Author: Alfredo Casuso

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

Hotel Council of San Francisco Announces New President & CEO Alex Bastian 

15 June 2022— San Francisco, CA: The Board of Directors for the Hotel Council of San Francisco (www.hotelcouncilsf.org) today announced that Alex Bastian has been selected as its new President & CEO, replacing Kevin Carroll who is retiring after a decade long tenure. Bastian comes to the position from the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office where he has served as a Special Advisor since January 2021, following 11 years with the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office in his native city. He assumes the new role at the Hotel Council on July 18.

“Alex brings to this position the passion and love of a returning San Franciscan,” said Amy Arbuckle, Board Chair for the Council. “His many years in San Francisco cultivated deep connections across the City that will serve him, and us, well during the coming years of revitalization and renewal for our industry.”

“The Hotel Council represents the hospitality and broader tourism industry, an industry that has been significantly impacted and hard hit due to the pandemic. I’m so excited to join the Hotel Council at this pivotal moment in history,” said Bastian. “As someone who was born and raised in San Francisco, I know first-hand that the City has so much to offer and is one of the most beautiful places in the world. I know for a fact that it will become one of the top tourist destinations worldwide once again.”

Bastian is a native San Franciscan. He received a BA from the University of California Los Angeles and his law degree from the University of San Francisco. From 2010 to 2021, he worked for the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, including over 4 years as Deputy Chief of Staff. Immediately prior to this new position with the Hotel Council, Bastian served as a Special Advisor to the Los Angeles District Attorney where he was responsible for providing guidance and direction in the development of internal and external messages and media strategies. He supported the District Attorney in handling complex tasks and provided leadership in the development of policy and legal strategies. Bastian is a Board Member of the Armenian Bar Association and speaks five languages (English, Spanish, Armenian, French and Russian).

The Hotel Council of San Francisco is a non-profit membership-based organization advocating for the economic and social vitality of the hospitality industry in San Francisco. With a membership roster of over 200 hotels, allied members, and partner organizations, the Council is dedicated to protecting the San Francisco hospitality industry and connecting its members to support its growth and success.

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

Theatre Bay Area Announces New Executive Director
Sean Fenton of Oakland Tapped to Lead Esteemed Nonprofit

www.theatrebayarea.org

13 June 2022 – San Francisco, CA: Following an extensive search and interview process over the last few months, the esteemed nonprofit Theatre Bay Area (www.theatrebayarea.org) – known colloquially as TBA — has selected Oakland resident Sean Fenton as its new Executive Director. Fenton began his new appointment June 15. The national search process was led by ALJP Consulting and its senior consultant Leandro A. Zaneti. The firm is known for its commitment to values of diversity, equity, and inclusion and robust community involvement.  ALJP’s process incorporated the anti-racist practices that TBA is building into its organizational fabric and leadership.

“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to serve, especially during this time of immense change. The COVID-19 pandemic has hit the arts community particularly hard, and the challenges facing theatre companies and individual artists are many,” said Fenton.  “But this community is tenacious and endlessly supportive of each other. We will come together. And with sustainability and growth in mind, and equity, diversity, and inclusion at the center of our values, I am confident the Bay Area theatre community will emerge stronger than ever.”

“As we begin this new chapter of TBA, we are confident Sean will drive forward our commitment to racial justice and advancement of the Bay Area theatre community,” says Theatre Bay Area Board President Dr. Anne W. Smith. “Staff, board, and community members have been inspired by Sean’s deep passion for the theatre in the Bay Area, as well as his excellent ability to listen deeply, respond authentically, and build productive relationships.”

A graduate of Stanford University with a BA in Cultural and Social Anthropology, Fenton has been a member of the Bay Area theatre community since 1998. Over the last two decades as an arts professional, he has worn many hats — as an actor, director, educator, administrator, and researcher/consultant. He has worked at theatres throughout the Bay Area, including TheatreWorks Silicon Valley, San Francisco Playhouse, Crowded Fire Theater, 42nd Street Moon, and Ferocious Lotus Theatre Company. His extensive experience in educational theatre and theatre for young audiences includes work at Bay Area Children’s Theatre, Kaiser Permanente Educational Theatre, and TYA/USA. And as a director and manager for the Intrinsic Impact program at WolfBrown, Fenton provided audience research services to arts organizations across the continent, including Arts Club Theatre Company, Center Theatre Group, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Cornerstone Theatre Company, Silk Road Rising, and more.

“All these experiences give Sean insight into the unique challenges and opportunities present in this region of California,” Smith noted. “We were impressed by his intensive knowledge of the field, fearless commitment to racial justice, and collaborative spirit.”

The search process, which included extensive interviews, dialogue, meetings, and surveys with community members was funded in part by contributions from the Hewlett Foundation and the Brad Erickson Fund for the Future, established by TBA’s outgoing Executive Director, Brad Erickson.

“I’m thrilled by this choice,” said Erickson, who led TBA since 2003 before retiring in 2021. “Sean is the right person, at just the right time.” 

