall is outfitted with 10 fixedimportance of getting music educaposition and moveable robotic HD tion back into the public schools. cameras, offering 360-degree coverMusic, observed MTT, could be age of the space. offered “as a spiritual centering We attended a rehearsal, with technique. Learning music could be MTT, NWS Fellows and student connected to meditation practices, musicians, for a “Side-by-Side” or even to physical education.” concert later in the week. The As a way of personalizing the conductor’s instructions were role of music as a part of daily life, compelling: “Make it sound joyous, MTT told the story of how he and and a little wild!” “If you want the Robison often listen to music while audience to understand that you’re cooking dinner together: some playing triplets here, you must Haydn sonatas (“There are so many present it as triplets.” He was both of them”) or Scarlatti, for example. intimate and commanding with his In response, OT made the wee charges. joke: “And then you realize the Even more intensive was a Town garlic is burning!” And that is how Hall Master Class between MTT, we made the maestro and his man musicians from Atlanta Symphony break out into gleeful chortles. It Orchestra’s youth program, and was music to our ears.t a student from Nashville Symphony’s “Accelerando” program. The three locales were linked over Internet2 (a broadband, next-generation Internet network) via LOLA technology, a low-latency video-audio transport with a transmission delay in the mere milliseconds. It was fascinating to watch musical instruction go out across the country with such technological precision. The future is here. MTT was characteristically attuned to the student musicians, leavening his instruction with humorous anecdotes. About a phrase from the “Firebird Suite,” which the Atlanta youth orchestra was rehearsing, he confided, “Stravinsky stole this line Todd Eberle from Rimsky, who stole it from Borodin. It’s a real Michael Tilson Thomas in the old Russian chestnut!” New World Center atrium. He launched into another

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<< Theatre

22 • Bay Area Reporter • May 10-16, 2018

Coloring inside the lines

Matthew Murphy

Carla R. Stewart (Shug Avery) and Adrianna Hicks (Celie) in the North American tour cast of “The Color Purple.”

by Jim Gladstone

“T

he Color Purple,” a musical hybrid of Alice Walker’s acclaimed epistolary novel and Steven Spielberg’s movie version, is virtually sung-through. That means, of course, that there is scant dialogue, and the lyrics need to carry the plot. Alas, in this case, sung-through also provides a shorthand summary of the evening’s merits: Other than the cast’s superb gospel-tinged vocalizing, we’re pretty much through.

In the best of the sung-through breed – “Falsettos” and “Rent” are notable examples – lyrics not only reveal characters’ psychological depth, they also unspool narrative details that push the story forward. In director John Doyle’s inexplicably Tony-winning 2016 revival now playing at the Orpheum, the music tends to stop dead in its tracks when the story needs to move along. Then a brief, overstuffed telephone call or letter-reading is shoehorned into the proceedings to tick off some

critical story points. A fateful death, a joyful discovery, a painful public humiliation and an armed invasion – stuff that could make for great staged drama – are among the major plot turns delivered through hasty exposition rather than song and action. It feels less like the adaptation of a novel than a music-infused Cliff ’s Notes. The anguish-laden life story of Celie, who slowly grows from a compliant, abused child into a confident, independent woman, assured in her skills at business and her bonds with a community of women, deserves a far deeper treatment than the hurried skim it gets. As played by Adrianna Hicks, who sings with a rich plangency but is constantly undermined by clunky dialogue, Celie sometimes feels uncomfortably like Georgina, the zombified housekeeper in “Get Out.” Some of the show’s problems stem from the fact that none of the three collaborating composer-lyricists have significant theater experience. Among them, Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray have written hit singles including “If Only for One Night,” “Boogie Won-

derland,” and “Into the Groove.” Solid pop songs all, but built for the ear-catching needs of radio, not the storytelling requisites of the stage. There are occasional moments when the trio succeeds in setting a mood: The limpid ballad “Too Beautiful for Words” movingly illustrates Celie’s nascent sense of self-respect. The jazzy juke-joint pastiche “Push the Button” sizzles with the pansexual electricity that defines Shug Avery (Carla R. Stewart, consistently compelling). It’s a number that may also go down as Broadway’s first and only song-anddance tribute to the clitoris. The songwriters also do well enough with character introductions like “Big Dog,” which effectively sketches the domineering, ill-tempered nature of Mister (powerful baritone Gavin Gregory), and “Brown Betty,” the rollicking ushering in of frilly, frivolous Squeak (Betty Boopishly delightful Erica Durham). But these are singleminded songs, without much in the way of lyrical complexity. Ironically, Squeak turns out to be such a minor character one wonders why she merited musical fanfare at all. For the most part, when it comes to

advancing the story, they’re inert. Instead, Marsha Norman, credited as book writer, is left to caulk the narrative gaps between songs with sudden spurts of exposition. It’s a long fall from her Pulitzer Prizewinning 1983 play “’night Mother,” which demonstrated her deft hand and deep empathy in rendering palpable female relationships. “The Color Purple” crowds her out with too many songs that cover too little ground. Played before an unmoving wooden wall hung with simple chairs (designed by director Doyle), “Color Purple” finds the minimalist style that has served Doyle well in productions of Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd” and “Company” backfiring on him. Absent the lyrical ingenuity and story structure that can keep a Sondheim show moving on a bare stage, Doyle’s simple set for “Color Purple” combines with static songs and attenuated book to yield an evening that feels less like a shapely piece of theater than a beautifully sung concert loosely inspired by a familiar story. t “The Color Purple” plays the Orpheum Theater thru May 27.

Emancipation struggles by Jim Gladstone

“T

rue dat,” responds a trio of runaway slaves to a series of statements about the debilitating conditions endured by Civil War-era blacks in Suzan-Lori Parks’ “Father Comes Home from the Wars (Parts 1, 2 & 3),” at the American Conservatory Theater through May 20. “True dat,” they repeat. “True dat.” The audience recognizes – perhaps consciously, perhaps not – Parks’ juxtaposition of her play’s 1860s setting with a vernacular expression that arose in AfricanAmerican communities during the 1990s and remains common today. In this and other instances, Parks uses vocabulary to subtly elide past and present. The perverse moral relativism and psychological degradation institutionalized during the US’ first century do not belong to the long ago and far away, she implies. “Father Comes Home” is a history play only if one believes in living history. Over the course of the play, audiences are forced to recognize the searing brand of slavery on Ameri-

Kim Novak

From page 19

This haunting tale of madness and deception was filmed 60 years ago on location in a San Francisco that no longer exists. Hitchcock’s masterful eye makes the city appear spectral and ghostly as James Stewart follows Novak through iconic locales such as Nob Hill, the Mission Dolores cemetery, the Palace of the Legion of Honor, and underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. In addition to watching a mesmerizing story, viewers of “Vertigo” will see these locations as they existed decades before the tech boom took over the city. A nail-biting thriller, the film is also a journey back in time. The show comes to the Castro courtesy of Marc Huestis, the nowretired impresario who has brought many Golden Age movie stars to the theater. “I was very happy in my cabin, retired and writing my book, or so I thought,” Huestis told the B.A.R. “Out of the blue I got a call from Kim Novak’s manager asking if I wanted to do the gig. It’s the 60th

can society: in the Confederate colonel whose sense of self-worth is dependent on seeing other people as beneath him; in the ironically monikered slave Hero, whose agrees to go into battle for the South, and who wonders if he’ll lose his value as a person if freedom means the evaporation of his $800 price-tag. Parks is correcting any assumption that the Emancipation Proclamation put a hard stop to slavery’s effects. She is working to straighten our skewed historical record, to set it true. When she writes “True dat,” true is not just an adjective; it’s an action verb. Recognizing that Parks brings such fierce intelligence and nuance to virtually every moment of her script’s nearly three-hour running time is jaw-dropping. Knowing that these tightly crafted acts are just the first third of an eventual nine-part epic is enough to make your head spin. In all fairness, some audience members will find it too dizzying to enjoy. The intricacy of Parks’ concept and language requires a level of sustained attention not often

demanded of contemporary theatergoers. But director Liz Diamond and company do an excellent job of bringing their script to life without turning any of the playwright’s provocations into ham-handed messages. Riccardo Hernandez’s spare scenic design and Yi Zhao’s lighting respect the primacy of the language, quietly indicating shifts in landscape and in time without distracting from the dialogue. Part I, in which Hero (James Udom) decides to leave friends and family to join his master on the battlefield, is the muddiest portion of this production. Too many characters are introduced too quickly, with insufficient differentiation. One begins to puzzle over the cast rather than parse the dialogue. Part II is the most straightforward of the three, with just a trio of characters on stage: Hero, the Colonel (a wonderful sad-clown performance by Dan Hiatt) and a captive Union soldier (Tom Pecinka) with secrets to reveal. This mid-section does the clearest

Joan Marcus

Hero (James Udom) embraces his wife Penny (Eboni Flowers) before leaving for war in Suzan-Lori Parks’ “Father Comes Home from the Wars (Parts 1, 2 & 3),” at A.C.T.’s Geary Theater.

Castro,” Novak told the B.A.R., speaking from her home in the Pacific Northwest. “Who doesn’t love San Francisco?” Novak had no idea what an enduring classic “Vertigo” would become while the film was being made. “I don’t think you can know something like that,” she said. “It either happens or it doesn’t. I don’t think Hitch or Jimmy Stewart Outsider Enterprises knew. I wish they Kim Novak is coming to the Castro. knew.” Novak said that she was looking anniversary of ‘Vertigo,’ and she forward to watching the film on wanted a celebration.” It was not an the Castro’s giant screen along with offer that Huestis was going to turn the audience. “Every time I see this down. “When Kim Novak calls, you movie I find new things in it,” she just drop everything and do it,” he said. “This is the last time I’ll see it said. “Besides, I’ve always loved her on the big screen. There will be a and always wanted to do a tribute to lot of electricity and emotion at the her, so the Universe provided.” theater, and I want to be a part of it.” “I am so excited to be comShe spoke of Hitchcock’s genius ing back to San Francisco and the

in setting the stage and creating a mood. “He always brought something new to the screen,” she said. “He is the magic man. Maybe because there is no finality to any questions that the film brings up in your mind, every answer brings up a new question. Every time I see the film it’s a different time in my life, so I have a new question. I’ll have a new question when I see it again.” Novak adored Hitchcock, but admits that there could be challenges in working with him. “He would drive you crazy,” she said. “He’d frustrate you with questions, but then you’d think it through with him. Sometimes I wanted to call him a bad name, but I got along well with him. He gave me the answers I needed.” Novak, who retired from acting in the early 1990s, is now a full-time artist. She credits what she learned from Hitchcock for giving her the drive she needs to work on her paintings. “He would cycle your mind with questions and answers,” she said. “He’d drive your mind constantly with emotion and excitement. He

job of crystallizing Parks’ ideas and could easily be performed as a stand-alone one-act. The production grows continually stronger, and by Part III, which tips into magic realism with Gregory Wallace’s dreadlock-swinging tour de force performance as a talking dog, audiences will find themselves laughing aloud with the full cast of 11 and eagerly submitting as Parks ties them into an intellectual Gordian knot. “Father Comes Home from the Wars” is in no way an escapist entertainment. It richly rewards close engagement. Parks makes repeated nods to Homer’s “Odyssey.” That’s fine company indeed. But with her multifold meanings, sly humor and gift for transforming historical events into timeless meditations, the writer Parks most closely approaches is Shakespeare. t “Father Comes Home from the Wars” plays A.C.T.’s Geary Theater through May 20.

has become part of my every painting – he has taught me his Hitchcockian ways.” Novak will not be showing any art at the Castro, but will be present for “Nosh and Mingle,” a formal reception after the film. She will also appear on stage with Eddie Mueller, the curator of the Noir City festival, for a Q&A. “He’s a wonderful interviewer,” she said, “a really nice man. We’ll talk about ‘Vertigo’ and about other movies. It’s fun to look back at those old movies.” We wondered, with the Novak show selling out, if Huestis might consider doing more shows in the future. “I’m not planning to,” he said. “But if Doris Day calls...” t “A Tribute to Living Legend Kim Novak” plays the Castro Theatre Sun., May 20, at 7 p.m. Ticket info: www.ticketfly.com/ event/1645627-tribute-living-legendkim-san-francisco/. That same day the Castro offers a Noon matinee of Novak’s 1955 film “Picnic,” the film that made her a star, free of charge.

