To whom it may concern:

I’m a 20-year Castro resident, frequent Castro Theatre moviegoer, and independent film producer. I’m writing to let you know that after careful consideration, I’m fully supportive of APE’s plans for the Castro. 

I encourage you to review their plans (here) as well as their FAQ (here) and you will see that the so-called Save-the-Castro Theatre Conservancy’s concerns are either completely unfounded, or have been thoroughly addressed.I’ve honestly been scouring the Save the Castro website and social media to find something tI object to, but I can’t find it. There’s no data – only hollow claims not based on facts about APE and the renovation including:

1. APE is a good-faith, independent, local operator of incredibly high quality events at similarly historic venues (Greek Theatre, The Fox) where they are a thoughtful steward.
2. APE’s management not only helps these venues survive, but in the case of the Fox in Oakland, they literally brought it back from the ashes after decades of abandonment.
3. I’m convinced they’ve addressed the concerns of the community around programming and maintaining interior sloped seating.
4. The renovations will make the theater more accessible to people with disabilities. This is especially true for the stage.

Lastly, as a Castro resident, regular, well-attended events at the Castro will draw thousands of people into the neighborhood, supporting local businesses and enhancing the vibrancy and safety of the Upper Market neighborhood. Delaying the renovation on baseless claims will only hurt  theCastro and the neighborhood.

I’d encourage you all to look at the facts behind the renovation and APE’s track record. If you do, I think you will come to the same conclusion I have. 

Many thanks, 

Brian Kemler

San Francisco

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

One of the World’s Largest LGBTQ Cultural Organizations Endorses Castro Theatre Renovation Plans by Another Planet Entertainment 

Frameline — Oldest Queer Film Festival on Earth — Calls APE Revised Seating Plan “Exciting” and “Sightlines Ideal for Film”

30 January 2023 – San Francisco, CA: Following a year of public input and intense planning to ensure not only sightlines ideal for film, but seating and improvements to increase ADA and other accessibilities, the plans for the renovation, restoration and revitalization of the historic and LGBTQ iconic Castro Theatre by Bay Area company Another Planet Entertainment (www.apeconcerts.com) have been endorsed by the Frameline International Film Festival (www.frameline.org): one of the largest and most prestigious LGBTQ cultural institutions on earth, the world’s oldest queer film festival, and prime user of the historic venue.

“Frameline looks forward to screening at the Castro Theatre every June – it will always be our home,” said James Woolley Executive Director of Frameline. “The improvements to accessibility for all audiences, especially our many customers with disabilities, are very exciting. In addition we appreciate a new HVAC system. The seats retain sightlines ideal for film and the prototype seats we sampled are comfortable and secure. The importance of regularly premiering new queer cinema at the Castro Theatre for both the queer community, and our rising queer filmmakers remains at the core of our ability to fulfill our mission. We feel that these latest proposed revisions to the seating will help ensure Frameline’s home remains at the Castro for years to come.”

In recent days, Another Planet released revised plans after listening to input from the film community. The updated plans include an innovative mechanized floor that will allow the Castro to retain a raked floor for film events, then also convert to a flat and tiered profile for concerts and other special events.

(see the video presentation at the link below).    
https://www.castrotheatre.com/castro-theatre-preservation/

“There would be no Castro Theatre without the Frameline LGBTQ International Film Festival,” said Mary Conde, senior Vice President for Another Planet.  “For the last many months, we have been grateful for their wisdom, input and support. We can’t wait to welcome Frameline into a renovated Castro Theatre.“

Another Planet assumed management and programming of the historic landmark Castro Theatre in January 2022, with a commitment to fully restore the venue to its original Timothy Pflueger magnificence. The theatre was opened in 1922, built by the local Nasser family who still owns the complex.

For more information go to www.castrotheatre.com

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

An unconventional & hysterical comedy with one of the theatre world’s longest titles continues 15^th Season for Dezart Performs March 3 – 12

26 January 2023 – Palm Springs: In A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY UNIT AT THE MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER OF NEW YORK CITY by Halley Feiffer, a young woman tries out her new stand-up comedy act for her mother in the ICU of the aforementioned hospital, not knowing she is being overheard.  A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY UNIT… “makes a convincing case that hard laughter is an absolutely appropriate response, if not a socially sanctioned one, to those moments when life seems like too bad a joke not to respond otherwise” (The New York Times).  A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY UNIT… continues the historic 15^th season for Dezart Performs (www.dezartperforms.org) and runs March 3 – 12 at the Pearl McManus Theatre in downtown Palm Springs.  Directed by Randy Brenner, the play runs 90 minutes long without an intermission, and is for mature audiences only.

“We’ve all heard about laughing in the face of death,” said Dezart Performs founding artistic director Michael Shaw “This is the definitive, moving and hilarious proof to that adage.”

