Author: Alfredo Casuso

Save San Francisco’s ALBA Monument

Dear friends and colleagues: while everyone at the Abraham Lincoln Brigade Archives is suportive of the new plans for Sue Bierman Park at the foot of San Francisco’s Embarcadero, we are nonethless concerned that as of this past Friday, the San Francisco Arts Commission announced that their recommendation is NOT to include the ALBA monument as part of the current design. While we are grateful to everyone at the Commission, San Francisco Recreation & Park Department and the Port of San Francisco for their efforts, we also are insistent that this one-of-a-kind monumment to those volunteers who fought against, and in many cases died, opposing Fascism during the Spanish Civil War are not forgotten. Bottom Line: the ALBA monument, unveiled during the administration of then Mayor Gavin Newsom, must NOT get lost in the shuffle. 

Tomorrow — Monday, October 19 at 2pm — The Civic Design Review Committee of the San Francisco Art Commission, will meet at City Hall, Room 416 to hear current plans. We urge all possible to attend in person, and express their strong support for preserving the ALBA monument and making sure it retains a place of maximum visibility and respect. Below is an opinion piece I wrote earier this year.

https://www.davidperry.com/newsroom/san-francisco-must-keep-faith-with-the-abraham-lincoln-brigade.html

Today, on the anniversary of his birth, we celebrate the life and legacy of Rainbow Honor Walk honoree Oscar Wilde (October 16, 1854 – November 30, 1900).

Born in Dublin, Ireland, Wilde was one of the most brilliant literary figures of the 19th century, renowned for his dazzling wit, irreverent humor, and enduring masterpieces, including The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Importance of Being Earnest. A celebrated playwright, poet, and champion of individuality, Wilde challenged Victorian society’s rigid conventions of morality, sexuality, and artistic expression.

In 1895, Wilde was convicted of “gross indecency” for his relationships with men and sentenced to two years of imprisonment. Although persecution shattered his career and health, his extraordinary literary legacy endured. Today, Wilde is celebrated not only as a literary genius but as an international LGBTQ icon whose life reminds us of the enduring importance of authenticity, freedom, and the courage to live and love openly.

Read the tribute by historian Bill Lipsky in the San Francisco Bay Times at the link below:

https://sfbaytimes.com/oscar-wilde-work-of-genius

www.RainbowHonorWalk.org

In Honor of Indigenous People’s Day, Rainbow Honor Walk Honors We’wha

In honor of Indigenous People’s Day, the Rainbow Honor Walk celebrates the life and legacy of We’wha (c. 1849–1896), a remarkable Zuni artist, spiritual leader, cultural ambassador, and one of the most historically significant Two-Spirit figures in Native American history.

Born around 1849 in what is now New Mexico, We’wha was a lhamana, a traditionally recognized gender role within Zuni society encompassing both masculine and feminine social and ceremonial responsibilities. Respected within the community, We’wha became an accomplished weaver, potter, and keeper of Zuni traditions, helping preserve and share Indigenous cultural knowledge during an era of increasing pressure from European-American settlement and forced assimilation.

In 1886, We’wha achieved national prominence during a visit to Washington, D.C., where they moved among the capital’s social elite, met President Grover Cleveland and First Lady Frances Cleveland, and helped introduce Americans to Zuni art and culture. We’wha also contributed to the Smithsonian’s understanding of Zuni traditions through demonstrations, explanations, and the sharing of cultural artifacts.

We’wha died in 1896, leaving an extraordinary legacy of artistic achievement, cultural preservation, and Indigenous gender diversity. Although the exact dates of We’wha’s birth and death are unknown, their place in history is unmistakable.

www.RainbowHonorWalk.org

#RainbowHonorWalk #IndigenousPeoplesDay #Wewha #TwoSpirit #Zuni #NativeAmericanHistory #IndigenousHistory #LGBTQHistory #LGBTQHeritage #SanFrancisco #CastroDistrict #HistoryMatters

National Coming Out Day Profile: Bob Crewe

“Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” one of the most enduring pop standards of the 20th century, was written by Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio and became a defining hit for Frankie Valli. BMI later ranked it No. 5 on its list of the Top 100 Songs of the Century, citing more than six million radio and television airplays.

Crewe, the brilliant songwriter-producer behind many of the Four Seasons’ greatest hits as well as “Lady Marmalade,” was gay at a time when openness could have damaged a career. Later accounts, including comments from those associated with Jersey Boys, have framed the song as a gay love song; one oft-repeated anecdote says Crewe wrote it after gazing at a sleeping boyfriend. That story is evocative, but it is best described as a reported anecdote rather than a definitively documented origin.

What is clear is that Crewe’s life and legacy carried deep LGBTQ significance. After Jersey Boys became a major success, he used proceeds to create a foundation supporting gay rights, people with AIDS, and access to music and art for underserved children. He died in 2014, leaving behind a body of work that helped define American pop — and a personal story that later generations could understand more openly than his own era allowed.

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

Fleet Fest returns to Fisherman’s Wharf 
Tomorrow and Sunday, October 10–11

Music, food, classic cars and family activities 
welcome locals and visitors to the waterfront

Two-day celebration beside the SkyStar Wheel 
highlights San Francisco Fleet Week

9 October 2026 – San Francisco, CA:  “Give us one year, and if there is a city more hospitable, I’ll eat your hat.” That was then Mayor Dianne Feinstein’s challenge to U.S. Navy Admiral Thomas Hayward in 1981, ahead of San Francisco’s first Fleet Week, as recalled by the San Francisco Chronicle. This October, Fisherman’s Wharf is ready to extend that welcome again.

