tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63527790182100328022024-03-12T18:46:29.207-07:00The Valley's Other Fruit | an insider's guide to Gay and LGBT Napa ValleyThe Valley's Other Fruit is about finding and connecting with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (and any other queer, questioning or gay-friendly folk) in the Napa Valley and nearby. Cafes, bars, nightlife, food, events, news, community and more.Valley's Other Fruithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10678486362518374058noreply@blogger.comBlogger829125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352779018210032802.post-70713451038815072142010-10-08T15:37:00.000-07:002010-10-08T16:11:36.997-07:00Special vigil Mon, Oct 11: National Coming Out Day, Napa<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TK-jYCB9KrI/AAAAAAAABtY/oVC0i_2bHnw/s1600/candlelightvigilnapa.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 288px; height: 288px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TK-jYCB9KrI/AAAAAAAABtY/oVC0i_2bHnw/s320/candlelightvigilnapa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525814901064149682" border="0" /></a>I am sure many of you have heard of the tragic loss of at least 6 youth around the country during the final weeks of September due to anti-gay bullying. The youngest youth was ELEVEN years old.<br /><br /><div>It is time we got together as a community and demanded that this kind of hate and harassment stop. It is time we got together as Napans to show our community--and especially those youth who feel the most pain and isolation--that they are not alone and that they are loved.<br /><br />The Unity League contacted me about helping to get something happening for National Coming Out Day.<br />VOICES Q*Youth will be attending and helping, but this is a side project and event of the Napa community and is for everyone: straight as an arrow, queer as a 3-dollar bill and everyone in between--butches, femmes, trans, genderqueer and vanilla as icecream.<div><br /></div><div>It'd be great to have you all (and your friends, family, colleagues) show up and show our youth support. Do you think we could get a ton of people together at Veteran's Park downtown (next to Downtown Joe's) on Monday at 6:30p? It would be to honor the memory of the youth who committed suicide due to anti-gay bullying and to show any other queer/questioning members of our community that they are not alone.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>It would be a brief and informal "ceremony", but would be a powerful message to youth who feel hopeless.</div><div><br /></div><div>They will only hear our message if we show up. How can we get a ton of people downtown w/ candles so our presence of love and support can be powerful?<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=140371079342555&ref=mf">Facebook event page can be found here</a>.<br /></div>Valley's Other Fruithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10678486362518374058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352779018210032802.post-8886177312584206862010-09-09T19:16:00.000-07:002010-09-09T19:27:40.885-07:00CA Fed Court rules DADT Unconstitutional: BREAKING NEWSBreaking news <a href="http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2010/09/09/federal-court-dont-ask-dont-tell-is-unconstitutional/">from CNN</a>, another win for the good side:<br /><blockquote>A federal court in Riverside, California, ruled Thursday that the<br />military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy - which bars lesbians and gay men<br />from serving openly in the military – is unconstitutional.<br /><br />Virginia A. Phillips, U.S. district judge in Southern California, has ruled<br />that the policy violates the Fifth and First amendments, and issued a permanent injunction barring its enforcement.</blockquote>I'm not sure yet how far reaching the jurisdiction of this decision is. <b>Lawyer <i>friends of The Fruit</i> or Constitutional Law experts, please weigh in.</b><div><br /></div><div>It also just happens that <a href="http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2010/09/breaking-getequal-to-close-down-castro.html">demonstrations were being held in SF (i.e., the complete blocking of the Market/Castro intersection) and Pennsylvania</a> to protest Pelosi and Congress' inaction on repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell.</div>Valley's Other Fruithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10678486362518374058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352779018210032802.post-74057859491674756202010-09-06T10:09:00.001-07:002010-09-06T10:26:40.311-07:00Napa Unity League Mixer, Mon, Sep 6, 6-8pMonday, Labor day, September 6, 2010 is Napa's next Unity League mixer and meeting. A social gathering w/ good people, bites to eat and usually a great local winery pouring something tasty.<div><br /></div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TFW134rCcCI/AAAAAAAABsY/LHCpRaFe-Is/s200/unityleaguelogo.jpg" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 158px; height: 123px;" border="0" alt="" /><div>With a mission of enhanc[ing] the sense of community for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Questioning (LGBTQ) citizens & their families, friends and allies through: social networking, community service, health & education and social justice, the folks from the <a href="http://napavalleyunityleague.org/">Napa Valley Unity League</a> are the main organizers for Napa's Pride, the Academy Awards party/fundraiser and AIDS Walk Napa Valley, among many other events.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's the lineup for this month's meeting:</div><div><ul><li>This month we'll be celebrating Labor Day with a BBQ on the lawn above the pool at Riverpointe</li><li>Folks from Honig Winery will be on hand to pour their wines and talk about their facility and operation</li><li>We'll find out more about the 19th Annual Napa Valley AIDS Walk which takes place in Yountville on Saturday, October 30</li><li>We still have a few Napa Valley Pride dog tags ($3 each or 2 for $5) and wristbands ($2 each or 3 for $5)</li><li>Meet great folks and find out what's going on in the Napa Valley and the surrounding areas</li></ul></div>There's a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=147346645288457&index=1">Facebook event page</a> if you'd like to RSVP or peek at who's saying they're going.<div><br /></div><div>Additionally, Josie just sent us out a special reminder about a community service project she and TJ are encouraging our support on:</div><blockquote>I just wanted to remind people it is not too late to pick up some school supplies to donate to the Teachers Resource Center (formerly Change for Kids). Teachers have it tough these days and many spend up to $500 a year out of their own pockets so that all of their students can have needed supplies. There are still deals on paper, pens, notebooks and such at Office Depot, Target, Staples and Wal-Mart.<br /><br />Bring your donation to the mixer and I will deliver it to the TRC. I talked to a teacher friend yesterday who said copy paper is really a strong need for most teachers. She is copying old textbooks to use in creative ways in her classes. Thanks in advance to all who can help.