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San Francisco Supervisor Jackie Fielder

by John Ferrannini

ueer San Francisco Supervisor Jackie Fielder is expected to take a leave of absence from the board amid a mental health condition, her office announced Sunday. The news followed reports last week that she was experiencing an “acute personal health crisis.” Initially, media outlets reported that Fielder was considering resigning. However, her staff stated that she would take a medical leave of absence. On Sunday, her chief of staff Sasha Gaona issued a statement that Fielder – a 31-year-old who became a supervisor in January 2025, following her victory in November 2024 – would be remaining in office, at least for now. Fielder “is currently navigating a mental health condition and needs time and space to recover before making any major decisions,” Goana stated. “She will be taking a medical leave of absence, during which time the District 9 office will remain dedicated to meeting the needs of our constituents, neighbors, and community members.” Goana pleaded for privacy regarding the health condition. “On matters of her personal health, we respectfully ask the press to give her the privacy and space necessary for healing, and not to report on unsubstantiated rumors. We urge everyone to treat this situation with the same respect and sensitivity as they would if she were recovering from any other medical emergency,” Goana stated, adding that mental health conditions are often stigmatized. “The outpouring of support has been invaluable during these difficult times and we thank all of our colleagues, friends, and neighbors who have come out to offer help and well wishes,” the statement concludes. “With the strong backing of the community, we will continue to partner and carry forward the critical work of the district.” The Voice of San Francisco reported March 26 – based on a source not named in the report – that Fielder was suspected of being involved in the leak of a confidential memo regarding the underlying service contract for the Rapid Enforcement, Support, Evaluation, and Triage, or RESET, sobering center project, championed by Mayor Daniel Lurie as a “a major step to get drugs and drug users off the streets,”and which she opposes. Goana didn’t return a Bay Area Reporter request for comment as to whether this is the unsubstantiated rumor referred to in the statement. See page 4 >>

Vol. 56 • No. 14 • April 2-8, 2026

The 2026 Besties

Courtesy the subject

SF supe Fielder to take leave

55 years

Best of Arts & Nightlife

are here

compiled by Cynthia Laird

pring has sprung and the Bay Area Reporter’s readers’ poll results are here. Formally called the LGBTQ Best of the Bay, or the Besties, the survey highlights readers’ favorite LGBTQ-owned establishments, mainstream businesses, and those owned by allies. The B.A.R. did not have a readers’ survey last year, and this edition coincides with the newspaper’s milestone 55th anniversary. In addition to the aforementioned businesses featured in the Shopping and Services group, other categories abound, and readers will find them throughout the issue. They are: Arts and Culture, Community, Dining, Nightlife, Nightlife Venues and Events, and Weddings and Destinations. So, without further ado, here are this year’s winners. See page 10>>

BAR Archive

Bay Area Reporter founding publisher Bob Ross

At 55, ‘seamless’ B.A.R. leadership remembered by John Ferrannini

n a cloudy Monday afternoon last November at Castro and 18th streets in San Francisco’s LGBTQ neighborhood, members of the Imperial Council were joined by city politicos and the staff of the Bay Area Reporter in unveiling a plaque honoring the paper’s founding publisher, Bob Ross. See page 6 >>

Sisters promote ‘Love Thy 0 Easter Media a Kit Neighbor’2017 for party by David-Elijah Nahmod

of Supervisors president Tom Ammiano’s famous “walk a mile in my pumps” comment to then-fellow supervisor Alicia Becerril.) he Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence drag After that, the party was held in Dolores nun philanthropic group will bring their Park until 2014, moving to Golden Gate Park annual Easter celebration to Mission Dowhile Dolores Park underwent renovations. It lores Park Sunday, April 5. As usual, there will Angeles be The Los Blade covers Los Angeles and California news, returned to Dolores Park in 2019, where it has something for everyone, under this year’s opinion, theme politics, arts and entertainment and features national and flourishedreporting ever since. of “Love Thy Neighbor.” international coverage from the Blade’s award-winning ThisLos year’sAngeles party promises to bring joy to all who The festivities will begin team. at 10 a.m.Be withpart some of this exciting publication serving LGBT attend, organizers said. family-friendly activities until noon, followed from the team behind the Washington Blade, the nation’s ﬁrst LGBT “First, Easter in the Park is a huge neighborhood by more adult activities (no nudity or profannewspaper. From the freeway to the Beltway we’ve got you covered. block party,” Sister Hera Sees Candy stated in an ity allowed) from noon to 4 p.m. Hosted by Sister email to the B.A.R. “We, as Sisters, engage in loving Roma, Peaches Christ, and Honey Mahagony, acour neighbors by throwing them a big party. Easter tivities will include an Easter egg hunt, an Easter in the Park is a gift to San Francisco. A beautiful bonnet contest, and the ever-popular Foxy Mary day in the park with lots of entertainment and lots and Hunky Jesus contests. of stuff for everybody. That’s one level. As the Bay Area Reporter previously reGooch “Love thy neighbor is also a commandment,” ported, the Sisters’ annual Easter event beSister Hera Sees Candy continued. “And that comgan in 1979, when Ken Bunch (Sister Vicious Members of the Sisters of Perpetual mandment that says love your neighbor as yourPower Hungry Bitch, now Sister Vish-Knew), Indulgence shared the joy at the 2023 self. So, it is also a commandment to love yourself. Fred Brungard (Sister Missionary Position), Easter in the Park event. And it’s OK. You can be you. You can enjoy stuff and Baruch Golden paraded in full nun’s habits that is sacrilegious. You can enjoy heresy. You can through the streets of San Francisco to the nude to the Castro. In 1999, for the 20th anniversary, they be yourself. That’s the way that I feel I love my beach, where they captivated beachgoers. They moved the party to Castro Street, at which time neighbor, is by showing them that they can be who came up with the group’s name and have flourthe Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco they want to be without guilt or shame attached to ished ever since. Their mission: to spread joy fought to have the street closing denied. After a spirthat. And hopefully that brings joy.” and to expiate stigmatic guilt. ited debate at the Board of Supervisors, the archdioFor its first two decades the Easter celebration was cese lost, and CNN aired footage of the party. (That See page 17 >> held at Collingwood Park in Eureka Valley, adjacent board meeting is remembered for gay then-Board

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2 • Bay Area Repor ter • April 2-8, 2026

Immigration nonprofit scores with speed puzzle event by Matthew S. Bajko

an Francisco resident Caroline Orsi was admittedly skeptical when she first heard about speed puzzling three years ago. The competitions center around contestants racing to complete jigsaw puzzles in an allotted time frame. “I always enjoyed puzzling. I used to do it just casually until I found out about speed puzzling,” said Orsi, 43, a lesbian software engineer at SurveyMonkey who stumbled upon the growing sport when looking for a way to swap puzzles she had done for new ones. She found a social media post about the 2024 California State Speed Puzzling Championship and decided to enter it since it was being held nearby on the campus of the College of San Mateo. At it, she discovered how enjoyable of a pastime it could be in addition to being a way to make friends. “I roped a friend into doing pairs with me. We had an absolute blast,” recalled Orsi. “I decided to see how good I could get.” While attending the Trans March during Pride weekend in San Francisco last June with Andrea Peng, a friend who is also a champion speed puzzler, Orsi learned about the Puzzle Palooza fundraiser launched in 2024 by the Berkeley nonprofit Oasis Legal Services, which works with LGBTQI+ asylees and immigrants to the U.S. With the second iteration of the fundraiser being held last July, they decided to enter it and recruited another friend to be a part of their team. The trio ended up winning. This year, Peng is helping to organize the event set to take place April 25, while Orsi convinced her sister who lives in Oregon and a friend of her sibling who lives in Oakland to be on her team this year. “I do think this is an excellent event if you are new to it. It is not a high stakes competition,” Orsi noted. Though word has been getting out about the event among speed puzzlers,

Courtesy Oasis Legal Services Courtesy Oasis Legal Services

Caroline Orsi smiled at the 2024 USA Jigsaw Nationals in San Diego.

with more forming teams this year, Orsi told the Bay Area Reporter. As the popularity of the fundraiser has grown, Oasis added a new category this year for beginners to the sport. In addition to the 500-piece puzzle level, there is now a 300-piece level that is somewhat easier to compete in. Teams in either level will be given one hour to complete their puzzle with prizes awarded for the fastest team and most funds raised. Teams of three are required to pay a $45 registration fee and have a suggested fundraising goal of at least $500 to reach in order to receive prizes. The inaugural event netted $10,000 for Oasis, which has already raised more than half of its $20,000 goal for this year. While the financial support is a benefit, the true aim of Puzzle Palooza is to introduce Oasis and its mission to people who are unfamiliar with it, said Executive Director Adam Ryan Chang, 39, a Daly City resident who is queer and genderqueer. “I think my cliché response is puzzles are these pieces coming together. Oasis clients are at an intersection of sexuality, gender, nationality, immigration status, poverty and more, so in more serious-

ness then, the average American knows so little about our immigration process and broader immigration system, which is to arrest, detain, deport,” said Chang when asked how a speed puzzle event ties into the work of the nonprofit. “The goal of the event is grassroots organizing and fundraising, and making an introduction to Oasis, our work, and the immigration system itself.” Chang, an artist who created the images being used for the puzzles at this year’s competition, took over leadership of the nonprofit three years ago this month. In early 2024, he had noticed clips highlighting speed puzzle events were being spread on social media. Thinking about the walk-a-thons, bike rides, and other events nonprofits use to raise money, Chang suggested to his staff they differentiate Oasis by hosting a speed puzzle competition. He admitted it “might be a crazy” idea and told them to be honest if it didn’t make sense to them, but he got buy-in to his concept for a “nerdy, indoor, low stakes version” of the sort of fundraisers used by other agencies. Competitors, noted Chang, have ranged from “individuals learning about the issues impacting LGBT im-

migrants for the first time through this event; to people who have gone through the asylum process and have since been granted asylum.”

LGBTQ immigrants

According to Oasis, there are an estimated 120,000 undocumented LGBTQ immigrants in California with about 20,000 living in the nine Bay Area counties. Over the last nine years, Oasis has worked with 1,600 LGBTQ asylum applicants. Despite the anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies being implemented by the Trump administration, the agency saw a doubling in the number of its clients granted asylum last year, which surpassed 40. “The demand is there,” noted Chang of the services that Oasis provides. Lesbian El Cerrito resident Shelley Bull, 47, turned to the agency for help after meeting her now-wife in Mexico while on vacation in 2022. Three years ago this May the women wed in Mexico City, but Bull’s spouse was denied a tourist visa to come to the U.S. due to their being married. A pediatric nurse practitioner, Bull has been trying to bring her wife to the Bay Area via permanent residency application. She was in Mexico this week to join her wife for an interview at the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez. (Due to the current political climate, she did not want her wife’s name published.) “We became documentarily qualified in January 2025 then waited another year for the interview,” said Bull of the complicated application process that required the couple to submit various paperwork and documentation to American authorities proving their marriage was legitimate and that Bull could financially support her wife once in the Bay Area. “We have been waiting a long time. We are both very stressed; it’s been a very stressful time.” Bull credited the staff at Oasis for helping to guide them through the process and being a supportive presence for them both. “We are ready and want to start our lives together. Oasis has been there along the way,” said Bull. She and her daughter recruited a friend to sign up as a team at last year’s speed puzzle fundraiser for the agency. They aren’t speed puzzlers but do enjoy jigsaw puzzles. “We always did puzzles together. It has been kind of a comfort,” said Bull, a single parent whose daughter is now in college. Although they didn’t finish the puzzle in the allotted time, Bull did end up a winner. She won a Labubu doll in the raffle that she had been wanting to get that was named Hope, which she took as a good omen for her wife. “I could not believe it. I never win anything,” she said. Bull has entered a team in the 300-piece puzzle level at the upcoming fundraiser and hopes to complete it under the 60-minute limit. Those unaware of the speed puzzle scene shouldn’t be afraid to also sign up, said Bull. “It is just about having fun and supporting an awesome organization. Plus, there are snacks and food,” noted Bull. “I wouldn’t be intimidated about the speed puzzling part.”

A team competes during a Puzzle Palooza event.

This year Oasis has partnered with queer-owned Oakland Puzzle Company to make the jigsaw puzzles that will be used for the event. DeAnna Tibbs, who is queer, co-owns the East Bay business with her brother Dave; they have a warehouse in the city’s Eastlake neighborhood where they produce puzzles with fewer than 1,000 pieces and have an attached retail store at 527 East 10th Street. For Oasis’ inaugural event they had donated some puzzles as a prize, and last year the siblings offered to get more involved with it. Supporting the LGBTQ nonprofit was an easy decision, said Tibbs, as they believe that immigrants are foundational to the story of America, especially in the Bay Area. “In general, we believe in being on the right side of history. Especially right now, there is a lot of people on the right side of history but without a lot of ability to sort of change the overall direction that our country is going, at least at this very moment,” she said. “So any time we have an opportunity to step up for a cause, we want to do it.” Orsi also likes having a way to engage in speed puzzling while also benefitting a great cause within the LGBTQ community. She told the B.A.R. she is unaware of another nonprofit agency holding such a competition as a way to raise funds. “I don’t know if I can speak to Oasis’ work specifically, but for me, I have seen a lot of changes in the world with regards to how people view LGBTQ people over the course of my life. I think things have generally improved, but it feels like we are going backwards now,” said Orsi. “For me, coming out for my community and supporting everyone, especially people most at risk coming from countries where it is really dangerous to be out and who you are, that is why it is important for me to support them.” When Tibbs spoke with the B.A.R. last month, she had just seen the finished artwork for this year’s puzzles, which Chang has teased draw inspiration from “an Oasis x ‘Heated Rivalry’ crossover!” referring to the gay hockey limited series that debuted on HBO last year and became a global sensation. They are being made by a worker-owned cooperative in Santa Cruz. As the images for the 500- and 300-piece puzzles are kept a secret until the day of the event, Tibbs was cautious in answering a question about her reactions to them and how challenging they may be for the teams in the competition. She did say the 500-piece puzzle will likely be “moderately difficult” to assemble. “I will be honest, I can’t think of what to say without it being a spoiler,” said Tibbs, adding of the theme for the puzzles, “Once I understood it, I became delighted. It is on track with a prominent cultural phenomenon at the moment.” t The third Puzzle Palooza will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. at the 1951 Coffee Company located at 2410 Channing Way in Berkeley. For more information about the event and to register as a team, visit givebutter.com/oasispp2026.

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4 • Bay Area Repor ter • April 2-8, 2026

SF trans event spotlights community by JL Odom

ith International Transgender Day of Visibility falling on a Tuesday this year, the weekend ahead of March 31 served as an opportunity to honor the observance early. In San Francisco, the city’s official TDOV program took place Sunday, March 29. The free event, hosted by the San Francisco Trans March, took place at the Commonwealth Club World Affairs headquarters along The Embarcadero and featured performances alongside an awards ceremony – all aimed at recognizing trans visibility and bringing together the local trans and gendernonconforming community. Organizers described this year’s theme, “Raising Good Trouble,” as “making our demands for global liberation, self-determination, and all the basic needs of human existence as visible as we are,” according to an Instagram post. The gathering came at a fraught time for trans communities nationwide, amid a wave of anti-trans legislation, political attacks, and ongoing cuts to programs and resources. This month the International Olympic Committee said it was banning transgender women and many intersex athletes from competing in women’s events, starting with the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, while Idaho lawmakers passed a bill that makes it illegal for trans individuals to use public and government bathrooms aligned with their gender identity. Against that backdrop, speakers and

Fielder

From page 1

The memo regarding the $14 million contract with Connections Health Solutions was leaked to Mission Local. The contract was approved by the Board of Supervisors in a 9-2 vote in

JL Odom

Voces Trans Latinx won the Emerging Organization Award at the 2026 Transgender Day of Visibility celebration March 29, held at Commonwealth Club World Affairs. Voces Trans Latinx’s founder and director Jessy Ruiz, right, attended the event with friend and VTL volunteer Alessandra Garcia.

attendees emphasized visibility not just as celebration, but as resistance. It followed by a day the massive “No Kings” rallies in San Francisco and across the country, as protesters called out President Donald Trump and his administration on a host of issues, including diversity, equity, and inclusion. At the Commonwealth Club event, dozens of people filled the venue’s auditorium for the TDOV program, which included drag performances, poetry readings, and live music from FAGJAZZ. Paname Bois, an ally who described herself as an occasional crossdresser, commuted from San Pablo to attend. Pre-ceremony, when standing on the

rooftop deck with others, she was in good humor. “When I heard about it a month ago, I was like, ‘Oh, sign me up!’ And then I almost forgot about it this morning,” she told the Bay Area Reporter, with a laugh. For Bois, 67, finding parking near the venue wasn’t easy, but she was determined to be there. “I would say that I live 80% of my life as a man, but I don’t want my other side to be lost,” she said. “I wanted to be around the community and meet more people.” The TDOV 2025 awards ceremony included the Legacy, Emerging Organization, Trans Entrepreneur, Resistance, and Daphne Dorman Trans Artist cat-

February, with Fielder and District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan opposed. The memo, written by Deputy City Attorney Brianna Voss, stated that the center posed a “very high legal risk” because it could be viewed as an unlicensed, involuntary detention facility. The RESET Center, expected to launch this spring, offers a

25-bed, law-enforcement-led facility for intoxicated individuals as an alternative to jail or hospitals. The center, which will be located next to the Hall of Justice, will allow people to get treatment, according to the mayor’s office. Gay District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey also championed the RE-

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egories – the latter honoring Dorman, a trans woman and comedian who died in 2019 at age 44. Each category featured three nominees, with voting held online ahead of the event. For Xander Briere, a trans nonbinary sex worker activist, being selected as one of the emerging organization nominees was meaningful. “I feel incredibly privileged to be nominated alongside Quest House and Voce Trans Latinx,” they said to the B.A.R. “Whoever wins in the category, I am just so honored to be among these community legends or soon-to-be legends.” Their organization, Co. of Dionysus LLC, focuses on harm reduction and community education around health care and is based in the Tenderloin, where Briere, 28, lives. “I was homeless during the global pandemic, and a really good case manager gave me the willpower to power through what I was experiencing and get my life together in a way that was meaningful and centered around harm reduction and trauma-informed care,” they said, referring to COVID. They said that experience continues to inform their work – including sharing critical information with trans people as federal cuts to programs and resources persist. On Sunday, Briere greeted attendees from behind a resource table on the second floor. They’ve helped organize community events, including marches and rallies, for the past five years and were recognized as one of

San Francisco Pride’s community grand marshals in 2024. “I’ve lost a lot of community members through death and violence and tragedy and healthcare disparities,” they said. “For me, doing this work is carrying on their name and their memories and their stories.” Sunday’s award winners, recognized for their contributions over the past year, included The Transgender District, Voce Trans Latinx, Jenji the Barber, Bay Area American Indian Two-Spirits, and Pop Up Drag Queen in the respective categories. When Pop Up Drag Queen, also known as Shane Zal-Diva, accepted the Dorman award, she said, “We should be able to just dance and be ourselves.” Zal-Diva, a trans activist, often performs in front of the San Francisco Ferry Building. During his opening remarks, longtime Bay Area trans activist Marcus Arana, of Petaluma, spoke to the ongoing importance of visibility and remaining steadfast in one’s identity. “All that you bring to the world, don’t let them take that from you,” Arana, 68, told the crowd. A self-described transmasc TwoSpirit elder, Arana later expanded on that message when speaking with the B.A.R. “Be as audacious out there, flamboyant, and as unapologetic as you possibly can,” he said. “The more that we can hold on to our joy, the less power they have over us.” t

SET Center and launched a leak investigation, threatening censure for any member responsible for exposing the confidential memo, The Voice reported. Dorsey, who has been open about his struggles with addiction, stated on X, “What matters to me above all else is the wellbeing of a colleague, who happens also to be a good person and a dedicated public servant. Know that we are all pulling for you, @JackieFielder_. Take as much time as you need.” Chan stated that she supports Fielder during her health concerns. “We know and trust that Supervisor Jackie Fielder and the District 9 Team will prioritize Supervisor Fielder’s health and recovery and continue to serve the District 9 communities,” Chan stated. “We will support Supervisor Fielder and her team during this time to make decisions that are in the best interest of Supervisor Fielder’s health and the people she represents.” Reached for comment, City Attorney’s office spokesperson Jen Kwart stated, “Our thoughts are with Supervisor Fielder, and we wish her a quick recovery. We are glad she is taking time and space before making any decisions.” Asked if the office was investigating Fielder, Kwart answered, “We initiated an investigation into the disclosure of our privileged legal advice, not an investigation into any specific member of the Board of Supervisors or their staff.” A supervisor found to have leaked the memo could face expulsion from the board, The Voice reported. The San Francisco Standard had reported – also not naming sources – that Moises Garcia, a gay man who is a community liaison for the mayor’s office and had been an LGBTQ outreach staffer on his 2024 campaign, was among those being feted to replace Fielder in the event of her resignation. The outlet also said civil rights attorney Joshua Arce, who is president of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and ran unsuccessfully for the District 9 supervisor seat in 2016, was also being floated as a possible pick.

Reached for comment on the Fielder matter, gay Board of Supervisors President Rafael Mandelman stated to the B.A.R. that his comment is “only that I wish her a speedy and full recovery.” Mandelman is termed out of office this year. Running to replace him as District 8 supervisor, which includes the LGBTQ Castro neighborhood, is Manny Yekutiel, a gay man who owns his eponymous cafe in Fielder’s District 9, which covers the Mission, Portola, and Bernal Heights. Yekutiel is also a former head of the Valencia Corridor Merchants Association. Since he lives in District 8, however, Yekutiel, an ally of the mayor’s, would not be eligible for appointment should Lurie have the opportunity to make one. To be eligible to be a supervisor, a prospective candidate has to live in the district for at least 30 days before filing their candidacy. A Fielder resignation would be catastrophic for the board’s progressive wing, which has dwindled in recent years. Fielder has been the most outspoken of the board members in challenging Lurie; for example, she was the single no vote on the city budget last year. Lurie stated his well wishes for Fielder’s recovery. “I am sending Supervisor Fielder my best wishes for a speedy recovery,” Lurie stated. “She is a dedicated advocate for her community. I am encouraging everyone to give her the time and space to get better so she can do that work fully, and I’m wishing her strength and all the best for her health.” Fielder’s predecessor, former District 9 supervisor Hillary Ronen, a straight ally, also wished her well, stating, “The people of District 9 are facing unprecedented challenges, and I know from experience how deeply that lands on the person elected to serve them. What Jackie is doing by prioritizing her health and wellbeing takes courage and wisdom. She is modeling how to take care of yourself so you can show up fully for others. She has my complete support, and I hope District 9 gets to continue benefiting from her leadership for years to come.” t

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t Vandalism defendant to get mental health check 6 • Bay Area Repor ter • April 2-8, 2026

by John Ferrannini

fter the matter kept getting kicked down the road, a San Francisco judge has finally appointed an attorney and two mental health evaluators for the man who stands accused of vandalizing a local church, and who once allegedly threatened a mass shooting of San Francisco gays and Jews. The San Francisco Public Defender’s office had declared it could not represent Sadat Mousa, 51, due to an undisclosed conflict of interest. (The office did not return a request for comment as to what that conflict was.) At a March 5 hearing Mousa said he wanted to represent himself, before Judge Harry Jacobs expressed concern about his competency to stand trial. The matter was then scheduled for March 12 in Department 15, the courtroom of San Francisco Superior Court Judge Charles S. Crompton at the Hall of Justice, but no attorney was available to be appointed for Mousa. It was continued till March 19, and then continued again to March 26. On Thursday, Crompton appointed attorney Jennie Stepanian to represent Mousa, though she was not present in court. Crompton also appointed two medical professionals to evaluate him – psychiatrist Dr. Jeffrey L. Gould and psychologist Yan Chan, Pys.D.

Courtesy American Courthouses

A San Francisco judge appointed an attorney to represent the defendant in a hate crime case, as well as two medical professionals to evaluate him.

Stepanian didn’t return a request for comment. Mousa has been charged with felony vandalism with a hate crime enhancement, two felony counts of felony vandalism at a place of worship, felony placement of a swastika, and two misdemeanor counts of vandalism. Mousa has not entered a plea and remains in custody. Mousa, who was present at the hearing, addressed the court, saying once again that he is sane. He also said that his right to a

speedy trial was infringed because he went over 72 hours without a hearing (from the February 28 arrest to the initial March 5 hearing) and that he had never waived his right to habeas corpus. “My civil rights are being violated,” he said, “and now this case is proceeding in violation of my human rights.” Crompton said adjudicating that matter will have to wait. “These are all issues you have to discuss with your new lawyer,” he said. Mousa’s next hearing is May 7.

Mousa was arrested February 28 on suspicion of vandalizing the site of the Seventh-day Adventist Church on the 2800 block of California Street in Pacific Heights with homophobic and antisemitic graffiti – including proHitler statements – causing an estimated $20,000 in damages. “Hitler Hero,” one tag read. Others included, “Kill the Faggets [sic] and the Jews all over SF KFC,” “Fuck the Jews god,” and “Hamas,” the group behind the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. (It’s unclear what “KFC” means in this context.) The Seventh-day Adventist denomination generally holds conservative views regarding LGBTQ issues. According to the Human Rights Campaign, a national LGBTQ rights organization, the church condemns same-sex relationships and practices. It does not ordain openly LGBTQ clergy. San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins previously filed a motion to detain the defendant, saying Mousa represented a risk to the LGBTQ and Jewish communities. According to Jenkins’ motion to keep him in custody, in June 2025, Mousa had walked into the Christa Wonderful Market at 1926 Broderick Street in Pacific Heights, and announced, “I am going to get an AK-47, and I am going to go to a synagogue and shoot all the Jews and then shoot all the gays in San Francisco.”

The prosecutors’ motion was granted by Jacobs at the March 5 hearing, where Mousa made a number of comments questioning the outcome of the 2020 election, saying the U.S. Constitution afforded him the right to a heterosexual judge and attorney, that he was being subject to a “prejudicial and malicious prosecution” by the DA’s office, and that the Jewish people killed Jesus Christ, while asserting that he is not a racist and has respect for the gay community. The San Francisco Central Seventhday Adventist Church, located at 2889 California Street, has not returned multiple requests for comment. In a statement March 4, Jewish Community Relations Council of the Bay Area spokesperson Jeremy Russell pointed toward the statistics showing rising antisemitism. Black Americans, gay men and Jewish people are routinely the most represented of all groups among victims of hate crimes. “It is a sad reality that antisemitism and hatred have been increasing in the Bay Area for several years now, and this disturbing incident is illustrative of this growing crisis,” Russell stated. “We are very grateful that authorities are treating these incidents with seriousness and taking action to assure the safety and security of our community. Without public support Jews feel increasingly isolated, scared and unwelcome.” t

Rickleffs to undergo competency evaluation by John Ferrannini

ental health evaluators have been appointed to determine the competency of a man previously convicted of killing a gay San Francisco stylist. Defendant James Rickleffs saw his original homicide conviction overturned in 2023 and now faces a new trial in San Francisco Superior Court. On the eve of his retrial last year, Rickleffs fired his attorney on the grounds that he is a gay man. During a hearing March 26, San Francisco Superior Court Judge Charles S. Crompton affirmed that two mental health evaluators, psychiatrist Dr. Jeffrey L. Gould and psychologist Yan Chan, Pys.D., had previously been appointed to evaluate the mental health of Rickleffs. The hearing was held to see if the reports had been completed, but the judge was told they were not. Crompton said that at a prior hearing, a visiting judge expressed doubt as to whether Rickleffs was competent to stand trial, which led the unnamed

magistrate to appoint Gould and Chan. Attempts from both mental health experts to meet with Rickleffs have been unsuccessful, Crompton added. Crompton ruled that Gould and Chan will have until the next hearing, May 28, to either meet with Rickleffs or “do evaluations based on records alone.” The 2019 conviction of Rickleffs, 58, was reversed in October 2023 by a three-judge panel of the California Court of Appeal. He’d been found guilty in the 2012 killing and robbery of Steven “Eriq” Escalon in San Francisco’s Diamond Heights neighborhood. Rickleffs fired his attorney, Michael Meehan, on August 18, 2025, just as jury selection for his second trial was underway in San Francisco Superior Court. Rickleffs remains in custody at the state Correctional Training Facility in Soledad, in Monterey County. Rickleffs’ new attorney, Marsanne Weese, declined to comment for this report. The San Francisco District Attorney’s office didn’t return a request for comment. Prosecutor Asha Maria Jame-

Courtesy SFPD

James Rickleffs

son appeared at the hearing via Zoom and had asked if the two mental health experts could try again to speak with Rickleffs, which Crompton said would be a good idea.

Rickleffs had fired prior attorney

A new trial had been set for last summer – and indeed over 100 prospective jurors were waiting to see if they’d be selected when, according to a transcript obtained by the Bay Area Reporter, it came to the attention of Judge Alexandra Robert Gordon that Rickleffs wanted to fire Meehan. “It was my understanding that it is his position that we will not be proceeding to trial today because he has fired his lawyer,” Gordon said. “That’s not actually Mr. Rickleffs’ decision to make. It’s mine. But I’m happy to hear your position, Mr. Rickleffs. What is going on?” Rickleffs said, “It’s, kind of, iconic in this county/city is that they made a big thing about the decedent being gay,

B.A.R. leadership

From page 1

The plaque was down the street from where Ross, a gay man who died at age 69 in December 2003, once lived, at 4200 20th Street; the site was recently recommended for a city landmark. The moment also capped a lifetime of work for Michael Yamashita, a gay man whom Ross first hired in 1988, an assistant editor under then-temporary news editor Ray O’Laughlin. Yamashita has been the paper’s publisher since 2017, filling

that other people and the players in this game – which is unfolded – being gay. And it turns out that – you know, I asked him previously before hiring, and it turned out that my attorney is gay.” Rickleffs said of Meehan’s sexual orientation, “For me, that’s the Antichrist, in the sense that no way does his beliefs balance with my beliefs, and nobody of that nature could represent me.” Meehan said he was gay but that this had no impact on his ability to represent Rickleffs. “My sexual orientation, I don’t think, plays a role in my representation of people,” Meehan said. “But, also, it was never hidden or lied to the defendant about it. If it was asked by me or anyone else that they would not have lied about that because it’s not a secret or something that I’m ashamed of.” Gordon agreed to delay the trial, to allow Rickleffs to hire an attorney with whom he’d be more comfortable.

