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Author: Alfredo Casuso

Grand Central Palm Springs Unveils
New “History of Grand Central” Mural
by Local Artist Aaron Hansen

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

Grand Central Palm Springs Unveils
New “History of Grand Central” Mural
by Local Artist Aaron Hansen 

Artist Reception and Party Thursday, March 30: 5pm ‘til 7:30pm

Art Gallery Setting also features work by
Spanish-Brazilian Artist Maria Eugenia Casuso
along with works by local artists Georgeanne Papac and Gary Paterson

29 March 2023 – Palm Springs, CA: EST? PST? What time is it? The answer is #GCT-PS — “Grand Central Time” — at the iconic Grand Central Palm Springs (www.grandcentralpalmsprings.om) for breakfast, brunch, munch, lunch, “nibbles and bites”, creative cocktails and casually elegant dinner.  On Thursday, March 30 (5pm – 7:30pmm) Grand Central hosts a special reception to highlight not only their artfully delicious menu,  but unveil a new “History of Grand Central” mural by local artist Aaron Hansen. In addition, the reception will feature work by the late Spanish Brazilian artist Maria Eugenia Casuso in Grand Central’s gallery and special event space along with work by Georgeanne Papac and Gary Paterson.

“The theme for the Grand Central Mural was inspired by 1930s history of the building itself,” said Hansen. “Rita had expressed that she envisioned a joyous gathering of people from that era like a snapshot of a moment. That started the conversations and possibilities in regards to the direction that the mural would take.”

The “Rita” in question is Rita Capponi, founder and co-owner of Grand Central.

“For me, art and fine food go hand in hand, or should I say brush and fork,” said Rita noting that Grand Central has been named one of Yelp’s Top 100 Brunch Spots in California. “Palm Springs has a unique, casual but sophisticated clientele, and that’s the sort of experience we offer at Grand Central, including a dining room and special event space filled with art.”

As Aaron and Rita considered references and color swatches the dialogue continued and it was decided to add in some historically important people from this time period.

“That’s how we got to the four main characters of the piece, starting left with Amelia Earhart and Eleanor Roosevelt,” said Aaron. “The center was reserved for a longtime patron of the building, Howard Hughes.”

Hughes was known to shop at Grand Central’s location when it was the Desmond’s Department Store, one of the toniest fashion brands from Los Angeles of the Era, and a “first” for the then sleepy desert town of Palm Springs.

“To the right of Howard Hughes is none other than the genius mind of the times Albert Einstein,” adds Aaron. “It was a lot of fun adding the floor lamps and playing with the way they would light the curtains and characters in the room. I knew the mural was a hit when people on the sidewalk would get my attention by knocking on the window and giving me thumbs up and take photos. I’m glad it could add so much dimension and character to the restaurant and can’t wait to do some more with Grand Central!”

Aaron Hansen’s new mural, joins the work of three other artists currently on display at Grand Central: The Mid Century Modernist colorful geographic work of the late Maria Eugenia Casuso, who died from pancreatic cancer and two local artists, Georgeanne Papac and Gary Paterson. 

“As they used to say at our namesake Grand Central Station in New York City, ‘meet us under the clock’,” said co-owner and founder John Diskin. “After three years of COVID enforced restrictions, people are ready to mix, mingle and make up for lost time. We’re seeing a real bounce in requests for special events, including weddings and parties, for which our art gallery space is perfectly suited.”

With a patio, dining room and bar long known as the place “to see and be seen” by Palm Springs and Hollywood’s weekend glitterati, Grand Central also boasts a true “hidden gem”: its spacious special event space, complete with separate entrance, for the perfect Instagram-able wedding, bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, birthday or business gathering.  In addition to its artistic backdrop, the spacious “Art Gallery” special event space can comfortably accommodate 150 for a seated dinner or over 200 for standing cocktail reception. Additionally, Grand Central is open for a full buyout of the restaurant with the “Art Gallery” room set up for dancing either with live music or a DJ. 

