San Francisco

Leave Your Heart in San Francisco
A local’s look at the city by the bay
by Shyla Batliwalla

“San Francisco, my favorite city—where the women are strong and the men are pretty.”—From a t-shirt I bought at the 2002 Gay Pride Parade

I’m currently a Houstonian, but I can’t lie—in my heart, I’ll always be a devout San Franciscan. Born and bred in the SF Bay Area, I’ve developed an intimate, almost romantic relationship with my city by the bay. A style-seekers paradise with the most eccentric and beautiful people in the country, San Francisco is the perfect vacation destination. With over sixteen million tourists descending on her each year, there is much more to the city than Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. Trek off the beaten path for a peek at the San Francisco we San Franciscans love most.

My Favorite ‘Hood: Hayes Valley
Hayes Valley, a patchwork of quirky shops, creative souls, and overwhelmingly delicious restaurants is the ‘hood where I lived, played, and loved.

For a perfect cup of coffee, head to Blue Bottle. Don’t let the long line or garage-chic setting deter you; one sip of Blue Bottle coffee and you’ll never drink Folgers again. Stop by Miette for delectable cakes and sweets. The uniquely flavored hazelnut, rose geranium, and fleur de sel macaroons are heavenly. For a sinfully delicious dinner in a classic, Euro-inspired setting, make a reservation at Absinthe, home of Top Chef finalist, Jamie Lauren. Her beef cheeks and slow-cooked pork are among the best bites of meat I’ve ever tasted. After dinner, meander over to Rose Street for a glass of vino at Hotel Biron.

If shopping is your strength, head to Flight 001for innovative travel accessories. Fashion fanatics Corina and Catherine hand select exquisitely stylish designer duds and luxury denim at Azalea boutique. For modern styles with vintage flair, check out Lavish. This hip boutique houses luxury clothing and accessories as well as adorable infant wear.

Embark on a Day in the Park: Dolores Park and Alamo Square
San Franciscans eat, drink, read, lounge, and essentially live at the park. Since the perfect 80-degree day doesn’t come along every week, whenever one strikes, we flock to our favorite outdoor spaces.

In the heart of the mission district and neighboring the Castro, lies the quintessentially San Franciscan, Dolores Park. A random cocktail of baggy-jean-wearing teens, young hipsters, and couples in love, Dolores Park is a favorite local hangout. Don’t miss movies showcased the second Thursday of each month.

Another city fave is Alamo Square, home to dog lovers, sunbathers, and the “Full House” house. Four city blocks bordered by architecturally distinctive mansions, Alamo Square overlooks the entire city from the Transamerica Pyramid to the Golden Gate Bridge.

Sand, Sun, and Scenery: China Beach
Hidden between Baker Beach and Lands End is China Beach—a tiny, secluded stretch of sand. It’s the perfect place for romantic walks, intimate picnics, and breathtaking views. I spent one of my first dates with my fiancé at China Beach watching the Blue Angels fly overhead—one of our most sacred memories.

Pizza and Ice-Cream: 18th Street
I’ve spent countless evenings strolling up 18th street and indulging in some of the city’s best food. For an unforgettable dining experience, head to Pizzeria Delfina on 18th and Guerrero. Choose from a bevy of sundry thin-crust pies with toppings like fennel sausage, prosciutto di parma, and mozzarella di bufala. Save room for dessert and skip one block up the street to BiRite Ice Cream. For a true taste of heaven, try a scoop of their salted caramel or honey lavender.

Hot Night on the Town
On Friday nights my gal pals and I would head out to the mission to drink up and get down. Start your escapades upstairs on the patio at the swanky Medjool restaurant and bar. Then stumble over to Beauty Bar for martinis and manicures. Afterwards, hop next door to Little Baobab where hibiscus and ginger cocktails await you. Their miniscule dance floor and lively reggae tunes will keep you dancing ’til the wee hours of the morning. Before calling it a night, pay a visit to one of the late-night bacon-wrapped hot-dog vendors. The mere smell of these tempting treats gets me every single time.

One Lazy and Yummy Sunday
Sunday brunch after a night of dancing is practically a spiritual experience to San Franciscans. The best place to brunch in my hometown is Foreign Cinema. The food is world-renowned and old, foreign films are played on the outside patio. Try the baguette French toast or the homemade “pop tarts”—delicious.

