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

Manny’s Presents
Election Night Outside Socially Distant Dining Experience
Beginning 5pm Tuesday, November 3

50% of All Ticket Sales to Local Small Businesses www.welcometomannys.com

28 October 2020 – San Francisco, CA:  Buoyed by last week’s first-ever-Drive-In Presidential Debate Watching Party at Fort Mason – an experience which garnered international front-page press, Manny Yekutiel and Manny’s (www.welcometomannys.com)are poised for another first and sign-of-the-times: An outdoor Election Night Socially Distant Dining Experience. On Tuesday, November 3 (beginning at 5pm PST) Valencia Street will be closed to traffic between 15th & 16^th Streets.  Tickets are $18 per person but must be purchased as part of a table of people within the same household or “pod” and available only in advance via online order at the following link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mannys-election-night-dining-experience-tickets-127195564357.  NOTE: People will not be allowed to visit other tables. In order to ensure all patrons have an enjoyable experience, attendees are asked to arrive between 5pm  – 6pm. Half of each ticket price will benefit local small businesses. Tickets are non-refundable or exchangeable. Mask wearing and all COVID-19 Protocols will be strictly enforced. Special guest speakers will be announced shortly. 

“We opened Manny’s two years ago on Election Night 2018.” said Manny Yekutiel, 31, who founded and runs the eponymous Mission District community engagement space and café dubbed “the New Hampshire of California” (KCBS Radio) for its hosting of myriad political events including hosting 17 Democratic presidential candidates. “There is no way we were going to let a pandemic get in the way of coming together safely to dine and watch as the country finally defeats Donald Trump, flips the Senate blue, and keeps our strong majority in the House of Representatives! November 3^rd will be the culmination of a four-year journey for so many of us and an historic night for all. We’re going to do this the Manny’s way by also raising funds to support local small businesses in need during this economic crisis.”

Since opening its doors on Election Night 2018, Manny’s has become an epicenter of community involvement, dialogue and civic engagement having served over 50,000 people, staged over 500 events, donated space to more than 150 area nonprofits and charities, and hosted 17 presidential candidates in his first year alone. Also, in addition to receiving much media and public attention, Manny’s was recognized for his above-and-beyond achievements by the California State Senate as “Small Business of the Year.” 

Manny’s is a people powered, community focused meeting and learning place in the heart of San Francisco that combines a restaurant, political bookshop, and civic events space. Manny’s goal: to create a central and affordable place to become a better informed and more involved citizen. Manny’s offers its events space to nonprofits, activists and civic organizations to spread their message and do their work as well as hosting its own civic and arts related programming. Manny’s kitchen is run by the non-profit, Farming Hope, which hires formerly homeless and formerly incarcerated individuals and trains them in the food skills needed to work in the restaurant industry.

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

Palm Springs Seeks Sister City
Local Business Leaders to Explore “Boost to Tourism”

26 October 2020 – Palm Springs, CA:  With an eye towards building air bridges, economic ties and boosting tourism visibility, three Palm Springs residents and business owners are exploring something new: A Sister City for Palm Springs.

“Palm Springs is an international destination with an international brand,” said Jeffrey Bernstein, owner of Destination PSP and a board member for Main Street Palm Springs Business Association. “This is a perfect time to begin exploring a sister city for Palm Springs as we look for creative and practical ways to revitalize our economy in the continuing wake of COVID 19.”

Bernstein first presented his idea at a meeting of the Palm Springs City Council late last year where another resident with hands on sister city experience in attendance quickly saw the potential and joined forces.

“It’s all about relationships,” said David Perry whose firm David Perry & Associates, Inc. has extensive experience working with sister city programs in China, Germany, Ireland, Spain and Vietnam. “Once a sister city relationship is established, opportunities for cultural exchange and tourism quickly follow.”

According to Perry who works with clients in the Coachella Valley, San Francisco and abroad, a cornerstone of any successful sister city program is partnering with a city with direct flights and finding an airline partner.