Case over a decade old

The charges against Rickleffs stem from 2012, when, according to prosecutors, Escalon and Rickleffs met during underwear night at the bar 440 Castro in San Francisco’s LGBTQ neighborhood. “Rickleffs, as a straight-identifying man, went to the Castro with tape and a knife, sat there drinking, and, I believe, snorted narcotics in the bathroom, waiting for someone,” Escalon’s friend Roberto Tiscareno said during an August 2021 sentencing hearing. After going home with Escalon to his Diamond Heights apartment near Twin Peaks early on the morning of June 12, 2012, prosecutors said Rickleffs tied Escalon up, gagged him, and poured poppers on his face to immobilize him. Then he left Escalon’s apartment with Ross’ shoes. He’s the first Asian American owner of an LGBTQ publication. At the ceremony, speaker after speaker referred to Ross as intimidating, a curmudgeon and even, in Yamashita’s words, “an asshole.” In a March interview, Yamashita opened up a little more about what he’d meant by that. “He was an Aries in that way,” Yamashita said, referring to Ross’ Zodiac sign. (He was born April 2, 1934.) “If you were on his shitlist, he’d have nothing to do with you. But those of us who got to know him came to realize that under-

a suitcase of items including a laptop, Escalon’s checkbook, and a bankcard of one of Escalon’s roommates. Escalon died of an overdose of amyl nitrates and gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), according to the medical examiner’s report. He was found dead by his roommates, and Rickleffs was arrested September 12, 2012, in possession of the suitcase. In explaining their reasoning behind their 2019 decision to convict, most jurors said they felt Escalon’s death was caused by many factors, including the obstruction of his breathing from the gag, his inability to move from being bound, and the drugs found in his system. While they unanimously agreed that Rickleffs did not intend to kill Escalon, the jurors said it was the robbery and disregard for human life that swayed them to find him guilty of felony murder. Rickleffs was sentenced in 2021 to 50 years to life in state prison. That conviction, however, was overturned two years ago by the Fifth Division of the state’s 1st District Court of Appeal. The opinion written by Justice Mark B. Simons gave several reasons for its decision. For one, a California Supreme Court ruling in People v. Brown (2023) threw out the very jury instructions for a murder by poison charge that were used in Rickleffs’ case. Simons also questioned the forensic evidence presented at trial – including a key NMS Labs report that found nitrates and GBH in Escalon’s system. Simons also stated that the instructions on the robbery charge were also wrong because Escalon rendered himself unable to resist. Tiscareno, who has been a liaison to the Escalon family, declined to comment. t

neath his gruff exterior was somebody whose heart was in the right place.” To illustrate that, Yamashita said, “He quietly paid for more than a few people’s funerals” during the worst years of AIDS. “They wouldn’t have been buried or cremated properly” otherwise, Yamashita continued. “He never took credit for a lot of those things, but it was amazing how much he had his hands in a lot of community organizations” behind the scenes. See page 16 >>

Commentary>>

April 2-8, 2026 • Bay Area Repor ter • 7

Winning conditions by Gwendolyn Ann Smith

he 2026 Winter Olympics wrapped up over a month ago, in Italy, and the Summer Games won’t be until 2028, so I hope you’ll forgive me as I delve, once again, into this competition at such an unusual time. You see, in the wake of the current moral panic over transgender people opting to exist, the International Olympic Committee has decided to exclude transgender women from the Olympic Games. This new policy, with the Trumpian title of “Protection of the Female (Women’s) Category in Olympic Sports,” was recently unveiled and will start with the 2028 Los Angeles Games. “Eligibility for any female category event at the Olympic Games or any other IOC event, including individual and team sports, is now limited to biological females,” declared the governing body, which is led by IOC President Kristy Coventry. To do so, the IOC has declared that every female athlete will be required to undergo genetic testing at least once in their career. The new policy likely will also affect intersex people. Now, let’s hold up right there for a moment. I want to note that there is not a genetic test for “being transgender.” What is widely believed to cause such may be the brain of a fetus developing for one given gender, while the body develops for another. You see, contrary to popular belief, this genetic soup that makes up a human is not a precise thing, and variations abound. It is expected that the testing will be looking for the SRY gene, which is what holds the genetic information for causing the undifferentiated gonads present in a fetus to develop into testes. Yes, again, this will not determine if an athlete is transgender. What it will find are athletes who are intersex. There are quite a number of people who may develop otherwise female bodies who happen to have the SRY gene. Once again, I note the imprecision of humanity and our genes. Sure, the majority of people do not happen to be intersex, or even transgender. Given there are 8.3 billion humans alive – give or take whomever our government might be bombing right now – even the smallest variation leads to a lot of humans who simply do not fit in two arbitrarily-imposed categories. For example, there is approximately 1.7% of the world population that is intersex. My calculator – I was never that good at math – tells me this is 141 million people, give or take a hundred thousand. Of those, there are people who develop female-typical sexual characteristics and yet would test as having a male-typical XY sexual chromosome pattern. Most of these may not be aware of this. After all, when was the last time you had a genetic test? These people would, of course, run afoul of a test for an SRY gene. This would not only remove them from any Olympic competition they may have qualified for, but would likely ruin their lives. Their sports career would be over. They would be branded a fraud, a liar, and a disgrace. Worse yet, they would be labeled as transgender. Har, har. This is, of course, what happened during the last Summer Games. Imane Khelif, an Algerian boxer and winner of a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, was accused of be-

ing a transgender woman. No, I correct myself, she was accused of being a man pretending to be a woman in order to win Olympic gold and beat up women. This is the same sort of crude language that was lobbed at her in the media, from Donald Trump, who was running for president at the time, and from a certain writer of children’s books, JK Rowling. In response, the IOC made it clear that Khelif was eligible, and “was born female, was registered female, lived her life as a female, boxed as a female, [and] has a female passport.” That said, I doubt we’ll be seeing her in a future Olympic event, even though she is a woman. She has refused to undergo such testing, and was barred from the World Boxing Championship last September. Khelif will not be the last. The IOC has done this before. After the 1935 Berlin Games, physical examinations were used to determine sex, with female athletes having to parade nude in front of a panel of medical experts. The reasoning should be familiar:

Illustration: Christine Smith

the officials worried that male athletes would disguise themselves as women, given their supposed innate advantages. I could go on about how any time a woman wins an Olympic sport that isn’t sex segregated, it becomes sex segregated; this happened in skeet shooting after a Chinese woman won at the 1992 Barcelona Games. (Women were excluded in 1996,

and a separate female event was introduced in 2000.) I’d contend that someone has an innate advantage as being a petulant child – but I digress. Starting in 1958, the Olympics instituted mandatory sex verification tests, seeking a female-typical XX chromosomal pattern. This ended in 1992, with many pointing out that the tests were simply inconclusive. Meanwhile, countless female ath-

letes were forced to retire amid ridicule and hatred. All for something they may have had no idea of until a test result destroyed their lives and livelihood. Let’s also not forget: even if you do pass this test, you still have to undergo it in the first place. All of this to prevent transgender women from participating in the Olympics. Only one transgender woman competed in the modern Olympiad: Laurel Hubbard, a weightlifter from New Zealand. She did not medal in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, which were held in 2021 due to the COVID pandemic. In fact, she did not complete any of her lifts. So here we are. In 2028, people will lose their careers. Many will be disgraced. And all this to protect against the nonexistent onslaught of elite transgender women athletes. All for nothing. In the end, this isn’t about protecting women. Rather, this hurts all women. Nobody wins when the winning conditions are so inherently unfair. t Gwen Smith hates that this has to fail, again, before it can change, again. You’ll find her at www.gwensmith.com.

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<< Open Forum

t The B.A.R.’s independence matters Headline

n independent LGBTQ newspaper like the Bay Area Reporter is more important than ever. And for 55 years, we have brought the news to the queer community in the Bay Area and beyond. This includes devastating periods like the AIDS epidemic, joyful times such as finally obtaining same-sex marriage rights, and all the moments in between. A quick look at the media landscape shows why independence matters. On the mainstream side, we recently witnessed the hollowing out of the venerable Washington Post, with hundreds of staff laid off and entire sections of the paper gutted beyond repair. On the LGBTQ side, it was reported that U.K.-based Pink News is moving to a “reporter-free newsroom,” which means it will rely on artificial intelligence as it sheds human journalists. We live in dangerous times; this is especially true for members of the transgender community, and that’s another reason journalism matters. It’s critical that LGBTQ people remain informed. For over a year, we have seen Republican President Donald Trump and the unqualified members of his administration seek to erase trans people. This is being accomplished largely through Trump’s executive orders, which started on the first day of his second term last January. The order “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government” has had wide-ranging ramifications, as the president has stated there are only two sexes, male and female. Other orders prohibit trans girls and women from playing on female sports teams and denying gender-affirming care to those under the age of 19. The latter order, “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation,” has resulted in numerous medical centers, including in the Bay Area, pausing or ending their own gender-affirming care, leaving patients and their families without access to care they’ve determined they need. We’ve editorialized on these cruel policies since Trump returned to office. We’ve seen a Congress, controlled by Republicans, unwilling to assert itself in areas in which it has oversight, or in fiscal matters

From BAR Archive

The Bay Area Reporter started off 2025 with coverage of President Donald Trump’s anti-trans executive orders.

where it controls the government’s purse strings. This abdication of duty is leading the country down an authoritarian path, where what Trump says becomes the law of the land, even if there is no actual law on the books. Make no mistake, this is exactly what Trump wants. The other branch of government, the courts, has been better, at least at the lower levels. There, we’ve seen judges, Republican and Democrat alike, push back on the administration’s most egregious matters, from immigration to federal workers to construction of Trump’s ballroom. The U.S. Supreme Court, however, is another matter entirely. Its conservative supermajority has expanded use of the “shadow docket,” whereby the justices rule without having heard oral arguments on any number of major issues. When the justices do hear oral arguments, it’s generally apparent that the conservative side or the administration will win, and that has mostly happened. Just Tuesday, on Transgender Day of Visibility, no less, the high court found that a Colorado law banning conversion therapy for minors violates free speech protections of the First Amendment. This is ludicrous. Conversion therapy, which attempts to

change the sexual orientation or gender identity of a person, has been debunked by every major medical association. More than 20 states and Washington, D.C. have such bans on the practice for minors. Yet, only one of the liberal justices, Ketanji Brown Jackson, dissented. The majority in the 8-1 ruling, shockingly included liberals Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor. The decision imperils California’s law, which was the first in the nation. Also on trans visibility day, Trump issued a statement touting all of his anti-trans policies. It’s but another distraction from his decision to go to war in Iran without contemplating that Iranians would tie up the Strait of Hormuz, without getting congressional approval, and, of course, the release of the Epstein files. All of this is to say that the B.A.R. will continue covering the hypocrisy, double standards, and outright lies Trump rattles off daily, because they affect so many members of our community in all sorts of ways. For example, the upcoming San Francisco budget negotiations portend cuts to services that LGBTQ people and those living with HIV/AIDS utilize. But the budget deficit is partly due to less federal money coming to San Francisco because of Trump’s policies. We don’t have a billionaire owner-publisher who donated to the Trump inauguration (looking at you, Post owner Jeff Bezos). We do have an ownerpublisher who is a gay man, a person of color, and is dedicated to news and arts coverage seen through an LGBTQ lens, whether it be the latest Trump fiasco or matters closer to home, like the San Francisco Ballet taking so long to cancel its performances at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts because Trump has taken it over and ruined it. Even today, with LGBTQ issues regularly covered in the mainstream media, there is a need for LGBTQ publications like the B.A.R. because we strive to include queer voices and capture this first draft of history in all of its uncertainty. Yes, the B.A.R. is still here, 55 years later, and still calling out homophobia and transphobia, even as we salute innovative people and programs that are working to make the Bay Area a truly diverse and great place to live. t

Former educator shares Headline stories of culture war battles

by Sue Granzella

hen I heard about the Proud Boys storming Drag Story Hour at the San Lorenzo Library during Pride Month of 2022, I instantly thought of my then-fourth grade students. I’d recently retired from teaching at the elementary school just a short walk from that library, the school where all of us adult employees had a unified focus on teaching kids to be accepting and kind. It was horrifying to realize that children I knew surely would have witnessed the hateful display. Determined to present a countermessage to the community, I made supportive signs of glittery rainbows and staged a one-woman demonstration in front of the San Lorenzo Library. A KTVU-TV reporter was there; she interviewed me, and I ended up on the evening news. Next, I wrote an op-ed in the San Francisco Chronicle, entitled “All Children Deserve Protection--Not Just Straight, White, Cisgender Kids.” Then I was out of ideas for ways to voice my outrage. But still, there was a driving force inside me. How could people who claimed to care about children terrorize them with angry shouts and clothing emblazoned with pictures of AK-47s? At least one man’s shirt declared “Kill Your Local Pedophile.” The COVID pandemic was still raging; a little boy cried out, “Mommy, why was that man calling us sick? We all had our masks on and he didn’t.” I was still traumatized from the stress and overwhelming workload that distance teaching had laid on us educators; the public praised us for the first few months but then turned, blaming us for their kids having to attend “school” at home. I felt connected to the library staff and to Panda Dulce, the person in drag. Like me during distance teaching, they had all been doing their best to help children experience the joy of learning during a rough time. I worried about Panda and about the library staff; none of them should have had to endure such a frightening event.

Clayton J. Mitchell

Sue Granzella held a copy of her new book, “Pushed to the Edge.”

The more I thought about the people at the library, the more my vision broadened. The driving force within me formed itself into a single thought: People need to know that educators and librarians are being villainized for trying to help kids learn how to navigate this great big world. That thought propelled me into my next action. I began emailing random teachers and public school librarians from districts all over California, asking if they had a story to tell about what it’s like to be an educator at this moment in history. I encouraged those who’d experienced push-back over matters related to LGBTQ+ people to let me interview them. I also invited those who’d been pressured to stop teaching Black history or to ban certain books to contact me. I knew that many of those with stories to share weren’t safe to speak themselves; I wanted to be their megaphone. Once I received some cautious responses, I hit the road to meet those willing to talk with me. Over the next year and a half, I took sporadic weeklong trips into the high desert, the snowy Sierra Nevada, the Central Valley, the L.A. basin, and towns up and down the coast. Though I met mostly with teachers and librarians, I also con-

nected with a few students (age 18+), an elected official, and a lawyer. The interviews and stories resulted in my new book, “Pushed to the Edge: Teachers’ Stories from the Culture Wars,” published by The New Press (a nonprofit social justice publisher) and being released April 7. In the book, I tell educators’ stories of being challenged by the far right and weave them together with vignettes from my own years as a teacher, providing context for those unfamiliar with the real world of the classroom. I write of teachers who’ve received death threats for their insistence on supporting queer kids. I describe meeting with an 18-year-old trans college student who’s still terrified to enter public restrooms after what happened to him in a high school bathroom. Readers learn of two teachers who met with the FBI after receiving credible death threats, a librarian who was targeted by Fox News, and a third grade teacher who nearly had her teaching credential taken away after she was battered by powerful forces of the far right. But despite the stories of fear and intolerance, there are also tales of resilience, inspiration, and courage. I describe the group of educators who mobilized their community to try to overthrow the majority-Christian nationalist school board, a board determined to eliminate the teaching of Black history. There is the remarkable group of queer students who united in large numbers, demanding and realizing policy change from those in power after their high school experienced an anti-LGBTQ+ hate crime. Throughout the narrative, there are everyday heroes who defy the powerful, facing great personal risk with the goal of protecting their most vulnerable students. These powerful tales of resilience present a hopeful testament to those who refuse to back down. t Sue Granzella is a straight cisgender ally. She taught for 32 years in Bay Area Title I schools, which receive federal funding to support low-income students, and has won numerous awards for her writing, which has been published in over 40 journals and anthologies. “Pushed to the Edge” is her first book. For more information, visit suegranzella.com.

Politics >>

April 2-8, 2026 • Bay Area Repor ter • 9

Gay Redwood City councilmember Sturken seeks 2nd term by Matthew S. Bajko

hen he first won election back in 2022 to Redwood City’s District 2 City Council seat, gay City Councilmember Chris Sturken did so by 50 votes. Up for reelection this November, Sturken is aiming for a larger margin of victory with an eye toward possibly running unopposed. He launched his campaign for a second four-year term early, announcing in February that he would be running again in the fall. And he did so with endorsements from state Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park), San Mateo County Board of Supervisors President Noelia Corzo, current Redwood City Mayor Elmer Martínez-Saballos, who holds the District 4 council seat, and former councilmember Alicia Aguirre who also held the ceremonial mayoral position in the mid-2010s. Also coming on as early endorsers since then have been a slew of local leaders, including Congressmember Kevin Mullin (D-South San Francisco), San Mateo County Supervisor David Canepa, and bisexual City Councilmembers James Coleman of South San Francisco and Richard Mehlinger of Sunnyvale. The show of support from all levels of local government, Sturken hopes, will give pause to anyone thinking of contesting him for the council seat. “I decided to restart my campaign early to scare off any competition,” Sturken told the Bay Area Reporter in a recent phone interview to discuss his candidacy. The filing deadline isn’t until early August for people to officially enter the race, so it remains to be seen if Sturken will be able to clear the field. He said he had yet to hear of anyone planning to run for the seat centered in the city’s downtown. “There is a lot of time between now and then. Anything can happen,” Sturken acknowledged. To date, no candidate has filed the necessary paperwork with county elections officials to be listed on the public portal for campaign finance disclosures. Sturken told the B.A.R. he needs to roll over his old committee from 2022 to use again this year. “I deserve another term because I am the only one qualified and connected to my base of residents and neighbors who understands what they are up against and what they need to do the job and do it well,” said Sturken. Addressing his city’s acute lack of affordable housing remains a main reason for why he wants to continue serving on the council. It was among his top priorities during his first campaign. “One of the issues that is still near and dear to my heart that needs to be solved is our housing crisis,” said Sturken. Under the state-certified Housing Element adopted in 2023, Redwood City was required to build 4,588 new housing units by 2031, with more than half to be below-market-rate. The city last year issued building permits for 490 homes, bringing its total to 1,321 homes in the current housing cycle, noted Sturken. “Importantly, nearly half of the homes permitted in 2025 – 217 units – are deed-restricted affordable housing,” he told the B.A.R. In 2024, the city reported an unsheltered homeless count of 189 people. The overwhelming majority, at 83%, were men, with 3% “more than one gender,” according to demographic data released by city officials. The largest age group, at 34%, was those 35 to 44 years old. Homeless encampments have generated a bulk of the complaints he has received from constituents over the past three years, noted Sturken. He faced criticism last fall for being the lone vote against an anti-camping ordinance his council colleagues adopted, explaining to the B.A.R. he did so due to his belief

Courtesy the subject

Chris Sturken is seeking reelection to the City Council in Redwood City.

that people should not be penalized because they don’t have housing. “We have seen in other cities that criminalizing homelessness does not solve homelessness,” said Sturken. “I describe it as a morbid game of musical chairs. People are scared and don’t want to get arrested, so they will move before we can get them into housing.” He was given a mayoral appointment to the Homelessness Sub-Committee, which will provide “an opportunity to redeem myself, if you will,” said Sturken, since it is tasked with reviewing the city’s homelessness policies and progress reports on its efforts to address the issue, in addition to submitting policy recommendations for the city council to consider adopting. It held its first meeting last week. “Yes, it is a big issue. I think people understand where I came from given my direct experience in homelessness services,” said Sturken, who for nearly four years worked at HIP Housing, a provider of affordable housing in the county. Earlier this year, Sturken joined the unanimous vote by the council to award a contract to the agency LifeMoves to provide intensive case management and outreach to people living on the city’s streets with the goal of moving them into temporary then permanent housing. “I believe this contract will help address homelessness in Redwood City,” Sturken noted in an Instagram post about his vote. It remains to be seen what impact his stance on the issue will have with voters. Sturken told the B.A.R. he needs to do a better job of highlighting his successes as a council member. As one example, he pointed to the new housing developments he and his council colleagues have approved. “Based on the most recent annual housing element progress report, we have approved or permitted 13% of our regional housing allocation we need by 2031. So we are nearly on track,” said Sturken.

Revitalizing downtown

Another issue he ran on last time was ensuring Redwood City had a thriving downtown business district. Sturken pointed to his working with his colleagues to turn a two-block stretch of the area into a pedestrian mall; the change in doing so was “immediate,” he noted. “You see families let go of their kids and let them run around without worry of them being hit by a car. You see folks pouring out of the bars and restaurants on that block,” said Sturken, adding the addition of new eateries to the area has turned it into “a foodie paradise.” That in turn has brought in tax revenues for the city’s coffers, noted Sturken, and improved Redwood City’s standing as a regional draw. It has shed its moniker of “Deadwood City,” he contended. “It has revitalized that area of downtown and helped in filling vacant storefronts, and it has kind of put Redwood City on the map, I would argue, as a

destination,” he said. “It also creates local jobs. Small businesses are the backbone of our revenue stream.” Sturken for the past year has been dating Sam Williams, an entrepreneur in the artificial intelligence field. Earlier this year Sturken started working at the Stanford School of Medicine as a program coordinator supporting the professional development and wellness of the faculty. Raised in the nearby city of Belmont, Sturken in 2016 received a B.A. in environmental studies from San Francisco State University. He was an inaugural member of the San Mateo County Pride Center’s Community Advisory Board and, since 2020, has served on the county’s LGBTQIA+ Commission. He is currently the lone LGBTQ community member serving on his City Council. Turning 32 on April 26, Sturken is planning to hold a virtual birthday fundraiser that Sunday. Check his Instagram account at https://www.instagram.com/votechrissturken/ for details about the online event once they are finalized. He also posts updates there about the actions of the council and other news about his city. “I enjoy connecting people to resources and just dispelling people’s perception of local politics and politicians,” said Sturken. “When people meet me, they are still surprised by my age and say, ‘You are so young.’ They are also surprised that I am an openly queer person on their local city council. I am very proud of that. I enjoy getting people involved in the process who would not otherwise.”

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Gay Bay Area councilmembers go unopposed

Two other gay city councilmembers in the Bay Area are gliding toward election victories on the June 2 primary ballot after no one filed to run against them. Both are seeking fouryear terms on their respective governing bodies. In San Jose, City Councilmember Anthony Tordillos is unopposed for his District 3 seat that covers much of downtown San Jose and its Qmunity LGBTQ district. It appears Tordillos is set to remain the lone LGBTQ leader on his council, as none of the other races for odd-numbered supervisor seats drew out candidates. He had returned LGBTQ leadership to the council last June when he won a special runoff election to serve out the remainder of a term through the end of this year. Tordillos replaced engineering firm owner Carl Salas, who had served as a caretaker of the council seat following the fall 2024 resignation of gay former councilmember Omar Torres due to his arrest for molesting a cousin years prior. He was sentenced last August to 18 years in prison after pleading no contest to charges of forcible sodomy, forcible oral copulation, and molesting a child under the age of 14; Torres must register as a sex offender for life. In the East Bay city of Richmond, City Councilmember Cesar Zepeda isn’t being contested for his District 2 council seat. It means he will automatically be sworn into a sophomore term. When he ran in 2022, his council race made national headlines for ending up in a tie. Zepeda emerged the victor over his opponent, Andrew Butt, due to the city clerk drawing his name out of a red Christmas holiday shopping bag that December. Contra Costa County Fish and Wildlife Commissioner Jamin Pursell, who is nonbinary and queer, lost their District 4 council race four years ago and is again seeking the seat. Pursell is one of two candidates running against incumbent City Councilmember Soheila Bana, the other being Keycha Gallon, a gun violence survivor and prevention advocate. t

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<< LGBTQ Best of the Bay

10 • Bay Area Repor ter • April 2-8, 2026

Besties shopping

From page 1

Best Barbershop

Joe’s Barbershop

Castro Barber Lounge The results in this category were so close we’re declaring two winners. Joe’s Barbershop, which just edged out the competition, is named after its owner, Joe Gallagher, a gay man, who opened in the LGBTQ Castro neighborhood in 2004. Since then, he’s contended with a relocation and a fire, and has become the go-to destination for the best flat tops, mohawks, buzzes, beards and fades. “Since getting my barber license in 2002, barbering has been more than just a job; it’s been my passion and purpose,” Gallagher wrote in an email. “Opening my own shop in 2004 was a dream come true, and every day since has been a reminder of how lucky I am to do what I love. “I’ve built lasting relationships, shared stories, and watched generations come through my doors. I’m truly grateful for the trust, laughter, and community that have grown in my chair over the years,” he added. “This craft has given me so much more than a career; it’s given me a family.” The Castro Barber Lounge, a runnerup in the 2024 readers’ survey, came within just a few votes of taking the top spot. Owner Angel Benitez, a gay man, said he opened his shop in March 2020, just as the COVID pandemic hit. “It was very, very scary,” Benitez wrote in an email. “Never in my mind I thought that such a small virus would take over the world – not in a good way.” But Benitez persevered. “Coming spring, and now, we have a great number of amazing, talented, and very friendly barbers,” he stated. The shop accepts walk-ins and the wait time is minimal, he added. Castro Barber Lounge sees grooming as an art and every client a canvas, its website stated. It offers a range of services to ensure clients look and feel their best. Joe’s Barbershop, 2150 Market Street, San Francisco. (415) 2559096. joesbarbershop.com. Castro Barber Lounge, 2265 Market Street, San Francisco. (415) 687-4323. thecastrobarberlounge.com. Runner-up Glama-Rama

Best Bookstore

Fabulosa Books

Once again, this Castro bookstore took top honors. Owner Alvin Orloff, a gay man who bought the former Dog Eared Books Castro location in 2021,

Rick Gerharter

Joe Gallagher, owner of Joe’s Barbershop, edged out the competition in the Bay Area Reporter’s readers’ survey.

Rick Gerharter

Angel Benitez, who finished just shy of the Besties top spot, stood next to beloved dog Castro, in the Castro Barber Lounge.

has in the ensuing years put his own stamp on the shop. It has been active in sending LGBTQ-themed books to organizations in red states, a program that is ongoing, its website noted. “Queer books are a major source of queer joy, so we’re thrilled and honored that the B.A.R.’s readers appreciate our efforts to get more of them into the world,” Orloff stated in an email. Fabulosa Books, 489 Castro Street, San Francisco. (415) 658-7015. fabulosabooks.com Runner-up Green Apple Books

photo

The Apothecarium, with its relaxed interior, has long been a favorite of B.A.R. readers.

Best Cannabis Dispensary

Rick Gerharter

Terry Asten Bennett stood upstairs as the sales floor of Cliff’s Variety is below. A big party is planned in June for the 90th anniversary of the store.

The Apothecarium

Scott Wazlowski

Chase Bank offers a full line of financial services

Best Bank or Credit Union

Chase

A new winner, Chase offers a full line of financial services, from checking and savings accounts to home and auto loans to credit cards. Chase serves millions of people across the country and its online banking allows customers to manage accounts, view statements, monitor activity, pay bills, or transfer funds securely from one central place. A Chase spokesperson welcomed the news. Castro branch, 444 Castro Street, San Francisco. chase.com. Runner-up Redwood Credit Union

Founded in San Francisco in 2011, the Apothecarium has long been a favorite of readers. It started as a medical marijuana dispensary and expanded once recreational cannabis became legal for those 21 and older in 2018. Its mission is to provide members with quality cannabis in a welcoming environment with empathy, education, and ongoing support, its website stated. “Our contemporary, award-winning dispensaries are known for emphasizing education and customer service,” its website stated. “We provide our patients and customers with in-depth, one-on-one consultations with highly trained cannabis associates ready to help find the best products to satisfy their needs.” Customers can also order online and pick up their items at the store.

Rick Gerharter

Sales associate Billy Gong, left, and owner Alvin Orloff stood amid the books at Fabulosa Books.

The Apothecarium, 2029 Market Street, San Francisco. (415) 5002620. apothecarium.com. Runner-up Eureka Sky

Best Place to Buy Furniture

Ikea

Ikea opened its San Francisco store in August 2023, winning this category in 2024, and again this year. Jokes aside about assembling Ikea items, people like the Swedish retailer’s budget-conscious offerings. The city-format store means that people can take home many home furnishings the same day, while furniture is delivered directly to your home, its website noted. The store’s popular Swedish meatballs are available at its upstairs restaurant – a great lunch bargain.

Cynthia Laird

Trader Joe’s is among the best for selection and low prices.

Ikea’s adjacent Saluhall food hall, however, has been struggling, with recent news reports noting some vendors departing. Ikea, 945 Market St., San Francisco. (888) 888-4532. ikea. com/us/en/stores/san-francisco. Runner-up Room & Board

Best Grocery Store

Trader Joe’s

Long a favorite with readers, Trader Joe’s can’t be beat for its selection of wines, cheeses, salads, and other unique and seasonal items. With food costs continuing to inch upward, Trader Joe’s prices often are the most economical. See page 18 >>

Scott Wazlowski

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<< LGBTQ Best of the Bay

12 • Bay Area Repor ter • April 2-8, 2026

Besties Community: Readers love Folsom, rugby, and Honey Mahogany

compiled by John Ferrannini

he LGBTQ community has its favorites. From street fairs to cultural districts to sports teams, Bay Area Reporter readers made their choices clear in this section.