When Karla (Aviva Pressman), a foul-mouthed twenty-something comedian visits her mother, Marcie (Deborah Harmon), recovering from Ovarian Cancer surgery at Sloan Kettering, her monologue is overheard but not appreciated by Don (Eric Zaklukiewicz), a middle-aged man embroiled in a nasty divorce visiting his seemingly unresponsive mother, Geena (Barbara Niles).  Together, this unlikely duo must negotiate some of life’s biggest challenges, while making some of the world’s most inappropriate jokes. Can these two very lost people learn to laugh through their pain and lean on each other, when all they really want to do is run away?

“I wanted to work on this play because coming out of the COVID pandemic, we have all had to learn how to deal with a lot of pain and loss,” said director Brenner. “Beneath the veneer of very funny biting humor, it addresses the way people deal with extreme grief and the pain that comes with it.”

Following A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY UNIT ….. (March 3 – 12), the season closes out with the acclaimed new buddy comedy THE GARBOLOGISTS (April 14 – 23) directed by Michael Shaw.All performances take place at the Pearl McManus Theater (at the historic Palm Springs Woman’s Club) 314 S Cahuilla Road, Downtown Palm Springs. Ticket prices are $39 – $50. Tickets may be purchased online at www.dezartperforms.org, or by calling (760) 322-0179. Showtimes are Fridays at 7:30pm; Saturdays at 2pm and 7:30pm; Sundays at 2pm.

Dezart Performs, one of the Coachella Valley’s preeminent theatre companies, recognizes that the performing arts enrich the life and culture of a community, promote greater understanding and provoke insightful discussion. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit theatre company, its mission is to provide an artistic home for bold and cutting–edge plays, creating an atmosphere of artistic growth for actors, writers, and directors who uniquely contribute to the diverse theatrical environment in the Coachella Valley.

15th Dezart Performs’ Season Listing

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY UNIT AT THE MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER OF NEW YORK CITY

March 3 – 12, 2023

Written by Halley Feiffer
Directed by Randy Brenner

Comedy 

“[A FUNNY THING HAPPENED…is] a play that is as deeply felt as its name is long. – The New York Times 

“The play is as defiantly unconventional as its title, but it is also satisfying in traditional ways.” – The Los Angeles Times

“Feiffer again demonstrates a talent for crafting caustically sharp comic dialogue.” – The Hollywood Reporter

—————

THE GARBOLOGISTS

April 14 – 23, 2023

Written by Lindsay Joelle
Directed by Michael Shaw

New comedy/drama

“THE GARBOLOGISTS takes us on a ride of sadness, joy, anger, disbelief, and understanding.” –Grid Magazine

“Lindsay Joelle’s finely crafted play is laced with wit and wisdom.” – Broadway World

“[THE GARBOLOGISTS] is delightfully intimate, surprising, and profound, filled with sometimes unexpected laughter and even tears..” – onStage Pittsburgh

# #

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

Roll into Spring!

SanFranDISCO Roller Rink Outside SF City Hall Extended!

Popular Venue Featuring World Class Skate Experience Open 
Through March 31, 2023

Initiative Sponsored by San Francisco Mayor London N. Breed,
SF Office of Economic & Workforce Development and Civic Center CBD

www.ISkateSF.com
#ISkateSF
#SanFranDISCO

25 January 2023 – San Francisco, CA:  Buoyed by enthusiastic eight-wheelers — veterans and new initiates to the family-friendly, open-air experience – SanFranDISCO (www.ISkateSF.com) has extended and is now running through March 31, 2023.  Initially opened in mid-October, the newly constructed 5000 square foot roller rink has enlivened the Civic Center’s Fulton Plaza under the tutelage of legendary skate master David Miles, Jr. founder of the City’s popular “Church of 8 Eight Wheels” located in Western Addition.  SanFranDISCO is sponsored by the office of San Francisco Mayor London N. Breed,  the SF Office of Economic & Workforce Development, the San Francisco Civic Center CBD, the San Francisco Public Library, and the Asian Art Museum. 

San FranDISCO is open to the public Wednesdays through Sundays, noon to 8pm. Youth under 18 years can skate for $5, and people 18 and up for $15 (admission fees cover entrance and skate rental). With offerings for everyone, the rink is a welcomed new outdoor entertainment amenity for residents and visitors alike to enjoy. 

San FranDISCO is one of many new concepts derived from the City’s Economic Recovery plan to prioritize the City’s downtown area by bringing families, residents, and visitors back to San Francisco public spaces and businesses. 

In addition to the high-quality rink flooring protected from the elements with a roof canopy, the rink facility features restrooms, a skate rental kiosk, and ample public seating areas where anyone can enjoy watching skaters in action.