“Now is the perfect moment explore a sister city for Palm Springs,” said Al Jones, Chair of the Palm Springs International Airport Commission, board member for Dezart Performs and former Presidential appointee to The Congressional Advisory Committee on Student Financial Aid by both George Bush and Barack Obama. “As challenging as 2020 has been, in 2021 we have the opportunity to expand, improve and diversify our tourism base. A sister city program is a great tool for that, especially with the recently announced new flights, both new destinations and new airlines for the Palm Springs International Airport.”

In 1969, a Desert Sun article mentions a Palm Springs / Victoria, British Columbia Sister City Program, but evidently the relationship has fallen fallow. Over the next few weeks, Bernstein, Jones and Perry will speak with representatives from the Sister Cities International, the nonprofit that coordinates such relationship, to outline the process for setting up an official program. Created by President Dwight President Eisenhower during the 1956 White House conference on citizen diplomacy, the organization was envisioned as a hub of peace and prosperity by creating bonds between people from different cities around the world.

Plans for involvement of, and a presentation to the greater community will be forthcoming to ensure stakeholder participation and support.

About Jeffrey Bernstein:
Bernstein spent 25 years in the domestic and international television industry working in marketing, programming and business development.  Bernstein was at the forefront of pay-television and digital programming.   He was Vice President, Marketing Warner Bros. Pay Television where he spent 10 years.  Subsequently, Bernstein became Senior Vice President of Request Television, a joint venture of TCI and 20^th Century Fox operating the nation’s largest pay-per-view network.   Afterwards Bernstein was recruited by News Corps.’ British Sky Broadcasting to launch their pay-per-view service and develop their digital platform .    He then consulted with the launch of international pay television and digital platforms throughout Europe and Asia.  Bernstein has also launched several successful businesses including Bridges, a restaurant and nightclub in Bridgehampton, NY; Chelsea Marketeers, an early online retailer beginning in 1998 and Chelsea Lane Swimwear. Bernstein created Destination PSP in 2012, a retail and wholesale lifestyle brand with a flagship store in Downtown Palm Springs, and dozens of wholesale outlets throughout the country.  The company has partnered with over fifteen area organizations, events and non-profits on merchandising campaigns. Bernstein has a history of social responsibility and civic involvement.  He established Cable Positive, the cable industry AIDS action organization establishing groundbreaking programs in the fight against HIV/AIDS.  He is Vice President of Main Street Palm Springs Business Association and a Measure J Oversight Commissioner.  

About Al Jones:
Jones spent 45 years in higher education administration that included 30 years in the Chancellor’s Office of  California State University as the Assistant Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Student Academic Support, where  he coordinated academic support in twenty-six programs to 23 CSU campuses.  This was followed by a five-year assignment in Washington, D.C.  as the Vice President for Postsecondary Collaboration to states implementing new English/language arts and mathematics standards known as the Common Core.  From 2018 to June 2020, He served as the Project Director of a Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation grant awarded to the California Education Round Table, which consists of the California Department of Education, California Community Colleges, California State University, University of California, and the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities. He was appointed by Presidents Bush and Obama to serve on the 11-member Congressional Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance, which provided advice and counsel to the Secretary of Education and Congress on student financial aid policy issues.  He also was appointed to California’s  Scholarshare Investment Board (529 Family Savings Plan), California’s Governors Interagency Coordinating Council on the Prevention of Alcohol and Other Drug Problems, California’s P-16 Council charged with examining ways to improve student achievement at all levels, and as a nationally-elected Trustee of The College Board.

About David Perry:
David Perry is the founder/CEO of David Perry & Associates, Inc. a full-service Marketing/PR, firm with international reach based Palm Springs and San Francisco.   Over a 35 year career, Perry has represented a number of high profile clients including George Lucas / The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art,, the Hotel Council of San Francisco, the International Ocean Film Festival, America’s Cup, the Super Bowl 50 Committee, the Make A Wish Foundation and worked with seven San Francisco Mayors. Perry is a member of the board of directors & executive committee of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, serving as its small business chair. Perry is a member of the San Francisco Hotel Council, co-founder / immediate past president of the nonprofit Rainbow Honor Walk and host / creator of “10 Percent”, the longest running LGBT show in California history (2009 – 2018). In March 2020, Perry partnered with Beyond Pix Studios in San Francisco and USA Today journalist Jennifer Jolly to produce an online TV show of COVID-19 resources called “The Great Pause.” Perry hosts an ongoing online video interview show entitled “Ahoy!” In 2020, Perry became one of the co-founders of BuildOUT California: the world’s first LGBT Industry Association dedicated to the sustainable growth of LGBT owned and certified businesses in construction related industries. As a journalist, Perry has written over one hundred articles, and contributed to several national publications. He has represented clients in the United States, Canada, China and Europe. Perry is a frequent lecturer on the ethics of public relations and has visited more than 60 countries on six continents. His just published debut novel, Upon This Rock has been praised by Tales of the City author Armistead Maupin as “an elegant, twisty thriller” and by best-selling writer and Guggenheim fellow Fenton Johnson as “The gay DaVinci Code but a whole lot better.”  