What makes Grand Central Café Palm Springs unique?

“Our brunch is very much based on California cuisine with influences of the coffee cafe culture of Auckland, New Zealand, Dublin, Ireland and Melbourne, Australia,” John explains. “Our goal and our mission are to bring those flavors to Palm Springs.”

“For dinner, we expand our offerings to bring a fine dining experience in a more casual and relaxed environment,” says Rita, known for her personalized touch as hostess and creator of Grand Central’s iconic and seasonally changing “Book Holiday Tree” in the main dining room. “Good food doesn’t have to be overly complicated, and lovely surroundings don’t have to be stuffy. At Grand Central, we stand for approachable elegance.”

Why the name Grand Central?

“In cities and train stations throughout the years, people have been meeting ‘under the clock’,” explains John. “Grand Central’s iconic clock is a reminder to take a breath. Take some time to relax and enjoy innovative food and drink at our table.”

“Most importantly,” reiterates Rita. “Take some time to be with family and friends.”

Grand Central opened in May of 2018 after extensive renovations to the previous Palm Springs Institution, Desmond’s Department Store. After sitting vacant for over a decade, owners and husband and wife, John and Rita, revitalized and reimagined the space as a place for friends to gather and share good conversation, great cocktails, and a wonderful meal. The space was updated to a modern open concept with a large opening to the kitchen that helps bring the restaurant to life and ensures a one-of-a-kind experience, voted “Best of the Valley” 2020 by the Desert Sun.

Grand Central is open seven days a week for breakfast, brunch and lunch: 7:30am ‘til 3pm. Wednesday through Sundays, “Nibbles & Bites” is served at the bar 3pm ‘til 5pm and dinner 5pm ‘til 9pm including the popular new “Tasting Menu” featuring three appetizers, three entrée selections, dessert and a special wine pairing. For more information or for special events call (760) 699-7185. Reservations at OpenTable.com. www.GrandCentralPalmSprings.com 
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MAYOR BREED AND PRESIDENT PESKIN ANNOUNCE LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT FUTURE OF DOWNTOWN AND UNION SQUARE  

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  

Monday, March 27, 2023  

Contact: Mayor’s Office of Communications, mayorspressoffice@sfgov.org 

*** PRESS RELEASE ***  

MAYOR BREED AND PRESIDENT PESKIN ANNOUNCE LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT FUTURE OF DOWNTOWN AND UNION SQUARE  

Proposal will facilitate the conversion of office buildings to critically needed housing, create more opportunities for businesses, and streamline everyday permit review throughout Downtown and Union Square  

San Francisco, CA — Mayor London N. Breed and Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin today announced a major legislative effort to support Downtown’s future as a place where people work, visit, and live. The legislation amends the City’s Planning Code to enable a vibrant 21st century downtown core and directs the Department of Building Inspection to develop clear procedures for the adaptive reuse of existing office buildings to housing.  

Mayor Breed and President Peskin came together to introduce this package after learning they were each independently working on parallel legislation in pursuit of the same goals. The legislation is a component of both the Mayor’s Housing for All strategy and her Roadmap to Downtown San Francisco’s Future.  

“The challenges facing Downtown require us to imagine what is possible and create the foundation for a stronger, more resilient future,” said Mayor London Breed. “Working with President Peskin and the Board, we can create more opportunities to fill our empty buildings, whether that’s to create housing or making it easier to fill office and retail space. These changes shouldn’t be something that requires granting exceptions through lengthy paperwork and exhaustive public hearings. We need to make the process easier for getting our buildings active and full.”  

“I am pleased that the Mayor and I were able to come together and merge the two pieces of similar legislation we were each working on into one comprehensive legislative package that will be a significant tool for Downtown revitalization in the short and long term,” said Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin. “Crafting and passing this legislation is only half the battle. Working with and making connections amongst a wide array of stakeholders from building owners to small businesses to arts organizations in order to realize these goals and ensuring these tools are user-friendly is our next big challenge.”  

