Magic Makers will hold its fifth annual Maker Fair this weekend at the Humanist Hall, 390 27th Street in Oakland. The fair will be open Saturday, December 9, and Sunday, December 10, from 1 to 6 p.m. (The fair will open from noon to 1 p.m. for those who prefer to avoid crowds.)
The maker fair is a celebration of queer creativity, healing, and liberation, centering on the work of queer and trans people of color, working class, and socially and politically conscious artists and writers, the website stated.
Items for sale will include artwork, accessories, clothing, home goods, pottery, zines, books, and more. Healing services will feature acupuncture and massage. People can relax outdoors by a cozy bonfire and sip cocktails, hot cider, and more.
People should come scent-free.
Donations at the door are encouraged, though no one will be turned away. This year's beneficiary will be Peacock Rebellion, a queer and trans people of color group of activist-healers. Organizers will also be making a donation to support local indigenous organizing efforts via the Ohlone Organizing/Shuumi Land tax.
For more information, including a schedule of participating vendors, visit http://queermagicmakers.com/.
QCC holiday mixer
The Queer Cultural Center is holding its annual holiday mixer Thursday (December 7), from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Center for Sex and Culture, 1349 Mission Street in San Francisco.
QCC officials noted in their newsletter that the center has added new board members and artists for the 2018 National Queer Arts Festival.
"We have added three spectacular artists to our board of directors: Viet Le, StormMiguel Florez, and Maria 'Cherry Galette' Rangel," officials wrote. "We have a wonderful audience around the Bay Area who recognize the importance of showcasing queer art created by queer artists motivated by social justice, equity, and the importance of a culturally diverse queer community as well as artistic excellence! All of this gives us hope for a new year steeped in love and resistance."
Interested people are welcome to attend the mixer, which is free. For more information, visit the Facebook event page at http://bit.ly/2AMUA6o.
Last chance to take aging dept. survey
The San Francisco Department of Aging and Adult Services is seeking input from older adults and adults with disabilities to shape how local dollars are spent, including those from the Dignity Fund.
Last November, San Franciscans approved Proposition I, the Dignity Fund, which is approximately $38 million per year. The funds are to be used for seniors and adults with disabilities.
DAAS has created a community survey for people to share their views on what's working, what needs improvement, and what types of supportive services are needed.
To take the survey online, visit http://www.sfdaas.org. Printed copies are available at several community centers. The survey closes Friday, December 8. For more information, contact (415) 355-6782 or [email protected].
Green gifts program at library
The San Francisco Public Library will be offering free green gifts workshops and events about green ideas and environmentally sustainable practices this month.
Programs will be offered at several branches and the main library. People can try their hand at weaving newspaper baskets, folding origami trees, creating paper ornaments, fabric flowers, T-shirt tote bags, and more.
Program highlights include holiday "upcycling" at the Excelsior branch December 7, children's craft: calming jars at the Western Addition branch December 9, fingerless gloves with go-go craft at the Portola branch December 13, and snow globes and gift tags at the Ortega branch December 20.
On Monday, December 18, transitional age youth can attend TAY Day at the James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center on the third floor at the main library, 100 Larkin Street.
For the complete program guide, visit www.sfpl.org/greengifts.
EBay to hold 'Gay Agenda' event
EBay's LGBTQ community - United in Pride - will hold a free program featuring gay Santa Clara County Supervisor Ken Yeager Thursday, December 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the company's Main Street venue, 2025 Hamilton Avenue in San Jose.
"The Gay Agenda," will feature Yeager discussing the challenges he has experienced during his career in politics and the significant gains made in the last 30 years.
Following his presentation, United in Pride will host a meet and greet with cocktails and appetizers.
Interested people should RSVP by December 11 at http://bit.ly/2ABDQi9.
Portola holiday party
Portola Family Connections invites children of all ages and their parents to its annual winter holiday party Friday, December 15, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the agency's office, 2565 San Bruno Avenue in San Francisco.
The party will feature holiday-themed games, arts and crafts, a photo booth, refreshments, and a visit from a jolly fellow who drives a sleigh and brings presents for children.
"The Portola is one of San Francisco's most vibrant, welcoming, and family-friendly neighborhoods," Maryann Fleming, executive director of Portola Family Connections, said in a news release. "Our winter holiday party will be a festive and fun occasion for everyone who comes."
There is a $2 per person charge for people ages 13 and older. Children under 12 are free. All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and all adults must be accompanied by a child.
For more information, visit the event Facebook page at http://bit.ly/2nnftiq.