SAN FRANCISCO LAUNCHES INITIATIVE TO HELP VULNERABLE RESIDENTS VOTE IN ELECTION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Friday, October 23, 2020

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

*** PRESS RELEASE ***

SAN FRANCISCO LAUNCHES INITIATIVE TO HELP VULNERABLE RESIDENTS VOTE IN ELECTION

Deliver the Vote, a new citywide initiative in partnership with the Shanti Project, will help homebound and marginalized residents cast their ballots in the 2020 Election

San Francisco, CA — Mayor London N. Breed today announced the launch of Deliver the Vote, a nonpartisan initiative to help San Francisco residents who are unable to leave their homes vote in the upcoming election. The City of San Francisco has partnered with the Shanti Project, a volunteer nonprofit organization, to provide personalized ballot pick-up and drop-off services to San Francisco voters who request assistance.

“Voting is essential to our democracy, and we need to support people in our community who need extra help to safely cast their ballot in this election,” said Mayor Breed. “Not everyone can easily walk to their nearest polling place or mail box, and especially with COVID, it’s more important than ever that we offer this service to our most vulnerable residents.”

The Deliver the Vote ballot pick-up and drop-off service is available to any San Francisco voter who is unable to cast their ballot on their own, whether due to age or disability. Upon request, a volunteer from the Shanti project will be assigned to go to a client’s residence, pick up their ballot, drop it off at the City’s Voting Center or an official drop-off site, and provide information to the client on how they can track their ballot.

“In this political climate, we must do everything possible to protect and preserve the civil rights of our most marginalized communities,” said Shakirah Simley, Director of Office Racial Equity, San Francisco Human Rights Commission. “Safe and accessible voting options are critical for San Francisco voters of color, many who struggle with disabilities, are homebound or immunocompromised. I’m thrilled to work with Shanti, DAS, and our community partners to deliver this essential service, and ensure equity and inclusion in this election cycle.”

“It’s wonderful that the city, Shanti, and our nonprofit community network has come together to ensure that older and disabled people are able to cast their votes,” said Shireen McSpadden, Executive Director, San Francisco Department of Disability and Aging Services. “This is an especially important election, and we want to ensure that those sheltering in place and those with mobility challenges have their voices heard.” 

Trained and trusted Shanti volunteers have been providing essential services to San Francisco residents since the beginning of COVID-19 and the Stay Home Health Order. These volunteers will provide a majority of the ballot pick-up and drop-off services. The Shanti project has partnered with several trusted nonprofit organizations to support this effort, including Bayview Senior Services, Tenderloin Community Benefit District, Curry Senior Services, and Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy.

“In a democracy, there is perhaps nothing more essential than voting,” said Kaushik Roy Shanti Project’s Executive Director. “Shanti is honored to work with the City and many of our great nonprofit partners to help ensure that all registered voters in San Francisco have the opportunity to be heard in this election”

Chip Supanich, a longtime San Francisco resident who has been HIV-positive for 35 years and experienced extreme mobility challenges, shared his gratitude for this service, “I know so many folks for whom physically voting is virtually impossible. This is an invaluable service for the City to offer.”

Any San Francisco resident who is homebound or otherwise facing challenges to dropping off their ballot can contact the Shanti Project for assistance by texting 415-449-7190 or calling 415-674-4701. Other neighborhood nonprofit organizations who would like to help with this service in their community should contact the Shanti by email at vote@shanti.org. For more information about Deliver the Vote, visit www.shanti.org.