Paving the Way for Housing  

A primary component of the legislation is to encourage housing production Downtown through commercial-to-residential conversions, while ensuring enough office space remains to house San Francisco’s concentration of job-supporting businesses. Although Downtown is currently zoned for housing, the legislation advances a range of code adjustments to slash barriers that may hamper the conversion of underutilized and obsolete downtown office buildings to housing – and that could unlock thousands of new housing units over time.   

The legislation provides much needed flexibility for the re-use of older office buildings by relaxing Planning Code requirement like rear yards, that don’t make sense for conversions of existing buildings in our dense, downtown core.  The legislation will also provide for alternative paths to Building and Fire Code compliance for adaptive reuse projects that would otherwise struggle to meet requirements designed for new ground-up construction projects. 
  

Allowing More Flexibility in Union Square  

This legislation targets zoning changes to allow additional flexibility for new and diversified uses and activities in existing buildings in Union Square. Responding to both the pre-pandemic impacts of online shopping and to post-pandemic shifts in the retail industry, the legislation allows a wider range of uses to better activate streets and buildings. On upper floors, that includes allowing for additional office, service and retail uses; and on ground floors allowing for indoor and outdoor entertainment, flexible retail workspaces, and larger retailers that will make the area more attractive for businesses, employees, and visitors alike.   

“This proposed legislation fills in a key puzzle piece toward the revival of Union Square,” said Marisa Rodriguez, CEO of the Union Square Alliance.  “In our Union Square Strategic Plan, released in November of last year, we identified the need for zoning and regulatory changes in our District to create the flexibility that will allow Union Square not only to recover more quickly from the Pandemic but also to reach its full potential as a complete downtown neighborhood where people shop, visit, live and work.  We are extremely grateful for how quickly and thoughtfully the Mayor and Supervisor Peskin have spearheaded this legislative package. The proposal announced today will help tremendously and we are in full support.”  

Reducing Barriers and Supporting Pop-Up Activations  

The legislation also builds on Mayor Breed’s priority to reduce process with changes to many of the specialized procedures and mechanisms for Downtown development review. Specifically, the legislation allows for a greater variety of ground floor and other uses, provides for the re-use of longstanding business signage, and allows City staff to review minor changes to historic buildings administratively without a public hearing.  

“Downtown’s future is San Francisco’s future,” said Rodney Fong, President and CEO of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. “This proposal to make housing conversions easier and  

downtown zoning more flexible is an important step in charting San Francisco’s path to a reimagined downtown where resident, visitors, and workers all want to spend time.” 

The legislation would also broaden the types of temporary pop-up activations that can take place in vacant ground floor spaces throughout Downtown, supporting a key goal of the Mayor’s Roadmap to support entrepreneurs, artists, and other ventures in bringing new energy to vacant storefronts that will serve to enliven the overall Downtown experience.   

“In the new normal of hybrid work, the City has to be proactive about helping create new reasons for residents, workers and visitors to want to come and spend their time Downtown,” said Kate Sofis, Executive Director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development. “This legislation lays the groundwork for the creativity and new ideas we want to invite.”  

Following extensive work by City staff and collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, the legislation will be heard at the Planning Commission and Building Inspection Commission this spring with hearings before the Board of Supervisors soon thereafter. Staff is continuing to work on further improvements to allow for conversion of other uses, which will be in forthcoming legislation.   

“We’re updating the downtown playbook,” said Planning Director Rich Hillis. “Clearing the way for office conversions represents an important new tool to promote a vibrant downtown. While not flashy, these critical roll-up-your-sleeves technical improvements will help keep our downtown engine running.”  

“We are fully engaged to be creative and proactive in identifying ways to facilitate adaptive reuse downtown,” said Patrick O’Riordan, Director of the Department of Building Inspection.  “We’ve seen this done successfully in other cities and know we can achieve similar results in San Francisco.”  