Programming at the rink will complement and support other initiatives in the area as part of the Civic Center Initiative, such as the re-opening of the Café Kiosk in Civic Center Plaza, now operated by Assembly Café; the addition of new weekday musical performances and food trucks to Civic Center Plaza; the enhanced seasonal produce offerings at the long-standing Heart of the City Farmers Market happening Wednesdays and Sundays in UN Plaza.

For more information, please visit www.ISkateSF.com and when posting to social media please hashtag #ISkateSF #SanFranDISCO

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

Highly Anticipated Release of Data from HARC Set for February 28

Triennial Coachella Valley Survey Called “Vital and Life Saving”
For Government and Community Planning

Information Is First Comprehensive Assessment of the Coachella Valley
Following Worst of COVID Pandemic

www.HARCdata.org

25 January 2023 – Palm Desert, CA: “It’s a capital mistake to theorize before one has data,” said the legendary literary sleuth Sherlock Holmes. To that end, the Coachella Valley’s esteemed nonprofit HARC (www.HARCdata.org), takes the mystery out of life-saving information, turning dry facts into something far more compelling than fiction.  On February 28^th, HARC (an acronym for Health Assessment and Research for Communities) will release its highly anticipated triennial health survey of Coachella Valley residents, the most comprehensive such study in the region, and especially relevant coming after three years of the COVID pandemic. Registration for the February 28^th event is free at the following link: https://2023coachellavalleydata.eventbrite.com

“This information changes lives,” said Jenna LeComte-Hinely, PhD, Chief Executive Officer for HARC.  “This data saves lives today and improves lives tomorrow. The results of this survey are crucial, so that our legislators, health care providers and community professionals can shape and execute policies that build and sustain a healthier community: mentally, physically and emotionally. In light of the pandemic and its continuing impact, this data is even more important than ever.”

In 2022, HARC staff mailed their community survey to individuals in the Coachella Valley asking for frank, but confidential, information about their health and well-being. The survey allows HARC to estimate the prevalence of health conditions, behaviors, major diseases, mental health, and much more for the entire Coachella Valley region. HARC also collected general demographics to more closely examine group differences, such as gender, race/ethnicity, and age. For example, HARC can estimate how many people need mental health care, but can’t get it, and which demographics are most impacted.

“Eisenhower Health greatly appreciates the data gathered by HARC for our organization’s Community Health Needs Assessment,” said Elizabeth Wholihan, Eisenhower Vice President for Marketing & Public Relations. “The data, combined with direct input from our community, is crucial for our strategic planning efforts which allow Eisenhower to determine how we can best respond to the health care needs of our community.”

The survey was conducted via address-based mailing. In other words, 18,000 randomly selected households were mailed the adult survey and pre-incentive of $2. Of those adults who completed the survey and also indicated they had a child in the home, were then mailed a child survey and were offered a $10 post incentive for participating. The information was collected and then weighted using data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. On February 28th, the finished report, carefully prepared by HARC, will be presented online and in a written booklet of findings, available – FREE – to everyone.

“The report is free,” quips Dr. LeComte-Hinely, “but the importance of the information is priceless.”

When Sir Francis Bacon published in his work, Meditationes Sacrae in 1597 and coined the phrase “knowledge is power”, he could have been speaking for health professionals but also our elected officials who have long known its truth. One person who combines both those perspectives agrees with the importance of HARC’s information.

“As a physician and public health expert, I know how vital accurate data is to improve the public’s health and address the health disparities our communities face,” said Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25). “This data report will help equip us with the tools and information we need to improve health outcomes for Coachella Valley residents and build a healthier, stronger community for us all.”

According to HARC, because of that, data at the Coachella Valley level is collected and analyzed to accurately reflect the needs of our local community. Organizations that use HARC’s data to support their requests for funding have brought in more than $19.9 million in funding to support critically needed programs and services, such as free HIV tests, and low-to-no-cost mental healthcare, among others.

About HARC:
HARC is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in Palm Desert, CA. HARC provides research and evaluation services in the field of health, wellness, and quality of life, with a special focus on the Inland Empire. To learn more about HARC, visit www.HARCdata.org. The 2022 Coachella Valley Community Health Survey is made possible by funding from Anderson Children’s Foundation, Auen Foundation, California Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program (CALOSBA), City of Coachella, City of Desert Hot Springs, City of La Quinta, City of Palm Desert, City of Palm Springs, College of the Desert, DAP Health, Desert Oasis Healthcare, Desert Care Network, Eisenhower Health, Impact Through Golf Foundation, Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP), S. Mark Taper Foundation, MolinaCares Foundation on behalf of John Epps, Riverside County 4th District Supervisor CID Funds, University of California, Riverside – Center for Health Disparities Research, Windward Fund, and several generous private donors.