Antoine Mabrey heard about a free Mother’s Day promotion on the radio when he was home in Hayward, but he kept it to himself as he packed up his wife Alisha and daughters Ari, 6 and Amaya, 3, and drove them to the Sunday morning Golden Gate Park.

At 9 a.m. they looked at the SkyStar observation wheel, which rose 150 feet into the sky. At this point, Alisha knew that her surprising Mother’s Day present shouldn’t be brunch. It was three trips on the ferris wheel. The tickets were free for mothers, which meant a saving of US $ 18 – “definitely a plus,” said Antoine, not wanting to sound financially motivated on Mother’s Day.

But there were a lot of people because at 9:30 a.m., half an hour before the opening, the line stretched from the ticket office to past the California Academy of Sciences. “I love this thing,” said Erica Spartos, who was there with her daughter Eula, 8.

Spartos admitted that the reason she hadn’t been there was the price. “I think it’s too expensive,” she said, even considering a 15% discount for locals and $ 12 for kids. The trip consists of three full rotations in a closed gondola, which takes about 10 minutes, and that after half an hour of waiting. “It’s starting to spin,” Spartos said as the attraction came to life.

Until then, patience waned. Zion Burdick, 4, had his little brother Maverick, 3, by the hood of his sweatshirt and made a ride of his own by spinning him around in circles. “They’re just alive,” said their mother, Shellie, who shut down the Windsor boys while they left their toddler home with Dad, an extra gift.

The SkyStar, owned by an entertainment company in St. Louis, first arrived in March 2020 as the main attraction for the 150th anniversary of Golden Gate Park on April 4, 2020. The day the wheel joined the skyline was the day the pandemic struck – home-order passed. The 36 gondolas didn’t make it out of their shipping container until October 21 after the order was canceled, only to close again on November 28 when the virus got caught in a winter flood.

The subsequent reopening on March 4 became controversial when it became known that the Department of Recreation and Parks was looking to extend the original one-year contract by four years. Park purists opposed it, but the expansion was approved after a campaign highlighting the ferris wheel as the engine of economic recovery that could attract tourists and help Richmond District merchants survive the financial struggle of the pandemic.

“It’s ridiculous to fight for a ferris wheel,” said Shellie Burdick. “If we care about things, why don’t we care about climate change?”

The SkyStar spins under the lights day and night, which was another point of criticism. But it was an average of 30,000 passengers a month.

It can run with just six gondolas if there isn’t much demand, with the weather being a deciding factor. On a Sunday, a rainstorm caused an LED light on top of the bike to short-circuit and set off a spark. The people who drove in the six cars were evacuated. Half an hour later, according to the manager, the journey continued without any problems.

Under the sunny Mother’s Day skies, all 36 cars were in operation and the line was moving faster after San Francisco made enough progress against the coronavirus that the ride doesn’t capture the temperatures of all passengers before boarding. They were allowed to go straight to the photo booth, which shows the backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Grant Haggerty, 7, who lives in the Sunset District, was scared to ride it, but once on board with his parents Tom and Alayne Haggerty he was able to enjoy his mother pointing out UCSF Parnassus, where Grant was born. His father pointed to his own birthplace, St. Mary’s Hospital, though that was of limited interest to Grant.

Erica Spartos described the ride as “a complete thrill”. The living green roof of the Academy of Sciences had given her hope against climate change. “It gives you a perspective that you don’t get every day.”

Zion and Maverick Burdick went out in search of hot dogs, and Alisha Mabrey left with a cardboard frame that contained photos of her with her husband and daughters, including one that appeared to have been taken on a skycam while they were there were in the air.

The framed photos were $ 36.95, which was double the savings on Mother’s Day, but Antoine didn’t want to argue with that. “It was definitely the best Mother’s Day,” said Alisha, “because it was a surprise.”

