Evaluating District 8 Supervisor
In January, Mayor Ed Lee appointed UCSF AIDSV Research Institute communications director and longtime LGBT advocate Jeff Sheehy to replace Scott Wiener as the supervisor for District 8. Now, five months into his term, the Castro Courier set out to engage his office regarding homelessness in the Castro and to take a look at how he is managing his working hours as our City Hall representative. We also wanted to evaluate him on a key transparency matter.
Flower Power—a light show for the ages
The Conservatory of Flowers has always been a favorite spot for San Franciscans, as well as a top tourist destination within our city, but until recently these were most often daytime visits. Certainly the Conservatory has it’s share of evening events, but lately it’s become a nightly meeting place for anyone wanting to take part in a beautiful, outdoor, and free art installation in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love.
Brio Financial wins Top 50 Award
The Brio Financial Group was recently named as a “Top 50” LBGT owned business in the San Francisco Bay Area by the San Francisco Business Times media group. We caught up with Brandon Miller, Brio Managing Partner and Co-founder to discuss what receiving this prestigious award means to the firm, and to him personally.
Bluegrass Group Gets Green Light – Float A First For Parade
“When your soul is free, your music explodes. I allowed myself to fall in love with Bluegrass again.”
When Ted Kuster went to Bakersfield for the annual California Bluegrass Association meeting in January, he knew there would be opposition to his idea of sponsorship for a float in the 2017 San Francisco Pride Parade. After adding it to the meeting’s agenda, he asked a friend what she thought. “Good luck” was her reply.
Judge orders $2.7 million in penalties against area landlord
A Castro landlord dubbed a “sociopath” and “ruthless predator” by city leaders was ordered to pay $2.7 million in a judgment that ends a two-year legal battle, which has affected the lives of dozens of renters in the area.
City Attorney Dennis Herrera praised the final ruling and injunction issued May 23 in his lawsuit against landlord Anne Kihagi and her accomplices for illegally pushing out rent-controlled tenants to raise rents to market rate. The decision voids all impending evictions against her tenants and forces her to turn over all rental property in San Francisco to a city-managed entity.
The Sausage Factory was founded in 1968. A recent ad promised that the ground floor of the building where the restaurant is located could be delivered vacant.
Sausage Factory in danger of closing, community in uproar
The Sausage Factory is a Castro classic — and one that is not immune to the dangers of the current real estate climate.
Aside from overwhelmingly positive reviews from local citizens and out-of-towners on Yelp, legions of stories from happy customers on Facebook threads, and mentions in Armistead Maupin’s Tales of the City, a recent real estate ad mentioned that the building was for sale (for an asking price just shy of $5 million), promising that the restaurant space on the ground floor “could be delivered vacant.”
82-Year-Old Section 8 Tenant Faces Eviction:
Landlord Opts out of Housing Contract to Make Way for TIC Sale
Boys Club
local public view, but the numbers still favor the men when counting plaques in the Castro. Photo: Michael Petrelis
Lesbians underrepresented in Castro memorials
An informal survey conducted in time for LGBT Pride Month by the Castro Courier of memorial plaques or named public spaces in the Castro business district shows a higher number for gay men than for lesbians or bisexual women.
There are an estimated 26 memorials for gay men versus 11 for queer women, and these numbers include several individuals with two or more memorials.
Brandan Neff-Hall started the Queer Couples Center to help LGBT couples with their psychological well-being. Photo Tony Taylor
Counseling for LGBT Couples in the Castro
A seed was planted in Brendan Neff-Hall during his grad school practicum when he couldn’t find a space that catered to the psychological needs of LGBTQ couples. A decade later he started Queer Couples Center, the first of its kind in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Though he admits business has been challenging since opening in January, Neff-Hall faces the challenge head on. Having counseled at his own practice, The Love Therapist, he understands the struggles of a budding business but finds this part of the process exciting.
Donna Sachet To Host Signature Pride Brunch at Hotel Whitcomb
How does Donna Sachet do it? She seems to be everywhere, lending her voice and her talents and her charm and her wit to so many of the most worthy causes, fun nights, and grand affairs. During certain times of the year, including of course Pride season, that’s especially true. Her signature Pride event has to be the Annual Pride Brunch that she and Gary Virginia co-founded 19 years ago to support Positive Resource Center, which does such incredibly important work within our community. The 19th Annual Pride Brunch happens at Hotel Whitcomb (1231 Market Street), which is on the very doorstep of the Pride festival in Civic Center on Saturday, June 24th.
SF Pride, Pink Triangle coming into focus
Patrick Carney, co-founder and annual organizer has presented the installation and commemoration ceremony every year since it began. He is also the sole-founder and organizer of the annual Pink Triangle Commemoration Ceremony. The event could not have lasted all these decades without the ongoing help of Colleen Hodgkins and Hossein Carney who have been the main supporter/helpers over the decades.
March 2017 Issue
Castro Theatre Screens ‘When We Rise’
‘Perfectly Queer’ Literary Series Features Local Authors
96 New Apartments on Market Street?
7th Annual Green Film Festival Returns to the Castro
Homeless Barricades Removed in Castro
Historical Catholic School Near Castro To Close This Summer
Satin & Swing Dance Performance to Be Live Streamed
FEBRUARY ISSUE
Police Turn to Twitter to Curb Area Bike Thefts
New Lux Apartment Building in Duboce Triangle
Super Duper Burger Expansion on Market Street
Cafe Flore to Become Cannabis Lounge
AIDS Housing Alliance Looks to Replace Funds
The Castro Loves You on Valentine’s Day
New Laws for 2017: How Aware are You?
Finding Financial Stability
After a Divorce
Managing finances following a divorce can be emotional and overwhelming. Even the best-laid financial plans may seem complicated as you adjust to your new situation and next steps. No matter how complex your financial circumstances may feel, the following steps may help you secure your financial future:
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