September 21, 2017 Edition of the Bay Area Reporter by Bay Area Reporter

HAPPY LEATHER PRIDE WEEK The

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

D’Arcy Drollinger and Sergio Lobito in “Bitch Slap.”

Merchants hear plans for Castro hotel

Vol. 47 • No. 38 • September 21-27, 2017

Folsom fair nixes beer partner

f you were hoping to purchase a cold one at this Sunday’s Folsom Street Fair served up by hot men (or women) wearing wrestling singlets, you’re out of luck. Golden Gate Wrestling Club, a longtime participant of the Folsom Street Fair, is feeling left out this year, after its application to have a beer booth at this year’s festival, set for Sunday, September 24, was rejected.

by Tony Taylor

he forgettable facade of 4230 18th Street might become the site of the Castro district’s first official hotel. While details of the development are being kept mostly under wraps – and it’s not expected to go before planning officials for See page 15 >>

Mr. Pam

by Seth Hemmelgarn

A drawing of the proposed Hotel Castro

Folsom Street Fair sees a brisk business at beverage booths.

See page 15 >> Steven Underhill

Legislators send CA governor 7 LGBT bills Courtesy Hotel Castro

by Matthew S. Bajko

tate lawmakers sent Governor Jerry Brown seven LGBTrelated bills this session that, if signed into law, will change how California oversees identification documents for transgender or gender non-conforming people, penalizes people who are HIV-positive, and tracks registered sex offenders. The number of state agencies required to collect LGBT demographic information will expand and LGBT seniors living in assisted care facilities will have greater rights under legislation that lawmakers adopted by the September 15 deadline. LGBT advocates are optimistic that Brown will sign all of the legislation into law in the coming weeks. He has until October 15 to do so. “Overall, we are ecstatic because our priority bills all got through,” said Rick Zbur, executive director of the statewide LGBT advocacy organization Equality California, which worked with lawmakers to advance its sponsored legislation. “The five bills that were the most challenging all were passed by both houses of the Legislature.”

State Senator Scott Wiener

State Senator Toni Atkins

The most controversial of the quintet was Senate Bill 695, which creates a three-tiered system for California’s Sex Offender Registry with registration periods of upward of 10 years, 20 years, or life. It had been shelved by the Assembly Appropriations Committee but was revived by its lead author, gay state Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), through a process known as gut-and-amend and was one of the

last bills of the session to be passed early Saturday morning. The bill, which Brown expressed support for, will allow those on the registry who were targeted and arrested by police under former statutes that criminalized homosexual sex between adults, such as stings using undercover cops in public parks or at highway rest areas, to petition to be removed from it. Highrisk offenders will remain on the

Assemblyman David Chiu

registry for life, while others will be able to petition to be removed after either 10 or 20 years without reoffending, depending on their offense. “This bill was written by law enforcement and supported by rape crisis advocates because they know we need a sex offender registry system that actually works to protect people from those who pose a significant risk of committing sexual violence,” stated Wiener.

Senators Joel Anderson (RAlpine), Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles), and Nancy Skinner (DBerkeley) co-authored the bill. California is one of only four states that require lifetime registration for all convicted sex offenders. The state’s current list of more than 100,000 people is so expansive that it is of little use to law enforcement, argued advocates of the legislation. “Our current registry system is broken and burdensome for law enforcement to use, and wastes resources by requiring law enforcement to monitor low-level offenders who pose little to no risk of committing any crime,” stated Wiener. Initially, gay state Senator Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) had authored the bill but later switched with Wiener to focus on other legislation, such as his tabled single-payer health care bill he co-authored with lesbian state Senator Toni Atkins (D-San Diego). A special legislative committee is looking at how to pay for such a policy, and that bill should be taken up again next year. Another bill co-authored by Wiener that sparked controversy See page 15 >>

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YOU MATTER AND SO DOES YOUR HEALTH

That’s why starting and staying on HIV-1 treatment is so important.

WHAT IS DESCOVY®? DESCOVY is a prescription medicine that is used together with other HIV-1 medicines to treat HIV-1 in people 12 years and older. DESCOVY is not for use to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection. DESCOVY combines 2 medicines into 1 pill taken once a day. Because DESCOVY by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1, it must be used together with other HIV-1 medicines.

•

Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.

•

Bone problems, such as bone pain, softening, or thinning, which may lead to fractures. Your healthcare provider may do tests to check your bones.

DESCOVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. To control HIV-1 infection and decrease HIV-related illnesses, you must keep taking DESCOVY. Ask your healthcare provider if you have questions about how to reduce the risk of passing HIV-1 to others. Always practice safer sex and use condoms to lower the chance of sexual contact with body ﬂuids. Never reuse or share needles or other items that have body ﬂuids on them.

The most common side effect of DESCOVY is nausea. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or don’t go away. What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking DESCOVY? •

All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis virus infection.

•

All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Other medicines may affect how DESCOVY works. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. Ask your healthcare provider if it is safe to take DESCOVY with all of your other medicines.

•

If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if DESCOVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking DESCOVY.

•

If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION What is the most important information I should know about DESCOVY? DESCOVY may cause serious side effects: •

Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. DESCOVY is not approved to treat HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV and stop taking DESCOVY, your HBV may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking DESCOVY without ﬁrst talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health.

What are the other possible side effects of DESCOVY? Serious side effects of DESCOVY may also include: •

•

Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to ﬁght infections. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking DESCOVY.

Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. Your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking DESCOVY if you develop new or worse kidney problems.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Please see Important Facts about DESCOVY, including important warnings, on the following page.

Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.

Ask your healthcare provider if an HIV-1 treatment that contains DESCOVY® is right for you.

IMPORTANT FACTS

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

(des-KOH-vee)

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT DESCOVY

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF DESCOVY

DESCOVY may cause serious side effects, including:

DESCOVY can cause serious side effects, including:

• Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. DESCOVY is not approved to treat HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking DESCOVY. Do not stop taking DESCOVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.

• Those in the “Most Important Information About DESCOVY” section.

ABOUT DESCOVY • DESCOVY is a prescription medicine that is used together with other HIV-1 medicines to treat HIV-1 in people 12 years of age and older. DESCOVY is not for use to help reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection. • DESCOVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. Ask your healthcare provider about how to prevent passing HIV-1 to others.

BEFORE TAKING DESCOVY Tell your healthcare provider if you: • Have or had any kidney, bone, or liver problems, including hepatitis infection. • Have any other medical condition. • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

• Changes in your immune system. • New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. • Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. • Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. • Bone problems. The most common side effect of DESCOVY is nausea. These are not all the possible side effects of DESCOVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking DESCOVY.

• Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby.

Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with DESCOVY.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:

GET MORE INFORMATION

• Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. • Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with DESCOVY.

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

HOW TO TAKE DESCOVY • DESCOVY is a one pill, once a day HIV-1 medicine that is taken with other HIV-1 medicines. • Take DESCOVY with or without food.

DESCOVY, the DESCOVY Logo, LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. All other marks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. Version date: April 2017 © 2017 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. DVYC0054 06/17

DVYC0054_D_9-75x16_BayAreaReporter_Drew_r1v1jl.indd 3

9/6/17 10:59 AM

Community News>>

September 21-27, 2017 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 5

Health panel hears of drop in HIV infections by Liz Highleyman

prevent new infections and ensure the health and well-being of people with HIV is through these comprehensive services, with a focus on our most vulnerable populations.”

he health department presented its latest HIV epidemiology report at a San Francisco Health Commission meeting Tuesday, September 19, showing that new HIV diagnoses continue to decline, with decreases seen across racial and ethnic groups. But some groups, including homeless people, still have higher rates of infection and poorer treatment outcomes. “Highlights of this year’s HIV annual report include a 16 percent decline in new diagnoses to 223 – the lowest number ever reported in San Francisco,” Susan Scheer, director of the DPH’s HIV Epidemiology Section, told the Bay Area Reporter. “This means we have cut new diagnoses by over half since 2006.” This year’s 16 percent decline follows a similar decrease of 15 percent in the 2015 annual report. “We were worried that this steep decline would start to level off, but it hasn’t yet,” Scheer told the commissioners. The latest findings indicate that San Francisco is making progress toward achieving the goals of its Getting to Zero initiative: zero new HIV infections, zero deaths due to HIV/AIDS, and zero stigma against people living with HIV by 2020. “New HIV infections in San Francisco are declining at a faster rate than ever, and the city continues to do better than the nation in reducing new infections,” Health Director Barbara Garcia said in a DPH media statement. “Better yet, new infections are dropping among all groups, including African-American and Latino men, and we are starting to close the disparity gap. It is essential that we focus on disparities in order to get to zero.”

New and total HIV cases

The report, which covers data through the end of 2016, shows that the number of new HIV diagnoses in San Francisco fell from 265 in 2015 to 223 in 2016, continuing a decade-long drop. Experts attribute the decline to a combination of factors, including increased testing, the advent of PrEP for HIV prevention, and early antiretroviral therapy. Studies have conclusively shown that HIV-negative people who consistently take Truvada (tenofovir/ emtricitabine) for PrEP can reduce their risk of HIV infection by around 90 percent or more, while HIV-positive people on effective treatment with undetectable viral load do not transmit the virus through sex. A large majority of people newly diagnosed with HIV in 2016 were men (87 percent, or 193 individuals), while 11 percent (25 individuals) were women, and 2 percent (five individuals) were trans women. By transmission category, 70 percent (156 individuals) were men who have sex with men, 9 percent (21 individuals) were people who inject drugs, another 9 percent fell into both these categories, and 6 percent (14 individuals) were heterosexual. Among gay and bisexual men, the report also noted an increase in sexually transmitted diseases, especially gonorrhea. By race/ethnicity, 39 percent of newly diagnosed people (86 individuals) were white, 28 percent (63 individuals) were Latino, 15 percent (34 individuals) were African American, and 15 percent (34 individuals) were Asian or Pacific Islander. New diagnoses declined or held steady in all these groups. White people and Asians account for a smaller proportion of newly diagnosed individuals compared with their share of the city’s population (about 54 and 36 percent, respectively, according to the U.S. Census Bureau), while Latinos and black

Disparities in care

Liz Highleyman

Health department officials Susan Scheer, left, and Tracey Packer presented the latest HIV statistics at Tuesday’s health commission meeting.

people accounted for disproportionately more new cases relative to their share of population (about 15 and 6 percent, respectively). The HIV diagnosis rate among black men in 2016 was 96 per 100,000 people – more than double the rate of 39 per 100,000 among white men. However, this was a substantial drop from 140 per 100,000 in 2015. The rate for black women, 43 per 100,000 people, slightly exceeded the rate for white men. One-third of newly diagnosed people in San Francisco were in the 30-39 year age range, followed by those ages 25-29 at 24 percent. Young adults age 18-24 accounted for 14 percent of new HIV diagnoses. The 40-49 year age group and people over 50 each accounted for 15 percent of new cases. No adolescents age 13-17 were found to be HIV-positive in 2016, and no infants or children under 13 have been diagnosed with HIV in San Francisco since 2005. The number of deaths among people with HIV declined from 257 in 2015 to 165 in 2016, but Scheer cautioned that the latest number is an underestimate due to delayed reporting. Deaths from direct HIV- or AIDS-related causes continue to fall, while deaths due to other causes are rising, with the most common being non-AIDS cancers, accidents (including drug overdoses), and heart disease. As the death rate goes down, the number of people living with HIV goes up. At the end of 2016, a total of 16,010 HIV-positive people were residing in San Francisco, accounting for about 2 percent of all people known to be living with HIV in the United States, according to the report. The vast majority of people living with HIV in San Francisco – 92 percent – are men, while 6 percent are women and 2 percent are transgender individuals. More than half (59 percent) are white, 19 percent are Latino, 12 percent are black, 6 percent are Asian/Pacific Islander, and less than 1 percent are Native American. As a consequence of improved survival, the HIV-positive population in San Francisco is aging. Currently 63 percent are over age 50, while 26 percent are over age 60 and 5 percent are over 70. Only around 5 percent of people living with HIV in the city are under age 30. “It’s great news that we’re seeing fewer new HIV diagnoses, better survival, and a lessening of racial/ ethnic disparities, likely as a result of a whole suite of initiatives rolled out by the health department, community-based organizations, clinics, and individual providers,” Dr. Susan Buchbinder, director of DPH’s Bridge HIV program, told the B.A.R. “Now is the time to double down on these efforts, not pull back. The only way to

San Francisco continues to do a better job than the United States as a whole in moving people through the HIV continuum of care from testing to starting treatment to achieving an undetectable viral load. Overall, an estimated 93 percent of people living with HIV know they are positive. The proportion of people who were diagnosed late – meaning they developed AIDS within three months after testing positive – remained at 16 percent, the same as in 2015, but down from 21 percent five years ago. People over age 50 were the most likely to be diagnosed late, at 33 percent. In 2015 (the last year with complete data), 78 percent of newly diagnosed people were linked to care within a month of diagnosis and 64 percent remained in care for three to nine months. That year, 77 percent of newly diagnosed people – or 73 percent of all people currently living with HIV in San Francisco – achieved viral suppression within a year. It took a median of 13 days from HIV diagnosis to treatment initiation and 76 days to reach an undetectable viral load. “Deaths from HIV-related causes have continued to decline and overall linkage to HIV care and viral suppression have improved at the population level,” Scheer told the B.A.R. “Even more impressive, the amount of time it takes people who are newly diagnosed with HIV to link to care and to achieve viral suppression has become much faster. Time to viral suppression has been cut in half since 2012 from five months to two and a half months.” Yet all groups are not benefitting equally from improvements in care. Looking at all HIV-positive people living in San Francisco, men were more likely to achieve viral suppression than cisgender or transgender women (73 percent versus 66 and 67 percent, respectively). White and Asian people (both 75 percent) were more likely than black people (67 percent) or Latinos (69 percent) to become undetectable within a year. Some advocates have suggested that San Francisco’s good progress in preventing and treating HIV is in part related to its small and dwindling black population, as well as the fact that many people at risk for and living with HIV are being displaced from the city due to high housing costs. Scheer told the B.A.R. that it is difficult to determine migration trends among people diagnosed with HIV, but that improvements are being seen in all demographic groups. The report does compare trends among people who were diagnosed in San Francisco versus those currently residing in the city, showing that people who still live here are doing better than those who have left in terms of linkage to care and viral suppression. Underscoring the effect of socioeconomic risk factors, 13 percent of newly diagnosed people, or 28 individuals, were homeless at the time of their diagnosis. Among people currently living with HIV in San Francisco, homeless people were the least likely to achieve viral suppression within a year, at 31 percent – the “most stark disparity” in the report, according to Scheer. “We can’t look at these numbers and not realize that we’re not going to get to zero unless we address housing issues,” Jeff Sheehy, San Francisco’s See page 16 >>

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6 • BAY AREA REPORTER • September 21-27, 2017

Volume 47, Number 38 September 21-27, 2017 www.ebar.com PPUBLISHER Michael M. Yamashita Thomas E. Horn, Publisher Emeritus (2013) Publisher (2003 – 2013) Bob Ross, Founder (1971 – 2003) NEWS EDITOR Cynthia Laird ARTS EDITOR Roberto Friedman BARTAB EDITOR & EVENTS LISTINGS EDITOR Jim Provenzano ASSISTANT EDITORS Matthew S. Bajko • Seth Hemmelgarn CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Ray Aguilera • Tavo Amador • Race Bannon Erin Blackwell • Roger Brigham Brian Bromberger • Victoria A. Brownworth Brent Calderwood • Philip Campbell Heather Cassell • Belo Cipriani Richard Dodds • Michael Flanagan Jim Gladstone • David Guarino Liz Highleyman • Brandon Judell • John F. Karr Lisa Keen • Matthew Kennedy • Joshua Klipp David Lamble • Max Leger Michael McDonagh • David-Elijah Nahmod Michael Nugent • Paul Parish • Sean Piverger Lois Pearlman Tim Pfaff • Jim Piechota Bob Roehr •Donna Sachet • Adam Sandel Khaled Sayed • Jason Serinus • Gregg Shapiro Gwendolyn Smith • 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 • 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

Brown must sign these 3 bills G

overnor Jerry Brown will soon decide the fate of hundreds of bills that legislators passed this session. There are many that he should sign, but we’re focusing on three that would help the LGBTQ community. Senate Bill 239, authored by gay state Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), would modernize the state’s HIV criminalization laws adopted during the height of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s. It has not generated much controversy as it made its way through the Legislature, but some public health advocates may have concerns. They shouldn’t. Under current law, willful transmission of HIV is a felony, while willful transmission of other diseases, no matter how severe, is a misdemeanor. Wiener’s bill repeals the felonies and narrows the misdemeanor charge so that intent and actual HIV infection must be proved. The Health Officers Association of California, which represents the physician health officers of the state’s 61 city and county jurisdictions, now supports the bill after Wiener made amendments that allow health officers to issue a verbal order to address potentially dangerous emergency situations like Ebola or tuberculosis outbreaks. In a letter to Wiener last month, HOAC pointed out that “SB 239 removes outdated, stigmatizing penalties that were written into the California code at a time of great fear and mystery surrounding HIV.” Today, those laws don’t serve to protect the public, and in fact disproportionately impact women, sex workers, and people of color. Wiener has taken on the difficult task of modernizing the state’s HIV criminalization laws. Brown should sign this bill so the state can move forward and help end the stigma that so often accompanies HIV/AIDS. Another of Wiener’s bills, SB 219, would create an LGBT seniors bill of rights. It’s modeled after a San Francisco ordinance and would protect LGBT seniors from discrimination in long-term care facilities in the state. Not surprisingly, antigay groups used scare tactics by falsely claiming that employees would go to jail if they used the wrong pronoun for a patient. Actually, the bill would ensure that long-term care facilities provide proper training so that employees can appropriately care for LGBT patients. LGBT seniors

by Gilda Gonzales

LEGAL COUNSEL Paul H. Melbostad, Esq.

