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The Nice Dickens Christmas Honest – a Blissful and Extraordinary Christmas For All – Splash Magazines

Fri, 03 May 2024 15:04:57 +0000

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – (December 2019) The historic Cow Palace is being redesigned again Dickens's Londonnow in the 36th season, The Great Dickens Christmas Market now takes place on Saturdays and Sundays until December 23, 2018, to offer visitors an incomparable, wonderfully immersive holiday experience.

Holiday fantasies at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair

The Big Dickens Christmas Market and Victorian Holiday Party is very special and a festive treat that I want everyone to experience. The Dickens Fair is truly amazing! Illuminated to look like London in the sparkling setting sun, with over three acres of exhibition space, endless amusements, crafts and games, and fine dining and drinking to your heart's content. There are 800 performers, all dressed in period correct clothing, who take classes to learn how to act and speak in Victorian London. I suggest you put on a costume yourself and take in all the magic.

Step inside and be instantly transported to the streets of cheerful Victorian London as it celebrates Christmas in all its glory. Twilight-lit streets lined with shops, pubs, stages and dance halls filled with more than 800 people Victorian characters and the smell of roasted chestnuts and savory fare. Get yours Travel Map When you go in, stop immediately at the post office to secure your free tickets for the Cheeky French postcard review.

The Great Dickens Christmas market is crowded Holiday magic for the littlest guests, The Tinsel Green Children's Area features hands-on craft activities, old-fashioned games of skill and chance, and lively interactive shows. Young viewers will cheer for the hero and mock the villain in the children's melodrama, while Alice is there in the children's melodrama Mad Hatters Tea Party, or learn the tricks of the chimney sweep trade from the London School Miracle Sweeps. A delightful addition to the usual holiday entertainment where young people can get together Old Santa Claus every day at one o'clock Santa Claus stage, Drive with a hand drive adventure carousel, they cheer toy parade, and laugh at the antics of an authentic Brit Punch & Judy Puppetry.

Santa Claus at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair

Guests will welcome the return of the Comic opera “Trial By Jury” by Gilbert & Sullivan in the Victoria & Albert Bijou Music Hall – one of the most successful one-act operettas of all time, telling the story of ridiculous circumstances played out by characters who behave as if the events were completely normal. Be amazed by the world premiere of “Dr. Xander T. Culpepper's Miracle Elixir Show of Miracles“But don’t expect to take any of his miraculous magical tonic; The demand is simply too high! Also on the Pennygaff stagefresh from a year of studying at the Royal Shakespeare Companythe buffoon of London's most hilarious chimney sweep, Jim Chiminey is warmly welcome!

Experience Mr. Dickens' wonderful stories told by hundreds of living history characters on the streets. Meet Mr. Scrooge, Tiny Tim, Oliver Twist, Nancy and many more characters from Mr. Dickens. Queen Victoria walks the streets of London with Albert and her court to mingle with the guests as only the royal family is allowed to do. You can join in Mr Samuel Pickwick He himself and his fellow “Pickwickians” tour London spreading cheer and hilarity. There are celebrities everywhere in the city of London adventure club, or the Dickens Family Parlour, And the large exhibition stage All of this will undoubtedly take you back to a time long ago. Don't miss the brilliant inventor professor Flockmocker's workshop, and the international issue Silk Road Stage for exotic dances and special musical guest appearances.

For the The best of the fairstart a song or two Paddy West School of Seamanshipand then stroll down to Mad Sal's Dockside Ale House where Mad Sal himself will showcase bold new talents as well as tough favorites like the high-kicking dancers of the The Cancan Jewel in the Mad Sal's Dockside Music Hall. The gentlemen of Brass farthing gave the ladies a good, foamy beer with their exuberant songs Gin Alley Sally's Involve you musically in theirsSociety for the Appreciation of Libations and Spirits.' Later in the day the extremely popular and my favorite show production “The Outrageous”. “Perky French postcards Tableaux Revue” Delight adults over 18 with “Gods & Heroes,” a new episode from the personal life of Horatio And Letitia Everard. It's funny that I'm not allowed in with my camera… and neither is anyone else!

The Great Dickens Christmas Fair was originally produced in 1970 by Ron and Phyllis Patterson, inspired by their success Renaissance amusement market, which over time brought them to the San Francisco Bay Area Summer of love in 1967. The next generation, Kevin and Leslie Patterson, now along with their adult sons Andrew and Michael, have been producing the fair since 2000, continuing a 50-year family tradition and three generations of deeply immersive, historically authentic environmental theater. Anyone who loves and misses the authenticity of the old Renaissance fair will be thrilled and thrilled The Dickens Fairbecause thanks to the Patterson family's tireless attention to detail, all that old magic is still there and has never left.

“Every year we are inspired to be better than ever and are rewarded with the delight and surprise of our guests,” says Executive Director Kevin Patterson. “The holiday spirit of Charles Dickens and his London flourishes for several weeks – and we revel in the happiness and good humor of all in attendance.”

There are beautifully decorated shops and shopping carts offering fine crafts, imaginative clothing and accessories, jewelry, toys, and decorations for the holidays. Small accessories that you would never have thought would be discovered with great pleasure by buyers of all ages and desires.

One of my favorite sellers is the Sculptor cart, Rebecca love, who creates unique handcrafted ceramic life masks and body casts. Years ago I commissioned one of each for my wife Sandy, and they are actually some of our most treasured pieces of art at home. It is a pleasure to meet and work with Rebecca. There are also tiles and pottery, in styles and designs that only Rebecca can make. Take a look at their latest African masks.

Even though I don't play, I love it too Stephen Joynes' Fiddle Shop. Based in Palo Alto, California, Stephen performs restorations and repairs and runs his stand out of his love for the instruments. He told me, “I work from home.” My workshop is in my garage and my back yard…this is a retirement job for me…I travel to the West Coast and set up my instrument shop at music festivals. “Spreading the joy of music, especially among children, is a very rewarding pastime.” Anyone can appreciate the workmanship of these beautiful instruments. For more information, check out Steve Joynes on Pinterest.