<br /><br />Josie Jenkins<br />TJ Danser<br />Community Service Co-Chairs</blockquote>Valley's Other Fruithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10678486362518374058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352779018210032802.post-63054161031775893522010-08-18T22:24:00.000-07:002010-08-18T22:42:02.812-07:00Gay Day at Discovery Kingdom now called JUNGLE, Sat, Nov 13, 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TGzAi9kx3xI/AAAAAAAABtI/8fsrnqG5YaM/s1600/JungleatSixFlags..jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TGzAi9kx3xI/AAAAAAAABtI/8fsrnqG5YaM/s400/JungleatSixFlags..jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5506988151244185362" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Click to enlarge or click<a href="http://www.sixflags.com/discoveryKingdom/assets/pdf/FINAL%20APPROVED%20POSTER%20JUNGLE%202010.pdf"> here for the full PDF</a></span><a href="http://www.sixflags.com/discoveryKingdom/assets/pdf/FINAL%20APPROVED%20POSTER%20JUNGLE%202010.pdf"><br /></a><br />After last year's <a href="http://lgbtnapa.blogspot.com/2009/08/gay-day-returns-to-discovery-kingdom.html">well intentioned but not hugely attended</a> revamp of Gay Day ("Out In The Park") at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, I was wondering what might be in store for this year. Still not having heard anything, I thought they might have given up and left the big "gay day" parties to the other theme parks...<br /><br />However, I was wrong. Gay Day at Discovery Kingdom is back, but revamped yet again. I guess you can't blame them for trying!<br /><br />So what's in store for this year? It looks like they're learning from the past, and this year's Gay Day at Discovery Kingdom is know known as J.U.N.G.L.E. (Jointly Unified in a Nighttime Gay/Lesbian Event):<br /><blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold;">[From the </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.sixflags.com/discoveryKingdom/events/JungleEvent2010.aspx">official website's event page</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>]<br />The park will be open to the general public from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Ticket holders to JUNGLE can enjoy the festivities until park close at 11 p.m.<br /><br />Tickets will go on sale starting in September at an early online price. Your purchased ticket to JUNGLE will also be valid during the park's public operating hours and a special wristband will provide access to the exclusive JUNGLE event.<br /><br />Season Pass holders can enjoy a special Season Pass event wristband price and enjoy JUNGLE all night long. A portion of the ticket proceeds will be donated to our community partners.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Performances by:</span><br /><ul><li>Chris Salvatore (<a href="http://chris-salvatore.com/">chris-salvatore.com</a>)</li><li>Pollo Del Mar (<a href="http://twitter.com/TheGlamazonPDM">Twitter.com/TheGlamazonPDM</a>)</li><li>Jessica and Hunter (<a href="http://jessicaandhunter.com/">jessicaandhunter.com</a>)</li><li>DJ Perry Twins (<a href="http://perrytwinsmusic.com/">perrytwinsmusic.com</a>)</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Special appearances by:</span><br />House of Glitter, Cheer SF, Tita Aida, Rice Rockettes, DieNASTY, and CollaVoce.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sponsored by:</span><br />Vitamin Water, Pink Banana Media, LOGO TV, Grindr, and Andre Harris Designs.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Community Partners:</span><br />Solano Pride, API Wellness, and Cheer SF. </blockquote>They've also started a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vallejo-CA/JUNGLE-at-Six-Flags-Discovery-Kingdom-LGBT-Event/104096639643937">Facebook Page for the event</a> with more info and ongoing updates. I hope the <a href="http://lgbtnapa.blogspot.com/2009/09/ticket-winner-chosen-out-in-park-six.html">promoters give me free tickets to give away again</a>! If anyone has connections, please let them know I'd love to hold a contest and promote the event.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Whatdya think? Are this year's changes enough to get you to go?</span>Valley's Other Fruithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10678486362518374058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352779018210032802.post-50532592314810424402010-08-12T12:15:00.000-07:002010-08-12T19:31:25.782-07:00Same-sex marriage "stay" lifted, not in effect until Aug 18<div>[<b>Update, 2:00pm, August 12:</b> Early reports claiming the stay was lifted are factually correct, but later news corrected details...it does not go into effect until August 18]<br /><br />What a roller coaster!<br /><br />Judge Vaughn Walker has <a href="http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2010/08/heres-ruling-lifting-stay.html">issued his ruling on the temporary stay regarding the resumption of same-sex marriages in California</a> and they are ordered to resume as early as August 18th. He lifted the stay, but gave proponents of Proposition 8 six days to file an appeal.<br /><br />As I mentioned in an earlier post today, <a href="http://lgbtnapa.blogspot.com/2010/08/napa-county-ready-to-resume-same-gender.html">Napa County is ready to issue same gender marriage licenses</a> as soon as the stay is fully lifted.<br /><br />Next in this political saga and march towards Civil Rights/Equality is our wait to see if the appeal by Proposition 8 supportors will be heard--and if "Yes on 8" (listed as Prop 8 proponents in the official documents) even have a right to file an appeal. Marriages might only be legal in the short window of time between Walker's lifting of his own stay and the Ninth Circuit Court issuing their own.<br /><br />For <a href="http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2010/08/reactions-to-lifting-of-prop-8-stay.html">reactions to today's ruling from LGBTQ rights groups and others</a>, check out this post by Joe.My.God.<br /><br />More from <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/08/12/MNFA1ERRMV.DTL">SFGate</a>:<strong><br /></strong><blockquote><strong>(08-12) 19:11 PDT SAN FRANCISCO</strong> -- Gay and lesbian couples in California can begin marrying next week, a federal judge ruled Thursday - that is, unless the <a style="text-decoration: underline;" target="_top" href="http://topics.sfgate.com/topics/United_States_Court_of_Appeals_for_the_Ninth_Circuit">Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals</a> steps in to stop them. <p>Chief <a style="text-decoration: underline;" target="_top" href="http://topics.sfgate.com/topics/United_States_federal_judge">U.S. District Judge</a> Vaughn Walker last week invalidated <a style="text-decoration: underline;" target="_top" href="http://topics.sfgate.com/topics/California_Proposition_8_%282008%29">Proposition 8</a>, the state's ban on same-sex marriage, saying it was discriminatory and unconstitutional, but put enforcement of that ruling on hold with a stay. Then on Thursday Walker lifted that stay but simultaneously ruled that his order not take effect until 5 p.m. Wednesday.<br /></p> <p>That gave proponents of Prop. 8 time to ask a three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit court for another stay preventing same-sex marriages while that court - and perhaps the <a style="text-decoration: underline;" target="_top" href="http://topics.sfgate.com/topics/Supreme_Court_of_the_United_States">U.S. Supreme Court</a> - reviews Walker's invalidation of the ban.</p> <p>And by the end of Thursday, the ban's supporters had done just that. In a 95-page motion, they said a stay would "avoid the confusion and irreparable injury that would flow from the creation of a class of purported same-sex marriages." The Ninth Circuit court has not indicated when it might weigh in on the stay request...</p><p>...Moreover, Walker noted, the state did not defend Prop. 8. Instead, private organizations stepped in - but they might not have standing to appeal.</p> <p>"It appears at least doubtful," Walker wrote, "that proponents will be able to proceed with their appeal without a state defendant ... In light of those concerns, proponents may have little choice but to attempt to convince either the governor or the attorney general to file an appeal."