Paying Tribute to Cole Porter

AIDS Walk San Francisco is quickly approaching, and people can now register for the fundraising event. Given federal cuts in HIV prevention and other health care services, advocates noted that this year’s walk is more important than ever.

The 5K walk takes place Sunday, July 20, in Robin Williams Meadow in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park. According to AIDS Walk SF’s website, a diverse group of HIV/AIDS organizations will benefit from the event. Benefitting agencies were selected by the AIDS Walk San Francisco Foundation, the website noted. The foundation also produces the event.

There is no minimum that walkers are expected to raise, though participants are encouraged to set a fundraising goal and do their best to achieve it. People can also fundraise online or become part of a team and raise money that way. There is a virtual walker program for those who cannot take part in the event, the website noted.

There is no registration fee for AIDS Walk SF. Check-in starts at 8 a.m., and this year will feature a pancake breakfast that is open to all fundraising participants. The walk starts at 10:30 and takes about 1.5 hours to complete, ending back at the meadow. Afterward, there will be a picnic from noon to 3 p.m.

The AIDS Walk website has more information about the walk, fundraising tips, and registration links. To check it out, go to sf.aidswalk.net.

Castro town hall Thursday
Gay San Francisco Board of Supervisors President Rafael Mandelman, who represents the Castro on the board, will hold a town hall focusing on the LGBTQ neighborhood Thursday, July 10, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at The Academy, 2166 Market Street. The event is free and open to all.

Castro area residents and merchants have wanted a town hall, particularly in light of recent public safety incidents, as the Bay Area Reporter has noted.

Joining Mandelman will be San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, San Francisco Police Department Mission Station Deputy Chief Derrick Lew; San Francisco Chief of Health and Human Services Kunal Modi; and Mission/Castro neighborhood street team lead Santiago Lerma.

A notice for the event states that there will be time for questions and answers following the speakers’ presentations. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

To register, click here .