Steven Overstreet Designs are a supporting pillar The Great Dickens Christmas Marketas well as Renaissance fairs everywhere. “I design my clothing for women to celebrate their inner and outer beauty.” I use color and texture as my fundamental tools. I dye most of the fabrics I use myself, mixing a range of colors not available any other way. Silk velvet is one of my favorite fabrics because of its incredible softness, drape and feel against the skin. “My designs, inspired by the Pre-Raphaelite art movement of the Victorian era, are romantic, sexy and artistic.”

Don & Andrea Thompson'S, Velvet chaos offers all kinds of robes, skirts and dresses as well as cheeky “underwear”. You'll also find unique capes and coats for everyone, including velvet, silk and colorful cotton fabrics. The Thompson's create beautiful wardrobes for discerning adults and beautiful children. Come and enjoy our kindness and joy! The photos here are a small sampling of what is on offer and the ladies who help you try on a garment are charming and skilled at their craft.

When visiting merchants, the “AI R” symbol indicates merchants who handcraft the goods they sell. I encourage everyone to support artists of all genres and media.

WHEN: Open Saturday, November 17, and runs Saturdays and Sundays (and the Friday after Thanksgiving) through December 23, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m

WHERE: The Cow Palace Exhibition Halls, 2600 Geneva Avenue, Daly City, CA

PRICES: Tickets are select day. Visit dickensfair.com to reserve your desired date.

General admission (13+): $30.00

Children aged 5-12: $14.00

Children under 5: Free

Group tickets: For groups of 20 people or more, please contact ti*****@gg************.com,
415-668-0525

Active military: 1st and 2nd weekend Free entry:

Active military members receive FREE admission the first and second weekends!

(November 17th, 18th, 23rd, 24th and 25th only; photo ID required.)

The Scrooge special (Twilight ticket offer, available at the door only):

Adult Twilight Tickets, $18.00, Children's Twilight Tickets, $10.00, available after 3:00 p.m.:

Parking is available for $12 (charged by Cow Palace).

The fair offers a convenient shuttle service from the Glen Park BART station

More Dickens Fair on social media: Instagram DickensFair, Facebook Dickens Fair, Twitter Dickens Fair

Contact me, Greg Autry, on social media: Facebook Facebook.com/GregAutryPhoto, Twitter @CGARegAnd Instagram gregautry.cga . There are always more pictures!

Greg is a photographer and writer specializing in fashion, art and editorial. He covers luxury brands for Splash Magazine, including fashion shows, art, charities, stage performances, travel and all types of events. Organizers and producers specifically and repeatedly ask about Greg because his articles and photographs are of the highest quality and are often picked up in national media. Greg is also available for freelance assignments. Author – magazine article and upcoming bio-novel about the artist Julian Ritter. Photographer – commercial fashion and editorial photography. Artist – oil painter

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The post The Nice Dickens Christmas Honest – a Blissful and Extraordinary Christmas For All – Splash Magazines appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

The Nice Dickens Christmas Truthful – a Joyful and Extraordinary Christmas For All – Splash Magazines

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 19:59:10 +0000

Holiday fantasies at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair

The Big Dickens Christmas Market and Victorian Holiday Party is very special and a festive treat that I want everyone to experience. The Dickens Fair is truly amazing! Illuminated to look like London in the sparkling setting sun, with over three acres of exhibition space, endless amusements, crafts and games, and fine dining and drinking to your heart's content. There are 800 performers, all dressed in period correct clothing, who take classes to learn how to behave and speak in Victorian London. I suggest you put on a costume yourself and take in all the magic.

Santa Claus at the Great Dickens Christmas Fair

Experience Mr. Dickens' wonderful stories told by hundreds of living history characters on the streets. Meet Mr. Scrooge, Tiny Tim, Oliver Twist, Nancy and many more characters from Mr. Dickens. Queen Victoria walks the streets of London with Albert and her court to mingle with the guests as only the royal family is allowed to do. You can join in Mr Samuel Pickwick He himself and his fellow “Pickwickians” tour London spreading cheer and hilarity. There are famous people everywhere in the city of London adventure club, or the Dickens Family Parlour, And the large exhibition stage All of this will undoubtedly take you back to a time long ago. Don't miss the brilliant inventor professor Flockmocker's workshop, and the international issue Silk Road Stage for exotic dances and special musical guest appearances.

Don & Andrea Thompson'S, Velvet chaos offers all forms of robes, skirts and dresses as well as cheeky “underwear”. You'll also find unique capes and coats for everyone, including velvet, silk and colorful cotton fabrics. The Thompson's create beautiful wardrobes for discerning adults and beautiful children. Come and enjoy our kindness and joy! The photos here are a small sampling of what is on offer and the ladies who help you try on a garment are charming and skilled at their craft.

When visiting merchants, the “AI R” symbol indicates merchants who handcraft the goods they sell. I encourage everyone to support artists of all genres and media.

WHEN: Open Saturday, November 17, and runs Saturdays and Sundays (and the Friday after Thanksgiving) through December 23, 2018 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m

WHERE: The Cow Palace Exhibition Halls, 2600 Geneva Avenue, Daly City, CA

PRICES: Tickets are select day. Visit dickensfair.com to reserve your desired date.

General admission (13+): $30.00

Children aged 5-12: $14.00

Children under 5: Free

Group tickets: For groups of 20 people or more, please contact ti*****@gg************.com,
415-668-0525

Active military: 1st and 2nd weekend Free entry:

Active military members receive FREE admission the first and second weekends!

(November 17th, 18th, 23rd, 24th and 25th only; photo ID required.)

The Scrooge special (Twilight ticket offer, available at the door only):

Adult Twilight Tickets, $18.00, Children's Twilight Tickets, $10.00, available after 3:00 p.m.:

Parking is available for $12 (charged by Cow Palace).

