Media contact: 

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

BuildOUT California, World’s First LGBT Industry Association for Construction & Architecture,  partners with Another Planet for Castro Theatre Project with Historic MOU

22 March 2022 – San Francisco. Bay Area small business Another Planet Entertainment (www.apeconcerts.com) is partnering with BuildOUT California (www.buildoutcalifornia.org),  the world’s first LGBT industry association for construction and architecture,  as part of the renovation and restoration of San Francisco’s historic Castro Theatre.

“The Castro Theatre is a cathedral to the LGBTQ communities,” said Mary Conde, Vice President for Another Planet who is in charge of the overall Castro Theatre Project. “It’s absolutely expected and appropriate that we partner with LGBTQ firms as we revitalize this irreplaceable icon for future generations. We’re thrilled to partner with BuildOUT moving forward.”

“Another Planet is the definition of a local company rooted in San Francisco and the Bay Area and sensitive to gay community and architectural concerns,” said BuildOUT founding member Paul Pendergast. “There’s a lot of work to be done and we’re thrilled that LGBTQ contractors and vendors will be at the front of the line when considered for this work.”

Often overlooked in the fields of construction, LGBT contractors are getting renewed opportunities through the work of BuildOUT and partnerships such as the one with Another Planet.

“As a lifelong San Franciscan, a member of the LGBTQ community and a Latino the Castro Theater holds a very special place in my heart,” said Nick Colina, COO of Anco Iron and Construction, a third generation San Francisco firm based in the Bayview Hunters Point. “A very special moment in my life was when I got take my mom, Dr. Colina, to the Gay Men’s Chorus on Christmas Eve where we celebrated family and our community! As a gay man in the steel industry a project like the improvements to the Castro Theater comes along once in a lifetime. To work on a building designed by Timothy Pflueger is a tradesperson’s dream.”

“To be able to provide electrical construction supplies on the historic Castro Theater project would be an honor for my LGBT-owned/certified business,” stated Sandra Escalante, CEO of Laner Electric Supply. “A building with the iconic status of the Castro Theatre deserves to have safe, reliable, state of the art electrical systems throughout. As a member of the LGBTQ community from the Philippines, my friends there had heard of the theater and have seen photographs of the Castro Theatre, it’s famous even back home. It would be an honor to work on this project.”

When the project is ready to proceed, Another Planet Entertainment will hold construction project meetings with key representatives from BuildOUT California with the express purposes of providing information outlined below:

• Project Timeline and Schedules

• Unbundled contract opportunities

• Clearly articulate any/all insurance, bonding, and pre-qualification requirements to potential subconsultants and subcontractors

• Introductions to Key Trade Subcontractors in the following areas where LGBTQ/Allied businesses with the proper qualifications, experience and capacity can actively compete for competitively bid subconsultant and subcontracting opportunities:

o Construction and Project Management

o Concrete Installations, Forms, Finishings

o Construction Materials Supplies

o Steel Fabrication

o Interior Design

o Furniture/Finishings

o Flooring

o Wayfinding and Event Signage

o Construction Safety Training and Compliance

o Quality Assurance/Quality Control

o Inspection Services

o Specialty Trades

o Advertising Specialties (branded apparel, hats, PPE wear, etc)

o Media/Public Relations and Community Engagement

Another Planet Entertainment will also consider the utilization of local, small,

LGBT/Allied/Minority businesses in the following categories where appropriate:

o Catering

o Event Planning and Production

o Public and Neighborhood Notification Services

o Graphic Design and Print Production

“We’re looking forward to working with Another Planet Entertainment to make meaningful introductions between qualified subconsultants and subcontractors who have relevant experience, qualifications and capacity to provide real value on the Castro Theatre Project,” said Pendergast, noting that Another Planet has long been committed to the LGBT community and employs many members of the LGBT community. “This is the definition of a big rainbow win.”

BuildOUT California is the world’s first LGBT Industry Association dedicated to the sustainable growth of LGBT owned & certified businesses, and our allies, in the fields of Architecture, Engineering, Construction Services, Real Estate Development, and Related Industries.

Another Planet Entertainment is partnering with Bay Properties, Inc., owners of the Castro Theatre,  on an evolution and preservation of San Francisco’s world-renowned entertainment and LGBTQ community landmark. With a long-standing history of working to preserve and improve historic buildings such as the Fox Theater in Oakland, the Greek Theatre in Berkeley and the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, Another Planet seeks to enhance the Castro Theatre by implementing significant improvements to the sound, lighting, production, HVAC and the theatre’s trademark marquee, among other facets of the building: all of this, always, with an eye to honoring its unique place in the lives of the Castro and celebrating its communities and residents.

