Top Photo: Bunk beds for mostly Asian travelers at an Angel Island Immigration Station, arranged as a museum display in 2010. (Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle.)
Bottom Photo: The Moscone Center, where homeless people at risk for COVID-19 may be forced to live in 2020. (Photo: Street Sheet.)

Despite what The Atlantic may say, you cannot claim to be a leader in San Francisco if your indifference to people experiencing homelessness verges on blatant and reckless disregard for their well-being. And in this COVID-19 era, such flippancy can, has, and will bump up the death curve.

Take for example the mayor and Human Services Agency Director Trent Rhorer's plan to create a new shelter system at the Moscone Center with no discernible physical distancing whatsoever.
 

From Street Sheet:

“People are given a wristband with their bed number on it and shown to a tiny mat on the floor with a folding chair,” the source said. “There aren’t many people staying here yet, but there are going to be hundreds of people, all breathing each other’s coughs.”

Thanks to the loud public outcry, and outrage from our Club's allies on the Board of Supervisors, this dangerous plan will likely be drawn down significantly. And at least some of this money will instead be invested in housing the unhoused in hotel rooms. Hopefully.

(Did you know that 30,000 hotel rooms are sitting empty right now?)

We will not let this horrible plan tarnish the late Mayor George Moscone's name, nor let the current mayor or anyone else create a brand new viral hot spot in the center of town. The Milk Club will do everything in its power to make sure EVERYONE is properly sheltered-in-place during this deadly pandemic, not just those with the privilege of a roof over their heads.

Death by dilly-dallying. MSC South’s Men’s Floor. (Photo By Chris Herring from Street Sheet.)

And if that wasn't bad enough, what the hell happened here, and why did it have to happen at all?

On Friday, 70 people tested positive for COVID-19 at MSC South, representing the largest viral outbreak in any shelter in all of California. According to The New York Times, this is the largest reported shelter outbreak in the entire country!

So when the mayor's allies claim that she alone is responsible for flattening the curve, when the credit should go to Santa Clara County Public Health Officer Sara Cody and the robust collaboration of officials across nine Bay Area counties, ask them who deserves "credit" for the largest outbreak in a shelter in the entire country. Or ask them about the growing number of COVID-19 cases in SRO hotels.

According to 48 Hills, "This could have been prevented – but the Mayor’s Office refused for a month to move homeless people into vacant hotel rooms."

We at the Harvey Milk Club are both thankful and grateful for all of the members of the Board of Supervisors currently pushing emergency legislation to fund over 8,000 rooms for homeless folks like those at MSC South. As well as hotel rooms for critical service workers who are also at risk of this deadly virus.

This will be voted on this Tuesday, so please contact your Supervisor right now so that we can ensure a veto-proof super-majority. Face it: You don't have anything better to do right now anyway!

The Milk Club knows what it means to protect the marginalized from deadly viruses. We fought like hell during the height of the AIDS pandemic, and we will do so again. This means flattening curves that some politicians would prefer didn't exist to begin with and ensuring they can't erase their failures from the public record.

Some things never change. And as the photo at the top of this email of bunk beds at the Angel Island Immigration Station reminds us, history too often repeats itself.

Join or renew your Membership today!
http://www.milkclub.org/join

How are you holding up?

We have been asking that question of friends, family, and our chosen family for the past few weeks as we shelter in place, maintain distance from loved ones, and come together to deal with the coronavirus and its destructive wake.

Our community is resilient. We have experienced enormous loss over the decades. We have faced prejudice that has driven us out from our homes. We have moved across the country to start fresh and find new families. And even today, we remain strong in the face of anti-LGBTQ discrimination at home and around the world.

Through it all, we have cared for each other. But now, with a racist, anti-scientist threat to humanity in the White House, we in the Harvey Milk Club need to lead with kindness and compassion now more than ever.

And let’s be honest: Being human also means staying connected. This means finding new ways to see each other, hear each other’s voices, and an obligation to reach out to community members with greater needs.

So really: How are you holding up? How are you connecting with other people at this time? What do you need? Email us at [email protected] and let us know. Our meetings may be going virtual soon, but the Milk Club is still at your service.

Now, read on…

Can't Pay Rent? Here is What to Do!

A record 3.3 million people applied for unemployment benefits last week. And a hundred thousand people apply in California everyday. Nevertheless, April 1st means rent is due for most of us.

The good news is that San Francisco has imposed a Temporary Eviction Moratorium for all tenants who are unable to pay rent due to impacts of COVID-19. 

Under the Temporary Moratorium on evictions, a landlord cannot evict a tenant if all of these requirements are met:

1. The rental payment first became due on or after March 13th, 2020.

2. The tenant was unable to pay rent because of the financial impacts related to COVID-19.

3. The tenant notified the landlord within 30 days of when the rent was due that the tenant is unable to pay due to the financial impacts related to COVID-19.

          AND

1. Within 7 days after notifying the landlord, the tenant provided documentation or other verifiable information that the tenant is unable to pay rent due to the financial impacts of COVID-19.

