Black History Month Closing Ceremony

“Homecoming” was the theme of the closing ceremony for Black History Month, hosted by California State Controller Malia Cohen, City Supervisor Shamann Walton, and Mayor London Breed, held in the rotunda at San Francisco City Hall on Tuesday, February 26.

A large crowded attended, including other elected officials, city administrators, entertainers, and members of the public. San Francisco Treasurer José Cisneros and San Francisco Fire Department Chief Jeanine Nicholson, both out members of the LGBTQ community, were among those in attendance. The event included live performances paying homage to the cultural traditions of Black Americans. Among the featured performers was San Francisco Bay Times columnist and musician Kippy Marks, whose skills as a violinist always amaze. Food and wine were provided by Black-owned businesses, including Theopolis Vineyards, which was highlighted in the March 11, 2021, issue of the Bay Times View a video of the event: https://tinyurl.com/2tf8rpxa

Photos by Rink and Karina Patel Neighbors gathered on Saturday, March 4, for a soft launch reception in the Castro at the historic Café Flore location—2298 Market Street—to enjoy refreshments and hear from the new operator, Serhat Zorlu, about his plans to open a seafood restaurant at the site to be named Fisch and Flore.

Floor plans were displayed and the Castro Community Business District, represented by Executive Director Andrea Aiello, was commended for its efforts to keep the streets cleaned through the Castro Cares program. The event included remarks from District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman. State Senator Scott Wiener also attended, as did the former operator of Café Flore, Terrance Alan, who is now the President of the Castro Merchants Association.

Renovations at the site, according to Zorlu and his team, will include “refreshed gates with a modern glass fence and the botanical native garden we’re known for—ADA-compliant bathroom, kitchen, and seating.”

Café Flore first opened in 1973, and Zorlu indicated that his new restaurant at the site will later this year honor the location’s 50th anniversary.

Bert Eibner 1951–2023

A tribute posted by friends on the grill at Hibernia Beach in memory of Bert Eibner, who was a longtime member of the LGBTQ community in San Francisco, noted his passing on February 2, 2023.

The 43rd Annual Gala of BALIF (Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom) was held on Friday, March 3. With “Let’s Camp!” as its theme for 2023, the Gala was held at the historic Julia Morgan Ballroom.

California Supreme Court Justice Kelli Evans was the keynote speaker. Honorees included Honey Mahogany, Trailblazers Award; Sonya Laddon Rahders, Legal Services Award; and Somos Familia, Community Service Award.

DJ Jimmy Strano provided tunes to accompany the entertainers who included Dextra DeNovo, KaiKai Bee Michaels, and co-hosts Mudd & Lisa Frankenstein.

The event is the annual benefit supporting the organization’s programs providing advocacy, justice, and professional development services with the goal of LGBTI community empowerment. BALIF is the oldest and largest LGBTQI bar association in the U.S. https://www.balif.org/ http://sfbaytimes.com/

Place a little joy at your front door for just $34.99 with this Paradise In Bloom Doormat from Entryways.

Plush Chickens from Douglas... life is just better when you snuggle a chicken.

ince our founding in 1936, Cliff’s Variety has been constantly growing and evolving in response to the needs of our customers. Our buyers strive to keep our selection fresh, on-trend and competitive.

We carry the best of everything from hardware & tools to cookware, garden supplies, toys, crafts, and gifts.

We also offer re-keying and lock repair, knife sharpening, glass, acrylic & wood cutting. Light fabrication, pipe threading, and cable crimping are among the many other services we offer at Cliff’s Variety. If your project has gone a little beyond your abilities, we’re here to help.

https://cliffsvariety.com/

What would you do if you won the lottery? compiled by Rink As Heard on the Street

Dana Riceel

“I would open a cultural and educational center for LGBT youth.”

Marian Abdullah

“Keep it a secret. There are problems with winning lots of money.”

“Open

“Present a spectacular show with friends who are bellydancers and musicians at the Palace of Fine Arts”

Morningstar Vancil

“Buy