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Don’t blame Pelosi

The young Dreamers who crashed House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi’s San Francisco news conference Monday unleashed their anger on the wrong person. The San Francisco Democrat, who was joined by Representatives Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) and Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael), was trying to address the Dream Act, which would protect immigrants who were brought to the country as children from deportation. Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (DNew York), and others are trying to build support for it, now that President Donald Trump has rescinded the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. President Barack Obama established DACA by executive order a few years ago to help these young immigrants, after the Senate quashed any hope for immigration reform by

rejecting the Dream Act back in 2010. The problem with the Monday protest, which clearly caught Pelosi off guard, is that screaming at politicians who are trying to help you is not constructive. Yes, Pelosi and Schumer met with Trump to reach a deal that would revive DACA in some form so young immigrants can stay here. And the reason they’re working with the president is because for now he is exhibiting a willingness to work with them, rather than his fellow Republicans – an unexpected opportunity. The demonstration that shouted down and ended up forcing Pelosi to leave was a naïve tactic without an understanding of basic civics. As Pelosi has said, Democrats control nothing. They are in the minority in the House and Senate, and, of course, did not win the White House. That means Democrats must work with Republicans to get laws passed, and then signed by Trump. After the administration announced its DACA decision, many Republicans in Congress indicated they wanted to keep the program. That gave an opening to Democrats, who have seized on it in the hopes of getting a bill to Trump. The president, by all accounts, is deeply conflicted about DACA, and would probably sign something if it reached his desk. That’s the political reality under which Pelosi is operating. And that’s the political reality that the Dreamers must accept. Protest at your own peril, because friends don’t like being yelled at. We want the Dreamers to stay – and we didn’t expect Trump’s abrupt turnaround on the matter when we opined on this topic last week; indeed, things looked pretty grim. The only way Dreamers will be able to continue working or going to school is to get some sort of DACA or Dream Act passed in Congress and signed by the president in less than six months. Picking on Pelosi is easy. Sucking it up and advocating for action in a Republican-controlled federal government is harder. Dreamers should be putting pressure on congressional Republicans, especially vulnerable ones in next year’s midterm elections. There are several in California. It’s counterproductive to piss off your strongest ally. Yes, the Dreamers got their 15 minutes of fame but it was at a steep cost. The demonstration made national headlines because it was an embarrassment to Pelosi in her home district rather than the plight of the Dreamers or their urgent message.t

Stand with Planned Parenthood

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BAY AREA REPORTER

often have to go back into the closet when they arrive at what is essentially their home; SB 219 would help alleviate that so our elders can age with dignity. SB 179 – the Gender Recognition Act of 2017 – was authored by lesbian state Senator Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) and Wiener. It is critically important that people are offered the choice to be identified as “non-binary” as the gender on their birth certificates and other documents. Some people don’t identify as male or female, yet government forms almost never offer an alternative. SB 179 would change that in court orders and on state documents. Courts in some counties – and other states – have already started recognizing nonbinary gender markers. The bill would remove the requirement for an applicant to obtain a physician’s sworn statement certifying the extent of medical treatment received during their gender transition, a barrier that Atkins said in a news release is unnecessary. Atkins and Wiener have the support of trans organizations, Equality California, and others. Atkins pointed out that society is “becoming more enlightened every day about gender identity,” and she’s right. The governor has an opportunity to make advances that affect HIV stigma, older LGBTs, and folks who identify as non-binary. He must sign SB 239, SB 219, and SB 179.

s a trusted health care provider in northern California for nearly a century, Planned Parenthood’s strength and commitment are built on the diversity of our staff, the patients we serve, and the community where we live and work. Simply put, we believe that every body deserves expert care. We open our doors to all people, regardless of gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. We welcome patients of all income levels, insurance coverage, and immigration status. We refuse to be driven backward into fear, discrimination, and hate. We stand with people of color and marginalized communities in the struggle for full rights, equality, and justice. We are resolute. This is nothing new for us. In the 1980s, we were the first Planned Parenthood affiliate in the nation to provide HIV testing and counseling. As early as the 1970s, we developed groundbreaking programming such as parent/child sex education workshops. In 1929, we began offering health services in San Francisco. We now serve patients from San Francisco to Mendocino to Eureka. We are one of the strongest and most innovative Planned Parenthood affiliates in the United States. We’re proud to offer gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy for transgender patients. We see this as a service that goes to the heart of our mission. In fact, from 2013 to 2015, there was an 80 percent increase in Planned Parenthood affiliates around the country that reported offering HRT for transgender patients. We were among the first in the nation to offer that essential care. We continue to lead by expanding our capacity to conduct much-needed research. A recent survey of female family planning patients about their understanding of, and attitudes toward, pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, for HIV is a great example. We aim to improve our delivery

Planned Parenthood Northern California CEO Gilda Gonzales

of PrEP and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent HIV infection, and to share our knowledge, even as we expand access to infertility services for our patients along with fast, mobile apps for treatment of urinary tract infections and access to birth control. We know that there are individuals and groups who are vehemently opposed to our work – but that is nothing new. That has been the case since the day that Planned Parenthood came into existence. That is why we persist at Planned Parenthood. We stand against white nationalism and domestic terrorism with the people of Charlottesville, Virginia. We march at Pride and hosted our biggest contingent ever this year in San Francisco. Hundreds of patients, volunteers, and local supporters showed their love for our city and 19 other northern California counties. Great challenges are not only familiar to us, they strengthen our resolve. We will stay true to our mission, protect each other, and defend those

who would be hurt the most by attacks on their bodily integrity, health care or freedom. We will continue to honor and fight for the health and lives of all people by providing access to high quality, nonjudgmental, and compassionate health care and education. No matter what. Here are some ways to help Planned Parenthood Northern California: Visit http://www.ppnorcal.org online to book an appointment or call 1-800-230-PLAN (7526) to visit one of our 20 sites in northern California. Chat online or text PPNOW to 774636 (PPINFO) to get answers to your health questions. Condoms, safer sex supplies, birth control, HIV and STD testing and treatment, and cancer screening are always available. We offer PrEP and PEP, gender-affirming hormone therapy, and counseling. With or without insurance, we’ve got you covered. We offer all our patients expert and confidential services and care. No matter what. You can follow Planned Parenthood Northern California on Facebook and Instagram with @PPNorCal. The Planned Parenthood Northern California Action Fund, a separately incorporated organization, is on Twitter. While on social media, you can: 1. Join our network. 2. Donate to Planned Parenthood Northern California at http://www. ppnorcal.org. 3. Join us on the front lines locally. 4. Speak out against hate: Wherever you are (online or in real life), declare your rejection of hate and your solidarity. Show that you believe every single person is deserving of respect, dignity, and equal rights under the law. 5. Show your solidarity on social media with #IStandWithPP. t Gilda Gonzales is the chief executive officer of Planned Parenthood Northern California.

Politics>>

September 21-27, 2017 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 7

Log Cabin Republicans mark 40th anniversary by Matthew S. Bajko

greater acceptance within the GOP for LGBT members like himself. In San Francisco, for instance, the local party last summer elected its first openly gay chair, Jason Clark, a longtime Log Cabin member. “I am happy Republicans are embracing us,” said Larson, 79. “It has been happening very slowly but it is for the good of everybody.”

here is ongoing debate whether the San Francisco or Orange County chapter formed first, but what is without question is that 40 years ago LGBT Republicans and their straight allies in California launched what would become known as Log Cabin Republicans. In San Francisco the group initially called itself Concerned Republicans for Individual Rights. It was one of many LGBT-led groups that formed in 1977 to fight against a proposed policy that would have banned LGBT people from working in the state’s public school districts. Known as the Briggs initiative, the ballot measure was defeated the following November with significant help from Republican voters. Nearly a decade later, in August 1987, CRIR rebranded itself as the Log Cabin Club of San Francisco/ CRIR. In October of that year, the local group helped launch a national umbrella organization with other Log Cabin chapters from within California and in other states. “San Francisco has a certain closeness to my heart because its roots go back to our founding year,” Gregory T. Angelo, Log Cabin’s national president, told the Bay Area Reporter during a brief interview at the local chapter’s anniversary party held September 16. Today, Log Cabin has 51 chapters in 29 states plus the District of Columbia. Twelve of the chapters are located in the Golden State, where the state Republican Party recently re-chartered Log Cabin California as an officially recognized organization. “This is our family. The first person I told I was gay was a Log Cabin member,” recalled Log Cabin California Chairman Matthew Craffey, 39, who flew up from Los Angeles, where he is president of the local chapter, to attend the San Francisco celebration. “I said to him that I can’t be gay because I am a Republican. He said to me, ‘Of course you can.’” Craffey acknowledged how the religious right, as well as LGBT Democrats and liberals, often attack Log Cabin members. “We do this work while taking slings and barbs from both sides,” said Craffey. “We fight not just for gay Republicans but everyone in the LGBT community.” The national organization will be celebrating its 40th anniversary next Wednesday, September 27, at its Spirit of Lincoln gala dinner. This year’s keynote speaker is former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina, who lost her bid to be the GOP’s presidential nominee last year and ran unsuccessfully in 2010 for a U.S. Senate seat from California. The $250-per-person event is taking place at the Trump International Hotel in D.C. mere blocks from the White House. Despite Log Cabin’s decision not to endorse President Donald Trump last year, the former TV reality star turned politician has been a boon for the group. “Membership is up,” said Angelo, 38, adding that many of the newcomers are people “who have never been involved with Log Cabin before but are signing up because they want to support the president.” But Angelo was quick to add, “That is not to say we are in lockstep with everything the administration does.” The group issued a statement in July opposing Trump’s plan to ban transgender individuals from

BART cracks the ‘concrete ceiling’

Log Cabin President Gregory T. Angelo appeared in an interview on CBS News.

serving in the U.S. military. And when it meets next week, Log Cabin’s national board will be discussing its response to the case of a Colorado baker who refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple. Earlier this month the Department of Justice filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in support of baker Jack Phillips’ right to cite his religious beliefs in refusing service to LGBT customers. Although Log Cabin is unlikely to file an amicus brief in the case, which the Supreme Court justices will hear during their upcoming term, Angelo expects the national board to issue an official position on it. “Any sort of blanket exemption to anti-discrimination laws for sincerely held religious beliefs is not something Log Cabin will consider,” he said. “That is not to say some nuance can’t be achieved in these discussions.” Personally, Angelo told the B.A.R. he is “not concerned” about the Trump administration’s stance in the case, a reversal from that taken by the Obama administration when it was heard in the lower courts. “Log Cabin’s philosophy is there needs to be a balance between LGBT rights and religious liberty. It is not a zero sum game,” said Angelo. Craffey, who voted for Trump last November, said he is disappointed in the president’s various anti-LGBT policy stances. But he holds out hope that Trump’s taking such positions will lead to legislative solutions in the Congress. “I don’t think in his heart Trump is antigay,” said Craffey. Angelo said it is “too early” to say if Log Cabin will endorse Trump’s re-election bid in 2020. He explained that the group’s main reason for declining to endorse Trump in 2016 was because of his never having held public office before. “We had a bunch of unknowns about Trump and it was a bridge too far for our board,” said Angelo, who does not have a vote on the governing body. “We had no guideposts for how he would govern. In 2020 we will have a better idea about how he governs.” Norman Larson, who hosted the local chapter’s party to mark its ruby jubilee at his home in the heart of San Francisco’s Haight Ashbury neighborhood, told the B.A.R. he hasn’t been paying close attention to the president’s positions on LGBT issues. “I am more concerned about his off-the-cuff stuff,” he said. “I think he is absolutely mysterious.” Since joining Log Cabin in the early 1980s, Larson said he has seen

Another crack has formed in the “concrete ceiling” LGBT-owned businesses face in competing for large contracts with public agencies in the Bay Area. As expected, the Bay Area Rapid Transit system’s board of directors unanimously approved at its meeting September 14 the inclusion of certified LGBT Business Enterprises in the regional transit system’s competitive bidding procurement programs. It is meant to give smaller, LGBT-owned firms a leg up against larger, multinational companies in pursuing contracts with BART as it embarks on a $3.5 billion modernization of its system due to voter approval of a bond measure last fall. The Golden Gate Business Association had sought the policy, as it had convinced the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority last year to enact a similar proposal. The South Bay transit agency is overseeing a $7 billion expansion of BART into the heart of Silicon Valley and other multimillion-dollar projects.

Gay Oakland port commissioner reappointed

Gay Oakland Port Commissioner Michael Colbruno is seeking confirmation to a second four-year term on the powerful oversight body. Mayor Libby Schaaf made his reappointment official last week, and the City Council’s rules committee will vote on it September 28, with the full council expected to sign off on it early next month. This marks the fourth mayor of the East Bay city to name Colbruno, a political consultant, to an oversight panel. Jerry Brown and Ron Dellums both appointed him to Oakland’s planning commission, while Jean Quan first named him to his port seat. Over the last four years, Colbruno has been a vocal opponent of allowing coal shipments through the port and has pressed for the maritime facility to increase its use of renewable energy. He also co-founded the LGBT Port Affinity group within the California Association of Port Authorities. “I am honored that Mayor Libby Schaaf is allowing me to continue this meaningful work at the Port of Oakland, where I can not only promote important renewable energy projects, but continue to have a seat at the table for the LGBTQ community,” stated Colbruno. “Ninety percent of everything that a consumer touches comes through a port, so this work has a major impact on everyone around us.” t

Web Extra: For more queer political news, be sure to check http:// www.ebar.com Monday mornings at noon for Political Notes, the notebook’s online companion. This week’s column reported on the politicos expected at BAYMEC’s brunch gala next month. Keep abreast of the latest LGBT political news by following the Political Notebook on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/politicalnotes. Got a tip on LGBT politics? Call Matthew S. Bajko at (415) 8298836 or e-mail m.bajko@ebar.com.

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<< Community News

8 • BAY AREA REPORTER • September 21-27, 2017

Officials set to help homeless at BART stations by Seth Hemmelgarn

fficials in San Francisco are working to help homeless people and drug offenders while cleaning up several BART transit stations. Beginning in October, a twoperson Homeless Outreach Team will be dedicated to four downtown stations, “but the initial focus will be at Civic Center and Powell where we are most impacted,” Tim Chan, BART’s manager of planning, said in response to emailed questions.

HOT workers will engage with homeless people in the stations and connect them with resources. Besides helping homeless people, the goals also include assisting homeless people, addressing customer concerns, and improving cleanliness at the stations, said Chan, a gay man. “Our stations are often reflections of the cities that we serve,” he said. “The challenges faced by the city around homelessness and opiate addiction are evidenced in our stations. There are no easy fixes but

we’re trying new initiatives and developing partnerships to respond to customer and non-customer needs.” BART and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, which operates Muni, are each providing $125,000 to pay for the two outreach workers, said Chan. He added that there will also be cross-training with BART and Muni frontline workers on how to support homeless people, HOT workers, See page 16 >>

Pussy Riot founder urges change in a Trump world

by Sari Staver

rom the time she was a child, Pussy Riot founder Nadya Tolokno realized there was “something very wrong about the gender roles” assigned by society. As the top student in her physics class, Tolokno recalled, the teacher congratulated her achievement and predicted she could go on to become “the wife of the president.” “I remember thinking, ‘Really? Why the wife?’” she said in one of many lines that drew loud laughter from the audience. “I knew there was something very wrong” with the teacher’s logic. Tolokno, 27, making her first-ever appearance in San Francisco, was interviewed by Oakland activist Jadelynn Stahl at the Herbst Theatre September 15, a presentation sponsored by the California Institute of Integral Studies. Tolokno talked about her journey from a school girl to founding Pussy Riot, a feminist punk rock group that gained international attention when it staged provocative performances at unusual public places, which were then edited into music videos and uploaded online. Feminism and LGBT rights were among the themes. Most notable was a 2012 performance staged inside Moscow’s Cathedral of Christ the Savior, which was halted by security officers and led to Tolokno’s arrest and conviction for “hooliganism motivated by religious hatred” she said. She and another

Sari Staver

Pussy Riot founder Nadya Tolokno

member of the group spent two years in a Siberian prison. Tolokno credited her father with encouraging her feminism, suggesting that at age 8 “I was already too old to be reading Cosmopolitan” and she should instead immerse herself in political literature. “And I did,” said Tolokno, “partly because I wanted to be cool for my Dad.” Now, she is urging her 9-yearold daughter to do the same. Stahl, the founder of Disclose, a collective dedicated to encouraging dialogue about gender-based violence, asked Tolokno to compare Russian president Vladimir Putin with President Donald Trump. Putin and Trump do have similarities, she said, calling them both “patriarchal assholes” who seem to want to get as much money as they can for themselves.

“Clearly, Trump doesn’t give a flying fuck about people,” she added. Tolokno urged Americans “to come up with an alternative institutions” such as shelters for victims of domestic violence, to prove to those who voted for Trump “that people can make a difference” in changing society. “Change,” said Tolokno, “is not going to happen in one click.” “But just being involved” can help people to feel they are not powerless over “all the shit” now happening in the United States, she added. Tolokno said her two years in prison “made me a stronger feminist,” but added that she “would not necessarily recommend it to others.” But “holding the vision that another world is possible” can be a powerful tool in making change, she said. In 2014, Tolokno and other activists, including members of Pussy Riot, created an alternative media outlet called MediaZona, which among other things, talks about conditions in Russian prisons, courts, and police departments. “If we in Russia can create an influential media outlet, anyone can do it,” she said. “Something like that should work in America, where you definitely need more sources of reliable information.” Americans need to learn more about the penitentiary system at home, she said, noting that “conditions are really awful and it seems like the presidency of Donald Trump is only going to make things worse.”t

Law school to hold name change clinic

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he Berkeley School of Law will hold a name and gender change workshop Wednesday, September 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the East Bay Community Law Center, 2921 Adeline Street. This free clinic serves the LGBTQ community and helps pro-bono legal service recipients in drafting, reviewing, and filing necessary documents for a court-ordered name and/or gender change to their governmentissued identity documents. Future workshops are planned for October and November. For more information, or to sign up, email ngwberkeley@ gmail.com.

San Jose to hold Post Street Jubilee

The Post Street Jubilee will take place Saturday, September 23 from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. in downtown San Jose. The fifth annual event honors Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. The free, family-friendly street festival

The UC Berkeley School of Law will hold a name and gender change workshop.

welcomes all members of the LGBTQ community and its allies to celebrate health and wellness. There will be free health services, flu shots, resource booths, and rapid HIV testing by the Crane Center. After dark, the festival transitions into “Party on Post,” an outdoor celebration of better health, including DJs, games, and giveaways. The health services will continue throughout the night. One favorite returning attraction

will be the Watergarden’s mechanical moby penis ride. There also will be live musical and drag show performances. Project More, the Santa Clara Department of Public Health, and other LGBTQ-supportive organizations and businesses will also be participating. The festival is located on Post Street between South First and Market streets. For more information, visit www.poststjubilee.com.