The above protections can delay your payment of rent for up to three months, unless it extends further. But they do not relieve you of your duty to pay back-rent when the moratorium expires. The Harvey Milk Club is deeply concerned that this is leading us to an “eviction cliff” and are working with partner organizations to provide additional relief!

You can find more specific guidance here or at the San Francisco Rent Board’s website.

Sunday Quaran-Tea Party

A major update for those of us who have been feeling particularly cloistered from the nightlife community that brings us together: Dancing together in the privacy of our own homes to some of the Bay Area’s best queer nightlife DJ’s has been deemed... ESSENTIAL!!

A lot of friends are throwing virtual parties right now, but we are prioritizing this afternoon's Quaran-Tea Party on Facebook Live and Twitch tomorrow (and every Sunday until this shit is through) from 1-6pm for live DJ sets hosted by drag queen Florida Maniac (aka Lady Voldemort).

This is all thanks to the San Francisco Bay Area Queer Nightlife Fund, established by drag legend Juanita More, Race Bannon, and a number of bar owners and nightlife impresarios who are caring for all of their workers during this time. From bar staff, to door security, to go-gos, coat check and all of the other essential staff at our favorite joints.

If you have the means, lend a hand to those who don’t by donating to the Queer Nightlife Fund here.

Hooking Up is on HOLD. #StayTheFuckHome

Look, we get it. It’s more than just sex. It is how we meet new people and an important part of how our community interacts. Heck, our bodily delights and physical communion can certainly feel like a necessary, revolutionary act!

But San Francisco’s Shelter In Place order exists not only to protect our own health and safety. It also protects the safety of others in our community, including our friends and roommates, many of whom are uniquely vulnerable to the worst symptoms of the coronavirus.

The sacrifices we make today will help us recover more quickly. Have tough talks with your friends and roommates. Be honest with people you encounter about your risk of exposure, and don’t be afraid to ask them for the same. 

This is not about shaming each other. Rather, we require a collective resolve to end this pandemic as soon as possible.

Feel free to read Race Bannon’s piece in the Bay Area Reporter called Sex in the Era of COVID-19 here.

Volunteer Opportunites and Resources for Those in Need
 

Whether you are in need or are an able-bodied Milk Club Member with some extra time and a big heart, there are plenty of ways to plug in, get help, and make a difference right now:

• Since 1998, Project Open Hand has served San Francisco seniors and adults with disabilities with nutritious meals and now operates out of 15 sites in San Francisco. Project Open Hand needs volunteers to meet urgent community needs. Find out more here.

• The San Francisco Human Services Agency has partnered with the Shanti Project to recruit volunteers to do grocery, medicine, and small mail delivery for seniors. Find out how to sign up here. 

• Self Help for the Elderly is another amazing organization providing meals to over 500 seniors across San Francisco. They need delivery drivers. Please reach out to them here.

If you live in District 5 and/or want to volunteer? Friends have put together a list of D5-specific volunteer opportunities here.

Did we miss any hot opportunities to help? Email us at[email protected] and let us know.

Chinese Food Has NEVER Tasted Better

Follow all health recommendations if going outside. More details: SF.gov/coronavirus.

As you probably already know, San Francisco is under a "shelter in place" order due to the global coronavirus threat. This means everyone is now required to stay home except to get food or necessary health care, to care for a relative or friend, or to go to work. This order stands until at least April 7th. Read more about it here.

So obviously, all of our meetings and events are cancelled until further notice. We will keep you posted if and when this changes via our e-blasts, so keep an eye out.

Here come the judges! Maria Evangelista, Michelle Tong, and Cary Gold celebrate on Election Night. (Thanks to 48 Hills for the photo. Read more here.)

On a more positive note, congratulations to all of our Milk Club endorsed candidates (of whom there are many) who won their races, and to CA State Senate candidate Jackie Fielder for moving forward to the November ballot. Read more about our progressive sweep in 48 Hills, the Bay Area Reporter, and the SF Bay Times.

13 out of 14 of our endorsed DCCC candidates in AD 17 and 9 out of 10 of our endorsed DCCC candidates in AD 19 won!

All of our endorsed local ballot measures won!

Bernie Sanders won San Francisco and the state of California handily!

And, of course, all of our endorsed judicial candidates won!

These wins are only made possible because of your continued Membership and our Club's support for progressive leaders. And since our Club's annual membership renewal date has passed, we need you to stay involved despite this global health crisis. Now more than ever!

So please renew your Membership at www.milkclub.org/join as soon as you can. Despite this citywide lock down, the Milk Club is not going anywhere.

You can count on that!

The Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club
http://www.milkclub.org

Join or renew your Membership today!
http://www.milkclub.org/join

When: Tuesday, March 10th (7-9pm)

Where: The Women's Building Auditorium (3543 18th Street, SF, CA 94110)

Facebook Invite is here.

Join the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Club Political Action Committee in the auditorium of The Women's Building as we discuss proposed legislation to repeal '80s-era regulations against sex venues that would, in effect, fully legalize bathhouses in San Francisco for the first time since the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis.

