media contact: Stuart McFaul/Spiral Group / stuartm@spiralgroup.com / (415) 999-2473

OPRAH’S FAVORITE GAY ROYAL TO VISIT SAN FRANCISCO

Prince Manvendra Singh @ BEAUX in SF’s Castro District
Tuesday, March 21 (5:30pm – 8pm)

Benefit Presented by MAX SF
to Raise Funds to build LGBT Center in Mumbai, India

2 March 2017 – SAN FRANCISCO, CA: Oprah calls him her “favorite gay royal.” He has appeared on her show three times, on the BBC numerous times, and received an International Human Rights Award at the UN. He is Prince Manvendra Singh, the first out gay royal in India, and India’s leading gay rights activist.

Prince Manvendra will be the guest of MAX SF in San Francisco on March 21 for a Benefit for the Prince’s Trust at Beaux Bar, 2344 Market Street, San Francisco, from 5:30 pm to 8pm. The program begins at 6:45 pm. Indian Food, wines, beer, and cocktails will be served. Prince Manvendra will be interviewed by David Perry, creator/host of 10 Percent, California’s longest-running LGBT TV show. Price: $35 per person. ($20 to Prince’s Trust, balance pays for food and drink).

"Prince Manvendra’s story is one of great courage, "says Phil Walker, Chair of MAX SF. "He is the Crown Prince of Rajpipla, India. He was married to a woman, suffered a nervous breakdown and nearly died, came out as gay in the largest newspaper in India, was disowned by his parents on the front page of the paper, was discovered by the BBC and Oprah, became the leading advocate for gay rights in India after homosexual acts were recriminalized, and now travels the world raising money for his trust which fights HIV and AIDS in India and is helping build an LGTB Center in Mumbai, India’s first. He life is dedicated to ensuring that other gay Indians do not have to go through what he did."

"His story is powerful, emotional, and riveting. It will help San Franciscans understand what life is like for their gay brothers and sisters halfway around the world," continued Walker. "We are thrilled that MAX SF can bring Prince Manvendra for his first visit to San Francisco."

MAX SF is a social club for gay men and their friends. It existed in San Francisco from 1988 through 2008. It has been revived by 50 of the original members. "We have found a huge demand for programs where gay men and their friends can connect person-to-person, rather than through apps, and make new friends. It’s all about friends. Our members range from 21 to 91, and we welcome everyone," said Walker.

For information on the event and to reserve a space, please email Phil Walker at phil@askphilwalker.com or cell: (415) 816-3527.

Media Contact: David Perry / (415) 767-1067 / news@davidperry.com

Independent Adoption Center To Close

31 January 2017 – Concord, CA: The Independent Adoption Center (www.adoptionhelp.org) has announced its closing, effective today January 31, 2017.

“For over 34 years, the Independent Adoption Center has help build families with over 4000 successful adoptions,” said IAC Board President Greg Kuhl. “However, the climate of adoption has changed radically in recent years. Societal changes have created an environment in the United States where there are fewer potential birth parents than at any other point in IAC’s history. Simultaneously, due to changing demographics and the closure of international adoption programs, there are more hopeful adoptive parents seeking to adopt domestically than in any other time in recent history. Because of this, while we have striven to find financial solutions, we have come to the end of a rope and are declaring bankruptcy. The IAC has worked tirelessly to adapt to this changing environment, but the many efforts we implemented were ultimately unsuccessful. We therefore cannot sustain the agency any longer.”

During its three-and-a-half decade history, the IAC was one of the only adoption agencies in the country that never had any exclusionary policies for adoptive parents, including age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, religion, ethnic background, color, or race. As such, it was widely praised and embraced for its inclusive nature.

Kuhl noted that prior to this announcement, all families and birthmothers who were currently working with IAC have been notified and been provided with potential referrals to assist with their adoption journeys.

Media Contact: DP&A, Inc., (415) 767-1067 / news@davidperry.com

Ten Percent. TV Listing – February 2017

Ten Percent — LGBT-TV for Northern California

Wednesdays, 7pm
Rebroadcast: Thursdays – Tuesday, 11:30am & 10:30pm
Saturdays & Sundays at 10:30pm
On Comcast Hometown Network Channel 104 in Northern California and in High Def on Channel 819

Episode # 337
Wednesday, February 1, 7pm
Rebroadcast: Thursday — Tuesday February 2-7, 11:30am & 10:30pm
Saturday & Sunday, February 4-5, 10:30pm
David Perry chats with cartoonist Robert Triptow of Strip AIDS USA and Gay Comix. Perry also speaks with Jim McCullough of Friends of the San Francisco Film Commission, honoring Chris Columbus with the first annual Robin Williams Award for Excellence in Entertainment.