</p> <p>That likelihood is less than slim: Opponents of Prop. 8 were joined in their request that the stay be lifted by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and <a style="text-decoration: underline;" target="_top" href="http://topics.sfgate.com/topics/Attorney_general">Attorney General</a> Jerry Brown.</p></blockquote><p></p></div>Valley's Other Fruithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10678486362518374058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352779018210032802.post-83256018933059540292010-08-12T10:56:00.000-07:002010-08-12T12:09:24.355-07:00Napa County ready to resume same gender marriages immediately<a href="http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2010/08/11/Prop_8_Judge_to_Issue_Stay_Ruling_Thursday/">Judge Walker announced that he will publish his decision on the temporary stay</a> (the "pause" on same-sex marriages) Thursday, August 12 at noon. Joe.My.God. has <a href="https://ecf.cand.uscourts.gov/cand/09cv2292/index.html">published this link to find the ruling when it is issued</a>. (SFGate has shared this <a href="http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2010/08/live-video-san-francisco-courthouse.html">link to watch live video outside of San Francisco City Hall</a>.)<br /><br />I sent an inquiry to our local County Recorder-Clerk, John Tuteur as to how quickly Napa is ready to resume same-sex marriages, and this was his (very supportive!) reply:<br /><blockquote><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.countyofnapa.org/uploadedImages/County_Image_Library/Categories/Person-People/TuteurJohn5x7.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 114px; height: 160px;" src="http://www.countyofnapa.org/uploadedImages/County_Image_Library/Categories/Person-People/TuteurJohn5x7.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>"Our staff is ready to issue marriage licenses to same gender couples immediately if the stay is lifted by Judge Walker. We are also prepared to perform ceremonies for same gender couples. We have had gender neutral forms since May 17, 2008.<br /><br />Please let me know if I can be of further assistance, JOHN TUTEUR, NAPA COUNTY ASSESSOR-RECORDER-COUNTY CLERK"</blockquote><p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:10pt;"></span></span></p>Valley's Other Fruithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10678486362518374058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352779018210032802.post-61482589500623651462010-08-11T08:39:00.000-07:002010-08-11T08:50:26.522-07:00Napa Guerilla Gays head to the Fair, Weds, Aug 11<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TGLFekSRnlI/AAAAAAAABtA/Zne6mKa0d9c/s1600/NapaFair2010.gif"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 298px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TGLFekSRnlI/AAAAAAAABtA/Zne6mKa0d9c/s400/NapaFair2010.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5504178823527243346" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It's that time of year again! One week before school starts and today, Wednesday, August 11 is the first day of the <a href="http://www.napavalleyexpo.com/fair.html">Napa Town & Country Fair</a>! The Town/Country Fair (not to be confused with Napa County's Fair, held around the 4th of July in Calistoga) is held mid-August, yearly in Napa City, just south of 3rd Street at the Expo.<br /><br />Many long-time Napans remember fondly riding the Zipper at the Carnival, cruising Chardonnay Hall for infomercial wares, perusing the smelly livestock area (or selling livestock if you're a 4H kinda person), judging local art/food/crafts, watching a performance and buying (insert product here)-on-a-stick <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">and loving it!</span><br /><br />Well to make the fair a little "gayer" this year (and what's a fair without fun friends to enjoy it with), Rick has launched a <a href="http://www.napagaybar.com">Guerilla Gay</a> mission encouraging us all to head to the fairgrounds today and soak up some of the last bits of summer:<br /><blockquote>Join the troops from the Napa Guerilla Gay Bar as we invade the <span class="text_exposed_show">Napa Town & Country Fair (on the grounds of the Napa Valley Expo at 575 Third Street in Napa) on Wednesday, August 11 for OPENING DAY!<br /><br />We'll eat (of course), we'll drink (naturally), we'll visit the exhibits, we'll all hold our noses as we look at the livestock, we'll ride the rides in the carnival area (or watch as others scream and cry like little kids).<br /><br />Then, at 8 p.m. we'll meet up at the brand new amphitheatre for a concert by jazz pianist David Benoit (pronounced, believe it or not, BEN-wah). Those who saw him perform with Dave Koz at the Robert Mondavi Summer Concert Series know how good this guy is! What could be better? A warm August evening, sitting with friends outdoors and listening to great jazz! And don't forget - the concert is free with your admission to the fair.<br /><br />Blow off work and spend the entire day or just show up when you can. Be sure to wear your Napa Valley Pride dog tags or other camouflage and/or rainbow paraphernalia so we can spot you.<br /><br />Advance tickets are available for just $8 (a 20% savings) by clicking on the "Buy Tickets" link at <a href="http://www.napavalleyexpo.com/fair.html" onmousedown="'UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this)," rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.napavalleyexpo.</span><wbr><span class="word_break"></span>com/fair.html</a></span></blockquote>There is a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=132412793462043&index=1">facebook event page</a> if you'd like to RSVP or see who's going already. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Share your favorite fair (Napa or otherwise) moments in the comments.</span>Valley's Other Fruithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10678486362518374058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352779018210032802.post-68816720372495674422010-08-05T09:26:00.000-07:002010-08-05T09:54:12.001-07:00Photos of Prop 8 overturn rally, Aug 4, 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TFrsjeAHj4I/AAAAAAAABs4/EyLOw-s7hN4/s1600/Jessica5.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TFrsjeAHj4I/AAAAAAAABs4/EyLOw-s7hN4/s400/Jessica5.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501969988879617922" /></a><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-small;">Photo by J. Cortez</span></div><div><br /></div>What a celebration! <b>Were you at the Veteran's Park rally in Napa (or in your hometown) on August 4, 2010 after <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/08/05/MNBA1EP1A9.DTL&tsp=1">Judge Walker's scathing overturn</a> of Proposition 8?</b> Send your pics to contribute to our album:<div><br /></div><div>Can't view flash? Click through to <a href="http://www.slide.com/r/YLq-ABpp5D_tq7VJczjioGaxeRY4QQUk?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=gallery">visit the album here</a>.<br /><div><embed src="http://widget-c9.slide.com/widgets/slideticker.