News Briefs: Holiday tree lightings usher in season

Holiday tree lightings will be plentiful in San Francisco in the coming days. The yuletide events serve as a way to connect communities as well as promote local shopping corridors. The tree lighting events are free and open to the public.

The Castro Merchants Association’s tree lighting is set for Monday, December 1, also World AIDS Day, from 6 to 6:30 p.m. in the Bank of America Plaza at 501 Castro Street. Expect special guests, music, and more as the LGBTQ neighborhood welcomes the holiday season.

In another LGBTQ-centric neighborhood, the Noe Valley Merchants and Professionals Association has announced the second annual Noel Valley, a month of festive activities in December designed to support small businesses during the crucial holiday shopping season. The association will have its tree lighting December 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Noe Valley Town Square, 3861 24th Street.

The association also sponsors the windows and parklets holiday decorating contest, which runs Saturday, November 29, through Christmas Day, December 25. People can stroll the streets of Noe Valley and marvel at elaborately decorated store windows and parklets, all vying to be crowned most festive, most fun, or most San Francisco. Judging is on Wednesday, December 10, followed on Thursday, December 11, with winners being recognized by local dignitaries.

A winter wine walk is set for Thursday, December 4, from 4 to 7 p.m. People can pick up their glass at the Town Square and look for banners of participating businesses to stop in for a sip. Tickets are $49.87 and available here.

A holiday night market will be held Tuesday, December 23, from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Town Square.

The San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department has several tree lighting ceremonies planned around the city, under the theme “A Season to Remember.” The main one is at McLaren Lodge in Golden Gate Park Thursday, December 4, from 4 to 8 p.m. There will be live stage acts, a rock wall, archery games, carnival rides, cookie decorating, food trucks, and more, according to a flyer.

Rec and Park is also sponsoring the tree lighting at Civic Center Plaza Wednesday, December 3, from 4 to 7 p.m.

The eighth annual Tenderloin People’s Holiday Tree Lighting will take place at Boeddeker Park, 246 Eddy Street, Friday, December 12, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mayor Daniel Lurie, gay state Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), and Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) are scheduled to attend.

The LGBTQ-based humanitarian nonprofit Rainbow World Fund will light its World Tree of Hope Monday, December 8, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Grace Cathedral, 1100 California Street. The tree is unique in that its decorations consist mostly of origami cranes that contain messages of peace and hope.

Tenderloin Tessie Thanksgiving dinner
Tenderloin Tessie will have its free Thanksgiving dinner for those in need Thursday, November 27, from 1 to 4 p.m. at First Unitarian Universalist Center, 1187 Franklin Street (at Geary Boulevard). Michael Gagne, president of the nonprofit’s board of directors, stated that all are welcome.

In addition to a holiday dinner, there will be free haircuts by LoveCuts, a pop-up barber shop; gift bags; and free clothing from St. Anthony’s.

Gagne said that volunteer shifts are available on Thanksgiving from 9 a.m. to noon, noon to 4 p.m., and 3 to 6 p.m.

Helpers are also needed Wednesday, November 26, from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., to load supplies and pick up groceries, and Saturday, November 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to return supplies to the storage facility and take inventory for the organization’s upcoming Christmas dinner.

To volunteer, contact Gagne at (415) 584-3252 (landline, no text) or [email protected].

Tessie’s holiday fundraiser
Tenderloin Tessie will hold a cabaret benefit for its holiday dinners Friday, December 5, at 8 p.m. at First Unitarian Universalist Center, 1187 Franklin Street. The event also celebrates the organization’s 51st year.

“Tessie’s Angels: A Holiday Cabaret” will feature hosts board president Michael Gagne and Sister Roma of the drag nun philanthropic group Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence.

Entertainment will include Honey Mahogany, a trans person who is executive director of the San Francisco Office of Transgender Initiatives and “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum; Ashle Blow, the reigning emperor of San Francisco’s Imperial Court; Ukecurious; Richard Howell; Jota Mercury, Mr. California Gold 2018 and 2019; Dusty Pörn, Miss California Gold 2018; Elsa Touche, co-host of “The Monster Show;” puppet maestro Rich; Calliope Katerina Solis, Miss Golden Gate 2014; Prince impersonator Ace Palomino; Pina Busch and Stephen Fambro; and DJ Brandon Stanton. Piano accompaniment will be provided by James Campbell.