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My Madcap Mexican Adventure with the Author of Auntie Mame

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

At Sea with Patrick Dennis:
My Madcap Mexican Adventure with the Author of Auntie Mame
by the late Robert Karr

May 18th Release Date by Rattling Good Yarns Press
Open Now for PreOrder

A new witty and comical memoir sheds light on a little-known Mexican phase of Patrick Dennis, author of Auntie Mame’s Life.

24 March 2023 – Los Angeles, CA: On May 18, 2023, Patrick Dennis – the creator of Auntie Mame– would have celebrated his 102nd birthday.  What better way to mark this auspicious occasion than with the release of Robert Karr’s new book At Sea with Patrick Dennis:  My Madcap Mexican Adventure with the Author of Auntie Mame  (Rattling Good Yarns Press, 184 pages, ISBN-13 978 1955 826 259). The book is now available for preorder. After Karr passed away in 2017, the unpublished manuscript languished in a box destined for the unknown. However, fate intervened when Karr’s friend, Los Angeles hair designer Bernie Ardia, recognized its importance and knew it had to be published.

“The story behind the memoir’s manuscript is as intriguing as the adventures of dear Robert Karr and the great author Patrick Dennis himself,” said Ardia, currently working on the production of Hairspray opening at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre May 2 – 21.  It marks the return of the Tony Award-winning musical comedy sensation for the first time in 17 years. “My days have been filled with being back in the ‘60s with Edna Turnblad and Auntie Mame literally colliding in my head. It has been quite a journey with two of the greatest fabled characters of our time.”

At Sea with Patrick Dennis: My Madcap Mexican Adventure with the Author of Auntie Mame sheds new information on the author Patrick Dennis’s life when he disappeared into Mexico. It features an introduction by the acclaimed James Magruder, who adapted the original book of Head Over Heels for the Broadway stage. Patrick Dennis had two books adapted for Broadway, the novel Auntie Mame for the play by the same name, and the hit musical Mame, by Jerry Herman, and the musical Little Me, with book by Neil Simon and music by Cy Coleman. This memoir is a quick-witted tour de force, revealing that Patrick Dennis’s escapades were as outlandish as the world’s favorite aunt, Mame.

Taking place aboard ship in the mid-1960s, At Sea with Patrick Dennis: My Madcap Mexican Adventure with the Author of Auntie Mame chronicles what was supposed to be a simple cruise that turned into a full-blown adventure when friends Patrick Dennis, Walter Healy and Robert Karr jumped ship.  After the trio disappeared into Mexico, they later needed rescuing in a high camp tale involving wealthy widows, art connoisseurs, masked midget wrestlers, ladies of the night, and hunting rats in their comical escapades.

“Robert Karr’s delightfully madcap memoir of his time spent with the fascinating Patrick Dennis is a wonderful addition to the growing literature of this important and elusive cultural figure,” said famed actor and playwright Charles Busch.

“Don your best jewelry, fix yourself a cocktail, and prepare to laugh as you come on a madcap Mexican adventure,” adds Ardia. “As Dennis’s most famous character, Mame, said, ‘Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving.’ This book is piled high with a literary feast from the banquet of life.”

To obtain review copies of  At Sea with Patrick Dennis: My Madcap Mexican Adventure with the Author of Auntie Mame please contact Ian Henzel, Managing Publisher of Rattling Good Yarns Press: Ian.henzel@rattlinggoodyarns.com

Awards Announced for 20th Annual International Ocean Film Festival 

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

Awards Announced for
20th Annual International Ocean Film Festival 

8 Films Cited in Categories including Conservation, Ocean Sports,
Female Filmmaker and Diversity & Equity & Inclusion

Festival Runs April 13 – 16 at San Francisco’s Cowell Theatre Fort Mason
and the Smith Theatre San Rafael

www.intloceanfilmfest.org 

23 March 2023  – San Francisco, CA:  the 20th Annual International Ocean Film Festival has announced this year’s award winners in categories including Conservation, Ocean Sports, Female Filmmaker and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.  The 20th annual Festival runs April 13 – 16 at San Francisco’s Cowell Theatre at Fort Mason and San Rafael’s Smith Theatre.  All told, there are 42 films representing 17 countries. Tickets to the entire festival are on sale online www.intloceanfilmfest.org

“All of our films and filmmakers are standouts and advance our mission of saving our oceans through the beauty and education of the visual medium,” said Ana Blanco, Executive Director for the Festival. “In a field of exceptional quality and diversity, especially this year, we have eight standouts deserving of special recognition.”