Best LGBTQ Event

Folsom Street Fair

B.A.R. readers are bound to the Folsom Street Fair, selecting the annual festival celebrating leatherfolk and kinksters of all stripes as the best LGBTQ event of the year. Last year’s Folsom fair took place in late September in the city’s South of Market neighborhood. It has been held there, along Folsom Street, since 1984, and features live entertainment, community organizations, and businesses plying their wares. In the 1970s, Folsom Street had been christened the “Miracle Mile” for the long strip of leather bars, BDSM clubs, and bathhouses that had lined it. Today, only a few vestiges of that explosion of sexual freedom remain, but the fair and its smaller cousin, Up Your Alley in July, memorialize the sexually diverse communities that have made SOMA home for generations. Folsom Street queer and nonbinary Executive Director Angel Adeyoha stated, “Folsom Street Fair is stoked to be recognized by the Bay Area Reporter as the Best Community Event. We feel so supported since the B.A.R. has been cheering on our community for decades. We all know this award isn’t ours alone. It belongs to every volunteer, vendor, performer, and leather-clad attendee who shows up and makes Folsom the most iconic street fair on the planet. You all are the real Besties.” This year’s Folsom Street Fair will be held Sunday, September 27.

Rick Gerharter Rick Gerharter

Steven Underhill

A Folsom Street Fair attendee was happy to be at the 2025 event.

For more information, visit folsomstreetfair.org. Runner-up SF Pride Parade and Celebration

Best Bay Area LGBTQ Cultural District

Castro LGBTQ Cultural District

The Castro was established as an official LGBTQ cultural district by the city in 2019, joining the Transgender District and the Leather & LGBTQ Cultural District as the three catering to the queer community in San Francisco. The district was also chosen by readers in 2024, the B.A.R.’s most recent Besties edition, and in 2023. Tina Aguirre, a genderqueer Latine person who is the district’s director, noted this in a statement to the B.A.R. thanking the public, the newspaper, and updating about

The Castro LGBTQ Cultural District dedicated the “Living Lesbian Legends” mural last April. It is located in the front of the parking lot entrance to Walgreens.

what the district is doing. Aguirre is “proud that the Castro LGBTQ Cultural District won the Besties Best of the Bay 2026 community poll of best cultural district!” “Our community faces so many challenges that are based in hate that it’s clear we are needed now more than ever,” Aguirre continued. “Our work with murals in the neighborhood has been fruitful. We’re happy that our advocacy to keep the Castro Theatre queer has succeeded so that we can enjoy movies and entertainers that center queerness.” Aguirre brought up some events Castro denizens can come visit. “We partnered with the GLBT Historical Society and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts for a great exhibition that I co-curated with Caro De Robertis, entitled ‘Conjuring Power: Roots & Futures of Queer & Trans Movements,’” Aguirre stated. “It’s up until August 23, 2026 and we encourage queer people and allies to visit.” Aguirre is also happy about the publication of “The Castro: The Story of San Francisco’s Best-Known LG-

BTQ+ Neighborhood” and promoted a talk about it at the GLBT Historical Society Museum on Thursday, April 9, at 6 p.m. “In these ways we are preserving our stories and promoting LGBTQ culture for queer and trans people, which is especially important during these times when much of society is trying to erase us. Thank you for voting for us,” Aguirre stated. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved an expansion of the district into the Duboce Triangle neighborhood in February. Jonathan Moscone, a gay man and son of slain San Francisco mayor George Moscone, is president of the DTNA board of directors. He stated at the time that he is excited to be working more closely with Aguirre. “We at DTNA are grateful to Supervisor Mandelman for recognizing that Duboce Triangle has a rich and deep cultural LGBTQ history,” he stated. “We are very excited to work with Tina Aguirre and the Castro LGBTQ Cultural District on all of the initiatives they have slated for the future.” For more information, visit castrolgbtq.org. Runner-up San Francisco Leather & LGBTQ Cultural District

Best LGBTQ Fundraiser

Light in the Grove

Light in the Grove is the National AIDS Memorial Grove’s annual fundraiser that takes place in Golden Gate Park, home of the national AIDS memorial, each November 30, the night before World AIDS Day. The benefit started in 2009. The event features moments of reflection, awardees, and panels of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, of which the AIDS grove became the steward in 2019. In a statement thanking B.A.R. readers, John Cunningham, a gay man living with HIV who is CEO of the AIDS grove, noted, “The National AIDS Memorial is humbled that again Light in the Grove has been selected for the fifth time as the best LGBTQ+ fundraising event. It is the power of community and

Tyler TerMeer, Ph.D. is the CEO of the San Francisco AIDS Foundation.

artistic beauty in nature at night that makes this gathering like no other. If you have not experienced this one-of-a-kind San Francisco event, join us on November 30 under the stars!” For more information, visit aidsmemorial.org/grove. Runner-up Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club Gayla

Best LGBTQ Nonprofit

San Francisco AIDS Foundation

The San Francisco AIDS Foundation, founded in 1982, is one of America’s oldest and largest AIDS service organizations. It recently opened up a new full-service pharmacy at its Strut health center in the Castro, dedicated to providing less expensive treatment options to the community. It’s also launching a new bicycle endurance ride, Cycle to Zero, from May 29-31 to Guerneville and back to San Francisco. That takes the place of the old AIDS/LifeCycle, which SFAF and the Los Angeles LGBT Center had co-produced for years and ended in 2025. SFAF CEO Tyler TerMeer, Ph.D., a gay man living with HIV, thanked the B.A.R.’s readers for the honor. “We are deeply honored to be named best LGBTQ nonprofit by our community – especially at a time when our communities are facing renewed political attacks and uncertainty,” he stated. “This recognition reflects the power of collective action – of volunteers, advocates, donors, and community members showing up for one another with courage and compassion. At SFAF, we remain grounded in science, equity, and dignity, and clear about what this moment demands of us. We look forward to serving you through 2026 and beyond.” For more information, visit sfaf.org. Runner-up Castro Country Club

Liz Highleyman

People lit candles in the Circle of Friends at last year’s Light in the Grove benefit for the National AIDS Memorial Grove.

LGBTQ Best of the Bay>>

April 2-8, 2026 • Bay Area Repor ter • 13

Best LGBTQ Community Center

San Francisco LGBT Community Center

Opened in 2002, the community center at 1800 Market Street provides economic and youth services and spaces for myriad gatherings. It has a new executive director this year in Jennifer Valles, a queer femme who took over January 1 following the retirement of lesbian longtime executive director Rebecca Rolfe. Prior to her appointment, Valles had served as deputy director at the center. Valles told the B.A.R., “We are so honored to have been nominated Best LGBTQ+ Community Center of the Bay Area! Every day, we work hard to listen deeply to our community and ensure the Center remains a true third space – a place to gather, connect, heal, celebrate, find support, and share joy and grief. This nomination reflects the strength, love, and commitment of the people who walk through our doors: staff, volunteers, community partners, and every community member. Thank you for seeing us, supporting us, and building this community with us. We couldn’t do this work without you.” The center’s annual Soiree fundraiser takes place Saturday, April 18, at City View at Metreon. For more information go to sfcenter.org/ event/soiree-2026. For more information on the center, visit sfcenter.org. Runner-up Oakland LGBTQ Community Center

Courtesy the subject

Honey Mahogany is the director of the San Francisco Office of Transgender Initiatives.

Best Trans Advocate

Honey Mahogany

This is a new category this year. The trans community has been under relentless attacks by conservatives since Republican President Donald Trump returned to the White House in 2025. He has issued executive orders on everything from pausing gender-affirming care at some hospitals to barring trans people from serving in the military and prohibiting trans women and girls playing on female sports teams. Honey Mahogany was voted best trans advocate by readers, and she has worn no shortage of hats over the years. Mahogany, a Black trans person, has been a “RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestant, co-owner of The Stud bar in the South of Market neighborhood, chair of the San Francisco Democratic Party, supervisor aide and candidate, and a state legislative aide. Today, she is the director of the San Francisco Office of Transgender Initiatives. Informed of the honor, Mahogany told the B.A.R., “In this moment we must use all of our privileges, access, and resources to protect our most vulnerable communities. I am honored to be able to do my part in our collective battle for freedom and justice.” Runner-up Cecilia Chung

Courtesy SF Fog

The San Francisco Fog Rugby Football Club was voted best LGBTQ sports league.

Best LGBTQ Sports League

San Francisco Fog Rugby Football Club

The San Francisco Fog Rugby Football Club won this category. It was established as the first gay and inclusive rugby club in the United States in 1998. Its most famous player is the late Mark Bingham, a gay man who helped retake United Airlines Flight 93 from hijackers as it flew from Newark, New Jersey, to San Francisco, on September 11, 2001. The plane was diverted toward either the U.S. Capitol or the White House, but the hijackers’ plans were thwarted thanks to the efforts of Bingham and other passengers. The plane crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, killing all on board. The fog’s board issued a joint statement on the importance of the team. “For over 25 years, our vision has been simple but radical: to build a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for all athletes, alumni, and supporters who believe that the camaraderie of rugby should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their skill level, ability or background; actively pursuing the participation of people of color, trans folk, and groups traditionally under-represented in the sport,” the board stated. “As a founding member of International Gay Rugby (IGR) and the home of the inaugural Bingham Cup, we have always used rugby as a tool for community building and social change.” The statement continued with a thank you to the community for what the Fog has been able to accomplish. “This award celebrates our ‘Fog Family’: the diverse cross section of people who believe skill level or background should never be a barrier to the game,” the statement concluded. “Whether through our ‘Pathway to Rugby’ for newcomers or our work off the pitch, the Fog remains dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive environment for the LGBTQIA2S+ community. We are grateful to our players, partners, lovers and others around the Bay Area and abroad for being ‘With you!’ since 2000.”

Steven Underhill

People stopped by Rikki’s Sports Bar in the Castro to watch a Golden State Valkyries game.

: Sarah Deragon of Portraits to the People

Jennifer Valles took over as executive director of the San Francisco LGBT Community Center in January.

Dr. Larry Price, MD, Enters Hospice Care Please be advised that previous advertisement was submitted and pubished with an incorrect address. The corrected address is listed below. If your letter was returned, please resend – and thank you!

Dr. Larry Price has entered home hospice following a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. For more than 30 years, Larry served our community as a devoted physician whose compassion, courage, and tireless dedication shaped the lives of countless patients and medical students. During the most difficult years of the AIDS epidemic, he routinely worked 12 to 14 hour days caring for patients suffering horrendous illness while facing profound uncertainty, loss and societal rejection. He brought not only deep medical expertise, but also hope, steadiness, and humanity when they were needed most.

For more information, visit fogrugby.com. Runner-up SF Gay Softball League

Best Pro Sports Team

Golden State Valkyries

As Larry enters the final chapter of his life, it would mean a great deal to him to hear from those whose lives he touched. If you were once his patient, colleague, student, or friend, a brief note would be a profound gift. You might share how you are doing now, reflect on what his care meant to you, express your gratitude, or recall a fond memory from your time together.

The Golden State Valkyries, the WNBA team that plays at San Francisco’s Chase Center, took the Bay Area by storm when they debuted last season. They were the first expansion franchise to make the WNBA playoffs in their inaugural season, and though they fell short, they will be returning April 25 at 5:30 p.m. with a pre-season game against the Seattle Storm at Chase Center. This season’s home opener is May 10. A Valkyries spokesperson stated the team appreciates “the support from our fans and the Bay Area Reporter for this recognition.”

Mail may be sent to:

Dr. Larry Price 2360 Mendocino Avenue, #2A134 Santa Rosa, CA 95403

For more information, visit valkyries.wnba.com.

Your words will serve as a powerful reminder of the legacy he leaves behind and the many lives he has touched.

Runner-up Golden State Warriors

Dr.LarryPrice-3x10.indd 1

3/26/26 8:08 AM

<< LGBTQ Best of the Bay

14 • Bay Area Repor ter • April 2-8, 2026

Besties Travel and Weddings: Readers love to vacation compiled by Matthew S. Bajko

GBTQ readers of the Bay Area Reporter like to vacation outside of the region as well as closer to home. LGBTQ couples who want to tie the knot also have their favorite jewelry stores, wedding reception venue, and photographer.

Best Airline

Alaska Airlines

Perhaps Alaska Airlines had a leg up in this category because it operates out of Harvey Milk Terminal 1 at San Francisco International Airport, recently named one of the most beautiful airport facilities in the world. And since opening its Alaska Airlines Lounge in the terminal in the summer of 2024, passengers have been raving about it ever since and often can be seen waiting in a long line to be admitted in. Writing about the lounge designed by San Francisco-based William Duff Architects for Roame, the travel search site’s co-founder Tim Qin called the interior spaces “gorgeous!” He added it was “a genuine pleasure to spend

time here, offering a high-quality environment that elevates the pre-flight routine.” The Seattle-based airline received a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index for 2026. At a time when major businesses have pulled back from LGBTQ rights, Alaska has remained steadfast and touted its continued support for Pride events in its hometown and San Francisco last June. “As longtime supporters of Pride events across our network, our support for the LGBTQ+ community is unwavering,” noted the company in an online post wrapping up Pride Month 2025. It flies to numerous cities across the West Coast and routinely offers deals on fares for flights out of SFO at https://tinyurl.com/3htakaj6 For more information about Alaska Airlines, visit its website at alaskaair.com. Runner-up United

Courtesy Alaska Airlines

The popular Alaska Airlines Lounge is located in Harvey Milk Terminal 1 at San Francisco International Airport.

environs of Sonoma County’s Guerneville and surrounding communities nestled in the redwood trees along the banks of the Russian River. Locals are gearing up for another summer season that officially kicks off with the Memorial Day holiday in May and runs through the fall. A host of special events are held to draw in LGBTQ tourists, from select weekends geared toward queer women or beefy, hairy men. Wrapping up the peak time for visitors is the annual Russian River Pride parade and celebration, taking place this year on Saturday, September 19.

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The J. Watumull Planetarium at Bishop Museum in Honolulu is billed as Hawaii’s gateway to the stars.

Best Domestic Getaway Destination

Hawaii

Bay Area Reporter readers continue to adore the Aloha State in this category. LGBTQ travelers have been welcomed to the islands for decades, while local leaders in recent years have worked to preserve and promote its LGBTQ cultural and historical resources. The country’s 50th state has a Hawai’i State LGBTQ+ Commission – California Governor Gavin Newsom in 2024 vetoed creating a similar body for the Golden State – that has a wealth of information about proLGBTQ laws and events like upcoming Pride celebrations on its website at https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/ lgbtq-commission/. Kaua’i Pride is coming up on June 6, while Maui Pride takes place June 13 this spring. As the Hawai’i Tourism Authority touts on its dedicated webpage for LGBTQ-specific travel information to the Pacific Ocean island chain, “Explore Hawai’i’s unique traditions of gender

and sexual diversity and inclusion, from an ancient monument honoring dual gender healers to the birthplace of marriage equality.” Hawaii has been beset by flooding in recent weeks, as the state experienced heavy rainfall from Kona Low storms. Neighbors are now mopping up and aid groups are helping those affected, according to reports. The Hawaii Emergency Management Agency has information on its website at d o d. h aw ai i. gov / h i e m a / m arch 2026-kona-low/ For more information about planning a visit to the islands, visit gohawaii. com/experiences/lgbtq. Runner-up New York City

Best Local Getaway Destination

Russian River, California

Also remaining at the top of the list with B.A.R. readers when it comes to traveling nearby is the LGBTQ-friendly

For more information about that event, visit its website at russianriverpride.org. More general information about the region can be found on the website of the Russian River Chamber of Commerce at russianriver.com. Runner-up Carmel/Monterey

Best LGBTQ Cruise/Tour

Atlantis Events

Since 1991, Atlantis Events has been hosting (mainly) gay travelers from across the globe for its cruises and all-inclusive resort experiences. The West Hollywoodbased company took top honors in this new category for the 2026 Besties. On April 18, it will set sail from Los Angeles for an eight-night excursion to Mexico aboard Virgin Voyage’s newest ship dubbed The Brilliant Lady. Stops include Baja, Cabo, Mazatlán, and gayfriendly Puerto Vallarta with deals starting at $1,199. “It’s the perfect spring getaway on the best ship in the West!” promises Atlantis. Other sailings it has planned this year include Mediterranean cruises in July and a Caribbean cruise for Thanksgiving. To book online and sign up to be the first to hear about its 2027 itineraries, visit atlantisevents.com. Runner-up Olivia

Best Place to Buy Rings

Tiffany & Co.

A Place to Call Home Where You Can Simply Be Yourself Stay in downtown Napa, steps from fine dining and wine tastings. Daily breakfast and afternoon nosh included. Pets are welcome.

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Gooch

People celebrated Pride in the Russian River.

A staple tenant of San Francisco’s Union Square shopping district, Tiffany & Co. is also a perennial winner with B.A.R. readers. They once again gave top honors to the 188-year-old company. Unlike other luxury retailers that have ditched the city’s downtown core, Tiffany & Co. has kept itself planted at 350 Post Street. Customers of its West Coast flagship store can make an appointment to purchase not only engagement rings and wedding bands but other finelycrafted jewelry.

LGBTQ Best of the Bay>>

To do so, and for more information about the store, visit tiffany.com/ jewelry-stores/san-francisco Runner-up D&H Sustainable Jewelry

April 2-8, 2026 • Bay Area Repor ter • 15

looking the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands has a capacity of 250 seated guests. Those planning to exchange their wedding vows in the daytime can book the museum’s Rodin Galleries, whose three connected spaces can fit 80 seated guests or 200 standing. The indoor and outdoor connected spaces on the Terrace Level fit 150 to 350 guests depending on how they are arranged. For more information, visit https:// www.famsf.org/about/weddingsprivate-events. Runner-up City Club of San Francisco

Steven Underhill

Photographer Steven Underhill

Best Wedding Photographer

Steven Underhill

Since 2022 B.A.R. readers have named Steven Underhill their favorite in this category. The Northern California native is often hired to photograph events around the city, from film premieres to nonprofit galas. But he also can be hired by couples to document their special day. With the advent of cellphone cameras, Underhill said he isn’t booked for such assignments these days as he used to be. “It is almost like all the gays got married, seriously,” he quipped. Oftentimes he is hired by couples getting married at San Francisco City Hall and will take photos of their ceremony inside the building and outside in the natural light. He’s had couples also want to be photographed atop Tank Hill Park with the city skyscape as a backdrop or amid the garden setting of the Palace of Fine Arts. Using artificial intelligence tools, he can alter the backdrop of the photos to make it appear the couple is in a foreign locale like Paris. “I can make them look like they are anywhere,” noted Underhill. He charges between $600 to $750 an hour. He recommends people contact him three weeks in advance but can often make it work if it is in the daytime since the events he shoots are in the evenings. “I don’t see it any different than shooting an event,” Underhill said of his wedding bookings. “I am better at shooting people, that is where I excel.”

Gary Sexton via Legion of Honor

The Legion of Honor, seen here in 2020, is once again a reader favorite for weddings and receptions.

Happy 55th Anniversary Bay Area Reporter!

For more information, visit stevenunderhill.com. Runner-up Raul Salazar

Best Wedding Reception Venue

Legion of Honor

As for the perfect spot to host a wedding, B.A.R. readers remain partial to the city-owned Legion of Honor. Operated by the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, the neoclassical building is situated atop Lincoln Park near the Outer Richmond district. A gay male couple walking handin-hand on the lawn in front of the Legion of Honor happens to be currently featured on the booking page for the venue and its sister-museum the de Young located in Golden Gate Park. It notes the cultural institutions are “two of the most sought after venues in San Francisco.” Couples can choose from four specific settings at the Legion of Honor to have their ceremony. For nighttime affairs there is The Court of Honor outdoor entry area that can accommodate 450 seated guests, while The Balustrade Lawn over-

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<< Community News

16 • Bay Area Repor ter • April 2-8, 2026

Trans support network seeking volunteers by Eliot Faine

nonprofit network that supports transgender people is looking for volunteers for its Bay Area chapter. QueerCare is run entirely by volunteers, and organizers said they need people with “that gay audacity” to join them. QueerCare has locations in New York City, Chicago, and the Bay Area. Eddy Funkhouser, a transgender Bay Area volunteer with QueerCare, told the Bay Area Reporter that the local chapter began rebuilding after a lull in volunteers in July 2025. Funkhouser is on the administrative team for QueerCare and assists with volunteer coordination. QueerCare co-founder Lee Mariño Clyne, a transgender medical student in Chicago, told the B.A.R. that the increased visibility of transgender people leads to increased vulnerability of the communities. The need for caregivers is great when impacted groups are especially vulnerable, through policy changes. The organization began in Brooklyn, New York in 2021 and spread to the Bay Area the same year. Trans communities from both urban areas realized that many people were traveling to their cities for gender-affirming care, leaving behind their support systems at home. QueerCare aims to fill that gap by providing post-operative care in many forms, including cooking, cleaning, transportation, shelter during recovery,

JL Odom

QueerCare serves trans people in the Bay Area and is looking for volunteers.

grocery shopping, pet care, childcare, laundry, social support, patient advocacy – whatever volunteers have to offer. Volunteers do not need to be trans themselves, Mariño Clyne noted. Since mid-October 2025, Bay Area QueerCare volunteers have been able to provide care for 20 recipients. Ideally, Funkhouser told the B.A.R., 50 regular volunteers would be enough to provide care for recipients while offering volunteers enough flexibility to pick up shifts.

“Our volunteer base really is the defining factor for how many people we can serve across which counties. We receive care requests across the Bay Area, so SF, Alameda, San Mateo, Marin, Santa Clara, and Contra Costa (and even down to Santa Cruz). Most of our requests are in SF, but we need volunteers all over,” Funkhouser wrote to the B.A.R. Mariño Clyne called the work a “regenerative process,” that those who received care often return as caregivers. Harun, a transgender man in New York City who asked that his last name not be published, started his relationship with QueerCare as a care recipient in December 2023. He had just moved states away from home for college. Without an embedded community, he sought help from his university’s LGBTQ center, which directed him to QueerCare. Harun was able to connect with a surgery escort, who drove him

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B.A.R. leadership

From page 6

The B.A.R. has published free community obituaries since the AIDS crisis, and in August 1998, ran a front-page story that stated, for the first time since the epidemic began, no obituaries had been submitted that week. That was not to report that people were no longer dying of the disease, but to indicate that with new treatments, many people were living longer. Bevan Dufty, gay former San Francisco supervisor and BART director, said all three men who have led the paper (Thomas E. Horn was between Ross and Yamashita) were “different, but each of them rose to the challenges of the moment.” “Bob was someone who had an eclectic career and so close to having been

home from his appointment. (The name of the university has been withheld due to safety concerns.) “You can’t recover from surgery alone,” Harun said, adding, “probably without that surgery escort, I wouldn’t have been able to have top surgery, period.” The experience spurred Harun’s interest in volunteering. While his first experience with surgical caretaking ended up being for a close friend, not through QueerCare, he said there was “something about watching someone transform from being depressed, anxious, insecure in their body, to finally being able to stand upright.” After that experience, he said, he jumped at the opportunity to become a volunteer with QueerCare. He quickly became a surgical caretaker and later shifted to more administrative work. New volunteers can expect to go through an intake interview from the leadership team, which is made up entirely of trans people. They will check references and then set up an interview with caregivers and care recipients, to make sure they are a good fit. There is also an onboarding video for new volunteers to watch. If a care recipient wants to request a specifically Black, Indigenous, or person of color or trans caregiver, QueerCare makes the appropriate accommodations. There’s no minimum commitment of days or hours to volunteer with QueerCare, which Funkhouser said removes some barriers for new or nervous caregivers. No medical expertise is needed, because everyone needs something different, they said. For example, Mariño Clyne said that one care recipient they worked with just wanted company while they watched Korean pop music videos. The organization is able to provide some financial support to recipients nationwide, through revenue it has re-

ceived such as microgrants from the drag nun philanthropic activists with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence or individual donors. It can also provide emotional support through messaging apps or video calls. QueerCare is able to provide around $250 to recipients to offset some post-operative costs, Funkhouser stated. Sister Roma, of the Sisters, confirmed QueerCare received funding from its Saturnalia Grant Cycle in December 2023. The amount of the grant was not available. “We’re trying to provide more than the bare minimum, unlike most medical care. We’re so grateful for the help we’ve already gotten,” Mariño Clyne told the B.A.R., but said they wish the organization could do more. As of publication, QueerCare is only able to offer in-person care in its three locations. Mariño Clyne provided information on QueerCare’s budget. “In 2025, we distributed over $10,000 to people recovering from surgeries who were in need of financial assistance,” Mariño Clyne stated. “Although our operating budget fluctuates based on donations year-to-year, it has remained under an annual budget of $20,000. We have only one account for all of the care recipients that we serve, regardless of location. We have one budget, which includes all the cities.” The organization files an e-postcard with the IRS because it has a budget of under $50,000 a year. Mariño Clyne said there is something everyone can do to support, from spreading the word to volunteering at a local chapter. Or, starting their own. “Have that gay audacity. What, like it’s hard?” Mariño Clyne said, “We’re just a collection of trans people, trying.” For more information, go to https:// queercareinc.bigcartel.com/for-volunteers, or email info@queercareinc.org. t

Harvey’s successor, but for being elected emperor of the Imperial Court,” he said, referring to the reason for which thenmayor Dianne Feinstein passed over Ross to succeed slain supervisor Harvey Milk as the Castro district’s representative on the Board of Supervisors. Milk, who had been elected to the Board of Supervisors in 1977, served as the B.A.R.’s political columnist for several years. He and then-mayor George Moscone were assassinated by ex-supervisor Dan White in November 1978. The Imperial Council of San Francisco was founded by the late José Julio Sarria, a Latino veteran and drag queen known as Absolute Empress I, the Widow Norton. Sarria himself was the first gay person to seek elected office in the U.S. when he ran unsuccessfully for San Francisco supervisor in 1961. The Imperial Court, which continues today, is known for its elaborate coronation ceremonies for the reigning monarchs and its charity work. Ross reigned as Emperor VII After Norton from September 17, 1978, through September 15, 1979.

In April 1971, Ross had founded the B.A.R. with Paul Bentley, whom he later bought out. The publication began as a bar rag, with the first copies set atop cigarette machines in San Francisco’s queer watering holes just two years after the Stonewall riots in New York City birthed what was referred to at the time as the gay liberation movement. Ross had been involved in the Tavern Guild, which linked the city’s gay bars at a time when homosexuality was a crime in California. Cynthia Laird, a lesbian who’s the paper’s longtime news editor, was first hired after having done some freelancing for the publication in May 1996. “His personality could be kind of gruff,” Laird recalled of Ross. “He didn’t suffer fools lightly.” Laird recalled one time Ross made her cry because he objected to the headline of the Pride issue one year. “When he hired me as news editor, he made it a point to say I was not the first lesbian news editor at the paper,” she said. “He didn’t want me to get too full of myself, or something.” See page 20 >>

John Ferrannini

Thomas E. Horn, left, a former publisher of the Bay Area Reporter, and Michael Yamashita, the current publisher, stood at the Rainbow Honor Walk plaque in the Castro that honors founding publisher Bob Ross November 17, 2025.

Untitled-1 1

2/17/26 8:27 AM

Community News>>

April 2-8, 2026 • Bay Area Repor ter • 17

Alleged jail assault leads to claim against SF by John Ferrannini

n anonymous transgender woman has filed a legal claim with the City and County of San Francisco, alleging she was sexually assaulted by an unnamed former sheriff’s deputy when she was incarcerated. The filing follows a recent hearing at the Board of Supervisors about other incidents at a San Francisco jail. The claim, filed February 20, alleges that Jane Doe was assaulted September 11, 2025. Her attorney told the B.A.R. there may be more victims out there. News of the claim, a precursor to a lawsuit, comes just days after a committee of the Board of Supervisors held a lengthy hearing about conditions for women and gender-diverse people in San Francisco county jails, after deputies last May strip-searched women being held in county jail No. 2, allegedly laughing while recording it on their bodyworn cameras. At that March 12 hearing, Sheriff Paul Miyamoto said that there are 104 female-identified inmates at county jail No. 2, which he characterized as straining capacity. The May 2025 incident led to some staff reassignments. Miyamoto told the supervisors that, “Specific to the May incident there was some accountability based on our initial investigation. … The individuals who supervised the strip search are no longer at that facility, are no longer assigned, and have been reassigned.” Jane Doe is being represented by attorneys with Mirador Law and the Law Office of Sanjay S. Schmidt, who issued a news release March 17. “Our client, Jane Doe, was in the custody of the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office as an inmate at the County Jail # 2 … [when she] was taken alone by [a] San Francisco Sheriff’s Office Deputy (hereafter ‘Deputy’) to the gym in the jail,” the

Easter

From page 1

The Sister added that an event like this contributes to queer visibility, which is important today, at a time when there’s such a huge anti-drag and anti-trans backlash due to President Donald Trump’s anti-LGBTQ executive orders and conservative legislatures in red states passing anti-trans bills. Idaho lawmakers recently passed a bill that makes it illegal for trans individuals to use public and government bathrooms aligned with their gender identity. “Visibility is important,” Sister Hera Sees Candy stated. “Queer joy is important. Queer joy and visibility is resistance.”