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

Hotel Council of San Francisco 6^th Annual “Women in Leadership” Forum

Friday, May 13 at Fairmont San Francisco

Resilience, Rebuilding & Reinventing

Keynote Address by Toni Atkins, California Senate President Pro Tempore

22 March 2021— San Francisco, CA: “Don’t listen to the voice that says you can’t,” said Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to the United States Congress. “Listen to the voice inside yourself that says I can.”  With the inspiration of such leadership and vision, this year the Hotel Council of San Francisco’s Women in Leadership Forum returns, live-and-in-person, for the first time in two years: Friday, May 13 (8am – 1pm) at the Fairmont San Francisco. Sponsored by Alaska Airlines, the event features a “who’s who” of California leaders from the world of hospitality, health, government, and education, all speaking to this year’s theme of Resilience, Rebuilding and Reinventing. The day begins at 8am with breakfast and networking followed by panel discussions from 9am – 11am then culminating with a lunchtime keynote from California Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins.  Registration is available online at https://hotelcouncilsf.org/events/ .  Attendees are encouraged to share their experiences with the hashtags #BreaktheBias, #IWM2022, #WILSF2022

“Our program was created to encourage and support women to grow into leadership positions,” said Kelly Powers, Director of The Hotel Council.  “Women, and especially women of color, are underrepresented in corporate and government management positions at a time when diverse work teams are proven to be more successful.”

The conference includes discussions on the value of a diverse workforce, gender pay equity and how COVID has impacted women’s work and personal lives. The impressive lineup of speakers at this year’s Women in Leadership Forum is designed to inspire all attendees, women and men, by being together and hearing compelling stories from our panelists and speakers.

The event will kick-off with welcome remarks by Malia Cohen, Chair of the California Board of Equalization. Following her lunchtime keynote, Atkins will take part in a live dialogue with Melinda Yee Franklin of J.P. Morgan Chase. Featured panelists are:
Resilience / Heroes of COVID Panel:
Dr. Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, Professor of Medicine at UCSF
Elizabeth McCusker– Emergency Room R.N
Dr. Susan Phillip, San Francisco Public Health Officer
Janet Reilly, Co-Founder / Board Chair for Clinic by the Bay
Grace Vedad, San Francisco Fire Department, Paramedic

Rebuilding / Advocacy Leaders for Tourism Panel:
Amy Arbuckle, Hotel Council Chair
Carmen Chu, San Francisco City Administrator
Barb Newton, President & CEO CalTravel
Keri Robinson, Marriott International
Sangita Woerner, Alaska Airlines

Reinventing / Positive Lessons We’ve Learned Panel:
Joanne Desmond, I.A.T.S.I Local 16
Papia Gambelin, United Airlines
Ann Goggins, Westin St. Francis Hotel
Ceylan Karsli, Expedia Group
Jhonae Mazique, Harbor Court Hotel
Stephanie Thomas, Hyatt Regency Hotel

“The strength and power of women leaders continues to inspire me every day, Kevin Carroll, Hotel Council President and “During the last two years of unprecedented challenge, women leaders have truly shown us how to survive and thrive as we move beyond COVID.”

Presenting sponsor for the 6^th Annual Women in Leadership is Alaska Airlines with additional support from partner sponsors Expedia, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Clearway Community Energy, ( Add) Recology, United Airlines , Local 16, Add and Visa.  Supporting sponsors include Athleta, The Bay Club, The Fairmont San Francisco, The Golden State Warriors, Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC) & San Francisco Travel.  Media Sponsor is the San Francisco Business Times

Attendees at the day’s event will have an opportunity to win two free roundtrip tickets from Alaska Airlines: no blackout days, destinations are anywhere Alaska Airlines flies. Winners must be present to win.

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. With a membership roster of over 200 hotels, allied members, and partner organizations, the Council is dedicated to protecting the San Francisco hospitality industry and connecting its members to support its growth and success.

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

EVERY BRILLIANT THING Closes Out Dezart Performs 14^th Season
April 1 – 10

Interactive One Person Show is First “Theatre in the Round” production for Dezart Performs

www.dezartperforms.org

18 March 2022 – Palm Springs, CA: A boy of seven sets out to list every special, ordinary thing that’s worth living for to lift his mom’s spirits: 1. Ice cream. 2. Water fights. 3. Staying up past your bedtime and being allowed to watch TV. As he matures to adulthood, the list grows, and he learns the significance the list has on his own life as he goes to college, falls in love, and builds a home. With that simple premise, the off-Broadway hit EVERY BRILLIANT THING takes the audience on a unique theatrical storytelling experience that is both intimate and immersive, performed as theatre-in-the-round by award winning Dezart Performs of Palm Springs. EVERY BRILLIANT THING is the creative partnership between playwright Duncan MacMillan and actor Jonny Donahoe, and runs April 1 – 10 at the Pearl McManus Theatre.