Cannabis delivery service to hold film screening

Seeking to market itself to potential clients, Eaze, a medical marijuana delivery service, will hold a free screening of “The Big Lebowski” Thursday, September 21 at 5 p.m. at the Castro Theatre, 429 Castro Street in San Francisco. The evening includes a hosted happy hour, remarks from Eaze’s first hire, Jamie Feaster, and the film screening. Admission is by invitation only, and people must be 21 or older. To check on invite availability, visit https://eazenight.splashthat. com/. t

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What Is Mytesi? Mytesi is a prescription medicine used to improve symptoms of noninfectious diarrhea (diarrhea not caused by a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection) in adults living with HIV/AIDS on ART. Do Not Take Mytesi if you have diarrhea caused by an infection. Before you start Mytesi, your doctor and you should make sure your diarrhea is not caused by an infection (such as bacteria, virus, or parasite).

Possible Side Effects of Mytesi Include: • Upper respiratory tract infection (sinus, nose, and throat infection) • Bronchitis (swelling in the tubes that carry air to and from your lungs) • Cough • Flatulence (gas) • Increased bilirubin (a waste product when red blood cells break down) For a full list of side effects, please talk to your doctor. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

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<< Community News

10 • BAY AREA REPORTER • September 21-27, 2017

AIDS grove unveils hemophilia memorial by David-Elijah Nahmod

or Val D. Bias, a longtime survivor of hemophilia and HIV, the remembrance was long overdue. Bias, CEO of the National Hemophilia Foundation, flew in from the East Coast to attend Saturday’s installation of the Hemophilia Memorial Circle at the National AIDS Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park. During the early days of the AIDS epidemic hemophiliacs – those with a genetic condition that prevents their blood from clotting – were among the primary victims of the HIV virus, along with gay men. Hemophiliacs contracted the virus through the blood transfusions and clotting factors they needed in order to control their bleeding. Without those transfusions and clotting factors they might bleed to death. During the September 16 ceremony, Bias told the Bay Area Reporter that the bleeding disorders community lost half of its population during the peak years of the AIDS crisis. “I think the losses in the hemophilia community, in a strange way, have made us more passionate about advocating for ourselves and our community,” he said. “Our community is so passionate we were divided by organization, but this monument has served as a healing bridge between us.” Bias also gave kudos to Jeanne White-Ginder for her leadership role

Marvin Morris

Val Bias, left, CEO of the National Hemophilia Foundation, joined Kimberly Haugstad, of Hemophilia Federation of America, and John Cunningham, executive director of the National AIDS Memorial Grove prior to the start of the dedication for the new Hemophilia Memorial Circle at the AIDS grove in San Francisco.

in brokering the deal that led to the Hemophilia Memorial Circle’s installation. White is the mother of Ryan White, who became a national figure after he was refused admittance to his school due to an AIDS diagnosis. White, a hemophiliac, died of AIDS in 1990 at age 18. “Jeanne took a leadership role and asked multiple hemophilia organizations to work together,” Bias said. “Jeanne’s involvement in the larger AIDS community makes this possible.” Though White could not attend

the circle’s installation due to a prior engagement, hundreds of others flew in from outside of the Bay Area. One woman, who lost more than five family members to hemophilia-related HIV, came to the AIDS grove from her home in Iowa. Bobby Wiseman, 46, a gay HIV-positive hemophiliac, attended the installation with his fiancé. “It’s a long time coming for both the internal and external pieces of our community to come together,” Wiseman told the B.A.R. as bushes and flowers were planted in the

circle. “It’s a time of growth, healing, remembrance, and love.” Remembrance was the ongoing theme of the installation, with many attendees saying they wanted the stories of lost loved ones to never be forgotten. “I’m overjoyed that we now have a special place for remembering those with bleeding disorders who have passed,” said Nikole Scappe, a young woman who herself lives with a bleeding disorder. The memorial circle was funded with about $200,000 in donations from the National Hemophilia Foundation, the Hemophilia Federation of America, the National AIDS Memorial Grove, as well as several major contributions from hemophilia donors, John Cunningham, the grove’s executive director, told the B.A.R. Several people addressed those in attendance. “This monument has become the core and passion of our advocacy,” Bias said. “There is no ceiling. This is a horrible thing that happened. The least we can do is never give up.” Joe Garrett, a gay man who’s deputy director of the grove, said that he was struck by the children playing in the background. “It was so very cruel,” he said of the AIDS epidemic. “I know how it feels to have someone ripped from you, and how to forgive but not forget.”

Mike Shriver, chair of the AIDS grove’s board of directors, acknowledged his board colleagues as they raised their hands to applause. Also thanked were Recreation and Park Department workers and landscapers, many of whom volunteered their time to help make the circle a reality. Speeches were followed by the readings of names of hemophiliacs who died of AIDS. Some readers read one name, while others read several names. Each reader placed a red rose in a series of vases that stood near the podium. “Yesterday the National AIDS Memorial continued its mission to ensure all lives lost to AIDS are not forgotten and the story is known by future generations,” Cunningham told the B.A.R. after the ceremony. “Many are unaware of the incredible toll paid by the hemophilia community during the early days of the AIDS epidemic. The grove again availed itself to a community in need of healing.” The name of each person read at Saturday’s ceremony will be inscribed in the memorial over the next month and will be included as part of the grove’s December 1 World AIDS Day commemoration. “San Franciscans should be so proud that the project, which started as a local space of healing, continues to tell the story and in the process healing decades-old wounds,” Cunningham said. t

Nurse delivers pointed speech at SFAF gala by Alex Madison

ongtime former HIV nurse Diane Jones enlivened the crowd at the San Francisco AIDS Foundation’s Tribute celebration, urging them to keep fighting, especially in the current political climate when access to health care is under attack. Diane Jones, and her partner, Roma Guy, received the Cleve Jones Award at the September 16 event, held in the Rotunda at San Francisco City Hall. It marked the 35th year of SFAF fighting HIV/AIDS. More than 400 people attended. Guy was unable to attend, but Diane Jones gave a strongly worded acceptance speech that riled the crowd. She thanked the “fierce warriors” who fought against the epidemic at its height in the early 1980s. She spoke about the power of activism. “We would not be here together

Georg Lester

San Francisco AIDS Foundation co-founder Cleve Jones, left, joins honoree Diane Jones, longtime HIV/AIDS advocate Cecilia Chung, and SFAF CEO Joe Hollendoner.

tonight if it were not for activism. I would not have come out as a lesbian. I would not have become an HIV nurse. I would not have my family without activism,” said Jones as the crowd cheered loudly.

The women’s story was featured in this year’s ABC miniseries “When We Rise,” partly inspired by Cleve Jones’ memoir of the same name. He cofounded SFAF. The series highlighted Diane Jones’ years spent as an HIV

nurse at San Francisco General Hospital, where innovative care efforts were developed that are today known as the “San Francisco Model” and have been replicated elsewhere. She retired last year. Diane Jones’ speech ended on a note looking forward. “We will not end the epidemic, racism, ageism, transphobia, misogyny, homelessness, or white supremacy without activism,” she said. “The politics of today demand activism of today. We need activism for global HIV funding that finally reaches and benefits everyone.” With Guy, she co-founded the Woman’s Building in San Francisco. Although the event was joyful as old friends reunited, politicians, including gay state Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) came out to show support, and survivors shed tears, there was also a serious message

relayed: to unite with the goal of helping communities most affected by HIV/AIDS and to face the challenges ahead during an unsure time when the Trump administration continues to roll out political setbacks to the LGBTQ community. Joe Hollendoner, a gay man who’s chief executive officer of SFAF, spoke about the incredible accomplishments of the organization since its founding in 1982. Today, the foundation provides care for more than 700 people living with HIV/AIDS, administers 14,000 HIV and sexually transmitted infection screenings annually, and is the largest provider of rental support for low-income people with HIV/AIDS in the nation, among other services. “It’s truly a historic night,” said Hollendoner, who has been CEO for a See page 15 >>

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*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 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. §Buy one bar stool of equal or lesser value and get one free, discount will be taken off both bar stools. ‡‡Previous purchases excluded. Cannot be combined with any other promotion or discount. Discount offers exclude Tempur-Pedic®, Stearns & Foster®, Sealy Optimum™ 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 12/30/15, all mattress and box springs are subject to an $11 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. †DURABLEND® upholstery products feature a seating area made up of a combination of Polyurethane and/or PVC, Polycotton, and at least 17% Leather Shavings with a skillfully matched combination of Polycotton and Polyurethane and/or PVC everywhere else. **Leather Match upholstery features top-grain leather in the seating areas and skillfully matched vinyl everywhere else. Ashley HomeStores are independently owned and operated. ©2017 Ashley HomeStores, Ltd. Promotional Start Date: September 26, 2017. Expires: October 9, 2017.

<< Community News

12 • BAY AREA REPORTER • September 21-27, 2017

Group works to connect disabled people with hurricane help by Belo Cipriani

eople with communication disabilities, such as ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), Down syndrome, aphasia caused by a stroke, and some forms of cerebral palsy and autism, are the most vulnerable during and after disasters like Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. In many cases, these individuals get separated from their helpers, lose access to their speech-generating devices and their low-tech tools, and get relocated to places where they are unable to receive the proper support. The United States Society for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in the 1980s, has launched two websites through the San Francisco-based disaster relief portal http://www.Recovers. org, to help people with disabilities and their families who have been affected by Harvey and Irma. Harvey Pressman, co-chair of the society’s Hurricane Relief Committee said, “USSAAC’s decision to launch its two Recovers

sites came about through the confluence of two separate events: 1) Sarah Blackstone’s earlier experiences managing an extensive and successful AAC recovery effort in Louisiana and Mississippi in the years following Hurricane Katrina, and 2) her more recent experience in her own local area launching and managing a Recovers.org site in response to the most expensive wildfire in American history...” Blackstone, who is one of the founders of USSAAC and received recognition from the American Red Cross for her relief efforts during the 2016 Soberanes fire in California’s Garrapata State Park, said that for individuals who canBest Wedding Photographer not natural and have asuse voted by speech BAR readers been affected by Harvey, the situation is pretty grim. “One mom in Texas has two children and one, age 6, has autism, is non-verbal, and lost an iPad and apps in Hurricane Harvey,” said Blackstone. “This mother also takes care of her grandfather who had a laryngectomy and cannot speak and is so weak he can no longer use his electrolarynx. So,

two people in her household have severe communication disorders and she’s now living in a hotel.” Pressman stated that stories about people with communication disabilities in Florida are just starting to trickle in following Irma. “A single mom,” said Pressman, “with a child with autism and two other children with special needs wakes up to find her bottom floor flooded, the speech-generating device her autistic child uses to communicate under water, and the need to immediately evacuate.” “A woman,” continued Pressman, “whose elderly dad lives with her and depends on an electronic

415 370 7152

by Christina A. DiEdoardo

very action spurs an equal and opposite reaction, so recent moves by the city of Berkeley to criminalize dissent are far from WEDDINGS, HEADSHOTS, PORTRAITS stevenunderhill.com · stevenunderhillphotos@gmail.com surprising. At a special (i.e., one set at short notice at 3 p.m. on a weekday to make 9/18/17 12:05 PM it harder for those most affected to attend) meeting Tuesday, September THIS IS THE 12, the Berkeley City Council took up Mayor Jesse Arreguin’s proposal to loosen a 1997 “ban” on the use of pepper spray for crowd control by the Berkeley Police Department. I put the word “ban” in quotes and because, despite the wording of BPD General Order U-2, all Berkeley cops formerly the Neptune Society carry pepper spray. Moreover, since 2012 BPD officers have used pepper spray, notwithstanding the policy, three times a year on average, according to police records. In his written submission to the council requesting the ban be lifted, Berkeley Police Chief Andrew Greenwood was curiously silent about the fascists, neo-Nazis, and white supremacists, many of whom admitted to smuggling in banned weapons at Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park. Indeed, despite Kyle “Based Stickman” Chapman (so named for his tendency to threaten and attack anti-fascists with large sticks) facing felony weapons charges arising out of one of the Battles of Berkeley, to the chief, Chapman and his fellow ideological travelers are “people engaging in free speech activities,” evidently whether or not they carry weapons. Greenwood sees antifa and the Black Bloc very differently, referring to both as “masked We’ve expanded our services extremists” and – at the Fourth Battle of Berkeley and kept the August 27 – of being “a spirit and tradition. large well-coordinated armed group.” I was with both antifa and the Black Bloc and – unlike Greenwood’s BPD officers, who fled the scene after One Loraine Court placing Patriot Prayer organizer Joey between Stanyan & Arguello Gibson in protective custody – stayed for most of the day. Neither antifa nor the Bloc displayed any weapons that FD 1306 COA 660 I could see.

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Steven-2x3.indd 1

Sarah Blackstone

disability groups have the capacity to provide: the devices, tools, and support services required by individuals with complex communication needs whose communication supports have been taken away by the disaster,” he explained. Blackstone, 73, and Pressman, 81, are a Monterey, California-based couple who have dedicated their lives to helping people with disabilities. Blackstone is an international expert in the field of augmentative and alternative communication and Pressman is an educator who has run employment projects for people with disabilities. To support people with disabilities affected by Harvey, visit https:// harveyaac.recovers.org/. And to support people with disabilities impacted by Irma, visit https:// aacdisasterrelief.recovers.org/. Also, watch this video clip, which was made to honor Blackstone as a Red Cross Disaster Services Hero: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=rYVOTXqFGKE&f eature=youtu.be.t Belo Cipriani is a disability advocate, a freelance journalist, the award-winning author of “Blind: A Memoir” and “Midday Dreams,” and the spokesman for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Learn more at www.belocipriani.com.

The empire strikes back

WINNER Best Wedding Photographer

Steven Underhill

Courtesy American Red Cross

device loses power. “A family with a child with cerebral palsy is evacuated and has to leave behind a $6,000 speech generating device that has been destroyed in the storm,” he added. The Recovers.org site works as a network that matches both individuals and organizations to people who need help, as well as to people who can offer assistance. “You go on and say ‘I need ...’ or ‘I can do this...’ or ‘I can contribute these items...’ or ‘I want to donate...’ and, voila, things begin to happen,” said Pressman. USSAAC’s Recovers.org sites have already received donations from two companies that produce augmentative and alternative communication, or AAC, products, Saltillo and Prentke Romich, as well as several monetary donations and volunteer hours from USSAAC members. Pressman pointed out the need for donations is dire, as USSAAC provides a type of support not offered by any other type of nonprofit or agency. “USSAAC has customized the general purpose Recovers. org portal to provide the highly specialized support and services that neither groups like the Red Cross nor other non-specific

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Rafael Kadaris/Christina DiEdoardo

Resist columnist Christina DiEdoardo argued against lifting the ban on use of pepper spray by the Berkeley Police Department in this screengrab from last week’s City Council meeting.

Indeed, because the police abandoned the area (and the people they were sworn to protect) antifa and the Black Bloc were asked to provide security for a march led by W. Kamau Bell and others from Civic Center Park to Ohlone Park from small groups of fascists, neo-Nazis, and white supremacists at large in the city. Thanks to their efforts, the march arrived at Ohlone Park without incident. Sadly, facts can be inconvenient things to both police leaders, like Greenwood, and the politicians they serve, like Arreguin. Not content with demanding that antifa be declared a criminal gang, as he did after the August 27 action, Arreguin backed BPD’s plan to resume the use of pepper spray, with the heavy implication that it would only be deployed against antifa and the Bloc, rather than the fascists, neo-Nazis, and White supremacists they oppose. Despite the short notice of the meeting, the council chambers were packed and public commentary ran approximately 25-1 against the measure. When it came time for me to speak, I said, “Not only is this change

in policy obnoxious, it is also ineffective. When we [antifa and the Bloc] go out, we take our lives in our hands. Your pepper spray will not stop us.” The measure passed 6-3. While Arreguin claimed the change meant the cops would only use pepper spray against “violent” protesters, experience shows that the last six months has shown how little the BPD’s judgment can be trusted. In many ways, the effort to criminalize antifa and the Black Bloc is a sign of the weakness of the alt-right, particularly after events in Charlottesville, Virginia; Boston; San Francisco; and Berkeley. If the fascists can’t march or organize without massive police intervention on their side, it strips away what little facade remains of the concept that police are neutral objective enforcers of criminal laws. In Berkeley, they have chosen a side – and the resistance moves into a new phase. Stay tuned, and keep your pepper spray antidote (a water sports bottle with one-half water, one-half Milk of Magnesia) ready.

Courage Campaign billboard drive

The Courage Campaign is trying to raise funds to erect billboards calling on Congress to impeach President Donald Trump. To donate visit, https://secure.actblue.com/ donate/impeachbillboard.

No Hate in the Bay

From noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, September 23 at 63rd and Adeline streets in Berkeley, a coalition of groups ranging from the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Council 57 to the Arab Resource and Organizing Center to the San Francisco chapter of the National Lawyers Guild to the Brown Berets will conduct “No Hate in the Bay: March Against White Supremacy.” The event is free and intended to be a kickoff to resisting a series of fascist speakers scheduled to appear at UC Berkeley next week. t

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Community News>>

September 21-27, 2017 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 15

Castro hotel

Daniel Bergerac, president of Castro Merchants, is in favor of the project. “I think Hotel Castro will be a great addition to the neighborhood,” Bergerac said via email. “The contemporary design of the new hotel will enliven the block. I have no concerns with this project moving forward.” Tidwell said the project is not imminent. “We have some time,” he said, noting that Hotel Castro is expected to open in 2020. “We are going through the entitlement process and would like to remain out of the spotlight for now.”

The hotel’s representatives, Tidwell and Rich Springer, said in their release, “Our success is your success.” The hotel expects to draw guests into the Castro and leverage the existing merchant community. To connect tourists with merchants, the hotel will use the internet and social media, as well as “oldschool coupons” and a visitor guide. “Our hotel is meant to be progressive and connected to the community,” read the release. It explained that the “small scale” hotel’s design, with 12 rooms, is “open to the street,” conforming to the existing block. “Dramatic” floor to ceiling windows, balconies, and ground floor dining will allow hotel and restaurant patrons to be “part of the neighborhood.” But the vision for Hotel Castro may be premature. With some reports showing slowed summer tourism, the Hotel Castro could be challenged to fill vacancies as long as Trump’s travel ban peppers the headlines. A recent article in the Los Angeles Times reported that industry leaders say new data, based on Department of Commerce figures, air travel booking sites, and international aviation groups, “show that international travel to the U.S. has, indeed, weakened since January.”