Activities

Children’s events will include the Easter egg hunt, face painting, and games. The three contests will take place during the adult portion of the party, and will be preceded by performances from various queer artists such as internationally known drag queen and Christian recording artist Flamy Grant, San Francisco’s drag laureate Per

claim states. “After only a few minutes of working out, Deputy — exerting the power granted to him by virtue of his status as a Sheriff’s deputy and acting under color of that authority — ordered Jane Doe to go to the employee bathroom in the gym. There, Deputy continuing to unlawfully exert the power granted to him by law and continuing to act under color of authority, demanded that Jane Doe engage in sexual relations with him.” The claim says that Jane Doe complied, “acting under severe duress.” “Deputy removed and exposed his penis to Jane Doe and, acting under color of authority, forced her to orally copulate him,” the claim continues. “Jane Doe knew she was the victim of a sexual assault and that, due to Deputy status as a sworn Sheriff’s deputy, it might be difficult to hold him accountable; thus, Jane Doe knew it would be important to have evidence corroborating the sexual assault. “Accordingly, Jane Doe collected evidence from the assault, which has been turned over to the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office. This evidence – and other evidence – fully corroborated and confirmed Jane Doe’s report,” the claim states. The deputy was fired, and an investigation was transferred from the sheriff’s office to the police department, however no criminal charges have been filed, according to Mirador’s managing partner Megan Burns. “This is a first step in justice for our client, who the deputy took advantage of and now his crimes are being swept under the rug,” Burns stated. “We have cooperated fully with the Sheriff’s Office and Police Department for months, with no progress. We cannot afford to wait any longer for our client’s well-being and for the others out there we believe have been victims of the City and County of San Francisco jail system and this deputy.” Sia, Bay Area drag king Papi Churro, activists and entertainers Xochitl, Grace Towers, KaiKai Bee Michaels, and powerhouse vocalist Alotta Boutte. The Sisters will also Saint a few members of the community, as well as renew their vows before the crowd. ADA and ASL viewing areas will be provided, and there will be ASL interpretation. Sister Hera Sees Candy feels that Roma, Peaches, and Mahogany are the perfect hosts for the festivities. “Each of them are professionals who bring their experience hosting events,” she stated. “Sister Roma is the most recognized Sister in the world. Peaches is one of the most celebrated drag personas in the world. Honey Mahogany brings with her a wealth of local experience not only in entertainment, but in local politics. The three of them are pros at what they do.” Mahogany is a former chair of the San Francisco Democratic Party and is currently the director of the city’s Office of Transgender Initiatives. P Tyrone Smith, aka Saint DoGooder, is a queer man who serves as co-executive producer of Easter in the Park. His co-producer is David Flower, who also produces the annual im-

From Yelp

A trans woman has filed a claim against the city alleging she was assaulted while incarcerated at a San Francisco jail last year.

In a Zoom interview March 18, Burns told the B.A.R. that Jane Doe is no longer in custody, and had been released in fall 2025. She said the city accepted the claim in communications with her, but no further action is expected at this stage as investigation is ongoing. It’s “hard to answer” when there’ll be a formal lawsuit. “We have concern, based on the investigation thus far, there may be other victims,” Burns said. “Part of the timing of a lawsuit is dictated by procedure. If the city responded to our claim and denied the claim we’d have six months from the filing of the claim to file a lawsuit.” If there is a suit, Burns has anticipated causes of action, such as violations of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Con-

stitution, related provisions of the state constitution, negligence, and forced copulation. Asked how it relates to the other controversy surrounding county jail No. 2, Burns said, “I think that there certainly is a concerning pattern here that warrants future investigation by interested parties in the City and County of San Francisco, in the Sheriff ’s office. Obviously, the mass stripsearch is different than this case – I don’t want to conflate – but they raise serious concerns about the way the jail is managed. … She was forced to do something that she didn’t want to do by a sheriff ’s deputy who can promise you a reward for complying or potentially threaten to take away certain privileges. We will do everything in

mersive Halloween event Terror Vault with Peaches Christ. Smith has his own views as to why events like this matter. “When there is so much hostility aimed at drag artists, trans people, and queer communities generally, gathering in public to celebrate joy, visibility, and belonging becomes even more important,” Smith told the B.A.R. “Easter in the Park says we are here, we are fabulous, we are resilient, and no, you do not get to shame us back in the closet.” Smith is the owner of Do Good Stuff, a Bay Area event production company, which is assisting in producing this year’s celebration. The B.A.R. reported last year that the company and Smith are helping the Sisters with a tech effort to expand their impact. https://www. ebar.com/story/160210 “Our partnership with the Sisters is really about supporting the operational side of an enormous, beloved community event so that the heart, humor, and spirit of Easter in the Park can shine,” he said. “My role is not to change what makes the event special. It is to help build and support the structure that allows it to happen well, safely and sustainably.” Admission to Easter in the Park is free, but Smith hopes that the community will

come forward and support the Sisters’ efforts with financial donations. Like most nonprofits, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence are feeling the financial pinch of the current political climate. “One of the most meaningful ways the community can support Easter in the Park and the Sisters is by helping us keep this joyful, iconic celebration radically free and accessible to everyone,” Smith said. “Easter in the Park is a massive undertaking, a beloved San Francisco tradition that welcomes thousands of people to gather in beauty, laughter, drag and community. That kind of joy does not just happen on its own. It takes real resources, real care,

Gooch

Courtesy the subject

Kids hunted for Easter eggs at the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence’s 2022 Easter in the Park event at Mission Dolores Park.

Sister Hera Sees Candy is an organizer for Easter in the Park.

our power to see if other victims exist.” Asked to respond, Sheriff ’s spokesperson Tara Moriarty stated, “The San Francisco Sheriff ’s Office takes any allegation of misconduct, including sexual assault, extremely seriously. The individual named in this matter was a probationary employee and was subsequently released from employment following these allegations.” Moriarty continued, “Because this matter is currently in active litigation, we are limited in what we can share and will not be providing further comment at this time. We remain committed to the safety, dignity, and rights of all individuals in our custody and will continue to cooperate with the appropriate authorities as this process moves forward.” Asked if the city had received the claim, Jen Kwart, a spokesperson with the City Attorney’s office, stated to the B.A.R., “We will review the claim and respond to the claimant in a timely manner.” The claim was filed with the San Francisco Controller’s office, and the deputy is not being named publicly at this time due to the fact that there is purportedly an ongoing investigation, according to Doe’s attorneys. “No one is above the law, especially those with power who abuse their position of trust,” stated Sanjay Schmidt, principal of the Law Office of Sanjay S. Schmidt. “We are now asking the justice system to do what it’s intended to do: enforce the law. It is difficult to fathom why the City and County of San Francisco’s law enforcement agencies are dragging their feet with this case, other than our client’s status as a marginalized detainee at the time of the assault. We are reminding them that it’s not acceptable to do so.” Potential other victims are asked to reach out to (925) 886-4346 or visit https://miradorlaw.com/sf-countyjail-investigation. t and a whole lot of collective love.” Volunteers are also needed to help keep everything running smoothly. “I hope people leave feeling lighter, more connected, and more hopeful,” said Smith. “I hope they laugh, I hope they feel fabulous, and I hope they remember that community is something we make together. Mostly, I hope they leave feeling grateful to belong to a city and a community where something like this is still possible. I know I cherish it.” For more information, go to thesisters.org. To make a donation, go to givebutter. com/sisters-easter2026. Volunteers can sign up at thesisters.org/volunteer. t

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<< National News

18 • Bay Area Repor ter • April 2-8, 2026

High court’s conversion therapy ruling decried in SF by John Ferrannini and Michael K. Lavers

he U.S. Supreme Court used Transgender Day of Visibility Tuesday to issue its ruling against a Colorado law that bans so-called conversion therapy for minors. The decision sends the case back to the lower courts with a higher standard known as strict scrutiny. The justices last October heard oral arguments in the case, Chiles v. Salazar. They ruled 8-1 in favor of Kaley Chiles, a therapist who challenged the 2019 law. In San Francisco Tuesday, local leaders wanted to express that the city is still a safe haven. Phil Kim, a gay man who is head of the city’s board of education, was among those who spoke at a news conference on the steps of City Hall convened by gay state Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco). He addressed his remarks to any queer kids who may have been reading the day’s news. “I want you to know we have your back,” said Kim, who is running on the June 2 primary ballot to serve out his term through the end of the year. “You are safe in San Francisco, you are safe in California, and you should be safe in this country.” Martin Rawlings-Fein, who is a bisexual and transgender father and a rabbi, is co-chair of the Alice B. Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club. He said that when he was a child, his mother’s friends urged her to seek conversion therapy for him, which she did not do. “I strongly condemn the Supreme Court’s decision,” he said. “Conversion therapy is not care. It is harm. It is rooted in the false idea that LGBTQ people need to be fixed.” As the Bay Area Reporter previously noted, the state law at the center of the Supreme Court case was Colorado’s Minor Conversion Therapy Law. The law prohibits a physician or therapist from using conversion therapy on any young person under 18. Nearly 30 other states, including California, have similar bans. The Alliance Defending Freedom, a well-known anti-LGBTQ legal group, challenged the Colorado law’s prohibition on talk therapy, saying a Colorado Springs therapist named Kaley Chiles, who identifies as Christian, wants to administer such therapy to minors who are

Besties shopping

From page 10

Nakia Rohde, public relations manager, stated the company was pleased with the recognition. “We very much appreciate the work done to collect the feedback behind this ranking report – and what it reflects from our customers (the results

John Ferrannini

Martin Rawlings-Fein, a trans bi man who’s co-chair of the Alice B. Toklas LGBTQ Democratic Club, spoke about the U.S. Supreme Court’s conversion therapy decision at a rally on the steps of San Francisco City Hall. In back are AjaiNicole Duncan, co-president of the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club, and Tom Temprano, managing director of Equality California.

struggling with their sexual orientation or gender identity. The law, said the Alliance, violates Chiles’ First Amendment right to free speech. The majority opinion was written by Justice Neil Gorsuch, who stated that the Colorado law “censors speech.” Liberal Justices Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor wrote a concurring opinion. “Colorado may regard its policy as essential to public health and safety,” Gorsuch wrote. “Certainly, censorious governments throughout history have believed the same. But the First Amendment stands as a shield against any effort to enforce orthodoxy in thought or speech in this country.” Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, appointed by former President Joe Biden, was the only dissenter. The Washington Post reported that Jackson read her dissent from the bench. She said research shows conversion therapy is bad medicine and that the court’s holding “opens a dangerous can of worms.” In a statement shortly after the ruling was announced, Wiener said the Golden State will stand by LGBTQ youth. Wiener also noted he has pending legislation to address those who have endured conversion therapy, Senate Bill 934. The bill protects Californians from conversion therapy by expanding survivors’ ability to sue for malpractice. The

Supreme Court explicitly left the door open for malpractice claims for conversion therapy, according to Wiener. “SB 934 allows survivors of conversion therapy to seek civil remedies and justice through malpractice lawsuits for the harm that was done to them, even years after the fake therapy occurred,” his office noted. “Make no mistake: Conversion therapy is psychological torture, and California will always stand strong with LGBTQ youth to protect them from the extremist movement to harm them,” Wiener stated. “In light of the Supreme Court’s horrific ruling invalidating bans on youth conversion therapy, we must create new strategies to protect LGBTQ youth. SB 934 provides these safeguards. All major medical associations agree that no ‘therapy’ can change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Attempting to do so only provokes profound feelings of shame and trauma and leads to depression and suicidality. Stripping away the safeguards that protect these young people from trauma is profoundly cruel and inhumane.” Wiener said at the news conference that Gorsuch’s opinion explicitly notes it does not cover malpractice suits. He also said that while the court now sets up California’s law to be examined under strict scrutiny, legislators will be looking at ways to strengthen the state’s existing

law so that it may withstand a future legal challenge. “We certainly will defend it,” Wiener said. Equality California, the statewide LGBTQ rights organization, stated that SB 934 is one of its priority bills this session. EQCA also noted that the Supreme Court’s decision threatens California’s law, which was the first in the country to be adopted in 2012. “Equality California will continue working with state leaders and partners to ensure California remains a place where LGBTQ+ people are protected from these abusive practices,” the organization stated. Carl Charles, the Elayne Cassidy Nicholas Memorial Counsel for Trans and Nonbinary Rights, at Lambda Legal Education and Defense Fund, relayed his own experience with conversion therapy. “I know firsthand the long-lasting harms of conversion therapy, having been subjected to it when I was 15 years old,” stated Charles. “This practice did not change my sexual orientation or gender identity. Instead, it destroyed important relationships and created shame and fear that took time and effort to undo. For many survivors, it is a reverberating life-long harm. “I am fortunate to have been able to transcend the trauma of that experience,

to celebrate my identity as a transgender man, and to nurture a loving relationship with my husband,” Charles added. “But so many young people do not have the familial or community support to withstand the impact of this unethical practice.” Charles stated that LGBTQ youth need to be supported and celebrated “for the unique and important people they are becoming.” Lambda Legal also commended Wiener for authoring SB 934. Charles stated that the organization looks forward to other states moving forward with similar legislation. The Human Rights Campaign, a national LGBTQ rights organization, sharply criticized the decision, pointing out that conversion therapy has been widely discredited by medical associations. “Today’s reckless decision means more American kids will suffer,” stated HRC President Kelley Robinson, a queer Black woman. “The court has weaponized free speech in order to prioritize anti-LGBTQ+ bias over the safety, health and wellbeing of children. So called conversion therapy is pseudoscience, not real therapy. It has been condemned by every mainstream medical and mental health association and harms families, traumatizes children and robs people of their faith communities. It is cruel and should never be offered under the guise of legitimate mental healthcare. To undermine protections that keep kids and families safe from these abusive practices is shocking – and our children deserve better.” Robinson stated that HRC remains committed to “protecting children against these abusive practices that tear apart families and will continue to work alongside our coalition partners to ensure that no kid has to be subjected to guilt, coercion and rejection as they seek help to better understand themselves and grow.” t Michael K. Lavers is a reporter for the Washington Blade. Cynthia Laird contributed reporting.

Obituaries >>

of the work of our crew in every store, every day),” Rohde wrote in an email. Trader Joe’s, 555 Ninth Street, San Francisco, (415) 863-1292. Also various Bay Area locations. www.traderjoes.com Runner-up Rainbow Grocery Cynthia Laird

Fitness-SF is the readers’ choice for best gym.

Best Gym

Fitness SF

Fitness SF in the Castro has once again claimed the top spot in this category. The over 16,000 square foot facility offers two floors of tools and equipment to keep a person’s workout fresh and challenging, according to its website. From free weights to cardio, the gym has it all, including newly installed men’s and women’s dry saunas. The gym also offers nationally certified personal trainers at an additional cost. Its website promotes its three pillars of wellness: physical, mental, and social. “At the core of our mission is the belief that a gym should be more than a place to work out; it should be a vibrant support network for everyone,” the website states. Fitness SF Castro, 2301 Market Street, San Francisco, (415) 348-6377. fitnesssf.com/location/castro/ Runner-up 24 Hour Fitness See page 22 >>

Andrew Clinton Byrd

Patrick Murray

June 16, 1969 – January 29, 2026

November 2, 1947 – March 4, 2026

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our dear friend, Andy, who died at his home in San Francisco, California. He is survived by his parents, James Harrison and Linda Jean Byrd. Andy was a talented pastry chef who delighted friends with wonderful desserts and unexpected cookie treats. He was an avid collector of eclectic furniture and objets d’art, and he was always on the lookout for collectible china and small treasures others might overlook. He was a kind man who always had gentle words and readily offered a helping hand. Andy had a great sense of humor that brought smiles and quiet chuckles to those close to him. A celebration of life will be held at San Francisco’s Mission Dolores Park, at Miguel Hidalgo’s statue, Saturday, April 11, beginning at 11 a.m. Friends are invited to share stories and, if available, photographs of Andy – though he was a bit shy about being photographed. Please look for the balloons we plan to release in his honor. For more information, contact Leo Dean Manalo at LeoBoyOhBoy@gmail.com.

Patrick Murray, 78, passed away March 4 at Coming Home Hospice after a prolonged struggle with AIDS-related illnesses. Born November 2, 1947, in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, Patrick was the eldest of three children. Educated in England and Canada, he was especially proud of his Canadian, Irish and English roots. Patrick moved to San Francisco in the mid-1970s. A dedicated teacher, Patrick spent most of his career at Cathedral School for Boys, teaching and serving as lower school headmaster. In retirement, he found purpose and pleasure through math coaching. Handsome, athletic, bright, charming, and funny, Patrick was sensitive with a big loving heart and generosity of spirit. Patrick’s passions included dogs, books, films, music, dancing and sports – especially his beloved Chelsea Football Club and attending Stanford sporting events. The Tennis Channel and BritBox were his later lifelines - a cuppa tea, toast, shortbread, and chocolate by his side. He is survived by a loving family of friends, brother, niece and nephew. Patrick, may you be dancing and laughing, holding many dogs in your arms. A celebration of life will be Thursday, April 9, at 2 p.m. at Grace Cathedral, 1100 California Street, San Francisco. Make donations to Pets Are Wonderful Support, now a part of the Shanti Project, or an AIDS charity of your choice.

Local voters meet the 2026 candidates for California’s 11th Congressional District — questioned by the journalists who cover our communities.

Saikat Chakrabarti

Former Chief of Staff to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Congressional Candidate Forum

Connie Chan

SF Board of Supervisors, District 1

Scott Wiener

California State Senator, District 11

Wednesday, April 15 • 7pm • FREE! United Irish Cultural Center, 2700 45th Avenue, San Francisco

The San Francisco Independent Media Coalition is proud to present its first Congressional Candidate Forum, moderated by Ben Trefny, KALW Executive Producer, where local voters can learn more about the 2026 candidates for California’s 11th Congressional District. This event is meant to center questions that matter to San Franciscans — asked by the reporters who cover your neighborhoods, your communities, and your daily lives. The SFIMC is an alliance of San Francisco-based independent media outlets that directly serve the city’s diverse communities and neighborhoods. Together, our member publications reach hundreds of thousands of San Francisco residents in multiple languages. Submit a question: Email your question for candidates to hello@sfindependentmedia.org and our coalition journalists may ask it at the forum. Share with your neighbors: This forum is free and open to all San Francisco residents. Spread the word in your community.

The 2026 Congressional Candidate Forum sponsored by

www.sfindependentmedia.org/forum

<< Community News

20 • Bay Area Repor ter • April 2-8, 2026

Sunset Dunes marks 1st anniversary compiled by Cynthia Laird

on the June 2 ballot but it collapsed after he was only able to get District 1 Supervisor Connie Chan and District 11 Supervisor Chyanne Chen to sign on to it. Wong had needed a fourth supervisor in order to qualify it for the primary election. There is currently a signature-gathering effort to place a measure to overturn Prop K on the November 3 ballot. Meanwhile, Sunset Dunes, a 50-acre park, remains popular. It drew 13,000 visitors on its opening day last year and continues to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. For more information on the park and PloverFest, visit sunsetdunes.org. https://sunsetdunes.org/

unset Dunes, San Francisco’s newest coastal park, will celebrate its first anniversary with the inaugural PloverFest community music festival Sunday, April 12. The park was created last year following the 2024 passage of Proposition K, which permanently closed a portion of the Great Highway to vehicle traffic. A news release noted that PloverFest will take place from noon to 4 p.m. The festival will bring local bands and DJs to play along a “musical mile” of the park from Sloat Boulevard to Judah Street. There will be a speaking program at Noriega from 2 to 2:30. The Dunes tent will be at Judah, the Oceanview stage at Noriega, a DJ sound system universe at Rivera, kids’ zone at Taraval, and the youth stage at Sloat, according to the release. The event is free. PloverFest is being held in partnership with the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department and Into the Streets, thanks to a grant from the Civic Joy Fund, the release stated. As the Bay Area Reporter has previously reported, Prop K’s passage has led to controversy in the Sunset dis-

B.A.R. leadership

From page 16

But Ross’ personality was more a plus for the paper than a minus. “He was really demanding and expected excellence,” Yamashita said. Todd Evans, a gay man who is president and CEO of Rivendell Media, an LGBTQ ad agency that sells to many publications, including the B.A.R., said that he’s been working with the B.A.R. since 1979, placing advertisements. He said that the paper has always been a paragon of professionalism. “The B.A.R. is one of the most profes-

Jack Persons, Friends of Sunset Dunes

People walked along Sunset Dunes park.

Tenderloin Tessie Easter dinner

trict. Gay former supervisor Joel Engardio was recalled by voters last year over his support for Prop K, which passed citywide but was opposed in his District 4. After his first choice resigned, May-

or Daniel Lurie then appointed Alan Wong, a former City College of San Francisco trustee, to the D4 supervisor seat. Wong, who has said he voted against Prop K, tried to get a measure to reopen the roadway on weekdays

Tenderloin Tessie will have its free Easter dinner Sunday, April 5, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the First Unitarian Universalist Church, 1187 Franklin Street (at Geary Boulevard). A news release stated that all are welcome. In addition to the meal, there will

sional publications in the U.S.,” he said. “Any LGBT title is always a delicate balance of business and community, and the ones who can balance it are successful enough.” Latina lesbian former San Francisco supervisor and city treasurer Susan Leal remembered Ross as “very hands on.” “The thing that stands out to me about Bob is even when we disagreed on some political issues, you knew how much he cared and was dedicated to the betterment of our community,” she said. Lesbian former San Francisco supervisor, assemblymember, and state senator Carole Migden (D-San Francisco) described Ross as “gruff, but

generous and loyal.” Mark Leno (D-San Francisco), a gay man who was a San Francisco supervisor, assemblymember, and state senator, and ran for mayor in 2018, said that, “Bob was a larger than life person with an entrepreneurial spirit in many ways – a visionary showman.” “He saw the possibility – 55 years ago – of what a queer community paper could look like. He was inventing it as he went along,” Leno added. Though he couldn’t recall a particular anecdote, Leno said that he remembers Ross as “no-nonsense.” Horn, a gay man and lawyer, met Ross after he was himself appointed

by then-mayor Feinstein as one of the city’s first out commissioners. Horn was named to the War Memorial Board of Trustees, where he continues to serve and is currently vice president. Horn said one of his informal job responsibilities was to be a bridge between the mayor’s office and the city’s queer population. “I felt if I was going to be a liaison between the mayor and the community, I thought I’d better meet who the leaders in the community are,” Horn said. “Everybody read the B.A.R., so I reached out to him and we had lunch in the Castro.” It was there that the pair “learned we

be entertainment; free haircuts by LoveCuts, a pop-up barbershop; a free gift bag; and free clothing from Tenderloin Tessie’s partner, the St. Anthony Foundation, according to the release. Free photos with the Easter bunny will be available, along with candy. As in past years, Michael Gagne, president of the Tenderloin Tessie board, stated that volunteers are needed for the event. Shifts are available on Easter from 9 a.m. to noon, noon to 4 p.m., and 3 to 6. People must show proof of vaccination and an ID to volunteer, the release stated. Helpers are also needed Saturday, April 4, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Tuesday, April 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Both stints are for truck workers to get items from storage and then return them after the dinner, Gagne noted. To volunteer, contact Gagne at (415) 584-3252 (landline, no text), or email tenderlointessie@gmail.com. t

had opera in common, and we started going to musical events together.” Horn became Ross’ personal attorney, and defended him when he was sued by the B.A.R.’s former editor, Paul Lorch. In 1983 Lorch, who died in 2018, published an “enemies list” of 15 gay men and one lesbian who supported closing gay bathhouses to stem the spread of AIDS. Lorch was opposed to bathhouse closures. When Ross shortly thereafter fired Lorch – for reasons nobody wanted to state or could recall, according to his B.A.R. obituary – Horn represented Ross.

Here’s to 55. Here’s to 30. Here’s to Us. Congratulations to the Bay Area Reporter on 55 years of uplifting LGBTQIA voices and stories! San Francisco Public Library is proud to be woven into the fabric of San Francisco’s LGBTQIA history, and this year, we’re marking a milestone of our own. Join us as we celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Main Library and the Hormel LGBTQIA Center. Three decades of preserving stories, building community and creating space for connection and joy.

30 Years of the James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center Saturday, April 18, 3 p.m. Main Library, Hormel Center, 3rd Floor JAMES C. HORMEL

LGBTQIA CENTER

SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY

See page 22 >>

Before there was a chorus,

there was a voice. In 1971, Bob Ross co-founded the Bay Area Reporter – at a time when the LGBTQ community had little voice, and even fewer places to be heard. What began as a newspaper became something more: a record, a witness, and a platform for a community finding its strength.

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For decades it has brought visibility to the very organizations that sustain our community, sharing their missions, elevating their work and connecting them to the audiences they serve.

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<< Community News

22 • Bay Area Repor ter • April 2-8, 2026

B.A.R. leadership

From page 20

The matter settled with Ross buying back Mr. Lorch’s shares in the corporation that owned the B.A.R. by mutual agreement, the B.A.R. reported. Horn eventually became the B.A.R.’s attorney, and he and Ross became so close that Ross had Horn become the executor of his estate. When Ross, who’d been struggling with diabetes, died in 2003, Horn became publisher of the paper. Several staffers were with Ross when he died. “I was there when he passed in the hospital room,” Yamashita said. Evans said, “Bob’s death was sudden. It caught me by surprise. So many of our original publishers like Bob Ross, their connection to the community was extremely strong, built over many, many years. Whenever a person dies unexpectedly, who dies at the helm, I always worry about that title. Will it maintain its connection to the community?” Continued Yamashita, “It was unbelievable – how were we going to go forward without him? I thought it was definitely possible as long as Tom Horn would become the publisher.”

New publisher

Horn was tasked with the liquidation and distribution of Ross’ estate. However, “in 2003, things were changing in the publishing business. The internet had become a thing. People were going online,” he said. “Bob never wanted to go online or have a website,” Horn continued. But when he took over, that was the first thing he did, and ebar.com launched in 2005. Today the paper also has social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram, X, Threads, and Bluesky. Horn also created the B.A.R. editorial board – which today consists of Laird and Yamashita, although gay assistant editors Matthew S. Bajko and this reporter often sit in on the meetings to ask questions in their capacity as journalists.

Besties shopping

From page 18

Best Health Care Provider

Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser is a repeat winner. The health care provider has long supported the LGBTQ community, but last year angered many transgender patients and their allies when it stopped providing gender-affirming surgeries for people under 19, as the B.A.R. reported. Kaiser, along with many other medical centers, such as Stanford, laid the blame on President Donald Trump, whose Executive Order 14187, titled “Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation,” interprets federal law to prevent the procedures at health providers that are recipients of Medicare or Medicaid coverage. https://www.ebar.com/story/156241 The attorneys general of 15 states, including California and the District of Columbia, have sued the Trump administration over its policies around gender-affirming care. Kaiser Permanente. Locations throughout the Bay Area. healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/ northern-california/front-door. Runner-up UCSF

“Endorsements were Bob’s, and Bob’s alone,” Laird recalled when Ross ran the paper. “We didn’t have much input. He’d bring ‘em down to my office and I’d type ‘em up.” The creation of the editorial board made endorsements a more formal process where candidates had to submit a written questionnaire and answer the board’s follow-up questions. Bajko said that this helped the entire community. “The big change for that was the paper getting candidates on the record about LGBTQ issues,” Bajko said. “Once they got elected, we could hold them to account, which we did. We’d pull up their answers, and do stories. … This really changed the game.” The transition was “seamless,” Yamashita said, because Horn was only in the office about once a week, leaving Laird and others a great deal of leeway. Leal said Horn is “just a gentleman and decent man, when there’s a lot of people you don’t say are good guys.” She said he provided “seamless leadership” during the transition period. Leno used the term “gentleman” as well, and said Horn helped lead the B.A.R. to more coverage of the city’s arts community, due to his involvement with the War Memorial. Dufty said that Horn is “a very elegant individual,” who brought a new class to the publication as “a diplomat and bridge builder.” (In 2009, Horn was named honorary consul of Monaco in San Francisco, a title he continues to hold.) Migden described Horn as “a stellar person who has served the community for many decades.” Evans said that he saw Horn as “a steward, until either an activist or someone could be found to take the helm. … Michael Yamashita was a natural.” A decade after Ross died, Horn had to sell the B.A.R. to comply with tax regulations that only allowed Ross’ nonprofit Bob Ross Foundation to own the forprofit business for a decade. BAR Media Inc. was created, and Todd Vogt and Patrick Brown, then with the San Francisco

Best Thrift Store

Community Thrift Store

Community Thrift Store has won the category this year. Founded in 1982, Community Thrift is a nonprofit retail organization supporting over 200 Bay Area charities. “We close the loop on consumer waste, give new life to donated merchandise, and provide a unique shopping experience,” the store’s website noted. People can shop an eclectic mix of clothing, books, art, and furniture. The store accepts donations on behalf of its nonprofit partners, sells the items, then disburses the proceeds to charities. When people donate, they choose from over 200 nonprofit organizations to decide who will benefit from the sale of their items. Community Thrift Store, 623 Valencia Street, San Francisco. (415) 861-4910. communitythriftsf.org. Runner-up Out of the Closet (AIDS Healthcare Foundation)

Best Variety/Gift Shop

Cliff’s Variety

BAR Archive

Probably the most famous cover of the Bay Area Reporter was its “No obits” front page on August 13, 1998.

