“A Balcony on the World” returns to the big screen October 24 at San Francisco’s Marina Theatre
Documentary reveals the art, architecture and public vision behind the Aquatic Park Bathhouse
6 October 2026 – San Francisco, CA: The San Francisco Maritime National Park Association, in partnership with San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, will present a screening of “A Balcony on the World” on Saturday, October 24, at the Marina Theatre in San Francisco (2149 Chestnut Street, San Francisco). Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; the film begins at 6 p.m. Tickets are available at balconyontheworld.eventbrite.com.
The documentary brings the story of San Francisco’s Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building, now home to the San Francisco Maritime Museum, to the big screen. Constructed during the Great Depression as part of the New Deal’s Works Progress Administration, the Streamline Moderne landmark was envisioned as a “democratic country club”: an art-filled public place where people could gather, swim and enjoy the Bay.
“The Bathhouse was created for everyone, and seeing its story on the big screen is a wonderful way to bring people back to the art and public spirit at its heart,” said Darlene Plumtree, CEO of the San Francisco Maritime National Park Association. “We hope this screening inspires audiences to visit the museum and discover the building for themselves.”
The film traces the Bathhouse’s changing fortunes, from public gathering place to private lease and its 1951 transformation into the Maritime Museum. It brings viewers close to the Surrealist murals of Hilaire Hiler and the tile work of African American Modernist Sargent Johnson, revealing how art was built into this public space from the beginning.
The documentary also follows conservator Anne Rosenthal’s work to restore the murals. Her investigation recovered details of their color, abstraction and symbolism that had faded from view, adding a present-day chapter to the building’s history.
Filmmaker and San Francisco native John Rogers explores the artists, architects and civic leaders who shaped the Bathhouse. The film is also personal: Rogers’s father, a Navy veteran and Matson Line purser, first introduced him to the museum when he was a child.
Among those offering perspective in the film are National Park Service architectural historian Todd Bloch, National Park Ranger David Pelfrey, New Deal historian Gray Brechin, author and San Francisco Chronicle contributor Gary Kamiya, and art curator Lizzetta LaFalle-Collins.
“A Balcony on the World” debuted on Bay Area PBS station KQED in August 2025. The October 24 screening offers audiences an opportunity to experience the film together in a theatre and take a fresh look at one of San Francisco’s public treasures.
Screening details
Film: “A Balcony on the World” Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026 Venue: Marina Theatre, San Francisco Doors: 5:30 p.m. Screening: 6 p.m. Tickets: balconyontheworld.eventbrite.com
About the San Francisco Maritime Museum:
Housed in the historic Aquatic Park Bathhouse, the San Francisco Maritime Museum is part of San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. Operated by the National Park Service, the museum shares the region’s maritime history through exhibitions and public programming. The building also houses a senior center operated by Sequoia Living. Learn more at https://www.nps.gov/safr/index.htm.
The Building Where the Ramones, Blondie and the Dead Kennedys Played Turns Its Lights Back ON
A free sidewalk countdown on October 15 celebrates the restored BROADWAY sign and the next chapter for Mabuhay Gardens: live performance, art and a place to create together.
Thursday, October 15, 2026 · 6–9 p.m.
435 Broadway, North Beach, San Francisco
6–7 p.m.: Free sidewalk countdown. No ticket needed. 7–9 p.m.: Upstairs celebration. Tickets from $5, fees included.
SAN FRANCISCO — The Ramones, Blondie and the Dead Kennedys played Mabuhay Gardens at 443 Broadway. So did Devo, Patti Smith, the Go-Go’s, Black Flag, the Avengers and the Nuns. The Filipino supper club became one of San Francisco’s defining punk stages, and comedians Robin Williams and Whoopi Goldberg also made early appearances.
On Thursday, October 15, 2026, everyone is invited to Lights ON!, a celebration of the restored BROADWAY sign and the next chapter for the building beneath it. The night starts at 6 p.m. on the sidewalk at 435 Broadway, free and open to everyone; no ticket is needed. Restoration lead Michael Sturtz, Tom Watson of Mabuhay Gardens, and Andres Acosta of Lights ON Broadway will say a few words before the street counts down and the sign comes on.