The fair offers a convenient shuttle service from the Glen Park BART station

More Dickens Fair on social media: Instagram DickensFair, Facebook Dickens Fair, Twitter Dickens Fair

Contact me, Greg Autry, on social media: Facebook Facebook.com/GregAutryPhoto, Twitter @CGAGregAnd Instagram gregautry.cga . There are always more pictures!

The post The Nice Dickens Christmas Truthful – a Joyful and Extraordinary Christmas For All – Splash Magazines appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

San Francisco may finish single-family zoning. Why housing advocates aren’t comfortable

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 11:05:37 +0000

San Francisco plans to get rid of single-family zoning and instead allow fourplexes in every neighborhood and six-unit homes on all corner lots, a change long sought by housing development advocates.

But champions of greater housing density are worried that San Francisco’s legislation might result in very few new homes being built. They fear that restrictive provisions limiting who can take advantage of the new permissions and how fast property owners can get their projects approved will stymie new construction.

On Tuesday, the Board of Supervisors narrowly approved the legislation, which is intended to alleviate the city’s notorious housing crunch. The vote marks the culmination of more than a year’s work by Supervisor Rafael Mandelman to pass legislation that would promote fourplexes in San Francisco. In early 2021, Mandelman announced a more modest plan that failed to advance. He returned last summer with a new proposal that the board passed in a 6-4 vote Tuesday, with Supervisors Ahsha Safaí, Catherine Stefani, Shamann Walton and Matt Dorsey dissenting. Supervisor Connie Chan was absent.

Some supervisors opposed the legislation because it circumvents the fast-tracked permit approval process required by a new state law — SB9 — that was passed to promote the construction of more multi-unit housing.

With the ordinance, Mandelman and co-sponsor Supervisor Myrna Melgar are trying to encourage more density while preserving local control over new development. Mandelman has acknowledged that his legislation leaves more work to be done to address the housing crisis.

“I share the frustration of those who feel that a measure that was already modest and incremental to begin with ended up even more so after working its way through the legislative process, but I believe today’s vote is nonetheless a move in the right direction for San Francisco,” Mandelman said in a statement after the vote. “Still, the reality is that this board needs to do better and be bolder if we are to have any hope of achieving the significant increase in housing production required by state law and demanded by the moment.”

Richard Hillis, the city’s planning director, said the impact of the fourplex ordinance will likely be “fairly small” as measured by new housing units. But he called the act of ending single-family zoning “a pretty big step” — at least in terms of recognizing that building multi-family rather than single-family homes is good policy.

But he added that he’s “nervous that the changes they’re making are either not going far enough, or they’re putting requirements in place that will result in too few units being produced.”

Currently, about 40% of San Francisco’s land area is zoned for only single-family homes. The ordinance rezones all those areas to allow duplexes by default. Property owners can then receive a density exception from the city that allows them to build up to four units, six on corner lots.

Any one building more than two units would have those extra units subject to rent control — a program that some developers say can make the economics of building more homes harder to pencil out.

And only those who have owned their properties for at least five years — or inherited it from a family member who did — can qualify for the density exception at all.

The latter provision, implemented in committee at the urging of Supervisor Dean Preston, could hamstring the ordinance’s ability to translate into much new development, some observers say.

Preston pushed the restriction in order to prevent rampant real estate speculation. But critics say the ownership restriction could simply push more developers toward building more expensive duplexes and single-family homes rather than more affordable fourplexes.

“That doesn’t make sense to us in terms of what we think the public policy objective should be, which is … to encourage more small units and more rent-controlled units,” said Tom Radulovich, the executive director of Livable City .

Todd David, executive director of the Housing Action Coalition, said he thought the original version of the bill wouldn’t have much of an impact, but the amendments made that even more true.

“They took the original policy they knew would create little housing and they added some additional bells and whistles to ensure that it will create very little to no housing,” David said.

Additionally, the ordinance allows San Francisco to get around a key provision of SB9.

The 2021 state law lets homeowners who want to add extra units get approval through a streamlined process that bypasses city officials’ ability to use their discretion to reject housing developments. But the law applies only to areas zoned for single-family homes, so San Francisco’s rezoning of the whole city would make SB9 no longer apply to the permit approval process.

The San Francisco legislation’s end-run around SB9 was cited by Safaí and Dorsey when they explained to their colleagues why they were voting against the local measure.

“I believe it’s too small of a step,” said Safaí, who had proposed his own fourplex ordinance that was not incorporated into Mandelman’s.

State Sen. Scott Wiener, a San Francisco Democrat and co-author of SB9, said in a statement after the board vote that, while Mandelman’s original ordinance was a “good-faith proposal,” the amended version, “sadly, doesn’t cut it.”

“The ordinance avoids SB9 without offering an alternative robust path to more housing,” Wiener said.

Even without San Francisco’s restrictions, however, SB9 likely would have had limited impact in the city, according to housing experts and a Chronicle analysis.

Mandelman has previously said he was open to discussing ways of fast-tracking permit approvals but that any such changes would have to be made by supervisors later.

“This is not the final statement on density in low-density neighborhoods,” he said Tuesday.

Hillis said that streamlining approval for fourplexes and sixplexes once the city is rezoned would likely require a ballot measure to amend the City Charter. San Franciscans are already voting on at least one amendment — possibly two — in November aimed at accelerating housing production for some projects.

Wiener said he did not believe that San Francisco could rely on its newest fourplex law to comply with its state-mandated plan to meet housing production goals. The city must plan to build 82,000 units between 2023 and 2031.

“This is further evidence that the voters are going to have to take matters into their own hands to ensure San Franciscans have enough housing to meet our city’s needs,” he said in his statement.

Supervisor Aaron Peskin, who supported the ordinance, said Tuesday that he was “actually kind of shocked that there is opposition to this.” He and Preston both said they believed the real reason for the resistance was that many of those in favor of more housing development also oppose rent control.