Sam Whiting is a contributor to the San Francisco Chronicle. Email: swhiting@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SamWhitingSF

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Words of Wisdumb from a jolly nun –

By Sister Dana Van Iquity–

sister Dana sez: “Mother’s Day is May 9th. May I be the first to wish all mothers and drag mothers a well-deserved and very happy day! You raised some adorable offspring! “

Comedian, actress, television presenter and producer niece Nash (newly married to wife Jessica Betts) hosted the 32nd year GLAAD MEDIA AWARDS on YouTube on April 8; The show is now also streamed on Hulu. Here are the highlights. Outstanding Music Award (presented by Katy Perry) was Sam Smith. Outstanding breakthrough artist was CHIKA. The best reality series was HBO’s “We’re Here” – we’re bringing drag to rural America and everywhere. President and GLAAD CEO Sarah Kate Ellis spoke of the importance of LGBTQ people being seen and heard in the media. “LGBTQ adoption still has a long way to go, but we have come a long way,” she said. “The equality law is advancing, but with strong resistance from Republicans.” She added, “Media helps you understand people and walk in their shoes.” Niecy introduced her singer-songwriter Jessica Betts to play guitar and sing the exquisite “Catch Me”. Outstanding Film / Limited Release went to Netflix’s The Boys in the Band by proud gay Ryan Murphy. You may remember how much I raved about this movie, with its all-gay cast and director! Oh so yummy Matt Bomer! The standout drama series went to Star Trek: Discovery. The standout film-wide release went to Hulu’s happiest season.

LGBTQ activist Demi Lovato spoke of losing her dear friend and actress Naya Rivera who played Glee on TV as Santana Lopez and her TV friend. “She has inspired young lesbian actresses around the world with her activism,” said Lovato. Personally, I fondly remember when Rivera spoke with fiery inspiration at a GLAAD celebration. We gave her a standing ovation! Lovato then introduced much of Glee’s incredible cast as himself today in paying loving tributes to Rivera. Jane Lynch (Glees angry Sue Sylvester) praised GLAAD’s work and came to the conclusion: “Every year there is more LGBTQ representation on television and a more diverse representation as well as more acceptance and more friendliness.”

I’m so excited to announce that my favorite of the favorites, Schitt’s Creek, received the Best Comedy Series Award accepted by my lead actor, star, and co-creator. And Levy! Let me remind you that this series won the Golden Globes and also won the GLAAD Award last year. “When we started doing Schitt’s Creek we wanted to be fun, but also show personal growth, love, empowerment and bebe crows – but we wanted everyone to be supported without question.” He added, “There is really so much work to be done, and I cannot thank GLAAD enough for their tireless pursuit that one day we can live in a world where our community has this kind of support.” Sister Dana sez: “Can I get an Amen up here ?!”

sister Dana sez: “I am pleased to announce that this year again we will have an illuminated pink triangle on Twin Peaks on Pride Weekend to promote our inspiration, pride and joy!”

SF LGBT CENTER held its annual (but virtual this year) EVE on the 10th of April. This was a lovely evening celebrating fellowship. Together we have helped increase the impact of the centre’s work and raised funds to virtually expand its programs and services. The SF LGBT Center connects our diverse community with opportunities, resources and each other to realize our vision of a stronger, healthier and more just world for LGBTQ people and our allies.

Board co chairs Chris Paul and Sally Jesmonth thanked the many volunteers who make the center possible. The center has successfully put almost all of its services online. They meet virtually with LGBTQ + job seekers, lead apartment workshops on Zoom, support small businesses with online “office hours” and training, coordinate the delivery of important items for LGBTQ + young people and much more. They even converted several Host Homes guests into apartments despite the raging pandemic, moved them to safe, supportive rooms, and significantly reduced their exposure to COVID-19 and other risk factors. managing Director Rebecca Rolfe talked about the future – and worrisome issues like herd immunity, work, housing, racial justice, democracy – and how we need to be prepared and “show up”. She said, “When we stand in fellowship, we will create the future of our dreams.”

Soirée was moderated by sister Roma & Columnist for the San Francisco Bay Times Liam Mayclem and featured entertainment director and virtual bartender Juanita MORE! with after-party dance DJ Lady Ryan. The evening ended with the lipsynch talents of Voodonna Smoke and do a huge joint sensually Dawn Penn‘s “You don’t love me (no, no, no)”; Flurry Jackson with “I Got Rhythm” serving old-school tap shoes; and Tito Soto With Phil Collins“In the Air Tonight” while impressive aerial acrobatics are performed. https://www.sfcenter.org/

sister Dana sez: “Is anyone else sick and tired of hearing all the terrible illegal sexual eXXXcapades by Rep. Matt Gaetz – or what I prefer to call ‘Gaetz-Tor’ ?!”

