Author: Alfredo Casuso

Contacto de prensa:
David Perry & Associates, Inc. (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

La alcaldesa de Palm Springs, Garner, lidera la delegación de la ciudad hermana a San Miguel de Allende, México Del 3 al 6 de agosto de 2023

Acuerdo formal finalizado por ceremonia
de firma con el alcalde de San Miguel de Allende, Mauricio Trejo
y líderes culturales y empresariales de la ciudad el 4 de agosto www.sistercitiesps.org

28 de julio de 2023 – Palm Springs, CA: La alcaldesa de Palm Springs, Grace Garner, liderará una delegación de líderes locales culturales, empresariales y de hospitalidad bajo los auspicios de la Junta Directiva de la Ciudad Hermana de Palm Springs (www.sistercitiesps.org) en un viaje de cuatro días a San Miguel de Allende, México, del 3 al 6 de agosto de 2023, para celebrar la segunda firma oficial del acuerdo de ciudad hermana entre las dos ciudades. El viaje también incluirá actividades culturales y educativas, así como oportunidades para fortalecer los lazos de amistad y cooperación entre los dos municipios. Una ceremonia de firma inicial tuvo lugar el pasado febrero en Palm Springs cuando el alcalde de San Miguel, Mauricio Trejo, lideró una delegación al norte. La ceremonia de firma recíproca tendrá lugar el viernes 4 de agosto en San Miguel. Ese mismo día, la delegación de Palm Springs hará una presentación a los funcionarios locales, líderes empresariales y miembros de la prensa sobre las oportunidades en Palm Springs. El 2 de agosto, Brenda Sexton, una residente local que divide su tiempo entre San Miguel y Palm Springs, recibirá a la delegación en su casa para una recepción especial de “inicio”.

“Este viaje representa un hito significativo en nuestra relación con San Miguel de Allende”, dijo la alcaldesa Garner, quien ha señalado la importancia personal de este viaje ya que su familia es mexicano-americana. “Al formalizar nuestra asociación de ciudad hermana, esperamos fomentar una comprensión más profunda de nuestros valores culturales compartidos y las aspiraciones mutuas para nuestras comunidades.”

El itinerario de la delegación incluye visitas a lugares de interés locales e instituciones culturales, entre ellas el Museo del Juguete Popular Mexicano, la Viña San Lucas y el Santuario de Atotonilco. Los delegados también asistirán a la Gran Inauguración de FASMA (Festival de las Artes San Miguel) y a un concierto de Fernando de la Mora.

Las acomodaciones para la delegación están organizadas en el Hotel Real de Minas con comidas proporcionadas por los restaurantes Casa Hoyos, Mama Mia Campestre y Amatte.

“Esperamos con ansias esta visita y la oportunidad que presenta para profundizar los lazos entre nuestras dos ciudades”, dijo Al Jones, Presidente de la Junta Directiva de la Ciudad Hermana de Palm Springs . “No se trata solo de formalizar nuestra relación de ciudad hermana; se trata de celebrar nuestras conexiones culturales y fomentar oportunidades para el intercambio y la cooperación en curso.”

La delegación de Palm Springs, en orden alfabético por apellido, incluye: 

• Gary Armstrong, Miembro de la Junta de la Ciudad Hermana de Palm Springs 
• Jeffrey Bernstein, Alcalde Pro Tempore, Copropietario de Destination PSP, Delegado Honorario 
• Celeste Brackley, Gerente General de Saguaro Palm Springs y Soho Hotel Group 
• Lauren Bruggemans, Visita a Greater Palm Springs 
• Alfredo Casuso, DP&A, Inc PR/Design 
• Andrea Davis, Tesorera de la Ciudad Hermana de Palm Springs
• Grace Garner,  Alcaldesa de Palm Springs
• Ellen Goodman, Secretaria de la Ciudad Hermana de Palm Springs
• Christy Holstege, Concejal de la Ciudad de Palm Springs
• Al Jones, Presidente de la Junta de la Ciudad Hermana de Palm Springs
• Kimber Foster Jones, Visita a Greater Palm Springs
• Adam Lerner, Director Ejecutivo del Museo de Arte de Palm Springs
• Scott Nevins, Miembro de la Junta de la Ciudad Hermana de Palm Springs
• David Eugene Perry, Miembro de la Junta de la Ciudad Hermana de Palm Springs
  