Voting Options in San Francisco

Everyone registered to vote by October 19 in San Francisco was sent a vote-by-mail ballot for the November 3, 2020 election. San Francisco residents who are able to leave home to vote have several options for casting their ballot.

–          By Mail – The USPS provides nearly 1,400 collection boxes in the City. Find your nearest mail box here, and ensure the USPS can collect your ballot and postmark it on or before Election Day.

–          At the Voting Center (Civic Center) – Through November 3, and open weekends starting Saturday, October 24.

–          At a Polling Place on Election Day – Polling places are open on November 3 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. There are 588 polling places in San Francisco. Find your polling places on San Francisco’sVoter Portal. 

–          At Ballot Drop-Off Sites – Through November 3, voters can drop-off ballots at the Voting Center.

o   Starting October 31 and through November 3, the Department will provide 12 drop-off sites throughout the City. Find your official ballot drop-off station here.

–          Accessible Vote-by-Mail System – allows voters to mark screen-readable vote-by-mail ballots using common internet-connected devices. After marking an AVBM ballot, a voter must download and print the ballot and return the ballot printout by mail or in person in a timely manner, just as vote-by-mail voters who use official paper ballots must do.

Voting Center

The Voting Center provides ballots and services to all City residents who wish to pick-up or drop-off vote-by-mail ballots, register to vote (before or after the registration deadline), obtain personal assistance, use accessible voting equipment, obtain replacement ballots, or cast their ballots in person.

To protect the health of voters wishing to obtain in-person voting services, the Voting Center is set up in the area outside of Bill Graham Civic Auditorium on 99 Grove Street, between Polk and Larkin Streets.

The Voting Center is open during these times:

• Every weekday through November 2, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Two weekends, October 24 and 25, and October 31 and November 1, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (same voting hours as polling places).

The Voting Center offers accessible voting tools such as page magnifiers, pen grips, and seated voting, as well as accessible ballot-marking devices with touchscreen/audio format and personal assistive device compatibility. Any voter may request to vote “curbside” at the Voting Center by calling (415) 554-4375 or by asking a companion to enter the voting center to request delivery of voting materials to the voter.

To make their voting experience faster and safer, voters can use the Voting Locations and Wait Times Tool to check wait times at the Voting Center as they are planning their trip. With early voting opportunities available before Election Day, San Francisco encourages residents to vote as early as possible.

General Voting Information

San Franciscans can review their registration information, find their polling place, track their ballot, and more, using San Francisco’s Voter Portal. For more information, go to https://sfelections.sfgov.org/. 

For questions, email: SFVote@sfgov.org or reach the Department of Elections by phone: 

English: (415) 554-4375
TTY: (415) 554-4386

中文: (415) 554-4367
Español: (415) 554-4366
Filipino: (415) 554-4310

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Tuesday, October 20, 2020

Contact: San Francisco Joint Information Center, dempress@sfgov.org  

*** PRESS RELEASE ***

SAN FRANCISCO CONTINUES REOPENING WITH EXPANDED BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND ACTIVITIES

Now that San Francisco is assigned to the State’s Yellow tier, the City will move forward on reopening offices and expanding capacity at business, including fitness, dining, places of worship, personal services, recreation, and more

San Francisco, CA — Mayor London N. Breed and Director of Public Health Dr. Grant Colfax today announced San Francisco is continuing its measured reopening of the economy. Beginning Tuesday, October 27, the City will reopen “non-essential” offices at limited capacity. San Francisco will also reopen indoor climbing walls and will move forward on expanding other businesses and activities. In addition, San Francisco updated its timeline for opening additional activities over the coming weeks.

These next steps come as the State assigned San Francisco to Yellow on its tiered reopening system, based on San Francisco’s COVID-19 case and infection rates and equity metric. Since the State introduced the tiered system on August 28^th, San Francisco has had a deliberate approach to reopening that has resulted in San Francisco being the only county in the Bay Area placed in the Yellow tier and the only urban area to be at Yellow.