Evans said that the B.A.R. is strengthened by the robust queer community in San Francisco that has a strong presence in neighborhoods like the Castro, South of Market, and the Transgender District in the Tenderloin. “San Francisco is lucky – you still have those gayborhoods, like Castro Street and others,” Evans said. “In cities like New York, the gayborhoods have disappeared and spread across the city. … A lot of the advertising industry is in New York City, and so when you’ve lost a visual presence, it has an effect.” Leno and Dufty described Yamashita as someone very committed to the business of running the paper even as he deliberately avoids the spotlight. “There’s no one like Mike Yamashita,” Leno said. “I think of Mike as the paper’s workhorse. He gets it done and specifically is not looking for any personal attention to himself. For me, that’s very endearing.” Dufty said that, “There’s no question Mike has had to work with the most difficult challenges to keep the paper going.” Yamashita credits his staff – something he learned, he said, from Ross. “Basically, have confidence in the people you hire and let them do their jobs and not be a micromanager,” he said. “That’s pretty much my philosophy. We’re very fortunate to have talented people work for the Bay Area Reporter over the years, and will continue to do so.” Dufty compared the B.A.R. to the New York Times in the sense that it is the paper of record of the LGBTQ community. “It’s really monumental to think of the accession of these three gay men, and what they have meant to the movement,” he said. Added Migden, “The B.A.R. is our paper of record. May it continue to thrive.” t

The paper survived downsizing and a couple of staff layoffs during the COVID pandemic, moving to a smaller office at the same site, and like a lot of LGBTQ community resources, has been bearing with a drop in revenue coinciding with the

2024 presidential election and the resurgent homophobia of the 2020s. President Donald Trump’s executive orders barring diversity, equity, and inclusion policies in the federal government have also been implemented by many companies and universities, which has contributed to a drop in advertising as businesses phase out their own DEI guidelines and financial support for LGBTQ organizations and media. Still, the B.A.R. carries on. “Mike is very even-keeled,” Laird said. “Especially since COVID, he has worked really hard to keep the paper publishing, and he has done a really good job at seeing the paper become part of other groups of small newspapers so they can band together to sell ads or sponsor events.” Among those, the National LGBT Media Association, News is Out, and the San Francisco Independent Media Coalition.

home and garden, is celebrating its 90th birthday. The store, established in 1936, is having a special event to mark the anniversary, and invites people to enter its Cliff’s Man/Woman/Icon costume contest to pay tribute to the venerable “Cliff’s man” logo. Terry Asten Bennett, a straight ally who co-owns the store and is a past president of the Castro Merchants Association, has long supported the LGBTQ community. “Without community what is the point,” she stated in a message seeking comment on the survey results. “We are so grateful for the love and support of our community. As we celebrate 90 years on June 6, we hope you will all come and celebrate with us and help uplift our community beneficiaries, the Castro Country Club and Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy.”

Buffalo Exchange has friendly staff and plenty of merchandise.

Media Co., then-publishers of the San Francisco Examiner and now-defunct SF Weekly, bought ownership stakes. The paper moved to an office on Bush Street, sharing space with the other San Francisco Media Co. publications. Yamashita and Horn retained a majority stake in the B.A.R., allowing the paper to continue to be LGBTQ-owned. The paper – whose iconic Ninth Street office next to the old Stud bar at the corner of Harrison Street, part of Ross’ estate, had been sold – moved to its current offices on Gough Street less than a year later. In 2017, Yamashita bought out Vogt and Brown.

Surviving challenges

Cliff’s Variety, 479 Castro Street, San Francisco. (415) 212-8400. cliffsvariety.com. Runner-up Just for Fun

Best Vintage Clothing/ Consignment Shop

Buffalo Exchange

Scott Wazlowski

cash or trade. “A pioneer in the resale fashion industry, Buffalo Exchange has been buying, selling and trading clothing & accessories since 1974,” its website stated. Buffalo Exchange, 1210 Valencia Street. (415) 647-8332; 1555 Haight Street. (415) 431-7733. buffaloexchange.com.

B.A.R. readers love Cliff’s Variety, it’s just that simple. In June, the store that sells an eclectic mix of items for the

With locations in the Mission and Haight-Ashbury neighborhoods in San Francisco, Buffalo Exchange allows people to sell their clothes for

Runner-up Crossroads Trading Co.

and tribes of Israel referred to in the Holy Bible. 3. My existence and standing as an American State National, Californian, Indigenous American are self-evident, recognized by the oral histories, ceremonies, and traditions of God’s chosen people. 4. I do not relinquish, surrender, or waive any of my inherit rights, sovereignty, or selfdetermination under any foreign rule. 5. I reserve my right not to be compelled to perform under any contract or commercial agreement that I did not enter into knowingly, volunteering, or intentionally. 6. I reserve my right to not be presumed as a U.S citizen due to contracts that may be viewed as acquaintance. ASSERTION OF RIGHTS I retain my rights as an Indigenous American under Natural Law, the Common Law, Equity & International Law, including but not limited to: ● The Holy Bible & 10 Commandments ● Northwest Ordinance of (1787), Articles III & IV ● The American Declaration of Rights of Indigenous Peoples (ADRIP) ● United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) ● H.CON.RES 331 recognizing American Indians as the original sovereigns of the

land ● The Bill of Rights, & Declaration of Independence ● The United States of America Constitution ● The United States Code II. PURPOSE, INTRODUCTION, & DECLARATIONS 1. This notice is to inform all of who I, Kyani-Devareu:Harris am and am not, my status correction, my standing, and my jurisdiction for official and public record purposes. Please be advised that this A.O.R is a condensed version of previously filed A.O.R’s, that have been properly served & received via certified mail by California Secretary of State, the Governor of the State of California, California Attorney General, Secretary of the United Nations, The president of the United States, the Secretary of the United States, and the Attorney General of the United States. 2. This is to certify that I, KyaniDevareu:Harris sui juris was birth and released from my mothers womb on August 31st 1993 covered in the blood of Jesus, surrounded in the spirit by holy fire, holy angels, in the sovereign republic continental california land by the power and authority of God and his Son Jesus Christ. I’m a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven, my spiritual passport is written with the blood of Jesus that tells

where I came from and where I am going in Jesus’ name. I presently live upon the land of the sovereign republic continental california with God the Father, the Holy Spirit and Jesus dwelling with and inside me covered in the blood of Jesus and surrounded by his angels at all times. I belong to Jesus Christ, my mind, body and soul belong to Jesus. I am not a U.S. Citizen, nor a 14th Amendment citizen of the United States. I am not a Resident or Citizen of the UNITED STATES Government (Corporation), whose situs is Washington the District of Columbia. I am a non-citizen, a National, a Private Christian American, I am one of “We the People” of the united states of america who created government, a descendant of the 12 tribes of Israel spoken and referenced within the Holy Bible, I am considered a Private American State National, a Californian and I invoke every biblical right, birthright granted by almighty God, the King of all kings, every constitutional right granted to me in Trust by the Constitution of the United States of America 1787, Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. 3. I am a free and natural human man, described by God as a Living Soul, living

Cynthia Laird

Kaiser Permanente is a repeat winner in its category.

Legals>> AFFIDAVIT OF REPUDIATION STATUS CORRECTION CREATED BY; KYANIDEVAREU:HARRIS, SUI JURIS, BLESSED SON OF GOD. I. PREAMBLE I, KYANI-DEVAREU:HARRIS OF THE HARRIS FAMILY, KNOWN AMONG MY PEOPLE AS “KYANI” A LIVING AND BREATHING ORIGINAL INDIGENOUS AMERICAN MAN OF THE LAND BY BLOOD, DO HEREBY MAKE THIS FORMAL AND IRREVOCABLE DECLARATION OF MY INDIGENOUS IDENTITY, POLITICAL STATUS, AND ORIGINAL STANDING AS A DESCENDANT / ASCENDANT OF THE TIME IMMEMORIAL PEOPLES OF THE AMERICAS. AFFIRMATION OF INDIGENOUS IDENTITY AND STATUS 1. I am an Original American, politically identified as an American State National, a Californian, Indigenous American, whose ancestry, customs and inherent rights are tied to this land since time immemorial. 2. My identity is not determined by any foreign entity, government, or colonial framework, but by my bloodline, cultural heritage, biblical birthright, and the natural laws of my ancestors

under the common law, natural law, divine law, equity, and the fear of God the Most High & God’s son Jesus Christ. I have assumed among the powers of the Earth, granted by the Lord God Almighty, the Separate and Equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and Nature’s God entitled me. Therefore, in order to secure the blessing of liberty to my posterity and myself, to acquire my Birthright as a member of the Sovereign Body of “We the People,” I declare I am a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven under the authority of Jesus Christ, and a National while on earth. My soul was created by God, I’m from Heaven, my soul was placed inside my body & I was released and resurrected from my mothers womb in the sovereign republican continental San Francisco Californian location. That makes me native to that land, a State National also known as a “Californian”. The same stands in regards to my son and daughter, Ka’Mari-James:Harris, and Sanai-Amira:Harris. Ka’Mari-James:Harris, and SanaiAmira:Harris who are both covered by the blood of Jesus, holy fire, holy angels, the power of the cross, by Jesus Christ, the power of God, and we belong to Jesus. Public

Legals >>

Law 97-280 by congress states the Holy Bible is Law and I not only agree but believe that God’s law is the only true lawful form of law. III. NOTICE TO ALL PARTIES **Notice of Official Warning** 1. This affidavit declaration serves as public and lawful notice of my Indigenous American status, in Law and the Northwest Ordinance (1787). All men and women have the unalienable right to self determine, and the right to be safe in their papers and affects. Any attempt to deny, alter, or challenge my identity or mutual agreement shall be deemed an infringement upon rights. 2. This is an official notice, warning to all agents, principals, de facto governments, corporations, organizations, municipalities, governmental personnel, representatives, public servants of “We the people”, the kingdom of darkness and anything alike. Anything working against me and my family becomes an enemy of God. Anything sent from the kingdom of darkness against me and my family becomes an enemy to God. Warning to all agents, principals, de facto governments, corporations, organization municipalities, governmental personnel, representatives, public servants under 42 USC 1983, 1985 and or USC Title 18 S. 241, 242 which is a conspiracy to deprive one of their rights while acting under the color of law, and interference with civil rights both civilly and criminally. The fee schedule penalty minimum starts at $250,000 per violation, and possible jail time for violation of rights. Article 1 section 6 clause 8 of the United States constitution described emolument violation, this is when government workers steal from the people and act out of their scope of authority. Government and government corporations are made to serve the people not violate their rights, such actions that violate the american constitution, united states code, equity, natural law, unalienable rights, the common law, God’s law, the 10 commandments; (“love thy neighbor as thyself…”) that I choose to be governed by will be subject to penalties, fines and fees. This Affidavit of Repudiation Status Correction serves as public & official notice, warning and notifying all of whom I am, my status correction, my standing, and my jurisdiction written by Kyani-Devareu:Harris as the creator. I affirm under the penalty of perjury and in Divine truth that the foregoing is true, complete and correct. Written: 04-09-2026, Signed Date: Kyani Devareu Harris, Kyani-Devareu:Harris - Executor Living Man & Beneficiary to Cestui Que Vie Public Charitable Trust KYANI DEVAREU HARRIS - Vessel UCC 1-308 All Rights Reserved, Without Prejudice

APR 02, 2026

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO CASE NUMBER CNC-26560511 To all interested persons, the Petitioner MICHELLE HUI XIU ZHU CO filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: present name MICHELLE HUI XIU ZHU CO to proposed name MICHELLE HUI XIU ZHU. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing: APRIL 14, 2026, 9:00 am, Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. MAR 12, 19, 26, APR 02, 2026 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO CASE NUMBER CNC-26560512 To all interested persons, the Petitioner JOANNA ALEXIS TOLEDO filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: present name JOANNA ALEXIS TOLEDO to proposed name JOANNA ALEXIS SATO. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing: APRIL 16, 2026, 9:00 am, Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. MAR 12, 19, 26, APR 02, 2026 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO CASE NUMBER CNC-26560513 To all interested persons, the Petitioner VICENTE EMILIANO SANCHEZ filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: present name VICENTE EMILIANO SANCHEZ to proposed name VICENTE EMILIANO SATO. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing: APRIL 16, 2026, 9:00 am, Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. MAR 12, 19, 26, APR 02, 2026 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO CASE NUMBER CNC-26560520 To all interested persons, the Petitioner JENNIFER MICHELLE GARNAAS filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: present name JENNIFER MICHELLE GARNAAS to proposed name JENNIFER GARNAAS NEWLIN. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing: APRIL 21, 2026, 9:00 am, Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. MAR 12, 19, 26, APR 02, 2026 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO CASE NUMBER CNC-26560516 To all interested persons, the Petitioner TUUTA FEAGAI FILI filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: present name TUUTA FEAGAI FILI to proposed name JOSHUA TUUTA FEAGAIMAALI’I FILIMOEKAVA. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing: APRIL 16, 2026, 9:00 am, Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. MAR 12, 19, 26, APR 02, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408637 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): REGENCY LIMOUSINE CO., 2121 SACRAMENTO ST #201, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual. Registrant/Owner(s): DONALD M. BERGER. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/04/1984. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/03/2026. MAR 12, 19, 26, APR 02, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408643 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): LEVETTI CONSTRUCTION, 61 ORSI CIR, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by an individual. Registrant/Owner(s): VIET LE TRAN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/03/2026. MAR 12, 19, 26, APR 02, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408654 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): TAMBRIZ CLEANING SERVICES, 2951 SAN BRUNO AVE #8, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94134. This business is conducted by an individual. Registrant/Owner(s): JUANA SOHOM TAMBRIZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/04/2026. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/04/2026. MAR 12, 19, 26, APR 02, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408655 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): ESCALANTE CLEANING SERVICES, 21 SANTA CRUZ

April 2-8, 2026 • Bay Area Repor ter • 23

AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual. Registrant/Owner(s): ILDA E. ESCALANTE DIAZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/04/2026. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/04/2026.

MAR 12, 19, 26, APR 02, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408671 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): YESI CLEANING SERVICES, 60 LEAVENWORTH ST #21, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by an individual. Registrant/Owner(s): YESI Y TORRES VALERIO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/05/2026. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/05/2026. MAR 12, 19, 26, APR 02, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408647 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): WILD & WOO WOO ADVENTURES, 2632 BUSH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by an individual. Registrant/Owner(s): LISA KINNE. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/03/2026. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/03/2026. MAR 12, 19, 26, APR 02, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408364 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): CANA HOUSE PRODUCTIONS, 2328 PINE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by an individual. Registrant/Owner(s): CHRISTINE MCCANN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/26/2026. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/28/2026. MAR 12, 19, 26, APR 02, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408662 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): 185 SICKLES AVE APTS, 185 SICKLES AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual. Registrant/Owner(s): CYNTHIA JEONG. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/04/2026. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/04/2026. MAR 12, 19, 26, APR 02, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408486 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): HART STUDIO, 1357 CLAY ST #7, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94109. This business is conducted by an individual. Registrant/Owner(s): HUNTER HARTLEY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/10/2026. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/10/2026. MAR 12, 19, 26, APR 02, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408695 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): JUAREZ BROTHERS CLEANING SERVICES, 159 SADOWA ST #5, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual. Registrant/Owner(s): CECILIA M. JUAREZ JUAREZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/09/2026. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/09/2026. MAR 12, 19, 26, APR 02, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408680 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): KHEL KHIL, KHUL INTERPRETING SERVICE, 2949 18TH ST #301, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual. Registrant/Owner(s): TSERENDOLGOR TSELEEJAV. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/23/2019. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/06/2026. MAR 12, 19, 26, APR 02, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408335 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): GLEN PARK CHIROPRACTIC, 2 MONTEREY BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94131. This business is conducted by an individual. Registrant/Owner(s): ANDREW SOKOLSKY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/13/1987. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/27/2026. MAR 12, 19, 26, APR 02, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408631 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): CHAINSCALE GTM ADVISORY, 56 VARENNES ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by a corporation. Registrant/Owner(s): DEKA987 INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/02/2026. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/02/2026. MAR 12, 19, 26, APR 02, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408644 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): SEVEN REVERIES, 2113 UNION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by a corporation. Registrant/Owner(s): MTEP MEDICAL PC (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 03/03/2026. MAR 12, 19, 26, APR 02, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408659 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): DYNAMO DONUTS AND COFFEE, 2760 24TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation. Registrant/Owner(s): REDWOOD DONUTS AND SKILLET (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/2026. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/04/2026. MAR 12, 19, 26, APR 02, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408665 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): BEN TRE, 2650 OCEAN AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94132. This business is conducted by a corporation. Registrant/Owner(s): THE PHO RANGER INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/03/2026. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/04/2026. MAR 12, 19, 26, APR 02, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408686 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): CHEAPER THAN THERAPY, 533 SUTTER ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted by a corporation. Registrant/Owner(s): CTT COMEDY (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/01/2015. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/06/2026. MAR 12, 19, 26, APR 02, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408697 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): HOT DOG BILLS, 599 SKYLINE BLVD LAKE #1, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94132. This business is conducted by a corporation. Registrant/Owner(s): HOT DOG BILLS, INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/14/2021. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/09/2026. MAR 12, 19, 26, APR 02, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408698 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): HOT DOG BILLS, 599 SKYLINE BLVD RANGE #2, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94132. This business is conducted by a corporation. Registrant/Owner(s): HOT DOG BILLS, INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact busi-

ness under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/14/2021. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/09/2026.

MAR 12, 19, 26, APR 02, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408393 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): PANCHITAS, 3091 16TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103. This business is conducted by a corporation. Registrant/Owner(s): VENECIA DC INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/30/2026. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 01/30/2026. MAR 12, 19, 26, APR 02, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408687 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): BAY AREA BLACK WALL STREET, 744 INNES AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a limited liability company. Registrant/Owner(s): UJIMA HOLISTIC SOLUTIONS, LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/01/2026. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/06/2026. MAR 12, 19, 26, APR 02, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE M-303034 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): JUSTINE FAN PSYCHOLOGY, 700 EL CAMINO REAL #120, MENLO PARK, CA 94025. This business is conducted by an individual. Registrant/Owner(s): JUSTINE FAN. 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 Mateo, CA on 02/20/2026. MAR 12, 19, 26, APR 02, 2026 NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF CHRISTOPHER LEE WATTS AKA CHRIS WATTS IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO: CASE NUMBER PES-25-309246 To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent creditors, and persons who may otherwise be interested in the will or estate, or both, of CHRISTOPHER LEE WATTS AKA CHRIS WATTS. A Petition for Probate has been filed by DENNIS NATHAN WATTS in the Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco. The Petition for Probate requests that DENNIS NATHAN WATTS be appointed as personal representative to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition requests authority to administer the estate under the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This authority will allow the personal representative to take many actions without obtaining court approval. Before taking certain very important actions, however, the personal representative will be required to give notice to interested persons unless they have waived notice or consented to the proposed action.) The independent administration authority will be granted unless an interested person files an objection to the petition and shows good cause why the court should not grant the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in this court as follows: APRIL 07, 2026, 9:00 am, Dept. 204, Rm. 204, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. If you object to the granting of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and state your objections or file written objections with the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal representative appointed by the court within the later of either (1) four months from the date of first issuance of letters to a general personal representative, as defined by section 58(b) of the California Probate Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or personal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of the California Probate Code. Other California statutes and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in California law. You may examine the file kept by the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, you may file with the court a Request for Special Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request for Special Notice form is available from the court clerk. Attorney for petitioner: SRIJANA DHAKHWA (SBN 340899), 900 MISSION AVE #11C, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901; Ph. (415) 488-5552. MAR 19, 26, APR 02, 2026 SUMMONS, SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SOLANO, NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: TAA HAA INC DBA NICK THE GREEK; GURMUKH SINGH; RAVINDER PAL SHARMA AKA RAVINDER SHARMA; SIERRA NICOLE VALENZUELA AKA SIERRA VALENZUELA; AND DOES 1 THROUGH 10, INCLUSIVE. YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: PAWNEE LEASING CORPORATION. CASE NUMBER: CU25-02174 NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below. You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courlinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courlinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien for waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court’s lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. !AVISO! Lo han demandado. Si no responde dentro de 30 días, la corte puede decidir en su contra sin escuchar su versión. Lea la información a continuación. Tiene 30 DÍAS DE CALENDARIO después de que le entreguen esta citación y papeles legales para presentar una respuesta por escrito en esta corte y hacer que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefónica no lo protegen. Su respuesta por escrito tiene que estar en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar para su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y más información en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.sucorte.ca.gov), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede más cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentación, pida al secretario de la corte que le de un formulario de exención de pago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumplimiento y la corte le podrá quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin más advertencia. Hay otros requisitos legales. Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, puede llamar a un servicio de remisión a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpla con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucro en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org}, en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.sucorte.ca.gov) o poniéndose en contacto con la corle o el colegio de abogados locales. AVISO: Por ley, la corte tiene derecho a reclamar las cuotas y los costos exentos por imponer un gravamen sobre cualquier recuperación de $10,000 o más de valor recibida mediante un acuerdo o una concesión de arbitraje en un caso de derecho civil. Tiene que pagar el gravamen de la corte antes de que la corte pueda desechar el caso. The name and address of the court is: SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SOLANO, 580 TEXAS ST, FAIRFIELD, CA 94533. The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiffs attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: AMANDA N. FERNS (SBA 233104), FERNS ADAMS & ASSOCIATES, 2815 MITCHELL DR #210, WALNUT CREEK, CA 94598; (925) 927-3401. MAR 19, 26, APR 02, 09, 2026 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY

OF SAN FRANCISCO CASE NUMBER CNC-26560534 To all interested persons, the Petitioner JASON RICHARD filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: present name JASON RICHARD to proposed name JASON WEST. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing: APRIL 21, 2026, 9:00 am, Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. MAR 19, 26, APR 02, 09, 2026 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO CASE NUMBER CNC-26560543 To all interested persons, the Petitioner COURTNIE LYNN JACKMAN filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: present name COURTNIE LYNN JACKMAN to proposed name COURTNIE LYNN JIMENEZ-JACKMAN. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing: APRIL 23, 2026, 9:00 am, Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. MAR 19, 26, APR 02, 09, 2026 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO CASE NUMBER CNC-26560553 To all interested persons, the Petitioner PAMELA HUYNH & REYLAND MANATAN filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: present name CONNOR-GAGE HUYNH MANATAN to proposed name CONNOR GAGE HUYNH-MANATAN. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing: APRIL 28, 2026, 9:00 am, Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. MAR 19, 26, APR 02, 09, 2026 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO CASE NUMBER CNC-26560552 To all interested persons, the Petitioner KIM HANH DIEP AKA HANH THI KIM DIEP AKA HANH KIM DIEP filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: present name KIM HANH DIEP AKA HANH THI KIM DIEP AKA HANH KIM DIEP to proposed name HANH KIM DIEP. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing: APRIL 28, 2026, 9:00 am, Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. MAR 19, 26, APR 02, 09, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408713 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): LEO’S HOT DOG, 2301 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual. Registrant/Owner(s): ADAN GONZALEZ HERNANDEZ. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/10/2026. MAR 19, 26, APR 02, 09, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408640 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): REDWOOD EMPIRE REALTY, 2501 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual. Registrant/Owner(s): HEATHER LEIGH THURBER. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/02/2026. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/03/2026. MAR 19, 26, APR 02, 09, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408732 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): PRORATES, 1766A UNION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by an individual. Registrant/Owner(s): MARC N. WOOLERY. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 01/10/1994. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/12/2026. MAR 19, 26, APR 02, 09, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408750 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): PASSION PROJECTS SF; PPSF; PASSION PROJECTS GALLERY; PPSF GALLERY, 300 2ND AVE #3, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94118. This business is conducted by an individual. Registrant/Owner(s): KATHARINE C. BAIRD. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/13/2026. MAR 19, 26, APR 02, 09, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408751 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): PACIFIC HEALTHCARE CAPITAL GROUP, 318 SPEAR ST #8F, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94105. This business is conducted by an individual. Registrant/Owner(s): BOB BRIAN ABBASSI. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 09/30/2025. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/13/2026. MAR 19, 26, APR 02, 09, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408737 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): RECHARM ZHARGALANTA FINDS, 481 35TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by an individual. Registrant/Owner(s): INNA BANZAROVA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/18/2025. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/12/2026. MAR 19, 26, APR 02, 09, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408715 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): MKTHINK, 800 GREAT HIGHWAY, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by a corporation. Registrant/Owner(s): MILLER KELLEY ARCHITECTS INC. (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 04/01/2005. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 10/10/2026. MAR 19, 26, APR 02, 09, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408681 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): B L & ASSOCIATES INSURANCE SERVICES, 2191 45TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94116. This business is conducted by a corporation. Registrant/Owner(s): LI INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/05/2026. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/06/2026. MAR 19, 26, APR 02, 09, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-040733 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): CALIFORNIA ENERGY SOLUTIONS, 3075 23RD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation. Registrant/Owner(s): MCKEE AND COMPANY ELECTRIC (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 03/12/2026. MAR 19, 26, APR 02, 09, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408613 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): LILI’S CAFE, 1199 S VAN NESS AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation. Registrant/Owner(s): LITTLE LILY’S CAFE INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/26/2026. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/27/2025. MAR 19, 26, APR 02, 09, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408711 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): AETHLABS, 3085 21ST ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by a corporation. Registrant/Owner(s): MICROAETH CORPORATION (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 06/22/2011. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/10/2026. MAR 19, 26, APR 02, 09, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408639 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): PER SIA, 3158 MISSION ST #3, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual. Registrant/Owner(s): SOCRATES PARRA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE the above listed fictitious business name or names on 2026-0408727 03/03/2026. The statement was filed with the City and Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): County of San Francisco, CA on 03/03/2026. CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO SPARC, 473 HAIGHT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. MAR 19, 26, APR 02, 09, 2026 This business is conducted by a corporation. Regis-

Community Outreach Public Notice

Prepared by The Office of the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors Pursuant to Administrative Code, Section 2.81

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO Community Outreach Public Notice CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO Prepared by The Office of the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors Pursuant to Administrative Code, Section 2.81

Community Outreach Public Notice

PreparedBoard by The Office of the Francisco. Clerk of the Board Supervisors San Francisco Board of Supervisors in San Thisofsite includes resources Administrative Sectionimmigration 2.81 or Commission Vacancies: Pursuant tofor free to Code, low-cost legal help, healthcare and public benefits information, know Participate on a Board or Commission! your rights, upcoming events, and much more! Get connected to the trusted resources you The Assessment Appeals Board (AAB) need: sf.gov/immigrants The AAB resolves legal and value assessment Civil Grand Jury issues between the Assessor’s office and Apply to join the Civil Grand Jury property owners. Volunteer to make a difference for all San Hearings are quasi-judicial, conducted in a Franciscans. manner similar to a court setting, with evidence and testimony presented by the parties. The We are accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Board then evaluates the evidence and Civil Grand Jury now through May 1, 2026. testimony and renders its decision. The Civil Grand Jury is comprised of 19 members To be eligible for seat appointment, you must randomly drawn from a pool of applicants who have a minimum of five years professional volunteer to serve for a one-year term, from July experience in California as either a: (1) public 1 through June 30 of the following year. accountant; (2) real estate broker; (3) attorney; Qualified applicants will be invited to participate or (4) property appraiser accredited by a in selection. During selection, a panel of Superior nationally recognized organization, or certified Court Judges will interview each applicant and by either the Office of Real Estate Appraiser or recommend the most qualified to be part of the State Board of Equalization. the pool from which the Civil Grand Jury’s 19 members will be randomly selected. For a full list of current or upcoming Boards, For more information, and to apply please visit Commissions and Task Forces, please visit our webpage: https://www.sf.gov/apply-join-civilhttps://sfbos.org/vacancy-boards-commissions- grand-jury task-forces. Housing Authority Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program Want to work for the City? Seeking New Landlords Visit the website https://careers.sf.gov/ and find The Housing Authority of the City and County a job that’s right for you! of San Francisco (Authority) is actively seeking new property owners to participate in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. The Department Announcements Child Support Services program provides housing assistance to eligible Child support matters can be complicated, individuals and families by paying a portion of stressful, and confusing. The Department of their rent to private property owners. Child Support Services helps parents understand Key benefits: the process so they know their rights and options 1.Guaranteed Monthly Rent: Property owners for making and receiving support payments. We can rely on timely direct deposit rental payments are available to assist you in person or by phone. from the Authority. Virtual services are also available. Call us today 2.Expanded Tenant Pool: Property owners gain at (866) 901-3212 for more information. Enroll access to a broader pool of prospective tenants. online or schedule an appointment at sf.gov/ 3.Community Impact: Partnering with the dcss to learn how we can help you. Authority supports affordable housing and the Department of Emergency Management community. sf.gov/ReadySF - The place to find everything you need to know before, during, and after an We are interested in expanding housing emergency. Stay ready, so you don’t have to opportunities in San Francisco zip codes get ready. Brought to you by the San Francisco 94129, 94123, 94105, 94127, 94114, 94131, Department of Emergency Management (DEM). 94116, 94118, 94158, 94122, 94107, 94117, Offi Immigrant 94121, The ce Cityof andCivic CountyEngagement of San Francisco&encourages public94112, outreach. Articlesand are immediate suburban areas. Aff airs into several languages to provide better public access. ForThemore information, please contact us at translated newspaper makes Resources fortranslate Immigrants in San Francisco customercare@sfha.org or learn more at www. every effort to the articles of general interest correctly. No liability is assumed The SF Forum is an or online resourcefor sfha.org. by the CityImmigrant and County of San Francisco the newspapers errors and omissions. for immigrants of all backgrounds and statuses The City and County of San Francisco encourages public outreach. Articles are

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

CNSB # 4026133

<< Classifieds

24 • Bay Area Repor ter • April 2-8, 2026

trant/Owner(s): MIPARC, INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/21/2016. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/11/2026.

