December 9, 2021 Edition of the Bay Area Reporter

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Trans women honored

Castro holiday shopping

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Vol. 51 • No. 49 • December 9-15, 2021

Farley departs SF trans office by Matthew S. Bajko

A Black trans woman killed in Oakland

by John Ferrannini

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33-year-old Black transgender woman was killed in West Oakland early December 4. Nikai David, who resided in Hayward, was found shot around 4 a.m. December 4 after police responded to reports of gunshots along West Oakland’s Castro Street, according to a report from KTVU-TV. She later died at the scene. Oakland LGBTQ Community Center employee Ashlee Banks, who knew David, is planning a way to honor her and will keep the community apprised of updates, according to an email from the center. Banks told KTVU that David was a model and an aspiring social media influencer who wanted to open her own clothing boutique. Police told the station that no arrests have been made and no motive has been identified. David’s death marks the 159th homicide this year in Oakland, which in September surpassed 2020’s total of 102 homicides. It also comes just weeks after the Human Rights Campaign announced that more trans and gender-nonconforming people were reported killed in 2021 in the United States than any other year on record. David’s death is at least the 50th, HRC reports. “For the second year in a row, the trans community has seen a grim milestone: 2021 has become the deadliest year on record, just as 2020 was,” stated Joni Madison, HRC’s interim president. “We must fight for change. We must dismantle this stigma. We must bring this epidemic of violence to an end.” Just last week, the Bay Area Reporter reported on a gay man in West Oakland, Marco Chavez, who was the victim of an October 30 shooting by an unknown assailant. He survived and is in a lengthy recovery period, he and his husband, Jimmie Lopez, said in interviews. The Oakland Police Department, the Oakland LGBTQ Community Center, and Banks did not immediately respond to requests for comment December 7. The B.A.R. will update this story as more information becomes available. t

Courtesy Clair Farley

Pau Crego, left, is acting director of the San Francisco Office of Transgender Initiatives following the resignation of Clair Farley, right.

longtime community advocate, retired. Farley had been working on economic issues for the city’s LGBTQ community center. During her tenure with the trans office Farley has worked to ensure various city departments are collecting sexual orientation and gender identity demographic data of the people they serve, advocated for millions of dollars in city funds for numerous LGBTQ programs, and helped open the country’s

first transitional housing for trans adults. First opened last January in a rented building near Chinatown, the program has since relocated to a leased three-story building South of Market and houses 14 people. It is one piece of the city’s Our Trans Home Initiative, which has also provided subsidies to keep trans individuals housed in their apartments or homes in the city. The See page 3 >>

J-Church to return to downtown subway service

by Matthew S. Bajko

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-Church trains will return to downtown subway service next winter after the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency board rejected the staff ’s preferred recommendation that the line continue to end at the Church Street and Duboce Avenue intersection. Last December, SFMTA altered the route when it revived train car service along the J-Church through Noe Valley and the Castro neighborhoods. The transit agency had mothballed the subway line for much of 2020 due to the COVID pandemic. Rather than heading underground via the tunnel at Church and Duboce to service the downtown subway stations, the J-Church trains now make their last inbound stop at that intersection. The trains then turn around to head back outbound to the terminus at the Balboa Park Station near City College of San Francisco. SFMTA officials have emphasized that keeping the J-Church trains out of the downtown tunnel has resulted in a 75% reduction in delays for the other subway lines that continue to use it. Although done to speed up service on Muni’s other lines that continue to service downtown, it has inconvenienced J-Church

Cynthia Laird

Muni’s J-Church line will return to downtown subway service following a vote December 7 by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation board.

passengers who now have to disembark their trains and catch Muni’s other lines via the underground Church Station or the aboveground N-Judah stop on Duboce at Church. Disabled Muni riders and those with mobility issues have been particularly vocal in objecting to the reduced J-Church route.

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They have pointed out that the only elevator into Church Station is across Market Street, requiring them to navigate four lanes of traffic to reach it. And often the only escalator running down into the station is also on that side of the street. See page 9 >>

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Courtesy KTVU

Oakland police are investigating the shooting death of Nikai David.

fter four years of overseeing the country’s first municipal office dedicated to transgender issues, as well as advising three mayors on various concerns of San Francisco’s LGBTQ community, Clair Farley has departed to pursue other opportunities outside of the city. Later this month, for instance, she is expected to begin consulting with a trans-owned provider of telemedicine. The 38-year-old Farley did not rule out seeking elected office in the future during an interview with the Bay Area Reporter December 2 on her official last day with the city. A trans woman and resident of the East Bay city of Alameda, she noted that there has yet to be a transgender person elected to a state or federal legislative office in California. “I am still open to exploring what that looks like in the future,” said Farley. “California still doesn’t have an elected trans representative. We should really be at the forefront of that. We see so many trans folks elected across the country.” Since 2017, Farley has led San Francisco’s Office of Transgender Initiatives. First established by the late mayor Ed Lee in June 2016, he hired Farley after the office’s inaugural director Theresa Sparks, a trans woman and

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<< Community News

2 • Bay Area Reporter • December 9-15, 2021

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Acting Mission police captain addresses Castro Merchants by John Ferrannini

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s fear about property and other crimes has many residents and merchants on edge, the San Francisco Police Department’s acting captain of Mission Station spoke at the Castro Merchants Association’s final meeting of the year December 2. Gavin McEachern became the acting leader of Mission Station – which is responsible for much of the Castro neighborhood – following the departure of Commander Rachel Moran last month, as the Bay Area Reporter previously reported. McEachern served as head of the Honda motorcycle unit, the two squads of which patrol the city, Moran said, and he was her handpicked successor in the role. The SFPD has not responded to a B.A.R. request to interview McEachern. McEachern’s virtual appearance before the merchants comes as fear of crime has become evermore palpable in the city. Just as the Christmas shopping season got underway prior to Thanksgiving, Union Square faced brazen burglaries from individuals whom prosecutors allege were organized thieves. Nine people were charged by District Attorney Chesa Boudin – whose own job is on the line in June as he faces a recall effort fueled by fears over public safety, as the B.A.R. previously reported. McEachern said he is “relatively certain” he’ll be at Mission Station for the long haul. “I’m so happy to build these relationships,” he said, noting that as a 32-year veteran of the force he has been assigned to Mission Station three times in the past: twice as a patrol officer and once as a sergeant. “Mission Station was my first permanent station,” said McEach-

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Gavin McEachern, the new acting captain of Mission Station, spoke with members of the Castro Merchants Association during their virtual meeting December 2.

ern, a native San Franciscan, having grown up in the Richmond, North Beach, and Potrero Hill neighborhoods. Merchants wanted to know how to protect themselves, their staff, and their property. McEachern said each station is working to fill gaps; for Mission Station, “our priority will be to fill our foot beats, especially in the shopping corridors.” He also noted that burglaries are common at stores that sell sunglasses, sneakers, and cannabis. He told the business owners one thing they can do is “reach out to your core customer group and set up appointments” so that staff can “screen people” coming in. He added that “if you’ve got a lot of items by the front door, perhaps moving them to provide geographic safety” elsewhere in the business would be a good idea. McEachern told the merchants that in the burglaries on retail businesses, one sees “typically three to four individuals” coming out of

cars that are often double-parked. Prospective Castro business owner Suzie Jennings asked what the rules are about having a gun in one’s place of business. McEachern said that is a personal choice but gave words of caution. “Carrying a firearm in your business or in your home is nobody’s business but your own,” McEachern said. “If you choose to keep a firearm on premises, I’d keep that information very limited. I’d also have basic training on firearm usage.” McEachern said he’s seen the use of firearms “trending for six to eight months.” “It’s definitely taken a turn in the wrong direction, and I’ll leave it at that,” McEachern said.

Castro Patrol Special ending Dec. 31

In another police-related item, Cody Clements, who succeeded John Fitzinger and the late Jane Warner as the San Francisco Patrol Special Police’s Castro officer, will

be leaving his position December 31, meaning the neighborhood will be without a patrol special. Andrea Aiello, a lesbian who is the executive director of the Castro/Upper Market Community Benefit District, explained what the patrol special is to merchants and other attendees who were either unsure or befuddled. “They were the first police force in San Francisco, during the Gold Rush days, before the police department,” Aiello said. “They are actually in the city charter. They are privately owned and funded, so it’s a business.” Yet the San Francisco Patrol Special Police has fallen on hard times in recent years, maintaining beats only in the Castro-Mission neighborhood area, and at Fisherman’s Wharf. “It’s been incredibly difficult to hire new patrol specials, and the CBD and the merchants have been working with our supervisors on this going back to Bevan Dufty [who served 2002-2011] and have gotten nowhere,” Aiello said. “There’s been a historical reluctance to allow the patrol specials to grow.” Clements is the patrol special police’s only hire in the last decade, Aiello said. “Cody decided he wanted a job with benefits and a retirement plan,” Aiello explained. “So he offered to give the beat to patrol special assistants, but none of them were interested.” Though it’s a private business, Aiello said that patrol special officer hirings and firings are overseen by the city. “San Francisco is unique, at least in the Bay Area, in having had private police and it’s probably the end of an era,” Aiello said. The B.A.R. asked Aiello for Cle-

ments’ contact information but has not heard back. A goodbye celebration for Clements will be held in Jane Warner Plaza Sunday, December 12, at 2 p.m.

Cultural district’s COVID vaccine hub continues

In issues relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, Tina Valentin Aguirre, a genderqueer person who is the manager for the Castro LGBTQ Cultural District, told the merchants that the testing and vaccination hub in the parking lot on 18th Street nestled by Walgreens and Toad Hall on Saturday afternoons will continue through December 18, then start up again next year after a brief hiatus for the holidays. Aguirre said that the need for the clinic will be reassessed “in early spring.” Patrick Batt, a gay man who is the owner of AutoErotica, expressed in the Zoom meeting’s comment section that he is concerned with the testing and vaccination hub’s elimination of parking spaces. “Have you explored the use of the MANY empty storefronts,” Batt asked. Aguirre responded that “it’s safer for us to do this outside. There are long lines.” Aguirre also invited merchants to a virtual workforce development focus group session on December 15 at 10:30 a.m. The information gathered at the session will be included in the district’s Cultural History, Housing and Economic Sustainability Strategies, or CHESS, report, which the B.A.R. previously reported that the district is working on. People interested in participating should contact the district to receive a link. t


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Community News>>

December 9-15, 2021 • Bay Area Reporter • 3

NLGJA names two trans women to hall of fame by Cynthia Laird

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LGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists recently named two transgender women to its 2021 hall of fame class. Christina Kahrl, the sports editor of the San Francisco Chronicle, and the late Monica Roberts, a blogger, activist, and founding editor of TransGriot, were named to the queer journalists group’s hall of fame in November. Kahrl became the first out transgender editor at a major metropolitan media outlet when she started at the Chronicle in March. Prior to joining the paper, Kahrl served as a senior writer and editor at ESPN for 10 years, according to NLGJA’s website. In a phone interview with the Bay Area Reporter, Kahrl said that while she appreciates the recognition, she’s in the midst of her professional aspirations. “It’s kind of weird,” she said. “It’s a huge honor, of course, but I think of my career as a going concern. It’s the same as writing a memoir; I don’t feel like I’m done yet.” Kahrl, 54, said that she loves her job and joined the Chronicle during what has turned out to be a busy sports year in the Bay Area. “It’s liberating in so many ways,” she said, adding that many of the sports staff at the paper have supported her and known her since she came out at the end of 2002 and the beginning of 2003. Kahrl’s first week at the paper this spring saw the Stanford women’s basketball team win the national championship. That was followed by the San Francisco Giants’ “unexpected year,” she said, when the franchise won 107 games in the regular season, only to fall to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the postseason. Giants’ catcher Buster Posey had a great comeback year – he sat out 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic – but announced his retirement once the World Series concluded. Currently, Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors are “putting up an amazing season,” Kahrl said. She talked about the fact that she’s been out for almost 20 years and how much things have changed for the trans community in some ways. “The last five years have been difficult for all of us and trans people are dealing with a cycle with far more RPMs than others,” she said, using an analogy to indicate the speed of something. That includes the ongoing violence against trans women, particularly trans women of color, and the effort by many Republican state lawmakers “to politicize our existence,” Kahrl said. This year alone saw many bills that would prevent transgender student athletes to participate in sports in line with their gender identity. Some became law and legal challenges are planned or lawsuits have been filed. (https://www.ebar.com/news/latest_ news//309751) Kahrl said it’s been disappointing to see division in the trans community. “It’s weird and troubling to see bifurcation in the community. And

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Trans office

From page 1

program is one of Farley’s proudest achievements as executive director of the trans office. “The vision and mission of the office is to advance trans and LGBT rights and make San Francisco a model for the rest of the country,” said Farley. “It is hard to do that if we can’t stay here, live here, and thrive here.” The trans office also created an advisory group of people from the city’s trans community to ensure it had a seat at the table at City Hall. Each year the office holds a trans advocacy week for members of the community

Courtesy NLGJA

San Francisco Chronicle sports editor Christina Kahrl

questions of race, age, and class,” she said, adding that there should be support for everyone who is genderqueer. “I’ve been afforded tremendous privilege,” she noted. “I look at my career as something I wish was less remarkable. We need more trans people in newsrooms and more trans people promoted in newsrooms. “We should create a more informed newsroom,” she added. Kahrl is one of the co-founders of Baseball Prospectus, a think tank and website devoted to the statistical analysis of baseball, according to NLGJA’s website. The organization has pioneered a number of statistical tools that have become hallmarks of modern baseball analysis. She was the first trans inductee to the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, where she votes on Major League Baseball postseason awards and nominees for the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Kahrl has also served as a prominent activist and advocate for the LGBTQ community, particularly in Chicago, NLGJA noted. In 2014, Kahrl was voted into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame and has helped organize the public observation of Transgender Day of Remembrance in the Windy City. She also received the Pride Community Service Award from Cook County in 2015 for her work as an activist for the transgender community in Chicago. Kahrl has served on the boards of Equality Illinois, Illinois Gender Advocates, and GLAAD, and is a lifetime member and former national board director of NLGJA.