Film>>

May 10-16, 2018 • Bay Area Reporter • 23

CAAMfest 36 captivates

Courtesy CAAMfest

Scene from director H.P. Mendoza’s “Bitter Melon.”

by David Lamble

here’s quite an LGBTQ accent to the 36th edition of CAAMfest, formerly the San Francisco Asian American Film Festival. It unspools May 10-24 at the Castro Theatre, Roxie Theater, AMC Kabuki 8 and New People Cinema in Japantown, China Live in Chinatown, Walt Disney Family Museum in the Presidio, Asian Art Museum in Civic Center, Black Cat in the Tenderloin, Herbst Theatre, Lighthouse for the Blind, SF Public Library (Main Branch), Midway in Dogpatch, Curran Theatre, Oakland Asian Cultural Center, Oakland Museum of California, Piedmont Theatre, and Starline Social Club. What follows are capsule reviews of the LGBTQ films on the schedule. “Bitter Melon” San Francisco’s own H.P. Mendoza delivers a gem of an “I’ll be home for Christmas” family dramedy that spells out why you might want to make other plans when your clan invites you home for the holidays. “Bitter Melon” unfolds in SF and Daly City as family members gather for an Xmas party. Mendoza’s dark revenge comedy shows just how hard it is to recover when decades of domestic strife and secrets have gone unaddressed. Everyone seems to have a grievance, and nobody wants to call the cops. The drama centers on a bitter sibling clash between the now openly gay Declan (Jon Norman Schneider) and brash, quicktempered Troy (Patrick Epino). Both brothers suffered under the rule of an abusive Muni bus-driving dad who may or may not be in the family’s rear-view mirror. (Kabuki, 5/12;

Roxie, 5/19; Piedmont, 5/23) “Looking For?” Taiwanese filmmaker Chou Tung-Yen explores the dramatic changes dating apps have had on gay men’s abilities to connect for both long-term and quickie-sex moments. In 61-min. doc format, the filmmaker hears from 60 young men from Chinese backgrounds in seven different cities. (Chinese dialects, subtitled in English. Plays with:) “Lions in Waiting” Writerdirector Jason Karman sets a teen male love story in the competitive world of Vancouver, BC high school boys’ hockey. Ray (Taylor Kare) is struggling under the burden of his mom’s hectoring, his coach’s hardass approach to practice sessions, and his own burgeoning awareness of his attraction to other boys on his squad. (both Roxie, 5/19) “Lady Eva” The coming-of-age story of a female-identified adolescent from the island nation of Tonga shows how hard gender identity can be in societies still wrestling with hard-core sexism and homophobia. Plays with feature “Island Soldier” as part of CAAMfest’s Pacific Islander showcase. (Kabuki, 5/11) “Grandmother and Me” Kat Cole presents an intriguing short about a female-to-male transperson who has to negotiate the tricky path of visiting an elderly Missouri relative who believes he is her beloved granddaughter. (Kabuki, 5/15) “Hella Strangers” The 60s Barbara Lewis hit single “Hello Strangers” is an inspiration for this rambling, Mission-set short that finds young gals seeking gals using BART the way an earlier generation

H.P. Mendoza

From page 19

Promoters from the film festival told Mendoza that the first night of the world premiere had set a record for presales, completely selling out before the program had been announced to the general public. “Apparently, it was a historic first,” said director Mendoza, a 41-year-old gay Filipino American, in a telephone interview with the B.A.R. (At press time, tickets to the May 12 screening are at rush, while there were still tickets available for the other two screenings, May 19 at the Roxie, and May 23 at the Piedmont.) The new film is a “dark comedy that tackles domestic abuse, toxic masculinity, misogyny and homophobia, all told by a predominantly Filipino-American cast,” according to Mendoza. It’s the story of a Filipino-American family who reunite for a Christmas party at the family home in San Francisco, only to find out that the second-oldest child has been ruling the house with fear, intimidating everyone who lives there. “What starts as a fun holiday reunion,” Mendoza said, “turns into a darkly humorous crime scene as the youngest son leads the family and they conspire on how to best murder the violent and abusive sibling. What starts as a dark, wacky revenge comedy turns into an exercise in empathy, and an exploration of the cycle of violence.”

Courtesy CAAMfest

“Bitter Melon” director H.P. Mendoza.

“The film,” said Mendoza, “brings attention to what is commonly swept under the rug. It is a necessary film for Asian American families who struggle to make sense of the traumas that often go unaddressed.” The film is in English and Ilocano, the third-most-spoken language in the Philippines, and the language of Mendoza’s family. The script, which Mendoza drafted two decades ago, is based on his experiences growing up with an abusive father. “I rewrote the script with my 41-year-old brain,” he said, “which gave me time to have some perspective on my family. Domestic abuse falls underneath a large umbrella of the cycle of violence begetting violence. I tried to tell a story that revealed why people do the things they do, how it affects the family, and suggest how you can try to stop the cycle. “I’ve been through it,” said Mendoza, who said he witnessed

navigated Manhattan’s West Side IRT. (New People, 5/12) “98 Years and Counting: More Women Leaders Needed Everywhere” A strong 3-minute statement (with a strong backbeat) on the necessity for increased female involvement in all phases of life, from filmmakers Kirthi Nath & Zel Anders. (Kabuki, 5/14) “Decoding Darkmatter” Crystal Waterton presents ethnically Indian kids who use standup and slam-poetry formats to tell how they have evolved as Americans with a trans identity. Performers Alok VaidMenon and Janani Balasubramanian discuss how their paths crossed, how their joint act developed, and how the experience led to a harmonious breakup so they can pursue the next phase of their careers. (Kabuki, 5/15) “Rani” Pakistani writer-director Hammad Rizvi offers the heartwarming tale of a young transperson, Rani (a moving performance from Kami Sid), who finds an infant in the street and decides to adopt her, despite the misgivings of her more practical mother. Rani’s good deed almost comes to a tragic end after a vicious attack by transphobic street thugs, but fate intervenes in this beautifully executed narrative short filmed on the streets of Karachi, with a moving plea for help by its creator for aid to LGBTQ persons in one of the more difficult places to be queer on the planet. (In the local language, with English subtitles.) (Kabuki, 5/15) “Khol (Open)” Director Faroukh Virani presents a 12-minute tale about an openly gay American Indian man Vijav (Shawn Parikh) who is being fucked by his white boyfriend when he gets a text that his homophobic father has died. Boyfriend: “Shall I stop?” Vijav: “No, keep going.” Shortly after sex, we see our hero picked up at the airport by his sympathetic but combative sister, whose car DVD player has a Bollywood disc playing as they drive off to greet their mother. The film is a witty exploration of why early childhood traumas are so hard to overcome. (Kabuki, 5/15)t

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his mother going through a lot of abuse from his father. “My Mom is one tough cookie. She eventually divorced the bastard.” While it is too early to know how many film festivals will want to screen the film (“We start finding out in late May or June,”) Mendoza is proud of the fact that “Bitter Melon” is the first film to be produced from the Filipino program Cinematagrafo, which awards grants to help ethnic Filipinos abroad tell their stories. Its funding provided half the budget, while the other half was put together by Ersatz Film, the production company owned by Mendoza and his husband Mark Del Lima, who produced the film. Mendoza became a celebrity in San Francisco’s independent film community after his first three films proved to be popular on the festival circuit. His first film, “Colma: The Musical” (2007), in which he was the writer, lyricist, composer, and actor, won a Special Citation from the SF Film Critics Circle. Three years later, Mendoza’s film “Fruit Fly” won the Audience Award at the International Asian American Film Festival. And in 2014, Mendoza’s film “I Am a Ghost” was named the best horror film at the PollyGrind Underground Film Festival of Las Vegas. Mendoza and Del Lima will attend all three screenings of “Bitter Melon.”t Tickets for “Bitter Melon” ($20): go to caamfest.com.

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<< Fine Art

24 • Bay Area Reporter • May 10-16, 2018

Buddhist visits the Underworld

AAM

Installation view at Asian Art Museum.

Courtesy Pema Namdol Thaye

“Transcend” (2015) by Pema Namdol Thaye (Tibetan, b. 1967). Acrylic on canvas.

by Sura Wood

acking a helluva title, the Asian Art Museum’s “A Guided Tour of Hell” proves that good and sometimes wicked cosmic things come in small packages. Over the last few years, AAM has made tentative steps towards modernity with contemporary art exhibitions that have struck out more often than not, but that’s not the case this time. The genesis of the current adventure – and adventure is the correct term – is a deeply human one. It started six years ago when a beloved Buddhist teacher, Sam Bercholz, was hospitalized after a heart attack. Though his

heart stopped and he was declared dead, he came back to life a few minutes later, bringing with him hellish tales of the great beyond. Shaken up by his near-death, afterlife experience, and intent on sharing it, he reached out to Pema Namdol Thaye, a renowned, L.A.based Tibetan Buddhist thangka painter with a love of graphic novels, who helped realize his apocalyptic inner visions. Together they published an illustrated memoir. An exploration of their collaboration, this intellectually rich and visually potent show, based on Bercholz’s amazing account and featuring 22 of Thaye’s hallucinatory acrylic

paintings, is a mix of ancient theology, karmic afterworlds, spiritual wisdom and visceral contemporary art with an edgy graphic novel aesthetic. Think of it as a Buddhist “Dante’s Inferno” for the modern age. If J.M.W. Turner went to hell instead of to sea, partnered with Hieronymus Bosch, and William Blake pitched in, this is what they might have spawned. On his wild ride, Bercholz hurtled through horrifying karmic suffering, tornados of fire, prisons of glacial ice, and seas of the afflicted and tormented, before he emerged on the other side released from the toxic, often self-induced states of human-

ity. Along the way, he encountered a variety of demons and hell beings, each symbolizing a baddie human trait: greed, envy, hate, materialism, excessive yearning. One unlucky entity Thaye depicts demonstrates there’s hell to pay for romantic obsession. Drawn by the voice of his earthly lover with a promise of reunion, a man climbs a tree where she claims to be imprisoned, is torn to shreds by razor-edged leaves, and has his heart plucked out by an iron-beaked parrot. The roiling paintings are accompanied by a handy brochure with explanatory paragraphs from Bercholz’s story. Armed with the guide, one embarks on the thrills and chills of a queasy whirlwind tour that’s unlikely to generate return business, at least not by choice. First stop is “Descent,” where Bercholz’s consciousness expands into the entire cosmos, visualized as a floating transparent sphere penetrated by a shaft of bright white light from above, piercing through sulfurous orange flames that lead, presumably, to The Gates of Hell, portrayed as a vortex of crimson clouds that one enters at one’s own risk. Retribution, described as “hot hells in which beings burn with mutual rage,” looks like the fiery battle waged for Middle Earth in “The Lord of the Rings.” Under ominous storm clouds, a perpetual conflagration on the horizon and a pile of twisted bodies reflect the destructive cycle of anger, punishment and retaliation. “Demolition” is a scene that could have been lifted from the dystopian, smog-clogged universe of “Blade Runner,” where a computer genius who devised the poison gas that ended him is now doomed to repeat the instant of his death over and over. He’s caught in mid-air, thrusting himself over a wall, the city his technology built and ruined in the background.

