Author: Alfredo Casuso

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

Thursday, May 26, 10am Pacific:

Manny’s presents an emergency online event with former Congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who was almost killed by a gunman, and Peter Ambler, the Executive Director of Giffords (https://giffords.org/about/) anti gun violence organization.

The goal of the conversation will be to discuss Tuesday’s historic and horrific shooting, how to end gun violence in this country, what people can do right now, a report on the advocacy being done, and a call to action direct from Gabby Giffords herself.

Register at the link below:

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

Another Planet Entertainment Welcomes Back
Frameline to Castro Theatre

Bay Area Small Business Sponsors Frameline VIP & Guest Services Tent Ensuring ADA Accessibility and Comfort for Filmmakers & Media

25 May 2022 – San Francisco. Bay Area small business Another Planet Entertainment (www.apeconcerts.com) is honored to welcome back the world’s largest LGBTQ cultural institution, the Framline International LGBT Film Festival, to its home, San Francisco’s historic Castro Theatre (www.castrotheatre.com) this year celebrating its 100^th birthday. As part of the partnership, Another Planet is sponsoring Frameline’s VIP and Guest Services Tent adjacent to the theatre, a first-time venture long sought after by the Festival to ensure greater accessibility for filmmakers, the media and community members.

“The Castro Theatre and Frameline are a forever couple, ”said Mary Conde, Vice President for Another Planet who is in charge of the overall Castro Theatre Project. “There is no more important event that we work on, and no more significant experience for the LGBTQ and film communities than this Festival. Welcome home.”

Taking over management of the LGBT and film landmark Castro Theatre earlier this year, Another Planet has quickly put in place a series of signature events, including the annual Frameline Festival, returning to the Castro for the first time since the onset of the COVID pandemic, June 13 – 26. On May 22, Another Planet sponsored the annual screening of the Academy Award winning documentary “The Times of Harvey Milk” and the debut of “The Ruth Brinker Story” chronicling the life and legacy of the Project Open Hand founder. On May 15, Another Planet returned another community favorite, “The Sound of Music Sing-a-Long” to the venue, with future sing-a-longs to part of the schedule.  On June 3 – 12 brings a special celebration of films from each of the Castro Theatre’s 10 decades.  June 10 commemorates the 100^th birthday of Judy Garland with a special musical celebration on stage featuring Debbie Wileman. Later in the year, community favorites such as Peaches Christ and the annual “Home for the Holidays” Concert with Donna Sachet and the San Francisco Gay Mens Chorus are planned.

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

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi at San Francisco’s MNC Inspiring Success
To Celebrate Their 125^th Anniversary

Tuesday, May 31, 10am – 1pm

www.mncsf.org

24 May 2022 – San Francisco, CA:  In 1897, a foresighted group of San Franciscans came together to birth an organization dedicated to building, preserving and service families. The result: San Francisco’s esteemed MNC Inspiring Success (www.mncsf.org) (Mission Neighborhoood Centers) will mark its 125^th anniversary on Tuesday, May 31, 10am – 1pm with a special presentation by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Mexico Consul General Remedios Gomez Arnau. Kicking of a daylong celebration of community and music, Pelosi and Gomez Arnau will unveil the sign on the Main Campus for the esteemed Mission District nonprofit at 362 Capp Street, henceforth to be known as the MNC Wolfsohn Campus in honor of Eva and Rachel Wolfsohn, the original founders in 1897.

“For generations, MNC Inspiring Success has dutifully supported and empowered underserved San Franciscans,” said Speaker Nancy Pelosi.  “It is a privilege to join such an inspiring organization in celebrating 125 years of remarkable service to our City as it continues to provide our neighbors with the community-based care and resources they need to thrive.  As we mark this milestone, and every day, San Franciscans remain deeply grateful for MNC‘s devoted advocacy on behalf of our children, our seniors and our families.”

“From children’s services, youth, workforce development to healthy aging and disability, MNC Inspiring Success has been serving the community with empowering multi-cultural, cradle to rocking chair services for 125 years,” said Richard Ybarra, CEO for MNC Inspiring Success. “From the immigrant, low income, working families we serve, to our board of directors, we are honored to have our esteemed Speaker Pelosi with us for this occasion.”