  Todos los fondos para el viaje de los delegados de Palm Springs han sido recaudados privadamente por el Comité de la Ciudad Hermana de Palm Springs, sin gasto de fondos de la ciudad o de los contribuyentes públicos. El Comité de la Ciudad Hermana de Palm Springs es una organización benéfica pública exenta de impuestos 501(c)(3) y no recibe fondos públicos. El trabajo del Comité se autofinancia completamente a través de donaciones de los miembros del Comité y miembros interesados del público. Las Ciudades Hermanas de Palm Springs se crearon con el propósito de mejorar la paz mundial al promover y mantener relaciones entre la Ciudad de Palm Springs y otras unidades de gobierno similares en países extranjeros con el objetivo de desarrollar una comprensión y cooperación más cercanas entre las personas de esas respectivas unidades de gobierno. El grupo espera asegurar un mundo de paz a través de la buena voluntad, la compasión y ayudar a otras culturas.
  
  En el corazón de todos los programas de Ciudad Hermana se encuentra un acuerdo, firmado por los alcaldes de cada Ciudad Hermana, que confirma el compromiso de cada comunidad con el programa de Ciudad Hermana. Las ciudades hermanas se comprometen a enviar y recibir delegaciones de diversos tipos, incluyendo líderes políticos y empresariales, representantes de las artes y la cultura, educadores y expertos técnicos porque estos intercambios promueven la comprensión intercultural, la cooperación municipal y técnica, y las oportunidades comerciales. Cada Ciudad Hermana está respaldada por un comité de voluntarios comprometidos con los objetivos y objetivos del programa.
  
  Palm Springs tenía una relación de ciudad hermana no solo con Victoria, B.C. Canadá a finales de la década de 1960 y principios de la de 1970, sino también con Puerto Vallarta, México y Nikki, Japón.

Media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc. (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com  

Palm Springs Mayor Garner Leads Sister City Delegation to
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
August 3 – 6, 2023

Formal Agreement Finalized by Signing Ceremony with
 San Miguel de Allende Mayor Mauricio Trejo
and City Cultural and Business Leaders August 4

www.sistercitiesps.org

28 July 2023 – Palm Springs, CA:  Palm Springs Mayor Grace Garner will lead a delegation of local cultural, business and hospitality leaders under the auspices of The Palm Springs Sister City Board of Directors (www.sistercitiesps.org) on a four-day trip to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, from August 3 to 6, 2023, to celebrate the second official signing of the sister city agreement between the two cities. The trip will also include cultural and educational activities, as well as opportunities to strengthen the ties of friendship and cooperation between the two municipalities.  An initial signing ceremony was held this past February in Palm Springs when San Miguel Mayor Mauricio Trejo led a delegation north. The reciprocal signing ceremony will take place on Friday, August 4 in San Miguel.  Also that day, the Palm Springs delegation will be making a presentation to local officials, business leaders and members of the press about opportunities in Palm Springs.  On August 2, Brenda Sexton, a local resident who divides her time between San Miguel and Palm Springs, will host the delegation in her home for a special “kick-off” reception.

“This trip represents a significant milestone in our relationship with San Miguel de Allende,” said Mayor Garner who has noted the personal significance of this trip as her family is Mexican American. “As we formalize our sister city partnership, we look forward to fostering a deeper understanding of our shared cultural values and mutual aspirations for our communities.”

The delegation’s itinerary includes visits to local landmarks and cultural institutions, among them the Mexican Folk Toy Museum, the San Lucas Vineyard, and the Atotonilco Sanctuary. Delegates will also attend the Grand Opening of FASMA (Festival de las Artes San Miguel) and a concert by Fernando de la Mora.

Accommodations for the delegation are arranged at the Hotel Real de Minas with meals provided by restaurants Casa Hoyos, Mama Mia Campestre, and Amatte.

“We are eagerly anticipating this visit and the opportunity it presents to deepen the ties between our two cities,” said Al Jones, President  of the Palm Springs Sister City Board of Directors . “It’s not just about formalizing our sister city relationship; it’s about celebrating our cultural connections and fostering opportunities for ongoing exchange and cooperation.”