This year’s 20th Annual International Ocean Film Festival is marked with four days of ocean-focused, independent films. In addition, the Festival will host lively Q&A panels with film directors, marine scientists, and industry experts, as they discuss the films and share insights into ocean conservation, preservation, and legislation.   

The Festival accepts films of all genres that focus on any of the varied aspects of our big, blue ocean. Subject matter ranges from, but is not limited to, marine wildlife, conservation efforts, ocean environments, coastal cultures, ocean sports and exploration, ocean heroes, and innovative technology designed to help protect the ocean. Films can be documentaries, narratives, shorts, animation, and full-length films from around the world. A number of finalists from the main film festival program will be selected to participate in the world-renowned International Ocean Film Festival Traveling Program. This year’s film categories include Environmental, Marine Sciences/Wildlife, Exploration & Ocean Sports, Coastal Island Culture. Animation, Conservation, Diversity Equity & Inclusion, Shorts and Female Directors.

Sponsors for this year’s festival include RingCentral, Jenga Ocean, Hapag Lloyd, RBC Wealth Management, PADI, PADI Club, The Philippine Office of Tourism, Thor Hope Foundation, Dynamico Space and the Consul General of Canada in San Francisco. Note: Additional sponsorship opportunities are available through April 1st.Since its launch in 2004, the San Francisco-based International Ocean Film Festival has attracted thousands of spectators of all ages from around the world, including film enthusiasts, sea athletes, educators, and environmental supporters. Since then, the Festival has presented over 815 films from 40 different countries and featured post-film Q&A sessions with visiting filmmakers, special panel discussions with content experts, and the Annual Free Student Education Program. It was the first event of its kind in North America, inspired by the well-established ocean festival in Toulon, France, which has continued to draw large audiences for more than 40 years.

2023 Awards – Official Selections (Alpha List)

  1. Collision, Philip Hamilton (London, UK) 80 min 2023 Environment Award
  2. Deep Rising, Matthieu Rytz (USA) 98 min 2023 Conservation Award & 2023 Director’s Award 
  3. Gender Outlaw, a bodysurfing story, Peter Williams (USA) 16 min 2023 Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Award
  4. Havana Libre, Corey McLean (USA) 85 min 2023 Ocean Sports & Exploration Award
  5. The Impossible Wave, Jessica Frankovelgia Johnson & Jay Johnson (USA) 40 min 2023 Female Filmmaker Award
  6. Mediterranean LIFE UNDER SIEGE, Fred Fougea (France) 91 min 2023 Wildlife Award 
  7. New Boats, Lansana Mansaray (Sierra Leone) 50 min 2023 Coastal and Island Culture Award
  8. Rise of the Clambassador, Alexander Davidowski (USA) 8 min2023 Short Award

The 20th International Ocean Film Festival runs April 13 – 16, 2023 at San Francisco’s Fort Mason Center and San Rafael’s Smith Theatre. The International Ocean Film Festival is a 501(c) 3 non-profit. 