The article noted that travel industry leaders had expressed concern that Trump’s comments about Mexicans and Muslims would make international travelers feel unwelcome in the U.S. if he became president. Additional security measures in place for travel to the U.S. may also be contributing to the slowdown, the Times reported. Local merchants have heard “mixed results.” “While my business, Mudpuppy’s Tub and Scrub, doesn’t do much tourist business, I’ve heard mixed results from other merchants in the neighborhood,” said Bergerac. “Overall, I’d say business was good in the Castro this summer.” Unionmade founder Todd Barket feels differently, noting his apparel business relies on tourism. “Since our [temporary] move to 18th Street, we have noticed the tourist customer definitely feels soft,” Barket said. “We were missing many of the European customers we see customarily in the summer months.” In June, Unionmade moved to 4035 18th Street and, according to Barket, will return to its remodeled 493 Sanchez Street location some time in October. “Eighteenth Street has been tough,” Barket added. “We are missing

business and it’s half the size of our normal space.” Though he missed the announcement of Hotel Castro at September’s Castro Merchants meeting, Barket, a gay man, thinks the proposition of a hotel in the neighborhood is great. “It’s a nice option for people who want to stay on that side of town,” he said. “There aren’t a lot of options currently. I think it will enhance our business and vitality in the neighborhood.” Current nearby lodging choices include bed and breakfast spots Parker Guest House and Willows Inn, and Beck’s Motor Lodge. Hotel Castro’s aim is to draw travelers desiring an experience in the historically rich Castro district, “rather than just tourist standbys such as Union Square or Fisherman’s Wharf,” the release said. “[Our tourists] will use the plentiful public transportation, ride bikes, or walk and they will patronize the local establishments.” Tidwell and Springer said that guests would be there “to engage with the vibrant Castro community, enjoy Dolores Park, catch a movie at the Castro Theatre, or just enjoy their moments in the neighborhood.” t

beer and other goods. Dermody suspects the wrestling club’s application for the 2017 fair was rejected because Folsom Street is now accepting 501(c)(4) nonprofits, rather than just 501(c) (3)s, and Golden Gate Wrestling, which falls into the latter category, got squeezed out. Dermody bases his suspicion on language in the application materials that mentioned 501(c)(4)s. Generally, 501(c)(4)s are freer than 501(c)(3)s to engage in lobbying, among other differences. Dermody also said that 501(c)(4)s don’t have to undergo as much financial scrutiny. “They should be doing this to fill in the gaps when they don’t

have enough 501(c)(3)s,” he said of Folsom Street Events, which runs the festival. “They should take the 501(c)(3)s before they take the 501(c)(4)s.” Dermody, who said he has “the utmost respect” for Folsom Street, added, “I’m only conjecturing” that his group’s rejection is because of what he sees as a change. In response to emailed questions from the B.A.R., Folsom Street Events managing director Patrick Finger said Dermody’s assumption is wrong. “We’ve always accepted 501(c)4s,” said Finger, adding that Golden Gate’s rejection doesn’t have anything to do with Folsom Street

accepting nonprofits in that category. He didn’t specify a reason for not accepting the wrestling club’s application. “We had almost double the number of applicants than available booths and we were forced to make some incredibly difficult choices,” he said. “We take into account past performance (overall sales, communication, money management), strength, and thoroughness of application, diversity of awarded applicants, and past presence at recent fairs.” Folsom Street used the exact same wording in the email it sent Golden Gate Wrestling to let the group know that its application had

been rejected and added, “We try to mix it up at each fair and give new groups a chance to participate.” Festival organizers also told Golden Gate Wrestling that it’s been added to a waitlist and said it could also partner with an organization that was selected. Dermody didn’t give any indication that his group would do that, but he said it would still have a booth at the street fair for wrestling demonstrations and recruitment. Golden Gate Wrestling usually nets from $3,000 to $4,000 from the beer booth at the street fair and uses the money to support its work with youth, he said. t

of infectious diseases, it just pushes people into the shadows and makes matters worse,” said Wiener. Two bills aim to ease the state’s name change procedures for transgender, intersex, and non-binary individuals. Atkins and Wiener co-authored SB 179 – the Gender Recognition Act of 2017 – so that people can choose “non-binary” as the gender on their birth certificates and other documents. And SB 310, the Name and Dignity Act authored by Atkins, makes it easier for transgender people incarcerated in state prisons or county jails to change their legal name or gender marker. It also requires corrections officials to use the new name of a person who obtains a name change and to list their prior name only as an alias. “Many of us have an ID that matches our gender presentation, and so showing it is hassle-free,” stated Atkins. “But for Californians who have an ID that does not match their gender presentation, showing it at airports, in shops, or to law enforcement can be extremely stressful and lead to harassment or a delay in

completing a transaction.” SB 219 – the Seniors Long Term Care Bill of Rights – protects LGBT seniors from being discriminated against in long-term care facilities in the state. Wiener modeled the bill after a similar policy that San Francisco officials adopted several years ago. After sailing through the state Senate in the spring, the bill drew false attacks when it was taken up in the Assembly. Conservative groups erroneously claimed workers at the facilities would be jailed for not using residents’ preferred pronouns or names. “After struggling to come out at a time when same-sex conduct was still criminalized and fighting the first and most difficult battles for LGBTQ civil rights, discrimination in long-term care is forcing many LGBTQ seniors back into the closet,” stated Zbur. “SB 219 would help protect LGBTQ seniors when they’re at their most vulnerable, and help ensure that care facilities provide culturallycompetent care.” Under AB 677 by Assemblyman

David Chiu (D-San Francisco), the number of state agencies required to ask about sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) on their forms and surveys will increase to 10. State agencies that deal with education and employment issues will be required to start collecting SOGI data by July 1, 2019. As the B.A.R. detailed in a threepart series this summer, a previous bill passed by Chiu requires four state agencies, mainly dealing with health services, to begin collecting SOGI data by July 1, 2018. “Good information will move us closer to full equality,” stated Chiu. The final bill passed this year is AB 1556 by Assemblyman Mark Stone (D-Monterey Bay), which updates the state’s Fair Employment and Housing Act to use gender inclusive language, such as “person” or “employee” instead of “he” or “she.”

costs attached to implement them. Chiu’s AB 800 would have established a statewide, toll-free hotline and an online form to report hate crimes, while AB 1161, authored by Assemblyman Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), would have required local law enforcement agencies to update their policies on hate crimes and provide guidance to strengthen those policies. Both may be revived next year. Gay Assemblyman Evan Low (D-Campbell) will take up his AB 888 in January during the second half of the current two-year legislative session. It would require private colleges and universities receiving Cal Grant funding to annually report how many LGBT students they have disciplined or expelled because they are LGBT or have engaged in LGBT community or advocacy activities. And Wiener scrapped his SB 221 after health officials came up with an administrative policy to cover the medical treatment needed to correct for HIV-associated lipodystrophy, which creates abnormal accumulations of fat in a person’s body, especially in the neck or upper back. t

grandmother,” Wilding said. “This work became the true passion of her life more than 30 years ago. She would be so proud to be here, but she would also be disappointed that events like these are still necessary. It was her dream to live to see the end of AIDS. It is you who will help ensure that her dream becomes real.” An effort the Elizabeth Taylor Foundation supports is the city’s “Getting to Zero” initiative, a multisector, independent consortium with the aim of making San Francisco the first city to achieve the UNAIDS goals of eliminating new HIV infections, deaths due to HIV/

AIDS, and stigma against people living with HIV by 2020. Efforts to get to zero must also support drug users who have become infected with HIV, advocates said, and the Syringe Access Collaborative was honored with the Community Excellence Award. The collaborative consists of five organizations that develop care strategies based on successful harm reduction principles. Among them, providing 2.4 million sterile syringes annually to people who inject drugs, HIV and hepatitis C testing, and referrals to drug treatment and social services. “Without the Syringe Access

From page 1

several months – the business partners behind the hotel are seeking support from local merchants. The project comes at a time when some local business owners report a possible slow-down in tourism due in part to President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown and the recent unrest, and Trump’s comments about white supremacists and neo-Nazis. “We are currently in the process of developing our operations plan, which includes staff count and technology,” said Gannon Tidwell, a representative for Hotel Castro, in an email to the Bay Area Reporter. A news release about the hotel distributed at the September 7 Castro Merchants meeting stated, “This will be the first hotel in the Castro, a vibrant community that deserves its own hotel.” Intended to introduce a tourist hotel and restaurant in the heart of the Castro and Eureka Valley, the project will provide a “much-needed service,” the release stated. “The Castro is a supply-constrained gathering spot ... [and] the Hotel Castro will be a welcome addition,” read the release.

Folsom fair

From page 1

The club has had a booth at the festival for 24 of the past 26 years, and, said founder Gene Dermody, all of that time, except for last year, the wrestlers served up the frosty suds wearing their singlets. Dermody told the Bay Area Reporter that, in 2016, the men had to wear T-shirts over their uniforms due to what he described as “more rigorous standards.” Folsom Street draws hundreds of thousands of leather and kink lovers to the South of Market area each year, helping partnering nonprofits raise thousands of dollars by selling

LGBT bills

From page 1

this year was SB 239, which would modernize the state’s HIV criminalization laws adopted during the height of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s. It requires proof that transmission of HIV did occur in order for a person to be prosecuted for intentionally transmitting the virus to a sex partner. Under current law, HIV-positive persons may be prosecuted for engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse with the specific intent to transmit HIV even if no actual transmission of the virus occurs. If convicted, they could be sentenced to up to eight years in prison. Gay Assemblyman Todd Gloria (D-San Diego) co-authored the bill, which was backed by a number of legal groups and AIDS agencies. “Fundamentally, the heart of this bill is that being sick is a health issue not a criminal issue and treating people with a health condition as criminals doesn’t make them healthy, doesn’t reduce the spread

SFAF gala

From page 10

little over a year. “The organization has become a national leader in the fight against HIV and AIDS. To look back at what we and the city of San Francisco have accomplished is incredible.” The Beverly Hills-based Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation was honored with the Keystone Partner Award. Laela Wilding, Taylor’s granddaughter, who bears a striking resemblance to the late Hollywood star, accepted the award. “It’s such an honor to receive this heartfelt award on behalf of my

Tony Taylor

The tourist-oriented Hotel Castro is planned for 4230 18th Street.

Other bills pulled this year

Four LGBT-related bills were pulled this year for various reasons. A pair of bills focused on how law enforcement agencies handle hate crimes were shelved due to having Collaborative, 1,017 people would have died of heroin overdoses,” said Terry Morris, an SFAF board member. “What we are doing works.” During the awards ceremony, Bravo TV personality Scott Nevins had the audience in stiches as master of ceremonies. Guests mingled at the formal dinner that was accompanied by a live auction. One couple, Eric Jansen, an announcer with KQED radio, and Maurice Kelly, an account manager for Levi Strauss, said they are touched every year to see how many people continue to fight for the cause. But they also pointed

out what the foundation and other LGBTQ organizations must do during this challenging time. “We have to be self-sufficient and find independent resources from the federal government. It’s not a reliable source of funding,” Kelly said. “This just reminds us that we must be vigilant and not take what we have accomplished for granted,” Jansen said. The night concluded with a dazzling performance by drag queen Heklina and hugs among the crowd. More than $100,000 was raised, almost doubling last year’s event. t

<< Legals

16 • BAY AREA REPORTER • September 21-27, 2017

Legal Notices>>

BART

From page 8

“and each other.” The effort “will be ongoing,” said Chan. “However, we will be tracking metrics to measure success and to make changes if necessary.” Gay BART director Bevan Dufty said in an interview that HOT workers had been prohibited from approaching people in the ticketing or platform areas, with the expectation that police would engage with people, call HOT workers, and bring people upstairs. However, Dufty said, “It would never work. Most homeless people don’t have great interactions with police officers.” Chan said the HOT effort is “part of a larger coordinated multi-prong strategy around safety and security.” Another part of that strategy is the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program, which was implemented in August and is based on a model that was developed in Seattle. City officials and BART have been awarded a $5.9 million, 26-month state grant for the program, which includes interventions with repeat, low-level drug offenders, who are often struggling with homelessness, mental health, and other issues. When someone agrees to take part in the program, they can get access to health care, drug treatment, and mental health services as an alternative to prosecution and jail. Dufty said the effort would be focused on the Civic Center and 16th Street BART stations, as well as the surrounding blocks. “The goal is to have 250 people come into the program,” said Dufty. The local LEAD program is cochaired by Health Director Barbara Garcia, Police Chief William Scott, and District Attorney George Gascón. In an email, Dr. Angelica Almeida, who works with the health departments’ Forensic/Justice Involved Behavioral Health Services, said the agency’s “excited” to be a partner in the program. “Our goals for this program are to reduce recidivism for individuals with low-level drug charges in the catchment areas, improve the health and housing status of participants, and strengthen the collaboration across stakeholders,” wrote Almeida.

HIV

From page 5

first openly gay and HIV-positive supervisor, told the B.A.R. at a news conference last week. “We need to get people off the streets, but also look at what we can do to help people who are still on the streets.” At the commission meeting, Tracey Packer, director of the DPH’s Community Health Equity and Promotion Branch, described some of the efforts the health department and the Getting to Zero Consortium are making to reduce these disparities. These include new PrEP programs to reach underserved communities such as black and Latino gay men and trans women, providing Truvada for youth, and delivery of PrEP services at pharmacies. PrEP use in San Francisco has more than doubled from an estimated 4,700 people in 2014 to 12,500 in 2016, Packer said. DPH’s Linkage Integration Navigation Comprehensive Services (LINCS) program helps vulnerable people stay engaged or re-engage in care, including people living in homeless encampments and clients of harm reduction programs. Among homeless people participating in LINCS, the proportion achieving viral suppression rose to 77 percent.

AMENDED SUMMONS – SERVICE BY PUBLICATION [CCP § 751.05] - 20 ROMOLO I7, LP, A DELAWARE LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, PLAINTIFF, V. ALL PERSONS CLAIMING ANY LEGAL OF EQUITABLE RIGHT, TITLE, ESTATE, LIEN OR INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY COMMONLY KNOWN AS 20 ROMOLO PLACE, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA, MORE PARTICULAR DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT ADVERSE TO PLAINTIFF’S TITLE OR ANY CLOUD ON PLAINTIFF’S TITLE THERETO; AND DOES 1 THROUGH 20, DEFENDANTS. FILE CGC-17-560709

Rick Gerharter

BART director Bevan Dufty

Laura Thomas, interim state director for the California Drug Policy Alliance, who identifies as queer, said in an interview that LEAD gives San Francisco “an additional tool to help move people out of the criminal justice system and into social services.” She said that, in Seattle, the program’s “been very effective at reducing recidivism, reducing costs, and improving individual health outcomes.”

Syringe disposal

Another idea to help keep BART stations clean is to install disposal boxes where people can discard of their used needles. In April, the Bay Area Reporter reported that San Francisco officials were looking at some BART train stations as sites for the containers. At the time, Eileen Loughran, a health program coordinator with the city’s public health department, said that three BART stations initially identified as hot spots were Powell, Civic Center, and 16th and Mission. Loughran hoped that the syringe boxes would be installed at the Mission and Powell stations “within a few months.” The Powell station, which mostly serves commuters and tourists, was expected to be first. But in response to emailed questions this week, health department spokeswoman Rachael Kagan said, “There have not been any disposal boxes installed in BART stations to date. The closest one, at Bill Graham auditorium, is being assessed for its impact on the need for additional boxes in the Civic Center BART.” t “I’ve been positive for 27 years and take six or seven medications a day, and I can hardly keep track of them on my own,” said gay HIV-positive Health Commissioner Dan Bernal. “I can’t imagine what the experience would be like for a homeless individual who doesn’t know where they’re going to sleep every night and doesn’t have a place to keep their belongings.” Yet HIV services in San Francisco could be at risk due to coming federal budget cuts. Sheehy told the B.A.R. that the city can expect up to $1.6 million in cuts to CDC grants over the next year as federal funding is reallocated to jurisdictions with more new infections. He said that he would work with the mayor and Board of Supervisors to backfill any federal cuts with city funds. Taken as a whole, the report shows that San Francisco is making good progress toward ending the HIV epidemic, despite some areas that need further improvement, officials said. “Overall, I think our data has shown that we’re really making substantial progress toward getting to zero, and it highlights the need to both continue what’s working and build on that foundation while also implementing new strategies to target our most hard-to-reach and vulnerable populations,” Scheer told the health commission. t

www. ebar.com

The people of the State of California, to all persons claiming any interest in, or lien upon, the real property herein described, or any part thereof, defendants, greeting: You are hereby required to appear and answer the complaint of 20 ROMOLO I7, L.P, A Delaware limited partnership, plaintiff, filed with the clerk of the aboveentitled court and county, within three months after the first publication of this summons, and to set forth what interest or lien, if any, you have in or upon that certain real property or any part thereof, situated in the City and County of San Francisco, State of California, particularly described as follows: THE LAND REFERRED TO HEREIN BELOW IS SITUATED IN THE CITY OF SAN FRANCISCO, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA AND IS DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT THE POINT OF INTERSECTION OF THE SOUTHERLY LINE OF FRESNO STREET AND THE EASTERLY LINE OF ROMOLO PLACE, RUNNING THENCE EASTERLY AND ALONG SAID LINE OF FRESNO STREET 71 FEET 6 INCHES; THENCE AT A RIGHT ANGLE SOUTHERLY 57 FEET 6 INCHES; THENCE AT A RIGHT ANGLE WESTERLY 71 FEET 6 INCHES TO THE EASTERLY LINE OF ROMOLO PLACE; THENCE ATA RIGHT ANGLE NORTHERLY ALONG SAID LINE OF ROMOLO PLACE 57 FEET 6 INCHES TO THE POINT OF COMMENCEMENT. BEING PART OF 50 VARA BLOCK 86. APN/Parcel ID(s): Lot 023, Block 0145 And you are hereby notified that, unless you so appear and answer, the plaintiff will apply to the court for the relief demanded in the complaint, to wit: quiet title to the Property consistent with the legal description above, against all adverse claims of all claimants, known and unknown, as of the date the Complaint in this case was filed. Witness my hand and the seal of said court, Date: Aug 16, 2017, Clerk, by Anna L. Torres, Clerk Of The Court. Lubin Olson & Niewiadomski LLP, 600 Montgomery St. 14th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94111; (415) 981-0550.