The Palm Springs delegation, in alphabetical order by last name, includes:

• Gary Armstrong, Palm Springs Sister City Board Member
• Jeffrey Bernstein, Mayor Pro Tem, Co-owner Destination PSP, Honorary Delegate
• Celeste Brackley, General Manager Saguaro Palm Springs and Soho Hotel Group
• Lauren Bruggemans, Visit Greater Palm Springs 
• Alfredo Casuso, DP&A, Inc PR/Design
• Andrea Davis, Palm Springs Sister City Treasurer
• Grace Garner, Mayor of Palm Springs
• Ellen Goodman, Palm Springs Sister City Secretary
• Christy Holstege, Councilmember City of Palm Springs
• Al Jones, Palm Springs Sister City Board of Directors President 
• Kimber Foster Jones, Visit Greater Palm Springs
• Adam Lerner, Executive Director Palm Springs Art Museum
• Scott Nevins, Palm Springs Sister City Board Member
• David Eugene Perry, Palm Springs Sister City Board Member

All funds for the travel of the Palm Springs delegates have been privately raised by the Palm Springs Sister City Committee, with no city or public taxpayer funds expended. The Palm Springs Sister City Committee is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt public charity and receives no public funds. The work of the Committee is completely self-funded through donations from the Committee members and interested members of the public.  Palm Springs Sister Cities was created with the purpose of enhancing world peace by promoting and servicing relationships between the City of Palm Springs and other similar government units in foreign countries with the object of developing closer understanding and cooperation between people of those respective governmental units.  The group hopes to ensure a world of peace through goodwill, compassion, and helping other cultures.

​

At the heart of all Sister City programs is an agreement, signed by the mayors of each Sister City, confirming the commitment of each community to the Sister City program. Sister Cities agree to send and receive delegations of various types, including political and business leaders, arts and cultural representatives, educators, and technical experts because these exchanges promote cross-cultural understanding, municipal and technical cooperation, and business opportunities. Each Sister City is supported by a committee of volunteers who are committed to the goals and objectives of the program.

​

Palm Springs had a sister city relationship not only with Victoria, B.C. Canada in the late 1960s and early 1970s, but also with Puerto Vallarta, Mexico and Nikki, Japan. 

Media contact: David Perry / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com 

Legalize Drag Presents Fundraiser Event to Support LGBTQI+ Liberation and Fight Against Dangerous Restrictions on Free Speech and Gender Expression in Texas

5 July 2023 – San Francisco, CA:  Legalize Drag, a collective of drag artist legal professionals, is proud to announce its upcoming fundraiser to raise awareness, foster solidarity, and support LGBTQI+ liberation in the face of dangerous restrictions on free speech and gender expression recently passed in Texas. The event will take place on Sunday July 30, 2023 from 3-8pm at El Rio (3158 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110).

In response to the attacks on the art of drag and the rights of trans, gender non-confirming, and queer communities, Legalize Drag has organized this fundraiser to create a platform for resistance and advocacy. Through this event, they seek to provide a clear pathway for individuals to donate to the cause and stand in solidarity with Texas.

The organizers aim to raise funds for three exceptional organizations that are tirelessly working to support LGBTQI+ individuals in Texas:

1. Queer Texas Crisis Fund

2. Black Trans Leadership of Austin Crisis Fund

3. Organización Latina Trans Texas

The evening promises to be an unforgettable experience, featuring captivating drag performances by LGBTQI+ legal professionals who are at the forefront of the fight for justice and equality. Hosted by the charismatic Juicy Liu and Justin Back, the event will showcase the extraordinary talents of performers such as Pop Rox, Anna Turney, Amy Amnesia, and Sugar Magnolia.

“We believe in the power of unity and artistic expression to effect change,” said Legalize Drag spokesperson Pop Rox. “Through this fundraiser, we aim to galvanize support for LGBTQI+ liberation, raise crucial funds for organizations on the frontlines of advocacy, and send a resounding message of solidarity to Texas and beyond.”

“As a recovering Texan, I know the importance of these vital LGBTQI+ nonprofits doing the hard work on the ground,” said Legalize Drag co-founder, Juicy Liu, who has worked as a patent attorney in the Bay Area for 15 years. “It breaks my heart to know that I can be arrested for performing a centuries-old art form because right-wing extremists need a new boogey-man to mobilize their base. It is simply un-American and unconstitutional to ban drag– I now fear for my safety as a drag performer when I’m visiting Texas.” 

Legalize Drag invites community members, allies, and advocates to join them at this pivotal event. Tickets are available for $20 online and $30 at the door. In addition, the event welcomes sponsorships from organizations and individuals who wish to make a meaningful contribution to the cause.