“A heart-wrenching, hilarious play…One of the funniest plays you’ll ever see about depression – and possibly one of the funniest plays you’ll ever see, full stop!” (The Guardian). “Joyful. Life affirming. Brilliant. These are not words one would normally associate with a one-man play centered around depression and suicide. But Every Brilliant Thing is anything but normal.”  (Idaho Press-Tribune)

Dezart Performs is thrilled to bringback the amazingly talentedactor and stand-up comic Joel Bryant in the role of the storyteller. Bryant won the Desert Theatre League Star Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy (Professional) in 2019 for his performance in Dezart Performs’ MAYTAG VIRGIN. Deborah Harmon, who also won a Desert Star Award for Outstanding Director of a Comedy (Professional) for MAYTAG VIRGIN, will be directing EVERY BRILLIANT THING.

“This play is a one-of-a-kind experience that challenges both director and actor not only because of the theatre-in-the-round setting but because of the subject matter,” says director Deborah Harmon. “The story is told with lots of humor and warmth, and reminds us of things both big and small to be thankful for, which is especially relevant for us all right now.” Artistic Director Michael Shaw adds, “This play shines a compassionate light on the impact that mental illness and depression can have, but also provides a life-affirming jolt of humanity, reminding us that hope comes from the joy of life’s day-to-day routines.”

“For the health, safety and well-being of our patrons, staff and artists, Dezart Performs’ COVID-19 policy requires guests to be fully vaccinated,” reminds Shaw. “Upon arrival at all events, guests must present a photo ID along with proof that they meet the CDC definition of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, either in the form of a vaccination card or a photo of the card. Also, we ask that patrons please wear their masks when indoors for the health and safety of staff, volunteers and patrons. All staff and volunteers will wear masks at all times.”

Shaw and the company stress, that this policy is subject to changes at any time, in accordance with local, state and federal guidelines. Please check the Dezart Performs website for current policy guidelines before attending any scheduled performance date.

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.

All performances take place at the Pearl McManus Theater (at the historic Palm Springs Woman’s Club) 314 S Cahuilla Road, Downtown Palm Springs. Tickets prices are $37 – $48 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. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Monday, March 14, 2022

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

*** PRESS RELEASE ***

MAYOR LONDON BREED TO TRAVEL TO EUROPE TO SUPPORT SAN FRANCISCO’S ECONOMIC RECOVERY 

Mayor to join San Francisco International Airport and tourism officials on four-city tour to re-establish San Francisco as the Gateway to the West

San Francisco, CA — Today, Mayor London N. Breed will depart for Europe as part of a City visit to support bringing international travel back to San Francisco. The Mayor will be visiting London, Brussels, Frankfurt, and Paris, where she will meet with airlines, airports, and local leaders to both continue and expand partnerships to reestablish San Francisco International Airport (SFO) as the international gateway to California and a hub for European markets, and to bring tourists back to San Francisco.

The European markets are expected to lead the global recovery for United States visitation, and the goal of this trip is to bring those visitors to San Francisco and the Bay Area. San Francisco International Airport was one of the most severely impacted airports during COVID, largely due to a loss of international travel. At SFO, as of December 2021, domestic enplanements were close to 70% what they were pre-pandemic, while International enplanements were approximately 40% of their pre-pandemic levels. This has taken its toll on key tourism industries, and as of December 2021, San Francisco’s Accommodation industry had only recovered 53% of their jobs, while the Arts, Entertainment and Recreation industry had only recovered 62%, and the Food and Drinking Establishments had recovered only 82%.

“We have a lot of work to do to get our economy going again, and we need to do everything we can to bring visitors back to this City,” said Mayor London Breed. “Tourism is so essential to providing jobs and support for our restaurants, hotels, small businesses, and the arts, as well as the revenue that allows us to deliver all the support and services for those in need. My focus right now is lifting this City up and making sure everyone sees that we are focused on recovery as we emerge from this pandemic.”

Accelerating SFO’s recovery through aviation development efforts, travel trade, and direct-to-consumer programs is essential to the economic well-being of San Francisco and the Bay Area. On the trip, the Mayor will be joined by leadership from San Francisco International Airport and SF Travel. Examples of meetings include with executives at Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport, British Airways, Brussels International Airport, Air Belgium, and Lufthansa, as well as meeting with various other officials. She will also be meeting with local officials, including Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, and doing media interviews with local and trade publications to create positive attention for San Francisco in Europe. The Mayor’s travel is funded by the San Francisco International Airport, which is an enterprise department, meaning it does not rely on the City’s General Fund.