According to Ybarra, other supporting founders of MNC Inspiring Success will be honorably mentioned during the event, and with a special plaque being inscribed with their names, storied San Franciscans such as: Mrs. Paola Diviechi, Mrs. Charles J. Durbrow, Mrs. Mortimer Fleishhacker, Sr., Mrs. Leon Guggenheim, Mrs. Moses Gunst, Sr., Mrs. I. W. Hellman, Mr. & Mrs. Jesse Lilienthal, Mrs. Eva Neubauer, Mrs. Leon Sloss, Sr., Ms. Aimee Steinhart, Mrs. Abraham Stern

MNC Inspiring Success provides much needed early care and education for low-income, working families at 10 campuses in San Francisco. According to the SF Child Care Planning and Advisory Council, 6,122 children (ages 0-2) and 5,567 children (ages 3-5) in the city qualified for subsidized early care and education; 93% of subsidy eligible 3-5 year olds obtain care, while only 27% of infants and toddlers (0-2)are able to obtain subsidized care.

“Access disparities exist based on race and ethnicity,” Ybarra said, noting that in 2017, 50.3% of childcare spaces were not available to children of working families. “2020-2021 has shown how critical early care and education and childcare are to supporting our workforce and is key to rebuilding a strong post-COVID economy.”

According to Ybarra, over 43% of Hispanic/Latino 3 to 5 year olds were not enrolled in preschool or kindergarten, compared with less than 33% of their Asian American, white, and multiracial peers. Recognizing this great need, MNC Inspiring Success partnered with Mission Housing Development Corporation to obtain the space in their affordable housing development and received funding support from the Low Income Investment Fund for construction costs. MNC Inspiring Success’ current year $32 million budgetis supported through funding from City of San Francisco, the Office of Head Start, the California Department of Education, and the San Francisco Office of Early Care and Education.

MNC Inspiring Success is a San Francisco preeminent community-based organization. For 125 years, in 62 of these years in early care, MNC Inspiring Success has been at the forefront of providing early childhood education, social and supportive services to low-income youth, families, and seniors in an engaging, inclusive, culturally appropriate environment that promotes community empowerment and economic prosperity.  For more info, please visit: www.mncsf.org 

Media contact:

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

Another Planet Entertainment Presents Special Screening of Gus Van Sant’s “Milk” as Benefit for LGBT Asylum Project & Rainbow Honor Walk

Thursday, June 2, 8pm

19 May 2022 – San Francisco. Bay Area small business Another Planet Entertainment (www.apeconcerts.com) is kicking off Pride Month with a special presentation of the Academy Award winning Gus Van Sant film “Milk” on Thursday, June 2 at 8pm as a benefit for two local Castro based LGBTQ nonprofits: The LGBT Asylum Project (www.lgbtasylumproject.org) and the Rainbow Honor Walk (www.rainbowhonorwalk.org). Tickets are $ 25 general admission and $ 100 VIP which includes a pre-show reception and special concessions. Tickets may be purchased online at https://www.ticketweb.com/event/milk-the-castro-theatre-tickets/12130155

“The Castro Theatre is where ‘Milk’ had its premiere in 2008, so it’s absolutely the perfect place, and perfect film to kick off LGBT Pride Month,” said Mary Conde, Vice President for Another Planet who is in charge of the overall Castro Theatre Project. “More importantly, this screening will raise funds for, and awareness of, two esteemed local LGBTQ nonprofits based in the Castro, The LGBT Asylum Project and the Rainbow Honor Walk.”

“The Rainbow Honor Walk is so grateful for this,” said Rainbow Honor Walk board president Donna Sachet. “Long supportive of the LGBTQ communities and progressive causes, Another Planet has stepped forward to help the Rainbow Honor Walk keep alive its mission of educating about those queer heroines and heroes that have walked the walk for equality and justice.”

Just this week, the latest “class” of Rainbow Honor Walk honorees are being installed in the sidewalks of the Castro District, including film icons Divine and Vito Russo.

“The LGBT Asylum Project was founded to make sure that all LGBTQ+ asylum-seekers receive high-quality legal representation so they don’t have to go back to countries where they could be harmed or even killed for being who they are and who they love,” said Okan Sengun, founder and Executive Director of The LGBT Asylum Project. “We are proudly based out of the Castro because the Castro has always been a beacon of hope for the LGBTQ+ community and at the center of that beacon is the Castro Theater. We are thankful to Another Planet Entertainment for organizing this benefit and providing much needed funds at a time when hate is on the rise across the globe.”

The LGBT Asylum Project is the only San Francisco nonprofit organization exclusively dedicated to providing accessible legal representation for LGBT asylum seekers who are fleeing persecution due to their sexual orientation, gender identity and/or HIV status. 

