Saturday, October 12, 2024

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

MAYOR LONDON N. BREED ON YOM KIPPUR

San Francisco, CA – Mayor London N. Breed today issued the following statement on Yom Kippur: 

“As we reflect during Yom Kippur and the High Holy Days, a time of renewal and recommitment, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the profound contributions the Jewish community has made to the fabric of our city. Whether through acts of charity, leadership in civic life, or dedication to social justice, San Francisco is stronger because of the values and traditions upheld by our Jewish neighbors. I stand in solidarity with you as we continue to build a more just, inclusive, and compassionate City.

“In recent months, we have seen heartbreaking instances of antisemitism rear their ugly head in our city and across this country, including the recent attack of antisemitic graffiti at a local business, one that is dedicated to political dialogue, civic engagement, and community building. Let me be clear: antisemitism, bigotry, and hate of any kind have no place in San Francisco. The Jewish community has always stood proudly with our diverse communities against all forms of hate no matter who they target, and we will always stand with those who believe in equality and respect for all.  

“Just days ago, I had the honor of attending the October 7 memorial, where we gathered in mourning and solidarity with the Jewish community a year after the violent attacks in Israel. Through the grief and pain of that memorial, I witnessed the resilience and unity that reflects the strength of the Jewish spirit. I was deeply moved by the coming together of people from all walks of life to stand against hatred and violence.

“As we reflect on the past year and look forward to the next, I reaffirm my commitment to standing with the Jewish community here in San Francisco. I will continue to work to fight antisemitism, support community-led initiatives, and ensure that our city remains a place where everyone—regardless of faith or background—feels safe and valued.”

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

New Museum to Celebrate Legacy of Star WarsFandom

It Aims to Bring Together Four of the 
World’s Largest Star Wars Collections

Fundraising and Site Selection Now Underway

7 October 2024 – Seattle, WA and Petaluma, CA: A new chapter in the Star Wars universe is being written, not in a galaxy far, far away, but right here on Earth. The Saga Museum® of Star Wars Memorabilia (https://RanchoObiWan.org/TheSagaMuseum/) aims to bring together four of the world’s largest Star Wars collections—comprising over 1.5 million objects—into one groundbreaking, immersive experience. This highly anticipated museum will offer fans a galactic range of exhibits, programs, and amenities designed to be both fun and inspirational, while celebrating the rich legacy of Star Wars. Plans for the new museum were announced Saturday night at a fundraising event at Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP). 

“Since Princess Leia’s spaceship first sped across the big screen and our collective consciousness 47 years ago, Star Wars fandom has continued to grow and evolve,” said Steve Sansweet, founder of the nonprofit Rancho Obi-Wan, the world’s largest collection of Star Wars memorabilia as recognized by Guinness World Records. “This new museum is for everyone who has ever felt inspired by Star Wars and its continuing legacy. It will be a place where the creative minds of tomorrow can come and dream.”

The mission of the nonprofit is to share the fun and excitement of Star Wars and to deliver a robust suite of meaningful educational, aesthetic,‬ intellectual, and cultural exhibitions and programming for multiple generations.
“Our intention is that this combined Star Wars memorabilia collection will serve a higher purpose,” Sansweet said. “The legacy of Star Wars is coming full circle to help teach science, technology, robotics, engineering, art, and mathematics in this new museum.”

The founding collections at The Saga Museum are from some of the most renowned Star Wars collectors in the world:

Steve Sansweet—Rancho Obi-Wan: Executive Chairman and Founder of Rancho Obi-Wan, Steve’s collection is certified by Guinness World Records as the largest Star Wars memorabilia collection globally. Steve was Director of Content Management & Head of Fan Relations for Lucasfilm for 15 years and is the author of 17 official Star Wars books.

Gus Lopez—Bobacabana: Creator of the Star Wars Celebration Collecting Track and co-author of several Star Wars books and many articles. Gus’ collection includes rare and one-of-a-kind items like original art, toys, awards, and screen-used movie memorabilia.

Duncan Jenkins—The Sithsonian: Known for his international presentations at Star Wars conventions, Duncan’s collection is one of the most comprehensive in the world, with a focus on international and unique memorabilia. He has also coauthored four Star Wars collectibles books.

Lisa Stevens & Vic Wertz—Imperial Archives: Lisa, one-time president of the Official Star Wars Fan Club and Star Wars Brand Manager at Wizards of the Coast, and Vic, former associate editor of Star Wars Insider, have a collection rich in modern toys and high-end limited-edition collectibles.

“The Saga Museum is a natural extension of Rancho Obi-Wan,” said Anne Neumann, President of the nonprofit museum located in Petaluma, Californianorth of San Francisco that opened to the public in 2011. “Rancho Obi-Wan has inspired thousands of visitors through the ‘Force’ of imagination. Our intention is that The Saga Museum will build on that mission and legacy.”

The founding team, with decades of experience in collecting, curating, and preserving Star Warsmemorabilia, has been consulting with museum professionals and fundraising experts to help ensure the success of this new venture. The Saga Museum has launched a campaign to raise $2 million for a two-year planning phase, which will involve working with cities across the United States to identify a permanent, engaging world-class museum design firms, hiring an architectural firm to draft renderings, and executing a capital campaign to fund construction.

“We want The Saga Museum to be a place where everyone, from hardcore fans to casual visitors, can experience the magic of Star Wars in new ways,” said Neumann. “It’s an opportunity to explore how these stories have impacted not just pop culture but the world at large.”

Statement from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum: One Year Since October 7th

The past year has been unbearable. It’s inconceivable that a full year has passed since the horrific Saturday of October 7th, when so many were murdered, injured, and kidnapped. Since hundreds of women, men, and children were kidnapped in their pajamas or dancing at a music festival.

