Arthur “Fred” Friedman (March 16, 1931 – March 31, 2024)
Arthur “Fred” Friedman passed away quietly and peacefully this morning at 5:54am (March 16, 1931 – March 31, 2024) at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs. Just two weeks ago, he lunched with friends at one of his favorite restaurants, Lulu, on his 93rd birthday, March 16. The Saturday before, a group of Fred’s admirers gathered at our home for a lunch laden with laughter, shrimp and chardonnay: a trio of Fred’s enjoyments.
A native of Denver, and a proud Coloradan, Fred moved to the Desert about 28 years ago, and quickly became a regular with the gay “Prime Timers” group and a devotee of “Oceans” restaurant where we shared many a repast. During the Korean War, he served in the Air Force, based in Manila, which fostered a passion for travel. Over the years, he took a number of cruises, including one Atlantic crossing on the ”SS France”. A lover of fine food, he confirmed what has always been written about that classic liner: “not only the best French food afloat, but the best French food in the world.”
His favorite European city was Paris. His favorite in the US, San Francisco. His favorite opera, “Tosca” which he enjoyed “at least 15 times.” During the last two years, he wasn’t able to make it back to Paris, but he was able to visit San Francisco, take two cruises and even get to LA Opera for “Tosca” (“Angel Blue in the title role was lovely, but the Scarpia was weak”). He was a man of great height, great intellect and great kindness. His breakfast was fueled by the New York Times crossword puzzle (he did it in ink), followed by a copious diet of books: he devoured several per week. At the time of his passing, he was reading a biography of Isambard Kingdom Brunel and several tomes of weights more appropriate to a gym than a bookshelf.
Armistead Maupin once said “we have a biological family, and a logical one.” We want to thank the many people in that latter category who helped enliven Fred’s final years, especially the folks at Stonewall Gardens Assisted Living, where he was part of a community of gay elders who know that aging, indeed as the saying goes, is not for sissies. Most importantly, Fred’s last few years have been made comfortable by the love and support of friends such as Renee Bohm, Michael Temlin, Ken Foster & Note Meewang, Bob Walker & Ernie Phinney and many others who delighted in Fred’s company along with the folks at Desert Elite, a wonderful service that provides transport for those with limited mobility.
28 March 2024 – San Francisco, CA: If you bloom it, they will come! That’s the spirit behind the Hilton San Francisco Union Square and Parc 55, A Hilton Hotel taking part in the Union Square in Bloom festivities now through Labor Day. This colorful celebration is part of an annual event that adorns San Francisco’s heart with magnificent blossoming displays, paying homage to the city’s rich floral tradition and California’s state flower.
“It is a beautiful time of the year, as the lobbies in both hotels are in full bloom, brilliant with colors,” said Peter Hart, Hilton complex general manager. “This year our entry at Hilton San Francisco Union Square is paying homage to California’s state flower, poppies. Guests will be greeted by a stunning display of oversized California poppies, blooming in captivating shades of golden orange along with great cocktails at our Poppy Lobby Bar.”
Hart explains that this immersive experience is further enriched by the introduction of an exclusive specialty cocktail program at the Poppy Lobby Bar. The menu features nine innovative Bloom cocktails, each inspired by San Francisco neighborhoods and the flowers that are culturally significant to them. Highlights include:
Golden Poppy: A smoky and honeyed delight celebrating Union Square.
Zaddy’s Green Carnation: A fruity pebbles flavored punch, honoring The Castro’s queer community.
Summer Daze in Dolores Park: A refreshing tequila concoction, embodying the spirit of the Mission neighborhood.
Other spirit raising elixirs include the “Golden Hour Cocktail,” a dazzling concoction that captures the essence of the Golden Gate and the magic of golden hour.
“The Golden Hour Cocktail really is a treat of flavors and spectacle,” says Nick Graham-Wells, Director of Marketing at Hilton San Francisco Union Square explaining its unique recipe: a base of champagne activated tableside with a sugar cube. “As the sugar cube causes the drink to sparkle and fizz, guests are invited to add a vial of golden elixir, which swirls and shimmers, creating a mesmerizing visual experience. We are thrilled to introduce the Golden Hour Cocktail, a drink that embodies the spirit of San Francisco and the beauty of our skyline. With this new addition, we invite guests to savor the golden moments at our hotel and create memories together.”
Available exclusively at Cityscape, Hilton San Francisco Union Square’s renowned sky bar, the Golden Hour Cocktail is a celebration of the city’s golden heritage and breathtaking sunsets. While the drink is available all night, it truly shines during the magical hour before sunset, when the sky paints the city in hues of gold.