Bercholz also met ghostly characters whose failings condemned them to repugnant fates. Hell Sewer contains the oversized, grotesque head of a sadistic military dictator who avenged his father’s murder with murder upon murder, and became what he reviled. After death, he’s forced to feast on a putrid swamp of excrement with a little help from his friends. Surrounded by nauseous vapors, the ill-favored grey corpse of a suicide bomber in Voyage swims in fetid waters teeming with body parts of fellow fanatics, forever connected to the enemies they blew up. Like a latter-day Gulliver strapped to frozen ground by Lilliputians, the Frost Giant, credited with building a doomsday machine that triggered nuclear war, has been plunged into a world of kryptonite pinnacles, the cavity of his eviscerated body swarming with the people he destroyed. Relief from this pageant of ugliness and pain arrives, and none-too-soon, in the form of an angel of mercy, Janna Sophia, a female answer to the Buddha of Hell, whose name is a clever hybrid of the Sanskrit term for mystic insight and the Greek word for wisdom. A longhaired, greenishgray embodiment of compassion and benevolence hovering over the trials of hell beings, she bears a passing resemblance, in hue and imposing size, to the Statue of Liberty. After his arduous travels, Bercholz finally achieves Liberation. It’s envisioned as a vast, heavenly oasis of converging rivers of beings, delivered from their respective tortures to a higher realm, and it’s where his journey ends. The trip may have been the ultimate learning experience, but what a brutal way to “get woke.” It makes Scrooge’s Christmas Eve awakening seem like a walk in the park.t Through Sept. 16. asianart.org

Roxie Theater hosts May showers by David Lamble

he Roxie Theater, San Francisco’s longest-running independent movie theater (since 1909), has never abandoned its mission of showing practically everything that can be projected. This month the program runs the gamut from a “Crazy for [Patrick] Swayze” double feature to a celebration of fiercely independent women from Juchitan, Mexico, “Blossoms of Fire,” to the too-cool-for-school teen couple in “Valley Girl.” “Scream for Me Sarajevo” A musical doc on Iron Maiden leader Bruce Dickinson, who risked his safety to entertain survivors of the 1994 siege of a war-torn former Yugoslav province. (5/10) “Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami” Director Sophie Fiennes divides her piece on singer/performance artist Grace Jones into two worlds: Grace on the road, in full performance mode; and Grace at

home with her extended island clan. When she’s rehearsing or planning to perform in Paris, New York or other world culture hotspots, Jones is very particular about her workspace and that all hands on deck be as committed to the project as she is. In seemingly unguarded moments with family and island friends, Jones gives some pithy quotes. Reflecting on the importance dance music has had in fueling her spectacular rise up the Billboard charts she notes, “I’m serious, disco was really like going to church.” “La Libertad del Diablo” Everardo Gonzalez reveals the stark realities of survival in areas of Mexico ravaged by savage drug wars. (both 5/11) “El Maiz en Tiempos de Guerra” The cycles of Mexican corn growth are tracked. “Plaza de la Soledad” A poignant glimpse at the hard lives of Mexico City sex workers. (both 5/12) “El Remolino” In a Chiapas

village, Pedro, a transgender farmer, is under siege from both society and nature. “Artemio” An American-born and -raised boy is forced to live in Mexico with his mom. The human face behind the Trump immigration crackdown. (both 5/13) “The Desert Bride” A maid whose Argentine family can no longer afford to pay her sets off on a journey to the country’s droughtstricken plains, and discovers her true nature. (5/18-24) “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar” (1995) Three drag queens (Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes, John Leguizamo) have small-town car trouble en route to Hollywood. They are joined by a dizzying ensemble, including a very funny and unbilled Robin Williams,

for a jamboree of cross-dressing. With Stockard Channing, Blythe Danner, RuPaul, Quentin Crisp, Naomi Campbell and Julie Newmar. “Road House” (1989) Swayze’s assigned to clean up a Midwestern bar with a bad reputation. With Kelly Lynch, Sam Elliot, and Ben Gazzara. (both 5/18) “Beginnings: Black Female Cinema (1977-1981)” Short films shot in 16mm, featuring the work of Julie Dash, Fronza Woods and Monona Wali. A neat overview of black women’s philosophical cinema. (5/19) “Blossoms of Fire” (2000) Maureen Gosling’s upbeat documentary about the matriarchal society surviving in a small state in southern Mexico is a social realist travelogue on gender roles in the style of a

latter-day Orson Welles, with the philosophy of a feminist Hemingway, and the pallet of the great muralist Diego Rivera. The film is almost drunk with color, as if those glorious reds were visual Prozac to ward away the blues. (5/24) “Scarlet Diva” Underground cult figure Asia Argento makes her directorial debut with an autobiographical outing. “Valley Girl” (1983) Martha Coolidge concocts a silly romance between a San Fernando Valley teenage girl and a Hollywood punk (Nicolas Cage). “Love & Bananas” This doc traces the efforts of elephant conservationist Lek Chailert to rescue a 70-year-old captive Asian elephant and set her free. (all three, 5/25) “Fresa y Chocolate” (1993) This Cuban classic turns 25. An oddcouple friendship develops between an aging queer counterrevolutionary and a young communist firebrand. (5/26)t

TV>>

May 10-16, 2018 • Bay Area Reporter • 25

Say goodbye to LGBT characters on TV by Victoria A. Brownworth

“Rise” is a perfectly serviceable drama that skates between “Glee” and “Friday Night Lights.” It has several gay characters as well as a trans character played by a nonbinary actor. We would like to see this show renewed for those characterizations alone, but that’s not how ratings work. “Rise” is on in the TV wasteland that is Tuesday night, filling the slot of the beloved “This Is Us,” on hiatus until fall. The show’s intro is “The Voice,” which someone thought made sense, but doesn’t. “Rise” has a lot of strong performances by young actors and some powerful messaging, but it has yet to find its dramatic footing.

t’s that time again: May brings not just flowers, but season and series finales. Season finales we can handle, but the series finales of shows we love? Hard, very hard. Harder still is knowing we will lose a plethora of lesbian and gay characters. And with so few LGBT characters in scripted series, we can ill afford to lose as many as are on this season’s chopping block. We’ve already said goodbye to “Scandal,” and even though it’s only been a couple weeks, the withdrawal pangs are strong on Thursday nights. “The Americans” has also been one of those iconic series we assumed would just keep going through the Trump years, because what could be more appropriate for the Trump era than a drama about Russian sleeper agents? Watching the episodes tick out is also painful. The final season of “The Fosters” feels like losing family. The series has been such a gay mainstay that we can’t imagine it not being there. Freeform is promoting the finale and giving it a three-night arc, June 4-6. Set your DVRs, it’s going to be a massive ugly cry, especially since Stef (Teri Polo) and Lena (Sherri Saum) are among the few lesbian characters on the tube right now, and there are other LGB characters on the show as well. The final season of “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” feels much the same way. The final season of the complex, quirky, fabulous, queer, omg-did-they-just-do-that Netflix series will be available May 30. Tituss Burgess playing one of the best gay characters on TV, Jane Krakowski and Carol Kane have all been superb in their roles. But Ellie Klemper’s Kimmy makes the series. So much has happened over the course of four seasons since Kimmy fled that cult. And this show is, in so many respects, a statement about who and where we are right now. The cults are out there, and escaping isn’t as simple as we like to tell ourselves. “UKS” is our cautionary tale and our story of redemption. Tina Fey has done some great work over the last 20+ years writing TV comedy, between “SNL” and “30 Rock,” but “UKS” is her opus. For all the touting of “Roseanne,” there’s been a working-class comedy on ABC for nine seasons now. Nine. And it’s been funny, well-acted, often edgy and, even though it was led by an actress who is GOP in real life, she wasn’t out there making white supremacist statements and folding them into the show. “The Middle” ends its nine-season stint on May 22 with an hour-long series finale. The show has been nominated for numerous awards over the years, particularly for its young actors. Emmy-winner Patricia Heaton, long a mainstay of TV comedy (“Everybody Loves Raymond”), is not one of our faves due to her GOP politics, but those aren’t in evidence on “The Middle.” What has been in evidence is the harried working mom of three of a working-class Midwestern Indiana family who is struggling to make it all work and failing a lot. The realism of “The Middle” – perennially messy house with things that never get fixed, hideous afghans that cover everyone as the family watches TV together on the hideous sofa, lots of fast-food dinners mom picks up on her way home from work after retrieving kids from school and just trying to keep it together – made us nod our heads, yes, absolutely, been there, done that. “The Middle” also had a gay storyline for nearly half the series. Low-key, recurring character, but the kind of ultimate coming-out

Anatomy lesson

Courtesy Netflix

Tituss Burgess on “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt.”

that was both cheer-worthy and made us reach for the tissues because it was so believable. When middle-child Sue (the fantastic Eden Sher) gets her first boyfriend, we are thrilled for her. The girl no one ever remembers needs her own cheering section. Then Sue brings Brad (Brock Ciarlelli) home and everyone sees it but her: He’s so gay. Not just could-just-be-metrosexual gay, but flaming in-your-face-Mike-PenceAdam-Rippon-pirouette kind of gay. Except he doesn’t know it yet. So over the years as he helps Sue with her clothing choices and various other gaybest-friend things, and she moves on to another boy, and he heads off to college, we waited and wondered, and then it happened: He came out. Just like real life. So yeah, we will miss “The Middle” and its paean to working-class life, struggle, never having enough money, effedup relatives, trying to do the best for the kids, accepting gayness because it’s best for that person, and all the things that never got the headlines “Roseanne” has.

Champion gay

The NBC jury is still out on whether its new gay-themed sitcom “Champions” will be renewed for a second season. Not being a huge sitcom fan, we found the show by accident when NBC slid it in after “Will & Grace” (which has been renewed for what will be season 11, if we pretend that 12-year hiatus didn’t happen, which everyone is pretending). “Champions” is Mindy Kahling’s baby, and it is hilarious and unlike anything else on the tube right now, with its young, flamboyantly gay teenage Indian lead (JJ Totah as Michael). There are so many reasons to renew “Champions,” but they all begin and end with Totah. This kid is fabulous in the truest and broadest sense. He has pitch-perfect comedic timing, the theatre and pop-culture references he makes are the highest of camp, and as the half-Asian, half-white gay son of Kahling’s Priya and Anders Holm’s Vince, he’s more than just a diversity symbol, he’s representing for gay kids everywhere just like him. NBC is notorious for not giving sitcoms enough time to find an audience, but if you’re going to drop a new show in mid-season and do nothing to promote it, at least watch your own show once or twice to see that you have a major star you don’t want to lose.

Also in the question-mark category is “black-ish,” which as of May 4 had not been renewed or cancelled. The series has been one of the most consistently funny shows on TV, as well as delivering a much-needed black voice to the sitcom landscape. Tracee Ellis Ross won an historic Emmy this year, the first black actress in 37 years to win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. The show also has lesbian characters as well as lesbian actresses Wanda Sykes and RavenSymoné. And the acting is stellar. Yara Shahidi, who plays the oldest daughter, Zoey, currently stars in the spin-off series “grown-ish,” on Freeform. We certainly hope ABC renews the series, which has taken a dark turn recently as (spoiler alert) Bo (Tracee Ellis Ross) and Dre (Anthony Anderson) appear to be breaking up after 20 years of marriage, five kids and a badly timed kitchen renovation. What happens next is up to ABC, but it would be a mistake to drop this show now. If nothing else, it’s an antidote to “Roseanne.” Two other series with LGBTQ characters are in question. CBS’ much-hyped new series “Instinct” is the first network series to feature a gay male lead, with Alan Cumming’s Dr. Dylan Reinhart as a former CIA agent turned professor and best-selling author. Cumming is superb as always, but the show is light fare and not up to the standards set for Cumming’s previous roles. The final season of “The Good Wife” was a hot mess, but Cumming was still strong, despite some ridiculous things his character, Eli Gold, was expected to do. Not that these are comparable series, but they do intersect where serious drama diverges into moments of dark comedy. We can’t tell exactly what’s wrong with “Instinct,” but it seems that, unlike “NCIS” or other CBS procedurals, it hasn’t found its footing. The show is also limited by the ratings-crusher of a Sunday-night 8 p.m. time slot, where it is lodged between “60 Minutes” and “NCIS: Los Angeles.” Despite Cumming’s star power, it’s hard for us to see this series being renewed. And if it’s cancelled, the message execs will take away will be: “Solo lead gay character won’t work.” Not “We threw this show down in March, right before the basketball season, and it had no opportunity to gain a following when it was either not aired at all or aired 49 minutes late.”