From 7 to 9 p.m., the celebration moves upstairs to On Broadway, starting with a slideshow of every bulb dedicated on the sign so far. The evening includes live music and art, an energy healing and wellness table with Rosalyn of Live Heal Travel (LHT), a first look at new Mab programming, and a tribute for Filipino American History Month. Upstairs tickets start at $5, fees included; space is limited.
The team’s vision is to preserve the historic building, build a creative community around it, and give San Francisco artists a place to perform, learn and make work together. Tom Watson’s latest plans for Mabuhay Gardens include a museum and library, a community print club, flexible classroom space and a vinyl listening room, alongside live music and dance. These spaces are being developed as part of the building’s next chapter.
After years dark, the BROADWAY sign was restored by hand in work led by Michael Sturtz and funded by community gifts. Its bulbs are now being dedicated, one at a time, to the people and nights this city doesn’t want to forget. The building has held San Francisco’s culture since 1919: Italian mutual-aid societies, the Filipino Dimas-Alang Temple, Ginsberg’s Kaddish, the On Broadway Theatre and, fifty years ago this year, the punk stage of Mabuhay Gardens.
The restoration of the BROADWAY sign at 435 Broadway. Image: Lights ON Broadway.
Headlining the upstairs celebration is Michael Brunswick, a performance artist and owner of Ace Tiger Gallery, who is flying in from Torrance, California. In his live canvas performance, he paints with the canvas itself rather than a brush. Explore his artistic process and follow @michaelbrunswick on Instagram.
Headlining artist Michael Brunswick at work, painting with the canvas itself.
Live music comes from GamperDrums Live with ADAPTYVE: Simon Russell, keys & vocals; Brian Pardo, guitar; Ryan Price, bass; and Chris Gamper, drums. Boogie Racers will present a showcase featuring Hot Wheels tracks, RC cars and dancing, plus a special guest race with prizes.
“San Francisco once had an independent stage on nearly every block. Most went dark. This one didn’t,” said Andres Acosta, Lights ON Broadway Campaign Director. “When the sign is full, every bulb overhead will be somebody’s story. That’s a neighborhood turning its own lights back on.”
“I rewired, scraped, and repainted this sign bulb by bulb to bring it back to life the way it looked in the sixties,” said Michael Sturtz, who led the restoration. “The Bay Area has been losing creative spaces, live music venues, and theatres at an alarming rate. This is how we keep the magic alive.”
Gifts are tax deductible, received by Point Foundation, a 501(c)(3), for its FAB MAB restricted fund. “Point Foundation is honored to receive these gifts on behalf of a building that has held San Francisco’s culture for over a century,” said Danica Remy, President of Point Foundation. “Every contribution supports the restoration and community life of 435 / 443 Broadway — including the sign overhead — and preserves this history for future generations.”
27 September 2026: Today: Dock Tokyo and train to Kyoto!
We get off the ship in one of the easiest, if not the easiest, debarkations ever. So early, in fact, that we’re able to change our Uber reservation to an earlier ride. Ten minutes later we’re in a lovely, clean taxi speeding toward Tokyo Station.
The first thing we notice is, as Alfredo says, it reminds us of our first time in China — just impeccably clean, although of course central Shanghai and Beijing are flawless, but not like this. We see no trash, no graffiti. Everyone is quiet and polite. And when we get to the massive train station, people actually come up and volunteer help. Local English speakers — though seemingly somewhat rare — cordially and proactively offer information, including a teenage English student anxious to practice with us.
Tokyo Station is amazing: a classic façade combined with a contemporary extension. Alfredo’s brother told us to be prepared: it’s immense and one of the busiest train stations in the world. Like the streets outside, there’s not a lick of dirt, graffiti or filth.
We decide to walk about a little bit once we ascertain where our gate is, coming outside to enjoy the cloudy but cool weather and just people-watch.
First impressions of Tokyo: count me impressed.
I find myself thinking about how extraordinary it is that Tokyo looks and functions the way it does considering how many times the city has essentially had to reinvent itself. Edo was devastated by the Great Fire of Meireki in 1657, Tokyo was shattered again by the Great Kantō Earthquake in 1923, and then enormous sections of the city were burned to the ground during the American firebombing of World War II, particularly the catastrophic raid of March 9–10, 1945. Add centuries of lesser fires and disasters, and rebuilding seems almost woven into Tokyo’s DNA.
