Author: Alfredo Casuso

Media Contact: DP&A, Inc / David Perry / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

Over 500 Attendees at the 7^th Annual Women in Leadership Forum 
Hailed as “Renaissance Coming”

Hotel Council of San Francisco Event to Empower Women in the Hospitality Field Featured Keynote Address by Eleni Kounalakis, Lieutenant Governor of California Among Other Industry Leaders

www.hotelcouncilsf.org

29 June 2023 – San Francisco, CA: To paraphrase the famous Aretha Franklin and Annie Lennox duet, “Sisters did it for themselves” on Friday, June 23 at the Women in Leadership Forum from the Hotel Council of San Francisco (www.hotelcouncilsf.org). The 7^th annual event at The Westin St. Francis in San Francisco was an overflow crowd of “woman power” cheered on by such luminaries as Eleni Kounalakis, Lieutenant Governor of California, LinkedIn Career Expert; Catherine Fisher; Brooke Jenkins, San Francisco District Attorney; Marisa Rodriguez of Union Square Alliance; Papia Gambelin of United Airlines; Jyoti Sarolia of Ellis Hospitality; Carla Murray and Keri Robinson of Marriott International. Moderating the event was award winning journalist Ella Sogomonian of KRON 4. Theevent was sponsored by Alaska Airlines with additional support from sponsors Expedia Group, United Airlines, Fisher Phillips, and Big Bus San Francisco. 

“Diversity, equity and inclusion is not a nice to have, it’s a must have and the reason that San Francisco’s hospitality industry is the best in the world,” said Alex Bastian, President & CEO of the Hotel Council of San Francisco. “In a country where 55 % of the population is female, putting women’s concerns and women’s wisdom at the forefront of our agenda is smart business.”

The event featured keynote speeches, fireside chats, panel discussions on topics such as combatting imposter syndrome, creating a healthy work-life balance, understanding and leveraging one’s network, broadening communication and negotiation skills, and finding passion and clarifying career goals. 

This year, the event raised over $ 2400 for Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco in support of their mission to inspire and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible,and caring citizens. 

“Women leaders intuitively understand the power of giving back which is what the partnership with the Boys & Girls Club is all about,” said Bastian. “It was so inspiring to hear the many personal and professional stories shared this year. The energy was palpable. This is the first wave of the Renaissance coming to San Francisco’s hospitality and tourism economy.”

The Hotel Council of San Francisco is a non-profit membership-based organization advocating for the economic and social vitality of the hospitality industry in San Francisco. Their membership roster includes over 200 hotels, allied members, and partner organizations. The Hotel Council is dedicated to protecting the San Francisco hospitality industry and connecting its members to support the growth and success of the industry.

Below is a full list (alphabetical by last name) of the speakers and presenters at this year’s Women in Leadership Forum.

Nina Bankar, Vice President of Customer Success, Calm

Alex Bastian, President & CEO of the Hotel Council of San Francisco

Andrea Card, Senior Winemaker Francis Ford Coppola Winery

Judy Cronkhite, Regional Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Americas, Hyatt Hotels

Tiffany DeHaan, Vice President, Strategic Planning, Alaska Airlines

Franco Finn, Community and Activations Lead, Alaska Airlines

Catherine Fisher, LinkedIn Career Expert

Jean Fraser, CEO, Presidio Trust

Papia Gambelin, Managing Director State and Local Government Affairs, United Airlines

Gail Isono, General Manager, Harbor Court Hotel

Brooke Jenkins, San Francisco District Attorney

Lisa Kershner, General Manager, SFO Waterfront Marriott

Eleni Kounalakis, Lieutenant Governor of California

Jill Kuehler, Founder & CEO, Freeland Spirits

Tazeen Lanani, Managing Director, Alaska Airlines

Terry Lewis, Complex General Manager, Hilton San Francisco Union Square and Parc 55 San Francisco

Carla Murray, President, US Full Service Western Region, Marriott International

Anna Marie Presutti, Vice President and General Manager, Hotel Nikko San Francisco

Mary Rezek, The No Bullsh*t Executive Coach, TED Speaker Coach

Nicole Ritthaler, Agent Sales Manager, Big Bus Tours

Keri Robinson, Area Vice President, Marriott International

Marisa Rodriguez, CEO, Union Square Alliance

Jyoti Sarolia, President & CEO, Ellis Hospitality Group

Alexandra (Ally) Siegel, Vice President & Global Head of Diversity & Inclusion- Talent, Expedia Group