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" quality="high" scale="noscale" salign="l" wmode="transparent" flashvars="cy=bb&il=1&channel=2810246167516429257&site=widget-c9.slide.com" style="width:400px;height:320px" name="flashticker" align="middle"></embed><div style="width:400px;text-align:left;"><a href="http://www.slide.com/pivot?cy=bb&at=un&id=2810246167516429257&map=2" target="_blank"><img src="http://widget-c9.slide.com/p2/2810246167516429257/bb_t056_v000_s0un_f00/images/xslide2.gif" border="0" ismap="ismap" /></a></div></div></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Photos by:</span><br /><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Jessica Cortez</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Renee Fannin</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><span id="gallery-cutline">J.L. Sousa/Napa Valley Register</span></span></li></ul><div>Additionally, the Napa Register has a nice <a href="http://napavalleyregister.com/news/local/article_10af4f36-a00c-11df-aebd-001cc4c002e0.html">write up from the Associated Press</a>, and a<a href="http://napavalleyregister.com/news/local/collection_6bc6e11e-a042-11df-95dc-001cc4c03286.html"> photo-shoot</a> and <a href="http://napavalleyregister.com/news/local/article_10af4f36-a00c-11df-aebd-001cc4c002e0.html?mode=video">video</a> of the local reaction.</div></div>Valley's Other Fruithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10678486362518374058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352779018210032802.post-19671794066504066182010-08-05T00:14:00.000-07:002010-08-05T00:36:19.770-07:00Prop 8 overturned, temporary stay issued<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TFppshV9jSI/AAAAAAAABso/greT29VKvmY/s1600/Prop8overturnrallynapa2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TFppshV9jSI/AAAAAAAABso/greT29VKvmY/s400/Prop8overturnrallynapa2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501826108372127010" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">photos courtesy Jessica Cortez</span><br /><br />As you must've heard all over the news, blogs, facebook and twitter, Federal Judge Vaughn Walker overturned Proposition 8 with his <a href="http://lgbtnapa.blogspot.com/2010/08/prop-8-overturn-trial-decision.html">ruling on Wednesda</a><a href="http://lgbtnapa.blogspot.com/2010/08/prop-8-overturn-trial-decision.html">y, August 4, 2010</a>:<br /><blockquote face="courier new"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TFppwMKAQRI/AAAAAAAABsw/32l3vGhM2nU/s1600/Prop8overturnrallynapa.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TFppwMKAQRI/AAAAAAAABsw/32l3vGhM2nU/s200/Prop8overturnrallynapa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5501826171404304658" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family: courier new;">"Proposition 8 fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license. Indeed, the evidence shows Proposition 8 does nothing more than enshrine in the California Constitution the notion tha</span><span style="font-family: courier new;" class="text_exposed_show">t opposite-sex couples are superior to same-sex couples. Because California has no interest in discriminating against gay men and lesbians, and because Proposition 8 prevents California from fulfilling its constitutional obligation to provide marriages on an equal basis, the court concludes that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional."</span></blockquote>and...<br /><blockquote style="font-family: courier new;">Because Proposition 8 is unconstitutional under both the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses, the court orders entry of judgment permanently enjoining its enforcement; prohibiting the official defendants from applying or enforcing Proposition 8 and directing the official defendants that all persons under their control or supervision shall not apply or enforce Proposition 8...<br />IT IS SO ORDERED.</blockquote>Visit here for the <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/chronicle/acrobat/2010/08/04/Prop-8-Ruling-FINAL.pdf">full text of Judge Walker's ruling</a>.<br /><br />For now, same-sex marriages are still on hold. Judge Walker issued what's called a temporary stay (for two days) to pause the resuming of same-sex marriages while a short trial can be held to see if they should be on hold until the appeal is heard:<br /><p></p><blockquote><p>On Wednesday, at least, the purely practical impact of the decision was limited, and <a style="text-decoration: underline;" target="_top" href="http://topics.sfgate.com/topics/Homosexuality">gay and lesbian</a> couples such as Perry and Stier were unable to rush to the altar. Walker attached a stay order to his ruling, freezing it for at least a few days until a separate hearing can be held on whether to allow same-sex marriages while the case is appealed.</p> <p>The decision did not affect 18,000 gay and lesbian couples who wed before voters passed Prop. 8. Those unions are still legal.</p> <p>But the broader legal and political repercussions are weighty, as the trial was the first ever held in federal court on the issue. Legal experts said that if Walker's ruling is affirmed on appeal, the U.S. Supreme Court would almost certainly take up the case and establish law for the rest of the country.</p> <p>If the appeals court reverses Walker's decision and restores the ban, the experts said, the Supreme Court may leave the case alone. </p> <p>The appeal to the Ninth Circuit could be decided within months - or the process could take more than a year. [<a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/08/04/MNQS1EOR3D.DTL&tsp=1">SFGate</a>]</p></blockquote><p>Hundreds of celebrations and 40+ community rallies took place across the state, including a rally at Veteran's Park in downtown Napa.</p><p><span style="font-weight: bold;">What was your reaction to the ruling? Thoughts on what's next?</span><br /></p>Valley's Other Fruithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10678486362518374058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352779018210032802.post-12878604210009628722010-08-04T10:36:00.000-07:002010-08-04T19:38:48.259-07:00Post "Decision Day" Guerilla Gay Mission to Carpe Diem Winebar, Weds, 8p<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://bp0.blogger.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/SDu52Iw7GcI/AAAAAAAAAMM/si8NmX0ARkA/s320/CIMG3089.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://bp0.blogger.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/SDu52Iw7GcI/AAAAAAAAAMM/si8NmX0ARkA/s320/CIMG3089.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a>[<span style="font-weight: bold;">Update, Aug 4, 7:30p:</span> Event moved from Downtown Joe's to Carpe Diem]<br /><br />Whether or not you are able to make it to <a href="http://lgbtnapa.blogspot.com/2010/08/prop-8-overturn-trial-decision.html">Wednesday's "Day of Decision"</a> rally at Veteran's Park, Napa's Guerilla Gay Bar is planning a post-rally mission at Carpe Diem Winebar at 8p:<div><span class="text_exposed_show"><blockquote>Win or Lose - the Napa Valley Unity League, Napa Valley Equality Coalition and many other organizations are planning a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=147957918554970&index=1">"Day of Decision Rally" at Veterans Park in Napa</a> (on Main Street between 2nd and 3rd Streets) from 6 to 8 p.m.<br /><br />Following the event, troops from the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=139489679417129&index=1">Napa Guerilla Gay Bar will descend upon Carpe Diem Winebar</a> (1001 2nd Street in Napa) for post-rally food and beverages.</blockquote></span></div>Of course this <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=139489679417129">Guerilla mission has a Facebook event page</a> if you'd like to RSVP or see who's going...Valley's Other Fruithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10678486362518374058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352779018210032802.post-46397261993899591142010-08-03T23:40:00.000-07:002010-08-04T16:18:14.947-07:00Prop 8 overturn trial decision announcement Wednesday, Aug 4<div>[<b>Update, 2:30p:</b> Judge Vaughn Walker rules that Prop 8 is unconstitutional:</div><div><blockquote>"Proposition 8 fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license. Indeed, the evidence shows Proposition 8 does nothing more than enshrine in the California Constitution the notion tha<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">t opposite-sex couples are superior to same-sex couples. Because California has no interest in discriminating against gay men and lesbians, and because Proposition 8 prevents California from fulfilling its constitutional obligation to provide marriages on an equal basis, the court concludes that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional."]