“San Franciscans have taken COVID-19 seriously from the very beginning, and thanks to everyone’s commitment to wearing face coverings and following public health guidance, we are able to keep moving forward with reopening. Today really is a sign of hope for our city and for our economic recovery,” said Mayor Breed. “Every step of the way we’ve made decisions through the lens of public health, and we will continue to do so going forward. We know new cases of COVID are rising in other parts of the country, so we cannot relax. We must remain vigilant. But I have faith in the people of San Francisco and in our approach to this virus. It won’t be easy and there are still tough months ahead, but I’m proud of the way this City has come together to fight this virus.”

“Working together, we have slowed the spread of COVID-19 in San Francisco. Our residents have been tremendous partners and have taken the necessary precautions. We have had robust partnerships across the City and the infrastructure that we have built in our COVID-19 response has been critical to beating back the virus,” said Dr. Grant Colfax, Director of Health. “We will continue to monitor our health indicators and impacts of reopening, which will help guide us in future planning.” 

San Francisco’s deliberate and measured reopening has resulted in San Francisco steadily reducing the rate of infection that has resulted in Yellow tier status. As such, on Tuesday, October 27^th the San Francisco Department of Public Health will issue final health and safety guidelines to reopen non-essential offices at limited capacity and with specific requirements. Indoor climbing gyms will also be able to resume with the same capacity as fitness centers, and personal services can allow limited mask removal for services such as those provided by estheticians. Additionally, fitness centers and institutes of higher education will be able to increase capacity.

San Francisco has also set a timeline for opening new activities and expanding previously reopened businesses and activities over the following weeks. San Francisco expects to reopen indoor pools and bowling alleys, with required safety protocols, on November 3^rd. Additionally, the City plans to increase capacity allowances to 50% for indoor dining, places of worship, theaters, museums, zoos, and aquariums. Schools will continue to reopen and some high schools are on track to return to in-person learning in November. 

“We’re making great progress towards San Francisco’s economic recovery because of the hard work of residents and businesses alike,” said Joaquín Torres Director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development. “Through our measured and thoughtful approach, we’ll continue to reopen safely and see the positive cultural and economic impacts necessary for our city to thrive. We look forward to expanding more activity for businesses especially as we prepare and head into the holiday season.”

“San Francisco has once again led the state with our deliberate yet collaborative approach to safe re-opening. Over the last few months, the Economic Recovery Task Force has worked hard with industry leaders to plan a path forward,” said Assessor Carmen Chu, Co-Chair of Economic Recovery Task Force. “Today, we are witnessing the great results of teamwork and cooperation from everybody. As a dense city, getting to yellow is a huge accomplishment, I am excited to see more businesses come back and let’s keep it going!”

San Franciscans’ commitment to preventative measures such as wearing face coverings, social distancing, hand washing, and avoiding gatherings has placed San Francisco in the unique position of effectively managing the virus as the nation faces a third wave of outbreaks. Additionally, San Francisco’s COVID-19 response infrastructure that includes testing, contact tracing, and support services have been key to the City’s successful management of the virus to date.

The reopening of businesses and activities will increase travel and interaction throughout the city, which risks increasing community spread of the virus and an increase in cases. Public health officials will regularly assess the Key Public Health Indicators, particularly new positive case counts and hospitalizations to ensure San Francisco has the necessary resources available for those who contract COVID-19. The phasing of additional activities is structured to maximize the City’s ability to track these local health indicators and ensure that San Francisco continues to manage its risk and to protect public health.

While San Francisco recognizes the State’s thresholds, the City will continue on a reopening path based on its local health indicators and unique challenges and successes of our local reopening. Reopening is dependent upon San Francisco’s Key Public Health Indicators remaining stable or improving, and the plan is subject to change. Following the reopening activities below, and pursuant to the health indicators remaining stable or improving, San Francisco will assess the possibility of further expanding office, retail, and other lower-risk activities. 

San Francisco’s reopening plan is outlined below and is available online at sf.gov/reopening. All sectors that will be reopened or expanded should check San Francisco’s Reopening page for updated requirements and guidelines that pertain to them.

