San Francisco’s taxpayer-funded open air Christmas market, hoped to be a healthful vacation outing for households, is in truth a dystopian hellhole besieged by town’s famed drug addicts.
At the very least that is what involved residents dwelling close to the market have revealed to DailyMail.com, with one property proprietor filming and posting to social media what she’s described to be a ‘horrible decline’ within the space.
Her clip exhibits a homeless particular person beneath a blanket just some yards away from the Winter Wanderland market within the sunken Hallidie Plaza, close to Metropolis Corridor.
The digicam then pans all the way down to the market itself, the place two folks dressed as cuddly characters carry out on a small stage. Our camerawoman then zooms off to the left, and movies a person swigging from what seems to be a bottle of brown liquor.
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The ‘Winter Wanderland’ has been arrange at Union Sq. in downtown San Francisco, simply minutes from the now closed Tenderloin Linkage Heart. It was set as much as assist addicts get clear, however DailyMail.com quickly revealed widespread unlawful drug use had been going down.
The footage filmed by the involved mom of two is in stark distinction to promotional materials posted by the organizers of the vacation market on social media channels, who described the occasion as ‘household pleasant.’
San Francisco’s taxpayer-funded open air Christmas market, hoped to be a healthful vacation outing for households, is in truth a dystopian hellhole besieged by town’s famed drug addicts. The fact is pictured left, whereas a scene from an advert selling it’s pictured proper
Within the footage filmed by the involved mom, viewers can see an individual sleeping subsequent to what seems to be a pile of garments, with used syringes scattered among the many belongings.
The video then speeds as much as present their proximity to the Hallidie Plaza and Powell BART station ‘Winter Wanderland Vacation Village.’
The 25 second video finishes on a near-to-empty plaza with two folks dressed up dancing on a stage – one carrying a snowman costume, the opposite a reindeer.
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In a caption the girl, who requested to stay anonymous, writes: ‘Distress, drug abuse, overdosing, drug dealing and mayor’s ‘Winter Wanderland’ at Hallidie Plaza and Powell BART station at downtown San Francisco. Who is that this charade for?’
Promotional footage uploaded to social media by the organizers of the ‘Winter Wanderland Vacation Village’ nevertheless tells a special, extra polished, model of occasions.
The video begins with a performer juggling, soundtracked by Christmas carols earlier than panning to a gaggle of kids eagerly watching on.
Within the footage filmed by the involved mom, viewers can see an individual sleeping subsequent to what seems to be a pile of garments, with injections scattered among the many belongings
The 25 second video finishes on a near-to-empty plaza with two folks dressed up dancing on a stage – one carrying a snowman costume, the opposite a reindeer
The digicam zooms throughout to a person sitting on the steps watching the present, who seems to be swigging from a bottle of brown liquor
The commercial then cuts to a lady dressed because the beloved Kids’s character ‘Minnie Mouse’ whereas carrying a COVID-safe face masks, with the caption ‘balloon twisting enjoyable and face portray’ on the backside of the display.
The girl is seen politely waving to viewers and saying ‘hello, there’ earlier than the video ends on festive Christmas tree show.
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Whereas making ready Christmas Eve dinner for her household, the mom of seven-year-old twins advised DailyMail.com of the ‘nightmare’ her as soon as beloved metropolis has became.
‘I’m a property proprietor simply above that Powell BART station,’ she mentioned.
‘[I’ve seen a] horrible decline since March 2020. It is a nightmare, it is all medication.’
The San Francisco resident mentioned she had a love/hate relationship with town however was being compelled to maneuver as a result of declining state of affairs.
‘We simply made provide on a home in Alameda, we will not take this anymore,’ she mentioned.
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‘I’ve a love/hate relationship with town. I do not need to transfer however I’ve no selection.’