AUG 24, 31, SEPT 07, 14, 21, 28, OCT 05, 12, 2017 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-17-553265

In the matter of the application of: RONALD SCOTT HERMENAU, 1222 HARRISON ST. APT 2219, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103, for change of name having been ﬁled in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner RONALD SCOTT HERMENAU, is requesting that the name RONALD SCOTT HERMENAU, be changed to ROY LEDUC. 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 19th of October 2017 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

AUG 31, SEPT 07, 14, 21, 2017 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-17-553291

In the matter of the application of: JOSHUA RYAN WILKERSON, 76 FRANCIS ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112, for change of name having been ﬁled in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner JOSHUA RYAN WILKERSON, is requesting that the name JOSHUA RYAN WILKERSON, be changed to JOSHUA RYAN JACKSON-WYATT. 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 24th of October 2017 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

AUG 31, SEPT 07, 14, 21, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037736500 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SALTWATER AND SAND THERAPY, 1254 45TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LISA JOHNSON. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 07/26/17. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/24/17.

AUG 31, SEPT 07, 14, 21, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037734300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: LOTUSFEATHER PRODUCTIONS, 1408 LYON ST APT B, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SUSAN F. IRWIN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 08/13/04. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/22/17.

AUG 31, SEPT 07, 14, 21, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037734800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: UNIQUE BROWS SALON, 2088 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SUJATA ARYAL. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 08/23/12. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/23/17.

AUG 31, SEPT 07, 14, 21, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037734100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: CAL LUMBER & SUPPLY, 1459 18TH ST #355, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed WOODFORD STUDIO INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 08/21/17. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/22/17.

AUG 31, SEPT 07, 14, 21, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037736600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GLADIOLUS VENDING, 575 NAPLES ST #B, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed GLADIOLUS LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 08/15/17. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/24/17.

AUG 31, SEPT 07, 14, 21, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037731700 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SIDE HUSTLE, 601 19TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed MORTAR & MASH ONE, LLC (DE). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on NA. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/21/17.

AUG 31, SEPT 07, 14, 21, 2017

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037733900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THE LITTLE CHIHUAHUA MEXICAN RESTAURANT, 4123 24TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed TLC FOODS, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 01/10/07. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/22/17.

AUG 31, SEPT 07, 14, 21, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037733800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THE LITTLE CHIHUAHUA MEXICAN RESTAURANT, 292 DIVISADERO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed TLC FOODS, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 01/10/07. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/22/17.

AUG 31, SEPT 07, 14, 21, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037726800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS, 2800 LEAVENWORTH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed GOLDEN GATE DOUGHNUTS, LLC (NC). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 07/19/17. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/15/17.

AUG 31, SEPT 07, 14, 21, 2017 SUMMONS (FAMILY LAW) SUPERIOR COURT SANTA CLARA COUNTY NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: TANJA TODOSIJEVIC-BACKOVIC YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PETITIONER: MILOS BACKOVIC CASE NO. 17FL002358

Notice: You have been sued. Read the information below and on the next page. Petitioner’s name is: MILOS BACKOVIC. You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this Summons and Petition are served on you to file a Response (form FL-120) at the court and have a copy served on the petitioner. A letter, phone call, or court appearance will not protect you. If you do not file your Response on time, the court may make orders affecting your marriage or domestic partnership, your property, and custody of your children. You may be ordered to pay support and attorney fees and costs. For legal advice, contact a lawyer immediately. Get help finding a lawyer at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp), at the California Legal Services website (www.lawhelpca.org), or by contacting your local county bar association. Notice: RESTRAINING ORDERS ARE ON PAGE 2: These restraining orders are effective against both spouses or domestic partners until the petition is dismissed, a judgment is entered, or the court makes further orders. They are enforceable anywhere in California by any law enforcement officer who has received or seen a copy of them. FEE WAIVER: If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the clerk for a fee waiver form. The court may order you to pay back all or part of the fees and costs that the court waived for you or the other party. STANDARD FAMILY LAW RESTRAINING ORDERS: Starting immediately, you and your spouse or domestic partner are restrained from: 1. Removing the minor children of the parties from the state or applying for a new or replacement passport for those minor children without the prior written consent of the other party or an order of the court; 2. Cashing, borrowing against, canceling, transferring, disposing of, or changing the beneficiaries of any insurance or other coverage, including life, health, automobile, and disability, held for the benefit of the parties and their minor children; 3. Transferring, encumbering, hypothecating, concealing, or in any way disposing of any property, real or personal, whether community, quasicommunity, or separate, without the written consent of the other party or an order of the court, except in the usual course of business or for the necessities of life; and 4. creating a nonprobate transfer or modifying a nonprobate transfer in a manner that affects the disposition of property subject to the transfer, without the written consent of the other party or an order of the court. Before revocation of a nonprobate transfer can take effect or a right of survivorship to property can be eliminated, notice of the change must be filed and served on the other party. You must notify each other of any proposed extraordinary expenditures at least five business days prior to incurring these extraordinary expenditures and account to the court for all extraordinary expenditures made after these restraining orders are effective. However you may use community property, quasicommunity property, or your own separate property to pay an attorney to help you or to pay court costs. NOTICE – ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HEALTH INSURANCE: Do you or someone in your household need affordable health insurance? If so, you should apply for Covered California. Covered California can help reduce the cost you pay towards high quality affordable health care. For more information, visit www.coveredca.com. Or call Covered California at 1-800-300-1506 WARNING – IMPORTANT INFORMATION. California law provides that, for purposes of division of property upon dissolution of a marriage or domestic partnership or upon legal separation, property acquired by the parties during marriage or domestic partnership in joint form is presumed to be community property. If either party to this action should die before the jointly held community property is divided, the language in the deed that characterizes how title is held (i.e., joint tenancy tenants in common, or community property) will be controlling, and not the community property presumption. You should consult your attorney if you want the community property presumption to be written into the recorded title to the property. The name and address of the court is: Superior Court, Santa Clara County, 201 N 1st Street, San Jose, CA 95113. The name, address, and telephone number of the petitioner’s attorney, or petitioner without an attorney, is:

MONTGOMERY S. PISANO, ESQ, 5150 EL CAMINO REAL, SUITE D-22, LOS ALTOS, CA 94022 (650) 903-2200. Date: 06/05/2017; Clerk of Court, by K. Hirose, Deputy.

SEPT 07, 14, 21, 28, 2017 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-17-553296

In the matter of the application of CHRISTOPHER ANDREW BATES, 555 BARTLETT ST #214, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110: for change of name having been ﬁled in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner CHRISTOPHER ANDREW BATES, is requesting that the name CHRISTOPHER ANDREW BATES, be changed to CHRISTOPHER ANDREW BATEMAN. 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 26th of October 2017 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

SEPT 07, 14, 21, 28, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037743200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: NEW LOOKS SALON, 3437 A MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed QUANG KHA. 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 08/30/17.

SEPT 07, 14, 21, 28, 2017

NOTICE OF SECOND AMENDED PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF OTTO E. HOFFMAN IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO: FILE PES-17-300996

To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of OTTO E. HOFFMAN. A Petition for Probate has been filed by MARIO ALBERTO AVILA & WERNER HEISSERER in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. The Petition for Probate requests that MARIO ALBERTO AVILA & WERNER HEISSERER be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests the decedent’s will and codicils, if any, be admitted to probate. The will and any codicils are available for examination in the file kept by the court. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: September 27, 2017, 9:00 am, Dept: Probate, Rm. 204, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined by section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for petitioner: Aaron M. Palley, 6200 Antioch St., Oakland, CA 94611; Ph. (510) 339-0233.

SEPT 07, 14, 21, 2017 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-17-553295

In the matter of the application of: EMILY ELIZABETH MERRIMAN, 555 BARTLETT ST #214, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner EMILY ELIZABETH MERRIMAN, is requesting that the name EMILY ELIZABETH MERRIMAN, AKA EMILY MERRIMAN BATES, be changed to EMILY ELIZABETH BATEMAN. 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 26th of October 2017 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

SEPT 07, 14, 21, 28, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037749300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: FINANCIAL LIBERTY NETWORK, 5324 MISSION ST STE A, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed PEDRO GARCIA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/23/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/01/17.

SEPT 07, 14, 21, 28, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037749400 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: PEDRO GARCIA & CO., 5338 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed PEDRO GARCIA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 06/23/17. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/01/17.

SEPT 07, 14, 21, 28, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037739000 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: LONG WEEKEND MANAGEMENT, 358 EDINBURGH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MONIQUE ANTOINETTE MEAD. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/21/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/28/17.

SEPT 07, 14, 21, 28, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037730600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: OAKSMITH FURNITURE, 791 33RD AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by an individual and is signed DOMINIQUE TUTWILER. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 08/14/17. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/18/17.

SEPT 07, 14, 21, 28, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037742600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: H FIT, 80 SAN RAFAEL AVE, SAN ANSELMO, CA 94960. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JOSEPH JANKO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 08/29/17. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/29/17.

SEPT 07, 14, 21, 28, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037725300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GRAHAM ARCHITECTS, 1926 POWELL ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JEFFREY O. GRAHAM. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 06/15/00. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/15/17.

SEPT 07, 14, 21, 28, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037748500 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GRANDEHO’S KAMEKYO, 2721 HYDE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed GRANDEHO’S INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 06/01/00. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/31/17.

SEPT 07, 14, 21, 28, 2017

Classifieds>>

September 21-27, 2017 • BAY AREA REPORTER • 17

Legal Notices>> FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037748400 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SUNFLOWER POTRERO HILL, 288 CONNECTICUT ST., SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed GRANDEHO’S INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 09/12/98. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/31/17.

SEPT 07, 14, 21, 28, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037742200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BARREL PROOF, 2331 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed ROUNDING THIRD BAR GROUP LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on NA. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/29/17.

SEPT 07, 14, 21, 28, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037734500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: DRAPES PLACE, 1559B SLOAT BLVD #433, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94132. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed ROLOK 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 08/22/17.

SEPT 07, 14, 21, 28, 2017 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-035990600

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as: NEW LOOKS SALON, 3437 A MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110.This business was conducted by an individual and signed by THANH-NHA CAO.The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/11/14.

SEPT 07, 14, 21, 28, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037756100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: BABY BOOT CAMP - NOE VALLEY, 1471 ALEMANY BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed CAROLYN APPRILL. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 08/31/17. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/08/17.

SEP 14, 21, 28, OCT 05, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037731800

SUMMONS SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: THOMAS J. SMITH; AND DOES 1 THROUGH 10 YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: BANK OF STOCKTON CASE NO. CGC-16-553325

Notice: You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below. You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www. courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp) your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www. courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. The name and address of the court is: Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco, 400 McAllister St, San Francisco, CA 94103. The name, address, and telephone number of the plaintiff’s attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is:

BARRY W. FERNS, ESQ., FERNS, ADAMS & ASSOCIATES, 2815 MITCHELL DRIVE, SUITE 210, WALNUT CREEK, CA 94598; (925) 927 - 3401. Date: July 28, 2016; Clerk, by Arlene Ramos, Deputy.

SEP 14, 21, 28, OCT 05, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037734700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: DARK DAYDREAMS BOOKS, 601 VAN NESS AVE, E602, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LAURA PERKINS GAFFNEY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 07/20/17. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/22/17.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: URBAN CONCEPTS, 501 BEALE ST, UNIT 11H, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed UNICORN CONSULTING 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 08/23/17.

SEP 14, 21, 28, OCT 05, 2017

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037742100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GRILL SPOT, 2311 CLEMENT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed GRILL SPOT 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 08/29/17.

SEP 14, 21, 28, OCT 05, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037755100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: OWNIT.CLUB, 228 VICKSBURG ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed HIGHEST VALUE LTD LLC (DE). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 09/07/17. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/07/17.

SEP 14, 21, 28, OCT 05, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037751600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: THE CIVIC KITCHEN, 2961 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed MISE EN PLACE SF 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 09/06/17.

SEP 14, 21, 28, OCT 05, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037737200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: NOURISH CO., 720 FELL ST #6, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed NOURISH CO. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/31/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/24/17.

SEP 14, 21, 28, OCT 05, 2017 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-035279700

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as: SUSHI ZONE AND DELI, 1815 MARKET ST #5, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business was conducted by an individual and signed by KIMIAKI AOYAMA. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/02/13.

SEP 14, 21, 28, OCT 05, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037759600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SHOULDER DANCING AUTHENTIC ETHIOPIAN FOODS, 103 HORNE AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed WOLDE G. HAILESELASSIE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 09/01/17. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/12/17.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037759400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: SAN FRANCISCO CAD, 3609 ALEMANY BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94132. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DAPHNE PRZYGOCKI. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/10/00. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/12/17.

SEP 21, 28, OCT 05, 12, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037763600

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The following person(s) is/are doing business as: A52 SIGNS & GRAPHICS, 1161 QUESADA AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed A52 SIGNS & GRAPHICS, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 12/19/11. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/14/17.

SEP 21, 28, OCT 05, 12, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037763000

SEP 21, 28, OCT 05, 12, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037757300

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: A DIGNIFIED HOME CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES, 575 NAPLES ST #B, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed A DIGNIFIED HOME (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/15/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/15/17.

SEP 21, 28, OCT 05, 12, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037754000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: DIRECT THC, 214 CALIFORNIA ST, SUITE 211, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed DIRECT DISTRIBUTION, 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 09/06/17.

SEP 21, 28, OCT 05, 12, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037754600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: GLADIOLUS LASER, 575 NAPLES ST #B, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed GLADIOLUS LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 09/07/17. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/07/17.

SEP 21, 28, OCT 05, 12, 2017

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The following person(s) is/are doing business as: JUNIOR, 2545 24TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed WILLARD CAPITAL PARTNERS 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 09/11/17.

SEP 21, 28, OCT 05, 12, 2017 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-037736600

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as: GLADIOLUS VENDING, 575 NAPLES ST #B, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business was conducted by a limited liability company and signed by GLADIOLUS LLC (CA). The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 08/24/17.

SEP 21, 28, OCT 05, 12, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037765500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as: A1 HAULING, 443 GATEWAY DR #101, PACIFICA, CA 94044. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed NASHAT ABDELGHANI. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 09/18/17. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/18/17.

SEP 21, 28, OCT 05, 12, 2017 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-037761500 The following person(s) is/are doing business as: JADEYE BEAUTY, 518 TARAVAL ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JESSICA YURASH. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed ﬁctitious business name or names on 09/01/17. The statement was ﬁled with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 09/14/17.

SEP 21, 28, OCT 05, 12, 2017

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Vol. 47 • No. 38 • September 21-27, 2017

Classic dysfunction on the opera stage “E

by Philip Campbell

lektra” by Richard Strauss and Hugo von Hofmannsthal opened recently as the second presentation in San Francisco Opera’s fall season. Like the successful first-night gala “Turandot,” the title character is a princess with murder on her mind. But to put it mildly, there is no happy ending, and this one-act tragedy won’t get anyone in the mood for an afterparty. See page 24 >>

Emma Stone as Billie Jean King and Steve Carell as Bobby Riggs in “The Battle of the Sexes.”

Gender showdown on the tennis court T

by David Lamble

he new docudrama “The Battle of the Sexes” flashes back 44 years to 1973. An aging tennis star, Bobby Riggs, more skilled at hustling for money and camera time than winning on the tennis courts, challenged the reigning women’s champ Billie Jean King to a showdown match. See page 26 >>

20th Century Fox

Cory Weaver/San Francisco Opera

Christine Goerke stars in the title role of Strauss’ “Elektra” for San Francisco Opera.

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<< Out There

20 • Bay Area Reporter • September 21-27, 2017

Season opens with real panache Big Mac

Drew Altizer

On opening night in Davies Symphony Hall, the San Francisco Symphony under Michael Tilson Thomas performs Ravel’s “Bolero.”

by Roberto Friedman

h arts-loving pumpkins, the fall arts season has definitely begun! Your gay old uncle Out There has been running around to season openers like there’s no tomorrow – which is silly, since there’s a whole action-packed season ahead. In a week that included openings at the Orpheum (“American in Paris,” to be reviewed in next week’s issue) and Berkeley Rep (“Ain’t Too Proud,” reviewed this week), as well as a six-hour immersion in the fantastic world of Taylor Mac (see next item), it was the San Francisco Symphony’s Opening Night Gala Concert in Davies Symphony Hall that took the cake pop for starriest opener.

After wishing a happy new season to Symphony staffers and fellow pressies at a reception held in Davies Hall’s Green Room, OT enjoyed the concert starring music director Michael Tilson Thomas, legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma and the extraordinary talents of the San Francisco Symphony. The glamorous after-party transpired in a tented pavilion and also al fresco on Grove Street. The champagne corks were popped, the drinks were swilled, and the artspatronage livin’ came easy. Bring on the season, we’re primed!

Creative powerhouse Taylor Mac calls his show “A 24-Decade History of Popular Music” “a radical faerie realness ritual sacrifice – and the audience is the sacrifice!” Out There attended “Chapter 1, 1776-1836,” the first six-hour installment, last Friday night. Chapters II, III and IV will bring the show’s total running time to 24 hours, and run through Sept. 24. True, the musical potpourri, extended monologue, freakish fashion show, and over-the-top performance-art spectacle did remind OT of the wild, anarchic joys and transgressive energies of a radical faerie gathering. There was the same embrace of wild, gonzo drag, hallucinogenic visuals, and let-itall-hang-out ethos. There was also something of a grounding in reality – in this chapter, the songs and spirit of American revolution, the push-and-pull of temperance and indulgence, the sweet strains of sentimentality in popular ballads of the day. Mac reminded us that the show was about creativity, not creation; about verbs, not nouns. Civilians knitting onstage alluded to the American spirit of making things, and the yarn hobby-

ists did remind us of a faerie circle. Outlandish costumery by Machine Dazzle, crack musical direction by Matt Ray, and the heartfelt ministrations of the Dandy Minions all added mightily to the effect, unlike anything now on the boards. Later chapters feature meditations on Walt Whitman, Stephen Foster, “The Mikado” staged on

Mars, Zoot Suits, gay hero Bayard Rustin’s March on Washington, and sexual deviance as revolution. Taylor Mac is at the forefront of this artistic movement against passivity in entertainment, against bleak capitalist consumption, and against reflexive heteronormativity. We can think of no better general in the ongoing art wars.t

Teddy Wolff

Taylor Mac, creator and star of “A 24-Decade History of Popular Music,” currently at the Curran.