MAR 19, 26, APR 02, 09, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408741 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): HOLYSHRED, 1661 TENNESSEE ST UNIT 2K, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a corporation. Registrant/Owner(s): PADPAD, INC. (DE). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/12/2026. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/12/2026. MAR 19, 26, APR 02, 09, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408712 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): DUMPLING PATIO, 2499 LOMBARD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by a corporation. Registrant/Owner(s): ORIGINAL BUFFALO WINGS, 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 03/10/2026. MAR 19, 26, APR 02, 09, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408722 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): BUIE PORTER MUNSON & SILLER ENTERPRISE, 1321 EVANS AVE #C, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a limited liability company. Registrant/ Owner(s): BUIE PORTER MUNSON & SILLER LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 10/18/2018. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/11/2026. MAR 19, 26, APR 02, 09, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408735 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): PRESIDIO AUDIO VISUAL RENTAL, 1271 21ST AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business is conducted by a limited liability company. Registrant/Owner(s): YANAR MANAGEMENT LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/12/2026. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/12/2026. MAR 19, 26, APR 02, 09, 2026

on 03/03/2026. MAR 19, 26, APR 02, 09, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408738 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): CABLE CAR KOPI, 3463 16TH ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by a limited liability company. Registrant/Owner(s): FOOD TEK KLG LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/12/2026. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/12/2026. MAR 19, 26, APR 02, 09, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408603 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): AUREUM PROPERTIES PARTNERS, 2324 FILLMORE ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94115. This business is conducted by a limited liability company. Registrant/Owner(s): AUREUM LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/26/2026. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/26/2026. MAR 19, 26, APR 02, 09, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408762 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): BARISTA COFFEE & BRUNCH, 1799 FULTON ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by a limited liability company. Registrant/Owner(s): 1799 FULTON LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/16/2026. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/16/2026. MAR 19, 26, APR 02, 09, 2026 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE 2025-0406969 The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as ODELL HOUSEWARES, 668 GUERRERO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business was conducted by an individual and signed by LOGAN LING. The fictitious business name statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 07/23/2025. The abandonment of fictitious business name statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/11/2026. MAR 19, 26, APR 02, 09, 2026

the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing: MAY 07, 2026, 9:00 am, Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102.

conducted by a limited liability company. Registrant/ Owner(s): TASTE REPUBLIC LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/17/2026. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/17/2026.

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO CASE NUMBER CNC-26560570 To all interested persons, the Petitioner OFIR HANIN & YONATAN KOMORNIK filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: present name ETAMAR HANIN-KOMORNIK to proposed name ITAMAR HANIN-KOMORNIK. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing: MAY 07, 2026, 9:00 am, Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. MAR 26, APR 02, 09, 16, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408811 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): MALONE’S, 216 TOWNSEND ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted by a limited liability company. Registrant/Owner(s): MIGHTY CASEY, 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 03/20/2026. MAR 26, APR 02, 09, 16, 2026

MAR 26, APR 02, 09, 16, 2026

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO CASE NUMBER CNC-26560568 To all interested persons, the Petitioner LISA MAY JONES AKA LEAC MAY JONES filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: present name LISA MAY JONES AKA LEAC MAY JONES to proposed name LISA MAY JONES. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing: MAY 07, 2026, 9:00 am, Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. MAR 26, APR 02, 09, 16, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408815 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): TU HAIR, 391 BRIDGE VIEW DR #2, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business is conducted by an individual. Registrant/Owner(s): TAMMIE UNDERWOOD. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 11/18/2025. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/20/2026. MAR 26, APR 02, 09, 16, 2026

NOTICE OF PETITION TO ADMINISTER ESTATE OF HOWARD PARKER JOHNSTON, JR. AKA HOWARD JOHNSTON IN SUPERIOR COURT OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO: 2026-0408746 CASE NUMBER PES-25-308582 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): To all heirs, beneficiaries, creditors, contingent FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE GOLDEN GAIT, 3095 TURK BLVD, SAN FRANCISCO, creditors, and persons who may otherwise be 2026-0408706 CA 94118. This business is conducted by a limited interested in the will or estate, or both, of HOWARD Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): D liability company. Registrant/Owner(s): GOLDEN GAIT PARKER JOHNSTON, JR. AKA HOWARD JOHNSTON. CLAR PLUMBING, 46 CHICAGO WAY, SAN FRANCISCO, WELLNESS LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced A Petition for Probate and an Amended Petition CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual. to transact business under the above listed fictitious for Letters of Administration and Authorization to Registrant/Owner(s): CLARENCE O. CHAVEZ. The business name or names on N/A. The statement was Administer Under the Independent Administration of registrant(s) commenced to transact business under filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on Estate Act with Full Authority, and an Amendment to the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/13/2026. Amended Petition for Letters of Administration and 03/09/2026. The statement was filed with the City and Authorization to Administer Under the Independent MAR 19, 26, APR 02, 09, 2026 County of San Francisco, CA on 03/09/2026. Administration of Estate Act With Full Authority, MAR 26, APR 02, 09, 16, 2026 (collectively Petition for Probate, or the Petition) FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE has been filed by GARY ROBERT LIEBERMAN in the 2026-0408642 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE Superior Court of CAlifornia, County of San Francisco. Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): 2026-0408795 The Petition for Probate requests that GARY ROBERT URBAN FOOD DELIVERY, 5880 3RD ST, SAN FRANCISCO, LIEBERMAN be appointed as personal representative Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): CA 94124. This business is conducted by a limited to administer the estate of the decedent. The petition CONSCIOUS DIVINE FORM; AUTHENTIC ALCHEMY 777, liability company. Registrant/Owner(s): TWIN PEAK requests authority to administer the estate under 447 SUTTER ST STE 405 #581, SAN FRANCISCO, CA SOLUTIONS LLC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to the Independent Administration of Estates Act. (This 94108. This business is conducted by an individual. transact business under the above listed fictitious busiauthority will allow the personal representative to take Registrant/Owner(s): JEANNIE WU. The registrant(s) ness name or names on 03/03/2026. The statement many actions without obtaining court approval. Before commenced to transact business under the above listed was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA taking certain very important actions, however, the perfictitious business name or names on 03/06/2026. The ***PLEASE VERIFY THIS AD sonal IS FOR YOUR NEWSPAPER RE-TYPE ADCounty *** of San representative will be required to give notice – to DO NOT statement was filed withTHIS the City and interested persons unless they have waived notice or Francisco, CA on 03/18/2026. consented to the proposed action.) The independent MAR 26, APR 02, 09, 16, 2026 SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA RAPID administration authority will be granted unless an TRANSIT DISTRICT REVISED NOTICE TO interested person files an objection to the petition FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE PROPOSERS – GENERAL INFORMATION and shows good cause why the court should not grant 2026-0408807 the authority. A hearing on the petition will be held in March 19, 2026 GRANTS MANAGEMENT Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): this court as follows: APRIL 22, 2026, 9:00 am, Dept. SOLUTION PLATFORM SERVICES RFP MASTER LOCKSMITH SAN FRANCISCO, 4619 LINCOLN 204, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., WAY #C, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94122. This business NO. 6M4905 The San Francisco Bay Area San Francisco, CA 94102. If you object to the granting is conducted by an individual. Registrant/Owner(s): Rapid Transit District ("BART") intends to of the petition, you should appear at the hearing and YELYZAVETA KANTOR. The registrant(s) commenced engage the services of up to ONE state your objections or file written objections with to transact business under the above listed fictitious ● Contractor (CONTRACTOR) to the court before the hearing. Your appearance may be business name or names on N/A. The statement was in person or by your attorney. If you are a creditor or provide Grants Management Solution as filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on contingent creditor of the decedent, you must file your 03/19/2026. indicated within the Request for Proposals claim with the court and mail a copy to the personal (“RFP”). MAR 26, APR 02, 09, 16, 2026 representative appointed by the court within the later ● Accordingly and on behalf of of either (1) four months from the date of first issuFICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE both agencies, BART will be accepting ance of letters to a general personal representative, 2026-0408812 as defined by section 58(b) of the California Probate proposals ("Proposals") from proposers Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): Code, or (2) 60 days from the date of mailing or per(“Proposers”) for consideration for the SUPERSTAR SECURITY, 935 GOLDEN GATE AVE #J, SAN sonal delivery to you of a notice under section 9052 of selection of CONSULTANTS to perform the FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is conducted the California Probate Code. Other California statutes scope of services specified in this RFP. by an individual. Registrant/Owner(s): FIKREMARIAM and legal authority may affect your rights as a creditor. MEHARI. The registrant(s) commenced to transact busiProposals must be received by BART by 2:00 You may want to consult with an attorney knowledgeness under the above listed fictitious business name or able in California law. You may examine the file kept by PM local time on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 . names on N/A. The statement was filed with the City the court. If you are a person interested in the estate, Proposals shall be submitted to the following and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/20/2026. you may file with the court a Request for Special address: District Secretary's Office San MAR 26, APR 02, 09, 16, 2026 Notice (form DE-154) of the filing of an inventory and Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District appraisal of estate assets or of any petition or account 2150 Webster Street, 10th Floor Oakland, CA FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE as provided in Probate Code section 1250. A Request 2026-0408797 for Special Notice form is available from the court 94612 REQUIRED REGISTRATION ON THE clerk. Petitioner: GARY ROBERT LIEBERMAN, 7 MT. Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): BART PROCUREMENT PORTAL In order for LASSEN DR SUITE A150, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94903; Ph. SOMA SCHOOL; SOMA DAYCARE; SOMA PRESCHOOL; prospective Proposers to be eligible for (415) 897-2226. SOMA DAYCARE AND PRESCHOOL LLC, 473 BRYANT ST, award of an Agreement being solicited on the SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94107. This business is conducted MAR 26, APR 02, 09, 2026 BART Procurement Portal, such Proposers by an individual. Registrant/Owner(s): LUONG NGOC are required to be currently registered to do KHANH. The registrant(s) commenced to transact busiORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME ness under the above listed fictitious business name or business with BART on the BART IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY names on 09/07/2012. The statement was filed with the OF SAN FRANCISCO CASE NUMBER CNC-26Procurement Portal online at City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/18/2026. 560541 https://suppliers.bart.gov and have obtained MAR 26, APR 02, 09, 16, 2026 To all interested persons, the Petitioner LAURENCE Solicitation Documents, updates, and any GATHERS filed a petition with this court for a decree Addenda issued online so as to be added to FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE changing names as follows: present name LARRY the Online Planholders List for this 2026-0408657 GATHERS AKA LAURENCE GATHERS to proposed name solicitation. If a prospective Proposer is a Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): LAURENCE WINSTON GATHERS. Any person objecting SHOTWELL ASSOCIATES, 3874 18TH ST #301, SAN to the name changes described above must file a writjoint venture or partnership, such entity may FRANCISCO, CA 94114. This business is conducted by ten objection that includes the reasons for the objection register on the BART Procurement Portal an individual. Registrant/Owner(s): CHAYA WURMAN. at least two court days before the matter is scheduled with the entity's tax identification number The registrant(s) commenced to transact business unto be heard and must appear at the hearing to show (TIN) and download the Solicitation der the above listed fictitious business name or names cause why the petition should not be granted. If no Documents so as to be listed as an online written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the on 03/04/2026. The statement was filed with the City petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing: APRIL 23, and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/04/2026. planholder under the entity's name prior to 2026, 9:00 am, Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N, Superior Court of submitting its Proposal. If such entity has not MAR 26, APR 02, 09, 16, 2026 California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. registered on BART Procurement Portal in FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE MAR 26, APR 02, 09, 16, 2026 the name of the joint venture or partnership 2026-0408601 prior to submitting its Proposal, provided that ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): at least one of the joint venturers or partners IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY PEACE PHOTO, 524 HAIGHT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, registered online on the BART Procurement OF SAN FRANCISCO CASE NUMBER CNC-26CA 94117. This business is conducted by an indi560559 vidual. Registrant/Owner(s): CHRIS S.A. GOULD. The Portal and downloaded the Solicitation registrant(s) commenced to transact business under To all interested persons, the Petitioner ERIKA Documents so as to be added to the Online the above listed fictitious business name or names on CLAUDIO filed a petition with this court for a decree Planholders List for this solicitation, such 02/25/2026. The statement was filed with the City and changing names as follows: present name ERIKA entity will be required to register with the County of San Francisco, CA on 02/25/2026. CLAUDIO AKA SIDNEY JUNE to proposed name SIDNEY entity's TIN as an online planholder following JUNE. Any person objecting to the name changes deMAR 26, APR 02, 09, 16, 2026 the submittal of Proposals, in order for the scribed above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days entity to be eligible for award of this FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must 2026-0408618 Agreement. PROPOSERS WHO HAVE NOT appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): REGISTERED ON THE BART should not be granted. If no written objection is timely THUNDERDOG; THUNDERDOG DESIGNS, 4614 17TH ST, PROCUREMENT PORTAL PRIOR TO filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted SUBMITTING A PROPOSAL, (OR FOR A Notice of Hearing: APRIL 30, 2026, 9:00 am, Dept. 103N, by an individual. Registrant/Owner(s): ERIC FLANIKEN. Rm. 103N, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister JOINT VENTURE OR PARTNERSHIP AS The registrant(s) commenced to transact business unSt., San Francisco, CA 94102. DESCRIBED ABOVE PRIOR TO AWARD) der the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/11/2016. The statement was filed with the City MAR 26, APR 02, 09, 16, 2026 AND DID NOT DOWNLOAD THE and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/17/2026. SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS FOR THIS ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME MAR 26, APR 02, 09, 16, 2026 SOLICITATION ONLINE SO AS TO BE IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY LISTED AS AN ONLINE PLANHOLDER OF SAN FRANCISCO CASE NUMBER CNC-26FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE FOR THIS SOLICITATION, MAY NOT BE 560563 2026-0408800 ELIGIBLE FOR AWARD OF THIS To all interested persons, the Petitioner DAO-CHAU Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): DAC NGUYEN filed a petition with this court for a decree AGREEMENT. PRE-PROPOSAL MEETING ARCHITECTS SF; SF ARCHITECTS, 1390 MARKET ST changing names as follows: present name DAO-CHAU #200, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94102. This business is A Pre-Proposal Meeting will be held on DAC NGUYEN to proposed name LUCY DAO-CHAU conducted by a corporation. Registrant/Owner(s): Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. local NGUYEN. Any person objecting to the name changes deARCHITECT SF (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to time via Zoom presentation . All interested scribed above must file a written objection that includes transact business under the above listed fictitious busiparties must RSVP via registering with the the reasons for the objection at least two court days ness name or names on 08/15/2014. The statement before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must Zoom link included within the RFP document was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition on 03/19/2026. in order to participate in this Pre-Proposal should not be granted. If no written objection is timely Meeting. Should there be difficulties in MAR 26, APR 02, 09, 16, 2026 filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. registering, please contact rae.liu@bart.gov. Notice of Hearing: APRIL 30, 2026, 9:00 am, Dept. 103N, FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE Instructions on attending the Zoom Rm. 103N, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister 2026-0408806 St., San Francisco, CA 94102. Presentation are included within the RFP. At Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): the Pre-Proposal Meeting, the District's MAR 26, APR 02, 09, 16, 2026 VON, 880 HARRISON ST #301, SAN FRANCISCO, CA Equity Program(s) will be explained. 94107. This business is conducted by a corporation. AMENDED ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE Registrant/Owner(s): RATTLE SOFTWARE INC. (DE). The Prospective Proposers are requested to OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, registrant(s) commenced to transact business under make every effort to participate in this only COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO CASE NUMBER the above listed fictitious business name or names on scheduled Pre-Proposal Meeting. At the CNC-26-560560 01/01/2026. The statement was filed with the City and conclusion of the Pre-Proposal Meeting, To all interested persons, the Petitioner KAYLA County of San Francisco, CA on 03/19/2026. participants will be given the opportunity to KREIS filed an amended petition with this court for MAR 26, APR 02, 09, 16, 2026 a decree changing names as follows: present name share their contact information to facilitate KAYLA KREIS to proposed name KAYLIA KREIS. Any FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE networking offline. person objecting to the name changes described above 2026-0408769 4/2/26 must file a written objection that includes the reasons Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): CNS-4026579# for the objection at least two court days before the BHC CHICKEN BAY AREA, 3995 ALEMANY BLVD BAY AREA REPORTER matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at #3661, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94132. This business is

California Newspaper Service Bureau. 915 East First Street Los Angeles CA 90012 Phone:(213) 229-5524 Fax:(213) 229-5481

Date:03/23/2026 Order Number:CNS-4026579# Newspaper:BAY AREA REPORTER*10080 Notice Type:BID - NOTICE INVITING BIDS Run Dates:4/2/26

MAR 26, APR 02, 09, 16, 2026

STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE 2024-0405226 The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as K&M IMPORT AND EXPORT INTERNATIONAL TRADING COMPANY, 837 BROADWAY #1, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business was conducted by an individual and signed by KEN CHUNG. The fictitious business name statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 12/23/2024. The abandonment of fictitious business name statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/25/2026. MAR 26, APR 02, 09, 16, 2026 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO CASE NUMBER CNC-26560576 To all interested persons, the Petitioner SARA LAUREN WADE filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: present name SARA LAUREN WADE to proposed name SARA DIAZ. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing: MAY 05, 2026, 9:00 am, Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. APR 02, 09, 16, 23, 2026 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO CASE NUMBER CNC-26560586 To all interested persons, the Petitioner POE EI PHYU filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: present name POE EI PHYU to proposed name EVELYN THET TUN. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing: MAY 12, 2026, 9:00 am, Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. APR 02, 09, 16, 23, 2026 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO CASE NUMBER CNC-26560588 To all interested persons, the Petitioner AUDREY LANDYN FLORENCE FULLER BRANTNER filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: present name AUDREY LANDYN FLORENCE FULLER BRANTNER to proposed name SAM LANDYN FLORENCE FULLER BRANTNER. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing: MAY 12, 2026, 9:00 am, Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. APR 02, 09, 16, 23, 2026 ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME IN SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO CASE NUMBER CNC-26560590 To all interested persons, the Petitioner CHANTEL ANNETTE HERNANDEZ-COLEMAN filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: present name CHANTEL ANNETTE HERNANDEZ-COLEMAN AKA CHANTEL ANNETTE HERNANDEZ-WOOD AKA CHANTEL ANNETTE HERNANDEZ COLEMAN AKA CHANTEL WOOD AKA CHNATEL HERNANDEZ to proposed name CHANTEL ANNETTE HERNANDEZ-WOOD. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing. Notice of Hearing: MAY 12, 2026, 9:00 am, Dept. 103N, Rm. 103N, Superior Court of California, 400 McAllister St., San Francisco, CA 94102. APR 02, 09, 16, 23, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408799 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): AI TOURS, 287 JEFFERSON ST #B, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94133. This business is conducted by an individual. Registrant/Owner(s): ANDREW INGARGIOLA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/19/2026. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/19/2026. APR 02, 09, 16, 23, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408832 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): WE BE HONEY, 3210 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94110. This business is conducted by an individual. Registrant/Owner(s): JEFFREY WILLIAM MACMULLEN. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/24/2026. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/24/2026. APR 02, 09, 16, 23, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408543 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): BOB’S PLANTATION SHUTTERS FOR LESS, 142 LONDON ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by an individual. Registrant/Owner(s): SAUL BAMACA. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/15/2015. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/19/2026. APR 02, 09, 16, 23, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408852 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): HONEST CLUB, 1249 6TH AVE, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 95122. This business is conducted by an individual. Registrant/Owner(s): ANDREW TOLENTINO. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 02/15/2026. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/27/2026. APR 02, 09, 16, 23, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408775 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): EVERY 6 WEEKS; ARTIFICIAL; TRIM & TAKEOFF; EDGE YOUR WAY, 491 CASTRO ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94114-2019. This business is conducted by an individual. Registrant/Owner(s): RICHARD TITUS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/17/2026. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/17/2026. APR 02, 09, 16, 23, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408854 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): STILLWATER BURROW, 3250 LAGUNA ST #109, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123. This business is conducted by an individual. Registrant/Owner(s): AVERY MORRIS. The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on

02/01/2026. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/27/2026.

APR 02, 09, 16, 23, 2026

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408765 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): THE POINT, HUNTERS POINT SHIPYARD, BLDG 101 #1316, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124. This business is conducted by a corporation. Registrant/Owner(s): PATTERNS, LTD (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 12/30/1983. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/17/2026. APR 02, 09, 16, 23, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408836 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): CITY OVERHEAD DOORS, 5976 MISSION ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94112. This business is conducted by a corporation. Registrant/Owner(s): GARAGE MASTER INC (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/01/2009. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/25/2026. APR 02, 09, 16, 23, 2026 FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE 2026-0408853 Fictitious Business Name(s)/Trade Name (DBA): THE BREAKFAST CLUB AT MIDTOWN - SAN FRANCISCO, 1428 HAIGHT ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94117. This business is conducted by a corporation. Registrant/ Owner(s): THE GUESS COMPANY (CA). The registrant(s) commenced to transact business under the above listed fictitious business name or names on 03/24/2026. The statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/27/2026. APR 02, 09, 16, 23, 2026 STATEMENT OF ABANDONMENT OF USE OF FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME FILE 2023-0399573 The following persons have abandoned the use of the fictitious business name known as 238 REAL ESTATE, 3595 BALBOA ST, SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94121. This business was conducted by a corporation and signed by SEQUOIA REAL ESTATE - CITY PROPERTIES, INC. (CA). The fictitious business name statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 02/22/2023. The abandonment of fictitious business name statement was filed with the City and County of San Francisco, CA on 03/17/2026. APR 02, 09, 16, 23, 2026 SUMMONS DISTRICT COURT CLARK COUNTY, NEVADA CASE NO.: A-26-939502-C DEPT NO.: 25 RESORTS WORLD LAS VEGAS LLC DBA RESORTS WORLD LAS VEGAS, PLAINTIFF, VS. RICHARD HIU HING CHU, DEFENDANT. NOTICE! YOU HAVE BEEN SUED, THE COURT MAY DECIDE AGAINST YOU WITHOUT YOUR BEING HEARD UNLESS YOU RESPOND WITHIN 21 DAYS. READ THE INFORMATION BELOW. TO THE DEFENDANT: RICHARD HIU HING CHU A civil Complaint has been filed by the Plaintiff against you for the relief set forth in the Complaint. Object of Action: Defendant is being sued for non-payment of commercial instrument(s). 1. If you intend to defend this lawsuit, within 21 days after this Summons is served on you exclusive of the day of service, you must do the following: a. File with the Clerk of this Court, whose address is shown below, a formal written response to the Complaint in accordance with the rules of the Court, with the appropriate filing fee. b. Serve a copy of your response upon the attorney whose name and address is shown below. 2. Unless you respond, your default will be entered upon application of the plaintiff and this Court may enter a judgment against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint, which could result in the taking of money or property or other relief requested in the Complaint. 3. If you intend to seek the advice of an attorney in this matter, you should do so promptly so that your response may be filed on time. 4. The State of Nevada, its political subdivisions, agencies, officers, employees, board members, commission members and legislators, each have 45 days after service of this summons within which to file an answer to the complaint. CLERK OF COURT, BY: Steven D. Grierson, Deputy Clerk, Date, FEBRUARY 13, 2026, County Courthouse, 200 Lewis Avenue, Las Vegas, Nevada 89155, Issued at the direction of: SKLAR WILLIAMS PLLC, By: Anthony R. Ager, Esq., Nevada Bar No. 007969, 410 S. Rampart Blvd., #350, Las Vegas, NV 89145, Tel: (702) 360-6000, Fax: (702) 360-0000, Attorney for Plaintiff. APR 02, 09, 16, 23, 30, 2026

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Best Nightlife 2026

Favorites and a few new bars top our taps

The SF Eagle won Best SoMa Bar, and its DJ Bus Station John-produced Disco Daddy won Best Nightlife Event.

by Michael Flanagan

he last year has been a wild ride for bars in San Francisco. From The Cinch getting new owners to the news that Oasis was closing (after which we removed it and its events from nominations, which has skewed this year’s results), and then suddenly being saved, to the spectacular opening and rise of Rikki’s, it has been enough to make your head spin. But the good news from all of this is that our LGBTQ clubs are still wildly popular. On to see which clubs were the favorites of you, our dear readers.

Best New Bar/Nightclub

Rikki’s

Runners-up Next Level, Oakland, Zhuzh Talk about synchronicity. Rikki’s opening coinciding with the Valkyries women’s basketball team’s inaugural season really put the bar on the map. I honestly wound up cheering my television when KGO, the local ABC affiliate, did a segment on the Valkyries watch parties and broadcast from Rikki’s, saying, “It was a full house at Rikki’s Saturday night. The bar

is finding success and so are the Golden State Valkyries.” Between the Valkyries and another Bay Area women’s sports star, figure skating gold medalist Alysa Liu, it was the perfect year to open a women’s sports bar and our readers know it. Congratulations to Rikki’s on their inaugural Bestie. May it be the first of many. www.rikkisbarsf.com

Best Castro Bar

440 Castro

Twin Peaks, The Edge 440 Castro brings the fun to the Castro, from their $3 beer Tuesdays to their Woody Wednesdays and Monday underwear night, and our readers know it. With special events like their Easter Bonnet Party, Best Butt contest and their Superbowl party, they’ve made their bar the fun place to be in the Castro. And it’s the one place where you should take wooden nickels. Good work 440 Castro. www.the440.com See page 30 >>

Runners-up

by Jim Gladstone

he Bay Area is home to one of the country’s most vibrant museum, gallery and performing arts scenes. Artificial intelligence will never match the scintillating spark of art in person, but public support of our institutions is more important than ever. Attend promiscuously.

Best Art Museum

Besties Arts & Culture 2026

Celebrating creative excellence

SFMOMA

Runners-up DeYoung Museum, GLBT History Museum Among the delicious exhibits now featured at SFMOMA are “Table Manners” featuring flatware, plates, drinking vessels, and other dining-related objects. If junk food is more your style, dig into the giant Frankenberry and Count Chocula images in “KAWS: Family.” Also, modern art galore is on exhibit in several galleries. www.sfmoma.org

Best Nature or Science Museum

California Academy of Sciences Runners-up Exploratorium, SF Botanical Gardens The Academy’s “NightLife” adults-only events run Thursday evenings through late May, featuring discounted admission, live musical perforODC/Dance once again won Best Modern Dance Company.

See page 32 >>

BEST BEER SELECTION

Pilsner Inn 225 Church Street at Market, San Francisco • 415-621-7058 Outdoor patio • Pool Table • Darts • Live Sports TV • www.pilsnerinn.com

<< LGBTQ Best of the Bay

26 • Bay Area Repor ter • April 2-8, 2026

Gooch

Randall Whitehead

Terry Scussel

Best nightlife 2026 people and events

Left: Emerson Silva was again voted Best Gogo Dancer. Middle Left: Marga Gomez was again voted Best Comic. Above Middle: Best DJ, Lady Ryan Below Middle: Best Drag Queen winner Sister Roma Above Middle Right: Best Drag King is Alex U. Inn. Below Middle Right: Best Faux Queen is Snaxx. Above Right: Best Bartender is The Stud’s Bernadette Fons. Below Right: Hail Katya Smirnoff-Skyy, Best Nightlife/Cabaret Performer

by Michael Flanagan

nce a year we hand the steering wheel to our readers and say, “Here, you drive!” It’s the Besties and we’re back with the best that LGBTQ nightlife has to offer. There are lots of new faces as well as some old favorites. It’s always exciting to see who has captured the hearts of the Bay Area, so let’s get started.

Best Comic

Marga Gomez Runners-up Jesus U Betta Work, Wonder Dave Marga Gomez continues to excite and interest audiences around the bay. From making Lily Tomlin’s “The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe” her own at Aurora Theatre in Berkeley (in which she played 12 different characters), to her own autobiographic play “Spanish Stew” at the New Conservatory Theatre Center she’s had

a bang-up year. She is still making audiences laugh (a valuable trait these days.) Congratulations to a local treasure.

Best Drag Queen

www.margagomez.com

Runners-up Juanita MORE!, D’Arcy Drollinger Sister Roma gets around. Most recently appearing on stage with Sam Smith at the Castro, she also was at Las Vegas Pride (It rained, but it didn’t rain on Roma’s parade) as well as helping Fudgie Frottage with hosting duties for the Drag King Contest at Oasis. This year we’ll see even more of her with the release of the “Hunky Jesus” documentary on the Sisters’ annual Easter event. It’s no wonder that our readers crowned her with the Bestie for Best Drag Queen.