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.

About The LGBT Asylum Project:

LGBT Asylum Project clients are low to no-income, and arrive in the United States with horrendous histories of imprisonment, bodily harm, torture, and psychological trauma. These atrocities are inflicted on them by their own governments, countrymen, and, worst of all, friends and families. They have committed no crime yet cannot live freely in their own countries due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Many have faced excruciating challenges to escape their home countries and travel to the United States. They come to San Francisco as it is known internationally as a refuge for the LGBTQ+ community. They come to the Castro District to find a sanctuary, a place where they can be safe, secure, healthy, and productive. This is where they find The LGBT Asylum Project. The LGBT Asylum Project sign, hanging clearly in the heart of the Castro, is a beacon of hope that means the possibility of remaining here permanently and receiving understanding, caring, and professional assistance to do so.

The LGBT Asylum Project works directly with clients and ensure that they receive the most suitable and appropriate services based on each case. Their clients originate from all over the world, from countries including but not limited to Algeria, Bahrain, Brazil, Burma, China, Colombia, Egypt, El Salvador, Honduras, Hong Kong, India, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Libya, Mexico, Mongolia, Nigeria, Peru, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, South Korea, Turkey, Uganda, Ukraine, Venezuela, Vietnam, which are known for extreme and violent persecution of LGBT communities. Without such timely assistance, vulnerable individuals will potentially be deported to face persecution, imprisonment, and even death in their home countries.

The LGBT Asylum Project provides support to immigrants in the San Francisco Asylum Office jurisdiction (from Bakersfield, CA to Seattle, WA), who identify as LGBTQ+, and have been persecuted or have fears of future persecution if they return to their home country.

About the Rainbow Honor Walk:

When a volunteer committee of community members proposed the Rainbow Honor Walk, they received the unanimous support of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors to create the sidewalk monument. Comprised of 3 foot x 3 foot bronze plaques embedded in the sidewalk, the Walk salutes the groundbreaking achievements of noted LGBT individuals throughout history. The first 20 honorees were announced in 2011. In 2012 the Rainbow Honor Walk board solicited design proposals from around the world.  An independent jury of artists and cultural leaders selected the winning design by architect Carlos Casuso of Madrid, Spain. The plaques were manufactured by Mussi Artworks of Berkeley, California with creative oversight of the process spearheaded by Lawrence Noble, head of the sculpture department at San Francisco’s Academy of Art University. 

The first 20 plaques were installed in September 2014 with an additional eight plaques added in 2017, 12 more in 2019 and 12 more just installed in May 2022. The Rainbow Honor Walk will eventually extend from the Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy on 19th Street at Diamond down to Castro Street—the LGBT community’s “Main Street”—and will continue up Market Street with additional extensions on 18th Street. On Market Street, San Francisco’s main thoroughfare, the Walk will continue to the LGBT Center at Octavia Boulevard.  All funds for manufacture of the Rainbow Honor Walk are raised privately, with each plaque costing approximately $6000.

MEDIA CONTACT: 

David Perry, DP&A, Inc.
(415) 676 7007 
 news@davidperry.com

WHO:
Executives of Hilton, San Francisco Tourism, Hospitality and Business Leaders “Cut the Ribbon”    

WHAT:           
Parc 55 San Francisco – A Hilton Hotel,2nd Largest Hotel in San Francisco Reopens

WHERE:        
Parc 55 – A Hilton Hotel
55 Cyril Magnin Street (next to the Powell Street Cable Car Turnaround)
San Francisco, CA

WHEN:           
Thursday, May 19: 11am

WHY:
“Parc Your Heart in San Francisco”

As Tony Bennett famously sings in San Francisco’s official ballad “I Left My Heart in San Francisco, millions of tourists every year leave their heart here. Now, with business demands and meetings again on the rise,  the Parc 55 – A Hilton Hotel – is asking visitors to “Parc Their Hearts” in San Francisco, in the very heart of the City, Union Square.  

Throughout its closure, the property has displayed a larger-than-life heart on the hotel, which will continue to be lit until the hotel opens its doors.  The heart was lit as a symbol of hope during the pandemic and mirrors the many artists’ hearts across San Francisco. While the illuminated heart will disappear as guests fill the rooms, the spirit of the heart lives on in the exceptional service offered to those who stay at Parc 55, A Hilton Hotel.  Along with its “big sister” property next door, Hilton San Francisco Union Square, Parc 55, A Hilton Hotel, comprises a complex that houses the largest self contained hotel event space in San Francisco.