Season finales are easier to handle because we know the shows we have long loved or are newly infatuated with are coming back. The question, always, is how changed will they be? “Grey’s Anatomy” has been renewed for a 15th season, making it the second-longest-running scripted nonanimated drama series currently on TV. (“The Simpsons” is in season 29, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” is in season 19, and “NCIS” ties with “Grey’s” for 15 seasons.) We have loved “Grey’s” since it began, and as we have grown older with the characters. It gave us the longest-running lesbian relationship in TV history (Callie and Arizona), and for that we will be forever grateful. That said, “Grey’s” kills someone off each season (often literally), and this season is destined to be the same. As the finale approaches, we know there’s been an accident, because we saw the preview. Who will die is still a secret, and we don’t like spoilers. But what we know for sure since the May 3 episode is Arizona (Jessica Capshaw) has decided to move to New York with her and Callie’s daughter. (Sara Ramirez, who played Callie for a decade, left “Grey’s” in May 2016, and has since joined the cast of “Madam Secretary.”) This leaves no real lesbian characters on “Grey’s,” because the Italian woman Arizona has been having an affair with, Dr. Carina DeLuca (Stefania Spampinato), is a recurring character and bisexual, and has never been given enough air time for us to get to know her. We hope “Grey’s” won’t drop lesbian characterizations, because they have been an iconic element to this series. “Grey’s” made news last week when the series was featured in a viral tweet by New Mexico high school senior Krysta Montoya. Under her yearbook photo Montoya wrote: “Grey’s Anatomy, Season 5, Episode 6, 39:40.” When people didn’t know what the reference meant, Montoya tweeted out

that it was when Dr. Erica Hahn (Brooke Smith) declared, “I am so, so, so gay.” Montoya, who came out as a freshman, thought it was a good message to leave as she graduated. This is why we need lesbian and gay characters. So for those keeping track, at the end of this season of TV, we will have lost quite a few lesbian and gay characters from series ending or from characters being taken out of play. We were devastated last week when “Last Tango in Halifax” killed off Kate, the black half of its interracial lesbian couple, right after she gave birth to her and Caroline’s baby. We know from TV history, once a gay or lesbian character leaves a series, they are rarely replaced with a new one. “Grey’s” never made any real effort to keep Arizona in the foreground and find her a new partner after Callie left for New York. Two mismatched attempts with characters we had no fealty toward and no interest in took Arizona even further from the foreground of the series. This is a common problem when a popular couple splits up, unless there is something else to hold them to the series. On “Scandal,” Cyrus (Jeff Perry) survived James’ (Dan Bucatinsky) murder because he was so central to the plot. But his pairing with Michael (Matthew Del Negro) never really gelled. The number of scripted roles for lesbian and gay characters was down in this last calendar year from the previous one. And unless the dozen (or more: the season isn’t over yet) lesbian and gay characters lost to series ending or characters being written off are replaced (which seems unlikely) it will be even lower at year’s end. “Madam Secretary” has been renewed for a 5th season, which means bisexual non-binary character Kat Sandoval (Sara Ramirez) will return, so that’s good news. One queer character who gets to live another day. There isn’t going to be another comedy hour to match Michelle Wolf ’s routine at the White House Correspondent’s Dinner for either biting wit or furor, but Tina Fey is hosting the “SNL” finale of its 43rd season on May 22 with musical guest Nicki Minaj, so that should be a night of hilarity and political commentary. Finally, if you missed gay Olympian Gus Kenworthy interviewing gay Olympian Adam Rippon about his current turn on “Dancing with the Stars” for “Nightline,” skate on over to ABC.com to watch. It is, in a word, fabulous. So for all the long goodbyes, the gayness still on the tube, and the gayness yet to be revealed (because “Pose” is coming in June!), you know you really must stay tuned.t

<< Film

26 • Bay Area Reporter • May 10-16, 2018

Oscar Wilde comes alive on screen by Tavo Amador

scar Wilde (1854-1900) was a brilliant, successful playwright, poet, novelist, and essayist. His 1895 conviction for homosexual sodomy shocked English society. It cast a long, frightening shadow that kept many gay British writers, like E.M. Forster, in the closet. Wilde’s wife, Constance, and their two sons also suffered from the scandal. Wilde, however, has been wellrepresented on screen. Following is a selective list of movies based on his life and works. In 1960, two sympathetic pictures depicting his relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas (“Bosie”) and working-class male prostitutes were released. Gregory Ratoff ’s “Oscar Wilde” starred Robert Morley as the Irish-born author, with John Neville as Douglas, and a superb Ralph Richardson as driven prosecutor Edward Carson. Morley looks right, but the ending is marred by a melodramatic outburst of hysterical laughter. Ken Hughes’ “The Trials of Oscar Wilde” features Peter Finch, John Fraser as Bosie, and James Mason as Clark. Finch is excellent, and the courtroom scenes are suspenseful. Better, however, is “Wilde” (1997), starring Stephen Fry and beautiful Jude Law as Bosie. Law shows how Douglas manipulated Wilde into filing the disastrous lawsuit against his father, the unstable Marquess of Queensbury (Tom Wilkinson), after he publicly labeled him a “Somdomite” [sic]. Vanessa Redgrave is Wilde’s mother. Sensitively directed by Brian Gilbert. Rupert Everett wrote, directed, and stars as Wilde in 2018’s “The Happy Prince,” an imagining of the author’s sad, final days in Paris. Colin Firth plays Reggie Turner, Emily Watson is Constance Wilde, Colin Morgan is Bosie, and Edwin

Thomas is the loyal Robbie Ross. “Lady Windermere’s Fan” (1892) is Wilde’s upper-class comedy about marital infidelity and maternal sacrifice. Two silent versions were made, one in 1916, and a second, directed by legendary Ernst Lubitsch, appeared in 1925, starring Ronald Coleman. Otto Preminger’s disappointing “The Fan” (1949) wasted lovely Jeanne Crain in the title role and Madeleine Carroll as Mrs. Erlynne, but has a terrific George Sanders as Lord Darlington. Dorothy Parker and Walter Reisch adapted the play. “An Ideal Husband” (1895) deals with political blackmail and honor among the wealthy. Alexander Korda’s 1947 version, adapted by Lajos Biro, starred a lively Paulette Goddard as Mrs. Cheveley, Michael Wilding as Viscount Arthur Goring, Diana Wynward as Lady Gertrude Chiltern, and Glynis Johns as Miss Mabel Chiltern. In 1999, Julianne Moore, Rupert Everet, Cate Blanchett, and Minnie Driver headlined an entertaining version directed by Oliver Parker. That same year, Bill Cartlidge directed and adapted Wilde’s play, which featured James Wilby, Sadie Frost, and Jonathan Firth. Also from 1895 is Wilde’s masterpiece, “The Importance of

Being Earnest,” a dazzling farce about mistaken identity, impersonations, and avoidance of social responsibilities. In 1952, Anthony Asquith filmed it with a legendary cast. Gay matinee idol Michael Redgrave (father of Vanessa and

Lynn) is a splendid Earnest, Edith Evans is brilliant as the formidable Lady Bracknell, Margaret Rutherford is a hilarious Miss Prism, and the marvelous Joan Greenwood is delicious as Gwendolyn. Fifty years later, Oliver Parker helmed Rupert Everett and Colin Firth as Algy and Earnest, respectively, with Judi Dench as Lady Bracknell, Frances O’Connor as Gwendolyn, and Anna Massey as Miss Prism. A little-seen 2011 version is of interest because of Brian Bedford’s Lady Bracknell, a role he also performed on stage. Wilde’s once-notorious 1891 novella “The Picture of Dorian Gray” remains disturbing. The 1945 movie, directed and adapted by Albert Lewin, is powerful. Painter Basil Hallward (Lowell Gilmore), smitten by beautiful Dorian Gray (Hurd Hatfield), paints his portrait and gives it to him. Gray wishes that he could remain young forever while the painting ages. His wish comes true. George Sanders is superb as Lord Henry Wooten, who narrates the story. Angela Lansbury is extraordinary as the innocent Sibyl Vane. Anyone who would deliberately hurt her has to be a monster. Lewin is faithful to Wilde’s story, which never spells out Dorian’s debaucheries, although they seem to have a homoerotic element. With Donna Reed and Peter Lawford. Superb cinematography by Harry Stradling, Sr., wonderful art direction by Cedric Gibbons and Hans Peters, and impeccable set design by Edwin B. Willis.

Versions made in 1973, 2005, and 2007 have failed to catch the public’s imagination, and have been little seen. In 2009, Oliver Parker directed Toby Finlay’s explicit adaptation “Dorian Gray,” with Colin Firth an effective Lord Henry Wooten, Ben Barnes as Dorian, Ben Chaplin as Basil, and Rachel Hurd-Wood as Sibyl. A modern-day retelling appeared in 2018, directed by Andrew Fisher and Khian Bartlett, with a screenplay by Adrian R. Castro. T.J. Sloan played the title role, Erik Reedy was Lord Henry, Caroline Rexrode was Sibyl, and Michael Vedra, Basil. “Salome,” Wilde’s 1891 Frenchlanguage drama based on the Biblical story, wasn’t translated into English until 1894. In 1922, bisexual Alla Nazimova starred in an extravagant silent production, written by Natacha Rambova, and officially directed by Charles Bryant (but Nazimova helmed much of it). The sets and costumes were extraordinary. In 1988, Ken Russell directed “Salome’s Last Dance,” a very loose, dreadful adaptation of the play, with Glenda Jackson as Herodias, and Imogen MillaisScott as the seductress. In 2013, a glorious Jessica Chastain shone as “Salome,” Kevin Anderson was John the Baptist, and Roxanne Hart was Herodias, but the film was fatally marred by a scenerychewing performance by Al Pacino as the obsessed King Herod. Pacino also directed. Over a century has passed since Wilde’s great literary triumphs were overshadowed by his conviction, which resulted in a two-year incarceration, beginning in 1895. His “The Ballad of Reading Gaol” appeared in 1897. While in prison, he penned the touching “De Profundis,” a long letter to his beloved Bosie. The first half recounts their turbulent affair, “the love that dare not speak its name,” as he said at his trial. The second half outlines his newfound spirituality. His brutal imprisonment contributed to his premature death. But he remains a fascinating, flawed figure, one whose artistic legacy is undiminished.t

critical; self-centered but a caring heart; a self-confident free spirit but yearning for parental approval; ambitious but not sure where she wants to go. “I want you to be the very best version of yourself,” says Marion to Lady Bird as they shop for clothes in a thrift shop, to which she replies, “But what if this is the best version?” Her machinations include trading in her loyal, longtime best friend Julie (Beanie Feldstein, a revelation) for richer, more popular girl Jenna, even lying about where she lives (“on the wrong side of the tracks”) to make herself more socially acceptable. She becomes infatuated with two guys who aren’t right for her. She has her first kiss with theater geek Danny (Lucas Hedges, dreamy and versatile), yet discovers he has sexual identity issues. She shares her first sexual experience with a self-absorbed, uber-cool bad boy named Kyle (Timothee Chalamet, a reversal of his character in Call Me by Your Name), who lies as much as she does. But the pivotal scene occurs when she meets with Sister Sarah Joan (Lois Smith, beyond magnificent), the principal, who has read Lady Bird’s college application essay. “It’s clear how much you love Sacramento,” Sister Sarah remarks. “I guess I pay attention,” Lady Bird replies. “Don’t you think they might be the same thing?” asks the wise nun. “Love and attention?”

Lady Bird seems to be waiting for her real life to begin, but the movie argues that she is already becoming who she is supposed to be. She makes several bad decisions and makes some cruel remarks, yet better to do this on her own than follow a script others have written for her. In the “Realizing Lady Bird” featurette extra, writer-director Greta Gerwig confesses that the film was inspired by events in her own life: “None of it really happened, yet it’s all true!” She artfully observes that we often deny where we came from (Lady Bird lies at one point, saying she’s from San Francisco), then realize later that it was a beautiful place. Such insight gives the film humanity, pathos, and warmth, not to mention humor. Religious themes, especially learning to love unconditionally, subtly pervade Lady Bird, and for once Catholic nuns and priests are shown to be real people, not villains or cardboard characters. Gerwig has been known best for her dramadey performances in Frances Ha, Mistress America, and Maggie’s Plan. Her partner is writer-director Noah Baumbach (The Squid and the Whale), from whom she has learned much. But her talent and artistic vision are her own. With Lady Bird, Gerwig marches to the front ranks of not only women filmmakers, but of all movie directors.t

Sacramento’s finest flower by Brian Bromberger

ominated for four Academy Awards including Best Picture but going home emptyhanded, Lady Bird remains one of the best films of 2017, and has just been released on DVD by A24/Lionsgate. Lady Bird purports to be a teen comedy, but its universal appeal rests on how we become the persons we are, zeroing in on that tricky developmental phase between end of adolescence and young adult. While personal crises and historical events can impact us, Lady Bird suggests it is small, seemingly insignificant moments with family and community that help shape us into who we become. This movie is a triumph on so many levels, because although it depicts adolescent rites of passage (school musicals, prom, applying to colleges, first love) we’ve seen many times, its perspective is so fresh and the character of Lady Bird so winning, it’s as if you are seeing these events for the first time. Her experience is our experience, yet unique. We see her vulnerability as well as her exuberance. We care about all the characters because they seem authentic. Plus they get to speak astute, witty dialogue. The first scene catapults us into the main love story of the film

and its central conflict: mother/ daughter. Lady Bird (Saoirse Ronan, perfection) and her mother Marion (Laurie Metcalf, brilliant), returning from visiting local college campuses, have just finished listening in the car to an audiobook of The Grapes of Wrath, causing them both to cry. Instead of reveling in this mutual moment of tenderness, Marion criticizes her daughter. Feeling at the end of her rope, Lady Bird opens the door of the moving car and pushes her body out to the ground, breaking her arm in the fall. She writes “Fuck you Mom” on her cast. Lady Bird is a 17-year-old senior

with dyed red hair, attending the Catholic high school Immaculate Heart (which she calls Immaculate Fart) in Sacramento (“the Midwest of California”). Born Christine McPherson, she has renamed herself Lady Bird. The movie focuses on Lady Bird’s transformation during her final high school year, especially her rocky relationship with Marion. Both are strong-willed, opinionated, and stubborn women. Marion sees Lady Bird as a dreamer cut off from the realities of life such as her father Larry’s unemployment, branding her as selfish and ungrateful. Lady Bird views her mother as judgmental, a control freak, and impossible to please. They continually shout, guilt-trip, and shame each other, saying things they shouldn’t. In other words, this is a true, no-rose-colored-glasses relationship, where they are attempting to love each other despite their mutual objections. Luckily, Lady Bird’s depressed father Larry (Tracy Letts, exquisite underplaying) is the calm in the storm, her ally willing to help her get the financial aid she needs to escape from her mother to attend college back East (“where culture is”). Lady Bird is a juxtaposition of contrariness: idealistic and hypo-