Roberts posthumously honored

With TransGriot, Roberts established a blog devoted to covering the experiences of trans women, particularly trans women of color. The Houston native was an award-winning advocate and voice on trans rights issues for over 20 years. Roberts died October 5, 2020 at her Houston home, as the B.A.R. previously reported. She was 58. (https://www.ebar.com/news/ news//298165) In addition to being honored with the 2018 GLAAD Media Award for Outstanding Blog, Roberts became the first trans person to receive the Robert Coles Call of Service Award in 2016. She also received the Barbara to lobby various city leaders. “It’s really been an honor to do this work for the city,” said Farley, adding that leaving is “really bittersweet.” But the constant attacks against trans rights, particularly for trans youth, have Farley interested in addressing trans issues at the national level. “I am excited to stretch new muscles and continue to grow and be inspired,” she said. “I am so honored and appreciative to work with the mayor and city to advance the efforts here locally.” In a statement Mayor London Breed called Farley “a fierce adSee page 6 >>

Jordan Breaking Barriers Award from the Harris County Democratic Party and the Susan Hyde Award for Longevity in the Movement from the National LGBTQ Task Force. Roberts began TransGriot in 2004 as a column in The Letter, a Louisvillebased LGBTQ newspaper. TransGriot took its name in part from “griot,” a word that refers to a storyteller from West Africa. Motivated by a lack of blogs devoted to the experiences of trans women of color, particularly

Courtesy NLGJA

The late trans blogger and activist Monica Roberts

Black trans women, Roberts stated that her mission was to, “chronicle the history of Black transpeople.” She frequently covered violence against the transgender community and was often able to correctly identify transgender victims of violence who had been misgendered or incorrectly identified by the police and mainstream media. Shortly before her death Roberts was appointed to the NLGJA’s national board of directors, the organization noted on its website.

Established in 2005 as part of NLGJA’s 15th anniversary celebration, the LGBTQ Journalists Hall of Fame was launched to make sure that their stories are told and preserved – not just for us, but for all journalists and for our readers and viewers, according to the organization’s website. For more information on the hall of fame class, go to https://www.nlgja.org/ blog/2021-hall-of-fame/ t


<< Open Forum

4 • Bay Area Reporter • December 9-15, 2021

Volume 51, Number 49 December 9-15, 2021

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CA AIDS office needs oversight

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ow that two women have pleaded guilty to federal charges of defrauding the California Office of AIDS to the tune of approximately $2.7 million – as we’ve been reporting – the agency is due for necessary improvements to its operation. It’s appalling that the financial misappropriations went undetected for so long – the cases date from December 2017 to November 2018 – and included season tickets to sports games, trips to Disneyland, and a boat cruise. The Disney expenses alone totaled over $184,000, according to the Sacramento Bee, which also reported on the cases. It goes without saying that the millions of dollars that are now long gone could have helped countless people living with HIV/AIDS in the Golden State – and that’s the real crime here. To its credit, the Office of AIDS commissioned a report to investigate the matter. Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP performed the assessment in 2019; we were able to get a copy through a public records act request. The report shows that the prevention branch of the office, where the fraud scheme originated, had sloppy recordkeeping systems that enabled Christine M. Iwamoto and Schenelle M. Flores, the two women who pleaded guilty, to divert checks intended for the agency to a UPS mailbox possessed by Iwamoto and addressed to a fake consulting firm, according to the Bee. Beyond the fraud scheme, Deloitte’s report discussed how the Office of AIDS had already identified prevention branch expenditures improperly charged to the AIDS Drug Assistance Program, or ADAP. In short, there is a lack of checks and balances in place to ensure fiscal changes are appropriate, the report noted; there is a lack of coordination and communication between the prevention program and related parties. “We noted prevention branch program staff is unable to establish proactive and open communication with [Office of AIDS] program support regarding fiscal position, budgets, and invoicing procedures,” the report states. Moreover, monthly meetings that were in place were not used effectively to discuss fiscal, operational, and programmatic issues. There also appears to be “conflicting, possibly strained relationships

Courtesy Office of AIDS

The California Office of AIDS has been mired in problems.

between prevention branch staff and support branch staff,” the report states, which is probably an understatement. The prevention program also lacks direction, leadership, oversight, and mentorship from management and the Office of AIDS leadership, the report states. According to the report, the prevention chief position has experienced high turnover that has resulted in changing and inconsistent leadership. The report recommended that the prevention chief position be filled with someone who has a strong fiscal and administrative background. We agree with that. There are no established roles and responsibilities or policies and procedures in place, the report states. It recommends updating the duty statement to meet current expectations and to hold one-on-one meetings with all managers to confirm understanding of their roles and that employees have access to support and guidance. Another finding was the apparent mismanagement of the fiscal budget. The report recommended considering an internal audit program and random spot checks, among other measures. Ideally, had procedures like these been in place, the fraud scheme likely would have been detected sooner. The Office of AIDS deals with a lot of contracts. According to its website, it has lead re-

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sponsibility for coordinating state programs, services, and activities relating to HIV/AIDS. It gets its mandate from the California Health and Safety Code. The problems identified in the Deloitte report are detrimental to an effective agency, even one as bureaucratic as the Office of AIDS. That vacuum obviously allowed people to take advantage of the situation and go rogue, so to speak. Who would ever miss a couple of million dollars when the prevention branch alone deals with a budget of some $29 million? That seeming complacency is part of the problem. And problems have not been limited to the prevention program. As we reported a few years ago, ADAP itself had issues when the Office of AIDS switched contractors and many people who rely on the program had trouble getting access to their medications. There was also a data breach. During a hearing held by state lawmakers, AIDS advocates called for more legislative oversight and transparency. It would seem that both of those are still needed in light of the fraud cases. It is incumbent that Marisa Ramos, Ph.D., the director of the Office of AIDS, strengthen oversight of this important state agency that Californians with HIV/AIDS rely on, even if they don’t know it. The office funds various programs and services specifically for PWAs. Earlier this year, state lawmakers pumped an additional $13 million into its budget toward implementing a plan to end the combined epidemics of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis C, and sexually transmitted infections. (https://www.ebar.com/news/news//307129) This comes under the purview of the Office of AIDS, its website states, and it is supposed to start work next year developing a more detailed plan for implementing this work locally. We hope that any additional fraud cases are quickly prosecuted. Right now there is a lack of leadership at the Office of AIDS that state lawmakers should address when they return in January. In the meantime, we hope that the recommendations in the Deloitte report are being implemented so that money that is supposed to be used to fight HIV/AIDS is spent for that, and not trips to the Happiest Place on Earth. t

Why I’m supporting Bilal Mahmood for Assembly by Austin Hunter

Bay Area Reporter

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hen I came out to my loved ones, they were worried I would get AIDS. When I came out to my best friend, she told me she knew a camp that could fix me. I left my hometown six months after coming out and landed in San Francisco, ready to attend San Francisco State University. At first, it was glorious. San Francisco welcomed me with open arms. But over the years, I have watched our city change for the worse, almost becoming an exclusive club. I started to lose faith until I got coffee with someone I now consider a friend – Bilal Mahmood, who is now running to represent San Francisco in the California Assembly. Mahmood’s story is like many immigrant stories in the Bay Area: His parents came to the Bay Area from Pakistan in the 1980s; three generations of his family stayed in a single bedroom apartment upon first moving here. His mom rode the bus with Mahmood to drop him off at the local public school, and later worked as a librarian. His dad went to college, which was the key to the middle class, and by extension, to make a better life for his family. Mahmood’s story is emblematic of the San Francisco I remember, where anyone – from Pakistani immigrants to a queer kid from a conservative town – could start over and build a new life. In recent years, San Francisco’s problems seemed intractable and unsolvable by our current politicians, no matter how much money we threw at them. We are grappling with an ever-widening gulf between the super rich and the impoverished, where our civil rights are up for debate, housing is scarce, and our climate is in crisis. Then, I met Mahmood as he geared up to run for public office, and I am feeling hopeful again. Now is the time for a change because our city is not changing for the better. If you think San Francisco is on the right path,

Courtesy Mahmood for Assembly campaign

Assembly candidate Bilal Mahmood

Mahmood is not your candidate. If you think we need fresh, bold ideas to change our current course, then Mahmood is for you. We need ideas that push us further, forcing us to think outside the box. As of writing this, Mahmood is the only candidate in the race to have an actual policy platform section on his website. He has a plan for us, our community, and the city. First, our fundamental rights are not a passing thought; LGBTQ+ rights are explicit at the top of his agenda. The bare minimum of saying you support the LGBTQ+ community is not enough. Mahmood, a straight ally, plans to push for increasing access to gender-affirming services, protecting intersex rights through prohibiting unnecessary surgeries, and enabling LGBTQ+ workers to use existing care and sick leave for our families – to start. Our community is still facing an uphill battle regarding fundamental rights. In the coming years, we need someone who will ensure our voice is front and center. I expect this from Mahmood because he has already committed to introducing legislation similar to Senate Bill 225, a ban on gender assignment surgeries on children who cannot consent, by gay state Senator Scott

Wiener (D-San Francisco) when he goes to the Assembly. He is willing to give concrete promises to be held accountable. Second, he realizes housing and compassion are what San Francisco needs. From 2017 to 2019, our city saw a 19% increase in queer homelessness. As cost-of-living skyrockets and displaced individuals seek shelter within our city, we need action. “Built for Zero” is the methodology Mahmood is proposing, proved across 17 cities. The program creates tailored solutions for individuals across a continuum of care, so the entire community can reduce homelessness. Instead of one-off pet projects, it is a systematic analysis of the problem we face with a solution for our community. These are the bold ideas we need. Finally, Mahmood sees climate justice as one of the leading issues our state has to tackle. Underserved communities will carry the weight of climate change on their soldiers. The LGBTQ+ community is one of many of these communities. As migration increases due to the catastrophe our planet faces, we know we have to act. Our community will be on the front lines of the fight for climate change, and we have to have someone in Sacramento who is taking this issue on. Mahmood wants to push Sacramento to provide new funding mechanisms that get us to be carbon-neutral and reform our flawed cap and trade system. Ideas that push the envelope are what we need to move forward. As I speak with my friends about this campaign, I hear hope again. We wanted to support a pro-housing candidate who would be bold in their ideas because we knew we could not continue to elect politicians who have failed to deliver on their promises. We need change now, and I know that Mahmood is just what we need.t Austin Hunter, a queer man, is a current law student at Golden Gate University, former regional organizer for the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign, and former chair of the California Young Democrats LGBTQ+ Caucus.


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Politics >>

December 9-15, 2021 • Bay Area Reporter • 5

Bi councilman Coleman enters Assembly race

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year after winning a seat on the South San Francisco City Council, James Coleman is now setting his electoral sights on serving in the state Legislature. He is one of at least three bisexual people seeking seats in the California Assembly in 2022. Coleman is running for the open 22nd Assembly District seat on the Peninsula being vacated by Assemblymember Kevin Mullin (D-South San Francisco), who is running for an open House seat next year. At age 22, Coleman is the youngest person serving on his hometown’s city council and its first out LGBTQ member. He is biracial, as his late father was white and his mother is Asian. While finishing his last year at Harvard, Coleman waged his successful council campaign to defeat Richard Garbarino, who has spent 18 years on the City Council and was serving as South San Francisco’s mayor in 2020. “I was born and raised here in San Mateo County. My father was a FedEx worker. My mom is a Taiwanese immigrant who worked as a lab assistant at Kaiser. Growing up working class profoundly shaped my values,” stated Coleman. “I’m running to represent our communities in Sacramento because our government can’t just work for the wealthy and well connected, it has to work for everyone.” Speaking to the Bay Area Reporter December 7, Coleman said he opted to seek the Assembly seat in order to be able to address many of the issues impacting his city on a statewide manner, such as the need for affordable health care and housing. “I will be able to address many of those needs faster and in a more urgent manner in Sacramento,” said

Morgan McCarthy

South San Francisco City Councilmember James Coleman is running for a state Assembly seat.

Coleman, who graduated college in May and has focused his time since then on his council work and advocacy in the community. With his Assembly candidacy, Coleman is following in the footsteps of fellow progressive Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-San Jose), 26, who was elected last year as the first out bisexual to serve in the Legislature and as its youngest member since 1938. Palm Springs Mayor Christy Holstege, 35, is aiming to become the first bisexual woman in the Legislature with her bid for the 42nd Assembly District seat next year. In addition to having already endorsed Holstege, Lee was one of two elected leaders expressing their support for Coleman’s Assembly bid in his campaign announcement released December 7. “James is exactly the sort of leadership San Mateo County needs in the state Assembly,” stated Lee, who is running for a second term next year. “His independence from corporate special

interests will enable him to advocate for needed policies for workers, for affordable housing, and the environment. I currently have the title of youngest legislator but would be thrilled to see James take the record when elected in 2022.” Pacifica Councilmember Mary Bier called Coleman “a powerful example for all of our young people in San Mateo County. Perseverance, strength and willingness to lead only begin to describe his qualities as an elected official. His work speaks for itself.” He is the second person to formally enter the Assembly race. The first was San Mateo City Councilmember Diane Papan, whose sister Gina had earlier sought to be elected to represent the district in Sacramento. Their father, the late Assemblymember Lou Papan, had held the seat in the 1970s and 1980s. Elected to his city’s newly drawn District 4 council seat, Coleman was part of a wave of young queer progressives elected last year to various political positions around the Bay Area. He is rejecting all campaign contributions from private developers, fossil fuel companies, and major corporations in his Assembly race. In kicking off his legislative bid, Coleman pledged his focus would be on advocating for the needs of working class families like his own. He announced that his platform includes a wealth tax on billionaires and corporations, universal child care and preschool, truly affordable housing, Medicare for All, reproductive justice for all, and aggressive action to address the worsening effects of climate change. He pointed to his leading as a councilperson the implementation of a Guaranteed Income pilot program providing $500 per month for 12 months to over 160 South San Francisco families in need. He also noted that he fought for the passage of a $5 Hazard Pay ordinance for local essenSee page 8 >>

Barry Schneider Attorney at Law

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

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

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Courtesy B.A.R. Archive

I

n 2002, trans teenager Gwen Araujo went to a house party in the East Bay city of Newark. There, she was beaten, tortured, and strangled after a group of young men – two of whom she reportedly had sex with – discovered that she was biologically male. Defendants Michael Magidson and Jose Merel claimed a “gay panic” defense but were convicted of second-degree murder in a retrial in the summer of 2005. (The first trial, in 2004, ended in a mistrial when jurors were unable to arrive at a unanimous decision regarding first-degree murder.) Defendant Jason Cazares negotiated a plea deal with prosecutors at the end of his second mistrial and pleaded no contest to manslaughter in late 2005. In February 2006, all three men were sentenced: Magidson and Merel received the mandatory sentences of 15 years-to-life, while Cazares, under his plea agreement, received six years. A fourth man, Jaron Na-

bors, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in 2003 and testified against the other three defendants. Over the ensuing years, Araujo’s mother, Sylvia Guerrero, has spoken out against anti-trans violence but continued to be affected by Araujo’s murder as well as health issues. In 2019, Magidson, the last of Araujo’s killers who was still in prison, was denied parole. Guerrero wrote to the Bay Area Reporter that Magidson for the first time said that he was sorry, though she didn’t believe it was sincere. (Guerrero was unable to personally attend the hearing, but her sister did.) Magidson is expected to have another parole hearing in 2024. Editor’s note: The archived issues on https://archive.org/details/bayareareporter stop at 2005. For articles published in 2006 and later, visit www.ebar. com and https://issuu.com/bayareareporter.