“Let’s be clear: They hate rent control and that is why they are opposing a bill that increases density in San Francisco,” Peskin said.

JD Morris is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jd.morris@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @thejdmorris

The post San Francisco may finish single-family zoning. Why housing advocates aren’t comfortable appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

Sister Dana sez, “Pleased LGBTQ PRIDE WEEKEND to everybody!” – San Francisco Bay Instances

Mon, 27 Jun 2022 21:55:54 +0000

Words of Wisdumb from a Fun Nun–

By Sister Dana Van Iquity–

Sister Dana sez, “Happy LGBTQ PRIDE WEEKEND to everyone! I look forward to once again sitting atop the SF Bay Times open-top vehicle wearing rainbow nun habit to wave fervently, flash peace signs, and blow kisses to the crowd along the parade route! See you there!”

GAY PRIDE 1985 was the day I became a member of THE SISTERS OF PERPETUAL INDULGENCE, and I will forever treasure that beautiful day! This will be my 37th year happily serving with The San Francisco Order of SPI.

Devlin Shand, Fadi Salahand Erika Pappas have created QUEER AF (Queer Arts Featured) on the historic site of Harvey Milk’s former camera shop, 575 Castro Street—to serve the queer arts community in the SF Bay Area. As a gallery, boutique, and gathering space, Queer AF will feature art across all mediums, with a focus on the work of underrepresented, disenfranchised, and emerging local Queer artists and makers while minimizing financial barriers. They strive to keep The Castro Queer AF They held their grand opening party on June 10. I was particularly drawn (no pun intended) to the graphite works of Louis Felipe because of their erotic quality. https://www.queerartsfeatured.com/

Sister Dana sez, “The astonishing JANUARY 6th INSURRECTION HEARINGS were broadcast on every major news station but Fox-TV news. Great! So, the very viewers who really and truly should have seen that coverage were purposely deprived!”

Vice Chair Liz Cheney brilliantly exhorted at the beginning of the hearing: “I say this to my Republican colleagues who are defending the indefensible: There will come a day when Donald Trump is gone; but your dishonor will remain!”

LUNA RIENNE GALLERY held a stunning opening reception on June 11 to display SOWING SEEDSfeaturing originals and reproductions of selected works by urban contemporary artist Norm “Nomzee” Maxwell (1969-2016). Created between the years of 2002–2015, these works are among his most colorful and positive—reflecting his growing family, fond memories of his Philadelphia youth, and metaphysical aspirations. Despite his passing, his work remains not only relevant but also visionary. My fave is mos’ def’ “Pop On A Platter: Beyoncé Lisa (2010),” Maxwell’s Giclee print on canvas interpretation of the pop diva as the famous Mona Lisa. Maxell’s works, as well as many other artists’ pieces, are now on exhibition at 3318 22nd Street (@ Valencia). https://lunarienne.com/art/

President Joe Biden signed to EXECUTIVE ORDER on June 15 aimed at protecting LGBTQ people from a cascade of legislation in conservative states that increasingly targets the rights of gays, lesbians, transgender youth, and others. The order is designed to counter efforts by Republican politicians like Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, who has pushed through a measure—the “Don’t Say Gay” law—banning teachers from providing instruction regarding gender identity or sexual orientation. Other laws passed in conservative states include prohibitions on transgender girls competing in high school sports and efforts to ban the provision of gender-affirming care. White House officials have called the new laws “un-American” and said they are designed to discriminate against families and children based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Sister Dana sez, “Uvalde. Buffalo. El Paso. Dayton. Gilroy. pulses santa fe park land Sutherland Springs. Las Vegas. Sandy Hook. aurora. Virginia Tech. columbine Many others. How many more Americans must be massacred by assault rifles until Congress gets these weapons of war off our streets? Other countries have taken decisive action to ban assault rifles and have seen drastic reductions in gun violence. We MUST do the same!”

On June 11, more than 450 rallies were staged nationwide in the MARCH FOR OUR LIVES gun reforms demonstrations—including one in SF and another in Oakland.

President Joe Biden has officially declared JUNETEENTH as a federal holiday, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It is also often observed for celebrating African-American culture. Originating in Galveston, Texas, it has been celebrated annually on June 19 in various parts of the United States since 1865. “Juneteenth” was definitely observed joyously all over the Bay Area this year.

Mayor London N. Breed joined elected and city officials and community members on June 19 to kick off a series of community-led events to honor the Juneteenth holiday in San Francisco. Following President Joe Biden’s 2021 resolution declaring Juneteenth a federal holiday, Mayor Breed signed an order declaring June 19 an official holiday in San Francisco. “Juneteenth is a recognition of our culture and accomplishments, but it’s also a solemn reminder of the bonds of slavery and the struggle for equality that continues today,” said Mayor Breed. “For years, San Francisco’s Black community has commemorated this day through celebrations across our city, but this year is special as it is the first time we are coming together to celebrate Juneteenth as an official holiday. I want to thank the community and our city leaders who continue to put in the work to ensure that Black San Franciscans have an opportunity to thrive.”

Gary Virginia and Donna Sachet‘s PRIDE BRUNCH is back, in person! Marking its 24th year, this annual celebration of all things Pride during SF’s Pride Weekend returns to the beautiful Westin St. Francis Hotel, 355 Powell Street on Saturday, June 25, 11 am–2 pm—including a three-course meal, hosted bar , and a joyous commemoration of the PRIDE PARADE‘s Grand Marshals and a coming together three years in the making. All proceeds from this LOVE IS IN THE AIR fundraiser support PRC‘s lifesaving, integrated social, legal, and behavioral health services that help San Francisco’s most vulnerable populations struggling with HIV-AIDS, substance use, and mental health issues. Services help over 5,000 clients annually on their path toward stability and better health and financial outcomes. https://tinyurl.com/2bmndf95