Episode # 338
Wednesday, February 8, 7pm
Rebroadcast: Thursday – Tuesday, February 9-14, 11:30am & 10:30pm
Saturday & Sunday, February 11-12, 10:30pm
David Perry interviews Kate Kendell, Executive Director of National Center for Lesbian Rights, about the current administration and how it will impact the LGBT community.

Episode # 339
Wednesday, February 15, 7pm
Rebroadcast: Thursday – Tuesday, February 16-21, 11:30am & 10:30pm
Saturday & Sunday, February 18-19, 10:30pm
David Perry speaks with Marc Smolowitz, Producer of the documentary Desert Migration, chronicling the lives of gay men living with HIV/AIDS in the Palm Springs area. Perry also welcomes Summerlea Kashar, Executive Director of San Francisco’s Cartoon Art Museum.

Episode # 340
Wednesday, February 22, 7pm
Rebroadcast: Thursday – Tuesday, February 23-28, 11:30am & 10:30pm
Saturday & Sunday, February 25-26, 10:30pm
David Perry speaks with Paul Olsen, Director of Development for Portola and Excelsior Family Connections. David Perry also interviews Bev Scott, author of the new novel Sarah’s Secret.

Episode # 341
Wednesday, March 1, 7pm
Rebroadcast: Thursday – Tuesday, March 2-7, 11:30am & 10:30pm
Saturday & Sunday, March 4-5, 10:30pm
David Perry chats with entertainment, film and theatrical blogger Kevin Thomas.
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Ten Percent is also available 24/7 through the “On Demand” Feature through your Comcast Cable Network. Choose “Get Local” and “Comcast Hometown” to access Ten Percent. Past shows may also be viewed online at www.comcasthometown.com.

Become a fan on Facebook: 10 Percent on Facebook

About Ten Percent:

Comcast Hometown Network (CHN), Comcast’s regional cable network covering Northern and Central California, continues its commitment to quality original programming with Ten Percent, a weekly interview series that focuses on lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender (LGBT) issues. The half-hour show, created and hosted by long-time San Francisco media professional David Perry, airs on Channel 104 and is available to all Comcast digital cable customers throughout Northern and Central California. Each episode will then be available online at www.comcasthometown.com as well as on Comcast’s popular ON DEMAND platform, which is free to Comcast digital customers.  To view Ten Percent ON DEMAND, Comcast Digital Cable customers can tune to Channel 1 on their Digital Cable lineup or press the ON DEMAND button on their remote control, then click on the “Get Local” section, then click on “Comcast Hometown.”

“I jokingly call the show ‘Charlie Rose for the LGBT world,” said David Perry, Producer/Host of Ten Percent. “We may be only ten percent of the general population, in round numbers, but our issues are one hundred percent front-and-center in today’s world. Whether it’s the fight for marriage equality or debates about gay clergy or the right to serve openly in uniform, our issues are reflective of the world at large.”

“David has a well-known and unique voice that bridges many communities,” said Jason Holmes, Executive Producer at Comcast Hometown Network. “David’s talents and the launch of Ten Percent further enhance Comcast’s commitment to our communities and Comcast Hometown Network’s compelling, community-based regional programming,”

Media Contact: DP&A, Inc. / David Perry (415) 767-1067 / news@davidperry.com

RICHMOND OFFERS FEBRUARY 2017 ART ESCAPE

24 January 2017– Richmond, CA: “Come to Richmond in February for a perfect pairing of art, food, fun and community, said Marsha Tomassi, Board President of the Richmond Convention and Visitors Bureau. “You can enjoy some of the best art, exhibitions and music the Bay Area has to offer right here, right now, in Richmond.”
Check out unique lodging options on visitrichmondca.com and come enjoy a unique Stay Cay weekend along the historic Richmond waterfront. Special activities in Richmond this February include:

• Friday February 3, 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM: Richmond Museum Association Fundraising Dinner “Revealing Hidden History.” A fundraiser to benefit the renovation of the museum’s permanent exhibit. Enjoy a fun, silent auction, dinner, dancing & remarks by Dr. Kent Lightfoot of UC Berkeley Richmond Country Club, 1 Markovich Lane, Richmond. Tickets $75 individual/$600 table. For information: (510) 235-7383.

• Saturday February 4, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Opening Reception For Winter Exhibitions. Exhibitions include: 21st Annual Art of Living Black, Marvin Lipofsky: Molten Matter/Fantastic Form and Teacher Is Artist: Study/AIC Faculty Show. Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Avenue, Richmond. For information: (510) 620-6772/richmondartcenter.org.