Diagonally across from the landmark Hilton Towers, its sister hotel: Parc 55 San Francisco, A Hilton Hotel, will also be bursting in florals as part of the “Union Square in Bloom” campaign. Known for its blend of art, culture and culinary excellence, Parc 55 celebrates spring with an explosion of color. Paying tribute to the Asian artisans that have made the hotel and the city so special, the property will bloom with artful displays of forsythia branches and flowers like lotus, plumeria and orchid, bringing the lobby and bar areas to life in shades of fuchsia, pink, white and yellow. Guests will be treated to:
An Instagram-worthy selfie spot with cascading flowers.
The Bloom 55 Pop Up Bar, featuring the 2023 “Best Bloom Cocktail” award winner, “Smoke on the Water,” among other signature cocktails and mocktails.
The luxurious “The Aristocrat” cocktail, a visually stunning concoction served in a smoke box.
The “Bubbles and Bloom” stay package, offering guests a memorable experience with overnight accommodations, a $50 credit to Bloom 55 and tokens for the Moet Champagne vending machine.
“Union Square in Bloom is not just a celebration of spring’s arrival, “ notes Marisa Rodriguez, CEO of the Union Square Alliance. “It’s a tribute to San Francisco’s long-standing floral legacy, from the historic Maiden Lane Spring Festival to the iconic Macy’s Flower Show. The enthusiasm for and creative participation in ’Bloom’ by Hilton Union Square and Parc 55 is an integral part of our efforts in support of our efforts. It’s important to support our hospitality and tourism economy, and just as important for locals to come, rediscover and enjoy their Union Square neighborhood.”
“Located in the heart of San Francisco, Hilton San Francisco Union Square and Parc 55 – a Hilton Hotel, are gateways to the best the city has to offer,” said Alex Bastian, president and CEO of the Hotel Council of San Francisco. “From upscale accommodations and world-class dining options to state-of-the-art facilities and exceptional service, these properties ensure a memorable stay for guests exploring our vibrant city.”
Opened in 1964, Hilton San Francisco Union Square is the largest hotel in California and an architectural landmark known for dramatic lighting and signature events. Both the Hilton and Parc 55 are at the very heart of San Francisco’s world-class Union Square with its internationally recognized retail brands, restaurants and Broadway style theatre. Also nearby are such offerings as the Asian Art Museum and steps away are the world-famous landmark Cable Cars, carrying visitors halfway to the stars and to such iconic destinations as Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Nob Hill, North Beach and the famous Alcatraz Island Tours.
Parc 55, a Hilton Hotel is adjacent to the Hilton Tower and features city and Bay views from all of its windows. At the lobby drive in entrance, guests are greeted by the giant iconic sculpture “San Francisco Yesterday and Today”by famed local artist Ruth Asawa. These seven sculpted panels present a cavalcade of San Francisco sights and scenes – both historical and modern. Cast in glass-fiber-reinforced concrete, the one-of-a-kind artwork was made with old-world craft techniques rarely duplicated today.
For guest room reservations please visit Hilton.com or call (415) 771-1400.
About Hilton: Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 22 world-class brands comprising more than 7,500 properties and nearly 1.2 million rooms, in 126 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, was named the No. 1 World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and has been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for seven consecutive years. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 180 million members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can’t buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
One Night Only! Bonnie G., in “The Look of Love: The Music of Dusty Springfield” Friday, May 3, at 7pm Revolution Stage Palm Springs
25 March 2024 — Palm Springs, CA: Sultry meets sultry as a local legend pays tribute in song to an international one. For one night only, the incomparable Bonnie G. presents “The Look of Love: The Music of Dusty Springfield” on Friday, May 3, at 7pm at Revolution Stage in Palm Springs. This event promises an unforgettable journey through the hits of Dusty Springfield, one of the most iconic singers of the 20th century, whose soulful voice and hits like “Son of a Preacher Man” have left an indelible mark on music history.
“I grew up loving and longing to be as cool as Dusty Springfield,” said Bonnie, known to Palm Springs and SoCal audiences for her distinctive voice and sensual stage presence. “For me, this show is truly a labor of love. I get to ‘fan girl’ this legendary singer in the best way possible: singing her songs.”
Bonnie G., a celebrated singer, writer, actor, and radio personality, has been a fixture in the Coachella Valley entertainment scene for over two decades. Known for her jazz/pop vocal stylings and award-winning acting, Bonnie has captivated audiences across a wide range of media and performance venues.
The show, directed by Clifford Bell and with musical direction by Mark S. Kahny, also features special guest Gregg Marx, adding an extra layer of star power to an already dazzling lineup.
Revolution Stage Company, located at 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs, is proud to host this landmark event. The company has quickly become a beacon for innovative and engaging theater in the Palm Springs area, committed to presenting works that resonate with contemporary audiences while celebrating the rich tapestry of our shared human experience.
Tickets for this can’t-miss event are available by calling (760) 318-4115 or online at revolutionstagecompany.com. Join us for a night of music, memories, and the magic of Bonnie G. and Dusty Springfield.