Once upon a time in Oakland by Richard Dodds

hose story is it anyway? Kheven LaGrone’s “The Legend of Pink” spends much of its first act in an I-gotta-be-me story of one character, climaxing in a kind of performance-art epiphany, and then abruptly dispenses with him in the second act to tell another character’s tale in very different tones. There are enough good ideas in each to fill at least two short plays, but they collide uneasily – and at times confusingly – in this world premiere opening Theatre Rhino’s 40th season. It’s not surprising to read that this is the first full-length play for the Oakland-based activist and essayist. Some heavy-duty dramaturgical work is still needed for this play that Theatre Rhino first produced as a

staged reading earlier this year. Some of the problems aren’t necessarily in the play itself but in production details that aren’t always in agreement with what the characters are saying. But in the second act especially, the dynamics of an unconventional relationship are explored with unpredictable dramatic tension under AeJay Mitchell’s direction. Most of the play is set in 1989 in and around West Oakland, when the area bristled with drugs and gangs. It opens with a bit of heavy-handed exposition, as a young black man named Bradford tells a friend on the phone about his unsatisfactory visit to a trendy San Francisco bar where the mostly white clientele treat him as a stereotype of stereotypes. “You must be a good black,” says one young woman, as opposed to “a real

black,” while her friend indicates her affinity for African-Americans by noting that her nanny was black. As an antidote to this experience, Bradford ventures into a neighborhood bar in West Oakland where, he tells his friend on the phone, some thugs hanging around outside the bar call him out as an effete interloper based on his manner of speech and, in an identifier repeated throughout the play, his “expensive designer clothes.” It might help the audience if the character ever wore anything that resembled expensive designer clothes. But those apparently fancy duds attract the attention of a transvestite barfly named Pink, who gives him her address and invites him to visit her sometime. He does, and her all-pink basement apartment beneath a

crack house and her commitment to be-yourself fabulousness set him on a journey of self-exploration as he tries to shed the racial role-model constraints imbued by his parents. Implausibly, that one visit has all the neighborhood drug dealers buzzing, and even all the members of a local church, due to his latemodel Mercedes, but especially those damned expensive designer clothes. Is he an undercover narc? Why would anyone respectable visit with Pink? It’s enough for the local pastor to pay Pink a visit to warn her about all the dangerously wagging tongues. When that danger manifests itself, what may have been a miscued sound effect on opening night made unclear a critical sequence of events. Mostly, though, the second act is Pink’s story revealed through her interactions with a mocking so-called friend (played with comic

gusto by Phaedra Tillery) and the blue-collar lover who insists he’s not gay (played with a scary volatility by R. Shawntez Jackson). The unexpectedly complicated subtleties of the relationship between Pink and Ace provide the play’s most involving moments. While Maurice Andre San-Chez offers up a brave performance as Bradford, it is Charles Peoples III’s total commitment to the role of Pink that most anchors the production. A coda set in 2009 doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, but it does provide a happy ending for Pink and Ace as they survey the old hood in their expensive designer clothes.t “The Legend in Pink” will run at the Gateway Theatre through Sept. 30. Tickets are $15-$40. Call (800) 838-3006 or go to www.therhino.org.

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Charles Peoples III as Pink and R. Shawntez Jackson as her sometimes lover have a complicated relationship in Theatre Rhino’s “The Legend in Pink.”

On the web This week, find The Lavender Tube column “American history revisited,” and the TV review “Quality queer programming,” online at www.ebar.com.

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Bay Area Reporter

<< Theatre

22 • Bay Area Reporter • September 21-27, 2017

Harmonizing along with blue notes by Richard Dodds

t isn’t a pretty story, the kind that can legitimately end on a high note like the musicals about the music and careers of the Four Seasons (“Jersey Boys”) or Carole King (“Beautiful”). But with the right platitudes and some dazzling staging, “Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of the Temptations” makes us believe that the life and times of the legendary Motown group had somehow been touched by an angel. This new musical, with Broadway unabashedly in its sights, is having its world premiere at Berkeley Rep, and it’s hard to imagine a splashier way to start a new season. The production is already Big Apple polished, and the work that needs to be done – sharpening dialogue, adjusting songbook choices – are the kind of changes that are achievable as a move to Broadway is plotted. The biggest challenge in telling the story of the Temptations is the group’s revolving door of members, an issue largely conquered in

Dominque Morisseau’s libretto. Based on the book “The Temptations” by founding member Otis Williams, it tells the story largely through his eyes, so we have a steady point of view even as the personnel around him frequently changes. Williams’ was the steadiest hand on the rudder, but his mates did not always appreciate his position of group scold as they dealt with drugs, alcohol, women, egos, and tantrums. Williams, the only surviving member of what are known as the “classic” Temptations, had his failings as well, which the musical glancingly acknowledges, and at Best Wedding Photographer times points up seemingly as voted bywithout BAR readers realizing just what it is it is revealing. Derrick Baskin, with a hunched posture, plays Williams without flash but with a steady power. “Ain’t Too Proud” opens with a full-out rendition of the group singing its first chart hit, “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” complete with slick dance moves from choreographer Sergio Trujillo and flashy costumes by Paul Tazewell.

Then it’s time to go back to Detroit of the early 1960s, when multiple R&B groups were finding local success, and an impresario named Berry Gordy was starting a record label that became Motown. After his original group flamed out, Otis Williams began assembling members for a new group that would choose The Temptations as its name. Under Berry’s strict assembly-line approach to making records with a keen eye to the white market, the Temptations started scoring hits even as tensions quickly started pulling the group apart. Much of the drama comes from internal arguCarole Litwin ments over money, billing, As members of the “classic” Temptations, Ephraim Sykes, Jared Joseph, behavior, and who should Derrick Baskin, Jeremy Pope, and James Harkness try out a new song in the be fired for missed perfor- world premiere of “Ain’t Too Proud” at Berkeley Rep. mances, arriving on the stage drunk, or other affronts to confrontational Eddie Kendricks, Me by Now,” Rashidra Scott’s voice the fraternity. and James Harkness as the heartrings out with such powerful purity Director Des McAnuff also staged rending Paul Williams. that it sent a shockwave through the “Jersey Boys,” another tale of success In addition to the group’s peropening-night audience. There is a from hardscrapple beginnings, so sonal struggles, “Ain’t Too Proud” perfect opportunity to hear her sing he knows the territory. The musical sticks its toe into racial and anti-war again in the second act that goes igmoves smoothly on Robert Brill’s issues. But the music is what it’s nored, even as time is made for the evolving sets enhanced with projecall about and what keeps this tooSupremes to repeatedly swirl onto tions, as songs and stories are placed much-too-soon story from becomthe stage in sequined gowns. together for maximum resonance, ing a tragedy.t Understandably, those who play none more effectively than how the classic Temptations make the “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” bebiggest impressions. In addition to “Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and comes an anthem for a large part of Baskin’s performance as Otis WilTimes of the Temptations” will the second act. run through Oct. 22 at Berkeley liams, these include Jared Joseph In the department of missed Rep. Tickets are $60-$135. as mellow baritone Melvin Frankopportunities, when Williams’ neCall (510) 647-2949 or go to lin, Ephraim Sykes as the bristling glected wife Josephine gets to sing berkeleyrep.org. David Ruffin, Jeremy Pope as the a few bars of “If You Don’t Know

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Funny cigarettes by Richard Dodds

9/18/17 12:05 PM

ost in the haze of history is the name of the church group that commissioned the notorious antiweed movie “Reefer Madness.” Its congregants were no doubt happy to duck recognition when their little movie ended up on the exploitation circuit in the 1930s, playing on double bills with such films as “Sex Maniac,” “Human Wreckage,” and “Sins of Love.” What was originally titled “Tell Your Children” became “Reefer Madness” when huckster moviemaker Dwain Esper bought up the rights and inserted lurid footage, using the educational-film premise to bypass censors. Esper’s own story is worthy of an “Ed Wood” treatment for his Barnum-esque tactics. “Reefer Madness,” of course, is the Esper film that endures, thanks to its Midnight-movie rediscovery in the 1970s as a campy romp. It was inevitable that “– The Musical” would one day be attached to its name, and indeed, “Reefer Madness – The Musical” debuted in 1988 in Los Angeles. And it was inevitable that Ray of Light Theatre would add it to the mostly offbeat musicals that are the company’s passion. Unfortunately, this musical isn’t really worthy of what Ray of Light can bring to the stage when challenged with stronger material. For sure, there are high times to be had at the Victoria Theatre, and the musical’s creators do display bursts of comic creativity. But their biggest challenge – how to ridicule something that was already ridiculous – is met more with desperation than inspiration. Director Jenn Bevard, who staged an exquisite production of “The Wild Party” for Ray of Light, is less able to finesse a polish from Kevin Murphy and Dan Studney’s songs and book that are uneven in wit and style. There is no lack of enthusiasm

in the large cast, and this was able to communicate itself to an appreciative audience on opening night. But there may be more rewards tucked into the show that a slicker production, with a few more fillips of its own, might provide. The basic premise of the movie remains, as a stern lecturer tells the audience that what it is about to see is based on a true story, and that story includes a sleazy pot dealer luring innocent teens into a life of depraved addiction after a few tokes on a giggle stick. But the musical provides such interpolations as song-and-dance numbers for Jesus, who did not make an appearance in the movie, and cannibalism as a cure for the munchies. Although the musical is set in the 1930s, Murphy and Studney’s music owes allegiance to no era, and Murphy’s lyrics do occasionally hit the mark. Musical director Daniel Feyer leads a solid fivepiece band, while Alex Rodriguez’s choreography is, literally and figuratively, all over the place.

As Jimmy and Mary, Phil Wong and Brigitte Losey throw themselves fully into their Jekyll-and-Hyde roles of all-American sweethearts who become dope fiends especially drawn to cunnilingus. Ashley Garlick, Christen Sottolano, and Adam Niemann are also merrily committed to their roles as the dope dealer’s posse, although Matt Hammons doesn’t quite seduce as either the slick dealer or the rock-star Jesus. Leah Shesky is appropriately stern as the regularly reappearing lecturer. A few years back, Showtime was able to squeeze an enjoyable made-for-TV movie from the material. But the ingenuity that Ray of Light has previously shown with lesser resources is not sufficiently conjured to light up this particular giggle stick.t “Reefer Madness” will run at the Victoria Theatre through Oct. 7. Tickets are $35-$40, available at rayoflighttheatre.com.

Erik Scanlon

Brigitte Losey and Phil Wong play all-American sweethearts who get addicted to marijuana in Ray of Light’s production of “Reefer Madness – The Musical” now at the Victoria Theatre.

A new, prehistoric exhibit | Now Open It’s amazing what a fossil can reveal. With massive, life-size models, an interactive flight simulator, real pterosaur fossils, and more—this new exhibit will leave a lasting impression. Fossilized forever, but only here for a limited time. Get tickets at calacademy.org Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (amnh.org)

27727-CAS-Pterosaurs-Scaph-Bay Area Reporter-9.75x16-06.01.17-FA.indd 1

6/1/17 2:38 PM

<< Music

24 • Bay Area Reporter • September 21-27, 2017

Glamorous frisson of opening night by Philip Campbell

an Francisco Symphony opening night galas are sleek and friendly affairs, marked by chic fashions, lots of complimentary potables and a pared down concert that traditionally features a famous guest star. The start of the Orchestra’s 106th season last Thursday was no exception. Music Director Michael Tilson Thomas took the podium to begin his 23rd year as leader of the brilliant ensemble to conduct Leonard Bernstein’s fizzing Overture to “Candide,” the perfect start to a brief but appropriately sophisticated program. The visiting star was internationally renowned and beloved cellist Yo-Yo Ma. As expected, he epitomized the glamorous frisson of opening night without compromising his unique artistic integrity. Straddling the extended intermission with not one but two virtuosic selections gave value for money, but most importantly, added just the right note of joyful musicianship. The compositions were both cheerful and pleasingly substantial. We know Ma is capable of deeper emotion, but who wants to get too serious on opening night? Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto No. 1 flew by in a rush of catchy melody, and Ma characteristically slowed long enough to savor softer moments. His rendition of Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme was also more than a mere display of dazzling

Elektra

From page 19

Instead it sends audiences out awestruck, discussing the sensational production by original director Keith Warner and revival director Anja Kühnhold (both making their SFO debuts), and marveling at the trio of magnificent female performances that dominate the War Memorial stage. The co-production of SFO, Prague National Theatre, and Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe is set in an antiquities exhibit in a modern museum, cleverly facilitating timetravel between the ages, and allowing some fascinating psychological cross-references. Mythic Elektra (the libretto is based on Sophocles) has been driven to the verge of madness by the violence of her mother Klytemnestra and Aegisth (bloody mama’s lover) against her father Agamemnon (not exactly blameless himself). In Warner’s concept, contemporary Elektra is an agitated young woman who hides out in a museum overnight to relive the chilling events that will end in a bloodbath and destroy a monumen-

technique. Like MTT, Yo-Yo Ma is a seasoned vet who knows how to keep a party lively. They celebrated the 90th birthday of friend and generous supporter Bernard Osher as a duo with a special performance of “Barney Osher’s 17th Century Birthday,” written especially for the occasion, performing the clever little piece as vocalist (oh Maestro, don’t ever quit your day job) and instrumentalist, with Resident Conductor Christian Reif leading the orchestra. Ma engaged with the Tchaikovsky Variations next, and it was a real fun-for-all, watching the star as he delighted the audience and onstage colleagues as well. Big grins and bravos pair nicely. In what almost appeared cynical on paper, MTT closed the bill with yet another performance of Ravel’s 20-minute ballet score “Boléro.” Formula for first-night success aside, the prospect of hearing the rather hoary holdover from a zillion Pops concerts didn’t generate much enthusiasm. Still, one would have to be made of wood to resist Ravel’s sinuous rhythmic dance. The slow burning build to an orgasmic climax eventually casts its spell in almost any setting. And MTT had some tricks up his sleeve to add even more excitement. The Davies Symphony Hall lights dimmed, replaced by colorful stage lighting as a backdrop. Pin-spots focused on orchestral soloists as they stood to play. Reminiscent of tally dysfunctional family. Violence begets violence, and perverse morality leads to actions demanding impossible responses. Is vengeance righteous or self-defeating? Can murder ever be justified? By the time this mesmerizing onehour-and-45-minute (without intermission) journey is over, we have faced such conundrums, and if the answers are still nebulous, we have observed some potent arguments. It has been 20 years since the morbidly fixated daddy’s girl last plotted her mother’s demise at SFO, and there are good reasons why Strauss’ early-20th-century masterpiece is infrequently revived. There have been some legendary singers and conductors in fabulous productions over the years, but the huge demands of the composer are not easily met. The orchestra is expanded to 95, and personnel numbers 16 principals, 47 offstage choristers, and 19 supernumeraries. The two sopranos and mezzosoprano who sing Strauss’ grueling monologues must possess not only power, but also lustrous range. Smaller roles should be convincingly cast, too, and the leading male,

big band performances of yesteryear, it was a cool idea that actually looked great. It also underlined the individual and collective excellence of SFS musicians. We feel affection as well as admiration for them all, and it is clear

their longtime leader knows how to spotlight their talent. That’s what the heart of opening night should be about. The free-flowing libations, tasty tapas and congenial networking are simply the proverbial icing on the cake.

We look forward to the first weeks of the season with heightened anticipation as the celebration of Leonard Bernstein’s centenary commences with concerts in September that feature compositions ranging from jazz to sacred choral and Broadway.t

Drew Altizer

Music director Michael Tilson Thomas conducts cellist Yo-Yo Ma with the San Francisco Symphony at Davies Symphony Hall.

Cory Weaver/San Francisco Opera

A scene from San Francisco Opera’s production of Strauss’ “Elektra” with Nicole Birkland (Third Maidservant), Sarah Cambidge (Fourth Maidservant), Alexandra Loutsion (Overseer), Rhoslyn Jones (Fifth Maidservant), and Jill Grove (First Maidservant).

Elektra’s avenging brother Orest, must display imposing strength to be credible. Scenic design and costumes shouldn’t detract from the intensity of the play. Any opera company that can succeed in all departments achieves something of a miracle. Everyone can now exhale. “Elektra” 2017 is a towering success that eclipses every other show in town, at least until the end of the run. It isn’t for the faint of heart, but opera-lovers will be talking about it for years. The ingenious set by Boris Kudlicka, excellent lighting by John Bishop, effective costumes by Kaspar Glarner, and striking videos by Bartek Macias frame the action perfectly. All are new to SFO, and they realize Warner’s and Kühnhold’s vision with an almost cinematic fluidity. Good as the physical production is, it would probably work on a bare stage with work lights, the musical values are that exceptional. Hungarian conductor Henrik Nánási (another SFO debut) took the podium previously held by such greats as Fritz Reiner and Georg Solti. His grasp of the symphonic

arc of the score seduces as it propels, and dissonant explosions were overwhelming in their theatrical force. The young conductor was general music director of the Komische Oper Berlin from 2012-17. We hope his many international assignments won’t prevent a quick return. The pivotal role of Orest was richly embodied by Louisiana bass-baritone Alfred Walker (SFO debut). His multi-dimensional performance suited the intensity of his colleagues, and he managed to sound beautifully musical at vocally stressful moments. After making his SFO debut as Emperor Altoum in “Turandot,” tenor Robert Brubaker plays the heinous Aegisth as a scary and scared snake of a man. His murder scene was horrific. As the equally venomous mother Klytemnestra, Merola Opera Program alumna Michaela Martens looked and acted like middle-aged Liz Taylor on a bender. Her mezzosoprano range is expressive, and her acting lends surprising sympathy to the character. Her punishment was inevitable, but she made it

even more ghastly by showing her human side. Canadian soprano Adrianne Pieczonka portrayed Elektra’s softer sister Chrysothemis with a heartbreaking combination of timidity and dejection. Wearing her doll-like pink gown and yearning for a normal life, her pure, sweet tone was strong enough to be heard over the gigantic orchestra and still convey subtle emotion. The crowning triumph of an unforgettable production is dramatic soprano Christine Goerke’s embodiment of the title role. How she could sound so tonally gorgeous at every turn while careening about the stage in fits of pitiable despair and anger ought to be taught in a master class. Putting her in the ranks of iconic singers like Inge Borkh, Gwyneth Jones, or yes, even Birgit Nilsson isn’t a stretch. Witnesses to Goerke’s stunning Elektra will feel confident knowing they have been present at the radiant making of a star.t “Elektra” continues in repertory through Sept. 27. sfopera.com.