THE SAN FRANCISCO TRANS MARCH —San Francisco’s largest transgender Pride event and one of the largest trans events in the entire world is always the Friday of Pride weekend, and thousands of people attend. It’s June 24, 6 pm in Dolores Park (Dolores and 18th Streets) for the street march, which is approximately a 45-minute walk. Bring signs, banners, posters, megaphones—you know the drill. Earlier activities begin at 10:30 am throughout the day. https://www.transmarch.org/

THE SAN FRANCISCO DYKE MARCH is marching at 5 pm on June 25 at the intersection of Dolores Street and 18th Street in San Francisco. No rally in Dolores Park is planned before hand. https://www.thedykemarch.org/

Congratulations go to “A STRANGE LOOP,” an irreverent, sexually frank work about Blackness and queerness winning Best New Musical at the TONY AWARDS onJune 12. Michael R Jackson‘s 2020 Pulitzer Prize drama winner is all about a black gay man writing a show about a black gay man. Jackson also won for best book. Sister Dana sez, “Oh, we GOTTA go catch this winner when it comes to the Bay Area—which it hopefully will do!”

THE VINE SING ALONG PRIDE MASS at Grace Cathedral was back! We belted out our favorite queer anthems in an utterly rainbow-covered cathedral. I was, of course, Sister Dana the rainbow nun, along with many other fellow SPI nuns. This year’s theme was “Family Values.” We decided the Religious Right shouldn’t have all the fun, so we leaned-in hard to celebrate the joy, resilience, and struggle of what it means for our LGBTQ community to be family. We heard an inspiring message from the Rev Dr Cameron Partridge—a justice warrior, theologian, and openly transgender man. He has taught at Harvard University, spoken at Why Christian, and currently serves as Rector to St. Aidan’s Episcopal Church in SF. After the service, we all enjoyed rainbow cake!

Juanita MORE!‘s 18th annual PRIDE PARTY is June 26, noon to 7 pm, 620 Jones Street. Miss MORE! continues to raise the bar with this annual nonprofit Pride extravaganza. It focuses on supporting some of SF’s most impactful organizations. Over the years, Juanita’s efforts have raised over $1 million dollars for the LGBTQ community. With the donations raised through this year’s party, Q FOUNDATION will use those contributions to continue their important work throughout San Francisco and spearhead new initiatives which include acquiring residential real estate. Q Foundation is the home for homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing services for the LGBTQIA, and members of the HIV+ communities. They provide advocacy leadership at the national, state, and local levels and direct services to thousands of San Francisco residents. https://juanitamore.com/pride

SAN FRANCISCO PLAYHOUSE (Artistic Director Bill English; Producing Director Susi Damilano) announces FOLLIES by James Goldman other Stephen Sondheim. The musical will run on the San Francisco Playhouse main stage, 450 Post Street, from June 30 through September 10. Originally slated for the Playhouse’s 2019/20 Season and canceled due to COVID-19, the show marks the first fully staged professional production of Follies in San Francisco. The musical, which won seven Tony Awards in 1972 and has been heralded by The New York Times as “one of the greatest musicals ever written,” closed on Broadway after 522 performances and never went on a national tour. So, now’s our chance! https://tinyurl.com/yzdfkxpc

On Saturday, July 9, join the summer fun around the Eagle Plaza, on 12th Street, between Folsom and Harrison for the next SOMA SECOND SATURDAYS. The first weekly Eagle Plaza Farmers Market will be open from 9 am – 12:30 pm. SOMA Second Saturday brings out our local, community Artists and Craftspeople. https://tinyurl.com/2zaj7y57

Sister Dana sez, “As you march in the parade or are in the crowd cheering, be sure to look up and notice the gorgeous PINK TRIANGLE way up in Twin Peaks! And when the sun goes down, the pink triangle lights up in all its glory!”

Published on June 22, 2022

The post Sister Dana sez, “Pleased LGBTQ PRIDE WEEKEND to everybody!” – San Francisco Bay Instances appeared first on Los Gatos News And Events.

48 Blissful Movies That Will Raise Your Temper, From Legally Blonde To La La Land

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 12:53:49 +0000

SILVER SCREEN COLLECTION + GETTY IMAGES

Many make the mistake of reserving this film for Christmas and New Year but we think it’s a timeless classic, perfect for all occasions. Watch as George Bailey learns how different his town would’ve been if he wasn’t there – it’s a story to warm the coldest of hearts and encourages us all to appreciate life that bit more.

18) Four Weddings and a Funeral, 1994

Richard Curtis perfectly straddles the reality of humor and tragedy in life, depicting a group of friends who appear to be unlucky in love until their luck changes. Rowan Atkinson’s part as Father Gerald alone will have you chuckling along with the cast. Genius.

19) Little Miss Sunshine, 2006

A family determined to get their young daughter into the finals of a beauty pageant to take a cross-country trip in their VW bus. Starring Abigail Breslin, Paul Dano, Toni Collette and Steve Carell, this film is about dreams and illusions and the beauty of a dysfunctional family. Pure joy. Abigail Breslin literally brings sun in to the rainiest cold days in this heart walking family drama.

20) Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, 2001

One line of that iconic music and you’ll be in your pajamas, sat down on the sofa gorging on a Terry’s Chocolate orange and wondering what life would’ve been like if you’d attended Hogwarts.

Take a journey with Harry, Ron and Hermione and relive your childhood once more. And no, we don’t care if you prefer the books. It’s essential viewing for improved happiness.

21) Matilda, 1996

Danny DeVito, Roald Dahl, Mara Wilson – can you really get a better combination? This fantasy comedy is sure to cheer you up, with genius girl Matilda beating the odds (her horrid parents and Miss Trunchball) to find happiness with Miss Honey. The chocolate cake scene alone will make you feel inspired. Everyone together now: ‘Bruce, Bruce, Bruce…’

22) One Fine Day, 1996

After viewing this film you’ll immediately be in search of a partner willing to pick you up and carry you through a puddle so not to damage your heels. It’s inevitable.