The BALIF Foundation has graciously sponsored the event and provided the GiveLively platform for seamless and secure online donations. Donations will be collected by the Foundation and then distributed to the three recipient organizations.

For media inquiries, interviews, or additional information, please contact:

Pop Rox

Legalize Drag

legalizedrag@gmail.com

650-868-3288

Join Legalize Drag on Sunday, July 30, 2023, for an evening of electrifying performances, unity, and unwavering support for LGBTQI+ rights. Together, we can make a difference and stand up against injustice. Let’s Legalize Drag and fight for a future that embraces diversity, equality, and freedom of expression.

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About Legalize Drag:

Legalize Drag is a collective of drag artist legal professionals dedicated to raising awareness and fighting against attacks on the art of drag and the rights of trans, gender non-confirming, and queer communities. Through their advocacy efforts, Legalize Drag aims to provide a platform for resistance, foster solidarity, and support LGBTQI+ liberation.

Note: High-resolution images and additional information about the event are available upon request.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

Friday, June 30, 2023 

Contact: Mayor’s Office of Communications, mayorspressoffice@sfgov.org 

***PRESS RELEASE***

MAYOR LONDON BREED ANNOUNCES ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION HONORARY COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Since the San Francisco’s APEC launch event in May, promotional events are now fully underway to help prepare the City in welcoming APEC attendees and visitors

San Francisco, CA —   Today, Mayor London N. Breed announced state and federal leaders who will serve as Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Honorary Host Committee members, to include Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Governor Gavin Newsom, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis, U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, U.S Senator Alex Padilla, State Treasurer Fiona Ma, City Attorney David Chiu and Chairman and CEO of East West Bank and Chair of the APEC Business Advisory Council, Dominic Ng.

APEC will be the largest convening of world leaders in San Francisco since the UN Charter was signed in 1945 during the UN Conference on International Organization, also called the San Francisco Conference.

Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis will serve as APEC Host Committee Finance Chair. APEC, established in 1989, is the leading forum in the Asia-Pacific to facilitate trade and investment, economic growth, and regional cooperation. Through APEC, the United States seeks to advance a free, fair, and open economic policy agenda that benefits U.S. workers, businesses, and families.  The 21 APEC member economies account for nearly 40 percent of the global population, or nearly 3 billion people, and nearly 50 percent of global trade.

Last month the City kicked off its first official launch event to raise visibility and share plans about the opportunities APEC 2023 will bring to San Francisco. Leading up to November, Mayor Breed and the Office of Protocol will host events for civic and business leaders to support the City’s sponsorship goal, providing the necessary support for APEC 2023 that is expected to draw in approximately 500 global CEOs, 1000 media representatives, and nearly 30,000 delegates from across APEC’s member economies.

“San Francisco is fortunate to have strong leaders who advocate for us on both the state and federal levels,” said Mayor London Breed. “That is also why I am so grateful that they are taking their commitment one step further by serving on the Honorary Host Committee to work with us on making sure we succeed in hosting APEC 2023. I know that as we work together, San Francisco will shine on the global stage as the world is coming to us.”

“As the representative of San Francisco in the Congress, it is my high privilege to serve on the APEC Honorary Host Committee as we prepare to welcome distinguished global leaders to our beloved City,” Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said.  “In selecting San Francisco to host APEC 2023, President Biden and Vice President Harris recognize our City’s status as a gateway to the Indo-Pacific, an economic engine and proud home to a vibrant AAPI community. We look forward to November’s Meeting, which we hope will be a meaningful step to strengthening the partnership among leaders for a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

“There is no better place in the nation to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit than California,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “San Francisco is both the birthplace of the United Nations as well as a hub for innovation that boasts deep cultural and economic ties with the Asia-Pacific region. I’m looking forward to welcoming world leaders to the Golden State later this year with open arms.”

“As Lieutenant Governor and as a proud San Franciscan, I am thrilled to join my colleagues as a member of the Honorary Host Committee for the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting in November 2023,” said Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis. “San Francisco’s and California’s economic prowess, along with our deep and long-standing ties with the Indo-Pacific region, make our City and State a natural choice to host the 2023 APEC Economic Leaders’ Week. I look forward to supporting the Biden-Harris Administration and the City of San Francisco to make APEC a success.”

“I’m proud to join with many of San Francisco’s outstanding leaders to serve on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Honorary Host Committee. California has long been an economic and cultural bridge between the United States and Asia, making our city the perfect choice to welcome world leaders,” said U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein.