Founded in 1976, Theatre Bay Area’s mission is to unite, strengthen, promote, and advance the theatre community in the San Francisco Bay Area, working on behalf of its conviction that the performing arts are an essential public good, critical to a healthy and truly democratic society, and invaluable as a source of personal enrichment and growth. TBA is committed to embodying and advancing the values of community, inclusion, service, impact, and organizational sustainability. To live out these values, TBA is committed to advancing the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion both within its own organization and in the larger field.

“For too long, the theatre sector has fallen short of being inclusive for all, despite even the best intentions,” said Fenton. “But this TBA team and community are ready for change. Let’s actively center historically marginalized voices, make amends with each other, and come together to build a more just and equitable theatre. Theatre Bay Area is for everyone.”

About ALJP Consulting:
ALJP Consulting is a Black-owned, mission-driven firm that employs planning and search services to address the contemporary challenges of nonprofit organizations in the arts and culture sector. ALJP centers the values of anti-racism, equity, diversity, and inclusion in its work with organizations and candidates. In addition to New York Theater Workshop, ALJP Consulting has serviced numerous other arts and culture organizations nation-wide, including The American Repertory Theater at Harvard University, New York Theatre Workshop, Center Theatre Group, Alabama School of Fine Arts, Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and more. Visit aljpconsulting.com for more information.

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

Monday, June 13^th Benefit Raises Funds for New Castro Theatre Organ

(CODA) Castro Organ Devotees Association
Needs $ 300,000 to Complete landmark Effort 

Elisabeth Fullerton Announces $100,000 Challenge Grant

8 June 2022 – San Francisco. 100 years ago this month, San Francisco’s historic Castro Theatre opened to great fanfare, and of course, an organ accompaniment for its silent film offerings. Over the next 10 decades, movies began to talk but the Castro organs continued to play. The famed “Mighty Wurlitzer” was removed by its private owner in 2015. Now, a landmark fundraising effort on Monday, June 13 by CODA – The Castro Organ Devotees Association (www.castroorgan.org) aims to complete the purchase of a new custom-made instrument that when installed will be the most up-to-date theatrical organ in existence.  Tickets may be purchased online:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/castro-organ-vip-reception-screening-tickets-343229287037

“The Castro Theatre wouldn’t be the Castro Theatre without the Castro organ,” said Mary Conde, Vice President for Another Planet who is in charge of the overall Castro Theatre Project. “Since the 1970s, David Hegarty has been serenading Castro audiences including his now iconic rendition of ‘San Francisco.’ This benefit will ensure that this tradition continues.”

The June 13^th event, timed to coincide with the Theatre’s 100^th Anniversary, aims to complete fundraising for the $300,000 balance required. Beginning at 5:00pm, the evening includes a VIP reception followed by a special screening of the award-winning movie, Test, which tells the story of a male dance troupe in 1985 San Francisco, as they come to grips with the emerging AIDS pandemic. This special screening will be followed by an exclusive Q&A featuring Director Chris Mason Johnson, star Scott Marlowe, and Executive Producer Elisabeth Pang Fullerton.

“The Castro Theatre’s operators, Another Planet Entertainment, have a long history of supporting music education and music therapy,” said Hegarty. “They have been completely supportive of the Castro Organ project especially its use as a teaching instrument for students of the San Francisco Unified School District.”

Planning for the Castro Symphonic Theatre Organ began in 2013 when it became known that the Wurlitzer was going to be removed. Since then a smaller temporary Allen organ has been on loan to the Theatre: the personal property of Hegarty. Over a period of three years, a group of internationally renowned organ designers have collaborated in building the world’s largest hybrid theatre/classical concert organ, with seven keyboards and the capacity to replicate any musical sound.

After the Castro Symphonic Theatre Organ design was completed, fundraising for the $1.1 million required began in 2016, but was put on hold from 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. At that point, more than $800,000 had been raised. Among the distinguished donors are Dede Wilsey ($200,000), Bernard Osher ($100,000), the Morris & Alma Schapiro Fund ($95,000), the Dolby Family ($50,000), the Bob A. Ross Foundation ($35,000), the Herbst Foundation ($25,000), the Hirst/Rodman Family Trust ($25,000), the Miner-Anderson Family Foundation ($10,000), Sakurako & Bill Fisher ($10,000), the Ira & Leonore Gershwin Trusts ($5,000), and Joe Schuman Silver ($5,000).

Ms. Fullerton is serving as Chair of this fundraising event, and has announced a $100,000 Elisabeth Pang Fullerton Challenge, to encourage others to donate generously and complete the fundraising campaign on a successful note.

“Once the balance of funds are raised, the already-completed organ console can be finalized, then shipped to San Francisco,” notes Hegarty who looks forward to being at the new state-of-the-art console. “Fingers crossed, it will be installed in the Castro Theatre later this year.”

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.  June 3 – 12 brings a special celebration of films from each of the Castro Theatre’s 10 decades.  June 14 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 Men’s 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.