Single Melanie (Michelle Pfeiffer) and (Jack) George Clooney are forced to take care of their children on the most important days of their careers and juggle looking after each other’s sprogs amid deadlines and pressures from their bosses. Proof that work is not your top priority.

23) Mary Poppins, 1964

A spoonful of sugar really does help the hangover, a temperature or the grumps go down, and is perfect if you’re feeling a bit under the weather. Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke are an essential pairing for a mood lifter.

24) Mary Poppins Returns, 2018

Decades after her first visit to the Banks family, Mary Poppins (this time played by Emily Blunt), returns to help young Michael’s (Ben Whishaw) children through a pretty scary point in their lives. With tunes and acting courtesy of Lin-Manuel Miranda (who plays chimney-sweeper Jack) and appearances from Julie Walters, you know this is a good’un.

25) Forrest Gump, 1994

Overly sentimental? Perhaps. Heart-warming to the level it will make you want to hug a puppy? Definitely. This award-winning film sees the astonishing life of Forrest Gump, a man who lives a charmed life of success and love. A stunning film about overcoming adversity and the cards you were dealt with. ‘Stupid is as stupid does,’ says Forrest. Don’t be stupid, watch the film.

26) Legally Blonde, 2001

‘Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t kill their husbands,’ says Elle Woods. Well, happy people also watch Legally Blonde, the story of an innocent Beverly Hills sorority girl who defies judgment and heartbreak to become Harvard’s top lawyer. She’s a one girl revolution, after all.

27) Pride, 2014

Based on a true story, this LGBT-related comedy-drama depicts a group of lesbian and gay activists who raised funds to help those affected by the British miners’ strike in 1984. Tackling subjects of prejudice, homophobia and community spirit, this is essential viewing to restore your faith in humanity.

28) Bridget Jones’ Diary, 2001

This wanton sex goddess is a woman’s life-long friend and confident who makes sense of life, love and London with a group of mismatched friends in the Big Smoke. Big knickers aside, this film will have you cheering for the underdog and debating who is hotter, Daniele Cleaver or Mark Darcy.

29) Sister Act (1 and 2), 1992 and 1993

Guaranteed to put a smile on your face is Whoopi Goldberg, we believe. And if that won’t do it, then surely the angelic tones of Lauryn Hill’s voice will. So both the original and sequel of the Sister Act franchise makes this list. Deloris (Goldberg) ends up in witness protection and is reluctantly placed as a nun in a convent in a deprived area of San Francisco. But Deloris, with her singing credentials, soon invigorates the convent’s choir and in the second film takes this same energy to a struggling school. The final performance of the school kids is a rendition of ‘Joyful, Joyful’ – need we explain again why this film makes the list?

30) Sing Street, 2016

The film that will make you wish you’d formed a music band as a teenager, Sing Street is about a boy called Conor growing up in Dublin during the 1980s and starts a band to distract himself from his troubled schooling and strained family life, in order to get the girl. The fashion and music references to Duran Duran and Spandau Ballet are enough to get you dancing. Available now on Netflix.

31) Rush Hour, 1998

ARNAL + GETTY IMAGES

Mismatched cops are on a mission to rescue the Chinese consul’s kidnapped daughter. The perfect police pairing. There’s no better classic comedy duo than Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker. Broke up with the boyfriend? Bad grade at school? Crippling anxiety? Disconnect yourself from the world and switch this on.

32) The Blues Brothers, 1980

In the mood for a pick me up? Look no further than The Blues Brothers.

Aretha Franklin, Carrie Fisher, Twiggy, Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi star in this hilarious musical crime comedy. Jake and his brother Elwood are on a ‘mission from God’ to reunite their old band to play at a fundraiser to save their childhood orphanage.

33) Despicable Me, 2010

Nothing defines happiness like a minion – fact. With the help of Gru, the world’s most evil/adorable super villain/father and a group of yellow, denim dungaree-clad friends, you’ll find it hard not to smile at this heartwarming animated comedy.

34) Julie and Julia, 2009

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Amazon is exploiting San Francisco’s zoning coverage to plot an enormous growth within the metropolis. Some locals aren’t joyful

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 14:24:52 +0000

Amazon’s signature smiley blue logos are spreading across southeast San Francisco’s industrial landscape. And not everyone is happy about it.

The second most valuable company in the world, Amazon has been gobbling up space throughout the southeast corner of the city, taking advantage of zoning meant to preserve blue-collar jobs in a market in which housing and office space has typically generated higher revenues.

At 888 Minnesota St., at the foot of a slow street and across from Esprit Park, Amazon has established an UltraFastFresh logistics center. A half-mile southeast at 435 23rd St., just to the south of the Potrero Power Station, a large sign outside a 75,000 square foot warehouse says “welcome Amazonians.” And further to the south, at 749 Toland St., Amazon has a 112,000 square foot delivery hub.

But Amazon’s biggest and most controversial incursion into San Francisco is a proposed 725,000 square foot delivery hub at 900 7th St., a six-acre rectangular parcel in Showplace Square Amazon bought for $200 million. For decades that site was home to garbage trucks, a fleet of 300 that each morning would rumble out onto the streets of Showplace Square at an hour the streets were still dark and most city residents still in bed.

Now the trash trucks are gone — the garbage company Recology relocated them to Brisbane — but a proposal from the new property owner is causing consternation from neighbors who say that a heavy industrial use no longer fits in a creative neighborhood that has evolved into a mix of housing, design and artist spaces, light “advanced” manufacturing and an expanding California College of the Arts campus.

Amazon plans to expand into San Francisco by turning this location at 900 7th St., and others, into facilities for the company.

Samantha Laurey/The Chronicle

David Meckel, senior adviser to the president at CCA, said three daily shifts of 400 workers would generate 2,800 car trips, in addition to the 70 Amazon trucks that will be coming and going from the facility. The traffic could create a pedestrian nightmare for CCA’s 1,600 students as well as for residents at 888 7th St, a 224-unit that overlooks the future Amazon site.