We'll also discuss a proposal from the San Francisco Sex-Positive Democratic Club to codify relationship structure as a protected class — to address discrimination against non-monogamous folks in housing, education, and the workforce.

With Rafael Mandelman, San Francisco Sex-Positive Democratic Club, and more. It's sure to be a lively meeting!

San Francisco, California- On November 27, 1978, Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk were murdered in cold blood. Every year, the Milk Club remembers the movement these men created and how their tragic and senseless deaths galvanized our communities to fight.

This was a hard-fought, roller-coaster of an election. And to be frank, the odds were stacked against us. The Milk Club and other like-minded progressive officials and organizations faced down the real estate industry, the SF Police Officers Association, the local Democratic Party, and the mayor.

And progressives won!

Ever since our May endorsements, the Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club was relentless and unapologetic in our support for District 5 Supervisor-elect Dean Preston and District Attorney-elect Chesa Boudin. The establishment side had a questionable eviction to explain away, a questionable appointment to explain away, and a questionable DCCC endorsement vote to explain away. On the other hand, our side stayed on our common-sense, pro-Preston, pro-Boudin messaging.

And progressives won!

To quote Milk Club E-Board Member Edward Wright:

"Congratulations to our next District Attorney Chesa Boudin and District 5 Supervisor Dean Preston. It’ll be a while before it’s certified, but they won. And they won without support from the party or political establishment, in a low turnout race, against appointed incumbents, without compromising their values or moderating their message. They won with grassroots organizing, with people power, and as part of a movement that extends far beyond our City by the Bay."

We would also like to thank outgoing Supervisor Vallie Brown and Interim District Attorney Suzy Loftus for their public service and hard-fought campaigns.

Now, the hard work begins. The Milk Club will keep you posted.

On November 27, 1978, Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk were murdered in cold blood. Every year, the Milk Club remembers the movement these men created and how their tragic and senseless deaths galvanized our communities.

This year’s program will begin with a vigil at Harvey Milk Plaza, followed by a procession to Castro Camera with a few words from those who knew them.

The event details are here. Stay tuned for updates.

Thank you to everyone who attended our sometimes tense Tuesday PAC meeting. The PAC voted unanimously

1) To support “The San Francisco Affordable Housing/Jobs Balanced Development Act.”
2) To support the signature gathering efforts of “The Schools and Communities First Ballot Initiative.”
3) To call upon San Francisco’s congressional delegation to end all military sales to Turkey.
4) To become part of a rapid response team in support of criminal justice reform.

Also, mark your calendars for the Milk Club's PAC Interview and Recommendation Vote for everything on the March 2020 Primary Ballot. It will be held on Saturday, December 7th from 11am-6pm in the Audre Lorde Room at The Women's Building. Our final endorsement vote will take place at our Club's December General Membership Meeting on Tuesday, December 10th in the auditorium of The Women's Building from 7-9pm.

If you want to inquire about your voting status, please email [email protected]. If you are a candidate requesting time to be interviewed, please email both [email protected] and [email protected] with a 15-minute time-frame that falls within your appropriate time block. Five minutes each for your speech and audience Q&A:

11am-2pm: SF DCCC
2pm-2:45pm: U.S. Congress
2:45pm-3:30pm: CA State Senate, CA State Assembly, and Local Judges
3:30pm-4pm: State and Local Ballot Measures
4pm-5pm: U.S. President
5pm-6pm: PAC Discussion and Vote

From one election to another; from one progressive victory to another.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Rodney Reed Candlelight Vigil
Sunday, November 17th | 5-6:30pm
SF City Hall | 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, SF, CA, 94102
Facebook Event Details Here

Mental Health SF Victory Party
Monday, November 18th | 5:30-8:30pm
Jolene's | 2700 16th Street, SF, CA 94103
Facebook Event Details Here

Salesforce: Stop Providing Tech for Concentration Camps
Tuesday, November 19th | 8:30-10:30am
Howard Street, between 3rd & 4th Street, SF, CA
Facebook Event Details Here

Milk Club November General Meeting: Election Takeaways
Tuesday, November 19th | 7-9pm
The Women's Building | 3543 18th Street (Audre Lorde Room), SF, CA 94110
Facebook Event Details Here

San Francisco Transgender Day of Remembrance 2019
Wednesday, November 20th | 5:30-9pm
Louis B. Mayer Auditorium, UC Hastings | 198 McAllister Street, SF, CA 94102
Facebook Event Details Here

41: 2019 Milk-Moscone Vigil
Wednesday, November 27th | 7-9pm
Harvey Milk Plaza | 2401 Market Street, SF, CA 94114
Facebook Event Details Here

Milk Club PAC Interviews and Recommendation Vote
Saturday, December 7th | 11am-6pm
The Women's Building | 3543 18th Street (Audre Lorde Room), SF, CA 94110
Facebook Event Details Here

Milk Club December General Meeting: Endorsement Vote!
Tuesday, December 10th | 7-9pm
The Women's Building | 3543 18th Street (Auditorium), SF, CA 94110

The Harvey Milk LGBTQ Democratic Club
http://www.milkclub.org

Join or renew your Membership today!
http://www.milkclub.org/join