<< Community News

6 • Bay Area Reporter • December 9-15, 2021

t

SF planning body OKs housing at old Castro diner site by Matthew S. Bajko

T

he San Francisco Planning Commission has unanimously approved the redevelopment project proposed for the Church Street site of the former Sparky’s Diner. It is the first major housing proposal to move forward in the upper Market Street corridor of the city’s Castro LGBTQ district in five years. Property owner Ty Bash first revealed plans to demolish the brick building that for years had housed the 24-hour, LGBTQ-friendly eatery two years ago, as the Bay Area Reporter first reported. Sparky’s had operated at 242 Church Street and closed in February 2016, while Thorough Bread and Pastry at 248 Church Street has remained open. Initially set to be a 22-unit housing development, Bash is taking advantage of a state density program for new housing projects to add two additional units in the new building that will be constructed at 240-250 Church Street. Its ground floor 1,992 square foot retail space will be dedicated for use by the French bakery, which will also have dedicated access to the rear-yard for outdoor seating when the business moves back. Designed by Schaub Ly Architects Inc., the housing will be a mix of 18 two-bedroom units and six one-bedroom units. Three of the units, a one-bedroom and two units with two bedrooms, will be sold as affordable and priced at 80% of the area median income. All of the residential units will have access to a shared roof deck, and although there is no vehicular parking provided, the project will have 30 bicycle parking spaces for the residential and retail components, according to the plans. Principal architect Jeremy Schaub told the commissioners

<<

Trans office

From page 3

vocate for San Franciscans of all backgrounds and particularly for our transgender residents. Her work has ensured that San Francisco remains at the forefront of expanding LGBTQ rights and policies. I want to thank Clair deeply for her dedication and her guidance. She will be missed dearly, but I know that she will continue to be a staunch advocate for those in need.”

Courtesy SF Planning

An artist’s rendering of the housing development planned for the former Sparky’s Diner site at 240-250 Church Street.

that “240 Church is an ideal location for urban living without the need for private vehicular transportation.” Due to the decision to now include the required affordable units on-site, the project is entitled to a 24.5% density bonus, or approximately 4,997 gross square feet, for residential uses. The project needed a height waiver for the sevenstory building, which is planned to be 74 feet, 11 inches tall. After a November hearing was pushed back, the planning commission voted 7-0 December 2 to support the recommendation from city planning staffers that it approve the project. “While I would have liked to see a stronger transition to the corner building at Church and Market, I am in support of the building,” said commission vice president Kathrin Moore. The lone person to oppose the project at the hearing was Stephen Torres, the secretary of the Castro LGBTQ Cultural District advisory board. As the location falls within the boundary of the

district, Torres faulted Bash for not meeting with the group regarding the housing development. He said the district’s leaders were “disappointed” to first learn about it in a Bay Area Reporter story last month and not from Bash himself. “For decades Sparky’s Diner played a critical role in the queer community,” noted Torres, adding, “Alas, the same would not be true of the proposed development.” He faulted the project for being mostly market-rate housing that would do little to assist current LGBTQ Castro residents be able to afford living in the neighborhood. Torres requested the planning body delay voting on the project until after the developer met with the cultural district and other LGBTQ community groups. Schaub noted that the development team had met with the Duboce Triangle Neighborhood Association and the Castro Merchants Association in addition to nearby residents of the project site over the last two years to elicit feedback. “Sparky’s Diner closed down

Gay District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman praised Farley for being “a fantastic advocate for trans and nonbinary San Franciscans. It has been a pleasure working with her on Our Trans Home SF, the expansion of the City’s SOGI data collection, and other efforts to support the LGBTQ+ community.”

ing director will be Pau Crego, 34, a transgender and nonbinary Spanish immigrant hired by Sparks as the office’s director of policy. He more recently has been its deputy director and director of policy and programs. Crego, who joined Farley during the phone interview with the B.A.R., said he is interested in serving in the position on a permanent basis. “July of next year will be our fifth year,” noted Crego. “I would be really honored to continue in the permanent director job and

Interim leader named

The office falls under the purview of the mayor and city administrator, who will hire a permanent executive director. Serving as the office’s act-

five years ago, well before this project was envisioned, so not sure how relevant that is,” said Schaub. At the urging of the planning commission, which added it as a condition of its approval for the project, the development team said it would meet with the LGBTQ cultural district to discuss opportunities for adding artwork reflective of the neighborhood and finding ways to provide meeting space for the community in the new building. But Bash stressed his top priority was ensuring that the bakery ended up with a suitable space where its business could thrive. “We don’t want to interfere with their opportunity to operate a business,” he said.

Other developments

The upper Market Street corridor has seen a number of mixedused developments with housing above ground floor retail be built over the last decade. The newest will be the 44-unit condo project at 2238 Market Street by the Prado Group Inc. It broke ground in July 2019 and is repurposing a former mortuary and its parking lot into housing and sidewalk-fronting storefronts, with five of the condo units to be sold as affordable. Initially to be completed in early 2021, the homes are now slated to begin selling toward the end of the year. Construction on Prado’s project began right around the time that the apartment building at the corner of Market, Church, and 14th streets began leasing out its 60 units, eight of which were set aside as affordable. Local contractor Brian Spiers’ decision to initially use San Francisco-based startup Sonder to oversee leasing of the furnished market-rate apartments was met with controversy. (Last summer, during the second really move forward with the lessons I have been able to gain being with the office for so long.” He has lived in San Francisco since 2008 after moving from Barcelona, Spain to study queer studies at City College of San Francisco on a student visa. He later received a green card then became a U.S. citizen during the Trump administration. “I was very proud to be a trans immigrant getting my citizenship during the era of Trump. I think it was in 2019,” said Crego.

wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sonder sued Spiers to exit their agreement early.) Several other redevelopment proposals on that same block of Market Street have languished in recent years. The former Open Bible Church at 2135 Market Street, which abuts in its rear yard Bash’s development on Church Street, has long been eyed for housing, as has the former Lucky 13 straight dive bar across the street at 2140 Market Street. Plans submitted to the planning department prior to the pandemic called for both sites to make use of the State Density Bonus Law in order to build at least 30 units on the church site and 90 units on the bar site. But both housing plans had faced neighborhood opposition due to the height of the buildings and limited below-market-rate units. Developer Kent Mirkhani has retained Macy Architecture to design the buildings for both sites. The project at 2135 Market Street would set aside three of its 30 units as affordable. Revised plans for the building were submitted to the planning department in January, and Mirkhani and his architects have been meeting with community groups in recent months to seek their support. In May, plans for the Lucky 13 site were submitted to the city that called for a new brick building with 70 units, 10 of which would be below-market-rate, as the prohousing group SF Yimby noted at the time. LINK: https://sfyimby. com/2021/05/permits-filed-for2134-2140-market-street-the-castro-san-francisco.html It is unclear when either of Mirkhani’s projects will go before the planning commission.t

Farley told the B.A.R. that she “strongly recommends” that Crego be hired as her successor. He has been “a strong leader,” she added, who has been working behind the scenes on much of the office’s programs and policy work. “He is such a compassionate and strategic leader,” she said. “I know he will continue to stabilize the office as we come through COVID and are making sure we come from a place of community. I am really excited they are able to continue See page 8 >>

New “Below Market Rate” ownership home at The Oak 55 Oak Street, San Francisco, CA 94122 1 studio, 9 one-bedrooms and 3 two-bedroom homes priced from $312,812 – $409,435 with parking and $283,812 – $366,434 without parking. Applicants must be first-time homebuyers and cannot exceed the following income levels: 100% of Area Median Income 2021 One person - $93,250; 2 persons - $106,550; 3 persons - $119,900; 4 persons - $133,200 etc. Applications must be received by 5PM on Thursday, January 6, 2022. Apply online through DAHLIA, the SF Housing Portal at https://housing.sfgov.org. Due to COVID-19, applicants will apply online as we are not accepting paper applications. Applicants must complete first-time homebuyer education and obtain a loan preapproval from an approved participating lender. For more information or assistance with your application, contact HomeownershipSF at (415) 202-5464 or info@homeownershipsf.org. For questions about the building and units, contact The Oak’s sales team at (833) 800 – 5777 or info@theoaksf.com. Units available through the San Francisco Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development and are subject to monitoring and other restrictions. Visit www.sfmohcd.org for program information.

Lighting the Tree of Hope

M

embers of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence added some holiday flare as they blessed Rainbow World Fund’s World Tree of Hope Monday, December 6, at Grace Cathedral atop Nob Hill. This was the 16th annual tree lighting and the ceremony includ-

Christopher Robledo

ed performances by the San Francisco Boys Chorus, the Lesbian/Gay Chorus of San Francisco, and others. Rainbow World Fund is an LGBTQ humanitarian organization and its tree contains hundreds of origami cranes inscribed with messages of peace and goodwill.


Business News>>

t LGBTQ merchants make holiday shopping a breeze by Matthew S. Bajko

H

eadlines for months have warned that retail store shelves would be barren this holiday season due to a plethora of problems hitting the country’s supply chains. Yet nothing could be further from the case at locally-owned stores in San Francisco’s Castro and Noe Valley neighborhoods. In the commercial corridors of the adjacent districts, LGBTQ merchants have plenty of options for shoppers this year. Not only have they survived two years of a global health pandemic to keep their doors open, the storeowners have stocked their shops with gift items at various price points to assist their customers in making sure their yuletide is gay. Shopping locally not only supports the small businesses but funnels revenues into the city’s coffers to help address myriad budget needs. And after a day of retailing, shoppers can treat themselves with a special holiday delight, such as a hot buttered rum beverage ($8) from the Twin Peaks gay bar at the corner of Castro, 17th and Market streets. Kenneth Wingard San Francisco, going strong since 2006 at 2319 Market Street, is a perennial favorite for those looking to cull their list of presents to purchase. The flagship store from the home furnishings designer and television star carries everything from clothing to home accessories. Holiday-themed pillows have been a popular purchase this year. The store is carrying various handcrafted designs from the 20-yearold Chandler 4 Corners based in Manchester, Vermont. A 14x20 pillow features a VW bus sporting a peace symbol and transporting a Christmas tree on its roof ($86). Smaller pillows sized 8x12 feature themes of the season such as “Cheer,” “Naughty,” and “Believe” ($29). For dog owners there are stockings in green or red that feature canines of various colors adorned in scarfs ($38). Fans of pop culture are likely to enjoy Paul Rogers’ game book “Name That Show 100 Illustrated TV Show Puzzles” ($14.95) to test their knowledge of popular sitcoms and other programs.

December 9-15, 2021 • Bay Area Reporter • 7

Candles are an ever-popular gift this time of year, and the store stocks a variety of types. Particularly eye-catching are ones playing off the designs of religious candles that instead of featuring Roman Catholic saints deify the leads of the sitcoms “The Golden Girls” and “Schitt’s Creek,” or pop music stars Cher, Dolly Parton, and Madonna ($22). The store is also known for its fun T-shirt designs ($34) that riff on politics, like House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-San Francisco) famous clap back, or Americana, such as a gay play on words with the Disneyland entrance sign. It also carries shirts by Ben Sherman ($79) and Jachs washed flannel shirts ($99). Down the street at Stag & Manor, which opened at 2327 Market Street in 2018, an array of whimsical ornaments made in Nepal from natural fibers are on sale. Designs include an owl ($9), the magician Merlin ($12), and a unicorn ($16). Handmade baskets with 100% South African cotton by womenowned business Mia Melange come in various sizes and colors ($58-$219). Special for the holidays are ones in a pink and yellow color scheme. The store will also work with shoppers to customize gift sets for each person on their list. They can be themed around cooking or at-home day spa pampering ($80-$100). In addition to the various novels, biographies, and other titles on hand at Fabulosa Books, the bookstore at 489 Castro Street, are fun stocking stuffers like stickers. They come in numerous designs, from a wind-up toy robot ($4) to a witch flying on her broom accompanied by her cat and magic wand in hand ($5). With the closure of the Castro’s Best in Show pet store, shoppers in need of canine or feline presents can head to the Noe Valley Pet Company at 1451 Church Street for their gift needs this season. The 22-year-old momand-mom shop has everything from specialty treats in yuletide designs like cookies resembling Christmas trees and Santa hats ($2.99) to holiday adornments like a candy cane scarf ($18) to ties and bowties that attach to dog collars ($7.99-$9.99).

Matthew S. Bajko

Kenneth Wingard San Francisco has a cheerful holiday display of stockings, pillows, and more.