</span></blockquote><span class="text_exposed_show"></span></div><div>Napa has 2 events planned:</div><div><ul><li><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 196px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_t6rV3U9ZEHM/TFkB4UFevYI/AAAAAAAA4EE/RFfsLjX7lE0/s1600/dod.jpg" border="0" alt="" />A <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=147957918554970&index=1">post-decision rally will be held at Veteran's Park, 6-8p</a> to celebrate or pick up the torches</li><li>A <a href="http://lgbtnapa.blogspot.com/2010/08/post-decision-day-guerilla-gay-mission.html">post-rally Guerilla Gay Bar mission</a> is planned from 8-10p at Downtown Joe's</li></ul>It has been months that we have been waiting. <a href="http://lgbtnapa.blogspot.com/2010/06/prop-8-overturn-trial-closing-arguments.html">June 16, 2010, closing arguments began</a> and Judge Walker's decision will be published tomorrow, Wednesday, August 4, 2010 between 1p and 3p.<br /><br />Many in the pro-equality, pro-same-sex marriage side (the "Perry" in the Perry v Schwarzenegger) believe that the ruling will be in favor of same-sex marriage, but--<a href="http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2010/08/prop-8-decision-due-tomorrow.html">as Joe.My.God. points out</a>--it will likely be immediately appeale</div><div>d.<br /><br />I know I'll be paying attention to the next steps in civil rights history...</div><div><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_t6rV3U9ZEHM/TBfB32VSeYI/AAAAAAAA0aA/QPlbgH1yCrw/s320/VaughnWalker.jpg" alt="" border="0" /><blockquote>The federal court announced today that it will release its decision in the American Foundation for Equal Right’s landmark case, <em>Perry v. Schwarzenegger</em>, on Wednesday. </blockquote><blockquote>Text “EQUAL” to 69866 to get a text message with the official decision on your mobile phone the moment the court releases its decision, or sign-up for an email alert at equalrightsfoundation.org. Join AFER on its Web site to watch a live press conference with our plaintiffs and co-counsels Ted Olson and David Boies following the release of the decision. As we receive news about the details of the release, AFER will update our Facebook and Twitter profiles, along with our Web site. [<a href="http://www.equalrightsfoundation.org/news/federal-court-to-release-its-decision-tomorrow/">American Foundation for Equal Rights</a>]<br /></blockquote>A short recap of the timeline:<br /><ul><li>In 2000, CA bans (already unallowed since 1994) gay marriage<br /></li><li>SF begins issuing same-sex marriage licenses in 2004 to 4,000 couples<br /></li><li>The state forces SF to stop</li><li>The state is sued for the law that bans gay marriage as being unequal and against the equality part of our constitution and loses</li><li>May 2008, Same sex marriage is legal in CA for several months</li><li>November 2008, A state election is held to change our constitution to allow inequality in marriage (and ban same-sex marriages) and the Proposition 8 passes, re-banning gay marriage</li><li>In early 2010, the state is sued to overturn Prop 8 in Federal Court</li><li>Judge Walker issues his ruling in early August 2010 that Prop 8 is unconstitutional<br /></li></ul>For those that want to read the full published ruling, you can access it on <a href="http://www.cand.uscourts.gov/">the court's website</a> tomorrow afternoon.<br /></div>Valley's Other Fruithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10678486362518374058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352779018210032802.post-77192855027385088322010-08-01T10:48:00.000-07:002010-08-01T12:04:58.878-07:00Next Unity League mixer/meeting Mon, Aug 2[<span style="font-weight: bold;">Update, Sun, Aug 1, 12p:</span> included more on what's on this month's agenda and an update to the location, see below]<br /><br />The Napa Valley Unity League's famous monthly mixer and meeting will be Monday, August 2nd at its usual location, Riverpointe Napa.<br /><br />What's on tap for August?<br /><blockquote><ul><li><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TFW134rCcCI/AAAAAAAABsY/LHCpRaFe-Is/s1600/unityleaguelogo.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 158px; height: 123px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TFW134rCcCI/AAAAAAAABsY/LHCpRaFe-Is/s200/unityleaguelogo.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500502491613261858" border="0" /></a>Folks from Oakville Ranch Vineyards will be on hand to pour their wines and talk about their facility and operation</li><li>Enjoy food prepared in the Napa Valley Unity League test kitchens (just kidding - but the food is amazing!)</li><li><span class="text_exposed_show">We still have a few Napa Valley Pride dog tags ($3 each or 2 for $5) and wristbands ($2 each or 3 for $5)</span></li><li><span class="text_exposed_show">Meet great folks and find out what's going on in the Napa Valley and the surrounding areas.</span></li></ul></blockquote><span class="text_exposed_show">And some updates:<br /></span><blockquote><ul><li>The meeting will take place on the outside grass near the pool (south side lawn of the clubhouse building)</li><li>Here more about:<br /> *Family Services of Napa Valley<br /> *Access Adventure<br /> *Marin Pride<br /> *Napa Guerilla Gay Bar Missions<br /></li></ul></blockquote><span class="text_exposed_show">Cost? Just a $5.00 SUGGESTED donation<br /><br />We meet at Riverpointe Napa Valley (500 Lincoln Avenue - just across from Compadres Rio Grille) in Napa. The mixer starts around 6. A short meeting takes place starting at 7. The <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=139819609371826">facebook event page</a> has RSVP options, but you can just show up.<br /></span>Valley's Other Fruithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10678486362518374058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352779018210032802.post-73391307295866447782010-08-01T10:35:00.001-07:002010-08-01T10:48:07.351-07:00Carpe Diem Winebar invasion by Napa Guerilla Gays, Sun, Aug 1<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TFWyQfqGpBI/AAAAAAAABsI/269SloWLcMM/s1600/carpediemwine.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 296px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TFWyQfqGpBI/AAAAAAAABsI/269SloWLcMM/s400/carpediemwine.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500498516348675090" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.carpediemwinebar.com/"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 154px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TFWyXkqHkvI/AAAAAAAABsQ/7wc0qpkH_EU/s200/carpediem_LOGO.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500498637949997810" border="0" /></a>Today's the day for a quick queer "invasion" of one of Napa's newest hot spots, the <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/carpe-diem-wine-bar-napa">Carpe Diem</a> wine bar. Carpe Diem is located at 1001 2nd Street (for old time Napans, in the old PJ's spot next to Peking Palace) and they've has some great "Sunday Funday" specials:<br /><blockquote>According to their website they offer "$3 specials, sliders, fries, draft beers etc . . . " from 4 to 6 p.m. every Sunday. Let's check it out!