Promotional footage uploaded to social media by the organizers of the ‘Winter Wanderland Vacation Village’ nevertheless tells a special, extra polished, model of occasions
The video which begins with a performer juggling, soundtracked by Christmas carols, then pans to a gaggle of kids eagerly watching on
Winter Wanderland Vacation Village is now open! Cease by Hallidie Plaza (Powell & Market St) each day* from 12-7 pm for stay family-friendly leisure, balloon twisting enjoyable and face portray, and handmade items, tree decor, sweets and warming drinks. pic.twitter.com/Re3ZTsx2di
The Union Sq. Alliance, by way of a $500,000 grant from the Workplace of Financial and Workforce Growth, put in Christmas timber, wreaths, snowflakes and different hanging ornaments, together with a slew of cubicles for distributors on the location.
Downtown San Francisco’s financial restoration has been uneven, and 2021 noticed episodes of large-scale retail theft.
The town’s workplaces have the bottom occupancy of any main metropolis, as its tech-focused workforce continues to work at home. That has shuttered many companies and left the streets eerily empty, additional permitting crime to proliferate.
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Union Sq.’s vacation tree noticed some mischief and vandalism earlier within the month however organizers weren’t apprehensive going into the festive season.
San Francisco is ruled by a management who seem to have set their priorities on masking the ever-present and deteriorating state of affairs in its downtown district.
Its progressive, humanitarian self-image has been at odds with lawmaking – even when trying to options to save lots of folks’s lives like controlling drug gross sales and consumption all through town.
The festive market sits however a 15 min stroll from the now shut Tenderloin middle which was supposed to place addicts in contact with rehab services, however was revealed by DailyMail.com to working as a secret unlawful drug use website has since closed.
The Tenderloin Heart was opened by San Francisco Mayor London Breed firstly of the yr to sort out town’s ongoing drug disaster and value about $22million to function.
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The Tenderloin Heart was opened by San Francisco Mayor London Breed (left) firstly of the yr to sort out town’s ongoing drug disaster
One ex-addict mentioned that in San Francisco that ‘open drug use has been normalized’ within the metropolis
Supervised drug consumption websites stay unlawful beneath federal legislation, and the well being division mentioned the Division of Justice ‘has but to articulate a path ahead’
The positioning was sometimes called a ‘protected place’ for addicts to ‘get excessive with out getting robbed,’ in response to one one that used the middle.
Within the first 4 months of the middle’s opening, was mentioned to solely refer 18 folks of the greater than 23,000 it welcomed into the location.
General lower than one per cent of visits led to a ‘accomplished linkage’ to behavioral well being applications.
Metropolis leaders, together with Breed, now say the location was a ‘non permanent answer’ supplied up as a approach to keep away from the greater than 640 overdose deaths San Francisco noticed in 2021.
Regardless of their efforts, 2022 has been almost simply as lethal as greater than 500 folks have died from overdoses all through the California metropolis. In 2021, there have been 641.
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Officers had additionally hoped the location would provide a spot to take care of the homeless disaster town has confronted in latest months and years.
Some estimates point out that tons of of individuals visited the Tenderloin Heart whereas it was open, and greater than 350 overdoses have been reversed on the location.
Mayor Breed had initially allotted simply $10 million for the undertaking but it surely rapidly ballooned to greater than double that estimate.
In complete, some 400 people have been supplied with help every day, in response to the San Francisco Division of Public Well being.
A big portion of those that took benefit of the location used it particularly for shelter or meals.
First off, it’s great to be back writing this column, with a new bionic knee, no less. Thanks to all the loyal readers who have sent notes of concern and support. The good news is that I’m back in the saddle, doing great, and well on the way to recovery.
Now, to the matter at hand! There’s a lot of talk about Pride this month. But what does Pride really mean? I’m of the opinion, in the spirit of Harvey Milk (who said everyone should come out), that Pride means showing up.