Best DJ

Lady Ryan Runners-up David Harness, Page Hodel DJ Lady Ryan has had a busy year. Whether it was at the NFL’s Night of Pride with GLAAD, The Community Forward Ball at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, the Toyota GlowUp Classic during Super Bowl week at Moscone Center, or her regular Wednesday night slot at KALW, she both represents and makes the people move their feet. The official DJ for the WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries has won a special place in our reader’s hearts, and they say thanks for a year of beautiful music. www.ladyryan.com

Sister Roma

www.linktr.ee/sisterroma

Best Drag King

Alex U. Inn

Runners-up Mudd the Two-Spirit, Leigh Crow

Alex U. Inn adds another Bestie to the many accolades they have already received. The art-tivist delivered their “Keep Your Joy in Pride” sermon at the MCC this year (the text appeared as a guest opinion in the B.A.R.) and received the Exemplar Award at The Academy SF’s Legend Awards. And what becomes a legend most? Leading the People’s March once again, of course. Alex was also front and center at the lighting of City Hall in lesbian colors for Lesbian Visibility week. Our readers love their energy and say thank you for sharing joy. www.facebook.com/alex.u.inn

Best Faux Queen

Snaxx

Runners-up Miss Shugana, Alotta Boutté Our Besties readers believe you can never have enough Snaxx. From performances she produced at Oasis in “Saturday Night Oasis: Live! Holiday Edition” and “Words Fail: The Final Cabaret” at Oasis, to her birthday party, which last year donated proceeds to Stop Asian Hate, she is one hard working faux queen. And the good news is that now she is working as operations manager at the Castro Theatre, so we’ll get to see a lot more of her in the upcoming year. Our readers love your work. www.facebook.com/eatmoresnaxx

Best Bartender

Bernadette Fons, The Stud Runners-up Gage Fisher, SF Eagle Eric Lopez, The Edge In a result that reminds me of the Aesop Fable, “The Tortoise and the Hare,” Bernadette Fons, longtime bartender at The Stud, wins the Bestie. Back in 2019, when it looked like the Stud was going to close, Bernadette was one of the employees KTVU interviewed. She told them, “You instantly became one of the family” re-

garding working there. She would know, as she had been working there since 2005. She became part of the Stud Collective, which now owns the bar. When the Stud reopened in 2024, I interviewed her and she said, “Once you get a job here, nobody ever leaves.” Being a happy bartender obviously leads to happy patrons. Good job, Bernadette. Slow and steady wins the race. www.studsf.com

Best Nightlife/ Cabaret Performer

Katya Smirnoff-Skyy Runners-up Suzanne “Kitten on the Keys” Ramsey, Kippy Marks Katya Smirnoff-Skyy retains her crown in this category from the last Besties award. Is it any wonder? In the last year she was in a Beatles tribute at Feinstein’s at the Nikko (“Back in the USSR”), hosted Katya Presents, a monthly show at Martuni’s, appeared online on Stephanie Stephens Pronountv (in which she talked about photo shoots on Lombard Street) and reprised her role in “Ruthless” at New Conservatory Theater Center, and all of that while looking fabulous. Our readers thank the Countess for all she does to keep us entertained. www.katyasmirnoffskyy.com

Best Live Band

Middle-Aged Queers Runners-up Velvetta, Lipstick Conspiracy They’re a band which ThePunkSite.com calls “the beloved LGBTQ+ punk band known for their unapologetic sound and belligerently joyful live shows.” In the last year they have shared their versions of Mazzy Star’s “Fade Into You” and Taylor Swift’s “Anti-Hero” online and have appeared at the San Francisco Public Library’s “Bay Beats Punk Rock Concert.” They

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“Elegant and beguiling”

—Evening Standard

“Pure theatre gold”

—Mail on Sunday

AMERICAN CONSERVATORY THEATER PRESENTS THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY AND NEAL STREET PRODUCTIONS PRODUCTION OF

MAGGIE O’FARRELL’S

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<< LGBTQ Best of the Bay

28 • Bay Area Repor ter • April 2-8, 2026

Best Dining 2026

Taste the rainbow of considerable cuisine

Left to Right: Anchor Oyster Bar, Starbelly, Rich Table, and Dumpling Kitchen

by Jim Gladstone

t a time when many small businesses are struggling to survive, bringing your appetite to neighborhood favorites and queer-friendly eateries around town is essential. Before celebrating this year’s honorees, let’s raise a glass to Bestie winners and runners up we’ve lost of late, including Kitchen Story, Mourad, Lark, Peet’s on Castro, Vico Cavone, Dhamansara, and Noosh.

Best Castro Restaurant

Best Late Night Restaurant

Orphan Andy’s

Best Middle Eastern Restaurant

Runners-up Poesia, L’Ardoise Anchor serves up one of the city’s best cioppinos, recently celebrated nationally in Bon Appetit magazine. Poesia and L’Ardoise offer first-rate Italian and French that would be worth noting in any neighborhood.

Runners-up Grubstake, Beep’s Burgers While this tried and true trio offers solid booze-soaking standards, there’s a yawning need for more late-night options in town.

Runners-up Beit Reima, Aziza Old habibis die hard. The O.G. Noe Street mezze emporium turns 45 this year.

www.orphanandys.net

www.lamednoe.com

www.anchoroysterbar.com

Best Brunch

Best Soul Food Restaurant

Runners-up Wooden Spoon, Café Mystique Our go-to orders, respectively: Spicy baked eggs; house hash; The Legend breakfast sandwich, and the occasional drag brunch. And, to clarify, your winner was not named after a Seussian snitch.

Runners-up Minnie Bell’s Soul Movement, Gumbo Social The “three” refers to your choice of side dishes, not how many meals a day you should eat here. But $5 weekday breakfast sandwiches make the latter prospect even more alluring.

www.starbellysf.com

www.brendasmeatandthree.com

Best Upscale Restaurant

Best Bar Menu

Runners-up 7 Adams, Nari All innovative, delicious and ohso-worthy. Rich Table has recently expanded, opening the slightly less expensive RT Bistro next door.

Runners-up Rikki’s, Lookout Corndogs and horndogs make for a lively sports-and-sausage fest while watching your preferred sports events on the bar’s huge TV screens.

Runners-up Manny’s, Verve In addition to great coffee, Spike’s makes donations to Frameline and the Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy. And they deserve oodles of kudos for cultivating conversation through the intentional absence of WiFi.

www.richtablesf.com

www.hitopsbar.com

www.spikescoffee.com

Anchor Oyster Bar

Starbelly

Rich Table

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La Mediteranee

Brenda’s Meat & Three

Hi-Tops

Best Bakery

Arizmendi

Runners-up Tartine, Jane the Baker A bargain lunchtime duo of Arizmendi’s spicy Cheddar Jalapeño Stick and chewy nut-and-raisin Wolverine Roll will leave both your belly and your wallet full. www.arizmendibakery.com

Best Ice Cream

Bi-Rite Creamery Runners-up Mitchell’s, Humphry Slocombe You lick my Candied Ginger Mango Swirl. I nibble on the tip of your waffle cone. So bi. So right. www.biritemarket.com/creamery/

Best Coffee Shop

Spike’s

Best East Asian Restaurant

Dumpling Kitchen

Runners-up Farmhouse Kitchen Four Kings Castro-convenient Dumpling Kitchen is inarguably tasty, but your runners-up are well worth a wander outside the gayborhood. www.dumplingkitchenca.com

Best South Asian Restaurant

Castro Indian Restaurant Runners-up Mandalay, Copra Beer brewed onsite sets the Castro Indian Restaurant apart from any other South Asian restaurant in town. www.castrorb.com

Monday 8am

(last seating 9:45pm)

Tuesday 8am

(last seating 9:45pm)

Best Italian Restaurant

Open Daily!

New Adjusted Hours

Wednesday 8am (last seating 9:45pm)

Flour & Water

Runners-up Bottega, Cotogna Flour & Water’s extraordinary pasta tasting menu puts the fear of God into spaghetti and meatballs.

Thursday 8am

www.flourandwater.com

Friday

Best Mexican Restaurant

Saturday

Runners-up Puerto Alegre Elena’s “The Little Lantern” continues to light up San Francisco’s tastebuds with its super burritos and zesty homemade salsas.

Open 24 Hours Open 24 Hours Open 24 Hours

Sunday 7am

(last seating 9:45pm)

Proudly the community 1977. 3991-Aserving 17th Street at Market &since Castro (415) 864-9795 3991-A 17th Street, Market & Castro 415-864-9795

El Farolito

www.elfarolitosf.com

Upper Left: La Mediteranee Upper Right: Brenda’s Meat & Three Middle Right: Hi-Tops Lower Left: Bi-Rite Creamery Lower Right: Arizmendi Bakery

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t Steven Underhill

<< LGBTQ Best of the Bay

30 • Bay Area Repor ter • April 2-8, 2026

music Tuesday through Thursday and a tarot card reader on Mondays. Our readers think Blush is très bien and say merci. www.blushwinebar.com

Best Sex Venue

Steamworks Berkeley Runners-up Eros, Cumunion Although updates continue to swirl about the possibility of a San Francisco-based bath house, for now the perennial favorite for full-on sexual services remains Steamworks over in Berkeley. Clean towels, member specials, and weekly events with plenty of places to bathe and hook up continue to make it the most popular space for tourists and locals alike, just a BART ride away from San Francisco.

Above Left: Best New Bar, Rikki’s Above Middle Left: 440 Castro won Best Castro Bar. Above Middle Right: Best Cabaret Performer Katya Smirnoff-Skyy croons a tune at Martuni’s, which won Best Cabaret Venue and Best Cocktails. Above Right: Beaux won Best Dance Club Below Left: Best East Bay Bar? The White Horse, of course. Below Middle: The Pilsner Inn again won Best Beer Selection. Below Right: Blush won Best Wine Bar.

Best Nightlife

From page 25

Best SoMa Bar

SF Eagle

Runners-up Powerhouse, Oasis With events like Disco Daddy (a frequent Bestie winner, including this year), Flex, Jizznasium, Dad Hunt, Young Hearts, and performers like Leather Strip performing there live, the SF Eagle is the place for fun South of Market. The vitality of the bar has been recognized by the city (it became a Legacy Business in 2021) and has a special place in our readers’ hearts. With Eagle Plaza out front (the world’s first public leather-themed space), it’s no wonder the Eagle is so popular. Our readers say thank you for keeping it real. www.sf-eagle.com

Best Dance Club

Beaux

Runners-up DNA Lounge, The Midway

The patrons are revved up and ready to get on the dance floor with events like Popper Slut Sundays and DJs like Juanita MORE! Themed events like Babes Who Brunch have their own DJs (like DJ Olivia Lauren on the most recent Babes). Beaux also offers special dance nights like Boom Boom Brazilian Dance Party and the Latin-themed Corazon and Circuit Papi. Our readers want you to know that it’s the place to go when you want to shake it on the dance floor. www.beauxsf.com

Best Cabaret Venue

Martuni’s

Runners-up Feinstein’s at the Nikko, Oasis

Best Cocktails

Martuni’s

Runners-up Blackbird Town Bar & Lounge, Oakland With recurring events like Katya Presents (hosted by Bestie award-winning Katya Smirnoff-Skyy), Bar Fly

NAVIGATE YOUR LIFE’S JOURNEY WITH CONFIDENCE

Cabaret, Mondays at Martuni’s and special events like A Very Martunian Holiday and A Jewish Atheist Christmas it makes sense that it’s a favorite of our readers. Martuni’s also draws artists from out of town, like former San Franciscan Veronica Klaus, who put on a marvelous show there last year. It’s also a favorite of our readers for cocktails, like raspberry lemon drops (my favorite), a wide variety of Cosmopolitans and, of course, martinis. Congratulations to Martuni’s for entertaining both our readers’ ears and their taste buds. www.facebook.com/martunissf

Best East Bay Bar

The White Horse, Oakland Runners-up Que Rico, Oakland Club 1220, Walnut Creek The White Horse returns again to win the Bestie for the best East Bay bar! And is it any wonder? With delightfully named nights like their Queer Bingo night, Queer-aoke, and The Worst RuPaul Viewing Party, it’s clearly a bar that knows how to have a good time (and not take themselves too seriously). Lesbian-owned since 2023, it’s a very comfortable bar. How many other bars do you know of that have a fireplace? It’s the perfect spot for a chilly night during June gloom or Fogust. Don’t change, White Horse. Our readers think you’re perfect just the way you are.

Best Wine Bar

Blush

Runners-up Swirl, Decant SF A perennial favorite with our winedrinking readers, Blush returns with another year at the top of the list for the best wine bar. The website for Blush refers to it as “cozy” and that’s the perfect word to describe it. Whenever you visit you feel transported to a place that has a slower pace. As for the wine, there’s an extensive online list of whites, reds, rosés, bubbles and beer (yes, they serve beer, too) with selections from around the world (France, Italy, South Africa, Spain and New Zealand are all well represented), and they also feature a wide selection of wines from the U.S. There is also a wide selection of food for you to nibble on while drinking. They have live

steamworksbaths.com/berkeley

Best Place to Buy Sex Toys

Mr S Leather

Runners-up Good Vibrations Does Your Mother Know Not only can you get your basic cock rings, lube, and other accoutrements for your personal pleasure. Along with hosting kinky events, Mr S sells a full array of rubber and leather hoods, masks, jackets, pants, jockstraps, vests, harnesses, singlets and more. This year, the popular kink shop topped perennial fave Good Vibrations (with several locations) by a few votes. And runner-up Does Your Mother Know moved from 18th Street to 450 Castro Street. www.mr-s-leather.comt

instagram.com/whitehorsebar

Best Beer Selection

The Pilsner Inn

Runners-up SF Eagle, 440 Castro When I have friends who are beer aficionados visiting, I always take them to the Pilsner Inn. They have 28 beers on tap. What more needs to be said? Whether it’s a lager, a wheat beer or it’s a fest-bier, you can get it there. It’s a lovely spot to toss back a few, with a lovely back patio. Our readers know that whether you’re drinking a Belgian Blonde or just want to date one, the Pilsner Inn is the place to be. www.pilsnerinn.com

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Above: Best Sex Venue is once again Steamworks Berkeley. Below: Mr S was voted Best Place to Buy Sex Toys.

<< LGBTQ Best of the Bay

32 • Bay Area Repor ter • April 2-8, 2026

Steven Underhill

Left: SFMOMA won Best Art Museum. Middle Left: California Academy of Sciences again won Best Nature or Science Museum. Middle Right: Best Small Art Gallery is Queer Arts Featured. Right: El Rio was voted Best Small Popular Music Venue.

Besties Arts

From page 25

mances, and cocktails. And don’t miss “Incoming!” a particularly timely new exhibit about asteroids.

neighbors, the Bob Mizer Museum and Rosebud Gallery. But your winner is a well-deserving one: QAF combines queer-themed local artwork with community events and activism. www.queerartsfeatured.com

www.calacademy.org

Best Small Art Gallery

Queer Arts Featured Runners-up Harvey Milk Photo Center, Tenderloin Museum We’d be remiss to not include a shout out to gay and Black-owned Jonathan Carver Moore Gallery as well as super-queer Larkin Street

Best Ballet Company

San Francisco Ballet Runners-up Alonzo King LINES Ballet, Smuin Contemporary Ballet Our community was forced to hold its breath too long waiting for the S.F. Ballet to withdraw from its scheduled performance at a D.C. venue that shall not be named (or

renamed!). We can exhale now, and expect better in the future.

town Dance series, and the summer festival.

www.sfballet.org

www.odc.dance

Best Modern Dance Company

Best Ethnic/International Dance Company

ODC/Dance

Runners-up Sean Dorsey Dance, AXIS Dance Company ODC leaps into action this spring, with an exciting April lineup including Fauxnique’s “How Do I Look?” about the tyranny of beauty standards, and FACT/SF’s “The Waves,” which explores soundwaves, light waves, and Virginia Woolf ’s novel. Also, don’t miss their Down-

Theatre Flamenco of San Francisco Runners-up Nā Lei Hulu I Ka Wēkiu, LikhaPilipino Folk Ensemble Theatre Flamenco celebrates its 60th anniversary this April 18 in a collaborative performance with acclaimed Spanish singer Ezequiel Benitez. www.theatreflamenco.org

Best Classical Music Venue

Davies Symphony Hall

Runners-up War Memorial Opera House, SF Conservatory of Music The San Francisco Symphony has a remarkable program on offer at Davies this May, with performances of Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony, Mahler’s Ninth, and Dvorak’s ‘New World Symphony’ Left: Best Ballet Company: San Francisco Ballet Right: Best Ethnic/International Dance Company: Theatre Flamenco of San Francisco

www.sfsymphony.org

Best Popular Music Venue

Fox Theater, Oakland

“Boundless energy and drive have been encoded into the company’s DNA for more than half a century” - San Francisco Chronicle

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El Rio

Runners-up Café Du Nord, The Rickshaw Stop Long live these little giants. It’s been a particularly tough year for grassroots venues, with the Bottom of the Hill and Thee Parkside gone silent. El Rio remains boisterous with its numerous events and often free live band shows. www.elriosf.com

Best Theatre Company

American Conservatory Theatre Runners-up Berkeley Repertory Theatre, New Conservatory Theatre Center Along with its currently running “Girls, Chance, Music,” A.C.T. has just announced an exciting new slate of shows for the fall, including the San Francisco premiere of “Oh Mary!” and a stage version of Alfred Hitchcock’s “North by Northwest.” And their recent “Paranormal Activity” broke box office records. www.act-sf.org

Best Choral Group

San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus Runners-up Queer Chorus of San Francisco, Chanticleer Broadway’s own Stephen Schwartz, composer of “Wicked” and “Pippin,” will join the Gay Men’s Chorus to showcase his celebrated songbook on April 17 and 18. Look for other concerts including the annual Christmas celebrations. www.sfgmc.comt

Kristen Loken

ODC/Dance

Runners-up The Fillmore; Greek Theatre, Berkeley With over twice the capacity of the newly renovated Castro Theatre, the fabulous Fox has little to fear from its sassy little sibling. And, we dare say, even in light of the Castro’s renovations the glorious décor of the Oakland landmark is just, well, foxier.

Best Small Popular Music Venue

Above Left: Best Classical Music Venue: Davies Symphony Hall Above Right: Oakland’s Fox Theater won Best Popular Music Venue. Below Left: Best Theatre Company is American Conservatory Theatre, with its currently running ‘Girls, Chance, Music.’ Below Right: San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus again won Best Choral Group.

t <<

LGBTQ Best of the Bay>>

April 2-8, 2026 • Bay Area Repor ter • 33

Besties People

From page 26

headlined the 7th annual “Valentine’s Gays” in Berkeley and Sacramento and by way of introduction said online, “Middle-Aged Queers was founded on defiant queer joy, and we’re committed to upholding that spirit, especially when times are dark.” Thank you for sharing musical joy and light. www.middleagedqueers.com

Best Gogo Dancer

Emerson Silva

Runners-up Chad Stewart, Connor Hochleutner Hunky Emerson Silva returns to the winning spot as the best gogo dancer. In the last year he has been entertaining crowds at the Midnight Sun’s All the Tea and Krewe De Kinque’s Sexy Santa & Holiday Show and will be at Beaux on April 19 for the High Tea Dance. About his craft, Emerson says, “Dancing fills your soul and makes your heart happy and at peace.” It’s clear that his sexy positive outlook is catching, and making fans happy. www.instagram.com/gogoemerson

Gooch

Steven Underhill

Left: Beaux’s Big Top Sundays was voted Best Drag Show Right: Folsom Street Fair

Best Nightlife Photographer

Gooch

Runners-up Steven Underhill Kid With a Camera Honorable mention Rachel Zeigler Perennial favorite Gooch returns to win the Best Nightlife Photographer Bestie. In the last year, he pho-

tographed the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence’s Easter Event and had the photography exhibit, “Eye of the Beholder” at Blackbird bar for the Castro Art Walk during Pride month. The Blackbird exhibit gives clues as to why he is wildly popular, as it covered a ten-year period focused on “queer politics, performance and community” with pictures of “drag kings, drag queens and the legendary Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.” Thanks for all

his hard work, his subjects make a stellar contribution to queer visibility. www.photosbygooch.com

Best Drag Show

Big Top Sundays, Beaux Runners-up The Monster Show, The Edge Oaklash, Oakland (Palace of Trash and Reparations at Oasis got several write-ins) Big Top Sundays, the wildly popular drag show in the Castro, wins the Bestie. In the past year they have had several stars from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and “Drag Race All Stars,” including Detox, Naomi Smalls, Acid Betty and Angeria Paris VanMichaels. Clearly it is the place to be on Sundays and our readers know it. Congratulations, Beaux. Chanteé, you slay. www.beauxsf.com

Best Nightlife Event

Disco Daddy, SF Eagle Runners-up Mango, El Rio Beatpig, Powerhouse Disco Daddy winning the Bestie is a tribute to resilience. DJ Bus Station

FBFE

Left: Our Best Nightlife Photographer is Gooch. Right: Disco Daddy’s DJ Bus Station John

John didn’t have the best year last year, with both an injury and robbery in late September, but neither of those misfortunes stopped him. In fact, a whole series of benefit parties for him happened after he was hurt. But the good will headed his way, plus the good times he delivered in the first nine months of the year, were more than enough to put him over the top and give him the Best Nightlife Event Bestie. We all look forward to more parties with our Disco Daddy. www.sf-eagle.com

Best Leather Event

Folsom Street Fair Runners-up Up Your Alley Street Fair Mr. SF Leather parties Folsom Street Fair has been fulfilling the desires of our readers since 1984. Having gotten so big as to merit mentions in travel guides, it draws a wild (and wildly diverse) crowd. I went last year and I can tell you it is still a whole lot of fun. Clearly our readers agree and applaud the energy and community spirit involved in the fair. The thanks of our readers go to the staff, sponsors and volunteers. www.folsomstreet.orgt

“Elegant and beguiling”

—Evening Standard

“Pure theatre gold”

—Mail on Sunday

AMERICAN CONSERVATORY THEATER PRESENTS THE ROYAL SHAKESPEARE COMPANY AND NEAL STREET PRODUCTIONS PRODUCTION OF

MAGGIE O’FARRELL’S

Get your own B.A.R. 55th mugs, T-shirts & more

elebrate the 55th anniversary of the Bay Area Reporter with our new line of Etsy products including coffee mugs, T-shirts, throw pillows and beach towels. We’ve collected campy retro 1970s B.A.R. advertisements for gay bars, male strip clubs and festive drag shows, and converted them into fun cute products for yourself or as gifts for another. Bid us a happy anniversary as we celebrate more than half a century of LGBTQ publishing. www.etsy.com/shop/BayAreaReporterShop

APRIL 22–MAY 24 | A.C.T.’S TONI REMBE THEATER

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<< 55th Anniversary

34 • Bay Area Repor ter • April 2-8, 2026

Column inches

Prominent B.A.R. writers in the 1970s

by Jim Provenzano

“D

ear Reader, Thank you for picking up a copy of the Bay Area Reporter. We sincerely hope that it pleases you, and that you will look forward to future issues. The Editors are striving to bring you a paper of news information and comedy. As you see, we will have film reviews, horoscopes, camp articles as well as all serious news affecting our Bay Area community.” Thus began the first editorial of the Bay Area Reporter, hand-typed in columns and pasted up on a kitchen table in the home of founder Bob Ross at 1550 Howard Street, or so the story goes. The first historic issue, and all others up to 2005, can be viewed and downloaded on https://archive.org/ details/bayareareporter Yes, there was news, arts, entertainment, interviews, and downright gossip. But aside from the objective news stories and informed entertainment, several voices stood out as columnists in multiple categories, each who provided informed and opinionated perspectives. Some of the initial columns veered into self-parody, while others soon took on more gravitas. Here are a few of the more prominent voices that published in the B.A.R. in its first decade.

No foolin’

It’s fitting that since he was a restauranteur, the late Bob Ross’s publication would first off feature a column dubbed “Auntie Mildred’s Gourmet Capers.” Whether that nom de plume was the work of Managing Editor M. Cunningham or Associate Editor L. Greene is lost to recorded memory, but it was certainly an amusing way to kick off the newspaper on April 1, 1971. “Not too many years ago when you wished to dine out, and be with your own kind, it was really quite simple, you ate at Gordon’s,” wrote ‘Mildred.’ “They had for many years a fine crew and always good food at a fair price. Or you went to the Original Paper Doll, where they had great Prime Rib, and Sunday Brunch was a must if you wanted to know who went home with whom the night before.” Such was the saucy tone of the first column in the B.A.R., which namedropped bars and bartenders of the era, as well as noting fundraisers amid more gossip.

Bull sheet

A “Cruisin’ and Boozin’ column by co-editor Lou Greene offered brief descriptions of long-gone bars like The Savoy, “down in Cupertino off Saratoga Road with a full likker [sic] bar, dancing, billiards and excellent food including a 16 oz. Lobster Tail. This is a must trip.” And while the initial masthead claims no outside associations, there is from the early issues a connection to the Imperial Council. Both publisher Ross, and columnist Marcus Hernandez would be elected emperors in that organization. On page 13, Cristal, Empress VI, shares her IMPERIAL BULL SHEET, a round-up of Council events, above an ad for The Ramrod bar. “Dig out those rags and drags, girls, that Imperial Calendar is busy, busy, busy. If the next seven days are anything like the first three, we are sure we will have forgotten our real name, let alone, knowing which way to turn first.” The debut of the late Richard Walters’ column, Sweet Lips Sez, began and continued to offer gossip in the actual gay bars, mostly on Polk Street in the beginning. Bartender Sweet Lips was known to “work the plank,” as they say in the business. “I do hope that since this is my first attempt in writing a column for any periodical that you were all there with me,” Lips wrote, “and I assure you of improvements in both composition and dirt as time goes on.”

Don McLean, aka Loris Shannon, on ’All in the Family’

The premiere issue of the Bay Area Reporter featured an ad on the front page promoting a circus-themed benefit.

Sweet Lips also joked about a recent night out, writing, “Unless another Czarina wishes to sponsor a winner for a change, seems like after winning my date at the Tool Box’s Dating Game last Wednesday I misplaced him. Have looked through my fifty yards of red tulle, but can’t find him. Where are you, Stan?” Walters worked in nearly a dozen bars before retiring, as Michael Flanagan’s 2016 feature attests. Coy Meza eventually became Walters’ caregiver and ghost writer in the last years of his life up to his death in 2010 (Assistant Editor Patrick Hochtel had also been “assisting” Walters’ column for a few years before). Meza met Lips when he was a fifteen-year-old runaway in San Francisco in the 1970s and benefited from his big heart. Meza said, “Lips was a bell ringer and activist hidden under a gossip columnist.” Meza died in August 2025.

Lorlei, Lori lore

Everything from Jose Sarria to opera to the Nob Hill Theatre strip club is covered in a two-page spread –thankfully with added paragraph breaks, finally– in The Midnight Snoop, contributor Donald McLean’s two-page column in the B.A.R.’s eleventh issue in Sept. 1971. As a closer, McLean offered this bon mot: “And my favorite line-of-the-week: an entertainer whose photo adorned a recent B.A.R. cover walked into DAVE’S BATHS, saw a copy of B.A.R. lying in every room, and screamed, ‘My God! They’re coming all over my face!!’ “That’s the price of stardom.” And speaking of stardom, McLean’s drag persona Lori Shannon made three appearances on the Norman Lear sitcom “All in the Family” in 1975

had operated two leather bars, the Explorer on Melrose Avenue and the Hayloft in the San Fernando Valley. He was operating the Ramrod (1225 Folsom St.) when the B.A.R. was first published. In the paper’s first year, he campaigned to become Empress VII (a contest he lost to Empress Jonni). “Bentley was active in the Tavern Guild and the Society for Individual Rights, where he taught tap dancing. Bentley went on to open the N’Touch (1548 Polk) in 1974. Bentley remained a co-publisher through July 1974 and published his last article in the B.A.R. in April 1974.”

Mister, missed

Richard Walters, aka Sweet Lips, in a 1971 issue of the B.A.R.

and 1977 at the time of his employment with the Bay Area Reporter. McLean died in 1984. Another contributor who also had a drag persona was co-publisher Paul Bentley. “To understand why the B.A.R. was primarily concerned with bar culture, it helps to know who was writing for the paper in the first few years,” wrote Michael Flanagan in the March 30, 2021 issue. “One person who is essential to understanding the early B.A.R. is the co-publisher Paul Bentley (aka the Luscious Lorelei), who was a driving force in the early history of the paper. In the first few years he wrote several columns, including the first leather column, “Czarina de Miracle Mile,” [preceding Mr. Marcus] after the title granted to him by the Imperial Council in 1968 (Bentley was the first Czarina). Aside from writing under his title, Bentley occasionally wrote under Lorelei and once or twice under his given name. “Before coming to San Francisco from Los Angeles in 1967 he already

Left to Right: Mr. Drummer Ray Perea, leather columnist Marcus Hernandez and porn star Al Parker at the Bulldog Bath’s Biggest Cock in SF Contest in October 1981.

February 1972 saw the premiere of Southern Scandals, Marcus Hernandez’s South of Market-focused column, which would eventually grow into being the most prominent Leather column in the country. But the Leather scene was already growing since the 1960s, as historian Gayle Rubin noted in Race Bannon’s feature in March 2021. Hernandez was later known to his legions of readers by his pen name Mister Marcus and dubbed the “dean of leather columnists.” His weekly columns of contest goings-on and gossip were a must-read for leather community leaders, titleholders, and newcomers alike for 38 years. I had the honor of editing Marcus’s columns from 2006 until the last one he wrote from a hospital bed. Hernandez died in October 2009 at age 77.

Empress candidate Lorelei, aka co-publisher Paul Bentley

Scott Brogan continued coverage of the Leather and kink community in his writing for several years. When his career path took him elsewhere, I knew exactly who to call: Race Bannon. The writer, activist and participant brought fresh perspectives to the subject in his columns from January 2014 to February 2021.

Harvey’s

Of course, the most prominent columnist who wrote for the B.A.R. in the 1970s was Harvey Milk, who wrote about politics up until just before his death in 1978. “Back in the 1970s, Milk had penned a column for the then semimonthly now weekly LGBTQ newspaper to opine on politics both local and national, wrote Assistant News Editor Matthew Bajko in November 2025. “Called ‘Milk Forum,’ the pioneering gay civil rights leader filed 102 columns under his byline between October 2, 1974 and his last column, published days before his assassination on November 27, 1978. “He had continued the column even after making history in the November 1977 election by winning a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. In doing so, Milk became the first LGBTQ person elected to public office in both the city and state of California.” Although his last column was specific to local civil rights, his words are still relevant today: “The only way city hall will get the message is not through talks with leaders, but in the numbers of units we form,” Milk wrote. “Go out and form your unit...your block. It is for your own protection...that is what the caveman learned to do...we must learn from him. His forming into units beat back the wild animals. We must also beat back those who prey upon us. Unit by unit. Block by block. Start today with your next-door neighbor. Until we drive from office all who are unresponsive.” In the subsequent years, dozens more talented writers filled our pages with column inches of opinion and news, and sometimes satire, including yours truly. As we celebrate our 55th anniversary, it’s important to also celebrate a free press and the writers who make it worth reading.t

One Institute

Harvey Milk, a Grand Marshall in the 1978 Los Angeles Pride parade.