</blockquote><span>This is one of <a href="http://napagaybar.blogspot.com/">Napa Guerilla Gay Bar</a>'s "fb/blog/twitter" only events, so don't expect an email blast...If you'd like to peek at or RSVP yourself, go to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=132402726801548">the event's facebook page, here</a>.<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Who's in?</span>Valley's Other Fruithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10678486362518374058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352779018210032802.post-76629944080483172032010-07-09T08:56:00.000-07:002010-07-09T09:11:25.610-07:00DOMA ruled unconstitutional 2x, what does it mean?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TDdJovGhLsI/AAAAAAAABsA/LuZ5Te-ykBU/s1600/defend_love_destroy_doma_prop_8.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 318px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TDdJovGhLsI/AAAAAAAABsA/LuZ5Te-ykBU/s400/defend_love_destroy_doma_prop_8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5491939234789011138" border="0" /></a><br /><br />DOMA, the so-called Defense of [straight] Marriage Act, passed in 1996 and signed by Bill Clinton, is responsible for defining marriage--at the Federal level--as between only one man and one woman. Yesterday, after two separate trials involving couples in Massachussets, a Federal District Judge ruled--two separate times--that DOMA is unconstitutional.<br /><br />This does not immediately mean that DOMA was overturned across the United States, however, and it is just binding over the Federal Government's interaction with couples in Massachusetts right now. Also, it can be stayed, appealed and ultimately needs to be decided by the Supreme Court for the ruling to be held across all of the United States.<br /><br />So, what <span style="font-style: italic;">does </span>it mean?<br /><br />Rachel Maddow had a solid explanation on her show yesterday, the video clip is embedded on the blog here (click through if you can't see it):<br /><object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ph4CiJXwHeU&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ph4CiJXwHeU&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="640"></embed></object><br /><br />Gay365 News has a great write-up of <a href="http://www.365gay.com/news/explanation-of-the-doma-decision/">an interpretation of Judge Tauro's decisions, too. Go here</a>.<br /><br />If you're a Consitutional Law junkie, or just a detail nerd, here is the actual full text of <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/34074892/DOMA-Decision">ruling one</a> and <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/34075498/Gill-v-US">ruling two</a>.<br /><br />And for <a href="http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2010/07/doma-ruling-reactions.html">official reactions from various equality and LGBT legal groups, check here</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What are your thoughts on this ruling?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Thanks to <a href="http://joemygod.blogspot.com/">Joe.My.God.</a> for the updates and links.</span>Valley's Other Fruithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10678486362518374058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352779018210032802.post-15669230373666175862010-07-05T11:42:00.001-07:002010-07-05T11:53:04.238-07:00Margaret Cho (Sept 26), Cyndi Lauper (Aug 18) and others coming to Napa's UptownI don't know how this slipped in under my radar, but there's some pretty sweet LGBT-fan favorites coming to Napa's <a href="http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/entertainment&id=7443073">newly refurbished Uptown Theater</a>:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold;">The B-52s - August 9 </span> <table border="0" cellpadding="10"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.uptowntheatrenapa.com/images/shows/b52.jpg" alt="" /></td> <td> <p>Monday, August 9, 2010<br />Doors: 6:30 PM / Show: 8:00 PM<br />$75/85 21+over</p></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Cyndi Lauper - August 18 </span> <table border="0" cellpadding="10"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.uptowntheatrenapa.com/UserFiles/File/showpics/Cyndi%20Lauper.jpg" alt="" height="301" width="205" /></td> <td> <p>Wednesday, August 18, 2010<br />Doors: 6:30 PM / Show: 8:00 PM<br />$75/85 21+over</p></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Margaret Cho - Sept 26 </span> <table border="0" cellpadding="10"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.uptowntheatrenapa.com/UserFiles/File/showpics/Margaret%20Cho.jpg" alt="" height="308" width="205" /></td> <td> <p>Sunday, Sept 26, 2010<br />"Mature Content"<br />Doors: 6:30 PM / Show: 8:00 PM<br />$50/60 21+over</p></td></tr></tbody></table></blockquote><span>Click here for more information on <a href="http://www.uptowntheatrenapa.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=5&id=20&Itemid=42">upcoming shows and ticket prices at the Uptown</a></span><span>. Does anyone else remember when it was $1.50 (and they used raffle tickets) to go to the movies there?</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />Who's going to what? What other upcoming acts/shows/bands you looking forward to seeing in the Napa Valley?</span>Valley's Other Fruithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10678486362518374058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352779018210032802.post-47203181070112041672010-07-05T11:07:00.000-07:002010-07-05T11:22:08.859-07:00Napa Unity League monthly mixer Mon, July 5, 2010It's that time of the month again, <a href="http://www.napavalleyunityleague.org/">the Napa Valley Unity League</a> is hosting their monthly mixer! After you've recovered from all the Pride and 4th of July parties, come and meet a good group of local gays, gals and friends!<br /><blockquote><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/S2cAPuLcEEI/AAAAAAAABkc/-z8UvSLV_nE/s200/napaunityleaguelogo.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 105px; height: 176px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/S2cAPuLcEEI/AAAAAAAABkc/-z8UvSLV_nE/s200/napaunityleaguelogo.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>We meet at Riverpointe Napa Valley (500 Lincoln Avenue - just across from Compadres Rio Grille) in Napa. The mixer starts around 6:00 p.m. A short meeting takes place starting at 7:00 p.m.<br /><br />The Napa Valley Unity LeagueThe Napa Valley Unity League is an organization whose mission is to enhance the sense of community for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered and Questioning (LGBTQ) citizens & their families, friends and allies through: Social Networking, Community Service, Health & Education and Social Justice. We encourage you to join us. We are an inclusive organization!</blockquote>They gather monthly to mix, mingle, share some good food (and usually have a local winery pouring something delicious) and share important news and announcements concerning the Napa Valley (or North Bay)'s LGBT community. All this for a suggested donation of only $5. The Unity League is also the group behind Napa's AIDS Walk, the Academy Awards Celebration, and Pride Week among many other things.<br /><blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold;">Join us for a very special 5th of July Napa Valley Unity League Mixer & Meeting. To celebrate Independence Day we'll be meeting on the covered outdoor patio next to the pool on the ground floor of the Clubhouse building at Riverpointe Napa Valley:</span><br /><ul><li>Folks from Artesa Winery in Carneros will be on hand to pour their wines and talk about their facility and operation</li><li>Enjoy food prepared in the Napa Valley Unity League test kitchens (just kidding - but the food is amazing!)