Of course, as a lifelong Godzilla fan, I can’t resist adding the fictional destruction to the tally. Godzilla has stomped, blasted and otherwise demolished substantial portions of Tokyo repeatedly since his first appearance in 1954 — yet somehow the place keeps coming back looking better than ever. I’ve always been fascinated by Godzilla, and being here makes the films seem just a little more tangible. There is something peculiarly appropriate about a monster born from postwar Japanese anxieties repeatedly attacking a city that has itself repeatedly risen from destruction.
We wile away our two-hour wait by having a Japanese whisky and getting bento boxes for lunch on the train. Kiosks selling them are numerous and wonderfully diverse right by and on the train platform, along with beer, snacks and, of course, sake.
The train is right on time and soon we’re on our way to Kyoto. Our bento box lunches are works of art, as if designed by a high end boutique window dresser. Each of Alfredo’s sushi was wrapped in a leaf and my katsu was worthy of a photo shoot — and oh yes: yummy. Like us, woman opposite had two small “traveling companions”: small dolls that she photographed posed against her seat rest. Since we travel with a plush toy duo of Loch Ness Monster and raccoon, I guess we’re not the only crazy ones.
To our right, although hidden by clouds, is Mount Fuji. Classified as an active volcano, it last erupted in 1707 and 1708. Japan has 111 active volcanoes, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. “Active” means they have erupted within roughly the last 10,000 years or currently show significant fumarolic activity. That’s about 7% of the world’s roughly 1,500 active volcanoes, which is extraordinary for a country Japan’s size. The JMA continuously monitors 50 of the 111 particularly closely.
We arrive to a cold and rainy Kyoto. Evidently the typhoon down south is affecting the weather, and we’re expecting three “atmospheric”days. Nonetheless, we check in to our hotel, The lovely and centrally located Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto Shijo Karasuma, and instantly set out for the Kiyomizu-dera temple complex.
A taxi takes us up into the hills of eastern Kyoto to this one of the city’s most celebrated Buddhist temple complexes. Despite the rain, the place is packed. Kiyomizu-dera was founded in 778, centered around the spring at Otowa Falls. Fires destroyed it again and again over the centuries, so most of what we see today dates from a 1633 reconstruction. Its famous wooden stage juts out over the hillside. About 13 meters above the slope. Held together by an interlocking wooden framework without nails. From here the city usually spreads out below, but today the view is softened by sheets of rain and mist. After making our way through the complex, we start downhill along Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. Ancient approach streets that have funneled pilgrims to this temple for centuries. Those pilgrims have long since been joined by waves of tourists, and today the narrow stone lanes are wall-to-wall with teahouses, sweet shops, ceramics, and every imaginable souvenir, many tucked inside traditional wooden Kyoto houses. At one turn, Yasaka Pagoda suddenly appears above the old rooftops, a classic Higashiyama view, made even moodier by the storm rolling in.
We walk all the way back to our hotel, taking about an hour, umbrellas constantly in use. We stroll through some wonderful old residential districts of Kyoto. And we decide to check out the Irish pub next to our hotel.
Unfortunately, much to our surprise — and disgust — smoking is still allowed, and the place was dense with a nauseating haze. The very lovely barista behind the bar, a woman, said, “oh, the non-smoking section is over there.” But of course, a “non-smoking section” inside a bar full of smoke, doesn’t make much sense. So even though the Irish pub is what we consider to be the international sign of welcome, we decided to come back to our lovely tobacco free Hilton, have a drink, and then decide what we’re going to do for dinner. I have ramen on my mind.
And again: after three taxi rides today, a high speed train from Tokyo and now 10,000 steps through multi and varied neighborhoods: not ONE piece of trash on the ground.
Tokio, Godzilla, Kioto y templos — David Eugene Perry
27 de septiembre de 2026: Hoy: ¡Atracamos en Tokio y tren a Kioto!