It took the love of my life to pry me away from my darling San Francisco, but a piece of my heart will always be in the city by the bay. If you are debating where to spend your summer vacay, head to San Francisco and hit up some of my favorite local haunts. But before you book your flight, here’s one last piece of advice: When talking to a local, don’t ever, ever refer to San Francisco as “San Fran” or “Frisco”—it’s just not acceptable.

Loud, Proud, and Drawing a Crowd: Pride 2009

Houston’s annual Gay Pride parade is “Out 4 Justice” and livelier than ever before

It is so much more than just an example of our pride, it is a chance to educate the rest of the city on all aspects of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender community. Pride gives the viewer a chance to see their friends, neighbors, relatives, and co-workers, and realize just how many GLBT folks there are in each of our lives.—PBS personality, Ernie Manouse

Who can resist a parade? With junk food, floats, and celebrations, what’s not to love? Drawing masses of cross-dressers, Cher-wannabes, and pink boas, Houston’s Gay Pride Parade is one of the summer’s biggest parties. Martinis and mayhem aside, Pride is a time to celebrate our city’s gay community, commemorate the history of the national Gay Rights Movement, and educate fellow citizens. From the High Heel Drag Race in Washington DC to the Dyke March in San Francisco, one thing is for sure: no matter their strife or struggle, the gay community knows how to party.

On June 27, Montrose will be an impassioned blend of antics á la Mardi Gras and effusive drag queens. The day starts with an afternoon festival featuring musical performers and booths sponsored by local businesses. The actual parade—the country’s only nighttime gay pride parade—kicks-off at sunset. Universities, nonprofit organizations, and local businesses sponsor extravagantly decorated floats. Watching pride-filled mamas and papas on the PFLAG float (parents, families, and friends of lesbians and gays) glide by is always a proud moment. A seemingly endless flood of humanity, the parade draws a crowd of nearly 200,000 and ends with all-night celebrations at local clubs and bars.

The head honcho on parade day is the Grand Marshall. Short-listed by nominations and evaluated by Pride committee members and past honorees, the Grand Marshall is ultimately selected by the community. It’s a huge honor to be chosen. This year’s male winner is James Knapp, the Artistic and Managing Director of the Bayou City Performing Arts, the oldest gay men’s chorus in the nation. His passionate involvement embodies the mission of Houston’s GLBT community. Fiona Dawson, the female honoree, is an award-winning activist with the Human Rights Campaign and Bering Omega, an organization that offers physical, emotional and spiritual support to AIDS patients and their families.

The gay community is known for their tendency to party like rock stars. For the first year ever, Pride is not selling alcohol and has reserved a drinking-free family retreat on the parade route. Organizers want fellow citizens to view the day as an opportunity for the whole city to see friends, neighbors, and coworkers celebrate their identity.

Every year people struggling with their sexual orientation come to Pride in search of answers. For the first time in their life, they are surrounded by thousands of people who support, care, and respect them just as they are. President Odom advises newbies to, “Come with an open mind. Watch the parade go by and you’ll notice, ‘that person’s not like me, that person’s not like me, that person is like me.’ You don’t see how big the community really is every day. When we all come together at Pride, you do.”

Ladies in leather and men in mascara, straight, gay, and transgendered—Pride is an experience like no other. Whether it’s to gape at revelers, support your loved ones, or just have fun, Pride is a time when everyone is safe, welcome, and most importantly, respected.

I dream of a day when everyone goes out and there is no such thing as gay bars or straight bars, there’s just bars.—Pride President, Brad Odom

Fast Facts on the Gay Community:

• Texas has the third most same-sex couple households in the country.
• The Montrose neighborhood has the tenth highest concentration of same-sex households in the country.
• Houston hosts the largest Pride festivities in the Southwestern United States.
• There are 17 LGBT nightclubs within walking distance in the Montrose area.
• Houston ranks fourth among U.S. cities with same-sex couples raising children.Source: www.visithoustontexas.com
• Countries that Recognize Gay Marriage:
  Canada, Belgium, Netherlands, Norway, South Africa, Spain
• U.S. States that Recognize Gay Marriage:
  *California
  Connecticut
  District of Columbia
  Iowa
  Massachusetts
  Vermont
• Nations that Allow Civil Unions:
  Brazil, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Luxembourg, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
• States that Allow Civil Unions:
  Connecticut, New Hampshire, Oregon, Washington*With the passing of Proposition 8, California’s rights are currently being debated in the Supreme Court.