Showing up can express itself in a thousand ways. For me, I’m proud that during my short time on this planet, I’ve: held the hands of dear friends who were dying of AIDS, while I was still in my twenties; been the first to dance at my employer (KPIX TV)’s holiday party in the 1980s with my boyfriend (now husband); delivered thousands of meals over 11 years to people with terminal diseases through Project Open Hand; helped start television’s first AIDS education series on national TV, inviting Elizabeth Taylor to get involved in the cause for the first time (and winning a Peabody award); boldly celebrated my 10th anniversary with my husband in a redneck town in Montana where everyone sang to us in front of the locals; helped a popular on-air anchor come out when you didn’t know if you’d lose your job; joined the throngs of newlyweds at City Hall to get married when Gavin Newsom made same-sex marriage legal; supported ZATA, an organization that helps people with AIDS in Zimbabwe; purposely called my partner “husband” (even though sometimes he cringes), especially in front of those who might call us something else; honored our local and out-of-town drag performers by turning up at just about any drag show I could possibly attend; brought thousands of out-of-towners and locals to AsiaSF to help expose them to what transgender means; gathered openly at that great bar, 440 Castro, with my gay brothers, sisters, and others, to watch the passing parade on Castro Street; and started this column, proudly calling myself “The Gay Gourmet.”
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But, like many of you, I’ve only just begun. There is so much more to do. With each day that passes, I fear that, unless we continue the fight, we will lose all the rights and privileges we’ve gained during our lifetimes.
Back to the point. I guess Pride means doing whatever you can do to help celebrate our community in whatever way you can. To that end, I’m proud that our diverse and celebrated restaurant community has joined the month-long observance. Here are just a few ways that they—and you—can continue to exhibit Pride.
Sizzle, San Francisco’s Dinner Drag Show to Kickoff SF Pride Weekend: One Market Restaurant and famed SF Drag Queen Bobby Friday present SIZZLE: San Francisco’s only dinner drag show to kickoff SF Pride Weekend 2024 on Thursday, June 27. Experience eye-popping performances paired with an indulgent 4-course dinner from Chef Mark Dommen, for an unforgettable evening of glamour and entertainment. The dinner is a benefit for LYRIC—a San Francisco LGBTQ+ youth organization.
The Al Hirschfeld Foundation celebrates Pride Month with its latest online exhibition, Hirschfeld’s Drag Show, now live through August 15. The special guest curator for the exhibition is Tony-nominated playwright, actor, director, novelist, and drag legend, Charles Busch. The new exhibition celebrates some of the greatest drag performances of stage and screen, as seen through the eyes of legendary artist Al Hirschfeld. Charles Busch offers his commentary on Hirschfeld art depicting scenes from Broadway and Off-Broadway theater, and film, including Hairspray, Some Like It Hot, Victor/Victoria, Charlie’s Aunt, Tootsie, and Peter Pan, and artists including Julie Andrews, Mary Martin, Harvey Fierstein, Charles Ludlam, José Ferrer, Katharine Hepburn, Raquel Welch, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, Dustin Hoffman, BD Wong, Tony Roberts, Robert Morse, and more.
The Madrigal features 3 Pride cocktails inspired by the Beacon of Light, San Francisco’s rainbow light installation that beams with equality and community. These include: Clone Canyon, with gin, pineapple, hibiscus shrub, lime, cilantro, firewater, grapefruit soda, and a pink glowing ice cube; The Ensemble, with Ketel One vodka, pea flower, vanilla, lime, egg white, and club soda; and Mayclem’s Whey, with light rum, Zacapa 23, lemon, orange, pineapple, coriander, cinnamon, green tea, and milk whey.
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San Francisco Pride month is in full swing at the Ferry Building. Indulge in Humphry Slocombe’s “Make It Gay” sundae, featuring two scoops of Tahitian vanilla ice cream, house-made pink marshmallow fluff, and Fruit Loops. Savor Acme Bread Company’s “Rainbow Sandwich” all month long with roasted eggplant, house-made romesco, basil, and spicy giardiniera on its Pizza Bianca.