Desembarcamos del barco en uno de los desembarques más fáciles, si no el más fácil, que hemos tenido nunca. Tan temprano, de hecho, que podemos adelantar nuestra reserva de Uber. Diez minutos después estamos en un taxi precioso e impecable, camino a toda velocidad hacia la estación de Tokio.
Lo primero que notamos es que, como dice Alfredo, nos recuerda a nuestra primera vez en China: simplemente impecable, aunque por supuesto el centro de Shanghái y Pekín es perfecto, pero no como esto. No vemos basura ni grafitis. Todo el mundo habla bajo y es educado. Y cuando llegamos a la enorme estación de tren, la gente incluso se acerca espontáneamente para ofrecernos ayuda. Los japoneses que hablan inglés —aunque parecen ser relativamente pocos— nos ofrecen información de manera cordial y sin que se la pidamos, entre ellos una adolescente que estudia inglés y está encantada de poder practicar con nosotros.
La estación de Tokio es impresionante: una fachada clásica combinada con una ampliación contemporánea. El hermano de Alfredo nos había advertido: preparaos, es inmensa y una de las estaciones de tren con más tráfico del mundo. Al igual que las calles de fuera, no hay ni rastro de suciedad, grafitis o basura.
Decidimos pasear un poco una vez que averiguamos dónde está nuestra puerta, saliendo al exterior para disfrutar del tiempo nublado pero fresco y, sencillamente, observar a la gente.
Primeras impresiones de Tokio: estoy impresionado.
Me encuentro pensando en lo extraordinario que resulta que Tokio tenga el aspecto que tiene y funcione como funciona teniendo en cuenta la cantidad de veces que la ciudad prácticamente ha tenido que reinventarse. Edo quedó devastada por el Gran Incendio de Meireki en 1657; Tokio volvió a quedar destrozada por el Gran Terremoto de Kantō de 1923; y después enormes extensiones de la ciudad fueron arrasadas por los bombardeos incendiarios estadounidenses durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial, en particular durante el catastrófico ataque de la noche del 9 al 10 de marzo de 1945. Si a esto añadimos siglos de incendios y desastres menores, parece que la reconstrucción estuviera entretejida en el propio ADN de Tokio.
Por supuesto, como fan de Godzilla de toda la vida, no puedo resistirme a añadir a la lista toda la destrucción ficticia. Godzilla ha pisoteado, arrasado y destruido de todas las maneras imaginables grandes partes de Tokio repetidamente desde su primera aparición en 1954 y, sin embargo, de alguna manera la ciudad siempre vuelve a resurgir con mejor aspecto que nunca. Godzilla siempre me ha fascinado, y estar aquí hace que las películas parezcan un poquito más tangibles. Hay algo peculiarmente apropiado en que un monstruo nacido de las ansiedades del Japón de posguerra ataque una y otra vez una ciudad que, en la vida real, también ha resurgido repetidamente de la destrucción.
Pasamos las dos horas de espera tomando un whisky japonés y comprando cajas de bento para almorzar en el tren. Los quioscos que las venden son numerosos y maravillosamente variados, tanto junto al andén como en el propio andén, además de cerveza, aperitivos y, por supuesto, sake.
El tren llega exactamente a su hora y enseguida estamos camino de Kioto. Nuestros almuerzos bento son obras de arte, como si los hubiera diseñado un escaparatista de una boutique de lujo. Cada pieza del sushi de Alfredo viene envuelta en una hoja y mi katsu parece digno de una sesión fotográfica —y, ah sí: delicioso—. Como nosotros, la mujer sentada enfrente lleva dos pequeños «compañeros de viaje»: unas muñequitas que fotografía posando contra el respaldo de su asiento. Como nosotros viajamos con un dúo de peluches formado por el monstruo del lago Ness y un mapache, supongo que no somos los únicos locos.
A nuestra derecha, aunque oculto por las nubes, está el monte Fuji. Está clasificado como volcán activo y su última erupción tuvo lugar entre 1707 y 1708. Japón cuenta con 111 volcanes activos, según la Agencia Meteorológica de Japón. «Activo» significa que han entrado en erupción en aproximadamente los últimos 10.000 años o que actualmente muestran una actividad fumarólica significativa. Eso supone alrededor del 7 % de los aproximadamente 1.500 volcanes activos del mundo, algo extraordinario para un país del tamaño de Japón. La Agencia Meteorológica vigila especialmente y de manera continua 50 de esos 111 volcanes.