Dog cardigans featuring Santa or reindeer, and sweaters sporting moose or snowmen, ($34-$38) come in various sizes. For cats, there are toys stylized as candy canes or stockings ($2.99) to a house resembling a Christmas tree ($90). Down the street is Maxwell’s Pet Bar at 1734 Church (between 28th and 29th streets), which carries more than a dozen brands of fresh natural pet food as well as supplements, including ones made with CBD to quell anxiety in dogs and cats, as noted in the Bay Area Reporter’s Bay Area Cannasseur column in February. This time of year it offers special holiday boxes ($40) for dogs and cats that feature dried items such as turkey wings, duck feet, persimmons and Fiji apples. The Castro will be particularly inviting for holiday shopping December 9 when the monthly Castro Art Walk returns following a 20-month hiatus because of the COVID pandemic. From 5 to 8 p.m. more than 100 artists will be featured at more than 20 businesses in the neighborhood, including at Stag & Manor and Fabulosa Books. A map of all of the locations can be found at https://www.castroartwalk.com/t Got a tip on LGBTQ business news? Call Matthew S. Bajko at (415) 829-8836 or e-mail m.bajko@ebar.com.

Matthew S. Bajko

Ornaments are available at Stag & Manor.

Matthew S. Bajko

The Noe Valley Pet Company is stocked for the holiday season.

OKELL’S FIREPLACE

415-626-1110

130 Russ Street, SF

okellsfireplace.com

Valor LX2 3-sided gas fireplace shown here with Murano glass, and reflective glass liner

info@okellsfireplace.com


<< Community News

t USPS’ Operation Santa open for letter adoption 8 • Bay Area Reporter • December 9-15, 2021

compiled by Cynthia Laird

T

he U.S. Postal Service’s Operation Santa program is live and people can sign up to be a registered adopter to help make the holiday season special for kids and their families. According to a news release, over the past three weeks, the postal service has been delivering letters from across the country to Santa’s workshop. Interested registered adopters should visit https://www.uspsoperationsanta. com/, read through the letters, and pick one or more wishes they’d like to make come true, the release stated. Once the letters are chosen, adopters must follow the directions they received in their welcome email in order to make sure gifts arrive on time. Letters can be adopted through December 22 and packages can be shipped through January 14, the release stated. Letter adopters are responsible for all costs to ship the gift packages, including appropriate postage. Operation Santa was established by the postal service 109 years ago to help those in need experience a happy holiday season, the release stated. People do not have to be religious or even believe in Santa to participate. People can still submit letters to Santa through December 10. View the aforementioned website for details.

<<

Trans office

From page 6

the work we started together and think Pau is a really great fit for it.”

Courtesy USPS

The U.S. Postal Service is accepting registered adopters to help fulfill requests from letters to Santa it has received.

Scholarships available for AIDS 2022

The International AIDS Society, which puts on the biennial global AIDS conferences, has announced that the scholarship program for AIDS 2022 is now open. The conference will take place in-person in Montreal, Canada, and virtually July 29-August 2. A pre-conference takes place July 27-28. A news release stated that the scholarship program is open to anyone working or volunteering in the field of HIV and who will be at least 16 years old by July 27. Priority will be given to abstract presenters, workshop facilitators, and organizers of the Global Village and youth

Crego plans to spend the coming weeks meeting with various LGBTQ community leaders, city officials, and leaders of agencies working directly in the local trans-

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The San Francisco Department of Disability and Aging Services is seeking the community’s input. As part of the agency’s 2022 Dignity Fund Community Needs Assessment, it is gathering feedback through an online survey on the needs of older adults and people with disabilities so it can continue to improve how it serves city residents, according to a news release. In November 2016, San Francisco voters passed Proposition I to establish the Dignity Fund. Prop I called for funding of approximately $38 million a year, with scheduled increases until 2037. The fund supports the health and well-being of older adults and adults with disabilities, a news release stated. To take the survey, go to https:// bit.ly/3xY7XeC. The deadline is Friday, December 17. The survey is available in 10 different languages. t

members can apply through February 7. For the application, go to https://www.aids2022.org/takepart/scholarships/.

gender community. The trans office currently has two other employees, Pax Ahimsa Gethen, the manager of communications and operations, and Shane Zaldivar, the manager of training and education. Early next year a new manager of community engagement will be brought on board. At the top of his agenda for 2022 will be working with the city’s housing and homelessness department on not only reopening the LGBTQ-specific shelter Jazzie’s Place but also on plans to upgrade the space. It has been closed since the start of the COVID pandemic and is not scheduled to reopen its doors until sometime next year. As the office’s point-person on the city’s SOGI data collection efforts, Crego is also working to improve how city agencies are gathering the information, in particular the public health department that has lagged behind other departments when it comes

to collecting the LGBTQ demographic info. He expects to work with Mandelman’s office on setting up a citywide working group focused on SOGI data, which will be expanded to include that of city employees and job applicants. “City government and big institutions are slow and hard to change,” noted Crego. “I have been very encouraged by some of the changes we’ve seen in the past four years and I think that will continue.” Farley had taken medical leave in September due to several longterm chronic health issues she has dealt with being exacerbated and compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. She told the B.A.R. the situation led her “to rethink work, life, stress” and to come to the decision to resign from her city job in order to find a better balance for all three. “That is so hard to do, so by my leaving, I am trying to lead by ex-

ample,” said Farley. “One thing I am really excited about is the new opportunities I am exploring.” One will be consulting with TransClinique, a trans-owned and -operated business that offers telehealth services that are transaffirming and offers on demand hormone replacement therapy, noted Farley. She is also looking at other jobs in the private sector and national policy work. “Going through my own health care challenges, I had a hard time finding trans-affirming care. I feel inspired to continue to be working to advance that,” she said. “It is a national service. I will be on the ground floor of that organization, growing it and helping other people to get better access to health care.” Farley added, “I am really excited about continuing what we have done in San Francisco and making sure it is accessible to other communities outside of the Bay Area.” t

rently underway and set to be finalized in January, the Assembly district is expected to include portions of Brisbane; South San Francisco; San Bruno; Millbrae; Burlingame; Hillsborough; San Mateo; Foster City; Belmont; the Redwood Shores neighborhood of Redwood City; central and downtown Redwood City; North Fair Oaks; and East Palo Alto. It is also set to include the coastal communities of

Pacifica, Half Moon Bay, and Moss Beach. “It is really important we have another progressive who takes Kevin Mullin’s seat. He has been a pretty reliable and progressive voice in the Assembly,” said Coleman. It will be an open seat due to Mullin’s decision not to seek reelection next year and instead run to succeed See page 9 >>

viewed assemblages and collages. She loved jazz, singing, cats, travel, and the dedicated artist friends who comprised her salon after she retired. On a trip to Hawaii, she wrote in her journal: “The places that hold me most are places of solitude, where we stand as very mortal beings in the face of our own mortality and the mystery that is human life and contemplate a nature which is beautiful and bountiful, beyond description, powerful and awesome ... where we get away from our everyday existence and take the time to listen to the waves, trees, feel the breath of the mountains

on our faces and feel our links with life and death.” She is survived by her cherished partner, Dianne O’Connell; her sister, Sheila Ortiz Taylor, and Sheila’s wife, Joy Lynn Lewis, of Tallahassee, Florida; and nieces Jessica Kimball (Guilford, Connecticut) and Andrea C. Young (Atlanta).

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Castro patrol anniversary party

Castro Community on Patrol, a volunteer organization that provides safety patrols in the LGBTQ neighborhood and offers general safety information, will celebrate its 15th anniversary Monday, December 13, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Academy, 2166 Market Street. Greg Carey, chief of patrol for CCOP, stated in an email that the event would recognize current and former volunteers. “But most of the evening will be a chance to have conversations about the past and plans for the future,” Carey stated. There is no cost to attend. There

Obituaries >>

Sandra Ortiz Taylor April 27, 1936 – November 22, 2021

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

Take the 2022 Dignity Fund survey

program activities whose submissions have been selected for the conference. Priority will also be given to applicants from lower-income countries; applicants who belong to key populations and people living with HIV; young people and junior investigators under 35; and applicants who did not previously receive a scholarship for an IAS conference, an email stated. Applicants can choose whether to attend the conference in-person or virtually. Financial support covers registration, travel, accommodations, daily living allowance, and/ or virtual accessibility (SIM card, data package, or device), the email stated. Successful applicants will have access to the conference and pre-conference. Scholarship applications will be accepted until January 31. IAS

Political Notebook When in From page 5 advance, you canofdesign every detail of your ownand unique memorial detail own memorial provide Contact usyour today about theunique beautiful ways to create a lasting legacy atyour theloved San Francisco Columbarium. and provide loved ones with true peace mind. Planning aheadtial grocery and drugstore workers, your ones with true peace ofof mind. Planning which was the first to be adopted in protects your loved ones from unnecessary stress and financial ahead protectsProudly yourserving loved onesCommunity. from unnecessary burden, the LGBT San Mateo County. allowing them focus on whatburden, will matter most them at thattotime—you. stresstoand financial allowing “It’s our generation that will bear the brunt of these impacts – we need focus on what will matter most at that time—you. action now,” stated Coleman. Contact us today about the beautiful ways to create a lasting legacy bold With the redistricting of state at the San Contact FranciscousColumbarium. legislative district boundaries curtoday about the beautiful ways to create a lasting legacy at the San Francisco Columbarium. One Loraine Ct. | San Francisco | 415-771-0717 Proudly serving our Community.

will be a cash bar if attendees want to enjoy a beverage. CCOP is a program of SF-SAFE. Volunteers do not physically break up fights or make arrests, but it has had a positive impact on the neighborhood, according to its website. Those interested in learning more can visit https://www.castropatrol. org/. CCOP is a different organization than the San Francisco Patrol Special Police, which will end its services in the Castro December 31, as the Bay Area Reporter previously reported.

Visual artist Sandra Ortiz Taylor was born April 27, 1936 in Los Angeles and died peacefully November 22, 2021 at the Frank Residences in San Francisco. Even as she taught and inspired hundreds of artists at City College of San Francisco for 35 years, she produced her own widely

[Editor’s note: This obituary is being republished because the first name was incorrect last week in the name line; the online version has been updated.]


Sports >>

t New IOC policy focuses on inclusion, human rights

December 9-15, 2021 • Bay Area Reporter • 9

by Roger Brigham

aspects that may be relevant in their context.” “This is guidance – it’s not an absolute rule,” said Richard Budgett, the IOC’s medical and scientific director. The tone of the document clearly indicates a desire for more inclusion. It says measures should be taken to be more welcoming, organizations should work to end discrimination and foster inclusion, and proactive work should be done to eliminate harassment and abuse. It says organizations must consider the harm done to intersex and transgender athletes if and when it sets eligibility criteria. It says competitive advantage should not be presumed based on appearance or perceptions and needs to be demonstrated through proven research based on the activities and athletes in each specific sport. Sounds spot on. For FFINBGI to be effective, the respective sports federations must sincerely embrace it, look for ways to achieve inclusion rather than ways to justify exclusion, and spend the money for proper external and impartial scientific research into the impact biological variations have on their sports. Despite blaring assertions you may have heard in recent years, this has not been done effectively in the past. Oh, there have been partial studies here and there, usually involving non-athletes in non-athletic activities that have found some variations that might suggest that maybe there could possibly be a small but discernible effect on safety or competitive

advantage in some sports event, but nothing with the comprehensiveness or thoroughness to justify some of the absolute conclusions and exclusions we have seen in many sports. On the flip side, advocates of inclusion have sometimes relied more on pointing out the flaws in the research that has been done to argue for inclusion rather than coming up with the research to disprove the rationales for exclusion. It is that kind of research that FFINBGI calls for when it states, “Any restrictions from eligibility criteria (must) be based on robust and peer-reviewed research that demonstrates a consistent, unfair, disproportionate competitive advantage in performance and/or an unpreventable risk to the physical safety of other athletes; is largely based on data collected from a demographic group that is consistent in gender and athletic engagement with the group that the eligibility criteria aim to regulate; and demonstrates that such disproportionate competitive advantage and/or unpreventable risk exists for the specific sport, discipline and event that the eligibility criteria aim to regulate.” What the IOC fails to mention in its framework document is that coming up with that research requires a) money; b) time; and c) organizational commitment to spending both. Assuming the various international

sports federations are willing to make that commitment (and that’s a huge assumption considering past track records), what should the default position be in the interim? Obviously, in sports such as track and field and weightlifting, in which the fears have been about competitive advantage and never about safety, barriers should be dropped immediately until their value is proved by the kind of research the IOC advocates. The international track and field federation has wasted years waging legal battles to exclude intersex women from competing in women’s events because of their naturally occurring higher testosterone levels, telling them to unnecessarily mutilate their bodies or take unnecessary drugs to counter their bodily testosterone production – or compete as men. “Athletes should never be pressured by an international federation, sports organization, or any other party (either by way of the eligibility criteria or otherwise) to undergo medically unnecessary procedures or treatment to meet eligibility criteria,” the IOC said in its policy document. Runner Sebastian Coe, the head of World Athletics, seems determined to dig in rather than get with the program. “I read the framework document,” Coe said after the recent track world conference. “I’m very happy that we have our mature regulations that are in place. Our regulations will remain in place.” In my opinion, international track’s actions have forced numerous women of color out of competition. It has relied on shoddy (and since repudiated) research to justify its exclusionary tactics. It should drop its restrictions immediately – and apologize to those it has injured. In sports in which safety has been the primary concern, let’s look at what we’re actually dealing with. In combat sports such as wrestling, boxing, or martial arts, athletes are already divided into weight groups, so are similarly matched in size and do not have dangerously wide ranges of strength.