Film>>

September 21-27, 2017 • Bay Area Reporter • 25

Falling in love with Vincent Van Gogh by Sura Wood

t’s likely you’ve never experienced an animated film as extraordinary as “Loving Vincent.” Billed as the world’s first fully oil-painted feature, this unique, beyond vivid, exceptionally beautiful production, which explores the last months and controversial death of Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh, brings to uncanny life the weird beauty and feverish intensity of modern art’s man on fire. Exhaustively researched and inspired by the artist’s masterpieces, subjects, and 800 of his personal letters, most of them to his brother and devoted benefactor Theo, the film, composed of 65,000 meticulously hand-painted frames, took seven years to complete. The project engaged 125 specially trained artists who re-imagined his paintings, laboring in cubicles inside a hangar in northern Poland, where 10-30 days could be spent completing a single second of film. The characters in Van Gogh’s portraits, portrayed and voiced by actors, were shot in liveaction sequences in front of green screens or on sets that resembled the paintings. Then each frame was painted over by animators. As with Van Gogh’s swirling colors and undulating brush strokes on canvas, the imagery shimmers and vibrates, but with a crucial difference: through the enchanted realm of cinema, viewers have the illusion of inhabiting the paintings. Van Gogh, most famous as the mad

genius who sliced off his ear after a fight with Paul Gauguin, committed suicide at 37, a tragic act that followed a creative nine-year frenzy resulting in 860 oil paintings and 1,000 drawings. 77 of those paintings, including instantly recognizable masterpieces such as “Starry Night over the Rhone,” “Wheatfield with Crows,” “Café Terrace at Night” and “Portrait of Dr. Gachet,” are captured onscreen. Van Gogh painted 200 works during the 15 months he lived in Arles and Auvers-sur-Oise, where in 1890 he died from a gunshot wound, presumably self-inflected. The film operates as a kind of crime story, investigating the circumstances surrounding his death by having Armand Roulin (Douglas Booth), a handsome young subject of several of the artist’s portraits and son of the ruddy-faced postmaster Joseph Roulin (Chris O’Dowd), query people who knew him in his last days. The set-up, though at times contrived, reveals different aspects of the man; and in black & white flashbacks, one sees the world through the eyes of Van Gogh himself. After nearly a decade immersed in an intensive labor of love that could have been her Waterloo, the film’s 38-year-old co-writer and co-director Dorota Kobiela is basking in critical praise and a warm reception on the festival circuit. The Polish painter and filmmaker came to San Francisco to discuss her film, which opens Oct. 6 at the Clay Theatre. Here are edited excerpts from our conversation.

brave in starting something new at 28. Within eight years, he became a great, influential artist of the modern era. At the moment before he committed suicide, his career was going quite well. He had just sold his first painting, and he had a rave review in a French publication that called him the new genius of his generation. So I asked myself: Why? What happened to him? The approach we took was to interview the characters from his paintings and ask their perspective. It was a dramatic angle that was good for the purpose of storytelling.

Courtesy BreakThru Films & Trademark Films

Armand Roulin (Douglas Booth) arriving in Auvers by train, from “Loving Vincent,” written & directed by Dorota Kobiela & Hugh Welchman.

Sura Wood: Why did you choose Van Gogh’s work for this ambitious undertaking? Dorota Kobiela: His paintings are a perfect subject because they’re very emotional and personal and describe his universe, his life, and the people in it as he saw them. These images translate into the language of film. They created a storyboard in my head. What’s your favorite sequence of Van Gogh painting in the film? It’s the opening shot of “Starry Night,” with the camera traveling into Arles and a little fight scene, and into the café. It took seven

months to do. What did you want to reveal about Van Gogh? People know that he was a mad genius who cut his ear off, shot himself, and painted sunflowers. But we wanted to reveal the artist through his medium, to present different stories about him and show he’s not so easy to define.

What were some the sources you drew from? His individual paintings were really the visual key. We worked closely with the Van Gogh Museum. We looked at documentaries like Errol Morris’ “The Thin Blue Line,” Ari Folman’s “Waltz with Bashir,” and “Lust for Life” [the 1956 biopic starring Kirk Douglas]. And a couple of books: Susan Alyson Stein’s “Van Gogh: A Retrospective” and “Van Gogh: The Life.”

Why did you decide to use a detective story as a framing device? Vincent’s story is moving and tragic, but also inspiring. He had failed in several careers. He was very

Did you understand what you were getting into when you embarked on this project? No, at the beginning I really had no idea what I was getting into. But I loved the work and was sad when we finished. Nine years ago, if someone told me that the film would be in festivals and sold in 130 countries around the world, I wouldn’t have believed it. It’s still like a dream for me.t

and some black swans, murmuring sweet nothings to them through the wires of their cages. She’s a fantasist, a loner, an old maid mercilessly mocked by a trio of grotesque female co-workers. She lives with her old mother and a cat. Into the vacuum of her life walks a tall, dark, handsome-enough young man half her age, played by Dmitry Groshev, also a stage actor, who also can act. Their scenes together are a marvel of sensitive, tentative, joy-filled romance. I won’t spoil any surprises in this constantly surprising film. I had no idea where it was headed, and neither should you. Except, yes, the mousey Natasha is inspired by the attentions of her young lover to transform herself into a sex object. Pavlenkova gives a master class in acting as her inner light turns on, but “Zoology” is not a film to settle for pat answers to existential conundrums. Writer-director Ivan Tverdovsky, 28, is half the age of his leading lady. Together they’ve created a unique character who

goes from repressed to shameless without losing her spine. There is no simple solution to the challenges of zoology. As a species, we are out of place. As an animal, we live alienated from other animals and the environment that sustains us. Even among humans, we cannot expect to be loved for who we are. None of us escapes rejection, exploitation, or betrayal. “Zoology” has an edge to it, a Kafkaesque darkness, but equally a Chekhovian sense of comedy. Zoo bureaucrats are buffoons, superstitious old women are caricatures. No single genre can contain this supernatural fairy tale anchored in social realism with notes of satire, hints of mystic communion, and notes of despair. The variety of emotions on offer makes this movie stand out. The possibilities inherent in feeling your way through life, rather than having the right answers. There is no cure for the zoological, only a series of hard choices that occasionally provide some pleasure.t

Escape from the zoo

Courtesy the filmmaker

Scene from director Ivan Tverdovsky’s “Zoology.”

by Erin Blackwell

reat new independent film opening at the Roxie on Friday. Don’t ask questions. Just go. You’ll think I liked it because it takes place at a zoo. I admit, that didn’t hurt its chances with me, but “Zoology”

takes the zoo places I didn’t know it could go. This is chiefly due to the lead actress, Natalia Pavlenkova, 57, who has exactly two films to her credit. The production notes say she’s a stage actress, which prompts me to say, “That explains it.” Yes, the woman can act. As few women

today dare to, at least in the cultural wasteland of Hollywood. Pavlenkova is Russian in all the right ways. Pale, slanted eyes, high, wide cheekbones, her face in repose looks like a slightly disgruntled cat’s. Her face is her instrument, and it takes risks, letting all manner of emotion invade its creases and puffs. This woman is alive, her eyes change colors and sparkle, her mouth reverses direction and breaks into blissful smiles. This wouldn’t be so amazing if zombies hadn’t taken over Hollywood, but they have. I have to reach back to Geraldine Page (“Sweet Bird of Youth,” 1962) to summon her equal. Pavlenkova plays the shy, poignant, bumbling anti-hero Natasha in this tragicomedy about the hell that is other people, and the imperative to make one’s own way regardless. She works at the zoo as “Expert Procurement Manager,” meaning she’s responsible for ordering food for the animals. In her off-hours, she whimsically feeds sausages to a lion and a leopard, bread to an alpaca

Change happens by David Lamble

his week a couple of films open in the Bay Area dealing with volatile social change: one in a rural Irish prep school, the other in a New England-based marriage. “School Life” This low-key biodoc examines the lives and careers of a husband-wife team who for 45 years have taught Latin, English, and guitar at a stately Irish rural prep school where they instill the three Rs: “Reading, Rithmetic, Rock-n-roll!” Directors Neasa Ni Chianain and David Rane show ups and downs in the lives of a couple spending their final year teaching a co-ed class of pre-teens how to prepare for the elite schools Eton and Harrow.

Set on a rustic 18th-century estate, the Headfort School is Ireland’s sole elementary-age boarding academy. In 1970 John and Amanda Leyden signed up to mold the minds, bodies and spirits of their young charges with a rigorous diet of rock music, math, scripture, Latin and Shakespeare. The couple has the advantage of loving their subjects and pupils, and of having each other as sounding boards. “School Life” is a lively, affectionate portrait of a school and dedicated teachers moving towards the embrace of modern life. “Year by the Sea” Change unfolds as dramatically in a fictional tale filmed on the shores of Cape Cod. In a story based on three books by Joan Anderson, a woman who has just seen a grown son waltz off

into married life asks her bear of a husband a simple but troubling question. “Why do you love me?” “Because men love their wives.” Unhappy with this answer, Joan decides not to follow her spouse to his new job in Kansas, instead moving into a cottage just off the Cape. Husband Robin is quietly furious. “Jesus, you’ve really changed, Joan. You’ve gone wild.” “I think I’ve just realized who I could be.” While Alexander Janko’s screenplay skillfully cuts and pastes Anderson’s books into a quirky comedy, and while veteran Karen Allen is pleasing as Joan, I didn’t buy the feel-good ending. “Year by the Sea” tries a little too hard to seduce us with its feminist marriage-manual themes.t

Courtesy Magnolia Pictures

Scene from director Neasa Ní Chianáin’s “School Life.”

<< Film

26 • Bay Area Reporter • September 21-27, 2017

Battle of the Sexes

From page 19

The much-hyped event played out before a live crowd of 30,000 and a national TV audience estimated at 90 million. The result was a huge boost in popularity for women’s tennis, which had long languished in the shadow of the men’s game. The match took place on Sept. 20, 1973, with a winner-take-all purse of $100,000. It’s to the credit of husband-wife directors Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris that the proceedings are hugely entertaining and at least slightly educational. For LGBTQ movie-lovers, “The Battle of the Sexes” scores with a worthy ensemble that includes Emma Stone as King, the chameleon character actor Steve Carell as Riggs, Andrea Riseborough as King’s lover Marilyn Barnett, Sarah Silverman as World Tennis magazine founder Gladys Heldman, Alan Cumming as King’s close friend Ted Tinling, Elisabeth Shue as Riggs’ wife, Austin Stowell as King’s husband, Natalie Morales as tennis player Rosie Casals, Eric Christian Olsen as tennis pro Lornie Kuhle, and Lewis Pullman as Riggs’ son. Stone and Riseborough pull off the tricky feat of showing the stresses of being a female couple outed on a world stage.

The film captures some of the era’s more colorful characters, including the irrepressible Howard Cosell, then just coming into his own as a vulgar but shrewd sports commentator. “Battle of the Sexes” is a glorious liveaction cartoon of a movie that should score both at the box office and awards season. My chat with codirectors Dayton and Faris began with her noting how little press coverage of the 1973 event turned up as they researched. Valerie Faris: We tried to find news footage. We got a couple of radio broadcasts, but it was very hard to find any archival footage from local broadcasts. Jonathan Dayton: And the local broadcasts were all shot on 16mm film. We were lucky to have the ABC broadcast. It was very important to us to use as much found footage as we could, like the press conference that Billie Jean has with [Pres.] Nixon and [newscaster] Howard K. Smith. We wrote to Howard Cosell’s estate and begged for his image and

Emma Stone as Billie Jean King in “The Battle of the Sexes.”

voice because he was an icon at the time. Faris: Even his vocabulary, no one talks like that anymore. Just the braggadocio, that was fun, mining that commentary and placing it over the match. But the sexist overtones were surprising, even coming from Howard. Just the way he put his arm around Rosie Casals and called her “little Rosie Casals.” She was small compared to him, but it comes off as a little demeaning. Dayton: We are old enough to remember the match, and it felt like a story that needed to be told. Faris: But when we read the story and learned about what was going on in Billie Jean’s personal life, that really sold us. Dayton: It was the perfect opportunity to work with Steve [Carell] again, to make sure that Bobby was a dimensional character. He was a fascinating, somewhat tragic character, a man who felt out of place. Bobby was a great tennis player when he was 19. But then WWII broke out, and he felt the world sort of passed him by.t

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Arts Events

Shining Stars Vol. 47 • No. 38 • September 21-27, 2017

www.ebar.com V www.bartabsf.com

Folsom frenzy Background photo: Steven Underhill, Foreground photo: Rich Stadtmiller

Annual street fair unleashes the kink

by Race Bannon

his past Sunday the annual Leather Week frenzy that leads up to the centerpiece event, Folsom Street Fair, began with the 26th annual LeatherWalk. I participated again this year and it’s always amazing to see so many people coming together for this longstanding fundraising event. See page 28 >>

Background: The massive crowd of attendees at the 2016 Folsom street Fair. Foreground: A smooching couple at the 2016 Folsom Street Fair.

hether you’re strapped and chapped or a vanilla vixen, Folsom Street Fair weeke nd provides entertainme nt suitable for every taste, even if you’re not a strappy cha Unleash your inner kink, ppie. unzip your inhibitions and enjoy.

n page 29 >> Listings begin o

Sat 23

Gooch

Magnitude @ The Armory

On the Tab September 21-28 { THIRD OF THREE SECTIONS }

Serving the LGBT communities since 1971

28 • Bay Area Reporter • September 21-27, 2017

Photos by Steven Underhill, Rich Stadtmiller

Dressing up and kinking out: Folsom Street Fair attendees in recent years.

Folsom frenzy

Fair a reality. The focus Folsom Street Events puts on promoting self-expression and sexual liberation combined with supporting some of A large crowd first gathered at our most important nonprofit instithe 440 Castro bar and then later in tutions in the LGBTQ and BDSM front of the Castro Theater to kick communities is remarkable and off the walk with a short opening worthy of praise and support.” ceremony. If you can’t find the official proAfter walking from the Castro gram in printed form, you down Market Street to South can access it online at The of Market with stops Fight’s website at www. along the way at Oathefightmag.com. sis, Powerhouse, Mr. S Whether you get a Leather, The Stud, and printed copy or access The Lone Star Saloon, the guide online, I recthe walk concluded at the ommend you check out SF Eagle. the guide’s calendar for This year’s walk raised all the things happening $15,420, benefitting this week. You’ll also see a the nonprofits Positive great map of the Fair so you’ll know Resource Center and Folsom Street where everything is on Sunday. Events. Of course, you’ll always be able to I love it when an event can be as attend any of the official happenings fun as LeatherWalk and still raise produced by Folsom Street Events. much needed funds for various orSaturday night dance until the early ganizations in our LGBTQ and kink hours at the iconic Magnitude. Suncommunities. So, Leather Week is day is the truly big show, Folsom off to a great start. Street Fair itself. After the Fair, you can But LeatherWalk was just the becontinue to dance at ginning of what Deviants: Adult Arcontinues to be an cade. You can find ever-growing anmore information nual set of events on the organization’s and happenings website at folsomfor all stripes of streetevents.org. kink folk. Last year Folsom Let me mention Street Events doa few events you nated more than should possibly $323,000 to local add to your calenand national charidar, but make sure ties working in pubto check out the lic health, human full calendar that services, the arts, accompanies this and more. So, recolumn for more The Fight’s member that when ideas. you pay an entry doAlso, this year, Folsom Street Fair Guide. nation at the Fair or the official proattend any of their gram for Folsom events, you’re contributing to a large Street Fair was produced by the sum of money that goes directly to publishers of The Fight Magazine helping people and communities. based in Los Angeles, and it’s a gorYou can have fun and do good all at geous issue. You can find copies of the same time. it at various San Francisco locations. Apart from the official Fair-relatBrenden Shucart, Editor of The ed events, a plethora of places to go Fight’s Folsom Street Fair Guide, and things to do awaits. expressed his gratitude and exciteWant to play? You can attend play ment working with on the guide. parties at Blow Buddies, 442 Nato“I know I speak for everyone at ma or the one hosted by The 15 AsThe Fight when I say what a deep sociation at SF Catalyst. honor it is to be even a small part of Want to shop? Well, there are dozhelping to make the Folsom Street

From page 27

ens of vendors who will be selling their wares at the Fair on Sunday, but you can also visit Mr. S Leather either Friday or Saturday for their infamous in-store parties where you can socialize with lots of sexy people while perusing the erotic clothing and gear for sale. Want to dance? In addition to Magnitude and Deviants, there’s the Recon, Brüt, Bearacuda, New Breed, Aftershock and Real Bad dance parties. Want to hang out and socialize in a bar? The Powerhouse, SF Eagle, The Lone Star Saloon, and The Edge

Leatherfolk and kinksters of all persuasions proudly walked in this year’s 26th annual LeatherWalk.

the one included in the official Folsom Street Fair Guide. Between the two you have a whole lot of choices for things to do during this amazing week when San Francisco celebrates everything leather and kink. Have fun. Be kind to each other. And let’s once again show the world that San Francisco is still one of the kinkiest and most fun cities in the world.t Race Bannon is a local author, blogger and activist. You can reach him on his website, www.bannon.com

Leather Events

September 21 – 27 Here are some Folsom-specific and ongoing leather events. For more events, including dance parties, see On the Tab.