Ella Sogomonian, Anchor, KRON4

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

Dezart Performs Announces 16th Season in Palm Springs 
With Additional Performances

Pulitzer Finalist, Drama Critics’ Circle Award Winner and Acclaimed Play
by Native American Playwright Comprise Four Play Schedule 

23 June 2023 – Palm Springs:  Building on an award winning season that saw its acclaimed productions secure 96% capacity, Dezart Performs of Palm Springs (www.dezartperforms.org ) announces its 16th year of fearless, provocative, and inspiring theatre including a Pulitzer Finalist, Drama Critics Circle Award Winner, and a first ever Broadway play written by a Native American.  Buoyed by last years’ record attendance, the company is adding two additional performances to each production: Sunday evening performances at 7pm.

“Age 16 is when one is allowed to drive, and we really feel this season puts us back in high gear,” said Michael Shaw, founding Artistic Director of Dezart Performs. “Each production offers a unique perspective, combining laughter, introspection, and powerful storytelling. We can’t wait to share these extraordinary performances with our loyal patrons and new audiences alike.”

Kicking off the season is THE THANKSGIVING PLAY by Larissa FastHorse (November 3 – 12) a comedy that hilariously satirizes the collision between good intentions and absurd assumptions. Directed by Shaw, this wickedly funny production follows a troupe of terminally “woke” teaching artists as they scramble to create a pageant that celebrates both Turkey Day and Native American Heritage Month.  Of note, FastHorse, a member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe of the Lakota People, is the first Native American playwright to have a show produced on Broadway.

Next up is WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME (January 19 – 28), a dramatic comedy written by Heidi Schreck and directed by Craig Wells. This critically acclaimed show, a 2019 Pulitzer Prize finalist, explores the profound relationship between four generations of women and the founding document that shaped their lives. Audiences can expect a hilarious, hopeful, and achingly human experience.

A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD (March 1 – 10) by Samuel D. Hunter, whose A BRIGHT NEW BOISE was a hit for Dezart Performs last season, takes center stage next.  An emotional and thought-provoking drama directed by Shaw, this play delves into the fragile worlds of Keith, a mortgage broker, and Ryan, a yogurt plant worker, as they bond over their shared experiences of marginality and the realities of financial insecurity.

Concluding the 16th anniversary season is MR PARKER (April 12 – 21), a drama written by Michael McKeever whose play DANIEL’S HUSBAND was the sell-out sensation of Dezart’s 2020 Season.  Directed by Randy Brenner, the play finds 54-year old widower Terry Parker adjusting to a newly single life after the loss of his partner of 30 years.

“In an era when so much seems to be about polarization, I hope our plays continue to open dialogue and build community,” said Shaw. “We are dedicated to producing fresh and compelling works that inspire such dialogue and provoke thought with a commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement.”

Subscriptions will go on sale for existing season subscribers Wednesday, July 5; new season subscribers may purchase tickets beginning July 25.  Single show tickets go on sale September 12.

All performances take place at the Pearl McManus Theater (at the historic Palm Springs Woman’s Club) 314 S Cahuilla Road, Downtown Palm Springs. Ticket prices are $48 – $55 and may be purchased online at www.dezartperforms.org , or by calling (760) 322-0179. Showtimes are Fridays at 7:30pm; Saturdays at 2pm and 7:30pm; Sundays at 2pm and 7pm.

Dezart Performs, one of the Coachella Valley’s preeminent theatre companies, recognizes that the performing arts enrich the life and culture of a community, promote greater understanding and provoke insightful discussion. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit theatre company, its mission is to provide an artistic home for bold and cutting–edge plays, creating an atmosphere of artistic growth for actors, writers, and directors who uniquely contribute to the diverse theatrical environment in the Coachella Valley.

16th Dezart Performs’ Season Listing

THE THANKSGIVING PLAY 
A comedy written by Larissa FastHorse
Directed by Michael Shaw
November 3-5; 10-12, 2023

Good intentions collide with absurd assumptions in Larissa FastHorse’s wickedly funny satire, as a troupe of terminally “woke” teaching artists scrambles to create a pageant that somehow manages to celebrate both Turkey Day and Native American Heritage Month.