Tickets are $28.52 online (includes fees) or $25 at the door. Discounts for seniors, disabled, low-income, and families of four or more can be obtained by first contacting Gagne at (415) 584-3252 (landline, no text) or [email protected] and put “Cabaret” in the subject line.

For tickets, click here.

Leadership change at LGBT Asylum Project
Okan Sengun, a gay Turkish man who’s co-founder and longtime executive director of the LGBT Asylum Project, will step down December 1 after 10 years at the helm, he announced November 20. He will be succeeded by Kenan Arun, a queer man who has co-led the project with Sengun for the last year, an email announcement stated.

“The LGBT Asylum Project has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my life,” Sengun stated. “I’m deeply grateful to our team and to everyone who supported our mission and shared in this work. Although my time as executive director has come to an end, my commitment to serving immigrant communities is stronger than ever.”

The announcement noted that the idea for the project came as Sengun was having dinner with his husband, QBarSF co-owner Cip Cipriano. Soon after, with co-founder Brooke Westling, a straight ally, they began providing free legal support to LGBTQ+ asylum seekers. The organization held its first meeting 10 years ago, in November 2015, the announcement noted.

Over the last decade, the project has provided legal support to thousands of queer immigrants, the announcement stated. It opened its Castro office in 2019.

Sengun stated that Arun, who was a San Francisco Pride community grand marshal this year, is ready to lead the agency.

“Kenan and I have worked side by side for years, and I have seen firsthand his compassion, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to our mission,” Sengun stated.

Arun said that he looks to build on the agency’s foundation alongside Westling, who serves as legal director.

“Our mission remains clear – to ensure every LGBTQ+ asylum seeker in the Bay Area finds safety, dignity, and belonging,” Arun stated.

For more information on the LGBT Asylum Project, go to lgbtasylumproject.org.

Glide holiday toy drive
Glide Church in the Tenderloin has announced its toy drive for children in several of its programs. It has set a goal of collecting 2,500 toys to bring joy to 500 kids who rely on Glide’s child care, afterschool, and family support programs, an email announcement stated.

Each personalized toy bag will contain five new items matched to a child’s age and preferences. Items on Glide’s wishlist are sourced via Amazon. But if people don’t want to shop on the retail giant’s site, they can drop off toys at Glide, 330 Ellis Street, or make a cash donation to help fill any gaps.

Toys must be new, unwrapped, and suitable for kids ages 0-11, the announcement stated. Imitation weapons and noisemakers should be avoided.

To view Glide’s wishlist, click here.

Post office’s Operation Santa underway
The U.S. Postal Service’s Operation Santa is now open for letter adoption for the holiday season. Individuals, families, workplaces, and community groups can go to uspsoperationsanta.com to adopt letters to Santa and purchase gifts to help make the holidays brighter for children and families across the country, a news release stated.

This year, the postal service is placing a special emphasis on adopting family letters – including a new way to do it, the release noted.

“We invite the public to join us in spreading holiday cheer by adopting a USPS Operation Santa letter,” stated Sheila Holman, the postal service’s vice president of marketing. “Every year, we receive far more letters than those adopting. So, if you have the means, we encourage you to adopt a letter.”

Adopters can participate by visiting the above website to create a login and verify their identity. Then, people browse the available letters, find one they like, including family letters, shop for a gift through Santa’s Work Shoppe on the site or on their own, and ship the gift right away through the online catalog or from a post office.

Family letters can be adopted by a team that is created by one person who invites others to participate to help fulfill a family’s letter. This option is designed for offices, community groups, and organizations, the release stated.

The gift shop includes many items and the online catalog saves a trip to the post office, the release noted. Free shipping is available for orders over $49.

Gifts should be shipped by December 13 to ensure timely delivery.