Early To Rise is offering a special “Glitter Doughnut” during the month.
Alora on the Embarcadero is donating proceeds to LYRIC from the sales of its Pride cocktail, “Rosé All Day” and its Pride dessert, “Farmers’ Market Berries.”
Above It All Pride Parade Viewing Party: Join Charmaine’s at The San Francisco Proper Hotel on Sunday, June 30, for a fabulous day filled with celebration, music, and fun. Get ready to watch the vibrant Pride Parade from a prime rooftop spot on Market Street, while enjoying crafted cocktails and delicious bites.
On June 30, The Phoenix Hotel’s iconic Mighty Real Pride Sunday is one of the hottest and most sought-after celebrations in the city. Back this year for another day party by the pool, the event features popping DJ artists, flowing drinks, and Pride vibes galore. Artists include David Harness, Evelyn “Champagne” King, and Tedd Patterson. This event will sell out, so it is highly encouraged to snag a ticket while you can.
Barrio in Ghirardelli Square is celebrating Pride month with a special “Rainbow Margarita,” where a portion of proceeds are donated to the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. This upgraded signature margarita features a blend of blue curaçao, cherry, and pineapple juice.
The new Beacon Grand Hotel at Union Square (formerly the Sir Francis Drake Hotel) unveiled a 3,000-square-foot Pride flag down the side of its building in celebration of Pride month. Throughout the month, the historic property will offer a special room package and cocktail in support of SF Pride. Available at the hotel’s bar and restaurant, The Post Room, the “Simply Complicated” cocktail will be served with an oversized Pride cookie from local gay-owned Hot Cookie, and a portion of proceeds will directly support SF Pride. Inspired by a chocolate-dipped strawberry, the “Simply Complicated” cocktail is made with Pasote Tequila, spiced agave, fresh strawberry purée, and basil.
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Starlite, the rooftop bar at the Beacon Grand Hotel, is also honoring LGBTQ+ Pride. Through the end of June, Starlite will be offering the “Little Red Dress,” a delicate cocktail of vodka, blood orange, Meyer lemon, and sparkling wine shaken and served in a coupetini glass with a touch of sparkle. 25% of each cocktail will be donated to Rainbow Honor Walk, the walk of fame installation in the Castro that honors notable LGBTQ+ individuals from around the world who left a lasting mark on society.
The Downtown SF Partnership is producing the return of Drag MeDowntown, a weekly series of pop-up drag performances featuring some of the biggest names in San Francisco drag, every Thursday in June. Performers at this year’s event include Afrika America, Oliver Branch, Tito Soto, Amoura Teese, Tyson Check-in, Kipper Snacks, Mahlae Balenciaga, and Carnie Asada. There will also be two Queer History Bus Tours and a sing-along before the final Drag Me Downtown performance on June 27 from 1–2:30 pm and 3:30–5 pm. Legendary drag queen Sister Roma of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will lead the tour and show attendees the hidden LGBTQ+ past of downtown San Francisco while cruising past lesser-known queer landmarks and singing along to classic pride anthems before the final drag show in the series.
In honor of Pride month, Gentleman Farmer Wines has created a Pride-themed 2021 Red Blend (mostly Merlot) and is donating 5% of the proceeds of the wine to the It Gets Better Project and 5% to LGBTQ Connection.
Ginger’s, San Francisco’s only Financial District LGBTQ+ bar, is reopening June 28, just in time for Pride. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, “Ginger’s will reopen in its home since 2017 at 86 Hardie Place. An opening celebration will include a blessing from the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence drag group and a party hosted by Bay Area drag performers Miss Shugana and Madd-Dogg, with special guests Kylie Minono, MGM Grande, Laundra Tyme, and Helixir Jynder Byntwell.”