</li><li>We have a few Napa Valley Pride dog tags left for purchase - $3 each or 2 for $5</li><li>Learn about Team Unity League! We'll be walking in the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life at Napa Valley College July 24-25. Find out how you can get involved or support the team financially</li><li>Meet great folks and find out what's going on in the Napa Valley and the surrounding areas.</li></ul></blockquote>If you're the type that likes to RSVP (or peek at others who have RSVP'd), you can do so here, on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=128265910543715&index=1">the event's facebook invite</a>.Valley's Other Fruithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10678486362518374058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352779018210032802.post-23052400694614156542010-07-05T10:55:00.000-07:002010-07-05T11:04:38.497-07:00Unity League contingent in Napa's 4th of July parade: vid, pics, write-up<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/doK6Q3o20DY&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/doK6Q3o20DY&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="480"></embed></object><br /><br />Above is the embedded video (click through to the blog if you can't see it) and here is Chris Edwards' write-up about the Unity League contingent in the City of Napa's 2nd Annual 4th of July parade (use the comments section to add your own thoughts):<br /><blockquote><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TDIeX7qFP6I/AAAAAAAABro/obxagVrNn1c/s1600/CIMG1029.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TDIeX7qFP6I/AAAAAAAABro/obxagVrNn1c/s200/CIMG1029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490484292218077090" border="0" /></a>Great job by TJ Danser in leading this year’s parade contingent in the Napa Sunrise Rotary’s 4th of July Parade!<br /><br />The parade was led by Fish and gang carrying the Unity League Banner. DJ Rotten Robbie and his partner Eric walked the streets hand in hand alongside Deb and Carol’s Smart Car. They inspired the crowds concerning unity and equality for all.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TDIeYnoscTI/AAAAAAAABrw/yo6-8VSQwUg/s1600/CIMG1030.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TDIeYnoscTI/AAAAAAAABrw/yo6-8VSQwUg/s200/CIMG1030.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490484304023417138" border="0" /></a>Michele, Josie, Scott, Wally the dog and I rode in the convertible escorted by David, TJ, our friend on the bike whose name has slipped my mind as well as Lola and Mickey. The highlight was Terri Curd with rainbow feathers accompanied by a huge smile waving from the fully decked-out Cristal Blue Carriage limo supplied by Chris & Bill. With Terri’s daughter and friends in tow, the crowds were inspired with a good cheer and diversity. We had a few new faces and others helping out as well, whose names have now slipped me after a glass of wine.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TDIeZVhOjYI/AAAAAAAABr4/vXvAPzwjHvY/s1600/CIMG1031.JPG"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TDIeZVhOjYI/AAAAAAAABr4/vXvAPzwjHvY/s200/CIMG1031.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490484316340129154" border="0" /></a>During the live broadcast of the parade on 99.3 THE VINE, “Kellie in the Morning” suggested we had the most festive and colorful contingent to a huge cheer from the crowd watching.<br /><br />Thanks to all, especially TJ, for reminding us of the fun and that we need to participate as we are diverse colors, faces and ideas making up the fabric of our Napa Community.<br /><br />Thanks all until year!<br />Chris Edwards<br /><br />P.S. – Don’t forget about the special Napa Valley Unity League Mixer & Meeting on Monday, July 5th! We’ll be meeting outdoors on the patio by the pool at Riverpointe Napa Valley starting at 6:00 p.m. </blockquote>Valley's Other Fruithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10678486362518374058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352779018210032802.post-54921614428771954802010-07-04T08:50:00.000-07:002010-07-04T11:28:42.617-07:00Queer Napans in 4th of July Parade again, join us Sun, July 4<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TDCxcp5w9rI/AAAAAAAABrY/X0RzYAXteoE/s1600/usandlgbtflag.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 242px; float: right; height: 320px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490083051607226034" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TDCxcp5w9rI/AAAAAAAABrY/X0RzYAXteoE/s320/usandlgbtflag.jpg" border="0" /></a> [<span style="font-weight: bold;">Update, July 4, 11:30a:</span> apparently, if you just want to watch the parade today in downtown Napa, it starts at 2p. The earlier times are for those who are serving as parade eye candy.]<br /><br />This is the 2nd year that Napa's Sunrise Rotary is hosting a big "old fashioned" parade for the 4th of July, and word is that they loved having us so much last year that we're invited again:<br /><br /><blockquote>The parade takes place in downtown Napa: our staging area for the parade will be at the corner of Church and Third Streets (that’s just west of Alexis Baking Company & Val’s Liquors). If you’d like to help decorate the vehicles, please arrive at the staging area at Noon. If you’d like to walk/march/ride with our contingent, please arrive at the staging area at 1 p.m.<br /><br />This year’s parade theme is "Happy Birthday America!” Be creative and or just come to have fun – rainbows and/or the good old red, white and blue are appropriate, of course! Invite your family, friends, children and pets to join in the celebration.<br /><br />If you have a convertible and are interested in driving in the parade please call TJ at (707) 225-1663. We’d love to have 3 to 5 convertibles to decorate and to carry some folks while others walk along in the parade.</blockquote><br /><p>Hope to see you in the parade!</p>Would you like a peek at the Pride contingent in last year's parade? Here ya go:<br /><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/EECQVFYjwYo&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/EECQVFYjwYo&hl=en_US&fs=1?rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="480"></embed></object>Valley's Other Fruithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10678486362518374058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352779018210032802.post-19410172288042382502010-06-26T09:53:00.000-07:002010-06-26T11:29:53.620-07:00Pride Weekend: how are you celebrating?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TCYz-Q1lKBI/AAAAAAAABrQ/p80korKgeGc/s1600/pinktriangle.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TCYz-Q1lKBI/AAAAAAAABrQ/p80korKgeGc/s400/pinktriangle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487130340762134546" border="0" /></a><br /><br />It's the big Pride weekend <a href="http://gaytravel.about.com/od/gaypridefestivals/qt/GayPride_June.htm">in many places across the United States and even internationally</a>. Hopefully you've rested and recovered after the 20 events that took place for Pride in Napa last week, cuz this weekend looks to be amazing.<br /><br />Here in the Bay Area, it's usually to San Francisco for the <a href="http://www.transmarch.org/">Trans March</a>, the <a href="http://thedykemarch.org/">Dyke March</a>, Dolores Park, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pink_Saturday">Pink Party</a>, the big<a href="http://www.sfpride.org/parade/generalinfo.html"> Pride Parade</a> down Market, the <a href="http://www.sfpride.org/celeb/generalinfo.html">Pride Celebration (Festival)</a> at Civic Center and many more... This year marks the <a href="http://www.sfpride.org/">40th anniversary of San Francisco Pride</a>, and I'm ready for something fabulous!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What's your favorite way, place to (or favorite memory of) celebrating big Pride Weekend?