Arts Events

Nightlife Events

Shining Stars Vol. 48 • No. 19 • May 10-16, 2018

www.ebar.com V www.bartabsf.com

Queer Country West Coast Brooke Porter

Trio of bands at El Rio

by David-Elijah Nahmod

avender Country, a gay country western band which formed during the 1970s, comes to the Bay Area on May 18 when they join trans country performer Eli Conley for Queer Country West Coast at El Rio. The Paisley Fields, a gay pop country act from Brooklyn, will also be part of the evening. The Paisley Fields is celebrating the release of their new CD, Glitter and Sawdust. See page 30 >>

Eli Conley

Goin’ to the Chapel musicians support Breast Cancer Emergency Fund by Jim Gladstone

Left to Right: Brendan James, Mia Dyson, Gregory Douglass

ric Hanson, the modest impresario behind next Sunday’s benefit concert for the Breast Cancer Emergency Fund (BCEF) at The Chapel, has achieved great professional success working for Silicon Valley tech companies. See page 31 >>

{ THIRD OF THREE SECTIONS }

<< Arts Events

28 • Bay Area Reporter • May 10-16, 2018

Sat 12 Beach Blanket Babylon @ Club Fugazi The musical comedy revue celebrates its 43th year with an ever-changing lineup of political and pop culture icons, all in gigantic wigs. $25-$160. Beer/wine served; cash only; 21+, except where noted. Wed-Fri 8pm. Sat 6pm & 9pm. Sun 2pm & 5pm. 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd. (Green St.). 421-4222. www.beachblanketbabylon.com

Tue 15

Night School: LGBTQ History in the TL @ Tenderloin Museum

Can You Dig It? The ‘60s @ The Marsh

Arts Events May 10-17 For full listings, visit www.ebar.com/events

Thu 10 Art Party & Auction @ CounterPulse Annual fundraiser for the performance space, with performances by Deborah Slater Dance Theater, PUSH Dance Company, installations, maskmaking, giant coloring books, craft brews from Queers Makin’ Beers, and more. $ Donations. 7pm-10pm. 80 Turk St. www.counterpulse.org

Classic & New Films @ Castro Theatre May 10: CAAMfest Opening Night: An American Story: Norman Mineta and His Legacy (7pm). May 11: Jabberwocky! (5:30, 9:15) and Monty Python and the Holy Grail (7:30). May 12: Disney’s Frozen sing-along (11am, Double Indemnity (1:30, 7:15), The Killers (3:30, 9:15) and Dead Men Don’t Wear Plaid (5:30). May 13: Disney’s Mulan (11am), My Fair Lady (1pm, 7pm) and Doctor Dolittle (4:15). May 14: Hurricane Bianca: From Russia With Hate, plus onstage Q&A with Bianca Del Rio and Peaches Christ (7:30) May 15: Black Panther (7pm) and Shaft (9:25). May 16: Black Panther (7pm) and Coming to America (9:25). May 17: Barbarella (7pm) and Modesty Blaise (8:50). $11$16. 429 Castro St. www.castrotheatre.com

The Color Purple @ Orpheum Theatre Touring company of the Tonywinning Broadway revival musical based on Alice Walker best-selling novel about African American women in the South. $55-$246. TueSat 8pm. Wed, Sat & sun 2pm. Thru May 27. 1192 Market St. shnsf.com

Comedy @ Ashkenaz, Berkeley Comics over 50 (with Bad Backs), features stand-up comics Ian Williams, Bridget Schwartz, Judi Leff, and Lisa Geduldig. $15-$20. 8pm. 1317 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. www.ashkenaz.com

The Congresswoman @ Exit Theatre Stuart Bousel’s contemporary adaptation of Aristophanes’ play about communities and political corruption. $15. Thu-Sat 8pm. Thru May 26. 156 Eddy St. www.theexit.org

Eureka Day @ Aurora Theatre, Berkeley Jonathan Spector’s comedy of vaccination manners set in a tony Berkeley private school. $33-$65. Tue-Sun, various times thru May 20. 2081 Addison St., Berkeley. www.auroratheatre.org

Father Comes Home From the War (Parts 1, 2 & 3) @ Geary Theatre American Conservatory Theater and Yale Repertory Theatre’s production of Suzan-Lori Parks’s epic drama trilogy inspired by Homer’s The Odyssey, reset during the U.S. Civil War. $35-$85. Thru May 20. 415 Geary St. www.act-sf.org

The Mystery of Love and Sex @ New Conservatory Theatre Center Bathsheba Doran’s play about a young man and woman who are very different, but find ways to connect. $20-$45. Wed-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm. Thru May 20. 25 Van Ness Ave., lower level. www.nctcsf.org

The Rider @ Embarcadero Cinema Touching autobiographical film about a young rodeo horse rider facing his future after an accident. www.landmarktheatres.com

Womxn, Omen, Women in Chinatown @ Chinese Cultural Center Exhibit of works by Bijun Liang, Shisi Huang and Vida Kuang that challengen gender roles and equity in communities. Thu-Sun 11am-4pm, thru June 17. 41 Ross Alley. cccsf.us

Fri 11 Angels in America @ Berkeley Repertory Theatre Tony Kushner’s multiple awardwinning two-part epic drama about the 1980s, AIDS and politics, returns to the Bay Area, with Randy Harrison (Queer as Folk), Stephen Spinella (Tony-winning original cast member) and Caldwell Tidicue (Bob the Drag Queen). Part One: Millennium Approaches and Part Two: Perestroika on separate dates, and a few doubleheader days; free events and talks, too. $40-$100. Tue-Sat 7pm. Most Wed, Thu Sat & Sun also 1pm. Thru July 22. 2025 Addison St., Berkeley. www.berkeleyrep.org

Mon 14

Westward @ City Hall

All the Shah’s Men @ Royce Gallery

Power Plays @ Noh Space

Arabian Shakespeare Festival’s production of Matthew Spangler’s drama about the 1953 U.S. and British-led coup in Iran. $15-$35. Thu-Sun 8pm. Thru May 20. 2901 Mariposa St. Arabianshakes.org

Four satirical plays by Nick Ishimaru about social iniquities, civil rights and community. $20-$50. Fri & Sat 7pm, Sun 4pm. Thru May 13. 2840 Mariposa St. theatreofyugen.org

Flash Gordon: Live! @ Exit Theatre Comic stage adaptation of the campy 1980 space opera film loosely based on the comic series. $20. Fri & Sat thru May 26. 156 Eddy St. www.theexit.org

Smuin Ballet @ YBCA Works by Helen Pickett, Amy Seiwet and Val Caniparoli are performed in the Dance Series 02 concert. $39$79. Touring thru Bay Area thru June 2. http://www.smuinballet.org

Don Reed’s acclaimed autobiographical solo show recalls his groovy (and not so groovy) childhood. $20-$100. Sat 8:30pm, Sun 5:30pm, thru June 16. 1062 Valencia St. www.themarsh.org

Cult of the Machine @ de Young Museum Precisionism and American Art, featuring works by Charles Sheeler, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Charles Demuth and industrial objects of the era; thru Aug. 12. Also, modern and historic art, including embroidery, Maori portraits and installations. Free/$15. 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, Golden Gate Park. www.famsf.org

Culture Catalyst @ SF Arts Commission Galleries Group exhibit celebrating the art and legacy of the Neighborhood Arts Program. Thru June 11. 401 Van Ness Ave. www.sfartscommission.org/

Grace Jones: Bloodlight and Bami @ Embarcadero Cinema 12 years in the making, Sophie Fiennes’ documentary about the amazing singer as she tours the world and visits her Jamacian family. Also at Landmark Shattuck in Berkeley.

The Mushroom Cure @ The Marsh, Berkeley

Thu 17

The Art of Rube Goldberg @ Contemporary Jewish Museum

Adam Strauss returns with his hit solo show about treating his OCD with hallucinogenic mushrooms. $20-$100. Fri 8pm, Sat 8:30pm. Extended thru June 16. 2120 Allston way, Berkeley. www.themarsh.com

A Number @ Aurora Theatre, Berkeley Caryl Churchill’s inventive drama about human cloning. $33-$65. Thru May 13. 2081 Addison St. Berkeley. www.auroratheatre.org

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

Trog Live @ Oasis Matthew Martin, Adam Roy and Heklina star in a restaging of the hilarious camp drag parody performance of Joan Crawford’s no-budget final film about a scientist and a troglodyte. $27.50-$40. FriSun 7pm. Thru May 12. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

What the Constitution Means to Me @ Berkeley Repertory Theatre Heidi Schreck’s Obie-winning solo show about her childhood speeches abouit the Constitution, and the document’s multi-generation effect it had on women in her family. $17$62. Thru June 17. Peet’s Theatre, 2025 Addison St., Berkeley. www.berkeleyrep.org

Joey Alexander @ Yoshi’s Oakland The Grammy-nominated young Balinese piano prodigy performs with his band. $44-$84. 7:30pm & 9:30pm. May 13, 7pm & 9pm. 510 Embarcadero West. www.yoshis.com

Legacy @ Century Club Gay Asian Pacific Alliance’s 30th anniversary banquet and gala includes MD Tita Aida, keynote speaker Sam Park, community award presentations, and performances by GAPA Mens Chorus, GAPA Theater, Mr. GAPA 2017 Danny Chung, and special guests. $150 and up. 6pm-10pm. 1355 Franklin St. gapa.org

Lucy Jane Bledsoe @ Laurel Books, Oakland The prolific acclaimed lesbian author of nonfiction and novels discusses her new fiction work, The Evolution of Love, about a postearthquake San Francisco. 5pm. 1423 Broadway, Oakland. www.laurelbookstore.com

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

Manring, Kassin, Burr @ St. Cyprian’s Church Concert of harp guitar and flute virtuoso concert, with guest musician Jeff Titus. $16-$20. 8pm. 2097 Turk St. www.SFLiveArts.org

Mark and Jay Duplass @ JCC SF The two comic actor/writer-director brothers discuss their book, Like Brothers, with SF Film Programming Director Rachel Rosen. $55 includes a book. 8pm. 3200 California St. https://www.jccsf.org/

Marjorie Prime @ Marin Theatre Company New local production of Jordan Harrison’s stunning drama about an elderly woman whose programmed companion brings funny and haunting surprises. $25-$60. Thru May 27. 397 Miller Ave., Mill Valley www.marintheatre.org

Me and My Girl @ Gateway Theatre 42nd Street Moon’s production of the Tony-winning revival version of Rose & Furber’s rollicking 1930s musical. $25-$75. Wed & Thu 7pm, Fri 8pm, Sat 6pm. Sun 3pm. Thru May 20. 215 Jackson St. www.42ndstmoon.org

May 10-16, 2018 • Bay Area Reporter • 29

Sun 13 Casanova: The Seduction of Europe @ Legion of Honor See Rococo finery in an 80-work tour of paintings, furniture and lavish objects. Thru May 28. Also, Séraphin Soudbinine, Lynn Hershman Leeson, Framing the Body, Mummies and Medicine and other exhibits of classical and modern art. Free/$30. Lincoln Park, 100 34th Ave. https://legionofhonor.famsf.org/

Make Believe: The World of Glen Keane @ Walt Disney Family Museum Exhibit of animation art by the prolific artist (Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Tarzan ). Thru Sept 3. Other exhibits of Disney artifacts and film screenings. 104 Montgomery St, The Presidio. $5$25. 10am-6pm. Closed Tue. http://wdfmuseum.org/