The SAN FRANCISCO BAY TIMES works with THE ACADEMY to feature a new live game show hosted by donna bag. In this matchup, Team Mecca 2.0 is led by the captain Kelly Gilliamwill take on Team Olivia, led by the captain Tisha Floratos. DIVAS & DRINKS will be on April 29th from 6pm to 7pm enjoying music by DJ Rockaway as you learn how to make delicious cocktails. Don’t miss the big reveal at the end: the reveal of our internationally renowned mystery guest who shares thoughts on the women who helped and inspired her in her amazing lives. https://tinyurl.com/r9c2javb

sister Dana sez: “Thank goodness TV ‘Bachelor’ star Colton Underwood has become gay. How tormented he must have been in that huge, frightening national closet! “

THE IMPERIAL MOTHER COURT the International Court System will proudly present Coronation 56: “GET LIT, A NEW IDEA” practically on April 24th, 4 p.m. To celebrate TMIM Emperor William Bulkley and Empress Mimi Osa as they step down and crown the next monarchs of San Francisco. We voted for them on April 17th, https://www.twitch.tv/imperialcouncilsf

sister Dana sez: “I’m afraid the Obama smear campaign is working: Gallup reported that Trump officially outperformed Obama in his annual public poll of the world’s most admired man. Unbelievable!”

Lisa patientis strange LOCKDOWN COMEDY was zoomed in on April 15th. The show was presented Jann Karam (THE), Becky Braunstein (Portland via Alaska), Bob McIntyre (SF) and Arline (Lisa’s mother) and Lisa patient (Both were stuck in the Flawrida lock). Note: Jann will be on an upcoming episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Becky will be on a new TV show, Chad. Have a laugh with me every 3rd Thursday with Lockdown Comedy on Zoom! https://www.koshercomedy.com/lockdown-comedy

sister Dana sez, “The latest news! Stop the presses! Just in time for Pride Month, Kellogg’s has a new cereal. ‘Together with Pride’ hits stores in May and will have rainbow-colored grain hearts in the colors of the rainbow flag. And they’ll be covered in edible glitter! Delicious pride! “

THANKS TO HANK is the inspiring story of strand Wilson, a true unsung hero of the gay liberation movement and the AIDS epidemic, who led a life of such extraordinary humility and compassion that it will inspire people well beyond the LGBTQ community. The film is unique in its focus on the effects of the AIDS epidemic on poor and black people and a chronicle of AIDS activism in the years before PLAY ON YOURSELFand demonstrates the broader vision of social justice advocated by early gay liberation activists. Also unique in its artistic scope, it features the music of the award-winning Grammy Award Kronos Quartetand beautiful hand made animation. And not to brag, but some of us sisters of eternal enjoyment. Ingeniously staged by bob Easter Day. 81 minutes. $ 10 Recommended Donation – 50% of the proceeds will go to the Coalition for Homelessness. Starts April 23rd. Https://www.roxie.com/thanks-to-hank/

sister Dana sez: “Regarding epidemics that we are constantly carrying out, the Biden government is trying to increase funds drastically in order to accelerate and intensify efforts to end the HIV / AIDS epidemic. ”

SAN FRANCISCO GAY MEN’S CHOIR presents the annual fundraiser CRESCENDO, this year practically on April 22nd and entitled VOICES RISE. We can enjoy and / or honor SFGMC, Jake Shears, Rita Moreno, LeAnn Rimes, Shangela, Terrance Kelley, Mayor of London Breed, Homophonics, and many others. https://www.sfgmc.org/crescendo

Sister Dana sez: “Since Covid-daze forced me to become a day drinker, I have to reveal 18 advantages of red wine according to ReformedHealth.net: promotes healthy eyes, reduces the risk of cataracts, fights tooth decay, protects against colds, protects against heart disease , Decreases Risk of Heart Attack, Increases Life Expectancy, Improves Bone Density, Helps Weight Loss, Contributes to Healthy Cholesterol, Fights Cancer, Decreases Risk of Type 2 Diabetes, Decreases Risk of Liver Disease, Decreases Risk of Stroke, Fights Depression , helps with short-term memory, keeps the brain sharp and reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. So, break out the vino! “

Published April 22, 2021

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