Campbell) are also backing Mullin in the House race. Due to his being a member of the Reach Coalition, a group of elected officials of color in San Mateo County, Coleman will be deciding whom to support in the House race via the coalition’s endorsement process. Mullin, 51, had served as Speier’s district director when she served in the state Senate in Sacramento and was an aide to her in the state Assembly. His former boss on Monday endorsed him to succeed her in Congress on the steps of the South San Francisco City Hall. “I enthusiastically and unequivocally announce my endorsement of

Kevin Mullin to replace me in the House of Representatives,” said Speier. “And let me tell you why. Experience matters. Collegiality matters. Progressive values matter. Delivering matters. Having been a legislator prepares you to hit the ground running. I know because I was in the legislature 18 years before coming to congress. Kevin is the only candidate with legislative experience and a proven track record of bringing the bacon home to the district.” Her endorsement of Mullin is seen as a major boost for his candidacy. Also seeking the open House seat is San Mateo County Board of Supervisors President David J. Canepa. Of

Mexican and Italian heritage, he also grew up in San Mateo County and served on the Daly City council. Last week, Burlingame City Councilmember Emily Beach also officially launched her campaign for Speier’s House seat. She first moved to Burlingame with her family in 2008 and won election to her council seat in 2015. Also in the race is Gus Mattammal, a small businessman and Republican who lives on the coast near Half Moon Bay. It is likely more local leaders will jump into the race in the coming weeks. For both the House and Assembly contests, the top two vote-getters of each race in the primary election next

June will compete in the November general election. t

demic levels and there are not as many subway trains in the tunnels per hour as there once was. There are now fewer than 25 trains per hour, meaning Muni has yet to hit its self-imposed limit of having 30 trains per hour in the downtown tunnel. At that threshold, the transit agency predicts there will be systemwide congestion and delays in service. “We are fixing a problem we don’t have currently,” said Heminger. Gay Mission cafe owner Manny Yekutiel, the lone LGBTQ member of the SFMTA board, agreed. He argued the transit agency should revert back to the J-Church downtown route and work in the meantime on fixing the platforms at the

stops for the subway line at the Church and Market street area to provide better shelter and wayfinding signs for passengers. That way, he argued, the concerns of riders would be addressed if the J-Church needs to be taken out of the tunnel in the future. “It is giving us clear next steps to do the work we need to do if we do want to take it out of the tunnel in a more permanent way,” said Yekutiel. “So the public knows if we get to the point we need to get it back out of the tunnel … it gives us the ability to go back to the public and say we did the work to make this right. Now we are pulling the lever on this.” The board not only rejected the SFMTA staff ’s preferred op-

tion to maintain the status quo but also another option to only restore subway service during the evening, when there is less congestion in the tunnel that runs under Market Street to the Embarcadero. It also rejected adding bus service every 30 minutes to provide a single-seat ride from Noe Valley to the Embarcadero during the day. Another option for the SFMTA board would be to keep the shortened J-Church route in place, which appears to be the preference of the transit agency. Jeffrey Tumlin, a gay man who oversees the SFMTA as the city’s director of transportation, had suggested the board delay a decision on the J-Church rather than vote on it Tuesday if it was going

to call for the trains to be returned into the subway tunnel. But there was little support for doing so among the board members. SFMTA board chair Gwyneth Borden agreed with her colleagues who had argued there was no reason to further inconvenience J-Church riders at this time. She noted the line has seen the slowest return to its pre-pandemic ridership compared to the other subway lines. “Let’s see if ridership increases as a consequence of it going back into the tunnel. That will show us that really does matter,” said Borden.t

M

onths after openly transgender athletes competed in the Olympics for the first time, the International Olympic Committee delivered on its promise to release new guidelines about transgender and intersex participation in sports that would emphasize the desire and need for inclusion. The new guidelines, however, released in mid-November, raise as many questions as answers. Whether they lead to more inclusion will depend on the good will and actions of others going forward. “Is it perfect? No, but it is a huge step in the right direction,” said Chris Mosier, founder of transathlete.com (https://www.transathlete.com) and the first openly transgender athlete ever to represent the United States in international competition. “People look to the IOC as the gold standard of sports policy. Creating this framework centered on inclusion is a very positive step not just for the IOC, but for all sports.” The IOC ambitiously labeled its new guidelines the “Framework on Fairness, Inclusion and Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity and Sex Variations” – or FFINBGI for sort-of short. FFINBGI replaces the 2015 policy that required transgender and intersex athletes to meet testosterone level mandates in order to compete. That policy had replaced an earlier requirement for surgical alteration, which in turn had replaced other earlier, even stricter restrictions and more invasive examinations. As with most grand IOC proclamations, the international organization included acknowledgments of its own limitations. It says it is “not in a position to issue regulations” to the various sports, and that governing bodies will determine how they handle issues in their own sports. “The aim of this framework is to offer sporting bodies – particularly those in charge of organizing elitelevel competition – a principled approach to develop their criteria that are applicable to the sport,” the FFINBGI introduction states. “Sports bodies will also need to consider particular ethical, social, cultural and legal

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Political Notebook

From page 8

Congressmember Jackie Speier (DSan Mateo/San Francisco). She announced last month that she would depart Washington, D.C. at the end of her current term, setting up a scramble among San Mateo County elected leaders to succeed her on Capitol Hill in 2023. As the B.A.R.’s online Political Notes column reported December 6, Mullin has endorsements from a number of his legislative colleagues. In addition to Lee, gay state Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and gay Assemblymember Evan Low (D-

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J-Church

From page 1

Due to their objections, in particular from members of the Restore The J Workgroup that formed in the summer, the SFMTA board voted 6-0 to return downtown subway service to the J-Church at its December 7 meeting after a lengthy discussion about the plans. The route should return to its full service as soon as February but will be reduced in frequency to every 15 minutes in order to accommodate the line extension. SFMTA board director Steve Heminger put forward the motion for doing so since he noted Muni service is still below its pre-pan-

Courtesy Chris Mosier

Trans athlete Chris Mosier

In rugby, are there really transgender women rugby athletes out there who are so much bigger than other women rugby athletes they are playing against? Are those disparities larger than what rugby athletes have dealt with throughout history? If not, then imposing exclusive criteria without proper research creates a solution for a problem that likely does not exist. “One of the things I like about this framework is the shift toward a human rights approach,” Mosier said. “It moves the focus away from testosterone level as though it is the only factor. We know that’s not the case.” Mosier, 41, has spent years on the frontlines working to make sports policies more inclusive. He was involved in the discussions that led to dropping surgical intervention as a condition for transgender sports inclusion. “The shift to remove surgery was only a step in the right direction,” he said. “Removing testosterone as the final standard is really another step in the right direction.” Transgender inclusion and acceptance is a human rights issue that has become highly politicized, especially in the United States in recent years. That has become especially so in sports, where many politicians have stoked transphobic fears to pass exclusionary state bans and inflame voters. “My identity is not political, but it has been politicized,” Mosier said. “We have become a political wedge for people to try to gain voters. What is lost is that we are real people. I think it is going to get worse before it gets better. I expect we will see more states try to pass bills to keep transgender athletes out of scholastic sports.” It is those athletes in danger of exclusion who may gain the most immediate benefit out of the IOC’s gesture in support of inclusion and non-discrimination. “Transgender people can see that they can follow their sports passions,” Mosier said. “I think the sports inclusion movement feels inspired and invigorated by this new framework.” t

Web Extra: For more queer political news, be sure to check http:// www.ebar.com Monday mornings for Political Notes, the notebook’s online companion. This week’s column reported on Mullin’s LGBTQ colleagues endorsing his congressional bid. Keep abreast of the latest LGBTQ political news by following the Political Notebook on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/politicalnotes. Got a tip on LGBTQ politics? Call Matthew S. Bajko at (415) 829-8836 or e-mail m.bajko@ebar.com.


<< Community News

10 • Bay Area Reporter • December 9-15, 2021

t

Wrongful termination suit against DA names Campos by John Ferrannini

A

n ex-investigator with the San Francisco District Attorney’s office filed suit against the city, claiming he was wrongly terminated after threatening to expose alleged Fourth Amendment violations. The suit, filed in San Francisco Superior Court, names the city, the office, District Attorney Chesa Boudin, gay Assembly candidate David Campos (who is currently on leave as Boudin’s chief of staff), and Assistant District Attorneys Dana Drusinsky and Stephanie Lacambra. The three other candidates in the Assembly race are keeping mum on the matter. The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects against unreasonable searches and seizures, requiring issuance of search warrants only when probable cause has been established. According to the suit, plaintiff Jeffrey Pailet was responsible for making sure that search warrants complied with state and federal laws. “During this employment, plaintiff Pailet discovered that the SFDA and the other named defendants were improperly instructing investigators to include false, misleading and/or

Rick Gerharter

San Francisco District Attorney Chesa Boudin, left, and Assembly candidate David Campos, who is on leave as Boudin’s chief of staff, have been named in a lawsuit filed by a former investigator in the DA’s office.

misrepresented information, and/ or exclude relevant information, in its search warrants and supporting warrant affidavits to be attested to by SFDA investigators in violation of law,” the complaint states. The complaint continues that Pailet reported this to “various individuals within the SFDA, including, management, various attorneys, supervising attorneys, and the district attorney,”

and that he “refused to take part in the improper creation and issuance of the search warrants and associated documents.” On November 6, 2020, Pailet was informed of his termination by Campos and Human Resources employee Richard Ng, the suit states. “As a result of his whistleblower activities, plaintiff was terminated from his employment in retaliation

for refusing to allow or take part in the improper creation and issuance of the search warrants and associated documents and reporting these violations,” the complaint states. “Plaintiff Pailet requested that the circumstances of his termination be investigated on multiple occasions and in each instance the district attorney’s office refused to do any investigation.” Drusinsky and Lacambra were the assistant district attorneys in charge of investigating a 2017 officer-involved shooting, which is not specified in the complaint. The complaint alleges two causes of action – violation of the state labor code, and violation of the San Francisco campaign and government conduct code. The San Francisco City Attorney’s office – which defends the city in lawsuits – issued a statement to the B.A.R. December 7. Jen Kwart, a spokesperson for City Attorney David Chiu, stated, “The city is committed to a workplace free of retaliation. The city contests this lawsuit. Mr. Pailet filed this matter in court and that is where we will respond.” Boudin did not respond to a B.A.R. request for comment December 7. He is facing a recall effort that will head

to voters June 7. Recall proponents blame challenges to public safety on what they allege as Boudin’s poor job performance. Campos issued a statement. “Even though I am on leave from the DA’s office, I can’t comment on any active case,” Campos stated to the B.A.R. “I can comment on the need to hold prosecutors, police, and everyone involved in the criminal justice system to the highest standards to build community trust. Because we need to keep building trust to keep everyone safe.” Campos is running to replace Chiu – who resigned to become city attorney earlier this year – in the state Assembly representing the eastside of San Francisco. The election is scheduled for February 15, with a potential runoff April 19 if nobody gets above 50% of the vote. Campos’ rivals are straight allies District 6 Supervisor Matt Haney, City College trustee Thea Selby, and former Obama administration official Bilal Mahmood. Haney stated he had no comment December 7. “As this is a lawsuit against the city, I would defer to the city attorney on any response,” he stated. Selby and Mahmood did not respond to requests for comment. t

Chilean lawmakers OK same-sex marriage by Heather Cassell

Pinera opposed same-sex marriage when he entered office in 2018. His opposition stalled the bill, which was proposed to Chile’s National Congress by then-presi-

dent Michelle Bachelet, a socialist, in 2017. Bachelet became the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in 2018. The bill languished in Congress for several years until Pinera did an about-face in June, stunning members of his party, announcing his support for marriage equality, and vowing to push the legislation through in Congress in his annual state of the union address. He stated in his address that Chile should “value the dignity of all relationships of love and affection between two people.” “I think the time has come for equal marriage in our country,”

Pinera said in June, clearing the way for the bill to become law. “In this way, all people without distinguishing by sexual orientation will be able to live love and form a family with all the protection and dignity that they need and deserve.” Not everyone agreed, especially members of the president’s party. Pinera supporter and evangelical lawmaker Leonidas Romero of the National Renewal Party described the law as “a tremendous betrayal for the Christian world,” reported the BBC. t

NOV 18, 25, DEC 02, 09, 2021

NOV 18, 25, DEC 02, 09, 2021

County of San Francisco, CA on 11/10/21.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039546800

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039549000

this Court in Rm. 103N on the 30th of DECEMBER 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

W

edding bells are expected to ring in Chile after lawmakers overwhelmingly approved a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in the South American country December 7. Chile’s lower house of parliament passed the bill 82-20. There were two abstentions. Shortly after, the Senate voted 21-8. There were three abstentions. Outgoing right-wing, conservative Chilean President Sebastian Pinera is expected to sign the bill into law when it reaches his desk. The law will allow same-sex couples the same rights as opposite-sex couples, including adoption, reproductive technology, parental rights over biological or adopted children, inheritance, and

Esteban Felix/AP

Members of the Movilh - Movement for Homosexual Integration and Liberation - celebrate after lawmakers approved legislation legalizing marriage and adoption by same-sex couples.

other rights. It will also remove the requirement for transgender and nonbinary people to divorce for the government to recognize their gender identity and legal name changes.

A longer version of this article is online at ebar.com

Legals>> FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039528700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as ARMSTRONGS BODY DEVELOPMENT, 1661 TENNESSEE ST #2G, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed RICKY D. ARMSTRONG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/25/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/17/21.

NOV 11, 18, 25, DEC 02, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039529800 The following person(s) is/are doing business as POTA SF, 2125 BRYANT ST #101, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed SHUZHEN ZHANG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/02/18. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/28/21.

NOV 18, 25, DEC 02, 09, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039543400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as CB CONSULTING AND MANAGEMENT, 405 DAVIS CT #2306, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LUN JUNG HSU. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/01/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/09/21.

NOV 18, 25, DEC 02, 09, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039545300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as KEY MAN, 916 CLEMENT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed EKATERINA ZHULANOVA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/10/21.

NOV 18, 25, DEC 02, 09, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039544100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as FAWKSTALES RECORD LABEL, 1222 HARRISON ST #6611, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed CHRISTOPHER GILIC. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/03/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/09/21.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as VMEI1.COM, 625 LEAVENWORTH ST #302, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed VILMA ANG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/12/21.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SUMIWARE CERAMICS, 578 26TH AVE #11, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed BRIANNA SANTO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/04/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/15/21.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039539700

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039545700

NOV 18, 25, DEC 02, 09, 2021

The following person(s) is/are doing business as BOSWICK ENTERPRISES, 1359 8TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed DAVID MAGIDSON. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/06/88. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/05/21.

NOV 18, 25, DEC 02, 09, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039547500

NOV 18, 25, DEC 02, 09, 2021

The following person(s) is/are doing business as ALMADURA, 1022 BUSH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed CHARLIE’S EATS AND DINING INCORPORATED (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/10/21.

NOV 18, 25, DEC 02, 09, 2021

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The following person(s) is/are doing business as OPERATION ELF, BAY AREA, 915 NAPLES ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed CARING HEROES, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/12/21.