About Dusty Springfield:
With her distinctive mezzo-soprano sound, Dusty Springfield, (16 April 1939 – 2 March 1999), was a popular singer of blue-eyed soul, pop and dramatic ballads, with French chanson, country, and jazz in her repertoire. During her 1960s peak, she ranked among the most successful British female performers on both sides of the Atlantic. Her image – marked by a peroxide blonde bouffant/beehive hairstyle, heavy makeup (thick black eyeliner and eye shadow) and evening gowns, as well as stylized, gestural performances – made her an icon of the Swinging Sixties.
Born in West Hampstead in London into a family that enjoyed music, Springfield learned to sing at home. In 1958, she joined her first professional group, the Lana Sisters. Two years later, with her brother Tom Springfield and Tim Feild, Springfield formed the folk-pop vocal trio the Springfields. Two of their five 1961–63 top 40 UK hits – “Island of Dreams” and “Say I Won’t Be There” – reached No. 5 on the charts, both in the spring of 1963. In 1962, they also hit big in the United States with their cover of “Silver Threads and Golden Needles”.
Dusty Springfield’s solo career began in late 1963 with the upbeat pop record “I Only Want to Be with You” — a UK No. 4 hit, and the first of her six transatlantic top 40 hits in the 1960s, along with “Stay Awhile” (1964), “All I See Is You” (1966), “I’ll Try Anything” (1967) and the two releases now considered her signature songs: “You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me” (1966 UK No. 1/US No. 4) and “Son of a Preacher Man” (1968/69 UK No. 9/US No. 10). The latter features on the 1968 pop and soul album Dusty in Memphis, one of Springfield’s defining works. In March 2020, the US Library of Congress added it to the National Recording Registry, which preserves audio recordings considered to be “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant”.
March 28 AMEPA Media Briefing: Atrocities of Sexual Violence and the Road Forward
You are invited to a Zoom webinar from AMEPA: Atrocities of Sexual Violence and the Road Forward Thursday, March 28: 8am Pacific (11am ET; 10am CT; 9am MT)
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Featuring:
Ruth Halperin-Kaddari Professor Halperin-Kaddari is a member of Bar-Ilan’s Faculty of Law and founding academic director of the University’s Rackman Center for the Advancement of the Status of Women. Prof. Halperin-Kaddari has played a leading role in fighting for international recognition of Hamas’ sexual crimes, culminating in the recent United Nations recent report that concluded that the conflict-related sexual violence likely occurred during the Hamas onslaught against southern Israel, as well as clear evidence that hostages were raped while being held in Gaza.
Ruth Wasserman Lande Ruth Wasserman Lande, born in Israel and raised in Cape Town, graduated cum laude from Bar Ilan University in International Relations and Communications, and magna cum laude in International Relations from the Hebrew University, Jerusalem. A Wexner Fellow, she earned a Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard. Lande, a former Israeli diplomat and advisor to President Shimon Peres, has worked to bridge Jewish and Arab communities, notably in Lod, and founded the “Hagshama” initiative for Bedouin village development. She runs a consultancy, contributes to major Israeli publications, and has served as an MK for the Blue and White party, co-chairing the Abraham Accords Caucus. Fluent in Hebrew, English, Russian, and Arabic, she actively engages in regional affairs.
The 3rd Annual Union Square in Bloom campaign kicked off with the Spring Fling Concert & Union Square in Bloom Passport Debut. Passport is a guide to over 40 oversized floral displays cascading from area hotels, restaurants, bars, and retail establishments in addition to a wide range of events celebrating arts, culture and nightlife, and cocktail offerings all combine to highlight Union Square’s rich floral history with a modern twist.
This is the 3rd year of the bright & festive campaign. Guests enjoyed a live Vinyl DJ-Set, specialty floral cocktails from Tyler Florence’s Miller & Lux Provisions, and a flower giveaway. 1,800 flower stems were taken home by folks for following @UnionSquareSF on social media.
Building off the momentum of Tulip Day, Union Square in Bloom, now in its third year, celebrates the district’s floral legacy with a modern twist. For decades, flowers, particularly daffodils, were handed out to visitors walking through Maiden Lane. Macy’s previously hosted its annual flower show, established in 1964, and several flower stands brightened up the district.
The Spring Fling Concert & Union Square in Bloom Passport Debut was the official 2024 Union Square in Bloom Launch Event, and one of five featured events during Union Square in Bloom that invites the community to commemorate the legacy of Union Square interwoven with the timeless allure of flowers and encourages visitors and locals to rediscover and patronize our vibrant, full-circle offerings of hotels, restaurants, retail establishments, theater, fashion, cuisine, nightlife, and beyond.
Union Square in Bloom is just one of many activations throughout the year that support the vibrancy of Union Square and the greater downtown area. Bolstered by recent investments in public safety and visitor-centered ambassador programs, events like Bloom, Winter Walk, and last summer’s concert series continue to invite locals and visitors alike to visit Union Square and patronize downtown businesses.
