News

SF's Castro Theatre to start renovations this spring

SF's Castro Theatre to start renovations this spring

  • NEWS
  • by John Ferrannini
  • Dec 11, 2023

For much of next year and the first half of 2025 the Castro Theatre will be going dark as Another Planet Entertainment undertakes its controversial remodel of the storied movie house.

Crego departing SF trans initiatives office

Crego departing SF trans initiatives office

  • NEWS
  • by John Ferrannini
  • Dec 11, 2023

After more than two years of leading the San Francisco Office of Transgender Initiatives, Pau Crego announced Monday he's leaving his role as executive director.

Deadly mpox outbreak reported in Democratic Republic of the Congo

Deadly mpox outbreak reported in Democratic Republic of the Congo

  • NEWS
  • by Liz Highleyman
  • Dec 11, 2023

The Democratic Republic of the Congo in Africa is in the midst of an mpox outbreak that has led to nearly 600 deaths, according to the World Health Organization.

Political Notes: LGBTQ CA Assemblymembers given new leadership posts

Political Notes: LGBTQ CA Assemblymembers given new leadership posts

  • NEWS
  • by Matthew S. Bajko
  • Dec 11, 2023

Several LGBTQ members of the California Assembly will be new committee chairs when they reconvene next month, though two of the chamber's current six out members will not be serving in the top leadership ranks.

SF judges, challengers introduce themselves at pre-election forum

SF judges, challengers introduce themselves at pre-election forum

  • LEGAL
  • by John Ferrannini
  • Dec 8, 2023

Two incumbent San Francisco Superior Court judges debated challengers ahead of the March 5 primary at a forum held by community groups, representing contrasting views of salient criminal justice matters.

Merchants endorse Frameline Juneteenth Castro Street closure

Merchants endorse Frameline Juneteenth Castro Street closure

  • NEWS
  • by John Ferrannini
  • Dec 7, 2023

One month after declining to support a broad Castro Street closure next year for a lesbian tech confab, members of the Castro Merchants Association overwhelmingly approved a much shorter one as part of Frameline's Juneteenth event.

Castro spreading holiday cheer with menorah lighting, toy drive

Castro spreading holiday cheer with menorah lighting, toy drive

  • NEWS
  • by John Ferrannini
  • Dec 7, 2023

As Christmas approaches and Hanukkah begins Thursday evening, Castro businesses are rolling out the holiday welcome mat, as members explained at their final meeting of the year December 7.

Political Notebook: Nonprofit leader Martinez aims to be 1st out Santa Cruz supervisor

Political Notebook: Nonprofit leader Martinez aims to be 1st out Santa Cruz supervisor

  • NEWS
  • by Matthew S. Bajko
  • Dec 6, 2023

Despite its reputation as a coastal liberal bastion, Santa Cruz County has yet to see an LGBTQ leader elected to its Board of Supervisors

Teamsters official casts doubt on name change request

Teamsters official casts doubt on name change request

  • NEWS
  • by John Ferrannini
  • Dec 6, 2023

A legendary labor leader and longtime Castro resident who has requested that the International Brotherhood of Teamsters change its name has been told he will have to wait until at least 2026 for someone to initiate a constitutional amendment to do so.

News Briefs: Oakland Pride to have holiday bar crawl benefit

News Briefs: Oakland Pride to have holiday bar crawl benefit

  • NEWS
  • by Cynthia Laird
  • Dec 6, 2023

Dust off those Santa hats and prepare to celebrate the season at Oakland Pride's Santa holiday bar crawl Saturday, December 23.

Editorial: That was quick

Editorial: That was quick

  • NEWS
  • by BAR Editorial Board
  • Dec 6, 2023

No sooner had we editorialized about the danger of three potential anti-trans initiatives appearing on the November 2024 ballot in California than proponents pulled a fast one.

Lawsuit challenges SF trans pilot income program

Lawsuit challenges SF trans pilot income program

  • NEWS
  • by John Ferrannini
  • Dec 6, 2023

A conservative group has launched a legal challenge to a San Francisco program that seeks to provide guaranteed income to some transgender people, as well as programs that help artists, pregnant women, and Blacks.

Bay Area blood centers encourage gay, bi men to donate

Bay Area blood centers encourage gay, bi men to donate

  • NEWS
  • by Matthew S. Bajko
  • Dec 6, 2023

Two of the Bay Area's main blood centers are asking eligible gay and bisexual men to donate during the holiday season when they usually see a dip in donations.

Guest Opinion: How legal attacks on LGBTQ+ rights affect mental health

Guest Opinion: How legal attacks on LGBTQ+ rights affect mental health

  • NEWS
  • by Tate Barkley
  • Dec 6, 2023

While significant strides have been made over the last two decades in recognizing and protecting the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, challenges persist.