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.
Sniffing for treats and attention, pooches of all breeds walked freely throughout Duboce Park on April 22 as part of DogFest 2017. The event, a fundraiser benefitting SFUSD McKinley Elementary School, included a red-carpet dog show competition and games for kids. Photo Jessica Webb
Puppy Love!
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“Hot Cop” Chris Kohrs after taking an ice bucket for ALS research in 2014.
The legal troubles for San Francisco police officer Chris Kohrs, dubbed the “Hot Cop of the Castro” for his toned and muscular body, have partially been resolved in civil court, but he continues to face two felonious criminal charges filed by the Office of the District Attorney.
Hunky Jesus Parade Gets Rained On But Not Out
On April 16, fans gathered in Golden Gate Park to celebrate “Hunky Jesus,” a spring rite of passage for many San Franciscans. Now in its 38th year, the event, sponsored by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence seeks to promote inclusiveness across all racial, gender, and sexuality spectrums, which culminates in a “Hunky Jesus” contest. The event started at the Eureka Valley Recreation Center, and then moved to Dolores Park, and this year at Golden Gate Park to accommodate the crowds.
Neighborhood Affected Long After Passing of Gilbert Baker
The Castro was all rainbows last month as members of the LGBT community came together to celebrate the life of Gilbert Baker, the creator of the iconic rainbow flag who paved the way for the gay rights movement. Baker, 65, died Thursday, March 30th in his sleep at his home in New York City. The cause of the death is unknown. A candlelight vigil was held in the Castro on Friday, March 31st after news of Baker’s death on broke on social media.
More than 80 bands to Take Part in Massive Front-Porch Jam Session
SF Porchfest brings community together in the best possible way. It’s completely inclusive, it’s centered around music and it’s free! Over 80 bands will perform on May 20th at mostly makeshift venues throughout the Mission, from Dolores to Harrison streets, and from 18th to 26th streets. Venues include front stoops, backyards, garages, schools, cafes, and some neighborhood venues as well. SF Porchfest’s website will be posting a map and a schedule of performances closer to the event date. Beth Gould co-founded SF Porchfest with her friend Liz Pittinos in 2015.
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April 2017 Issue
Former Site of ‘Home’ to Host 7-Story Apartment Building
Artist is turning heads with newfound public exposure
Delayed Reopening of Randall Museum Set for Fall
Lady Bunny’s ‘Trans-Jester’ Performance Drops PC Humor
Farmers’ Market Returns to Area
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?
Best Radioactive Spider. Ever.
Donald John Trump is keeping people busy. He’s got staffers, lawyers, streaming news alert editors, impeachment historians, ethics investigators, hair spray manufacturers, Putin watchers, real estate interpreters, all frantically flapping and squawking like a flock of seagulls outside a sardine plant at low tide.
Watch any of the network or cable news broadcasts and you instantly note that all the anchors are exhausted. Their “Breaking News” graphic… broke. Half of Washington has gone deaf, what with all the bombshells exploding with little or no warning around their tiny Beltway heads.
The Benefits of Diversification of Tax in Your Retirement Plan
Taxes are an often-overlooked aspect of retirement planning. While many Americans are saving diligently and focused on accumulating the biggest “nest egg” possible, many investors may not be fully considering the impact that taxes will have on their monthly income in retirement. This is an important dynamic to understand and will prevent any unnecessary surprises when you enter your hard-earned retirement.
Castro Incidents
••••• Excerpt from March 2017 Report •••••
Assault
440 Castro Street
March 27, 2:11 a.m.
The suspect approached the victim and assaulted him. The victim ran into the bar and the bar called the police. Officers responded to the scene and the suspect was arrested.
Vandalism
300 Block of Castro Street
March 25, 3:09 p.m.
Officers were dispatched regarding an individual breaking windows to a business. The subject fled the scene and boarded a Muni train. Witnesses provided the officers with the suspect’s description and officers broadcast the description. The suspect was later located by other officers at Market and 8th streets. The suspect was positively identified and placed under arrest.
Theft
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