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NOV 18, 25, DEC 02, 09, 2021

The following person(s) is/are doing business as FROME, 2298 PACIFIC AVE #1S, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed KACY CATHERINE DAPP. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/09/21.

NOV 18, 25, DEC 02, 09, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039548900 The following person(s) is/are doing business as LE HARDWOOD FLOORS, 325 FRANKLIN ST #3, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MAI V LE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/30/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/15/21.

NOV 18, 25, DEC 02, 09, 2021

The following person(s) is/are doing business as HONEY AND STARDUST, 1843 UNION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed HONEY AND STARDUST LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/01/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/10/21.

NOV 18, 25, DEC 02, 09, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039546100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as PROTOFY, 130 COLLINS ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed FY768 LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and

NOV 18, 25, DEC 02, 09, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039548700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as UNIQUE CONCEPT, 2400 YORBA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed YIP ENTERPRISES LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/12/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/12/21.

NOV 18, 25, DEC 02, 09, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039549400 The following person(s) is/are doing business as O-MEGALICIOUS, 5698 3RD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed POUNCIL LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/15/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/15/21.

NOV 18, 25, DEC 02, 09, 2021

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556749

In the matter of the application of MARGARET SEVERANCE MUNN, 1315 4TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner MARGARET SEVERANCE MUNN is requesting that the name MARGARET SEVERANCE MUNN be changed to MARIC SEVERANCE MUNN. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 30th of DECEMBER 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

NOV 25, DEC 02, 09, 16, 2021

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556751

In the matter of the application of ALEJANDRO ALEGRE MENDEZ, 3018 MISSION ST #23, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner ALEJANDRO ALEGRE MENDEZ is requesting that the name ALEJANDRO ALEGRE MENDEZ AKA ALEX MENDEZ AKA ALEJANDRO A. MENDEZ be changed to ALEJANDRO ALEGRE MENDEZ. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before

NOV 25, DEC 02, 09, 16, 2021

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556752

In the matter of the application of MINHO LEE, 1330 BUSH ST #2D, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner MINHO LEE is requesting that the name MINHO LEE be changed to NATHAN VINCENT MINHO LEE. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N on the 30th of DECEMBER 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

NOV 25, DEC 02, 09, 16, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039554100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as LAHORE DI KHUSHBOO, 4445 3RD ST #310, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MUHAMMAD ALI RAZA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/19/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/19/21.

NOV 25, DEC 02, 09, 16, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039547800

The following person(s) is/are doing business as A AND B SEAFOOD OF CALIFORNIA, 279 8TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed GILBERT CHOW. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/97. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/12/21.

NOV 25, DEC 02, 09, 16, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039553500 The following person(s) is/are doing business as SPARKS REMIT, 953 MISSION ST #108, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LOIDA I. FALCIS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/11/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/18/21.

NOV 25, DEC 02, 09, 16, 2021


<< Legals

11 • Bay Area Reporter • December 9-15, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039533700

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039535100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as JOVINA’S CUSTOM UPHOLSTERY; JOVI’S CUSTOM UPHOLSTERY, 1345 17TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JORGE JIMENEZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/18/17. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/01/21.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SAN FRANCISCO OTOLARYNGOLOGY MEDICAL GROUP, INC., 2250 HAYES ST #612, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SAN FRANCISCO OTOLARYNGOLOGY MEDICAL GROUP, INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/22/71. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/02/21.

NOV 25, DEC 02, 09, 16, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039539600

NOV 25, DEC 02, 09, 16, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039535200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as THE UPS STORE, 182 HOWARD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105-1611. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SAN FRANCISCO MAIL BOXES CORPORATION (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 05/14/03. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/05/21.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SAN FRANCISCO OTOLARYNGOLOGY MEDICAL GROUP, INC., 450 SUTTER ST #1404, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SAN FRANCISCO OTOLARYNGOLOGY MEDICAL GROUP, INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/22/71. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/02/21.

NOV 25, DEC 02, 09, 16, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039526900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SAN FRANCISCO OTOLARYNGOLOGY MEDICAL GROUP, INC.; SAN FRANCISCO ALLERGY ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY; SAN FRANCISCO VOICE & SWALLOWING; SAN FRANCISCO MEDICAL AESTHETICS; 450 SUTTER ST #1139, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SAN FRANCISCO OTOLARYNGOLOGY MEDICAL GROUP, INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/22/71. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/26/21.

NOV 25, DEC 02, 09, 16, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039535300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as SAN FRANCISCO OTOLARYNGOLOGY MEDICAL GROUP, INC.; SAN FRANCISCO ALLERGY ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY; 45 CASTRO ST #325, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SAN FRANCISCO OTOLARYNGOLOGY MEDICAL GROUP, INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/22/71. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/02/21.

NOV 25, DEC 02, 09, 16, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039527000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SAN FRANCISCO OTOLARYNGOLOGY MEDICAL GROUP, INC.; SAN FRANCISCO ALLERGY ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY, 180 MONTGOMERY ST #2370, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94104. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SAN FRANCISCO OTOLARYNGOLOGY MEDICAL GROUP, INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/22/71. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/26/21.

NOV 25, DEC 02, 09, 16, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039535400

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SAN FRANCISCO OTOLARYNGOLOGY MEDICAL GROUP, INC., 1 SHRADER ST #578, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SAN FRANCISCO OTOLARYNGOLOGY MEDICAL GROUP, INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/22/71. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/02/21.

NOV 25, DEC 02, 09, 16, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039527900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SAN FRANCISCO OTOLARYNGOLOGY MEDICAL GROUP, INC.; SAN FRANCISCO ALLERGY ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY, 2100 WEBSTER ST #329, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SAN FRANCISCO OTOLARYNGOLOGY MEDICAL GROUP, INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/22/71. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/26/21.

NOV 25, DEC 02, 09, 16, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039546200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SAUCY ASIAN, 3801 17 TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SHINN & SONS, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 08/26/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/12/21.

NOV 25, DEC 02, 09, 16, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039534500

NOV 25, DEC 02, 09, 16, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039534600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SAN FRANCISCO OTOLARYNGOLOGY MEDICAL GROUP, INC., 2100 WEBSTER ST #202, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 95115. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SAN FRANCISCO OTOLARYNGOLOGY MEDICAL GROUP, INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/22/71. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/02/21.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as FRESH HOME STAGING, 175 BARNEVELD AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed BLUE IMPERATOR INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/02/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/02/21.

NOV 25, DEC 02, 09, 16, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039535000

NOV 25, DEC 02, 09, 16, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039550200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SAN FRANCISCO OTOLARYNGOLOGY MEDICAL GROUP, INC.; SAN FRANCISCO VOICE & SWALLOWING; SAN FRANCISCO ALLERGY ASTHMA & IMMUNOLOGY; 450 SUTTER ST #933, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94108. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed SAN FRANCISCO OTOLARYNGOLOGY MEDICAL GROUP, INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/22/71. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/02/21.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as RED WINDOW, 500 COLUMBUS AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed 500 COLUMBUS LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/30/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/16/21.

NOV 25, DEC 02, 09, 16, 2021

NOV 25, DEC 02, 09, 16, 2021

C

I T Y

A ND

C

OU NT Y

SAN FRANCISCO

Every ten years, the district boundaries of San Francisco’s Supervisorial districts are redrawn to ensure that each district maintains equal population of residents. Members of the public are encouraged to participate in the redistricting process. The Task Force needs your input! Tell the Task Force where you would like to draw the San Francisco Supervisorial District lines! As they convene, they will look to YOU and collect your opinions, ideas, and concerns around your District lines and the impacts to our communities.

REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETINGS ARE AS FOLLOWS: First Monday of Every Month at 6:00 p.m. Third Wednesday of Every Month at 6:00 p.m.

DEC 02, 09, 16, 23, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039556500 The following person(s) is/are doing business as TRENDING SOCIAL, LLC, 4629 CALIFORNIA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LUIS QUIROZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/19/19. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/22/21.

DEC 02, 09, 16, 23, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039556700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as LITTLE FEET DOULA SERVICES, 1256 28TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ANA CELENIA MUELLER MARTINEZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/15/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/22/21.

DEC 02, 09, 16, 23, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039559300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as QUEERLY COMPLEX, 2690 20TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed JASON WYMAN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/30/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/24/21.

DEC 02, 09, 16, 23, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039432000

The following person(s) is/are doing business as US-CHINA REAL ESTATE; US-CHINA LAW COUNSEL, 425 DIVISADERO ST #209, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed YING NATALIE ZHANG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/01/08. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/28/21.

DEC 02, 09, 16, 23, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039560100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as POPULATION, 1459 18TH ST #155, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed POPULATION LIGHTS, INC. (DE). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/29/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/29/21.

DEC 02, 09, 16, 23, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039552400 The following person(s) is/are doing business as STUDIO GALLERY; STUDIO, 1641 PACIFIC AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a married couple, and is signed J TERRY & J FARRIS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/12/99. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/17/21.

The following person(s) is/are doing business as KOFY TV 20, 900 FRONT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed STRYKER MEDIA 2 LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/09/21.

DEC 02, 09, 16, 23, 2021

The following person(s) is/are doing business as QURE HEALTHCARE, 450 PACIFIC AVE #200, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed QURE LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/30/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/19/21.

DEC 02, 09, 16, 23, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039560200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as MEDICINE FOR NIGHTMARES, 3036 24TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed VANGUARD LITERARY COLLECTIVE LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/01/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/29/21.

DEC 02, 09, 16, 23, 2021

Please visit the website for information on Special Meetings.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039560300

HOW TO PARTICIPATE: Attend meetings Please see the website for specific directions: www.sfelections.org/rdtf Submit comments by emailing rdtf@sfgov.org or calling (415) 554-4445 Join the email list to receive updates issued by the Redistricting Task Force. To sign up, visit www.sfelections.org/rdtf Follow the Redistricting Task Force on Facebook and Twitter: @RedistrictSF

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SAA JANITORIAL SERVICES, 483 MADRID ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed SKARLET AMAYA AVILES LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/29/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/29/21.

DEC 02, 09, 16, 23, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039562400

www.sfelections.org/rdtf

The City and County of San Francisco encourage public outreach. Articles are translated into several languages to provide better public access. The newspaper makes every effort to translate the articles of general interest correctly. No liability is assumed by the City and County of San Francisco or the newspapers for errors and omissions.

In the matter of the application of CONNOR PAUL FANNING, 1537 10TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner CONNOR PAUL FANNING is requesting that the name CONNOR PAUL FANNING be changed to JACK CONNOR CALDERA FANNING. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103N on the 30th of DECEMBER 2021 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039554500

THE REDISTRICTING TASK FORCE HAS BEGUN!

·

NOV 25, DEC 02, 09, 16, 2021

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556747

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039543800

REDISTRICTING OUTREACH NOTICE DECEMBER 2021

· · ·

The following person(s) is/are doing business as THE MOCHI DONUT SHOP, 2126 IRVING ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed IRVING ENTERPRISES LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/18/21.

DEC 02, 09, 16, 23, 2021

OF

Prepared by The Office of the Clerk of the Board Pursuant to Admin. Code 2.81 Prepar

· ·

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039554000

SF.GOV CNSB#3533373

The following person(s) is/are doing business as THE G SPA, 490 POST ST #1703, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed ELISE GRENIER. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/01/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/01/21.

DEC 09, 16, 23, 30, 2021

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556770

In the matter of the application of CRAIG DABNEY, 255 DUNCAN ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner CRAIG DABNEY is requesting that the name CRAIG JAMES DABNEY be changed to CRAIG DABNEY JAMES. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103N on the 13 of JANUARY 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

DEC 09, 16, 23, 30, 2021

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556769

In the matter of the application of MAYA PERELMAN, 255 DUNCAN ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner MAYA PERELMAN is requesting that the name MAYA PERELMAN be changed to MAYA PERELMAN JAMES. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103N on the 13th of JANUARY 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

DEC 09, 16, 23, 30, 2021

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556772

In the matter of the application of FREDDIE RICHARD LINAWEAVER, 296 CHURCH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner FREDDIE RICHARD LINAWEAVER is requesting that the name FREDDIE RICHARD LINAWEAVER be changed to ATTICUS FREDERIK LINAWEAVER. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103N on the 13th of JANUARY 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

DEC 09, 16, 23, 30, 2021

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556535

In the matter of the application of MARIA LISA AHEARNE AKA LISA MARIE AHEARNE, 2538 17 TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner MARIA LISA AHEARNE AKA LISA MARIE AHEARNE is requesting that the name MARIA LISA AHEARNE AKA LISA MARIE AHEARNE be changed to MARÍA LÍZA AHEARNE. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103N on the 18th of JANUARY 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

DEC 09, 16, 23, 30, 2021

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO FILE CNC-21-556783

In the matter of the application of VICTORINE MANGA, 520 41 ST AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121, for change of name having been filed in Superior Court, and it appearing from said application that petitioner VICTORINE MANGA is requesting that the name VICTORINE MANGA be changed to VICTORINE MANDENGUE NGONDE. Now therefore, it is hereby ordered, that all persons interested in said matter do appear before this Court in Rm. 103N on the 1st of FEBRUARY 2022 at 9:00am of said day to show cause why the application for change of name should not be granted.

DEC 09, 16, 23, 30, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039562000 The following person(s) is/are doing business as COASTALOHA TEAM, 891 BEACH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MARK WEISBARTH. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/01/21.

DEC 09, 16, 23, 30, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039562100 The following person(s) is/are doing business as H&E WHOLESALING, 720 CLEMENT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed HARRY LENCZNER. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 07/07/90. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/01/21.

t

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039562300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as CARNEY’S PLASTERING, 1325 EVANS AVE #B, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed WILBERT T. CARNEY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/01/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/01/21.

DEC 09, 16, 23, 30, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039564900

The following person(s) is/are doing business as JAPANESE NAVAL LIAISON, 5 THOMAS MELLON CIRCLE #216, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed ALPHA ASSOCIATES INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/03/21.

DEC 09, 16, 23, 30, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039556300 The following person(s) is/are doing business as HOM KOREAN KITCHEN, 154 MCALLISTER ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a corporation, and is signed THEOMY EMPIRE INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/15/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/22/21.