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

Lois Tema

Arts Events>>

Sat 12

When Pigs Fly @ New Conservatory Theatre Center

showcases minerals through time. Special events each week, with adult nightlife parties many Thursday nights. $20-$35. Mon-Sat 9:30am-5pm. Sun 11am-5pm. 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. 379-8000. www.calacademy.org

Westward @ City Hall Exhibit of large-scale photos by women photographers focusing on West Coast communities. Reception, 5:30-7:30pm. Thru May 2019. North Light Court, Ground Floor, 1 Dr Carlton B Goodlett Place. www.sfartscommission.org

Tue 15 Night School: LGBTQ History in the TL @ Tenderloin Museum

Wed 16

Chaves Smith @ Vessel Gallery, Oakland

Out in the Park @ Noe Valley Town Square Enjoy disco dancing outdoors, Bingo games with by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, and rainbow sherbet. Free. 3:30pm-7pm. Also, Shop Out Day; 20% of participating Noe Valley store purchase supports the SF LGBT Center. 24th St. at Sanchez. sfcenter.org

Way Bay @ BAM/PFA, Berkeley Large group exhibit of Bay Area artists working in various media. Agony in Effigy: Art, Truth, Pain, and the Body, a graphic art exhibit of historic works from the 1500-1600s. Thru June 17. Also, ongoing film series at the Pacific Film Archive. Berkeley Art Museum, Pacific Film Archive, 2155 Center St. Berkeley. bampfa.org

When Pigs Fly @ New Conservatory Theatre Center Revival of Howard Crabtree’s hilarious hit music revue chockful of wacky songs and costumes. Thursday night Happy Hour singalongs, costume crafting nights and more. $20-$55. Wed-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm. Thru June 10. 25 Van Ness Ave, lower level. www.nctcsf.org

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

Xian Rui: Ten Years @ Chinese Cultural Center Exhibit of works representing the Center’s first decade. Thru Aug. 18. CCC Visual Art Center, 750 Kearny St., third floor. www.cccsf.us

Ralph Steadman, Emek @ Haight Street Art Center Exhibit of the illustrator known for Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas (thru May), and the psychedelic rock concert poster designer (thru June 15). Free; posters, clothes and stickers on sale. Wed-Sat 11am-5pm. 215 Haight St. at Laguna. https://haightstreetart.org/

Sublime Seas @ SF MOMA John Akomfrah and J.M.W. Turner, a captivating video installation (thru Sept. 16). Also, Designed in California (thru May 27), Nothing Stable under Heaven (thru Sept. 16), The Train: RFK’s Last Journey (thru June 10) and Alexander Calder: Scaling Up (thru Aug. 19). Free/$25. Fri-Tue 10am-6pm. 151 3rd St. www.sfmoma.org

Unique Derique @ The Marsh The comic juggling solo performer’s new family-friendly show, Fool La La! Over the Rainbow includes a free juggling workshop after each show. $15-$100. Sundays, 1pm. Extended thru June 30. 1062 Valencia St. www.themarsh.org

Mon 14 Anand Vedawala @ Strut Hot Chachas, an exhibit of the artist’s South Asian-themed queer multimedia works. Thru May. 470 Castro St. https://strutsf.org

Unearthed @ California Academy of Sciences Exhibits and planetarium shows with various live, interactive and installed exhibits about animals, plants and the earth; new exhibit, From Stone Age to Space Age,

Screening of a documentary about the famous 1965 pre-Stonewall Raid on the California Hall drag ball, with discussion moderator Dr. Megan Rohrer, Joanne Chadwick, Executive Director Emeritus for the Commission for Women, ELCA and The Rev. Charles Lewis, ELCA San Francisco Night Minister Emeritus, both of whom were present at the dance and are featured in the film. $10. 6:30pm. 398 Eddy St. www.tenderloinmuseum.org

Perfectly Queer @ Dog Eared Books Jim Mattson ( The Lost Prayers of Ricky Graves), Tim Floreen (Anatomy of a Murder) and Andrew Demcak ( How Do You Deal With a Deal Girl?) read from their gay fiction works. 7pm. 489 Castro St. www.dogearedbooks.com

t.w.five @ Museum of Craft & Design Installation of a lesbian couple’s “home” and an exploration of domestic life. Also, Tom Loeser’s Please Please Please, artistic unusual handmade chair sculptures. Both thru May 20. 2569 Third St. https://sfmcd.org/

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

Will Durst @ The Marsh The satirical comic returns with his politically-themed show, Durst Case Scenario. $20-$100. 8pm. Tuesdays thru May 29. 1062 Valencia St. www.themarsh.org

Wed 16 Chaves Smith @ Vessel Gallery, Oakland Beast of No Nation, the painter’s exhibit of vibrant new works. Thru June 23. Thu-Sat & Tue 11am-6pm. 471 25th St. www.vessel-gallery.com

Divine Bodies @ Asian Art Museum New exhibit of sculptures and works about the Buddha, humans and their environments; thru July 29. Also, Traces of the Past and Future, Fu Shen’s painting and calligraphy, thru Sept. Free-$20. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. 200 Larkin St. www.asianart.org

Respect: Hip-Hop Style & Wisdom @ Oakland Museum New exhibit that visualizes the movement and sound of the music genre, with many live events through the run, including Friday night parties and performances. Free-$16. WedSun. Thru Aug. 12. 1000 Oak St., Oakland. www.museumca.org

Smack Dab @ Dog Eared Books Koja Adeyoha and Angel Adeyoha, authors of the children’s book 47,000 Beads, are the featured guests at the open mic talent night. 8pm (7:30pm sign-up). 489 Castro St. www.dogearedbooks.com

Thu 17 The Art of Rube Goldberg @ Contemporary Jewish Museum Art work and ephemera by the creative contraption illustrator and comic artist, thru July 8. Also, Contraption: Rediscovering California Jewish Artists. 736 Mission St. www.thecjm.org

Barbara Lewis: A Second Look @ Lost Art Salon Opening reception for a new exhibit of mixed media works by the prolific painter, photographer and print artist; with Gravel & Gold, a women’s crafts collective. 5:30pm8pm. Reg. hours Mon-Sat 10am5:30pm. 245 South Van Ness Ave. http://www.lostartsalon.com

Comedy Returns @ El Rio Tenth anniversary show for the popular night, with Diane Amos, (The Pine Sol Lady), Ngaio Bealum, Mark Pitta, Bob McIntyre, and MC Lisa Geduldig, plus a celebratory after-party with food. $7-$20. 7pm (note earlier time). 3158 Mission St. www.elriosf.com

Film Screenings @ BAM/PFA Artistic and award-winning films, including documentaries about artists; ongoing. 2155 Center St., Berkeley. www.bampfa.org

LGBTQ Youth in France & the U.S. @ GLBT History Museum Discussion about youth queer culture in the two countries, with professors Michael Lucey, Don Romesburg, Nicolas Noguier, Claire Hart, and Jodi Schwartz. $5. 7pm. 4127 18th St. www.glbthistory.org

The Queen of Ireland @ SF LGBT Center Screening of the documentary film about Ireland’s marriage equality legislation and Panty Bliss, the drag queen activist; cohosted by the Consulate General of Ireland. Free. 6:30pm screening, 8pm Q&A. 1800 Market St. www.sfcenter.org

Ten Percent @ Comcast David Perry’s online and cable interviews with notable local and visiting LGBT people, broadcast through the week. Wed 7pm, ThuTue 11:30am & 10:30pm. www.ComcastHometown.com To submit event listings, email events@ebar.com Deadline is each Thursday, a week before publication.

Walking Distance Dance Festival @ ODC Theater Seventh anniversary festival features dances by Yara Travieso, Belinda McGuire, Kiandanda Dance Theater, Rashaun Mitchell, Silas Riener and others. $20-$60. Tue-Sat 8pm, plus free workshops and a dance party. Thru May 20. 3153 17th St. www.odc.dance/wddf

Thu 17

The Queen of Ireland @ SF LGBT Center

<< Music

30 • Bay Area Reporter • May 10-16, 2018

Lavender Country lead singer and guitarist Patrick Haggerty.

Lavender lyrical liberation

The Paisley Fields

Queer Country

From page 27

Conley, who organized Queer Country West Coast, is one of the most visible transgender people in country music. He’s been quite busy in recent months. “I just got back from performing and presenting at the Trans Voices Festival put on by One Voice LGBTQ Chorus in Saint Paul, Minnesota,” he said. “This was a gathering of transgender and non-binary singers, voice teachers, choral directors and allies to build community, share resources, and of course, sing together over the course of two days.”

In addition to performing, Conley is also a voice teacher. “To get to connect with other trans and non-binary voice teachers and choral conductors and hear so many amazing singers over a short period of time was incredibly meaningful for me,” he said. “Even in the Bay Area, it can sometimes feel isolating to be one of the only out trans people in the professional voice world. The festival was actually cut short by a huge blizzard — in the middle of April! Even so, we had a wonderful time, and I’m so thankful for the experience.” Conley explained why hosting Queer Country West Coast means so much to him.

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“I created Queer Country West Coast because I played at Queer Country Monthly, a regular show hosted by Karen Pittelman of Karen and the Sorrows in New York,” he tells us. “Her mission is to create community and visibility for LGBTQ artists in country music, and I wanted to bring some of that to the Bay Area. Karen was kind enough to let me start a sister show in San Francisco, and that’s how Queer Country West Coast was born.” Country music, Conley assures us, is not just for Republicans. “There’s always been a long history of resistance to the right in country music,” he said. “When Loretta Lynn wrote ‘The Pill’ about using birth control to take agency over her life, it caused an uproar, but she didn’t back down.” Following Lynn’s example, LGBTQ country musicians are refusing to stand backstage. “Karen says that if we let the Republicans have the pedal steel, they win,” Conley said. “It’s a joke, but it’s also true. Just because the right has claimed ownership over country music doesn’t mean we should cede it. Country music can absolutely be music for liberation, and queer country music is one great way to do that.”

Lavender Country is the evening’s headliner. They personify the concept of bringing the principles of liberation to country music. The band has been openly gay since the day Patrick Haggerty founded it more than forty years ago. “Lavender Country was a community effort for sure,” says Haggerty. “By us, from us, for us; the Stonewall Rebellion crowd. Seattle’s out of the closet LGBTQ folks were on the move, doing all manner of bold, creative projects in 1973. Lavender Country was one of them. The community raised the money for the studio, promoted and distributed the bootleg album through a post office box and came to our shows.” It was a courageous if difficult move to make at the time. “We knew gay country was absurd for mass distribution, and that was our saving grace,” said Haggerty. “It allowed us to pour our hurt and angry hearts out without compromise to any agent, label, or music executive. They weren’t going to bite on gay country no matter what we said. The door was slammed shut for years for gay country, but we didn’t care. We were pissed off, so we made our statement.” Conley credits Lavender Country for opening doors for himself and many other of today’s performers.

“I think that my show and Queer Country Quarterly in New York probably would not exist if not for Lavender Country,” he said. “Even though I didn’t know about them when I first started this series up, I know that it was their boldness, their refusal to accept the lie that country music and queer sexuality and politics couldn’t co-exist that created the space in the world for us to do this today.” Lavender Country aren’t the only voices to inspire Conley. “I was doing an interview with Eric Jansen of Out in the Bay on KALW,” he recalled. “He told me about Mark Weigle, a folk/country artist from the Bay Area who was making records in the 1990s and early 2000s with songs like ‘The Two Cowboy Waltz.’ I went home and ordered that CD right away. Queer country has a history. It’s just not one that it’s easy to find. You have to do some digging, but it’s there. I consider what I’m doing not to be something new, but to be one link in a long chain.”t Queer Country West Coast, with Eli Conley, Lavender Country and The Paisley Fields, Friday May 18, 8pm at El Rio, 3158 Mission Street. www.elriosf.com www.eliconley.com facebook.com/LavenderCountry www.thepaisleyfields.com

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Brooke Porter

Eli Conley

Music>>

May 10-16, 2018 • Bay Area Reporter • 31

Playmates and soul mates...