“To me it’s not about Amazon, it’s about the intensity of the use,” said Meckel. “I’d have the same concerns if it were FedEx or UPS. For me it’s about urban design.”

Will Roscoe, who lives at 888 7th St., said the pollution and traffic would worsen air quality in a neighborhood in which freeways and Caltrain already generate high levels of particulate matter. About a decade ago, Roscoe, who works for a nonprofit, was evicted from a building in the Western Addition. He feels like the Amazon project will once again force him to move.

“Hundreds of people now have come in to make this their neighborhood and this just really turns the clock back to a massive usage that is antithetical to a livable neighborhood for people with children, seniors,” he said. “It’s contrary to that.”

But while a busy distribution center may feel out of sync with Showplace Square’s current vibe, it is in fact just what city zoning calls for. And Recology only decided to sell the site after neighbors had rejected an earlier 2018 plan to build about 1,000 units of housing there.

At a pre-application meeting at the site on June 27, 2019, a packed room of Dogpatch and Potrero Hill residents lambasted the idea of building housing on the site. One called it a “a land grab and giveaway to developers.” Another resident said San Francisco suffered from a “PDR crisis” — PDR stands for production, distribution and repair — and that the property should remain zoned for industrial uses. One attendee called it “a bad project,” while another argued that “housing is not needed in the neighborhood.”

If the vocal opposition was intended to give Recology cold feet, it worked. Recology first cut the number of proposed units in half. Then, facing an uphill approval process that was likely to drag on three or four years, not including delays from environmental lawsuits common in San Francisco, the rubbish company gave up and sold the six-acre site to Amazon.

“We received an offer and determined it was in Recology’s interest to accept it,” said Eric Potashner, the Vice President & Senior Director of Strategic Affairs at Recology.

While the housing plan would have required a series of zoning changes and conditional use authorizations, Amazon’s proposed 57-foot high warehouse is consistent with the Eastern Neighborhoods land use plan adopted in December of 2008 after a decade of debate. The site is part of a block of parcels roughly bounded by 7th Street, Division Street, Potrero Avenue and 16th Street, that were zoned for industrial uses.

Ken Rich, who was project manager at the Planning Department for the Eastern Neighborhoods rezoning, said the city tried to strike a balance between protecting industrial jobs and creating room for new housing. The plan has generated thousands of new housing units in Dogpatch and Potrero Hill. It has also prompted property owners at sites like 1 DeHaro, 100 Hooper and 150 Hooper to build PDR spaces for advanced manufacturing.

The Eastern Neighborhood Plans goal of protecting light industrial jobs on a swath of land that would otherwise have been gobbled up by tech office and housing developers has done what it was intended to do, according to Anne Taupier, director of development at the Mayor’s Office of Economic and workforce development.

“A clear set of rules to play by were established and it really hasn’t changed since then,” said Taupier. “We think it has worked and is continuing to work.”

The opposition to Amazon’s 7th Street plan is motivated not just by land use issues but by the company’s track record of crushing unionization efforts and reputation for grueling work conditions, according to JR Eppler, a board member with Potrero Boosters.

Eppler said that neighbors around 888 Minnesota St. have had success over the last year working with Amazon on issues like traffic, parking and security. Friends of Jackson Park is in talks with Amazon about the company possibly contributing funding to badly needed improvements. But the labor issues are harder to negotiate, he said.

In a recent SF Standard article two San Francisco Board of Supervisor members, Aaron Peskin and Shamann Walton, suggested that the city had been overly receptive to Amazon’s project and less than upfront with residents and other stakeholders about the project.

Taupier said Amazon is at the very beginning of its approval process and there would be ample time for residents and elected officials to shape the project.

“We are going to have conversations with Amazon about supporting our local small businesses, including our brick and mortar retail businesses,” said Taupier. “We will make sure they understand that San Francisco has expectations that if you are going to do business here you are going to be part of the community.”

In the meantime the empty rectangular lot feels like an island in a neighborhood that has moved on. To the north is the condo building at 888 7th St., which houses many senior Chinese immigrants. To the south on Hooper Street is headquarters for Adobe and a new SFMade building that houses a roster of manufacturing businesses including robotics groups, a distillery and a fabricator of everything from drapes to bags to hydrogen tanks for the automobile and industrial markets.

Scott Mason, a San Francisco commercial real estate broker who specializes in industrial properties, said Amazon is among a select group of well-funded users who qualify for PDR sites but have far deeper pockets than the typical family run auto body or plumbing supply company. He said mom and pop PDR companies needed to make a city like San Francisco function can not compete in a market dominated by Amazon.

“Your every day smaller company in San Francisco is having a tough time,” he said. “The venture-backed tech-driven company can pay more per square foot because they are not working off a regular balance sheet.”

Stephen Maduli-Williams, Amazon’s manager of economic development policy, said construction at the old Recolgy site would not start for 18 to 24 months. He said there would be retail at the site and Amazon would work with local residents and businesses to determine what sort of goods might be sold. He said the company is looking into how Amazon could support Jackson Park.

“We intend to use this time to listen to and engage all of our neighbors and stakeholders, with the goal of reaching a shared vision not only for the project, but to also create long lasting partnerships” he said.

For Dogpatch and Potrero residents there is an increasing sense that Amazon “has the neighborhoods surrounded,” said Eppler. Roscoe said he is concerned that some neighborhood groups will successfully squeeze Amazon to fund various needs, leaving residents to live with the trucks with the blue smiles coming and going.

“Nobody speaks for our building,” said Roscoe. “We don’t want it. Nobody I’ve talked to is like, ‘Oh yes, good idea.’ The others in the coalition are going for community benefits — but what community benefits could they give us? Free gas masks? Lifetime cancer screening? The benefit we need is to not be subjected to traffic and pollution.”

JK Dineen is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jdineen@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfjkdineen

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‘Conversion remedy made me wish to die – however now I am glad and proud to be homosexual’

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 04:36:23 +0000

Ex-Pastor Joel Barrett was just a kid when he realized he was different.