  Source: www.gaylife.about.com

Houston: It’s Time to Go Green

About 2% of Houston’s population recycles, compared to 69% in San Francisco and New York

Houston is the worst recycler among the thirty largest cities in the nation. As the fourth largest city, that’s bad news—really bad news. The city picks up garbage at nearly 340,000 households yet less than half of these homes even have recycling bins. Those left without recycling bins have the option of driving to one of only nine drop-off centers, yet few choose to do so.

Recycling takes used materials and creates new products to prevent waste. It reduces the consumption of natural resources, reduces air and water pollution, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions. If these environmental benefits don’t entice you to recycle, here are some more practical reasons:

Recycling Creates Jobs
There’s nothing our economy needs more than jobs. Recycling is a $236 billion a year industry. Comprising of over 1.1 million workers nationwide, there are over 56,000 recycling centers in the country. If Houston expanded its recycling program, there would be a huge influx of work in our community.

Recycling Saves Your Tax Dollars
Recycling reduces trash in landfills. When you recycle you cut down on the costs of trash disposal—these savings go directly to you, the taxpayer.

Recycling and Energy
It takes 95 percent less energy to make an aluminum can from recycled aluminum than to produce a brand new one. Processing raw materials to create new products requires large quantities of energy. Noticeable quantities of energy are saved when these processes are reduced or eliminated.

Recycling and Safety
Recycling keeps toxic materials and chemicals like lead and mercury from ending up in landfills. These pollutants can contaminate soil and leach into our drinking water.

Do Your Part:
Make a positive impact on the environment by taking these simple steps:

1. Just say no to plastic water bottles. Buy a reusable bottle and a Brita filter to save money and valuable natural resources.

2. Start a compost bin in your backyard. Composting kitchen waste provides free, nutritious soil—an invaluable asset.

3. Reuse plastic grocery bags for doggie pooper-scoopers, trashcan liners, or to transport goods.

4. Bring your own bags to the grocery store. When choosing between plastic and paper, always opt for paper.

5. Second-hand is stylish. Buy items from a thrift shop and donate those you no longer use. Goodwill or the Salvation Army are great places to start.

6. Go electronic whenever possible. Whether at work or at home, use the Internet instead of paper.

7. Reuse everything at least once—from zip-lock bags to jelly jars to cardboard boxes.

8. Think before you throw. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. You can sell or donate items you don’t want instead of throwing them away. Sites like freecycle.com and craigslist.com offer sellers and consumers a place to get rid of unwanted goods for free. Every type of electronics can be recycled. Check out Earth911.com to find out where to start.

9. Take a trip to the recycling center. Look up a local recycling center online, put all of your paper, aluminum, glass, cardboard, electronics, and plastic in separate bins and recycle them each week.

10. Sayonara Styrofoam. Styrofoam takes over 100 years to disintegrate and is a known carcinogen. Avoid purchasing or using Styrofoam whenever possible.

Almost everything we consume is recyclable. The one thing that can’t ever be recycled is time wasted being careless. My fellow Houstonians, set an example and be seen going green.

Wild Animal Victims of Recent Storms Need Help!

The onset of storm season is bad news for Houston’s wild animals. The recent surge has caused many of our critters to be homeless, orphaned, injured, and displaced. Houston’s Wildlife Rehab &Education Center (7007 Old Katy Road) has become a safe haven for many of the baby cottontail rabbits, birds, ducks, and other storm victims. The Wildlife Center eagerly accepts volunteers. For more information or directions, call (713) 861-WILD or visit their web site at www.wrande.org.

Summer Sizzle: Houston Hottest Summer Camps

Fun as it may be, sleeping ’til noon and turning into a raisin at the pool isn’t the most productive way to spend the summer. With the end of the school year quickly approaching, it’s prime time to plan a fun-filled summer for the kiddos. Whether you’re raising a dazzling dancing queen or a future pro-skateboarder, there is a camp that’s perfect for your pride and joy. “The Summer Book 2009” offers an extensive list of camps, classes, and workshops for all ages and interest. Here’s some that caught our eye:

Alliance Fencing Academy Fencing Camp
(713) 301-7934, www.alliance-fencing-academy.com
With the US Fencing Team bringing home a record number of medals from the Beijing Olympics, fencing is the new “it” sport for budding athletes. Bring your young Zorro or Zorrita here to learn one of the world’s oldest and most distinguished sports.