San Francisco:

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

Brendan James

Goin’ to the Chapel

From page 27

But asked about his passions, he quickly notes, “I’m a failed musician.” A longtime San Franciscan, Hanson –who humbly declined to have his photograph published in the newspaper– played keyboards in three bands during his teens and twenties. He reminisces fondly about Saturday afternoons spent browsing the vinyl bins and holing up in the listening booths in Tower Records at Market and Noe. Now 50, he may have set aside his own rock-and-roll fantasies. But rather than nursing regrets or letting himself slip away from the music scene, he has funneled his enthusiasm into what might be called

Functional Fandom. Tapping into his entrepreneurial spirit, Hanson is finding ways to boost the careers of relatively under-the-radar artists who he feels are worthy of much broader public attention. “I’m a huge fan of live music,” Hanson says. “I’ve always loved going to shows. But over the years, I’ve grown more and more disappointed at what seems to me is a shift in our culture. People don’t come out to see and celebrate up and coming artists like they used to. I want to help create some momentum.” Thus Hanson has created a benefit with multiple beneficiaries: BCEF, three outstanding performers –Brendan James, Mia Dyson and Gregory Douglass– and the audience who will get to hear these

acts in an extraordinarily optimized setting. “The Chapel is my favorite venue in town,” says Hanson of the converted church on Valencia Street. “It’s a really high ceilinged room, but very intimate. The energy and the acoustics are always great.” Unlike the organizers of many grassroots fundraising efforts, Hanson does not ask performers to donate or discount their time. “I’m fortunate enough to be in a position to help causes I care about. I pay all of the performers’ costs, including travel and housing. So every dollar that comes in the door through ticket sales will go directly to BCEF. I could just give cash, but I want to do something that gets the public involved, to invite others to help make a difference. I selected the artists for this show based on their music. It deserves to be heard. It’s very heartfelt music, by very heartcentered individuals.” At The Chapel, New Hampshirebased Brendan James, who cites James Taylor, Paul Simon and Death Cab for Cutie among his influences, will have the opportunity play his optimism-infused, piano-centered folk pop with a full band –a luxury he had to forego on his recent selffinanced U.S. solo tour. Bluesy guitarist Dyson and L.A.based Douglass –who Hanson describes as having “a beautiful dark cynicism that works as a great counterpoint to James”– will also perform with full accompaniment. Hanson is also bringing in a videographer and mobile multi-track recording studio. Everyone who buys a ticket is going to be part of a live album, and the performers will also get video and audio that they are free to use to help promote their careers. Like unsung musical talent, says Hanson, “BCEF is a personal cause for me. My grandmother died of breast cancer, and I have people in my life who are currently dealing with cancer.” BCEF is dedicated to providing quick, compassionate financial assistance to low-income patients in an effort to reduce hardship, improve quality of life and allow patients to focus on their health rather than stressing out over monetary considerations. In addition to general admission tickets, Hanson is also offering a VIP experience with catered refreshments, an artist meet-andgreet and an up-close acoustic set by the musicians. As with the GA tickets, 100% of the purchase price will go directly to BCEF. It’s an artful way to support healthcare, and a healthy way to support the arts.t BCEF Benefit Concert, Sunday, May 30, 8pm. The Chapel, 777 Valencia Street. Tickets: $25 GA, $75 VIP. www.thechapelsf.com

Above: Mia Dyson Below: Gregory Douglass

Learn more about the performers: www.brendanjames.com www.miadyson.com www.gregorydouglass.com

<< Nightlife Events

32 • Bay Area Reporter • May 10-16, 2018

Thu 17 Diane Amos at Comedy Returns’ tenth anniversary show @ El Rio

Friday Nights at the Ho @ White Horse Bar, Oakland

The Speakeasy @ Secret Location

Dance it up at the historic (and still hip) East Bay bar. 9pm-2am. 6551 Telegraph Ave. www.whitehorsebar.com

The ongoing ‘theatre, booze, gambling and retro costumes’ participatory experience takes you back to Prohibition-era debauchery. $50-$90. Fri & Sat thru June 16. https://www.thespeakeasysf.com

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

Gaymer Night @ SF Eagle Video games and gays galore. 8pm2am. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

Gogo Fridays @ Toad Hall Hot dancers grind it at the Castro bar with a dance floor and patio. 4146 18th St. www.toadhallbar.com

Nightlife Events

Happy Friday @ Midnight Sun The popular video bar ends each work week with hot gogo guys (starting at 9pm) and drink specials; also Saturday nights. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com

May 10-17

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

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

Junk @ Powerhouse MrPam and Dulce de Leche cohost the weekly underwear strip night and contest, with sexy prizes. $5. 10pm2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

Long Island Thursdays @ White Horse Bar, Oakland

Royal Variety Show @ Moby Dick

Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge

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

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

RuPaul’s Drag Race @ Various Venues Watch Season 10 of the competing drag queens show, with yet again no Bay Area contestants (eyeroll). At Oasis, Beaux, Moby Dick, Oakland’s Port Bar, and other bars.

Sundance Saloon @ Space 550 The Country-Western line-dancing two-stepping dance event celebrates 20 years. Free thru April 29; $5 after. 5pm-10:30pm. Also Sundays. 550 Barneveld Ave. sundancesaloon.org

Thursday Night Live @ SF Eagle

Get snockered with cheap drinks at the historic gay bar. 9pm-2am. 6551 Telegraph Ave, (510) 652-3820. www.whitehorsebar.com

Madeleine Peyroux @ Freight & Salvage, Berkeley The accomplished jazz singer performs music from her 8 albums, and her newest, Anthem, with her band. Carsie Blanton opens. $45-$60. 8pm. Thru May 13 (7pm). 2020 Addison St., Berkeley. www.thefreight.org

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

Trog Live @ Oasis Matthew Martin, Adam Roy and others star in Michael Phillis’ campy rewrite of Joan Crawford’s no-budget final film about an anthropologist and a troglodyte. $27.50-$40. Fri-Sun 7pm. Thru May 12. 298 11th St. sfoasis.com

Martini Thursdays @ Trax

Latin Explosion @ Club 21

Bear Happy Hour @ Midnight Sun Hairy men and their pals enjoy 2-for-1 drinks and no cover. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com

NightLife @ California Academy of Sciences The museum parties showcase science topics and provide ample space for dancing, schmoozing and spectating. $12-$15. 6pm-10pm. 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. https://www.calacademy. org/nightlife

Fri 11 Cubcake @ Lone Star Saloon

Picante @ The Cafe

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

Sat 12 Bootie @ DNA Lounge Resident DJs and guests spin at the mash-up DJ dance party, with Adrian A, Mysterious D; four rooms of different sounds and eight DJs; The Monster Drag Show hosted by Sue Casa. $10-$15 and up. 9:30pm3am. 375 11th St. www.bootiesf.com www.dnalounge.com

La Bota Loca @ Club 21, Oakland Banda Los Shakas performs live at the LGBT Latinx night. $10. 9pm-4am. 2111 Franklin St. club21oakland.com

La Bomba Latina @ Club OMG Drag show with DJ Jaffeth. $5. 9pm2am. 43 6th St. www.clubomgsf.com

Boy Division @ Cat Club The New Wave queer night this time goes “Spring Disco,” multiple sounds in two rooms by DJs Xander, Starr. Proceeds go to SF Pride’s Community Stage. Raffle prizes and concert ticket giveaways (Franz Ferdinand, Psychedelic Furs). $5-$10. 9:30pm3am. 1190 Folsom St. sfcatclub.com

Fri 11 Laura and Linda Benanti @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko

Cubcake Lone Star Saloon Laura and Linda Benanti @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko

Various DJs play house music, and a few hotties gogo dance at the new gay bar’s weekly event. 9pm-2am. 2023 Broadway. (510) 823-2099. portbaroakland.com

Fantasy Friday @ Divas

Lick It @ Powerhouse Lance Holman’s monthly leather and kink night. $5. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

New weekly LGBT night at the East Bay restaurant/bar. 8pm-11:30pm. 4000 South El Camino Real, San Mateo. http://qubebargrill.com/

Red Hots Burlesque @ The Stud Gooch

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

The Tony-winning musical theatre actress performs with her mother in a new cabaret show, The Story Goes On. $78-$125. 8pm. May 12, 8p. May 13 5pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. www.feinsteinsatthenikko.com

Prism @ Qube Bar & Grill, San Mateo

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

Queer Karaoke @ Club OMG

The saucy women’s burlesque show will titillate and tantalize, with guests Alotta Boutté, Shells Bells, Bo Vixxen, Violet Streak, and other guests. $10$20. 7pm-9pm. 399 9th St. www.redhotsburlesque.com

Rose & Javi @ Trax The Haight gay bar’s weekly music video and cocktails night. 9pm-1am. 1437 Haight St www.traxbarsf.com/

Rice Rockettes @ Lookout

Skate Night @ Church on 8 Wheels

Local and visiting Asian drag queens’ weekly show with DJ Philip Grasso. $5. 10:30pm show. 3600 16th St. www.lookoutsf.com Enjoy hard rock and punk music from DJ Don Baird at the wonderfully divey SoMa bar. Also Fridays. 7pm-2am. 1369 Folsom St. 431-4695. hitws.com

The popular women’s dance party, with DJs Dree and Whitney Day; proceeds benefit NCLR. $15. 10pm2am. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

The weekly happy hour event for bearded guys and their fans. 4149 18th St., 5pm. www.edgesf.com

Lulu and DJ Marco’s Latin night with sexy gogo guys. 9pm-2am. 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com

Rock Fag @ Hole in the Wall

The popular Latin club includes drag shows, with gogo guys, drink specials and table reservations available. $10$20. 10pm-3am. 2111 Franklin St., Oakland. www.club21oakland.com

Uhaul @ Oasis

Bears & Booze @ The Edge

DTF Fridays @ Port Bar, Oakland

Gooch

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

DH Haute Toddy’s weekly electro-pop night with hotty gogos. $3. 9pm-2am (happy hour 4pm-9pm). 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com

Toga party at the popular bears and cubs night, with DJ Chaka Quan. 9pm-2am. 1354 Harrison St. www.lonestarsf.com

The Haight gay bar offers cheap gin & vodka cocktails. 1437 Haight St. www.traxbarsf.com

The Monster Show @ The Edge

Hard Fridays @ Qbar

Fri 11

Thu 10 Matthew Martin and Adam Roy in Trog Live @ Oasis

Groove on wheels at the former Sacred Heart Church-turned disco roller skate party space, hosted by John D. Miles. 7pm-11pm. Sat afternoon sessions 1pm-2:30pm and 3pm-5:30pm. $10. Kids 12 and under $5. Skate rentals $5. 554 Fillmore St. at Fell. www.churchof8wheels.com

Equality Awards @ Westin St. Francis Equality California’s awards cermony and gala fundraiser, with MC Dana Goldberg. $250 and up. 6pm-11pm. 335 Powell St. www.eqca.org

House Party @ Powerhouse DJ Mohammad, groovy furniture and rugs make for fun. $5. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

Jack Dynis @ Hotel Rex Stuck in a Dream With Me, a cabaret concert with the vocalist and a three-piece band. $45-$60. 8pm. 562 Sutter St. https://societycabaret.com

Joey Alexander @ Yoshi’s Oakland The Grammy-nominated young Balinese piano prodigy performs with his band. $44-$84. 7:30pm & 9:30pm. May 13, 7pm & 9pm. 510 Embarcadero West. www.yoshis.com

LSDXOXO @ The Stud Dance to grooves by LSDXOXO, davOmakesbeats and Jasmine Infiniti. $5-$10. 10pm-4am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

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

Mother @ Oasis

Sun 13 Apocrypha @ SF Eagle Post-beer bust goth rock night with DJ Spazatron. $7. 7pm-12am. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

Beer Bust @ Lone Star Saloon

Heklina’s popular drag show, with special guests and great music themes. DJ MC2 plays grooves. May 12 is a Hamilton tribute night, with a dozen drag king and queen talents. $10. 10pm-3am (11:30pm show). 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

Beer, bears, food and beats at the weekly fundraiser for various local charities; April 29, Inferno Softball Team. $15. 4pm-8pm. 1354 Harrison St. www.lonestarsf.com

Nitty Gritty @ Beaux

Fundraiser and fun, with proceeds going to local nonprofits. $10. 4pm7pm. 4149 18th St. www.edgesf.com

Josh Carmichael with DJ Salazer host the tattoo appreciation night. $10. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

Beverage Benefit @ The Edge

Pound Puppy, BLUF @ SF Eagle

Stanley Frank spins house dance remixes at the intimate Castro dance bar. $3. 9pm-2am (weekly beer bust 2pm-9pm). 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com

Sat 12 Joey Alexander @ Yoshi’s Oakland

Shake It Up @ Port Bar, Oakland DJ Lady Char spins dance grooves; gogo studs, and drink specials, too. 9pm-2am. 2023 Broadway. (510) 823-2099. www. portbaroakland.com

Sugar @ The Cafe Dance, drink, cruise at the Castro club, with DJs Gay Marvine, Taco Tuesday and Matthew XO. 9pm-2am. 2369 Market St. www.cafesf.com

WooWoo’s Cirq-Us @ Renegades, San Jose South Bay’s popular drag show, hosted by WooWoo Monroe; 2nd & 4th Saturdays. $5. 10pm-2am. 501 Taylor St. (408) 275-9902. https:// twitter.com/renegadesbarsj

Writers With Drinks @ The Make Out Room Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich, Allegra Huston, Irene Tu, C.B. Lee, Cyrus Farivar and Maw Shein Win read/perform, with MC Charlie Jane Anders. $5-$20. 7:30pm. 3225 22nd St.