Kokak Chocolates: This queer-owned Castro chocolatier is offering several Pride specials, including: the Kokak Pride Combo: “Love is chocolate” organic t-shirt and the “Kokak Pride 2024 chocolate collection” (customers can use the code SFBAY15 at checkout to enjoy a discount for the combo). In addition, Kokak has a special Castro Pride chocolate collection with artisanal Pride designs for sale.
Bouchon Bakery, Yountville: Celebrate Pride with Bouchon Bakery’s “Rainbow Cake.” This deliciousness is six layers of almond cake, filled with alternating apricot and raspberry jams, and topped with a dark chocolate glaze and shimmering luster dust. Slices are available for the month of June. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Hetrick Martin Institute to support LGBTQ+ youth.
Pride lasts all month long at St. Helena’s Clif Family Winery. Enjoy a “Rainbow Sprinkle Sugar Cookie” from the Clif Family Bruschetteria Food Truck, where 100% of the proceeds from every cookie sold through June will be donated to LGBTQ Connection Napa. This organization is an initiative fueled by youth and other emerging leadership, and it fosters a healthier, more vibrantly diverse, and inclusive community in Napa and Sonoma counties.
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Be Bubbly in Napa features its “Blush and Bubbly” dinner/drag show on June 28. Ava Lashay returns for an encore drag performance and brings her best Pride show to be bubbly. Colorful attire is encouraged.
The New Bar, San Francisco’s new nonalcoholic bar in the Marina, is popping up to support The Phoenix & The Castro Club for their “Sober Pride Party” at Hotel Yotel during the Pride Parade on June 30.
It’s not during June, but Opera Parallèle, in collaboration with The Transgender District, will help launch the first-ever statewide Transgender History Month in August with the third edition of Expansive, an enthusiastic showcase of transgender and nonbinary classical artists in two performances at 7.30 pm on Thursday, August 8, and Friday, August 9, at A.C.T.’s intimate Strand Theater.
Following Pride, Out in the Vineyard’s “Gay Wine Weekend” takes place this year at the Vintner’s Resort in Santa Rosa July 19–21. The weekend-long event is centered on LGBTQ+ community building while enjoying delicious food + wine, and benefits the local HIV/AIDS charity Face to Face.
This June, the Palace Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel in the heart of San Francisco, has planned several Pride events, including: a colorful Pride-themed afternoon tea with rainbow pastries, which benefits the SF LGBT Center; and a Pride hotel package in hotel rooms with guaranteed views of the June 30 SF Pride Parade. Guests who book this limited-time package will also receive a bottle of wine from VOON, a San Francisco based, LGBT-owned wine label focusing on low-intervention, small-production wines and a whimsical aesthetic. The package is valid for stays from June 28–30, using booking code: LVU.
Pomella in Oakland is once again offering its yearly tradition of house-made Pride Rainbow Cookies.
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They’re only $8 for a four-pack, you can order online—and oh, they’re so yummy!
Summer Bar & Lounge in Oakland hosts a “Know Your Status” party beginning at 9 pm on June 29. In partnership with Sutter Health, they’re offering free HIV testing and same day Prep, all with free cover.
Launched in 2021, Suncliffe is a botanical gin company founded by business and life partners Ryan Lawrence and Thomas Giddings, in partnership with their Brooklyn-based friend, Clare Byrne. Together, the creative trio have crafted an aromatic gin that utilizes three local junipers, foraged in the high desert of Sedona. Suncliffe’s “Arizona Botanical” signature gin is perfect for mixing or sipping. 10% of Suncliffe sales during June—from online, retail, and restaurant accounts—will go to the ACLU’s LGBTQ rights initiative.
The Academy SF is hosting a “Pretty in Pink” garden party on June 29. According to the social club, guests can “step into a kaleidoscope of love and liberation while indulging in signature cocktails, uplifting beats, and dazzling go-go’s, all amidst a lush garden backdrop. Embrace your own shade of pink, and let your true colors shine as we come together.”