“I have memories of thinking about boys when I was four and five years old. There was a boy in my class who had olive skin and dark hair and I fell in love with him, ”Joel, 55, told The Mirror.

It was only when Joel of the United States reached puberty that he began to understand his feelings – he was attracted to boys.

But being gay was not part of Joel’s conservative Baptist upbringing, and he was brought up to believe that homosexuality was a sin.

The father of three described his church as a little less extreme in its faith than the Westboro Baptist Church – which is known to stake the funerals of fallen soldiers and celebrate human tragedy as a gift from God.

Joel, on Instagram as @Joelspeaksout, went through decades of turmoil trying to hide his sexuality
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Picture:

Joel Barrett)

“Everything I’ve heard about homosexuality was horrific growing up. I heard preachers standing in the pulpit shouting that all gays should be shipped to an island, infected and let die.

“There has been a lot of ridicule of female men trying to scare you,” he said.

Instead of facing his feelings, Joel suppressed his sexuality and rushed into worship.

“Most people thought I was godly, but I knew if they ever found out I was gay, that would change immediately. So I started this cycle of hiding and burying the truth. “

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Over the years, Joel told himself that his feelings would go away when he reached his next goal, such as going to Bible school or meeting a girl.

When he was 23 years old, Joel walked down the altar and married a woman.

“It was the next ‘right’ thing to do. I didn’t knowingly deceive anyone, but I thought that was what I should be doing – find a good Christian wife.

“But nothing has changed in me. I was like, ‘Wow, now I’m married and I have these feelings,’ ”he said.

At 23, Joel married and raised a family in the hopes that his feelings for men would go away
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Picture:

Joel Barrett)

While embarking on married life and pursuing a career in the Church as a pastor, Joel described a life of constant feelings of fear and shame “while hiding his sexuality.

To cope with his secret, he started ‘cruising’ – finding sex and intimacy with other men in parks and other public spaces.

“It was a quick fix and I was immediately full of guilt and fear. It meant that someone actually knew I was gay and I was worried that they would show up in my real life. “

From then on, every Sunday when Joel went to the church platform to speak to 500 people, he would scan the audience to see if there were any men he was intimate with.

Joel became a pastor and preached to hundreds of people every Sunday
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Picture:

Joel Barrett)

But one day after moving to another state, Joel encountered another cruiser who took him twice.

“When I got into the vehicle, I saw him and felt like I was looking in the mirror. I just thought: ‘He is you’. “

After that meeting, Joel decided to undergo conversion therapy.

Although his experience wasn’t comparable to the violent portrayals in films, Joel says the next few years were the darkest of his life.

“I wanted to die. I didn’t want to kill myself, but I wanted someone else to kill me.

“IVF gave me my miracle baby, but the pain caused me to be tied to the bed with uncontrollable anger”

“I saw counselors and told them every dark secret for three years. No one has ever thrown the Bible over to me, but they asked questions like whether I had an arrogant mother or an absent father, ”he explained.

“None of this is based on any kind of science. It is mainly based on belief. “

In a description of the therapy on his website, Joel wrote: “I went to individual and group counseling, went to retreats, read the books, went to conferences, listened to the speakers, fought evil spirits with the counselor, cried and prayed like never before in my life.”

Yet after three years of “talking and praying”, Joel made no progress and became frustrated.

Joel tried to fight his sexuality for years but now lives happily and openly as a gay man and wants to bridge a gap between the LGBTQ + community and the Church
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Picture:

Joel Barrett)

“I asked my counselor to put me in touch with some people who were successful after therapy. But he said no.

“He told me that if they talked to me, everyone was either ashamed of needing the counseling in the first place or too afraid of relapsing.”

After sending himself through Hell for three years and now 36 years old, he realized something. He was gay and that wasn’t going to change.

Despite his relief that he was no longer keeping the secret, he then went through the riot of telling his wife he was gay and ending the marriage.

Joel speaks at conferences and events to share his story and encourage others to happily live the way they are
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Picture:

Joel Barrett)

“Going through the divorce was like admitting failure,” he said, adding that it was difficult to navigate life as an openly gay man.

“I knew I was gay, but I didn’t know what it was like.”

As part of the process, Joel stopped going to church – another big change in his life.

“I had to clear the rubble of 36 years of my life and fight. I realized that I had to get rid of that before I could build up again. “

Over time, Joel met his current husband, David Seymour.

Joel and David have been happily married for 15 years
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Picture:

Aaron Burson)

“I went out with a couple of guys shortly after I came out and went through a kind of ‘gay puberty’,” he joked.

But after meeting David, Joel knew it was time to settle down.

“That was perfect timing. I always told David he was my breath of fresh air, ”said Joel.

Meanwhile, Joel’s three children were approaching their teens and he decided to introduce them to David.

“They were difficult to drive on, but gradually David just became a part of their lives. They always understood him and saw him as a friend, ”he said.

Joel describes his loving husband David as a “breath of fresh air” and has dedicated his book to him
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Picture:

Aaron Burson)

Now, almost 20 years after coming out, Joel is still happily married to David. He wrote about his experience in a book called Godly … But Gay, which is dedicated to his husband.

On Instagram as @Joelspeaksout he works as a motivational coach who helps others through difficult times and is happy with who he is. He also says he wants to bridge the gap between some religions and the LGBTQ + community.

“My belief is personal. I am not an anti-religion, and if you are part of a denomination that makes you a better person then keep doing it.

“But if you’re part of a spiritual community that tells you you’re broken, get out,” he warned.

“I believe in the power of storytelling and tell my story because it humanizes my experience. Growing up, the only images I had in my head of LGBTQ people were people in San Francisco dancing half-naked in the street.

“It’s easy to see people as ‘others’, but when we tell these stories we can see ourselves as people.”

Godly … But Gay is out now and can be bought on Amazon

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