Non-essential Offices

Starting on Tuesday, October 27^th, non-essential offices can reopen at 25% capacity. Offices with fewer than 20 employees can reopen beyond 25%, to the extent that space allows employees to maintain social distancing. Specific ventilation guidelines must be met to the greatest extent possible. Under the new health guidance, employers must conduct a health check of employees each day that they report to the office. If San Francisco’s case rates remain stable or continue to improve for at least 30 days following reopening on October 27, the City will consider further expanding office capacity to 50%.

Climbing Gyms

Starting on Tuesday, October 27^th, indoor climbing gyms and climbing walls within fitness centers can reopen at 25% capacity with specific sanitation and staffing protocols in place. All individuals must wear face coverings at all times. 

Expanded Activities Resuming October 27^th

In addition to non-essential offices and climbing gyms, San Francisco is moving forward on expanding the following activities on Tuesday, October 27^th:

• Indoor fitness centers can increase their indoor capacity to 25%, without cardio or aerobic classes.
• Some indoor personal services that require limited face covering removal including services provided by estheticians, waxing, and skin treatments.
• Institutes of higher education can increase capacity of outdoor classes to 25 people (including instructors) and can request an exception to the 2-hour limit on indoor classes.

New Activities on November 3^rd 

• Indoor pools.

• Indoor bowling alleys.
• Indoor fitness centers, including those in hotels, can open their locker rooms and showers.

Expanded Activities on November 3^rd

• Dining establishments, including those within hotels, shopping centers and museums, can increase their indoor capacity to 50% up to 200 people, and with a maximum time limit per table seating of 3 hours.
• Indoor worship can expand their capacity to 50%, up to 200 people.
• Outdoor worship or political protests can expand to 300 people, with face coverings and distancing.
• Indoor museums, zoos, and aquariums can increase their capacity to 50%.
• Movie theaters can increase their capacity to 50% up to 200 people, without food or beverage concessions.
• Allow some types of live performances with up to six performers to take place in a drive-in setting.
• Film productions can expand indoor activities and allow for removal of face coverings under specific guidelines and can expand outdoor activities to up to 50 people.

GOAL: mid-November

• Bars not serving food can re-open for outdoor operations, with specific health and safety protocols that will be forthcoming.

Reopening of Schools – Ongoing

As state and local COVID-19 indicators permit, San Francisco schools may now resume in-person learning with approved safety plans in place. San Francisco’s approach to the reopening process for San Francisco TK-12 schools (transitional kindergarten through 12th grade) prioritizes the reopening of younger grades for in-person learning. As many as 114 private, parochial or charters schools have requested applications for in-person learning this fall. Almost 92 schools have submitted applications and 56 schools have been approved for reopening. The applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis.

All San Francisco schools must meet minimum standards required by the state and DPH before resuming in-person learning. This includes providing detailed plans on how they will ensure adequate testing and contact tracing for their staff and students. Schools will work with DPH to meet all the requirements for the safest reopening. The school reopening dashboard identifies the schools that have begun this process by sending an initial letter of interest to DPH to reopen, and shows where each school is in the approval process, including completion of an on-site assessment.

Although additional indoor activities are being allowed, it is important to remember that generally outdoor options remain safer because the COVID-19 virus travels in the air and collects indoors. Older adults and those with COVID-19 risk factors should avoid indoor crowds. All San Franciscans must do their part to limit the spread of COVID-19, including face coverings, social distancing, hand washing, and avoiding gatherings.

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

LYRIC Names Toni Newman Interim Executive Director

LYRIC President Jodi Schwartz Oversees Expansion & Capital Campaign

19 October 2020 – San Francisco, CA: Heading into a momentous election with direct impact on the lives and livelihoods of LGBTQI+ youth, San Francisco’s esteemed nonprofit LYRIC (www.lyric.org) has named Toni Newman as Interim Executive Director while Jodi L. Schwartz continues as President to oversee the ongoing capital campaign to expand LYRIC’s landmark home in San Francisco’s Castro District, allowing for expanded program opportunities for youth.

“After an extensive interview process with the Board of Directors, LYRIC staff, and LYRIC youth, it became clear that Toni is the leader for LYRIC at this moment,” said LYRIC Board Co-Chairs Adam Leonard and Phil Kim in a statement. “The Board’s unanimous decision to welcome Toni to LYRIC speaks to our confidence in her leadership and experience. We are grateful for Jodi’s commitment to our shared mission and look forward to our partnership with staff and youth to ensure LYRIC thrives for generations to come.”