• Sunday February 5 and Sunday February 12, M-F 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM/Sat 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM: AC5’s “About Face” Painting Workshop for Veteran’s. FREE. Showing through February 10, “Deatra Colbert” at Yali’s Café Stanley Hall. Through February 12, Sylvia Fragoso at the Good Luck Gallery, NIAD Art Center. 551 23rd Street, Richmond. For information: (510) 620-0290.

• Sunday February 5 – Wednesday February 8: CODEX 2017 – The 6th Biennial International Book Fair. Celebrating the Art of the Book In China. Tickets are $30 multi-day, $10 single day, $5 student (with ID). Craneway Pavilion, 1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond. For schedule and more information: www.codexfoundation.org

• Friday February 10, 7:30 PM: Point Richmond Acoustic Presents An Evening With Legendary Pete Rowan + special guests. Don’t miss this special evening with bona fide folk icon and giant of roots music Pete Rowan. Tickets are $20 -$25 and available at eventbrite.com. Historic First Methodist Church, 201 Martina Avenue, Point Richmond. For information: www.pointacoustic.org

• Sunday February 12, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Oyster Sunday. Riggers Loft Wine Company, 1325 Canal Blvd, Richmond. For reservations email info@RBCellars.com.

• Sunday February 12, 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM: National Park Service Centennial Celebration. (FREE). Join the National Park Service to commemorate 100 years of park history and discovering all the parks have to offer. Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park, Visitor Center, 1414 Harbour Way South, Suite 3000. For information: (510) 232-5050.

• Saturday February 18, 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM: Jazz Art (FREE). Listen to acclaimed musicians and let their music inspire you to make art. Materials are provided by the Art Center, but feel free to bring your own. All ages. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. RSVP appreciated for groups larger than six by calling 510.620.6772 or sending an email to Education@RichmondArtCenter.org. Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Avenue, Richmond. For information: (510) 620–6772/www.richmondartcenter.org.

• Friday February 24, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM: Sip & Make. Join the Richmond Art Center after hours in the courtyard and galleries for an evening of music, art-making and warm tasty drinks. Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Avenue, Richmond. For information: (510) 620–6772/www.richmondartcenter.org.

• Friday February 24, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Café Society’s Fourth Friday – Storytelling/Reading + Art. Café Society sponsors Fourth Fridays at Kaleidoscope Coffee in order to introduce café-going people to what’s happening now in the arts. All events begin with introductions & wine & coffee at 7:00 PM, presentations at 7:30 PM. Kaleidoscope Coffee, 109 Park Place, Point Richmond.

• Saturday February 25, 11:00 AM: “The Importance of Being Local, For Design and Habitat” with Judith Lowry Larner of Larner Seeds. As author and owner of Larner Seeds, Larner has championed native plants in the landscape for 40 years. Come learn the reasons to use locally native plants in the habitat garden, from the perspectives of the purist, the bees, and the designer. Annie’s Annuals, 740 Market Avenue, Richmond. For information: (888) 266-4370.
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VISIT US AT: www.visitrichmondca.com 

Media Contact: DP&A, Inc. / David Perry (415) 767-1067 / news@davidperry.com

January in Richmond: A Perfect Bay Area Stay Cay with Parks, History, Art and Music

6 January 2017 – Richmond, CA: “Richmond in January offers the perfect ‘Stay-Cation’ destination,” said Rauly Butler, Board President of the Richmond Convention and Visitors Bureau. “From local art exhibitions to the National Park Service Centennial celebration, we have something special for everyone to enjoy in Richmond at the start of the New Year.”

Check out unique lodging options on visitrichmondca.com and come enjoy a unique Stay Cay weekend along the historic Richmond waterfront. Fun activities in Richmond this January include:

• Friday January 6 – Sunday February 12, M-F 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM/Sat 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Sylvia Fragoso at the Good Luck Gallery, NIAD Art Center. The ceramics and drawings of Sylvia Fragoso. 551 23rd Street, Richmond. For information: (510) 620-0290.

• Saturday January 7 – Friday January 27, M-F 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM/Sat 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Creature Feature, Organized by John Casey at NIAD Art Center 551 23rd Street, Richmond. For information: (510) 620-0290.

• Tuesday January 10 – Saturday March 4, Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Art of Living Black Exhibition. The only annual exhibition in the Bay Area featuring artists of African descent returns to the Richmond Art Center for the 21st year. This year’s exhibit includes over 40 local artists including work by featured artists: Gene Dominique, Justice Renaissance and Nye Lyn Tho. Opens in the Main & West Galleries, Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Avenue, Richmond. For information: richmondartcenter.org

• Tuesday January 10 – Saturday March 4, Tuesday – Saturday 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Marvin Lipofsky: Moltan Matter/Fantastic Form. A luminous collection of the late Lipofsky’s work, a founder of the Studio Glass Movement is on display at the South Gallery, Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Avenue, Richmond. For information: richmondartcenter.org.