“Hilarious. A cheerfully cutthroat production!”
– The New York Times

“Hysterically funny and brutally on target.”
– Forbes

“A hilarious envelope in which [the playwright] delivers a brutal satire about mythmaking, and thus, in a way, about theater itself.”
– The New York Times

*    *    *

WHAT THE CONSTITUTION MEANS TO ME 
A dramatic comedy written by Heidi Schreck
Directed by Craig Wells
January 19 – 21; 26 – 28

2019 Pulitzer Prize finalist
2019 Tony Award nominated, Best Play
2019 Obie award for Best New American Play
2019 Off-Broadway Alliance Award, Best New Play
2019 Drama Desk Award, Outstanding Play

Fifteen-year-old Heidi earned her college tuition by winning Constitutional debate competitions across the United States. In this hilarious, hopeful and achingly human new play, she resurrects her teenage self in order to trace the profound relationship between four generations of women and the founding document that shaped their lives.

“…brilliantly crafted show, harrowing and funny and humane, that accesses the political through the deeply personal.”
– New York Magazine

“A highly entertaining, deeply informative and ultimately hopeful examination of the document that impacts every single one of us, every single day of our lives.”
– Chicago Sun Times

“This funny, tragic and deeply unsettling one-woman tour de force shows who the US constitution serve — and who it lets down.”
– The Guardian

*    *    *

A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD 
A drama written by Samuel D. Hunter
Directed by Michael Shaw
March 1-3; 8-10

2022 Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Play

A CASE FOR THE EXISTENCE OF GOD unfolds in a cubicle where two seated people unexpectedly choose to bring one another into their fragile worlds. Keith, a mortgage broker, and Ryan, a yogurt plant worker seeking to buy a plot of land that belonged to his family many decades ago, realize they share a “specific kind of sadness.” At this desk in the middle of America, loan talk opens up into a discussion about the chokehold of financial insecurity and a bond over the precariousness of parenthood. With humor, empathy and wrenching honesty, Hunter commingles two lives and deftly bridges disparate experiences of marginality.

“Must-see heartbreaker of a play!”
– The New York Times

“Another extraordinary play by Samuel D. Hunter!”
– New York Stage Review

“Easily one of the best of the year!”
–The Wall Street Journal

“…one of the most moving new plays of the year!”
– TheatreMania

“‘A Case for the Existence of God’ Finds What Connects Us All and Holiness in Humanity.”
– The Observer

*    *    *

MR. PARKER
A drama written by Michael McKeever
Directed by Randy Brenner
April 12 – 14; 19 — 21

At 54 years old, Terry Parker finds himself at a crossroads in his life. After the loss of his partner of 30 years, he finds himself suddenly single and unable to adjust to a world that has moved on without him. After a night of heavy drinking, he wakes up with a 28-year-old bartender-slash-Uber-driver. These two very different people begin a tentative relationship, and what starts out as a one-night stand becomes a journey of self-discovery for a man trying to let go of the past and move forward, while dealing with the pressures of being middle-aged, gay and alone in the ever-changing landscape of today’s America.

“A very intelligent, absorbing look at contemporary relationships and the conflicts that keep us all from aging with joy and peace of mind. This play is a real discovery!”
– Rex Reed

“The protagonist of this new play by Michael McKeever steps gingerly out of grief’s stasis and into the unknown.”
–The New York Times

Wednesday, June 21, 2023  

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

***PRESS RELEASE***  

SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC SAFETY INITIATIVE TO DISRUPT OPEN AIR DRUG MARKETS SEIZING FENTANYL AT RECORD LEVELS  

SFPD has seized over 60 kilos of fentanyl this year so far – an increase of 160% over the same period last year and more than 640% since 2021    

San Francisco, CA – Today Mayor London Breed announced progress from the City’s multiagency initiative to address open-air drug markets made up of local, state, and federal public safety partners focused on a more coordinated enforcement and disruption of illegal activities.   

As part of this work, SFPD has focused enforcement in the Tenderloin and South of Market Area, where officers have seized over 60 kilos of fentanyl year to date, amounting to over 30 million lethal doses of the deadly drug. This is an increase of 160% over the same time period last year, and more than 640% seized year over year since 2021.   

Additionally, 28% of those cited for public drug use under new enforcement efforts have had existing warrants for other crimes and are now being charged under those warrants. Only 8% cited for public drug use identified as San Francisco residents.   

This effort is part of Mayor Breed’s commitment to enforcing laws to make our streets safer for residents, small businesses, and workers, to offering help to people in crisis, and holding people accountable for the harm that they do to everyone when they refuse help and continue to deal or use in public. This initiative is focused on addressing drug markets in three key areas: open drug sales, public drug use, and fencing of stolen goods in drug market areas.  

