The San Francisco Board of Supervisors unanimously voted February 27 to approve a co-owner of the Stud LGBTQ bar and an event planner to the San Francisco Entertainment Commission.
"Same house, same call, the motion is approved," Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, a straight ally who also represents District 3 on the board, said at Tuesday's meeting.
As the Bay Area Reporter previously reported, the supervisors' rules committee voted 3-0 on February 12 to approve Maria Davis to seat No. 2, which was made vacant by the departure of queer Latino man Stephen Torres, who is running for District 9 supervisor.
Davis, a queer woman, was one of four people who applied for the open seat. At the committee meeting, Davis, who also owns St. Mary's Pub on the edge of Bernal Heights, and the other candidates all agreed that the city's nightlife scene needs revitalization.
"I've seen conflict between nightlife and surrounding communities, but I've also seen collaboration," she said. "I know the experiences and struggles in the nightlife community, but I've never been one to sit back and watch. I know what nightlife needs right now, and I am motivated and enthusiastic."
The term for seat No. 2, which is reserved for the interests of entertainment groups and associations, ends July 1, 2026.
The board also unanimously voted for applicant Anthony Schlander, a San Francisco-based event planner, to seat No. 1, for which the term expires July 1, 2027. The seat is reserved for the interests of neighborhood groups and associations.
According to his application, Schlander, who was the only applicant for the seat, is of Filipino heritage and has worked as an event producer. He also sits on the board of City Eats, which works to address food insecurity.
The Stud is planning on reopening in a new location later this year at 1123 Folsom Street, as the B.A.R. previously reported. Its previous location at the corner of Ninth and Harrison streets shuttered in 2020. A co-op collective that had bought the bar in 2016 vowed that it would return.
Never miss a story! Keep up to date on the latest news, arts, politics, entertainment, and nightlife. Sign up for the Bay Area Reporter's free weekday email newsletter. You'll receive our newsletters and special offers from our community partners.
Support California's largest LGBTQ newsroom. Your one-time, monthly, or annual contribution advocates for LGBTQ communities. Amplify a trusted voice providing news, information, and cultural coverage to all members of our community, regardless of their ability to pay -- Donate today!