It’s inconceivable that 101 hostages—our loved ones, our family members, our children, our parents, our grandparents—remain captive in the hands of the terror organization Hamas, held in appalling conditions.

As we mark this somber anniversary, we urge the world not to grow silent or complacent. Do not forget us. Do not forget the hostages. This is a humanitarian global crisis, with the hostages representing 24 different nationalities and five religions.
Every day that passes brings another day of unimaginable suffering for the hostages and their families. Time is of the essence.

We call upon world leaders, the global community, and all concerned parties: maintain pressure on Hamas to accept a deal for the release of all hostages. Those still alive need to begin the complex process of rehabilitation, while those who were murdered deserve a proper burial. A deal that ensures their safe return holds the promise of a better future for both Israelis and Gaza residents. We cannot move forward until every last hostage is returned home.

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The Hostages Families Forum Headquarters

Media Invite Reminder: TONIGHT, October 5 (6pm – 10) Major Star Wars Announcement at Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture

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

Saturday, October 5
Seattle Museum of Pop Culture 
325 5th Avenue N.
6pm:  Event start
7pm: Announcement of World’s Largest “Star Wars” Collection

Rancho Obi-Wan’s Saturday October 5 Fundraiser at Seattle’s MoPOP Set to Be a Galactic Event for Star Wars Fans

World’s Largest Collection of Star Wars Memorabilia
Set to Make Major Announcement at Event Featuring Auction of Rare and Sought After Items

Acclaimed Comic, Influencer and “Super Fan” Mark Daniel to Emcee

5 October 2024 – Seattle: “A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…..” Actually, not far away, but tonight Saturday, October 5, fans of the Star Wars universe are gearing up for an out-of-this-world experience as the acclaimed nonprofit Rancho Obi-Wan (www.ranchoobiwan.org) home to the world’s largest Star Wars memorabilia collection as confirmed by The Guinness World Records, hosts a special fundraiser at Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP). This rare one-night-only event includes food, drink, an exhibit of “Star Wars Inspired Guitars” and of course, opportunities to buy and bid at auction on rare Star Wars collectibles.  Special guest emcee for the evening is noted Star Wars Super Fan and online influencer Mark Daniel.  At the end of the evening, Rancho Obi-Wan will be making a major announcement about the future of the collection.

“The Force is strong with this event, and strong with our legions of fans from the light and dark side who support our mission,” said Steve Sansweet, who founded the nonprofit Rancho Obi-Wan in 2011. “Our mission is to inspire people by showcasing the collection and promoting a warm, joyous, inclusive environment for a fun, authentic fan experience, Rancho Obi-Wan presents collectibles and works of art, including fan-made pieces, to inspire others to be imaginative, creative, seek information and learn new crafts.”

The highly anticipated October 5 event at MoPOP marks a significant milestone—the first fundraiser held outside the museum’s Petaluma, California base since 2018.  Located just north of San Francisco, thousands of people have experienced the collection, which now comprises a fan base from 59 countries.

“Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture is the perfect spot for this event,” Sansweet continued. “Their collection which includes significant sci-fi elements is sure to delight our attendees. Plus, where else can you take a monorail to a party.”

The evening promises to be a true celebration of Star Wars fandom, with a variety of immersive experiences planned. Attendees will be treated to passed appetizers, a grazing bar, and a dessert bar, all while mingling among iconic Star Wars props and costumes in MoPOP’s extensive galleries. The event will also feature a special exhibit from Rancho Obi-Wan, showcasing Star Wars-themed guitars that are sure to strike a chord with fans of all ages.

“Rancho Obi-Wan is more than just a collection: It’s a celebration of the creativity and passion that Star Wars has inspired in millions of fans worldwide,” said special guest emcee Daniel, the energetic and beloved host of Star Wars Celebration events. “I’m thrilled to be part of an event that brings this incredible community together.”

The evening’s program includes both a live and silent auction, offering attendees the chance to take home rare and unique Star Wars collectibles. Sansweet emphasized the importance of this event in preserving the museum’s vast collection.

“Rancho Obi-Wan is a testament to the enduring legacy of Star Wars, and this fundraiser is crucial in helping us continue to share that legacy with fans for generations to come,” he said.  “This collection is, truly, a global treasure of galactic proportions.

Among the items being auctioned off, and included in some of the ticket prices, are special “Rancho Obi-Wan Star Wars Experiences” such as: exclusive tours of private Star Wars collections, including those belonging to Rancho Obi-Wan’s Vice President, Gus Lopez, as well aslongtime Star Wars collectors 
Rancho Obi-Wan board member, Lisa Stevens, and Vic Wertz. These tours, paired with a Skywalker Vineyards wine tasting, offer a rare glimpse into the personal treasures of some of the most dedicated Star Wars collectors in the world. Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) known for its dedication to pop culture, provides the perfect venue for this galactic gathering. 

“Our museum is dedicated to providing immersive experiences that inspire and connect diverse communities, which made hosting Rancho Obi-Wan’s fundraiser at MoPOP a natural fit,” said Jacob McMurray, MoPOP Chief Collections + Exhibitions Officer.  “We’re honored to partner with Rancho Obi-Wan on an evening showcasing the beloved Star Wars franchise and to raise money for an important cause.”

As guests explore the galleries and participate in the evening’s events, they will also have the opportunity to take photos with life-sized Star Wars characters, ensuring that every moment of the evening is filled with memories to last a lifetime.

Tickets for the fundraiser are priced at $350, with a special rate of $300 for Rancho Obi-Wan members. For those looking to enhance their experience, add-on tickets for the exclusive collection tours are available for $550. All proceeds from the event will support Rancho Obi-Wan’s mission to preserve and share the world’s most comprehensive Star Wars collection. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit  https://ranchoobiwan.org/fundraiser2024/