“San Francisco has always been one of the country’s most popular destinations for international visitors, and we know people are ready to travel again,” said Joe D’Alessandro, President and CEO of SF Travel. “SF Travel has been working tirelessly to build back our domestic and international profile as we emerge from two difficult years of this pandemic and we are thrilled the Mayor is joining us to tell San Francisco’s story and strengthen the bonds with Europe. Our economic recovery is reliant on a strong international travel market and we are eager to do everything we can to bring visitors back to support our local businesses, artists, and everyone who makes this City special.”

This visit comes after the Mayor’s State of the City Address last week, where she focused on San Francisco’s recovery and that San Francisco can no longer take for granted the business and travel, and the resulting spending and tax revenues, that existed before the pandemic. Through interviews with local media she will also work on telling the story of San Francisco, another point she made in the State of the City.

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

“Union Square in Bloom” At the Center of Mayor Breed’s Downtown
 “Welcome Back to SF” Recovery Plan to Enliven
Iconic Downtown San Francisco Venues 

Union Square Blooming Take Place March 27 – May 27

14 March 2022 – San Francisco, CA:  If you plant it, they will come. That is the concept behind Union Square in Bloom, in which the entire Union Square district bursts forth in colorful floral displays to welcome residents, workers and visitors to the heart of San Francisco. BloomSF is part of Mayor Breed’s Downtown Recovery Plan and “Welcome Back to SF” program kicking off today. As part of the initiative, #BloomSF, a number of San Francisco’s iconic destinations, including Union Square (www.visitunionsquaresf.com) will offer coordinated, week-long programming March 27 through April 2 to welcome workers and visitors back downtown. The greater “San Francisco in Bloom” programming will include concerts, a wine walk, stand-up comedy, a silent disco, arts & crafts, food trucks, outdoor fitness classes and more. Additionally, floral art installations will be placed around Downtown. The multi-venue programming and installations are designed to allow visitors the ability to experience different events while appealing to a variety of tastes and interests.  For more information on the citywide program and the full schedule of event go online to www.bloomsf.org 

Following this kickoff event, Union Square Alliance will announce Union Square in Bloom. Every week beginning March 27, a new part of the Union Square district will be planted with flowers culminating on May 27 with the entire area fully in bloom. Union Square is looking forward to creating an annual tradition of blooms in Spring.

“Union Square has a rich history and tradition with flowers,” said Marisa Rodriguez, Executive Director for the Union Square Alliance, noting that Macy’s has hosted a flower show in the Square since 1964.  “For decades, flowers, particularly daffodils, were handed out to visitors walking through Maiden Lane. And just this past weekend, with the return of Flower Bulb Day, over 10,000 people came to the Square to take home free tulips. It was easily the largest gathering in Union Square since before the onset of the pandemic.”

Along with Union Square, other venues taking part in the #BloomSF effort include The Ferry Building, Embarcadero Center, Salesforce Plaza and Salesforce Transit Center and Park, Westfield Mall and The Crossing, the City’s newest outdoor community activation, in offering food, beverages, entertainment and activities during the week.

Every two weeks starting March 27, public areas, storefronts, restaurants and retail outlets will join together to “Grow the Square” with colorful and creative floral displays with culmination of the whole district “In Bloom” by May 27.  In addition, every Saturday, 1pm – 5pm, The Union Square Alliance presents a free outdoor music series in the Square 

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 come to enjoy exceptional retail experiences, luxury hotels, world-class cultural institutions, and great 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 generally bordered on the north by Bush Street, on the east by Kearny Street, on the south by Market Street and on the west Taylor Street. For more information on the Alliance, go to www.visitunionsquaresf.com 

BloomSF www.bloomsf.org is a multi-day re-opening celebration of San Francisco consisting of a series of special events and programming running Sunday, March 27 through Saturday, April 2 at some of the city’s most visible and iconic locations including, Embarcadero Center, Ferry Building, Salesforce Plaza, Salesforce Transit Center and Park, The Crossing at East Cut, Union Square and Westfield San Francisco Centre. Offerings will include music, entertainment, activities, specialty food & beverages, outdoor fitness classes, floral art instillations and more.  BloomSF is in partnership with Mayor London Breed’s Downtown Recovery Plan and “Welcome Back to SF” campaign to expedite a swift citywide revival and ensure a robust and welcome return of workers, locals, and visitors to downtown San Francisco and beyond.  #BloomSF