Fleet Fest returns to Fisherman’s Wharf Saturday and Sunday, October 10–11, welcoming residents, visitors and service members for a waterfront celebration featuring live music, food, a beer garden, classic and military vehicles, and family activities beside the SkyStar Wheel and Boudin Bakery. The gathering at the Triangle Lot on Taylor Street is part of San Francisco Fleet Week, taking place October 4–12.

The Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District is partnering again with the San Francisco Fleet Week Association and the Port of San Francisco to bring Fleet Fest to the Wharf, programming the Wharf adjacent to the Sky Star Wheel and Boudin Bakery.  The collaboration builds on the event’s successful move to Fisherman’s Wharf last year and invites guests to spend the weekend exploring the neighborhood’s restaurants, shops and attractions.

“At the heart of Fleet Fest is community, and at the heart of what we do, is community. Bringing Fleet Fest to Fisherman’s Wharf last year created a wonderful connection between our neighborhood, our visitors, and those who servein our military as well as our emergency response services,” said Bri Maughan, Executive Director of the Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District. “We’re excited to build on that success with another weekend that welcomes families to the waterfront and brings people through the doors of our local businesses.”

Fleet Fest runs from 10am to 7pm Saturday, October 10, and 10am to 5pm Sunday, October 11. Visitors can also explore the Service & Safety Expo presented by PG&E at Pier 27 and tour visiting ships at Piers 27 and 35. Separate ship-tour schedules and entry requirements are available at fleetweeksf.org.

“Fleet Fest is yet another exciting event bringing people to Fisherman’s Wharf, connecting residents and visitors with our waterfront and the people, businesses, and maritime traditions that are unique to San Francisco,” said Michael Martin, Executive Director of the Port of San Francisco. “Fleet Week is always a highlight of the Port’s year, and we are also always looking for ways to make it even better.  The Port is proud of our partnership with the Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District and Fleet Week Association as we welcome everyone to this celebration of the men and women who serve our country.” 

The weekend gives families an opportunity to meet service members and first responders while enjoying the Wharf. At the Service & Safety Expo, visitors can explore emergency-response equipment, see demonstrations, and learn about disaster preparedness and careers in public safety and the military.

“Fisherman’s Wharf is part of the everyday life of District 3 as well as a destination for people from around the world,” said Supervisor Danny Sauter. “Fleet Fest is an invitation for San Franciscans to come down to the waterfront, enjoy the neighborhood and support the small businesses that help make the Wharf special.”

Visitors are encouraged to use public transportation and allow extra travel time during Fleet Week. Entertainment and operational schedules may change; check the official event websites before arriving.

Event details
What: Fleet Fest at Fisherman’s Wharf
When: Saturday, October 10 (10am–7pm); Sunday, October 11 (10am–5pm)
Where: Triangle Lot on Taylor Street adjacent to SkyStar Wheel and Boudin Bakery, Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco
Featuring: Live music, food, beer garden, classic and military vehicles, and family activities
Related activities: Service & Safety Expo presented by PG&E at Pier 27; visiting ship tours at Piers 27 and 35, on separate schedules
For more information and current schedules, visit https://www.fishermanswharf.org/event/fleet-fest/2467/

About the Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District:
Established in 2005, the Fisherman’s Wharf Community Benefit District is a nonprofit public benefit corporation dedicated to promoting, advancing and maintaining Fisherman’s Wharf as a world-class waterfront destination. The FWCBD works to enhance public spaces, support local businesses, improve the visitor experience and celebrate the history, culture and vitality of San Francisco’s most visited neighborhood. https://www.fishermanswharf.org/

About Fisherman’s Wharf:
Fisherman’s Wharf is one of San Francisco’s most iconic and beloved destinations, known for its historic fishing fleet, seafood restaurants, waterfront views, PIER 39 sea lions, family attractions, maritime heritage and enduring role as a gathering place for locals and visitors from around the world. https://www.fishermanswharf.org/

About the Port of San Francisco:

The Port of San Francisco oversees 7.5 miles of waterfront encompassing maritime facilities, visitor attractions, historic districts and small businesses. Its work supports maritime commerce, recreation and economic development while promoting environmental stewardship and financial sustainability for San Francisco, the Bay Area and California. For more information, visit sfport.com.

About the San Francisco Fleet Week Association:

The San Francisco Fleet Week Association organizes San Francisco Fleet Week, honoring the United States Armed Forces and advancing civilian and military cooperation in humanitarian assistance. Begun in 1981 under then-Mayor Dianne Feinstein, Fleet Week features an air show, a parade of ships, community events and humanitarian assistance training. Visit fleetweeksf.org.

2026 ship-tour schedule

Wednesday, October 7: 10am–1pm — Pier 27
Thursday, October 8: 10am–4pm — Piers 27 and 35
Saturday, October 10: 10am–4pm — Piers 27 and 35
Sunday, October 11: 10am–4pm — Piers 27 and 35
Monday, October 12: 9am–noon — Pier 35

All ship tours are free, with entry on a first-come, first-served basis. No ship tours are listed for Friday, October 9. Schedules are subject to change. Review entry requirements and the latest schedule at fleetweeksf.org/events/ship-tours/.