Thu 21 ACLC Education Night @ BAYC/OurSpace The basics of breathwork and bodywork will be covered such as the essentials of Tantric breathing technique to enhance somatic awareness and enjoyment during many different types of BDSM play. 22245 Main St., Hayward, 7:308:30pm. www.aclcweb.org

Fe-Be’s @ 424 Haight Street

Exiles Celebration @ Center for Sex and Culture Sponsored in part by the Society of Janus and the SF Bay Area Leather Alliance, the Exiles presents their third annual all-genders party that kicks off Folsom Street Fair weekend. It’s also the Exiles’ 20th anniversary. 1349 Mission St., free for members, suggested donation of $5-20 for non-members. No one is turned away for lack of funds. 7:30-10:15pm. www.theexiles.org

Mr. Drummer ‘79 presents a tribute to the famous leather bar on Folsom that inaugurated the ‘Miracle Mile’; featuring Jackie House (Honey Soundsystem) and Matthew Paul (Mr. Drummer). 424 Haight St., 9pm-2am. http://bit.ly/febessf

Leather Buddies @ Blow Buddies

Fri 22

Officially a CMA meeting, but open to all Anonymous 12-step Fellowship members, 4058 18th St., 9:30pm. www.castrocountryclub.org

Folsom Sunset Cruise @ Pier 40 Brian Kent Productions and Chris Hastings team up to bring you a unique San Francisco experience, this time in leather. From Pier 40 you’ll board a one-of-a-kind passenger ferry with an open air top deck and experience all that the SF Bay has to offer, with some of the sexiest people from around the world. Pier 40, 6-10pm, $65-$100. www.folsomsunsetcruise2017. eventbrite.com

Leather Studio Portraits @ 1229 Folsom Street

Rich Stadtmiller

are all hosting special events. There’s also an event honoring the historic Fe-Be’s bar. Want to cruise the San Francisco Bay? There are two different leather cruises on the Bay being offered. Wants to see a fun show? Check out the Baloney Does Folsom and Mother shows at Oasis. Want to hang out with a group fostering diversity and more kink inclusion for people of color? Hang out at Onyx Invades Folsom at the Powerhouse. Again, check out both the calendar that accompanies this column and

Duo exhibition by photographers Mark I Chester and Alex Ray. Images explore leather, race and sex. Also open Sunday, Sept. 24, from 11am-6pm during the Folsom St. Fair. Photo studio will be set up with both Mark’s and Alex’s lights. Pre-arranged/pre-paid sessions with either Mark or Alex of 15 min are possible for $40. Minimum of 3 photos. Additional images $15. 7-10pm. Free but donations accepted. www.markichester.com

A men’s water leather and gear night. $15 with membership, 933 Harrison St., 8pm-4am. www.blowbuddies.com

Sober Kink Together @ Castro Country Club

Gear Party @ 442 Natoma Gear play party (leather, rubber, harnesses, etc.) for gay men. 442 Natoma St., $15 (requires $5 membership), 10pm. www.442parties.com

Sat 23 BLUF/Hot Boots Bootmen’s Brunch @ Firewood Cafe SF Bay Area Bootmen and Folsom Fair visitors, mark your calendars. 4248 18th St., 12pm. https://bluf.com/events/2104

Men’s BDSM Play Party @ SF Catalyst The 15 Association hosts monthly play parties for men. This Leather Week play party is one of the biggest of the year. Party sells out every year. Buy your ticket early. If you have not attended one of our parties in the past, click the “Request Invite” button on the web site. All male-identified people who are interested in BDSM and are 18 or older are welcome. 6pm-12am. www.the15sf.org

Golden Shower Buddies @ Blow Buddies A men’s water sports night. $15 with membership, 933 Harrison St., 8pm-4am. www.blowbuddies.com

CODE @ The Edge Bringing leather back to the Castro. 4149 18th St., 9pm-2am. www.edgesf.com

Sun 24 Folsom Street Fair @ Folsom Street from 8th to 13th Streets With 400,000 fetish enthusiasts spread out over 13 city blocks, there is something for everyone. Over 200 exhibitor booths showcasing fetish gear and toys. Massive live stage with top-name indie, electronic and alternative acts, two huge dance areas spinning underground EDM, public play stations, and an erotic artists’ area with a performance stage. And, yes, you can still be naked, so avail yourself of the coat and clothes check areas. 11am6pm. folsomstreetevents.org/ folsom-street-fair

Deviants Adult Arcade @ Mezzanine The official closing dance party of Folsom Street Fair. Featuring Jennifer Cardini, Josey Rebelle and Honey Soundsystem. 444 Jessie St., 6pm-2am. See website for prices. folsomstreetevents.org/deviants

Mon 25 Ride Mondays @ Eros A motorcycle rider and leathermen night at Eros, bring your helmet, AMA card, MC club card or club colors and get $3 off entry or massage. 2051 Market St. erossf.com

Wed 27 Leather and Underwear Buddies @ Blow Buddies A men’s water sports and underwear night. $15 with membership, 933 Harrison St., 8pm12am. www.blowbuddies.com

On the Tab>>

September 21-27, 2017 • Bay Area Reporter • 29

Friday Nights at the Ho @ White Horse Bar, Oakland

Red Hots Burlesque @ The Stud

Seth Santoro @ Nob Hill Theatre

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

The saucy women's burlesque show hosted by Dottie Lux will titillate and tantalize: July shows feature Dulce de Leche, Miss Savvy, Shells Bells and Lez Purr plus special guests. $10-$20. 8pm-9:30pm. 399 9th St. Also Sunday brunch shows at PianoFight Theatre.144 Taylor St. redhotsburlesque.com

The hot porn stud performs solo (8pm) and duo sex shows with Michael Roman (10pm) at the famed strip club, this week with a leatherkink theme! $25. Also Sat. Sept. 24. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

Friday Night Live @ El Rio Enjoy the weekly queer and LGBTfriendly live acoustic concerts. Sept. 22: The City Buds, OMB and Nina Jo Smith. $5pm. 3158 Mission St. elriosf.com

Heather McDonald @ Cobb's Comedy Club The smart sassy comic performs her joke-filled set. $25-$50. 8pm. Also Sat. Sept. 24. 915 Columbus Ave. cobbscomedy.com

Jim Caruso's Cast Party @ Feinstein's at the Nikko

Thu 21

GayC/DC at Thursday Night Live @ SF Eagle

The New York cabaret host presents amazingly talents stars and stars-tobe in an upbeat vocal variety show. $17.50-$25. ($20 food/drink min.) Fri. & Sat. 8pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. http://www.feinsteinsatthenikko. com/ Would-be Lana Turners of song can reach out to Caruso through Facebook or at CastPartyNYC.com

Latin Explosion/Club Papi @ Club 21, Oakland

Edited for space. For full listings, visit www.ebar.com/bartab

Thu 21 Baloney @ Oasis The popular male burlesque troupe performs a special kinky Folsom Fairthemed night of strip-tease dances, choreographed by Rory Davis, with MC Michael Phillis, and hot dancing dudes. $25-$50. 8pm. Fri & Sat 7pm. 298 11th St. sfbaloney.com sfoasis.com

Circle Jerk @ Nob Hill Theatre Seth Santoro leads the interactive sex party in the downstairs arcade at the famed strip club .$10. 9pm. 729 Bush St. at Powell. 397-6758. www.thenobhilltheatre.com

Thursday Night Live @ SF Eagle Rock music at the famed leather bar. Sept. 21: GayC/DC, Fat Bottom Girls (AC/DC and Queen cover bands in drag!) and Zbornak. $5. 9pm-2am. 398 12th St. at Harrison. sf-eagle.com

Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie's Lounge Disco guru DJ Bus Station John spins grooves at the intimate retro music night. $5. 10pm-2am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com

Fri 22 Anniversary Concert @ Hotel Rex

Funny stand up with Maureen Langan, Irene Tu, Zack Chapaloni, Arjun Banerjee, and Lisa Geduldig. $7-$20. 8pm. 3158 Mission St. elriosf.com

Society Cabaret's 4th anniversary show, with Linda Kosut, Barry Lloyd, Bill Cooper, Maria Diamond, Carol Luckenbach, JoAna Gray, June Kamerling, Benn Bacot and the Society Cabaret Founders, G. Scott Lacy, piano and vocals. $30-$50. 8pm. 562 Sutter St. societycabaret.com

Fe-Be's @ SF Underground

Bearracuda @ Public Works

Comedy Returns @ El Rio

Mr. Drummer '79 presents a tribute to the famous leather bar on Folsom that inaugurated the 'Miracle Mile,' featuring Jackie House (Honey Soundsystem) and Matthew Paul (Mr. Drummer). 424 Haight St., 9pm-2am. http://bit.ly/febessf

First Church of the Sacred Silversexual @ Elbo Room The David Bowie tribute band performs classic hits; DJ Rosegold in between sets. $15. 9pm. 647 Valencia St. www.elbo.com

Livability Awards @ Green Room Livable City's annual fundraiser and awards ceremony celebrating achievements in making San Francisco more accomodating, and livable; food, drinks and awards. $50-$75. 5:30 VIPs, 6:30-9:30pm. 401 Van Ness Ave. livablecity.org

Fri 22

The beartastic dance night celebrates Folsom week with DJs Tony Moran, Ryan Jones and Freddy King of Pants. $20. 9pm-3am. 161 Erie St. www.bearracuda.com

Brüt @ The Great Northern The Men of Brüt are stocked and ready. Sweat and sway to grooves by resident DJs Peter Napoli, Dan Darlington and Manny Ward. $50. 10pm-4am. 119 Utah St. www.brutparty.com

Folsom Sunset Cruise @ Pier 40 Brian Kent Productions and Chris Hastings team up for a unique San Francisco experience, this time in leather. Board a one-of-a-kind passenger ferry with an openair top deck for a scenic journey with celebrants from around the world. Pier 40, 6-10pm, $65-$100. folsomsunsetcruise2017.eventbrite.com

OMD at Friday Night Live @ El Rio

Drag acts hosted by Lola and Dorys, with half a dozen gogo studs. $10$20. 9pm-4am. 2111 Franklin St., Oakland. www.club21oakland.com

Midnight Show @ Divas Weekly drag shows at the last transgender-friendly bar in the Polk; with hosts Victoria Secret, Alexis Miranda and several performers. Also Saturdays. $10. 11pm. 1081 Polk St. www.divassf.com

Phantasmagoria @ SF Eagle Nark presents a kink and fetish gear night, with the Fog City Pack, Viktor Belmont, Inflagranti, Terry Miller. $20. 8pm-2am. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

Recon @ DNA Lounge The official Friday night gear and fetish dance party of the Folsom Street Fair weekend. $20-$25. 9pm3am. 375 11th St. www.recon.com

See page 30 >>

<< On the Tab

30 • Bay Area Reporter • September 21-27, 2017

On the Tab

From page 29

Shenanigans @ Oasis The monthly costume theme party goes to the 'Magic Kinkdom.' $10-$15. 10pm-3am 298 11th St. sfoasis.com

Steam @ Powerhouse Monthly bathhouse-style fun, with towel-dancing gogos, wet towel contest, massages and porny giveaways, DJ Majr. $5. 9pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. powerhousebar.com

Swagger Like Us @ Elbo Room The queer hip hop dance party's Feitsh IV features Andre Shakti's kinky bondage demos, DJs Joey LaBeija, DavOmakesbeats and Jibbz. $10. 10pm-2am. 647 Valencia St. www.swaggersf.com

Taint @ Powerhouse Mercedez Munro and Nic Hunter host a happy hour for those who like gogos in jock straps and a bit of taint; proceeds benefit hurricane relief. $5. 6pm-9pm. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

Sat 23 La Bota Loca @ Club 21, Oakland Dance at the Latin, hip hop and Electro music night. 9pm-4am. 2111 Franklin St., Oakland. club21oakland.com

Cameron Esposito, Rhea Butcher @ Regency

Homobiles @ The Knockout Queercore women's punk band performs the first show on the tour; also Lolly Gaggers and Maya Songbird. 8:30pm-11pm. 3223 Mission St. thehomobiles.bandcamp.com The official dance party of Folsom Street Fair. DJ Nick Bertossi, Alex Acosta and Ralphi Rosario. $60$100. 9pm-4am. 333 14th Street www.folsomstreetevents.org

Cell Bloc @ SF Eagle

Mango @ El Rio

Club Papi @ Calle 11 Latinos in Leather features Armond Rizzo and a dozen+ hot gogos, plus hostesses Delilah Befierce and Ms Lola, at the new SoMa Latin nightclub. $10-$20. 9pm-2am. 1501 Folsom St. at 11th. www.clubpapi.com

Folsom Ink @ Powerhouse Tattooed dudes and plenty of tourists this weekend at the cruisy SoMa bar. $5. 9pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

Left Magazine and Brian Kent Productions' official final party of Folsom weekend, with DJs Chus + Ceballos, Shane Stiel and Ricky Sinz. $25-$100. 3am12pm. 401 6th St. www.folsomstreetevents.org

Magnitude @ The Armory

Two comic actors (also a real-life couple) perform their rousing queer stand-up. $35. 8pm. 1300 Van Ness Ave. www.axs.com DJs Josh Cheon and Aaron Clark play at the kink & fetish night (dress code encouraged). $15-$20. 8pm-2am. 398 12th St. at Harrison. sf-eagle.com

Twisted @ EndUp Robyn Von Swank

The popular women's daytime party, with DJs Edaj, Marcella, Olga and La Coqui. $10. 2pm-8pm. 3158 Mission St. www.elriosf.com

Mother @ Oasis Heklina hosts the fun drag show with weekly themes. Sept. 23, special guest Raja. DJ MC2 spins dance grooves before and after the show. $15-$25. 10pm-3am (11:30pm show). 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

New Breed @ Club Six Pound Puppy and Polyglamorous present the notorious doubledecker event featuring Polyglamorous upstairs (DJs Bears in Space, Jordee, Matthew Paul and Polys Beya, Major and Mark O'Brien) and Pound Puppy downstairs (DJs Fabrizio Mammarella, Jacob Meehan and P.P.ers Taco Tuesday and Kevin O'Connor). $20-$50. 10pm-6am. 60 6th St. newbreed2017.eventbrite.com

ONYX x FLSM @ Powerhouse The official ONYX party of Folsom Street Fair weekend for kinky men of color and their admirers. Strap into your leather, slick into that rubber, and gear up for a hot night with the men of ONYX. 5pm-9pm. 1347 Folsom St. www.onyxmen.com

Sun 24 Aftershock @ City Nights Dance in the early morning hours at the popular annual after-hours party. $30. 4am-10am. 715 Harrison St. thediscosf.com

Bay Area Cabaret @ Venetian Room Opening night of the classy cabaret series' new season, and a celebration of the hotel's 100th year, with Lillias White, Janis Siegel, Freda Payne, Sony Holland and Amanda King. $85. Pre-fixe 3-course supper. $59. 7pm. Fairmont Hotel, 950 Mason St. bayareacabaret.org

Beer Bust @ SF Eagle The popular weekly event packs in the fans, with proceeds going to local charities. $10. Special early party Sept. 24 starts at 12pm. Beer bust 3pm-6pm. 398 12th St. at Harrison. www.sf-eagle.com

Deviants Adult Arcade @ Mezzanine The official closing dance party of Folsom Street Fair. Featuring Jennifer Cardini, Josey Rebelle and Honey Soundsystem. $20-$40. 6pm-2am. 444 Jessie St. folsomstreetevents.org/deviants

Tue 26 Sing Out @ Encore Karaoke Lounge

Sat 23

Home of drag shows, and hilaraoke karaoke. 9pm-1am. 1550 California St. #2. 775-0442.

Cameron Esposito & Rhea Butcher @ Regency

Stag @ Powerhouse

Enter It, Give It, take It @ DNA Lounge Lacoya Hill's dance and cruise party, with DJs Dani Toro, Bradley P, Haute Toddy, Mohammad and Paul Goodyear. $15. 2pm-10pm. 375 11th St. www.locoyahill.com

Folsom Party @ Oasis Cool off your leathers at the southern tip of the fair, with BBQ and DJed music. 11am-6pm. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

Folsom Street Fair @ SoMa With 400,000 fetish enthusiasts spread out over 13 city blocks, there is something for everyone, with 200+ exhibitor booths showcasing fetish gear and toys. Massive live stage with top-name indie, electronic and alternative acts, two huge dance areas spinning underground EDM, public play stations, and an erotic artists' area with a performance stage. Gate donations suggested $5-$10. 11am-6pm. Folsom Street between 7th and 12th. www.folsomstreetevents.org

Real Bad @ 1015 Grass Roots Gay Rights Foundation's annual popular circuit party and fundraiser for numerous nonprofits. $95-$110. 1015 Folsom St. realbad.org

Sundance Saloon @ Space 550 The Country-Western line-dancing two-stepping dance night. $5. lessons at 5:30pm, dancing til 10:30pm. Also Thursdays. 550 Barneveld Ave. www.sundancesaloon.org

Teenage Dreams @ The Stud Queer techno and house music, with DJs Shawna Shawnté, Brown Amy and a live set by Piano Rain. $10. 9pm4am. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

Uhaul @ Love + Propaganda The popular women's dance party hosts its 3rd annual post-Folsom night, with DJs Bribee, Jibbz, and Ms. Jackson. $15-$25. 5pm-10pm. 85 Campton Place. folsomstreetevents.org

Cruisy night for singles, and couples looking for a third. $3 Jagermeister shots will get you in trouble; the fun kind. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

Una Noche @ Club BnB, Oakland Vicky Jimenez' drag show and contest; Latin music all night. 9pm-2am. 2120 Broadway. (510) 759-7340. www.club-bnb.com

Wed 27 Girl Scout @ Port Bar, Oakland The weekly women's happy hour and dance night with DJ Becky Knox. 6pm10pm. 2023 Broadway. www.portbaroakland.com

Juicy @ Club OMG Weekly women's event at the intimate Mid-market nightclub, with DJ Micah Tron. 9pm-2am. 43 6th St. www.clubomgsf.com

Po Hoe @ Powerhouse Nikki Jizz offers cheap drinks and cheaper men. 10pm-2am. 1347 Folsom St. www.powerhousebar.com

Thu 28 Katya Smirnoff-Skyy @ Oasis Our fave Russian exile opera diva (actor-singer J. Conrad Frank) performs her Bittersweet ‘90s Symphony, a fun take on grunge and rock music; Joe Wicht accompanies. $25-$35 and up. 8pm. 8pm. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com

Literary Speakeasy @ Martuni's Drinks and readings with Josey Rose Duncan, Jennifer Lewis, Wayne Goodman, Laura A. Zink, and San Francisco Poet Laureate Kim Shuck; James J. Siegel hosts. 7pm 4 Valecia St. facebook.com/LiterarySpeakeasy/

Will & Grace Viewing @ Oasis

Mon 25 Komedy Kiki @ The Stud Jesus U Bettawork and Justin Lucas cohost the monthly queer comedy night. $5. 8:30pm. 399 9th St. www.studsf.com

Enjoy the Emmy-winning gay comedy show's return at the SoMa nightclub. 8pm. 298 11th St. sfoasis.com Want your nightlife event listed? Email events@ebar.com

Sat 23

Homobiles @ The Knockout