AsiaSF  Celebrates a Quarter Century on April 17, 2023

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AsiaSF  Celebrates a Quarter Century on April 17, 2023

Internationally Acclaimed San Francisco Legacy Business Commemorates 25 Years

Transgender Performers Known for Sell-Out Crowds Are the Stars at
“Top 100 Hottest Restaurants in America” as Voted by Opentable

www.asiasf.com

22 March 2023 – San Francisco, CA:  Bouncing back from COVID with style, grace, award-winning cuisine and legendary, internationally-acclaimed entertainment,  AsiaSF (www.asiasf.com), the storied San Francisco dinner theatre and cabaret featuring the world-famous transgender Ladies of AsiaSF, celebrates a quarter century of success with four nights of celebration at their newly remodeled and retrofitted iconic venue: 201 9th Street in the SoMa District of San Francisco: April 13, 14, 15 & 16, 2023. The actual 25th anniversary of AsiaSF’s first day open is April 17.
“We’re ready for our next quarter century,” said Larry Hashbarger, Founder and CEO of AsiaSF. “Over 25 years, hundreds of thousands of people have become part of the ‘AsiaSF Family’ as we have entertained, enthralled, educated and enlightened people about the transgender experience and human diversity and all while enjoying a spectacular show, delicious food and signature cocktails.”

The celebratory ‘weekend’ begins on Thursday, April 13 when AsiaSF will pull out all the stops with a spectacular Silver Anniversary show, featuring the best of AsiaSF’s last 25 years. The festive Anniversary Celebration will continue on Friday, April 14 and Saturday, April 15. On Sunday April 16 a private, by invitation only,  AsiaSF’s “Friends and Family” evening will take place.

In 1998, a small business that celebrates diversity and multiculturalism was born: AsiaSF. Founded by Hashbarger and Skip Young, the world-famous restaurant, cabaret and nightclub quickly became an iconic entertainment landmark.

“AsiaSF has been a visionary pioneer in supporting the transgender community through empowerment by creating a safe space and unique employment opportunities that showcase our beautiful transgender stars, the Ladies of AsiaSF, said AsiaSF President/COO, Aaron Nelson. “The Ladies of AsiaSF, our star performers make you laugh, make you blush, make you go ‘WOW!’ and make you feel like a million bucks.”

Under the direction of show director and choreographer, Ronnie Reddick, guests will delight in choreographed dance routines and lip sync numbers with beautiful costumes, state of the art sound and lights, which will electrify AsiaSF’s dramatic runway stage. 

“This sisterhood of diverse performers has mastered the art of celebrating themselves,” said Young. By being their own authentic, welcoming selves, the Ladies of AsiaSF provide a warm, welcoming atmosphere that has made AsiaSF ‘Celebration Central’.

With Vegas commercial style choreography byReddick and award-winning Cal-Asian cuisine, AsiaSF is a unique interactive, cabaret and dinner entertainment experience. From the moment one enters, the internationally acclaimed “Ladies of AsiaSF” will entertain and enlighten you, complete with stand-out-performances featuring original creations by Julian Mendez Couture and Prime Kreations of Los Angeles who has designed for Beyoncé, Kendall Jenner and Megan Thee Stallion.

Voted “One of the Top 100 Hottest Restaurants in America”” and “Best Ambiance” by Opentable, AsiaSF had hosted over 1 million patrons since it opened its doors in 1998.  Then: COVID and the need for a seismic retrofit. During the last year and a half, the team at AsiaSF took the forced sabbatical to regroup, reform and undergo a Renaissance that will take the legendary San Francisco venue into the Roaring ‘20s.

“AsiaSF is a complete entertainment and food and cocktail experience,” says Hashbarger, the creator/producer of Passport – America’s premier fashion show and HIV/AIDS fundraiser – during his three and a half decades as Director of Special Productions for Macy’s. “Our beautiful and talented transgender cast bring our guests into their world from the first second they enter the space. They serve drinks. They serve food. They dish up a song and dance experience that will have you applauding-‘til-your-hands-are-sore and is literally transformative. I couldn’t be prouder of these inspiring women.”

“One of our missions of AsiaSF is to create a trans-positive environment that educates and raises awareness about living your truth and being your authentic self,” Hashbarger sums up, “while at the same time providing our guests with a ‘time of your life’ experience.”

All prices are inclusive of dinner and the shows, with cocktails priced separately. For individual reservations, groups and special events go to asiasf.com or call (415) 255-2742.