Events Listings>>

Going Out

Top 20+ arts & nightlife events, April 2-10

by Jim Provenzano

FILM

‘Hope Along the Wind: The Life of Harry Hay’ @ Little Roxie Theater Screening of the 2001 documentary about Mattachine Society founder Harry Hay and his partner John Burnside. $11.62, April 6, 6pm. 3125 16th St. (Memorial and Inurnment of Harry and Johns ashes to be held April 7, 11:30am at the SF Columbarium, 1 Loraine Court)

s we celebrate the Bay Area Reporter’s 55th anniversary, we also celebrate arts and nightlife venues, events and people that have been around for decades. We also salute the new ventures and adventurers that have arrived to great success. Check out our picks in this week’s Going Out.

THEATER ‘Assassins’ @ Oakland Theatre Project The company performs Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman’s edgy Tony-winning musical about political murderers, with actor Adam KuveNiemann playing all roles. $10-$70, thru April 12, 1501 Martin Luther King Jr Way.

www.roxie.com ‘Showgirls’ @ Castro Theatre Peaches Christ hosts a nearly soldout screening of “Showgirls” with Gina Gershon and drag entertainment, April 2, 7:30pm at the Castro Theatre, 429 Castro St. $143-$179. www.thecastro.com

www.oaklandtheaterproject.org

LITERARY Fabulosa Books In-store and online monthly (4th Saturdays) book club group discussion of literary works, 8:30pm-10pm. 489 Castro St.

Steven Underhill

‘Compton’s Cafeteria Riot’ @ 835 Larkin St. Colette LeGrande, Mark Nassar, and Donna Personna’s dramatic recreation of the historic uprising of trans and drag people in 1966; set in a recreated diner, with breakfast served. $75, Fri & Sat 7pm; extended thru June, 835 Larkin St.

April 2-8, 2026 • Bay Area Repor ter • 35

www.fabulosabooks.com

www.tenderloinmuseum.org

Gina Gershon @ Sydney Goldstein Theater The actress (‘Bound,’ ‘Showgirls’) discusses her new memoir, ‘Alpha Pussy,’ April 3, 7:30pm, $49, 275 Hayes St.

‘Flex’ @ San Francisco Playhouse Candrice Jones’ drama focuses on the intense rivalry in a girls’ high school basketball team headed to a state championship. $57-$100, thru May 2, 450 Post St.

‘The Goat or, Who Is Sylvia?’ @ Ashby Stage, Berkeley Shotgun Players performs gay playwright Edward Albee’s play. $225-$80, thru April 19, 1901 Ashby Ave. www.shotgunplayers.org

www.cityarts.net

‘Gods & Monsters’ @ New Conservatory Theatre Center Tom Mullins’ adaptation of Christopher Bram’s novel is set in the latter days of gay film director James Whale, whose “Frankenstein” series brought him fame and misfortune. $36.50-$55.50, thru April 5, 25 Van Ness Ave

MUSIC

www.nctcsf.org

Vera Serduchka @ UC Berkeley Theatre The Eurovision Ukranian drag musician performs a boisterous concert of comic numbers. $100 and up, April 3, 8pm, 2036 University Ave.

www.sfplayhouse.org

Goapele @ Yoshi’s Oakland The acclaimed vocalist performs with her band. $69-$99, April 2-4, 510 Embarcadeo West.

SF LGBT Center Events, exhibits, talks, film screenings and workshops. Queer & Well, the Center’s wellness program, celebrates its first year with new informative workshops, yoga classes and health clinics. Also, housing and financial workshops. 1800 Market St. 1634 Jerrold Ave. www.sfcenter.org The Sisters’ Easter @ Dolores Park Join thousands of attendees at the outdoor Easter celebration hosted by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Honey Mahogany, Sister Roma and Peaches Christ, with the annual Hunky Jesus, Foxy Mary and Easter bonnet contests, live music, drag acts, hilarity and more. Free, April 5, 11am (kids’ egg hunt) 12pm-4pm. 18th St. at Dolores. www.thesisters.org

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‘How to Make an American Son’ @ New Conservatory Theatre Center Christopher Oscar Peña’s comic play about a privileged rebellious gay teen and his father. $36.50-$55.50, April 3-May 10, 25 Van Ness Ave.

COMMUNITY

CALL 415.863.3900

www.cityarts.net Liza Minnelli @ Sydney Goldstein Theater The show biz legend, in conversation with the cabaret singer and co-author Michael Feinstein, discusses her memoir, ‘Kids, Wait Till You Hear This!’ as part of City Arts & Lectures series. $64–$84 (includes a copy of the book), Thursday, April 9, 7:30pm, 275 Hayes St.

www.nctcsf.org

420 CASTRO STREET

www.theuctheatre.org Above: ‘Compton’s Cafeteria Riot’ @ 835 Larkin St. Upper Middle: ‘Flex’ @ San Francisco Playhouse Middle: The Sisters’ Easter @ Dolores Park Lower Middle: Liza Minnelli @ Sydney Goldstein Theater Below: Goapele @ Yoshi’s

DANCE Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre @ Zellerbach Hall The celebrated company performs four programs of dances by Ailey. Judith Jameson and other choreographers. $47-$130, April 7-12, UC Berkeley campus. www.calperformances.org AXIS Dance Company @ Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek The Oakland disability-inclusive dance company performs works by five choreographers. $20-$25, April 3 & 4, 1601 Civic Drive. www.axisdance.org

NIGHTLIFE Beaux The popular Bestie Award-winning Castro nightclub features drag entertainers, gogo cuties, drinks and food. New: Locker Room Thursday, a sports fetish night, April 9, with gogo oil wrestling. Corazon, a Latin night, 4th Fridays. Shangri-La second Saturdays. Latin Divas Live 4th Saturdays, You/nique 3rd Saturdays. Big Top Sundays; Pan Dulce Wednesdays, Friday Manimal and Circuit Papi. Drag brunch Sat & Sun, 2pm & 4pm and weekly ‘Drag Race’ guest shows and viewings. 2344 Market St.

Thank you B.A.R readers for voting us as the

BEST MIDDLE EASTERN RESTAURANT

www.beauxsf.com El Rio The popular bar with a spacious outdoor patio hosts multiple LGBTQ events, including Hard French, Daytime Realness, Mango, live bands, comedy and more. 3158 Mission St. www.elriosf.com See page 36 >>

288 Noe Street @ Castro | San Francisco (415) 431-7210 | information @ lamednoe.com

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<< Theater

36 • Bay Area Repor ter • April 2-8, 2026

‘The Goat’ bucks against genre by Jim Gladstone

ince the sixth century B.C., the paired masks of Comedy and Tragedy have served as iconic shorthand for Theater. The emotional extremes they represent are often handled separately, siloed into distinct genres of play. But gay writer Edward Albee (1928-2016) made glorious sport of smashing them together throughout a body of wicked indecorous work; from “The Zoo Story,” to “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?,” to the 2002 Tonywinning “The Goat, or Who is Sylvia?,” now playing in an innovative and revelatory production at Shotgun Players’ Ashby Stage in Berkeley.

Setting sit-com aside

Director Kevin Clarke and a knifesharp cast of four recontextualize a script that’s typically (and often quite successfully) staged as a perverse urban sit-com. The play’s plot revolves around the revelation by prize-winning architect Martin (William Giammona, impressively blending befuddlement and besottedness) that he is having a capricious love affair with a caprine sweetheart. He is, declares his appalled wife, Stevie, a goat-fucker (Erin Mei-Ling Stuart delivers a bravura performance of ego and agony). The news is also greeted with similar shades of horror by Martin’s best friend Ross (Kevin Singer, giving

Ben Krantz

William Giammona and Kevin Singer in ‘The Goat or, Who is Sylvia?’

Adam Scott smugness), and gay son, Billy (Joel Ochoa, tenderoni afraido). Clarke’s production jettisons the show’s usual living room set for a grand, minimalist performance space evocative of ancient Athens, ingeniously designed by Liliana Duque Pineiro, with a coup de théatre up her sleeve. Costume designer Sharon Penn’s chicly contemporized robes and tunics are tailored to underscore characters’ personality traits (Stevie’s proud grandiosity, Billy’s awkward vulnerability) even while reinforcing the set’s Grecian spareness.

Greek active

In harkening back to classic Greek theater, Clarke places Albee’s exquisitely precise language on a welldeserved pedestal. We can savor the

essence of “The Goat”’s comedy undistracted by literalism or the visual glibness of trendy residential decor. Even more importantly, we can consider the play’s tragic elements and ethical provocations at a tolerable remove (Translated into ancient Greek, “tragedy” reads as “goat song”). Albee, forever the bitter queer child adopted by wealthy prigs, can’t seem to resist thumbing his nose at high society by studding his plummy pudding with barnyard scat. But this unusually abstracted presentation of “The Goat” provides room for audiences to sit with the playwright’s philosophical musings at least partly undeterred by repulsion. Amidst his protagonist’s ungulate undoing, Albee raises serious questions about how to define love, soul, sexuality,

Going Out

From page 35

Next Level, Oakland Valentin Carillo’s newest nightclub includes DJed music, gogo dancers, and drag shows. 341 13th St. www.nextleveloakland.com Rikki’s New women’s sports bar just opened and is a big hit. 2223 Market St. www.rikkisbarsf.com

fidelity, and even humanity. Clarke and company do right by the playwright, wresting maximum impact from both his joking and his provoking. Albee’s exquisite, intricate language fuels both. “I want the reel to reverse,” laments Stevie, wishing she could unsee the previously unimaginable. “Knowing it, knowing it’s true is one thing, but believing what you know… there’s the tough part,” says Martin, boggled the disconnect between his instinctive actions and his sense of self. The production also underscores Albee’s own delight in the art and artifice of playwriting, the cast perfectly landing his references to Noel Coward, Shakespeare (“Who is Silvia?” comes from “The Two Gentlemen of Verona,”

and even his own play “Tiny Alice,” which, like this one, addresses fidelity and seduction (Mid-squabble Martin and Stevie find time to deride an unsightly acquaintance as “Large Alice”). While taking a drastically different approach than all three other productions of “The Goat” that this critic has seen, Clarke’s iteration will by no means feel elusive to audience members seeing it for the first time. It helps Albee’s mix of genre and tenor register clearly without reducing its complexity. This production honors the playwright like a Greek god.t ‘The Goat,’ extended through April 19. $25-$80. Shotgun Players’ Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., Berkeley. www.shotgunplayers.org

Ben Krantz

Erin Mei Ling Stuart and William Giammona in ‘The Goat or, Who is Sylvia?’

‘Conjuring Power: Roots and Futures of Queer and Trans Movements’ @ YBCA Exhibition that explores how queer and trans communities have harnessed creativity to build culture, sustain one another, and strengthen movements across generations via contemporary artworks and historical materials; thru August 23, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Wed-Sun, 11am-5pm, free-$18, 701 Mission St. www.ybca.org

SF Eagle The famed leather bar has numerous events; monthly Tom of Finland leather gear and erotic art night, each last Friday; Karaoke, Mondays 8pm, hosted by Dana Morrigan. BLUF Cigar Buddies 2nd Fridays; Adonis, a muscle fetish night, first Fridays; Woof, the pup/ handlers play party, first Saturday afternoons, 3pm; Filth, first Saturday nights; monthly Lair with host Suppository Spelling; the classic Sunday beverage bust, 3pm-7pm, $10-$15. 398 12th St.

GLBT History Museum ‘The Castro: The Story of San Francisco’s Best-Known LGBTQ+ Neighborhood,’ a panel discussion with authors Jen Reck and Gerard Koskovich, and Tina V. Aguirre and Devin McGeehan Muchmore, free-$10, April 9, 6pm-8pm. Also, ‘Directory of Dreams: Bay Area Lesbian Economies and Radical Care, 1970–1995.’ $10/free for members. 4127 18th St. www.glbthistory.org Harvey Milk Photo Center ‘A Fearless Eye: The Photography of Barbara Ramos, an exhibit and book featuring prints by the California photographer’s work from 1969-1973; thru May 16. 50 Scott St. www.harveymilkphotocenter.org Jenkins Johnson Gallery Lola Flash’s ‘Believable,’ an exhibit of the veteran artist’s photo imagery focusing on gender, the AIDS epidemic and more; thru May 22. 1275 Minnesota St #200.

www.thesfeagle.com

www.jenkinsjohnsongallery.com/

The Stud The historic bar has reopened at a new location with events, drag shows, and guest DJs each week. Drag Alive on Fridays; the cruisy Truck, Wednesdays, 9pm. Clutch the Pearls monthly drag cabaret. 1123 Folsom St.

Queer Arts Featured LGBTQ-owned gallery, shop, and community space set in the former site of Harvey Milk’s camera shop. ‘No One Way: Transmasc Art as Activism in the Bay Area,’ a group exhibition bringing together photography and paintings that honor transmen and transmasculine non-binary artists and activists, April 3 (opening event 5pm-8pm)-May 31. 575 Castro St.

www.studsf.com

MUSEUMS & GALLERIES

www.queerartsfeatured.com

Asian Art Museum Historic and contemporary works by Asian artists. ‘Qi Baishi: Inspiration in Ink,’ ‘A Billion Buddhas: The Awakened Ones in Himalayan Tradition,’ and other exhibits. Fri-Mon 10am5pm. Thu 1pm-8pm. 200 Larkin St.

Rosebud Gallery Cabure Bonugli’s queer-owned art gallery and community space showcases local artists. The Nature Show, a group exhibit with 70 artists, opens April 2, 6pm-10pm; thru April 25. 839 Larkin St. www.rosebudgallery. com

www.asianart.org Bob Mizer Museum and Photographic Archives Exhibits of vintage male physique and erotica prints. ‘Analog Human Studies: 25 Years of Photography by Slava Mogutin,’ Exhibit opening April 2, 6pm. Artist talk, April 10, 7pm; thru June 13. 920 Larkin St. www.bobmizer.org

Above: Slava Mogutin photo exhibit @ Bob Mizer Museum and Photographic Archives Below: ‘Soft Portal’ @ 120710 Gallery, Berkeley

‘Soft Portal’ @ 120710 Gallery, Berkeley Dual exhibit of works by trans artists Aleo Landeta and Kit Robbins; opening reception April 2, 5:30pm. Group show April 19, 2pm-5pm; thru May 2. 1207 10th St.t

<< Books & Film

38 • Bay Area Repor ter • April 2-8, 2026

Tim Miller

Queer performance pioneer plays Santa Clara

by Steven Reigns

It is impossible not to personalize it when legal immigrants are being abducted from their green card interviews and citizenship naturalization ceremonies. In the performance of “A Body in the O,” I tell the story of our interview for a green card through marriage in 2013 at the DHS. I can’t even imagine how monstrous it would be to be ambushed and arrested at that moment. Yet that is what is happening now and being done in our names and with our tax dollars to immigrants who have done “everything right.”

im Miller’s 2019 book, “A Body in the O” opens up with an image that is quintessential Miller: daring, mischievous, a little reckless, and entirely alive. “I climbed up into the enormous letter ‘O’ on the Hollywood sign high in the hills above Los Angeles. This was in 1984 when you could still scamper up the Hollywood Hills goat paths and get close to the huge, worldfamous landmark. If you were brave enough to confront the scary precarity and climb up one of the several stories tall letters, you had a perfect moment in time and space that must be recorded. I seem to be wearing hot pants and a crop top, a young gay boy’s uniform of the time when returning home to hot L.A. from chilly New York City and risking his life climbing the decrepit Hollywood sign.” In that “young gay boy’s uniform,” he was beginning to craft the voice that would help redefine performance art that was launched into the stratosphere with the popularity of his show, “My Queer Body.” Since the late 1970s, Miller has forged singular ground as a performer, activist, and writer, insisting the personal is political. His work blends humor, vulnerability, and confrontation. Across the decades that followed, Miller became one of the most vital voices in queer performance. His pieces challenge censorship, confront institutional power, and insist on the visibility of queer lives at moments when simply telling the truth about oneself could be an act of resistance. Fearless yet deeply human, his performances transform autobiography into political testimony without ever losing their wit or warmth or intimacy.

NEA Four score

Miller’s work gained national attention in 1990 when he became one of four artists whose funding was revoked by the National Endowment for the Arts, a flashpoint that ignited nationwide debates about censorship, queer expression, and artistic freedom. The artists became known as the NEA Four. In the years since, Miller’s artistic output has remained expansive and uncompromising. Through solo performances, books, essays, teaching, and collaborations with cultural institutions, he has continued to shape the landscape of contemporary performance art while mentoring generations of artists who follow in the paths he helped carve. Miller will perform April 18 at Santa Clara University’s Fess Parker Theatre. Steven Reigns: The photo of you inside an O of the Hollywood sign on the cover of your book is striking. What does the O mean to you? Tim Miller: For a long time after I found this photo I assumed I was in

Tim Miller

the O in HO- no smart comments please- but another angle shows I am in the O of WOOD, which actually works better for what I am getting at. For me the O means the “Wooden O” of the theatre. Shakespeare coined that “wooden O” reference to the theatre in the prologue to “Henry V,” and he meant the wooden Globe Theatre. Shakespeare asks us to dare to take up the big challenges of our historical moment and cram them into that wooden O! I hope the collection will conjure some of my contributions to that wooden O! I have always tried to put my body in that “O” and take on the heavy-lifting or our queer times. In the Foreword to your book, scholar Craig Gingrich-Philbrook calls you the “quintessential example of the performance artists as first responder.” How does performance art lend itself to first responders? What was it about the art form that attracted you to it? In my opening manifesto in the book, I talk about performers as first responders. I mean this especially around the crucial period in the 1980s in the beginnings of the AIDS crisis when all we were getting from the US government was bigotry and genocide. What we had was one-on-one caregiving and the beginnings of a really vital culture of solo performers taking on AIDS – me included- who began to tell the story of what we were going through from the front lines. But now, of course, we see the amazing first responders taking on the invasion of our cities by masked ICE secret police in Minneapolis, Los Angeles and Chicago. A whistle blows and within seconds dozens of people are there to protect members of their community from being abducted and disappeared. When Renee Good was

murdered by ICE in Minneapolis, she was also there as an extraordinary poet. In what ways does today’s climate remind you of the time your art was being prosecuted? What the current regime in DC is doing now is similar to what was happening in the ’90s Culture War, but a thousand times worse. Trump has demolished the White House East Wing, destroyed the Kennedy Center in just a few months and has essentially completely gotten rid of the National Endowment for the Arts. What is it like for you to be back in the Bay Area? It is always super meaningful to be performing back in the Bay Area. I was here so much growing up, visiting my cousins in Concord, and my Uncle Bill who was the football coach at UC Berkeley for years. All my adventures that have shown up in my performances from when I would hitchhike to SF, get abducted by the Moonies, be inspired as a California high school kid by Harvey Milk, the times I have lived in SF and so many performances I have done at Josies, Theatre Artaud, Zellerbach Playhouse at Berkeley, many runs at New Conservatory Theatre, premiering two shows at ODC Theatre, and now Santa Clara University’s Fess Parker Theatre! You toured the country for decades with different performances addressing the struggles of same sex binational couples. What is it like for you to revisit the text of these performances in your book, now that binational couples have legal rights? Well, we have those rights for now, at least. This was another space of first response for me. While I was one of

‘The Serpent’s Skin’ by David-Elijah Nahmod

s “The Serpent’s Skin” begins, the words “A Transgender Film by Alice Maio Mackay” flash on screen. This is Mackay, who is only 21 years old and a transgender woman, giving a big “screw you” to the mainstream film industry, which tends to eschew everything that isn’t straight and cisgender. Mackay’s gender identity isn’t stopping her from achieving her career goals, as she’s proving herself to be quite a prolific filmmaker. This is her sixth feature film in four years, a remarkable achievement for one so young. “The Serpent’s Skin” (Dark Star Pictures) is a film that defies genre labeling. It’s a horror movie to be sure, but it’s also a queer romance and a story about a trans woman living as

her authentic self. It tells the story of Anna (Alexandra McVicker) a young woman who escapes from an unhappy home life and goes to live with her older sister Dakota (Charlotte Chimes) in an unnamed big city. As Anna moves into Dakota’s apartment, Dakota introduces her to the very Goth Danny (Jordan Dulieu), “the only hottie in the building,” says Dakota. There’s an obvious attraction between Danny and Anna and they soon end up in bed together. As they undress Anna hesitates. “I’m trans,” she says. “That’s okay,” Danny says with a smile in the film’s sweetest moment. It is during their lovemaking that we meet Gen, who has a psychic vision of Anna and Danny in bed together. Gen goes looking for Anna and finds

many artists taking on AIDS, I was one of the very few battling marriage inequality and advocating for immigration rights for gay bi-national couples like me and Alistair McCartney. The book and the performance are, in a big way, a love letter to my husband (author Alistair McCartney) to thank him for enduring the struggle we went through for twenty years to keep him in the US. The photograph in “A Body in the O” of Alistair at his citizenship ceremony is a moment we worked for so hard. Even six years since DOMA was overturned, we still have to pinch ourselves that we made it through the violence of US homophobia and were not forced into exile. Immigration has featured so prominently in your life, activism, and performances, those performances of love and family being torn apart by government resonate so strongly given all that’s going on. How do you experience the extreme and violent attacks on immigrants of the last year?

You cofounded two of our country’s preeminent performance art spaces, Performance Space 122 and Highways. Both are still showcasing progressive and important works. What has it been like for you to have these two institutions continue? In the book I have a story; when I was a kid, I was always wanting to find the ideal queer tree house in Griffith Park where I could put on shows for my friends and change the world. Maybe that is what I was looking for when I climbed high into the Hollywood Sign. It is certainly why I co-founded Highways in 1989 and PS 122 in 1980! I am really proud that both spaces continue to thrive and shake up things. You currently teach performance at universities across the country. What do you want to convey to LGBTQ youth? What would you want to convey to the young Tim on the cover of your book who “risked his life” to climb inside the O? I travel all over the U.S., working with young performers at universities in 44 of 50 states. This is really at the heart of my work now. There is a big theme in the book of tracing my own genealogy but even more charting how I want to embolden young folks to dive into that O and make the future better. That photo in the Hollywood sign is quite poignant for me because it is taken just a few days before my dad died suddenly in L.A. in 1984. In a way, I want to give my students the message that I was always looking for in my early 20s that led me to climb inside that O. I want to ask all of us to dig deep, climb high, see what needs changing, and do your bit to make it happen.t Tim Miller performs “A Body in the O” April 18, 7pm at Santa Clara University’s Fess Parker Theatre. Miller also runs a performance workshop, 4pm-6pm. Both free/RSVP: www.scupresents.org/ fess-parker-studio-theatre www.timmillerperformer.com

Facebook

Alistair McCartney and Tim Miller received their marriage license in 2013.

Steven Reigns is West Hollywood’s Inaugural Poet Laureate and founder of The Gay Rub, a collection of rubbings from LGBTQ landmarks from around the globe, and recently published “Outliving Michael.” www.stevenreigns.com

Wildly fun trans horror flick

Dark Star Pictures

Alexandra McVicker and Avalon Fast in ‘The Serpent’s Skin’

her working in a record shop. The connection between the two is deep and intense, and they fall in love. At the record shop, we find out that Anna has supernatural powers. As a knife-wielding ruffian attempts to rob the store, Anna stares at him with glowing eyes. In a nod to David Cronen-

berg’s film “Scanners,” the young man’s eyes, nose and ears start to bleed, and he runs screaming from the store. Gen also has powers, and the two run around town, playfully casting spells. Gen, as it turns out, is a tattoo artist, and after she tattoos an image of a snake on the back of Danny’s neck, she

inadvertently transfers some of her powers into him and turns him into a snake/vampire/succubus hybrid. Danny begins picking up women, and, once he is alone with them, he bares his fangs and sucks the life out of them. It’s now up to Gen and Anna to reverse the curse before Danny targets Dakota. “The Serpent’s Skin” is only 83 minutes long, yet Mackay packs a lot of material into the film’s relatively short running time. She clearly loves what she is doing and is a talent worth watching.t ‘The Serpent’s Skin’ will screen at the Roxie Theater, 3117 16th St. from April 2-9, then open at the Alamo Drafthouse New Mission, 2550 Mission St. on April 11. www.darkstarpics.com

Books>>

April 2-8, 2026 • Bay Area Repor ter • 39

Annie Bruno’s luminous debut by Michele Karlsberg

nnie Bruno’s debut novel arrives with a backstory as compelling as the book itself. What she once believed was a near-finished work on the brink of publication instead became a decades-long journey, one marked by doubt, distance, and ultimately, rediscovery. If anyone had told Bruno that “Until You Find Your Way” would take 30 years to reach readers, she might not have believed them. In truth, there were times she stopped believing in it altogether. And yet, both writer and manuscript found their way back to each other, resulting in the Howling Bird Press Fiction Prize. That speaks not only to perseverance, but to the quiet endurance of creative vision. Released last month in honor of Women’s History Month, Bruno’s story offers a powerful reminder that creative lives rarely follow a straight path. Known for her essays and short fiction in publications such as Lost & Found: Stories from New York, Dog Culture, The Mississippi Review, and Black Heart Magazine, Bruno has long demonstrated a keen eye for human complexity and place. Now based in California, after years spent in Minnesota, Washington, DC, and New York City, she brings that same depth to her first novel. I had the opportunity to speak with her about Until You Find Your Way and the remarkable journey that finally brought it into the world. Michele Karlsberg: What inspired you to write “Until You Find Your Way?” Annie Bruno: The novel began with Beada, inspired by the memory of a childhood friend’s mother who raised horses in rural Minnesota. She was strong, self-assured, and a little loose

with rules, qualities that made her magnetic to me as a young girl. After high school, I left that rural landscape, but the memory of her never left me. She embodied a physical confidence and groundedness that felt elemental, almost mythic, and I think I carried that image of her into adulthood as a kind of touchstone.

Why portray women’s interior lives with such depth? Our interior lives are the source of common ground. As a young reader, novels that revealed women’s private thoughts helped me recognize and trust my own. They made me feel less alone in experiences that often went unspoken. That interest deepened during my graduate study. I wrote about “A Question of Power” by Bessie Head, a semi-autobiographical novel exploring identity, exile, and mental illness under apartheid in South Africa. I also studied “Nectar in a Sieve” by Kamala Markandaya, which portrays a woman married at twelve and struggling for resilience amid social upheaval in India. Though my life was vastly different and far easier, these books shaped how I understood interiority as a site of resistance and dignity. I have also always been interested in the relationship between women’s inner lives and their bodies. Girls often become objects of perception before they have fully formed their own self-understanding. Fiction helps women to distinguish what is true about themselves from what others want them to be. Being able to distinguish that from a young age makes an enormous difference in the paths women take and ultimately how fulfilling their lives become. What role does storytelling play today, especially for women’s voices?

Author Annie Bruno

To me, storytelling remains what it has always been: shared experience, both escape and homecoming. It transports us into another consciousness while deepening our own. Women’s voices, however, feel clearer and more unapologetic in my lifetime. When I listened to Catherine Connolly speak after taking office in Ireland in 2025, I was struck by how grounded her speech felt in priorities often voiced by women, care, equity, interconnectedness. It signaled to me how much space has opened for women to articulate power differently. Literature and film that center women’s experiences and pass measures like the Bechdel-Wallace Test, expand that space further. When readers encounter complex female protagonists, they internalize broad-

er definitions of leadership, strength, and vulnerability. Storytelling doesn’t replace policy or activism, but it shapes the emotional landscape in which those forces operate. It builds empathy, and empathy precedes change. Can you describe your creative process? My process always begins with an image, whether it’s an image from a memory or something that I see or witness in the moment. When that image is strong enough, a story begins to take shape in my mind. All it takes is one scene that leads to another then another. The potency of that one image, for me, can launch a whole world. I’m not one for outlines, but once I have a first draft, I do map the primary and secondary

story arcs. Every character needs to go on a journey of some kind. The need to change and evolve for us to care about them. Editing is something I enjoy, so a big part of my process is doing an entire pass on the novel focused on one thing: the transitions between chapters, deepening the sense of place or a certain relationship. I have rewritten more than one novel changing from a first person to third person omniscient narration. Having readers and feedback is a huge part of my process too. Finding a close reader who wants to help you is an enormous gift. I had several who helped “Until You Find Your Way” become what it is today.t www.anniebrunowriter.com

ADDITIONAL ITEMS AND DESIGNS COMING SOON INCLUDING BEACH TOWELS

2025–26 Season

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Alicia Graf Mack, Daria L. and Eric J. Wallach Artistic Director Matthew Rushing, associate artistic director

The legendary Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to Berkeley with four dynamic programs uniting iconic masterpieces like Revelations, works by Ailey dancers past and present, and bold new creations from the next generation of choreographers.

Apr 7–12 Z E L L E R B A C H H A L L, B E R K E L E Y

WEST COAST PREMIERE

The Joffrey Ballet

Midsummer Night’s Dream Alexander Ekman, choreographer Mikael Karlsson, composer Anna von Hausswolff, vocalist

Straying far from Shakespeare’s play of the same name, the peerless Joffrey dancers return in Alexander Ekman’s daring, exuberant trip to a surreal realm of unearthly delights that begins during the traditional Scandinavian summer solstice festival and makes us wonder, is it all a dream? “Despite all that can be written about this work, the only true way to fully believe its fantastical, groundbreaking, playfully sexy, grand-scale, one-of-a-kind quality is to see it.” —WTTW Chicago

Apr 17–19 Z E L L E R B A C H H A L L, B E R K E L E Y

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