 18 May 2022 – SAN FRANCISCO: On Thursday, May 19, San Francisco’s second largest hotel , Parc 55, A Hilton Hotel will reopen its doors as business travel demands are on the rise and people continue to get back to travel.

“We are delighted to roll out our welcome mat for guests to ‘Parc’ their heart in San Francisco,” said Terry Lewis, complex general manager, Parc 55 & Hilton San Francisco Union Square Hotel.  “Our heart never left San Francisco, and now we have yet more opportunities right in the heart of the city to welcome back leisure and business travelers alike.”

At 11am, Thursday, May 19th, the festivities will begin with a special “ribbon cutting” and series of special activations, including  a live DJ, signature cocktails, light bites, a post card writing station and more.

Parc 55 San Francisco, A Hilton Hotel is part of San Francisco’s world-class Union Square with its internationally recognized retail brands, restaurants and Broadway style theatre. Also nearby are such offerings as the Asian Art Museum and the Westfield Shopping Center.  Literally steps away from the entrance to Parc 55 are the world-famous landmark Cable Cars, which carry visitors “halfway to the stars” and to iconic destinations like Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Nob Hill, North Beach and the famous Alcatraz Island Tours. The historic F-Line Trolleys pull up right in front of Parc 55, providing direct access to the famed LGBTQ Castro Neighborhood and the Embarcadero. Muni Metro is directly adjacent to the hotel at the Powell Street Station, providing easy access to all of San Francisco’s classic neighborhoods.  BART is also adjacent and offers direct in-terminal service to San Francisco International Airport.

Parc 55 San Francisco offers a sleek boutique hotel experience with spacious rooms, near Union Square, in the heart of downtown San Francisco. Also opening on May 19th, the contemporary Cable 55 restaurant is found in the sleek Parc 55 San Francisco – a Hilton Hotel, offering tourists and residents a stylish venue and delicious change of pace from rich American classics by infusing them with a light, local flair. As a Surfrider Foundation Ocean Friendly Restaurant, Cable 55 is dedicated to sustainably serving guests.

Opening shortly after the hotel will be beloved modern hot spot, Kin Khao, which serves delicious Thai food that stays true to its origin, made with seasonal produce and sustainably raised or caught meats and seafood.

The property also boasts a fitness center, access to the pool and spa at Hilton San Francisco Union Square, a FedEx Business Center and on-site gift shop.

Guests who desire a contactless arrival experience can check in, choose their room, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out using their mobile devices through the free Hilton Honors mobile app. This option is available for guests who book direct via the Honors app or at Hilton.com.

As meetings and events accelerate their return, Parc 55, A Hilton Hotel has a large  amount of flexible meeting and event space and is committed to creating experiences that can accommodate all types of groups and cater to every meeting planner’s needs. Hilton provides curated solutions with creative food and beverage, thoughtful technology resources including Hilton Hybrid Solutions, elevated standards, and reimagined ways to meet and gather.

Parc 55, A Hilton Hotel is also part of Hilton Honors®, the award-winning guest-loyalty program for Hilton’s 18 distinct hotel brands. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits, including a flexible payment slider that allows members to choose nearly any combination of Points and money to book a stay, an exclusive member discount, and free Standard WiFi. Members also have access to contactless technology exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton Honors mobile app, where members can check-in, choose their room and access their room using Digital Key.

Rates start at $199+ per night. Parc 55, A Hilton Hotel is located at 55 Cyril Magnin Street, San Francisco, CA 94102. For reservations please visit Parc 55 at Parc55sanfrancisco.hilton.com or call (415) 392-8000.

# # #

About Hilton:
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 18 world-class brands comprising nearly 6,900 properties and nearly 1.1 million rooms, in 122 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed more than 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, earned a top spot on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For list and been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for five consecutive years.

Hilton has introduced several industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the nearly 133 million members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can’t buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone.

 Visit newsroom.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

About Hilton Hotels & Resorts:
For over a century, Hilton Hotels & Resorts has set the benchmark for hospitality around the world, providing new product innovations and services to meet guests’ evolving needs. With nearly 600 hotels across six continents, Hilton Hotels & Resorts properties are located in the world’s most sought-after destinations for guests who know that where they stay matters. Experience a positive stay at Hilton Hotels & Resorts by booking at hiltonhotels.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Hilton Hotels & Resorts at newsroom.hilton.com/hhr, and follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.