“Shutting down open air drug markets is critical to the safety of our neighborhoods and the overall health of our City,” said Mayor London Breed. “The work that our city agencies and state and federal partners are doing to confront this crisis has to be sustained and expanded and we can’t continue to accept the existence of these drug markets on our streets. We will continue to offer help to people in crisis, but we must hold people accountable who are hurting our communities.”  

Coordinated Response to Fentanyl  

A coordinated City initiative to address open-air drug markets led by the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) began ramping up in April. Starting June 12, this effort expanded to include more city agencies as well as regional and state partners, and is focused on enforcing existing laws, as well as continuing street outreach and offers of services to those in need of care.   

DEM is coordinating local and state agencies involved in this effort, including enforcement agencies such as the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD), the San Francisco Sheriff’s Office (SFSO), the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, the Adult Probation Department, the California Highway Patrol (CHP), and the California National Guard. It also involves agencies providing outreach and services, including the Department of Public Health (DPH), Human Services Agency (HSA), and the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH).  

Open Drug Sales  

In the first six months of 2023, SFPD has focused enforcement efforts in the Tenderloin and South of Market areas. This work has yielded in these areas alone:  

• 390 arrests for sale  
• 61 kilograms of fentanyl seized  
• 95 kilograms of narcotics seized   

This data does not include arrests and seizures in other parts of San Francisco. Through ongoing City public safety coordination, the agencies will work more closely with state and federal law enforcement partners to identify and arrest drug dealers and traffickers, disrupt the supply chain, and reduce the profitability of this criminal operation.   

Last week, the CHP announced the seizure of 4 kilograms of fentanyl since May 1 when the State announced its plans to direct resources to San Francisco to support efforts targeting open-air drug markets. The California National Guard has been deployed to provide investigative support for dismantling drug rings.   

Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi has also announced that San Francisco will be included in Operation Overdrive, a federal initiative under the Department of Justice that deploys federal law enforcement resources to help local and state authorities identify and dismantle criminal drug networks. These partnerships play a critical role to develop long-term, sustainable strategies to maintain clearance from drug sales.   

Public Drug Use  

SFPD and SFSO have launched a new coordinated effort to arrest and detain those who pose a danger to themselves and to others through their public drug use.  Between May 30 and June 18, this team of officers trained to identify narcotics use completed 58 total encounters, resulting in 5 medical transports to local hospitals, 11 misdemeanor citations, and 42 misdemeanor bookings into county jail for temporary detention due to narcotics intoxication.    

Of the 53 cited or booked for public drug use:  

• 28% had outstanding warrants. These individuals were then held on these warrants. Only one of these 15 individuals identified as San Francisco residents.   
• 8% overall identified as San Francisco residents. 51% came from another California county, and 34% came from out of state. The remaining came from out of country or didn’t identify their residency.     

None of those detained under public intoxication laws accepted services for treatment offered to them upon release. Anyone detained in San Francisco’s jails are supported by Jail Health Services, and offered access to voluntary services upon release. Additionally, City health and homelessness outreach teams will continue routine daily outreach to offer services and treatment linkages in targeted neighborhoods.  

Next Steps  

As part of the City’s efforts to streamline and coordinate efforts, regular data updates on key metrics around these efforts will be shared publicly as they become available. The Mayor’s Budget, which is currently before the Board of Supervisors, provides key funding to continue this work, as well as broader support for law enforcement and public health needs.  

###  

MEDIA ADVISORY / REQUEST FOR ONSITE COVERAGE:
FRIDAY JUNE 16 (3pm – 6:30pm)

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

WHAT: 
SuitUp Empowers 15 Women from Bayview’s Ladies in Power Program

Innovation Violence Intervention Program Provides
Clothes and Mentoring to Participants

WHO: 
Sponsored by Macy’s Union Square, Street Violence Intervention Program (SVIP), Operation Genesis Inc., the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD), and the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office (SFDA),
 

WHEN/WHERE:
Friday, June 16: 3pm – 6:30pm
Macy’s Union Square

3pm – 3:30pm:
Remarks by SFDA Brooke Jenkins; SFPD Chief Bill Scott; Union Square Alliance CEO Marisa Rodriguez

3:30pm – 4pm
Fashion Show begins

4:30pm
Welcome Remarks by Marisa Rodriguez at John’s Grill to honor participants

5pm
Dinner and Awards

6:30pm
Event Concludes

WHY/DETAILS: 
The Union Square Alliance (www.visitunionsquaresf.com) has announced the upcoming SuitUp! Runway Event, which will take place on June 16, 2023, at Macy’s Union Square in San Francisco. SuitUp!,is a collaborative initiative between community agencies and sponsors including Macy’s Union Square, Street Violence Intervention Program (SVIP), Operation Genesis Inc., the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD), and the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office (SFDA), which aims to uplift young African American women from San Francisco’s Ladies in Power program through the transformative power of a brand new business suit and a six-week intensive mentoring program. 