• Friday January 13, 5:30 PM: Live Music: Tauber/Browning Band, Riggers Loft Wine Company, 1325 Canal Blvd, Richmond. For information: riggersloftwine.com.

• Friday January 13, 7:30 PM: Point Richmond Acoustic Presents Phoebe Hunt & D!ominick Leslie with opening guest Nandi Forest. The talented acoustic duo is at the forefront of the Brooklyn, NY music scene. Tickets are $16 in advance/$20 at the door. Historic First Methodist Church, 201 Martina Avenue, Point Richmond. For information: pointacoustic.org.

• Saturday January 14, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM. “North Richmond: Past, Present, Future,” by award-winning filmmaker Doug Harris. Tickets are $7 for members/$10 for non-members. For information or to purchase tickets contact (510) 235-7387/melinda@richmondmuseum.org. Richmond Museum of History, 400 Nevin Avenue, Richmond.

• Saturday January 14, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Bayside Birds at Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline. Join EBRPD ranger Anthony Fisher to revel in the shorebirds and waterfowl that frolic in San Francisco Bay. For information: (510) 544-2233.

• Saturday January 14, 2:30 PM: Live Music: The Rusty String Express. Riggers Loft Wine Company, 1325 Canal Blvd, Richmond. For information: riggersloftwine.com.

• Saturday January 14 – Sunday January 15, 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM: Audio on the Bay 2017. Featuring Drezo, Laidback Luke, Nick G, Sleepy Tom, Boombox Cartel, Mija and more. Craneway Pavilion, 1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond. For information and tickets: insomniac.com.

• Sunday January 15, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Bay Trail Walk. FREE. Take a leisurely one-hour stroll along the Bay Trail and explore Homefront history with a national park ranger (rain cancels). Meet at the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park Visitor Center, 1414 Harbour Way South. For information call (510) 232-5050 and for other events: https://www.nps.gov/rori/planyourvisit/calendar.htm.

• Monday January 16, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Martin Luther King Jr., Day of Service 2017. Join friends of the Richmond Greenway, many community groups and hundreds of volunteers in honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. for a day of service in the community. Volunteer service projects from 9:00 – noon. Lunch, music and inspirational speakers from noon – 2:00. Richmond Greenway Trail & Park, Ohio Avenue & 20th Street, Richmond. For information and registration: 510/788-0897/thewatershedproject.org

• Monday January 16, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Happy Lot Farm & Garden Block Clean-Up Party. A happy day of volunteer gardening, mulching and other beautification projects at the Farm. Car show featuring Richmond High School Car Club. Lunch, music and more. 1st Street & Chanselor Avenue, Richmond. For information: http://richmondmainstreet.org/news-and-events.

• Wednesday, Jan. 18, 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM: Bay Trail Walk in Point Pinole Regional Shoreline. Explore the explosive past and the exciting future of Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, enjoy new trails and improve your health with a friendly walking group led by EBRPD ranger Susan Ramos. Hikers of all ages and abilities are welcome. Wear sturdy footwear, bring water and dress for the weather. Heavy rain cancels. For information: (510) 544-3282.

• Wednesday January 18, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM: Book Party & Richmond Pulse Fundraiser. Author Steve Early will discuss his book Refinery Town: Big Oil, Big Money and the Remaking of An American City. Richmond Pulse Editor Malcolm Marshall will also speak. Half of the proceeds from the sale of each book will go to the youth-led community journalism of the Pulse. Kaleidoscope Coffee, 109 Park Place, Point Richmond. Please RSVP at lsupport@aol.com or (510) 260-0636.

• Saturday, Jan. 21, 2:00 to 4:00 PM: Bayside Birds at Point Pinole Regional Shoreline. Join EBRPD ranger Anthony Fisher to revel in the shorebirds and waterfowl that frolic in San Pablo Bay. For information: (510) 544-2233.

• Saturday January 21, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Margaret C. Murray New Year Writing Salon. FREE. Sponsored by the Friends of the Richmond Library. Richmond Public Library, Whittlesey Room, 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond. For information/questions email writewordspress@gmail.com. To reserve a spot to read your work call (510) 620-5515.

• Sunday January 22, 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM: 100 Years of service! Join the National Park Service (NPS) in celebrating its Centennial and discussing all the NPS – America’s Best Idea – has to offer. Rosie the Riveter WW II Home Front National Historical Park Visitor Center, 1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond. For information: (510) 232-5050
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