A wink to cruising culture
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Cirque du Soliel
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ARTS
Sha’ar Zahav co-founder dies
ARTS
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'The Bold & the Beautiful'
The
www.ebar.com
Serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities since 1971
Vol. 55 • No. 46 • November 13-19, 2025
Bill Wilson
New District 4 Supervisor Isabella “Beya” Alcaraz, left, was appointed by Mayor Daniel Lurie November 6.
Bill Wilson
Congressmember Nancy Pelosi, left, joined her husband, Paul, at an election night party in the Castro November 4.
New D4 SF supe dogged by pet store controversy
Pelosi won’t seek reelection in 2026 Bill Wilson
Unveiling set for late B.A.R. publisher plaque
by John Ferrannini
S
an Francisco’s Outer Sunset neighborhood has a new supervisor in political novice Isabella “Beya” Alcaraz. She was appointed by Mayor Daniel Lurie and sworn in November 6, replacing gay former supervisor Joel Engardio, who was recalled by voters. But already, Alcaraz, 29, is feeling the heat after allegations she left the site of her former pet store business in tatters, leaving for the new owner to deal with the bodies of hundreds of dead mice, urine and trash, as well as dead animals in a freezer. The controversy has seen the city native go from being feted by the mayor at a public introduction event last week to declining media interviews in recent days. Alcaraz is the city’s first Filipina supervisor and the youngest member currently serving on the Board of Supervisors. Lurie tapped Alcaraz, who also worked as an art and music teacher, to represent District 4 after Engardio was recalled in September. His ouster from office came amid outrage over his support for Proposition K, a citywide ballot measure that permanently closed the upper Great Highway to vehicle traffic. The measure passed citywide but failed by large margins in the district, which borders the former thoroughfare now the site of a park known as Sunset Dunes. Alcaraz’s staff declined the Bay Area Reporter’s request for an interview by press time, but stated she would be available for one “in the near future.” She is set to take part in her first full board meeting when the supervisors reconvene Tuesday, November 18, having been on recess November 11 for the Veterans Day holiday. Alcaraz promised she’d be accountable to the people of the district and bring people together. “The people of the Sunset deserve to have a say on the issues that impact our lives today and will for years to come. Too many decisions have been made without us, and that changes now,” Alcaraz stated. “As your supervisor, I will work to bring all of the District 4 residents together to secure the future of the Sunset. I am humbled and honored by Mayor Lurie’s appointment and the opportunity to serve the residents of this great district. I am proud to serve this neighborhood and look See page 8 >>
A
crew from Associated Builders wrapped up installation November 7 of the Rainbow Honor Walk plaque for Bay Area Reporter founding publisher Bob Ross. The plaque is located in front of 508 Castro Street. Ross, who died in 2003, started the B.A.R. in April 1971 as a way for the nascent LGBTQ community to stay informed. The oldest continuously published LGBTQ newspaper in the U.S., it has grown
into an award-winning publication helping readers navigate changes big and small in the community. The nonprofit Rainbow Honor Walk recognizes deceased LGBTQ luminaries with plaques that are featured throughout the Castro neighborhood. The unveiling for Ross’ plaque will take place Monday, November 17, at 4 p.m. and the public is invited.
by Cynthia Laird
E
nding months of speculation and clearing the way for a new generation of representation, Congressmember Nancy Pelosi announced Thursday that she will not seek reelection next year. Her decision opens the door to an expensive race to replace her, with two candidates already in the race and more expected. The first woman to serve as speaker of the House, Pelosi will end a 20-term career in Congress when she leaves office in early 2027. She has been a frequent and vocal critic of President See page 8 >>
GEO Group faces tough questions at SF supes hearing over reentry facility by Eliot Faine
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San Francisco Board of Supervisors panel heard emotional testimony from the family of a man who died outside a Tenderloin reentry facility as well as from the center’s operators. The building at the center of the controversy was the site of a 1966 riot sparked by trans people and drag queens fighting police harassment. After more than three hours of testimony November 6, questions, and public comment, District 5 Supervisor Bilal Mahmood, who represents the Tenderloin and had called for the hearing, asked for it to be continued to a later date. The Government Audit and Oversight Committee voted 3-0 to grant his request at its November 6 meeting. Queer District 9 Supervisor Jackie Fielder, chair of the committee, was joined by Mahmood and District 3 Supervisor Danny Sauter. Committee member District 2 Supervisor Stephen Sherrill was excused. The panel’s next hearing date is yet to be determined and, with the board set to go on its winter recess in midDecember, may not take place until next year. The private company GEO Group operates 111 Taylor Street, a reentry facility in the Tenderloin for formerly incarcerated people. Current and former residents, or “participants” as 111 Taylor Facility Director Maria Richard called them, have alleged delays in medical care,
Eliot Faine
Anjru Jaezon de Leon, back, comforted his grandmother, Amelia Bulauan, during her emotional comments about the death of her son, Melvin Bulauan, at a Board of Supervisors committee hearing November 6.
overcrowding, and “maggots in the food.” Richard, who has worked at 111 Taylor Street for 25 years, denied there have ever been reports of maggots in food. Most of the food served at 11 Taylor Street is provided by an outside vendor, she said. Residents can bring in non-perishable food and have use of microwaves and toasters, she explained.
But she and Mahmood did get into a discussion concerning the presence of mice at the building. Richard said there is regular pest service provided. “We are in the Tenderloin and there is an issue with vector control,” Richard said. “We don’t have any open complaints.” See page 2 >>