“These young women are truly inspirational, and their dedication to their goals inspires us all,” said Marisa Rodriguez, CEO of Union Square Alliance. “Having worked for many years in the San Francisco District Attorney’s office, I know how important initiatives like ‘SuitUp’ are to breaking the cycle of violence. This program defines a smart and compassionate partnership between business, law enforcement, and the community.” 

The inaugural 2022 cohort of Suit Up!, which included young African American men from Bayview’s Alice Griffith Community, participated in a year-long mentorship program focused on empowering and supporting young men during a crucial age. This year, the second cohort of fifteen young African American women, aged 13-20 from SF’s Ladies in Power program, will participate in a six-week intensive program focusing on self-esteem and confidence building, addressing unrealistic beauty standards and social media pressures. 

Upon completion of the program, the young women will have the opportunity to meet with a Macy’s stylist and purchase their first work suit and accessories courtesy of Macy’s. They will also participate in the Macy’s Runway Show on June 16, 2023, showcasing their new suits and celebrating their growth and transformation. 

“I believe if we can get these young women to love themselves and see how powerful they are, we can help set them up to be strong leaders in our communities,” said Taneshia Miller of SF’s Ladies in Power. 

“Macy’s is thrilled to sponsor this important initiative for the second year in a row,” said John Sparks, Senior Director Store Manager at Macy’s Union Square. “As part of our social purpose platform, Mission Every One, Macy’s is dedicated to creating a brighter future with bold representation for all. This critical work promotes community involvement in San Francisco compassionately and creatively, aligning with our mission to empower more voice, choice, and ownership for colleagues, customers, and communities.”

The idea for “SuitUp” came in 2021 through Robert Newt, a Supervisor at the Street Violence Intervention Program. Determined to see the young people he works with succeed, Newt started a mentoring program with a year-long curriculum focused on self-esteem and positive transformations. 

“My vision for this mentoring program was to collaborate with community partners and teach young people about the power of self-esteem,” said Newt. “I strongly believe that if we can get these young people to love themselves and see how powerful they are, we can help set them up to be strong leaders in our communities.” 

The San Francisco Street Violence Intervention Program is an outreach and crisis response program hosted in the Department of Public Health. Created in 2013 to reduce and intervene in youth-related street violence for the City and County of San Francisco. Already, the “SuitUp” pilot project is gaining enthusiastic support from its community partners, including the SFPD. 

“Congratulations to the young women who participated in Suit Up’s second cohort with Ladies in Power,” said San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins.  “They are exceptional young women with bright futures ahead who have demonstrated their commitment to improving themselves and our community.” 

“We are so proud to support 15 young women from the San Francisco’s Ladies in Powerin this second year of the program,” said San Francisco Police Chief Bill Scott.  “The ‘Suit Up’ initiative is about helping young people build confidence to learn to help themselves and their communities.” 

About the Union Square Alliance: 
The Union Square Alliance serves members and creates a high-quality visitor experience by managing and activating public spaces, attracting new investment, and advocating for the District’s future success. Union Square is the vibrant heart of San Francisco and an international destination where visitors enjoy exceptional retail experiences, luxury hotels, world-class cultural institutions, and excellent public spaces found only in the City by the Bay. A lively 27-block community surrounding Union Square Park in the heart of San Francisco makes up the Union Square Alliance. It is bordered to the north by Bush Street, to the east by Kearny Street, to the south by Market Street, and on west Taylor Street. For more information on the Alliance, go to www.visitunionsquaresf.com  

For more information on this Violence Intervention Program, please contact Chief Tiffany Sutton, SFDA’s Chief of Collaborative Justice, at tiffany.sutton@sfgov.org

About Macy’s
For more than 160 years, Macy’s—the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc.—has served generations at every stage of their lives. Macy’s customers come to us for fashion, value and high-quality products. We are proud of our heritage and the unique role we play in American culture and tradition. We celebrate occasions big and small, and have created decades of memorable experiences through Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks^® and Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade^®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. With the collective support of our customers and colleagues, Macy’s helps make a difference in every market we serve, supporting local and national charities through funding and volunteer service. With fashion, value and celebration as our guide, Macy’s makes life shine brighter for our customers, colleagues and communities. More information is available at macys.com.