Armand Bayou Nature Center Summer EcoCamps
(281) 474-2552, www.abnc.rog
Tired of your little darling coming home with grass stains and worms in his pocket? Nurture your nature lover with a week of fishing, swimming, and canoe rides. This educational camp teaches kids about the environment, using the Armand Bayou Nature Center as a living laboratory.

Art Mix Creative Learning Center “Art Journey All Around the World”
(713) 552-9028, www.artmixlearning.com
Encourage your Andy Warhol to channel their creativity while learning about art forms from around the world. At Art Mix Creative Learning Center, your little Picasso will delve into multi-media art projects including, jewelry making, sculpting, and drawing. The center also offers private classes and individual lessons for special needs children.

Camp For All
(713) 686-1242, www.campforall.com
For children and teens with chronic illnesses, excursions outside the hospital are rare. Camp For All works with a variety of non-profits to give these kids an unforgettable experience camping in East Texas. With a medical team on staff 24/7, campers enjoy rock climbing, swimming, team sports, and character development in a safe, high-energy environment.

ComedySportz Summer Imporv Camp
(713) 868-1444, www.comedysportzhouston.com
If your son or daughter has earned a rep for being the class clown, their comedic antics are welcome here. Local comedians will teach your up-and-coming funny one how to build scenes, invent characters and warm-up to an audience. Save money on cable and get laughs for free, courtesy of your little comedian.

Contemporary School of Etiquette Courtesy Camp
(866) 838-3995, www.manneresplus.com
Send your baby girl off into the world perfectly prim and proper. Experts on etiquette will engage your daughter in all things polite, including basic manners and a four-course dining tutorial.

Crossing Borders Group Language Immersion Camps
(281) 465-0899, www.crossingbordersgroup.com

Give your children a competitive edge in the global marketplace and encourage them to take up another language (or two!). Crossing Borders fosters fluency in Spanish, English, and French. Native speakers teach languages through fun activities including cooking and theatre.

Houston Grand Opera Opera Camp (713) 546-0230, www.houstongrandopera.org
This intensive singing program helps students develop the vocal chops needed to take center stage. Students can choose from “Opera Experience,” “The Art of Opera,” or “Create an Opera.”

Houston Yacht Club Youth Sailing Summer Camp
(281) 471-1255, www.houstonyachtclub.com
Pack your son or daughter an extra bottle of sunscreen and watch them set sail at this thrill-seeking camp. The professional coaching staff at the Houston Yacht Club provides on and off the water sailing instruction for children eager to maneuver their way through the open sea. They also offer an overnight camp for older campers.

Kid Yoga
Peace is Within Me!
(713) 691-8282,www.yoga-houston.org
Running amuck on the playground and playing dress-up can be exhausting. Let your little one find peace, balance, and strength through a series of breathing practices and active poses. Namaste!

Kuumba House Dance Theatre Summer Session
(713) 524-1079, www.kuumbahouse.org
This dance education camp allows students to channel their creativity through jazz, ballet, and African dance. Celebrating their 25th Anniversary, Kuumba House offers instruction from skilled dancers who regularly perform throughout the country and abroad.

Percussion Center Rock ‘n Roll Band Camp
(713) 468-9100, www.percussiononline.com
If your kids were born to rock, this is the spot. Campers are split up into groups and rock out for a week with their newfound band mates. The camp culminates with a Friday afternoon concert.

*For a complete listing of Houston-area summer camps, including dates, ages, and fees, visit www.thesummerbook.com for a list of “The Summer Book 2009” retailers.

Leave Your Heart in San Francisco

A local’s look at the city by the bay

“San Francisco, my favorite city—where the women are strong and the men are pretty.”—From a t-shirt I bought at the 2002 Gay Pride Parade

I’m currently a Houstonian, but I can’t lie—in my heart, I’ll always be a devout San Franciscan. Born and bred in the SF Bay Area, I’ve developed an intimate, almost romantic relationship with my city by the bay. A style-seekers paradise with the most eccentric and beautiful people in the country, San Francisco is the perfect vacation destination. With over sixteen million tourists descending on her each year, there is much more to the city than Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. Trek off the beaten path for a peek at the San Francisco we San Franciscans love most.