Throughout June, restaurant recommendation site The Infatuation will be partnering with LGBTQ+ and ally bakeries in San Francisco and elsewhere to make one-of-a-kind treats to celebrate Pride. The Infatuation will grant the Queer Food Foundation (QFF) a donation of $50,000 as a part of this campaign. QFF is a collective of queer individuals who work at all intersections of the food system—from food justice, culinary to community organizing, media, hospitality, and more. San Francisco bakeries (all queer-owned or outspoken allies!) selling a bake sale-exclusive Pride-themed treat include: Kokak Chocolates, Chadwick’s, and Dynamo Donut and Coffee.
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Nob Hill’s The Summer Place is featuring several Pride-themed cocktails during June. The special drinks include the San Francisco, a frozen drink with Astral tequila, hibiscus, cucumber, rose water, and sparkling rosé; the Key West, with Tito’s vodka, elderflower, dolin blanc, citrus, sparkling wine, and mint; and the Provincetown, with Botanist gin, creme de violet, citrus, and maraschino liqueur. All drinks are created to represent three proud cities, which have a large presence that supports the LGBTQ+ community.
And finally, 13-time World Pizza Champion Tony Gemignani has teamed up with long-time San Francisco drag queen (and my fellow San Francisco Bay Times columnist) Donna Sachet to create limited-edition Rainbow Bagels to celebrate Pride month. Baked daily, the technicolored bagels will be available at Tony’s Dago Bagel in North Beach and for delivery via DoorDash Thursday through Sunday throughout the month of June. Bagels are plain or patrons can order it “Sachet Style,” which comes toasted and topped with sweet confetti cream cheese. All proceeds from the bagels will benefit the Rainbow Honor Walk, which is supported by Donna.
One Market Restaurant: https://onemarket.com/ The Al Hirschfeld Foundation: https://bit.ly/3zshiA7 The Madrigal: https://www.themadrigalsf.com/ The Ferry Building, San Francisco: https://bit.ly/3XG3mgg Humphry Slocombe: https://humphryslocombe.com/ Acme Bread Company: https://acmebread.com/ Early To Rise: https://www.earlytorisesf.com/ Alora: https://visitalora.com/ Charmaine’s: https://tinyurl.com/yuhwaejm The Phoenix Hotel: https://bit.ly/4cBwNEd Barrio: https://www.barriosf.com/ The Beacon Grand Hotel: https://www.beacongrand.com/ Drag Me Downtown: https://bit.ly/4eGmj8k Gentleman Farmer Wines: https://gentlemanfarmerwines.com/ Ginger’s: https://www.gingers.bar/ Kokak Chocolates: https://www.kokakchocolates.com/ Bouchon Bakery: https://bit.ly/3RIVfvt Clif Family Winery: https://www.cliffamily.com/ Be Bubbly: https://www.bebubblynapa.com/ The New Bar: https://thenewbar.com/ Opera Parallele: https://operaparallele.org/ Out in the Vineyard, Gay Wine Weekend: https://tinyurl.com/3dhcmc8z The Palace Hotel: https://tinyurl.com/2xmvw8tn Pomella: https://www.pomellaoakland.com/ Summer Bar & Lounge: https://www.thebarsummer.com/ Starlite: https://tinyurl.com/w7w2vhjv Suncliffe Gin: https://www.suncliffegin.com/ The Academy San Francisco: https://www.academy-sf.com/ The Infatuation: https://bit.ly/4eDovgY The Summer Place: https://thesummerplacesf.com/ Dago Bagel: https://dagobagel.com/ 440 Castro: http://www.the440.com/
David Landis, aka “The Gay Gourmet,” is a foodie, a freelance writer, and a retired PR maven. Follow him on Instagram @GayGourmetSF or email him at: davidlandissf@gmail.com Or visit him online at: www.gaygourmetsf.com