DEC 09, 16, 23, 30, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039563100

The following person(s) is/are doing business as MONGOL CAFÉ, 842 GEARY ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed MONGOL CAFE (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/01/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/01/21.

DEC 09, 16, 23, 30, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039559200 The following person(s) is/are doing business as LE REGENCY DELI, 18 CALIFORNIA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111. This business is conducted by a limited liability company and is signed NAAZ LLC (C). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/24/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/24/21.

DEC 09, 16, 23, 30, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039562500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as 17TH & BALBOA MARKET, 1601 BALBOA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed PAWSON LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/12/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/01/21.

DEC 09, 16, 23, 30, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039566700

The following person(s) is/are doing business as INTIVIX, 605 MARKET ST #410, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105. This business is conducted by a limited liability company, and is signed LANXPERT LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/05/11. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/06/21.

DEC 09, 16, 23, 30, 2021

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-039532800

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as THE G SPA, 490 POST ST #1703, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business was conducted by a corporation and signed by OFFICE MD (CA). The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/01/21.

DEC 09, 16, 23, 30, 2021

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE A-037790200

The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as SUTTER NAILS, 539 SUTTER ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business was conducted by an individual and signed by LILY PHAM. The fictitious name was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/04/17.

DEC 09, 16, 23, 30, 2021

DEC 09, 16, 23, 30, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039561600 The following person(s) is/are doing business as PURE AQUA, 100 PINE ST #1250, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94111. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed MIN YOUNG HWANG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/14/16. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 11/30/21.

DEC 09, 16, 23, 30, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039562600

The following person(s) is/are doing business as PRISCAECOSHINE, 3151 CALIFORNIA ST #3A, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed LILIA PRISCILA TIRADO SANCHEZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/01/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/01/21.

DEC 09, 16, 23, 30, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039566200

The following person(s) is/are doing business as KEVIN’S LIGHT SOURCE, 62 MARNE AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94127. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed KEVIN UGAR. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/29/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/03/21.

DEC 09, 16, 23, 30, 2021

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE A-039563500

The following person(s) is/are doing business as SUTTER NAILS, 539 SUTTER ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by an individual, and is signed THAOLY THI VU. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/01/21. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/01/21.

DEC 09, 16, 23, 30, 2021

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inspire you, when the three of you worked together? I don’t think any of us thought that. We were just doing what we each loved to do only doing it together. We were glad to know that people loved us and supported our shows. Let’s discuss your magazine, FLOD (Fabulous Ladies of Disco). Who created the concept and who would you love to have as a future guest? The concept came from a book titled First Ladies of Disco in which 32 women tell their stories from the days of disco until the present day. My manager and partner James Washington came up with the idea. We feature eclectic people that you may or may not know. We shine a light where sometimes people may not receive media coverage for their accomplishments.

by Cornelius Washington

I

f anyone can get us through this virus, from a musical perspective, it’s Martha Wash. Her new album, Love & Conflict, is the must-have album of the season.

What are your future plans for your record company, Purple Rose Records? It initially started out as just putting out my own music, but we gradually started to add singles from First Ladies of Disco (myself, Evelyn Champagne King, Linda Clifford & Norma Jean Wright) which have been on Billboard Top 10 Dance Chart, The Ritchie Family (Ice) as well as a single from Le’Rae (Renee Guillory Wearing from The Ritchie Family). While we’ve recorded with heritage artists, we’re also looking for young artists that have a different sound than what you hear every day, someone unique. Writers and producers we check for on music platforms and such.

Martha Wash is the voice everyone recognizes. She is the powerful vocalist behind such classic dance hits as “It’s Raining Men,” “Everybody Dance Now” and “Carry On.” With the release of her new album, Love & Conflict, she adds to her legacy of music. An early and continuing ally, Wash has been an outspoken supporter of LGBTQ causes and a champion in the fight against HIV/AIDS. She’s played Pride celebrations and LGBTQ events for decades, and in 2012 she was honored with a lifetime achievement award from the AIDS Emergency Fund for her activism. Cornelius Washington: Your new album is a great journey for your listeners. It has a stripped-down, neo-Muscle Shoals sound, and the lyrics demand that we better ourselves. Was this the intention in creating the album? Martha Wash: Well, with songwriters and producers Sami Basbous and Andrew David, we just started with one song, “Like Fire,” and then decided to continue in that vein. It’s another different sound for me, which I always like. It keeps me moving forward. The lyrics of the album invite us to look at ourselves (good or bad), as well as the outside world (good and bad) and how we want to deal with things. Let’s discuss your most familiar musical genre. Why do you feel that dance music is still not as appreciated as other genres, despite its ability to empower, liberate and enlighten? What you’re saying is true. I really don’t know though, but, I’ve always felt like it was treated as a stepchild in regards to the Grammys. One award for Best Remixer and I think for Best Song? Really? WTH? What happened to the vocalist or producer? Maybe I’m the one who’s crazy, but some of those categories! An-

With what hot composers, producers, and video directors do you want to work next? I would love to work with Missy Elliott, Kandi Burruss, and Todrick Hall. I have always been a fan of their work.

Martha Wash New music with love

other thing that the Grammys and other music award entities should be looking into. That’s all. This past year has led many to confront various forms of bigotry, except LGBTQ racism and black/POC homophobia. Why do you believe that that is and what can be done about it? Narrow minds, closed hearts, haters of people that don’t look or think like them, that they think might threaten their tiny world. We have to keep demanding from people and the people that run this country that you may not like or agree with or don’t like the color of a person’s skin. Everyone has a right to liberty and equality in this country. If not, then we know that this country was built on a lie and the Constitution is a lie.

Let’s discuss your brilliant YouTube program, “Ten Minutes with Martha Wash.” Will you continue the show once the pandemic ends? What is your future guest wish list? We’d like to start shooting again sometime soon, depending on my schedule and how back to normal we can get. We’ve gotten good responses from the shows and even won a few awards for it. As far as guests are concerned, I’m not going to say. I keep that close to the vest. On one of your episodes, comedian/actress Marsha Warfield discussed how very powerfully you, Ms. Izora Rhodes, and Sylvester represented vocally, culturally, and visually, helping people embrace themselves on every level. Did it surprise and

As a woman, how does it feel to know that yours is one of music’s most distinctive voices and that tons of hot, sweaty men worldwide flex, striptease and tantalize to the sound of your voice? Wow! I’ve always hoped that people would enjoy the music that I provided for their lives and that my voice would indeed be distinctive. Is there anything that you want to say to all of us at The Bay Area Reporter newspaper, as we celebrate our 50-year anniversary, and our appreciation of you as an ally for so many years, in season and out? Just Happy 50th Birthday Bay Area Reporter! My, how time flies! Wishing you many more years of great service and contributions to the community at large.t

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

Holiday movies with a queer twist Christmas at the Ranch with Amanda Righetti and Laur Allen

by David-Elijah Nahmod

I

f anything proves how mainstream the LGBTQ community has become, it’s the advent of queer-themed made-for-TV holiday movies. Last year Lifetime offered The Christmas Setup, a wholesome rom-com about Kate (Fran Drescher) a well-meaning mom who tries to set up her son Hugo with Patrick, a family friend. The Christmas Setup was well received by audiences and critics alike (it can still be streamed on Amazon Prime) and ensured that more gay holiday movies would follow. Here are a few of this year’s offerings.

Christmas At the Ranch

The very network that this film is seen on is a groundbreaker. Tello Films is a streaming service dedicated to telling stories for women. It’s an idea whose time has come.

Philemon Chambers, Jennifer Coolidge and Michael Urie in Single All the Way

Christmas at the Ranch is a sweet and wholesome film, a movie that lesbian couples can watch with their kids. The film’s story is simple. High-powered San Francisco techie Haley (Laur Allen) is called home to the ranch where she grew up because the ranch, which has been in the family for many years, is in serious financial trouble and may have to be sold. Once there, she finds herself drawn to ranch hand Kate (Amanda Righetti), a woman with whom she once had a disastrous blind date. The film’s screenplay poses two questions: can the ranch be saved, and will Haley and Kate find their way to each other? Both leads are easy on the eyes and look great together. The film gets an added boost from co-star Lindsay Wagner (The Bionic Woman) who plays Haley’s grandmother. If a family film with lesbian leads sounds exciting to you, then Christmas at the Ranch may be what you’ve been waiting for. www.tellofilms.com

Single All the Way

Chandler Massey and Zachary Atticus Tinker in Days of Our Lives: A Very Salem Christmas

Michael Urie is absolutely adorable in this simple but sweet rom-com. He stars as Peter, a 30ish, perennial single gay man in Los Angeles who’s not all that enamored with his life. When he goes home to New Hampshire for Christmas, Peter convinces his best friend Nick (Philemon Chambers) to accompany him and pretend that they’re now in a relationship. Peter’s family are a loving bunch who yearn to see him settled down. When his mom (Kathy Najimy) sets Peter up on a blind date with the rugged, handsome James (Luke MacFarlane), things get a little complicated. One of the most delightful aspects of this film is the fact that all three gay characters are played by actors who identify as gay in real life. The other delicious aspect of the film is the casting. Najimy of course is a well-known character actress, beloved for

her role in the now classic Hocus Pocus. Peter’s dad is played by Barry Bostwick, better known as Brad in the legendary Rocky Horror Picture Show. And comedian Jennifer Coolidge, who can always be counted upon to bring in some laughs, steals a few scenes as Peter’s Aunt Sandy. Urie and Chambers have great chemistry together, it’s obvious from their first scene that they belong together. The film is as wholesome as anything produced for the Hallmark Channel, which is why it works. Netflix broke new ground with Single All the Way. Chambers is a Black actor making his feature debut. His race is never mentioned in the film, he simply is who he is, Peter’s best friend turned soulmate. When Peter and Nick finally kiss, they really look like they’re in love. See page 13 >>


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Theater>>

December 9-15, 2021 • Bay Area Reporter • 13

Cassandra’s complex by Jim Gladstone

W

hen Berkeleyborn folk singer and activist Malvina Reynolds –the inspiration for Shotgun Players’ The Cassandra Sessions: Recording This World– wrote her charmingly barbed “Little Boxes” back in 1961, she wasn’t thinking about shiny wrapped packages like the ones currently piling up under trees throughout the Bay Area. The song, which condescendingly sniffed Beth Wilmurt in The Cassandra Sessions: at the homogenous Recording This World tastes and aspirations of mouth or hesitant hover of fingers mid-century America’s above the keyboard. booming middle class, was referHer coolly magnetic visual presring to Daly City’s planned sprawl ence is amplified by the shifting of cookie-cut houses, then on the color fields of Ray Oppenheimer’s rise (and presently shivering beelegant, emotive lighting: With a neath its annual blanket of blinking twilit blue slanting against the relights and candy cane kitsch). cording booth window, Wilmurt No doubt Reynolds had a limited becomes the lonely woman of a tolerance for consumerist ChristHopper painting; from within a mas traditions. She’d probably rectangle of red, her songs evoke agree that the most precious gifts an eternal, meditative Rothko state. come in shared experiences, not Wilmurt’s bell-clear, unshowy little boxes. If that’s in keeping with vocal performance is well-suited your own holiday spirit this year, to Reynolds’ sly, plainspoken lyrskip the ticky-tack and spring for ics, which rail against pollution, tickets to The Cassandra Sessions, a economic injustice and sexism singularly engrossing presentation over simple, irresistibly repetitive of Reynolds’ music created by Beth rhythms that stick in the mind like Wilmurt with Jake Rodriguez at nursery rhymes. There’s an oddly Shotgun Players in Berkeley. pleasant monotony to Reynolds’ The production is more concert than play, but as concerts go, its compellingly theatrical: Not Madonna theatrical; Laurie Anderson theatrical. It hums with static electricity and understated intelligence. For most of the show’s 80 minutes, Wilmurt performs Reynolds’ songs from behind the glass of a tiny, illuminated recording studio at the center of an otherwise darkened stage. With her rangy physique and cascade of silver hair that suggest Edgar Winter by way of Giacometti, she quietly commands attention, then clearly expresses anxiety, SF Playhouse’s Twelfth Night dismay, playfulness and ultimately, hope with the slightest crook of her

several twists and turns. It begins streaming December 16 on Peacock.