My Favorite ‘Hood: Hayes Valley
Hayes Valley, a patchwork of quirky shops, creative souls, and overwhelmingly delicious restaurants is the ‘hood where I lived, played, and loved.

For a perfect cup of coffee, head to Blue Bottle. Don’t let the long line or garage-chic setting deter you; one sip of Blue Bottle coffee and you’ll never drink Folgers again. Stop by Miette for delectable cakes and sweets. The uniquely flavored hazelnut, rose geranium, and fleur de sel macaroons are heavenly. For a sinfully delicious dinner in a classic, Euro-inspired setting, make a reservation at Absinthe, home of Top Chef finalist, Jamie Lauren. Her beef cheeks and slow-cooked pork are among the best bites of meat I’ve ever tasted. After dinner, meander over to Rose Street for a glass of vino at Hotel Biron.

If shopping is your strength, head to Flight 001for innovative travel accessories. Fashion fanatics Corina and Catherine hand select exquisitely stylish designer duds and luxury denim at Azalea boutique. For modern styles with vintage flair, check out Lavish. This hip boutique houses luxury clothing and accessories as well as adorable infant wear.

Embark on a Day in the Park: Dolores Park and Alamo Square
San Franciscans eat, drink, read, lounge, and essentially live at the park. Since the perfect 80-degree day doesn’t come along every week, whenever one strikes, we flock to our favorite outdoor spaces.

In the heart of the mission district and neighboring the Castro, lies the quintessentially San Franciscan, Dolores Park. A random cocktail of baggy-jean-wearing teens, young hipsters, and couples in love, Dolores Park is a favorite local hangout. Don’t miss movies showcased the second Thursday of each month.

Another city fave is Alamo Square, home to dog lovers, sunbathers, and the “Full House” house. Four city blocks bordered by architecturally distinctive mansions, Alamo Square overlooks the entire city from the Transamerica Pyramid to the Golden Gate Bridge.

Sand, Sun, and Scenery: China Beach
Hidden between Baker Beach and Lands End is China Beach—a tiny, secluded stretch of sand. It’s the perfect place for romantic walks, intimate picnics, and breathtaking views. I spent one of my first dates with my fiancé at China Beach watching the Blue Angels fly overhead—one of our most sacred memories.

Pizza and Ice-Cream: 18th Street
I’ve spent countless evenings strolling up 18th street and indulging in some of the city’s best food. For an unforgettable dining experience, head to Pizzeria Delfina on 18th and Guerrero. Choose from a bevy of sundry thin-crust pies with toppings like fennel sausage, prosciutto di parma, and mozzarella di bufala. Save room for dessert and skip one block up the street to BiRite Ice Cream. For a true taste of heaven, try a scoop of their salted caramel or honey lavender.

Hot Night on the Town
On Friday nights my gal pals and I would head out to the mission to drink up and get down. Start your escapades upstairs on the patio at the swanky Medjool restaurant and bar. Then stumble over to Beauty Bar for martinis and manicures. Afterwards, hop next door to Little Baobab where hibiscus and ginger cocktails await you. Their miniscule dance floor and lively reggae tunes will keep you dancing ’til the wee hours of the morning. Before calling it a night, pay a visit to one of the late-night bacon-wrapped hot-dog vendors. The mere smell of these tempting treats gets me every single time.

One Lazy and Yummy Sunday
Sunday brunch after a night of dancing is practically a spiritual experience to San Franciscans. The best place to brunch in my hometown is Foreign Cinema. The food is world-renowned and old, foreign films are played on the outside patio. Try the baguette French toast or the homemade “pop tarts”—delicious.

It took the love of my life to pry me away from my darling San Francisco, but a piece of my heart will always be in the city by the bay. If you are debating where to spend your summer vacay, head to San Francisco and hit up some of my favorite local haunts. But before you book your flight, here’s one last piece of advice: When talking to a local, don’t ever, ever refer to San Francisco as “San Fran” or “Frisco”—it’s just not acceptable.