Llegamos a un Kioto frío y lluvioso. Al parecer, el tifón que se encuentra más al sur está afectando al tiempo y esperamos tres días «atmosféricos». Aun así, nos registramos en nuestro hotel, el encantador y céntrico Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto Shijo Karasuma, e inmediatamente salimos hacia el complejo de templos de Kiyomizu-dera.
Un taxi nos lleva hasta las colinas del este de Kioto, donde se encuentra uno de los complejos de templos budistas más célebres de la ciudad. A pesar de la lluvia, el lugar está abarrotado. Kiyomizu-dera fue fundado en el año 778 en torno al manantial de la cascada Otowa. Los incendios lo destruyeron una y otra vez a lo largo de los siglos, por lo que la mayor parte de lo que vemos hoy corresponde a una reconstrucción de 1633. Su famosa plataforma de madera sobresale de la ladera. A unos 13 metros sobre la pendiente. Sostenida por una estructura de madera entrelazada sin clavos. Desde aquí normalmente se contempla la ciudad extendiéndose a nuestros pies, pero hoy las cortinas de lluvia y la niebla suavizan el paisaje.
Después de recorrer el complejo, comenzamos a bajar por Sannenzaka y Ninenzaka. Antiguas calles de acceso que durante siglos han conducido a los peregrinos hasta este templo. Hace mucho tiempo que a esos peregrinos se sumaron oleadas de turistas, y hoy las estrechas calles empedradas están abarrotadas de casas de té, tiendas de dulces, cerámica y todos los recuerdos imaginables, muchos de ellos instalados en tradicionales casas de madera de Kioto. Al doblar una esquina, la pagoda Yasaka aparece de repente sobre los antiguos tejados, una de las vistas clásicas del histórico barrio de Higashiyama, aún más evocadora con la tormenta que se acerca.
Regresamos caminando hasta nuestro hotel, un trayecto de aproximadamente una hora, utilizando los paraguas constantemente. Paseamos por algunos maravillosos barrios residenciales antiguos de Kioto. Y decidimos echar un vistazo al pub irlandés que está al lado de nuestro hotel.
Por desgracia y para nuestra sorpresa —y disgusto— todavía se permite fumar, y el local está cubierto por una nauseabunda nube de humo. La encantadora mujer que está detrás de la barra nos dice: «Ah, la zona de no fumadores está allí». Pero, claro, una «zona de no fumadores» dentro de un bar lleno de humo no tiene demasiado sentido. Así que, aunque para nosotros un pub irlandés es algo así como el símbolo internacional de bienvenida, decidimos regresar a nuestro encantador Hilton, libre de humo, tomar una copa y después decidir qué vamos a hacer para cenar.
Tengo ramen en mente.
Y, de nuevo: después de tres trayectos en taxi hoy, un tren de alta velocidad desde Tokio y ahora 10.000 pasos atravesando numerosos y muy distintos barrios: ni UN SOLO trozo de basura en el suelo.
MEDIA CONTACT David Perry & Associates, Inc. David Perry / (415) 676-7007 /news@davidperry.com
Boo2Bullying Brings Fourth Annual “Kick Bullying to the Curb” Wellness Festival to Palm Springs October 10
Free family event combines youth wellness resources, live entertainment, family attractions, student recognition and a celebrity kickball game at Palm Springs Power Stadium
25 September 2026 – Palm Springs, CA: On October 10, a baseball stadium will become a field of kindness as Boo2Bullying brings its fourth annual “Kick Bullying to the Curb” Wellness Festival and Celebrity Kickball Game to Palm Springs Power Stadium. The free, family-friendly gathering will connect young people and their families with practical wellness resources while celebrating teamwork, inclusion and the simple but powerful truth that every child deserves to feel safe, valued and heard.