The Bitch Who Stole Christmas

<<

Queer Holiday

From page 12

Days of Our Lives: A Very Salem Christmas

Soap operas are also bring some gay apparel. Chandler Massey, who plays one half of gay couple Sonny and Will on the long-running soap Days of Our Lives, co-stars in this one-off Christmas movie made especially for Days fans. Zachary Atticus Tinker will appear as Massey’s husband. The film will follow long-running Days character Will (Massey) as he writes a screenplay before his Christmas Eve deadline. Using a variety of feel-good holiday tropes, he creates a Christmas story based on his family and friends in the town of Salem, which promises to offer

Christmas is a real drag in this movie from gay filmmakers Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey, the men behind Drag Race. RuPaul herself co-stars along with drag superstars Ginger Minj, Pandora Boxx, Brooke Lynn Hytes, Jaymes Mansfield, Chad Michaels, and San Francisco’s own Rock M. Sakura. Ru’s gal pal Michelle Visage, along with Queer Eye’s Carson Kressley, are also on hand. The story follows a workaholic big city fashion journalist who is sent to a Christmas-obsessed small town to dig up a story. There she finds herself in the middle of cutthroat housewives, a high stakes Winter Ball competition, and a sinister plot that could destroy Christmas forever! “There are 1000 Christmas movies this year, but only

Shotgun’s take on Malvina Reynolds; SF Playhouse’s ‘Twelfth Night’

compositions; the toe-tapping campfire virality which made them easy to sing along to in the 1960s becomes a gripping hypnotic effect in this theatrical setting. At one point, co-creator Jake Rodriguez’s ingenious sound design enables Wilmurt to record multiple vocal tracks on stage, then effectively perform with herself. And toward evening’s end, in an echo of Talking Heads’ Stop Making Sense, the audience watches the recording booth be disassembled onstage as Wilmurt engages her audience directly, urging them to sing with her. We feel the joy in repetition, the potential for ideas to proliferate. Fair warning: The smart, simple gifts of Cassandra (billed as a workshop production) come wrapped in an excess of twisted bows and glossy paper –in the form of artists’ statements, press releases and program notes– that could easily lead a theatergoer to expect a more narrative show, with Wilmurt playing Cassandra, the disbelieved prophetess of Greek mythology. This may well have been Wilmurt and Rodriguez’ original ambition as they initiated work on the piece, and it could continue to develop along those lines; for the moment though, it’s not the thought that counts. The Cassandra Sessions: Recording this World, through December 26 (video live-stream Dec. 10 and 17. Video-on-demand, Dec. 23 to Jan. 9) $7-$27; at Shotgun Players, 1901 Ashby Ave., Berkeley. (510) 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org

Food of love, play on

Local theater’s other holiday fare worth noting is the gloriously goofy adaptation of Twelfth Night at the San Francisco Playhouse, directed by Susi Damilano. Shakespeare gets a respectfully playful shaking up in this lightning fast, candy-colored one-act musical spin on his gender-bending, snobbery-snubbing comedy of romantic errors, originally commissioned by the Delacorte Theater for New York’s Shakespeare in the Park. Among the uniformly engaging cast serving delicious portions of Christmas ham, Sean Fenton steals scenes as a foppish, egomaniac Malvolio; Loreigna Sinclair oozes silly, sexy appeal as Olivia; and Sam

Paley’s Feste is a mischievous wink in human form. The lyrics, by Shaina Taub, sometimes ring oddly anachronistic against the abridged original dialogue (“X-ray vision?”), but her poppy melodies have a propulsive energy that aligns well with the story’s mistaken-identity silliness. Carnival-colored scenery by Bill English and Heather Kenyon and glad rag costumes by Abra Berman add to the festive atmosphere. This take-the-whole-family hit will keep a smile on your face from start to finish. It’s guaranteed holiday cheer. Twelfth Night, through Jan. 15 at San Francisco Playhouse. $40$100. 450 Post St. (415) 677-9566. www.sfplayhouse.orgt

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Let’s talk cannabis. one with drag queens! Christmas will never be the same!” says Barbato. ‘The B’ airs on VH1.

The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show

Two drag queens can’t seem to agree how to create a Christmas TV show. With the help of a chorus of dancers, and also with the help of Ben DeLa Creme’s dead grandma (whose spirit lives on in a glass of eggnog), DeLa tries to uphold the Christmas traditions of her youth. Jinkx Monsoon, on the other hand, is far more interested in naughty jokes and booze. The show, a filmed version of their popular live show, is chock full of musical numbers about everything from Santa Claus to the baby Jesus, and it all leads up to a battle for control of the show. Watch a livestream of their Chicago gig (the SF Dec. 19 show is sold out). $17-$20. Dec. 9, 5:30pm. www.jinkxanddela.comt

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<<Film & 50 in 50

14 • Bay Area Reporter • December 9-15, 2021

The Power of the Dog by Brandon Judell

I

n 1967, a highly praised novel with a “sensitive” autobiographical core came out. It sold close to 1000 hardbound copies. That was The Power of the Dog by Thomas Savage. Thanks to the book’s rerelease in 2003 with a celebratory afterword by Brokeback Mountain’s Annie Proulx, the book started winning its battle with neglect. Now comes Jane Campion’s adaptation on screen (and Netflix), a film that has been called a “masterpiece,” “a twisty psychological thriller,” and “an elegant, sometimes unnerving accomplishment.” Benedict Cumberbatch, who has inserted himself totally into the portrayal of Phil Burbank, the appropriately disparaged lost soul, notes, “It’s a tragedy from his point

of view. Actually, he’s a man in great pain. He’s so lost in his masculinity, in his sort of veneer of masculinity.” Clearly, while it’s still not that easy, it was even harder to be a gay cowboy in the Montana of the 1920s. Phil, who graduated with honors from college, is so careful of defending his “toxic masculinity,” as Jane Champion has labeled it, only takes a bath once a month, and none during the winter months. He sleeps in the same bed as his brother, whom he calls, “Fatso!” He’s also anti-Semitic, anti-Native Americans, is not fond of the female sex, and boy, oh, boy, did he hate queers: “Phil hated how they walked and how they talked.” This character, who, by the way, is based on Savage’s real-life uncle, does have his fondnesses: elk liver, watching the younger ranch hands bath in

Benedict Cumberbatch stars in film adaptation of Thomas Savage book

a lake, reading books of philosophy, and spewing forth his memories of the legendary Bronco Henry, whose saddle he constantly fondles. As for the rather socially inept “plodder,” George, he one day finds a wife in the widow Rose Gordon (Kirsten Dunst), who runs an inn of sorts. Her doctor husband had committed suicide (The book explains why.) She has a 16-year-old son, Peter (Kodi Smit-McPhee) and little else. This loner, this bullied lad, seems not to be in control of his body as he walks across the screen. He’s like a calf just pulled from his mother, testing out his legs. He has a slight lisp. He cuts out photos from magazines for his fantasy scrapbook, makes paper flowers, and cuts up bunnies he kills to learn about their body functions. He’s going to be a

Kodi Smit-McPhee and Benedict Cumberbatch in The Power of the Dog

doctor like his dad, whose body he found a-hanging one day. Peter is based on the author, who in later life recalled riding about his Rolls Royce and wearing lavender gloves. As for Jane Campion’s triumph, the direction, the acting, the cin-

Funny that way by Gregg Shapiro

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f ever there was a documentary subject that was long overdue, it would have to be that of LGBTQ+ cartoonists and comic book creators. Fortunately, Peabody Award-winning filmmaker Vivian Kleiman saw fit to do so with her respectful exploration of the art form No Straight Lines: The Rise of Queer Comics (Compadre Media Group). Based on the celebratory anthology of the same name edited by Justin Hall (who served as co-producer and consultant), No Straight Lines rises to the occasion. The extensive interviews with established (Alison Bechdel, Jennifer Camper, Rupert Kinnard, Mary Wings, and the late Howard Cruse), as well as “Next Gen” (Maia Kobabe, Gaia WXYZ, Alex L. Combs, Taneka Stotts, Dylan Edwards, Marinaomi and Carlo Quispe, to name a few) illustrators provides historical context and a glimpse of the present and future. Notably absent interview subjects, include Diane DiPrima (Hothead Paisan), Tim Barela (Leonard & Larry), and Eric Orner (…Ethan Greene), but they do have representation in the movie in overt and subtle ways. Like countless other genres in which LGBTQ+ visibility was lacking, the world of comics came into its own in the post-Stonewall peri-

od of the early 1970s. Taking some inspiration from the freewheeling world of underground comics sold in head shops, which didn’t adhere to the conservative Comics Code Authority, publications and their associated characters began to emerge. No Straight Lines traces the history, which includes the appearance of comic strips in regional and national LGBTQ+ publications, the birth of zines, and the triumph of the graphic novel, exemplified by Bechdel’s acclaimed, award-winning Fun Home, which was transformed into an equally lauded and

ematography, the music, and the screenplay are all flawless … but this, of course, is Thomas Savage’s triumph most of all.t

Read the full review on www.ebar.com.

award-laden Broadway musical. Hearing Cruse, Bechdel, Camper, Kinnard and Wings talk about their processes and personal experiences is also meaningful. Especially powerful is the scene where Denis Kitchen (of Kitchen Sink Press) visits Cruse in his home and they talk about how they came to work together. Equally moving is Bechdel describing her beginnings as an artist and her Dykes to Watch Out For series, how she created Fun Home and her response to the phenomenon that it became. When Kinnard, creator of the whimsical The Brown Bomber, the first serialized queer black character in comics, tells the story of becoming a paraplegic following a car accident, and the response from his fellow artists, many viewers will surely be moved to tears. The same holds true for Camper’s discussion of the impact of the AIDS crisis on the community as a whole. While many of the longstanding artists continue to create new work, it’s reassuring to know that the many “next gen” makers are making their mark on readers from every stripe. Director Kleiman also deserves praise for the way she brings the cartoon images to life throughout, making the doc both and enlightening and entertaining experience. Rating: B+t

50 years in 50 weeks: 2006’s sporting life by Jim Provenzano

2006

was a double-banner year for LGBT athletes. Two international sporting events were to take place that August; the seventh Gay Games in Chicago, and the upstart rival, the Montreal Outgames. Our June 22 Pride section featured eight sports articles (swimming, water polo, cycling, triathlon, softball, physique, wrestling, track and field) penned by myself, and four articles (tennis, badminton, volleyball) written by Rob Akers, including one feature on a triathlete gay couple who competed in both the Gay Games and Outgames. The years-long controversies over the Montreal group appropriating the concept after contracts and licensing negotiations failed are too expansive to detail here. Suffice it to say that the eventual collapse of the Outgames was predicted in the tenth and last year of my weekly Sports Complex column, and later in Roger Brigham’s subsequent write-ups. Despite our collective fact-based research and interviews, we were still sometimes accused of pro-Gay Games bias. Being the newspaper whose previous sports columnists include Tom Waddell, the co-creator of the Gay Games, may have had something to do with it. So would the not-subtle group portrait of athletes posed in Rick Gerharter’s photo below the arch at Kezar Stadium, where many events from the first two Gay Games were held.t Note: the archived issues on https://archive.org/details/bayareareporter stop at 2005. For articles published in 2006 and later, visit www.ebar.com and https:// issuu.com/bayareareporter


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Books>>

December 9-15, 2021 • Bay Area Reporter • 15

Penn’s state by Brain Bromberger

Y

ou’ve probably already heard that actor and former Barack Obama adviser, Kal Penn, has come out as gay and is engaged to be married to Josh, his partner of 11 years. But if you want to learn more about that announcement, you are better off reading the People magazine interview than his memoir. Penn is clearly talented and accomplished, best known for the comic Harold and Kumar franchise movies, National Lampoon’s Van Wilder, and a serious role in Mira Nair’s The Namesake, but also appearing on television shows such as House, How I Met Your Mother, the recent NBC flop Sunnyside, and current CBS series Clarice. Penn also served as Adjunct Lecturer in Sociology and Film Studies at the University of Pennsylvania and in Sociology and Political Science at UCLA. He was an Associate Director of White House Office of Public Engagement and President Obama’s Liaison to Young Americans, Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, and U.S. Arts communities. Penn reflects on all these experiences offering often funny, candid, and at times inspiring stories narrated in a breezy, laid-back style you might expect from his alter ego Kumar. Born and raised in New Jersey, Penn was the son of initially poor Indian immigrants and the grandson of Gandhian freedom fighters. Bullied, and the victim of racial slurs, he caught the acting bug when in eighth grade he was cast as the Tin Man in the school’s musical, The Wiz. However, his parents were dead set against his becoming a professional actor (“We don’t do those things. We are Indian.”), preferring him as a doctor or engineer. Mira Nair’s 1992 film Mississippi Masala, with an Indian director and stars, inspired him to join his school’s choir and drama club, eventually pursuing theater and acting at UCLA.

Race and casting

Where his memoir really shines is in showing the intense efforts it takes to establish oneself in Hollywood, such as getting the right headshots, the decision to change his name from Kalpen Modi to Kal Penn, and trying to find an agent, all presented amusingly, including the

story of being set on fire while sliding off an oiled-up naked actress in a raunchy Ryan Reynolds film. Penn is both angry and insightful at the racism faced by a budding person of color actor, such as having to audition for stereotypical roles in commercials. He bemoans that these are one-dimensional roles focusing on a person’s ethnicity or race, where everything is tied to identity, often functioning to serve the arcs of white characters. Far worse is being asked at auditions to talk in an Indian accent, which producers insist makes the role funnier. Penn notes that in Hollywood few Asian Americans are cast because they think Middle America won’t watch them, which results in fewer Asian Americans on TV, a vicious cycle. His devastating analysis is spot-on, but conveyed humorously. Penn was so transfixed with candidate Obama’s message to work together to make all fellow Americans’ lives better that he volunteered to campaign for him in 2008. He opted to take a sabbatical from television acting and serve in the new administration. The politically correct environment at the Obama White House doesn’t engender as many lighthearted tales as his Hollywood travails, though there are riotous takes on background clearance, the bureaucracy involved to hang his Grandpa’s framed Gandhi photo in his office, and shepherding the Public Engagement office to a strip club.

Gay vague

disappointment he doesn’t exercise his intellectual muscles on homophobia in Tinseltown. Penn doesn’t even broach the gay issue until the final 100 pages of his memoir in a thin twelve-page chapter, broaching the subject in a very matter-of-fact way, discussing the material as if the reader already knew about his being queer, which of course, is not the case. We learn virtually nothing about Josh (not even his last name or occupation), except that he hails from Mississippi and loves NASCAR races on TV. It wasn’t love at first sight when they met at a Washington, D.C. bar, which seemingly was a mismatch that developed into a long-term relationship. As to when Penn discovered he was gay, how it affected his life or career, whether he struggled to come out to his parents/ family and their reaction, or any angst about publicly revealing his sexuality, there is nada. It strains credulity that a man born in 1977 into a very conservative minority/ religious group would not have wrestled with his sexuality and its repercussions. Only in the People magazine interview does Penn confess that he discovered his sexuality late in life. His lack of forthrightness and self-awareness on the consequences of being gay is exasperating considering how open and penetrating he is concerning racism in Hollywood. Penn’s memoir (with its doubleentendre title) is an easy, often whimsical read.t You Can’t Be Serious by Kal Penn. Gallery Books, $28

t h g u a c e b t ’ n Do ! d e d n a h y t p m e With supply chain issues in the news, we’ve stocked up on all the things you need, and use. This holiday season, Cliff’s Variety will turn your shopping woes into the happiest of happy ho-ho-ho’s.

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After his incisive analysis on entertainment bigotry, it’s a huge

New views of Oscar Wilde

W

ill we ever catch up to the genius of Oscar Wilde? The celebrity culture Wilde did so much to advance marks such milestones with more books. We can be grateful that Matthew Sturgis’ Oscar Wilde: A Life has at last been published in the US, by Knopf, in October. Additionally, NYU scholar Ulrich Baer has forwarded to us the seminal My Own Dear Darling Boy: The Letters of Oscar Wilde to Lord Alfred Douglas.t Read Tim Pfaff’s full review on www.ebar.com.

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