LYRIC is the San Francisco Bay Area’s leading organization offering expertise in youth workforce development, healthcare navigation, individual counseling, and group-based community building to marginalized low-income LGBTQQ+ youth.  In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, LYRIC has continued its vital work for LGBTQQ youth in our community.

“I am so grateful for the opportunity to join the dedicated and devoted LYRIC staff, board, volunteers, and donors. I accept the mission of LYRIC to build community and inspire positive social change through education enhancement, career training, health promotion, and leadership development with LGBTQQ youth, their families, and allies of all races, classes, genders, and abilities,” said Newman. “I am humbled at what has been accomplished and achieved by the current Executive Director, Jodi Schwartz, and this exceptional organization. I am excited at the opportunities and possibilities of who we can become as we seek to continue our legacy of a diverse society where LGBTQQ youth are embraced for who they are and encouraged to be who they want to be. I am a living example of LYRIC’s mission and vision.”

Having served for 15 years as LYRIC Executive Director, half of LYRIC’s 30-year history, Schwartz transitions to the role of President to oversee the nonprofits’ capital campaign to expand and renovate its landmark “Purple House” facilities. The renovation will provide more functional, safe spaces to meet growing demand. 

“I could not be happier to welcome Toni. Her experience and expertise make her an incredible fit for this role,” said Schwartz. “After serving LYRIC as its Executive Director and President for the past 15 years, I’m excited to serve solely as the President so I can focus on setting LYRIC up for the future. Our capital campaign is all about giving us more space so we can do more work to satisfy this growing need.”

Under Schwartz’s leadership, LYRIC has grown its budget by 100% and doubled the size of its staff team to meet increasing demand for supports in our LGBTQQ+ youth community.

“For over three decades, and especially for the last 15 years under Jodi’s leadership, LYRIC has made a formative impact in the lives of LGBTQQ+ youth in the San Francisco Bay Area.” Leonard and Kim continued. “In the wake of COVID-19, which brings more isolation and economic insecurity for our youth, LYRIC’s services and leadership are needed more than ever. In addition to continuing to offer our critical services virtually, LYRIC is leading the COVID-19 response for San Francisco’s LGBTQQ youth.”

###

About Toni Newman: Toni is the former Interim Director for Employment Services at the San Francisco LGBT Center and a consultant for the Transgender Strategy Center. Toni is a graduate of Wake Forest University and current candidate for her Juris of Doctorate (JD). Toni served as the Executive Director for St. James Infirmary and the Director of Development for Maitri Compassionate Care, and previously served as the Interim Director of Development & Communications at To Help Everyone Health and Wellness Centers and as a Strategic Fundraiser, Volunteer Recruiter, and Legislative Aide for Equality California. Additionally, Toni is a best selling author, noted for her memoir I Rise – The Transformation of Toni Newman released in 2011, which is based on the poem I Rise by Wake Forest University Reynolds Professor, Dr. Maya Angelou. 

About Jodi L. Schwartz: Jodi had the honor of becoming LYRIC’s Executive Director in 2005. During Jodi’s tenure at LYRIC, she developed San Francisco’s first LGBTQQ youth-specific case management program and facilitated the formation of the Community Partnership for LGBTQQ Youth – a seven-agency continuum of services for LGBTQQ transition age youth (ages 16-24). She led the launch of capacity building initiatives to promote LGBTQQ youth inclusion in San Francisco’s behavioral health and workforce development systems, in San Francisco’s public schools, and in youth organizations citywide. Jodi has been an invited participant in the prestigious Gap Inc. Leadership Initiative and Bank of America’s Neighborhood Builder’s Leadership Program and was named a 2013 LGBT Local Hero by KQED/Union Bank.

About LYRIC: LYRIC’s mission is to build community and inspire positive social change through education enhancement, career trainings, health promotion, and leadership development with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQQ) youth, their families, and allies of all races, classes, genders, and abilities. For more information and to make a donation, go to www.lyric.org