“I’m honored to serve as a member of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Honorary Host Committee. California’s powerhouse economy and the Bay Area’s leading tourism and trade industries will be front and center as we welcome our partner APEC member economies to San Francisco this November. I’m looking forward to helping strengthen our Asia-Pacific economic coalition as we come together to work towards shared growth and prosperity, and to address today’s most pressing global challenges,” said U.S. Senator Padilla. 

“As California’s Treasurer I am honored to welcome attendees of APEC’s CEO Summit to San Francisco and California. The Bay Area and California economies have long been intertwined with those of Asia-Pacific governments. Working together in a spirit of cooperation to discuss our shared challenges and opportunities, the 2023 summit can help us achieve sustained, equitable prosperity for all APEC member economies,” said State Treasurer Fiona Ma.

“San Francisco has been a historic, cultural, and economic gateway between the United States and the Asia Pacific Rim. I am thrilled that APEC attendees from all over the world will be able to see all that San Francisco has to offer,” said San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu. “As Honorary Host Committee members, we are ready to roll up our sleeves to ensure APEC is a resounding success and San Francisco’s light shines bright.”

“Since becoming Chair of the APEC Business Advisory Council last summer, I have been working closely with my counterparts throughout the Asia-Pacific on issues impacting the region,” said Dominic Ng, Chairman and CEO of East West Bank and the presidentially appointed Chair of the APEC Business Advisory Council. “I am honored to be a part of the APEC Honorary Host Committee and thrilled to welcome my fellow business leaders to the City and County of San Francisco and our great state of California this November.”

Throughout 2022, these leaders were instrumental in helping San Francisco secure its bid as the host City for the APEC Leaders’ Meeting and APEC CEO Summit through their leadership and advocacy. As part of their official responsibilities as APEC Honorary Host Committee members, they will work closely with the APEC Host Committee to create and strengthen critical community and business relationships for support APEC 2023, including:

• Highlighting San Francisco’s ongoing efforts to address complex challenges facing other major cities around the world;
• Sharing San Francisco happenings and announcements that help amplify the City’s unique offerings and advancements locally and internationally; and
• Engaging residents and business leaders with opportunities to get involved to showcase the City.

The work of the Honorary Host Committee Members is critical to securing long-term benefits such as strengthened international relations to increase trade, tourism, and cooperation among Member Economies, attracting investment in the region, and increased tourism and business travel experiences and exposure to San Francisco.  Additionally, the economic, business, and reputational benefits are vital to the five key priorities of Mayor Breed’s Roadmap to Downtown San Francisco’s Future:

• An economically diverse and resilient job engine;
• A welcoming, clean, and safe environment;
• A dynamic destination active at all hours, every day;
• A world-class transportation experience; and 
• An equitable economy that supports full participation by all

Earlier this month, San Francisco was honored to welcome First Lady Dr. Jill Biden at the APEC Strategic Gathering of Women Leaders luncheon, hosted by San Francisco Chief of Protocol Maryam Muduroglu. The First Lady joined Mayor Breed, Lieutenant Governor Eleni Kounalakis and women leaders from across the City to share their perspective and vision for how San Francisco can best facilitate APEC 2023’s global agenda. As a result, their contributions will help support and garner sponsorship contributions that will fund anticipated expenses for major APEC 2023 events and other event-related expenses.

San Francisco As a City for Major Events

San Francisco is a major destination for business and tourism and leads the world in technology innovation. The City has a long history as a top destination for travel, conferences and seminars. In October, Salesforce brought Dreamforce back to San Francisco in person, attracting more than 40,000 people.

San Francisco is featured by Travel and Leisure magazine as one of the 50 best places to travel in 2023 and the Wall Street Journal named San Francisco International Airport (SFO) the best large airport of 2022 thanks in part to the upgrade of its Harvey Milk Terminal 1, reliable flights and top-notch amenities.

The San Francisco Bay Area has hosted major events in the recent past, including the United States Conference of Mayors in 2015, Super Bowl 50 in 2016, and the Global Climate Action Summit in 2019.

San Francisco will welcome thousands of local and international visitors from around the world to the Bay Area for Super Bowl LX and the FIFA World Cup in 2026.

For more information about the APEC 2023 Leaders’ Economic Week, visit www.apec2023sf.org

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