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

Flagging in the Park @ Nat’l AIDS Memorial Grove The celebratory outdoor flow arts picnic and party returns, with DJ Jamie J Sanchez. Donations go to Openhouse. BYO food, drinks, blankets, etc. 1pm-4pm. Nancy Pelosi Drive at Bowling Green, Golden Gate Park. http:// www.flaggercentral.com/

Take a break from your burdens with a few rounds of video games and some specialty beers. No cover. 2200 Market St. www. brewcadesf.com

Sat 12 WooWoo’s Cirq-Us @ Renegades, San Jose

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

Jock @ The Lookout Big Gay Beer Bust @ The Cinch Benefits and plenty of beer at the historic neighborhood bar. 3pm-7pm. 1723 Polk St. www.cinchsf.com

Big Top @ Beaux Enjoy an extra weekend night at the fun Castro nightclub, plus hot local DJs and sexy gogo guys and gals. $8. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.Beauxsf.com

Blessed @ Port Bar, Oakland Carnie Asada’s fun drag night with Carnie’s Angels Mahlae Balenciaga and Au Jus, plus DJ Ion. 2023 Broadway. www.portbaroakland.com

Sun 13 Flagging in the Park @ National AIDS Memorial Grove

Sauna @ Halcyon Gus Presents’ T-dance, with DJs Jerry Bonham, Steve fabus and Paul Goodyear spinning classic disco and hi-NRG, iTalo and early House anthems. $30-$40. 6pm-12am. 314 11th St. www.guspresents.com

Sunday’s a Drag @ Starlight Room The weekly brunch and drag show with a panoramic view. $45. 11am, show at noon; 1:30pm, show at 2:30pm. 450 Powell St. in Union Square. 395-8595. www.starlightroomsf.com

Sunday Brunch @ Thee Parkside Bottomless Mimosas until 3pm at the fun rock-punk club. 1600 17th St. 2521330. www.theeparkside.com

Mon 14 Epic Karaoke @ White Horse, Oakland Mondays and Tuesdays popular weekly sing-along night. No cover. 8:30pm-1am. 6551 Telegraph Ave, (510) 652-3820. whitehorsebar.com

Gaymer Meetup @ Brewcade

Game Heaven @ Brewcade

Soul Party @ Elbo Room DJs Lucky, Paul, and Phengren Osward spin ‘60s soul 45s. $5-$10 ($5 off in semi-formal attire). 10pm2am. 647 Valencia St. 5527788. www.elbo.com

The fab monthly drag king cabaret show, cohosted by Leigh Crow and Ruby Vixen, this time celebrates Prom, with Rebel Kings Of Oakland, Fontaine Blue, MeatFlap, Tyson Check’In, Chester Vanderbox and Jay Mercury. Don your ruffled shirts and tuxedos, or drag out a prom dress. $10-$20 ($200 front row champagne tables). 6pm-10pm (7pm show). 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

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

Revamped night at the popular hip hop and Latin dance club. $5-$15. 9pm to 3am. 2120 Broadway. (510) 759-7340. www.club-bnb.com

Saturgay @ Qbar

Dandy @ Oasis

Domingo De Escandal @ Club OMG

The Playground @ Club BNB, Oakland

The popular, Bestie-winning monthly night of cool grooves and dudes combines with the leather men of BLUF. $10. 10pm-2am. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

May 10-16, 2018 • Bay Area Reporter • 33

Enjoy the weekly jock-ular fun, with DJed dance music at sports team fundraisers. 12pm-1am. NY DJ Sharon White from 3pm-6pm. 3600 16th St. www.lookoutsf.com

PoleSexual @ The Stud Third anniversary night of the sexy varity burlesque show and dance party. $5-$10. 10pm-2am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

Queer Tango @ Finnish Hall, Berkeley Same-sex partner tango dancing, including lessons for newbies, food and drinks. $5-$10. 3:30pm-6:30pm. 1970 Chestnut St, Berkeley. www.finnishhall.org

Xavier Caylor

Nightlife Events>>

The weekly LGBT video game enthusiast night includes big-screen games and signature beers, with a new remodeled layout, including an outdoor patio. No cover. 7pm-11pm. 2200 Market St. www.brewcadesf.com

Happy Hour @ The Cinch Happy hour at the historic neighborhood bar. 5pm-8pm. 1723 Polk St. www.cinchsf.com

Karaoke Night @ SF Eagle Sing along, with host Beth Bicoastal, plus prizes, local celeb judges, and $2 draft beer. 8pm-12am. 398 12th St. www.sf-eagle.com

Hubba Hubba Revue @ DNA Lounge Manarchy, the male burlesque revue, is featured at the weekly women burlesque show. $7-$12. 9pm11:30pm. 375 11th St. www.dnalounge.com

Munro’s at Midnight @ Midnight Sun Drag night with Mercedez Munro. No cover. 10pm. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com

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

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

Opulence @ Beaux Weekly dance night, with Jocques, DJs Tori, Twistmix and Andre. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

See page 34 >>

<< Nightlife Events

34 • Bay Area Reporter • May 10-16, 2018

Miss Kitty’s Trivia Night @ Wild Side West

Franz Ferdinand @ The Fox Oakland

Nap’s Karaoke @ Virgil’s Sea Room

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

The fun Scottish pop band performs at the beautiful theatre. $38. 8pm. 1807 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. www.franzferdinand.com

Sing out loud at the weekly least judgmental karaoke in town, hosted by the former owner of the bar. No cover. 9pm. 3152 Mission St. 8292233. www.virgilssf.com

Movie Night @ SF Eagle Enjoy drinks and a flick, with trivia games and prizes. 8pm-2am. 398 12th St. www.sf-eagle.com

Pan Dulce @ Beaux

Wed 16

Drag divas, gogo studs, DJed Latin grooves and drinks. 9pm-2am (free before 10:30pm). 2344 Market St. www.clubpapi.com

Tricky @ Mezzanine

Queeraoke @ El Rio

Nightlife Events

From page 33

Trivia Night @ Hi Tops

Pillows @ Powerhouse

Play the trivia game at the popular new sports bar. 9pm. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com

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

Trivia Night @ Port Bar, Oakland

Piano Bar 101 @ Martuni’s Sing-along night with talented locals, and charming accompanist Joe Wicht. 9pm. 4 Valencia St. at Market.

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

Tue 15 Celebrity Bartender Night @ Verso George Lopez and NFL players are among the stars who mix drinks for the charity The Fam 1st Family Foundation (youth mentoring and after-school programs). $100 and up. 7pm-10pm. 1525 Mission St. www.fam1stfamilyfoundation.org

Cock Shot @ Beaux The weeknight party gets Folsomy, with leather gear dress code, host Leo Forte and a $100 kink gear contest; DJ Chad Bays spins sexy grooves. No cover. 9pm-2am. 2344 Market St. www.beauxsf.com

Gaymer Night @ Midnight Sun Weekly fun night of games (video, board and other) and cocktails. 8pm12am. 4067 18th St. www.midnightsunsf.com

High Fantasy @ Aunt Charlie’s Lounge Weekly drag and variety show, with live acts and lip-synching divas, plus DJed grooves. $5. Shows at 10:30pm & 12am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com

Hysteria Comedy @ Martuni’s Open mic for women and queer comics, with host Irene Tu. 6pm-8pm. 4 Valencia St.

Karaoke Night @ The Stud Sing Till It Hurts with hostess Sister Flora; 2 for 1 happy hour, no cover, plus raffle prize drawings. 8pm-2am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

Karaoke Cocktails @ Ginger’s The new basement tribute to the old Ginger’s Trois hosts a weekly singing fun. 8pm-12am. 86 Hardie Place. www.gingers.bar

Naked Night @ Nob Hill Theatre

Cranny hosts a big gay trivia night at the new East Bay bar; drinks specials and prizes. 7:30pm. 2023 Broadway. www.portbaroakland.com

Vice Tuesdays @ Q Bar Queer femme and friends dance party with hip hop, Top 40 and throwbacks at the stylish intimate bar, with DJs Val G and Iris Triska. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. www.QbarSF.com

Wed 16 Bondage-a-Gogo @ The Cat Club The weekly gay/straight/whatever fetish-themed kinky dance night. $7$10. 9:30pm-2:30am. 1190 Folsom St. www.bondage-a-go-go.com www.catclubsf.com

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

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

Castro Karaoke @ Midnight Sun Sing out with host Bebe Sweetbriar; 2 for 1 well drinks. 8pm-2am. 4067 18th St. 861-4186. www.midnightsunsf.com

Wrangler Wednesdays @ Rainbow Cattle Company, Guerneville Wear your jeans and meet new folks at the Russian River gay bar. 16220 Main St., Guerneville. www.queersteer.com

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

Freeball Wednesdays @ The Cinch Free pool and drink specials at the historic neighborhood bar. 8pm-1am. 1723 Polk St. www.cinchsf.com

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

Gym Class @ Hi Tops Enjoy whiskey shots from jockstrapped hotties and sexy sports videos at the popular sports bar. 10pm-2am. 2247 Market St. 551-2500. www.HiTopsSF.com

Hoe is Life @ The Stud Slutty party for those inclined, or reclined. $5-$10. 10pm-2am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

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

Nice Jewish Boys @ Virgil’s Sea Room Keshet’s gay Jewish social group meets up with friends. 7pm. 3152 Mission St. http://www.virgilssf.com/

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

Throwback Thursdays @ Qbar Enjoy retro ‘80s soul, dance and pop classics with DJ Jorge Terez. No cover. 9pm-2am. 456 Castro St. QbarSF.com

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

Thu 17 Beer Bust @ Lone Star Saloon Weekly beer bust and benefit for local charities. 9pm-11pm. 1354 Harrison St. www.lonestarsf.com

Comedy Returns @ El Rio Tenth anniversary show for the popular night, with Diane Amos, (The Pine Sol Lady), Ngaio Bealum, Mark Pitta, Bob McIntyre, and MC Lisa Geduldig, plus a celebratory afterparty with food. $7-$20. 7pm (note earlier time). 3158 Mission St. www.elriosf.com

Thu 17 Franz Ferdinand @ The Fox Oakland

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

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Hump @ Powerhouse

Retro Night @ 440 Castro

Michael Feinstein @ Feinstein’s at the Nikko

Single, or a couple looking for an extra? Cruise it up. $5. 5pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

The cool hip hop singer performs; Young Magic and Aaron Axelson open. $30. 9pm. 444 Jessie St. www.mezzaninesf.com

Dick at Nite @ Moby Dick

DJ Jim Collins spins vinyl grooves at the weeknight event. $5-$10. 10pm2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

Stag @ Powerhouse

Tricky @ Mezzanine

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

Strip down with the strippers at the clothing-optional night. $20. 9pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com Jim Hopkins plays classic pop oldies, with vintage music videos. 9pm-2am. 44 Castro St. www.the440.com

Dulce de Leche and Rahni NothingMore, Beth Bicoastal, Ginger Snap and Thee Pristine Condition perform, plus karaoke for queens. 9pm. 3158 Mission St. www.elriosf.com

Comedy Showcase @ SF Eagle

Follies & Dollies @ White Horse Bar, Oakland

Fifth anniversary celebration of the classy cabaret venue, with the owner himself performing. $64-$105 ($20 food/drink min.). 7pm. May 17-19 8pm. May 20, 5pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. www.feinsteinsatthenikko.com

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May 10-16, 2018 • Bay Area Reporter • 35

Shining Stars Steven Underhill Photos by

Cinco de Mayo @ Castro Bars D

espite being an obscure battle victory in Mexican history, for patrons of Castro bars 440, Toad Hall, The Edge, Midnight Sun, Moby Dick and Twin Peaks, the May 5 holiday remains an excuse for margaritas and specialty cocktails. Some folks also enjoyed some be-hatted Kentucky Derby celebrations. See plenty more photos on BARtab’s Facebook page, facebook.com/lgbtsf.nightlife. See more of Steven Underhill’s photos at StevenUnderhill.com.