The festival takes place Saturday, October 10 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Palm Springs Power Stadium, 1901 E. Baristo Road. The Celebrity Kickball Game begins at 6 p.m. and will feature celebrity guests, community leaders, first responders, businesses and local youth organizations in a spirited, family-friendly competition designed to promote kindness, teamwork and community connection.
“A young person who knows they matter is better equipped to speak up, ask for help and stand up for someone else,” said Dimitri Halkidis, founder of Boo2Bullying. “This festival takes that message beyond the classroom and puts it into action across the entire community. We want every child who walks through the gates to leave feeling stronger, more connected and absolutely certain that they are not alone.”
Throughout the afternoon, the festival’s Wellness Village will bring together organizations serving youth and families in mental health, education, healthcare, nutrition, fitness, youth development, digital wellness and community services. The family-friendly celebration will feature music by DJ ACE BOOM, California Mobile Zoo, KONA ICE, face painting by Rainbow Sparkz Circus, interactive youth activities, returning sports announcer Adam Ulhorn and a special performance by the Palm Springs High School Cheer Squad, along with opportunities to connect with local schools, nonprofits, healthcare organizations, youth-serving agencies and community partners.
Teens Off Your Screens™ Recognition Ceremony:
As part of this year’s festival, Boo2Bullying will host a special Teens Off Your Screens™ Recognition Ceremony honoring James Workman Middle School and celebrating students who participated in the initiative’s pilot program. Three student winners will receive special awards recognizing their participation and achievement.
Teens Off Your Screens™, supported in part by a grant from the Irene W. & Guy L. Anderson Children’s Foundation for the 2026-2027 school year, encourages young people to develop healthier relationships with technology, social media and screen time while strengthening real-world connection, creativity and emotional well-being. The initiative is being introduced this fall as part of Boo2Bullying’s ongoing youth outreach programming.
The day’s scheduled highlights include the festival opening at 4 p.m.; the Wellness Village and family activities; music by DJ ACE BOOM; California Mobile Zoo; KONA ICE; face painting by Rainbow Sparkz Circus; a special performance by the Palm Springs High School Cheer Squad; the Teens Off Your Screens™ Recognition Ceremony honoring James Workman Middle School and three student award recipients; and the Celebrity Kickball Game, with returning sports announcer Adam Ulhorn, beginning at 6 p.m. The event continues with a community celebration through 8 p.m.
Since the festival began in 2022, Boo2Bullying reports more than 10,000 attendees, 300 volunteers, 150 community partners and representation from more than 50 schools, along with over $250,000 in in-kind support and resources. The organization has empowered more than 25,000 young people through school assemblies, youth leadership programs, educator and parent workshops, community events and family outreach.
Voices from the Community:
“This festival is amazing! So many resources for our family and so much fun for the kids!”— Parent
“I love the energy, the people, and the message. Can’t wait for next year!”— Student
“Our organization connects with so many families. It’s the highlight of our outreach year.”
Boo2Bullying’s current community champions and presenting sponsors include the City of Palm Springs and Bighorn Cares; community partners include Walter Clark Legal Group, Contour Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Center, The Bianco Group, Kimpton The Rowan Palm Springs, The Law Offices of Eric A. Rudolph, and Desert Water Agency; youth & community organizations include Boys & Girls Club Palm Springs, First Tee Coachella Valley, Palm Springs High School Cheer Squad, The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, Transgender Health & Wellness Center, and Learn4Life; program support includes Irene W. & Guy L. Anderson Children’s Foundation; and media partners include El Informador Del Valle, Coachella Valley Independent, David Perry & Associates, CV Weekly, NBC Palm Springs and Valley Voice Media.
Admission is free. For event details and free registration, visit boo2bullying.org/kick-bullying-to-the-curb.
About Boo2Bullying:
Boo2Bullying is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth, building kindness and creating safer schools. Founded in 2011, the organization provides evidence-informed school assemblies, social-emotional learning workshops, youth leadership programs, educator training, parent workshops, community events and family outreach. Boo2Bullying helps young people choose kindness, strengthen emotional resilience, build healthy relationships and become leaders who positively impact their schools and communities. For information about scheduling a program, contact Dimitri Halkidis at (310) 435-8528 or dimitrihalkidis@boo2bullying.org. For more information, visit www.boo2bullying.org.