</span> Share links, photos, stories in the comments, pretty please?<br /><br />Oh, and here's a <a href="http://www.boystownlive.com/">soundtrack </a>for the weekend (suggest your favorite station, music or <a href="http://www.djrottenrobbie.com/">DJ</a> in the comments).<a href="http://boystownlive.com/"></a>Valley's Other Fruithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10678486362518374058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352779018210032802.post-54181701907897149992010-06-20T10:14:00.000-07:002010-06-20T10:41:48.057-07:00Napa Pride day 9 (final day): brunch, art & poetry, poolside sunset cocktails, Sun, June 19, 2010How can it already be the last day of Napa Valley LGBTQ Pride? These past 8 days have been incredible, but make sure and make day 9 the true highlight by attending today's events. Bring a group of family, friends and even Dad:<br /><ul><li><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TB5Q-WtDksI/AAAAAAAABq4/Tkq2BgcvRrY/s1600/marriottentrance.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 167px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TB5Q-WtDksI/AAAAAAAABq4/Tkq2BgcvRrY/s200/marriottentrance.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484910428360512194" border="0" /></a>10a-1p: <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.napavalleypride.com/page/Recovery+Brunch+at+Napa+Valley+Marriott">Recovery Brunch</a> at Characters, Napa Valley Marriott, Napa<a href="http://www.napavalleypride.com/page/Recovery+Brunch+at+Napa+Valley+Marriott"><br /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Relax and recover while enjoying the amazing cuisine of Executive Chef Brian Whitmer...It all takes place</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> outside on the courtyard patio at Characters Bar & Grill at the Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa. The menu includes: "The Valley's Other Fruit" Plate, Wine Country Drama Queen Omelet, Marriage Egg-uality Benedict, Napa Guerilla Gay Waffles, Castro Street Croissant & Egg Sandwich, OUTmeal oatmea<span style="text-decoration: underline;">l.<br /></span>**Those 21 and over will receive a complementary "Rainbow" Mimosa or Bloody Mary courtesy of the Napa Valley Marriott</span>**<a href="http://www.napavalleypride.com/page/Recovery+Brunch+at+Napa+Valley+Marriott"><br /><br /></a></li><li><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TB5REYCxQ3I/AAAAAAAABrA/VotDGPzy-e0/s1600/truecolors.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TB5REYCxQ3I/AAAAAAAABrA/VotDGPzy-e0/s200/truecolors.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484910531799237490" border="0" /></a>4p-9:30p: <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.napavalleypride.com/page/Art+Show+and+Poetry+Reading">Art Show and Poetry Reading</a>, "Showing Our True Colors" at Bloom, Napa<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Art Exhibition 4-7pm | Spoken W</span><span style="font-style: italic;">ord 7:30- 9:30pm | 10 min intermission with lite food and drink: 8:30pm. What are the true colors of your existence? What colors have made you who you are? What are our society's true colors? The Art Show and Poetry Reading asks artists to present the true colors of their community and their identity through visual art and spoken word. Be present, be heard, and hear the voices of others. If you are interested in sharing your spoken word art come up to the mic during the poetry session! It will be hanged on the wall space. Artists will retain all rights to their pieces. </span><br /><br /></li><li><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TB5RE6MXlyI/AAAAAAAABrI/aFAQXJcIAwI/s1600/bardessonopool.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TB5RE6MXlyI/AAAAAAAABrI/aFAQXJcIAwI/s200/bardessonopool.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484910540966303522" border="0" /></a>4p-sunset: <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=114154328614186&index=1">Ibiza Chill-Out in the Napa Valley</a> at Bardessono, Yountville<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">It will be the perfect ending to a perfect 9 days of Napa Valley LGBTQ Pride 2010...Imagine lounging on the roof pool deck at a fabulous Napa Valley hotel . . .Sipping on an appropriate beverage . . .Watching the sun go down on the longest</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">day of the year . . .Listening to fabulous Ibiza Chill music . . .While recounting the amazing events of the past nine days during Napa Valley LGBTQ Pride 2010</span><br /></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Additionally, other local businesses (like Three Twins and C Casa Taqueria in the Oxbow, for instance) are joining in the celebration by offering <a href="http://www.napavalleypride.com/page/Pride%20Promotions">Pride-themed specials</a>. See a special around town we should know about? Please share in the comments or on </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Valleys-Other-Fruit/66677758728"><span style="font-style: italic;">the Fruit's</span></a> Facebook page.<br /><br />Need a recap of all the fabulousness of the last week? Go <a href="http://lgbtnapa.blogspot.com/2010/05/napa-valley-lgbtq-pride-coming-june-12.html">here for a list of all nine days, 20+ events that took place to celebrate Napa Valley LGBTQ Pride 2010</a>.Valley's Other Fruithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10678486362518374058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352779018210032802.post-13125679849009110422010-06-19T07:13:00.000-07:002010-06-19T07:13:00.423-07:00Napa Pride day 8: hike, bowling, Mamma Mia sing-a-long, Sat, June 19, 2010The 2nd-to-last day of Napa Pride is here and the planners did not let up from planning amazingly fun things for us to do. Hopefully everyone got plenty of rest and water after the movie night and big "Leave Your Hat On" dance, cuz today looks like it's going to be a blast!<br /><ul><li><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TBufaKdyHzI/AAAAAAAABqw/DhSV9xy1pV4/s1600/skylinepark.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 116px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TBufaKdyHzI/AAAAAAAABqw/DhSV9xy1pV4/s200/skylinepark.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484152243088400178" border="0" /></a>10:30a-2:30p: <a href="http://www.napavalleypride.com/page/Napa+Valley+Pride+Hike"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Pride Hike at Skyline Park</span></a>, Napa<a href="http://www.napavalleypride.com/page/Napa+Valley+Pride+Hike"><br /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">We will start hike at 11am but we suggest you arrive early to meet with the group. We shall have a Rainbow Flag there so you know which group we are.</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Please bring water and a packed lunch and/or snacks if desired. </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Wear comfortable walking/hiking shoes and appropriate clothing. </span><span style="font-style: italic;">The Trail will be at a medium/intermediate skill level.</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">No Dogs are allowed on the trail. (park rules) There is a $5.00 parking fee at the park.<br /><br /></span></li><li><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TBufUwn6o4I/AAAAAAAABqo/2FLruiPryHY/s1600/familybowling.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TBufUwn6o4I/AAAAAAAABqo/2FLruiPryHY/s200/familybowling.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484152150252233602" border="0" /></a>7p-10p: <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=124024717618913&index=1">Family & "Family" bowling night</a> at Napa Bowl, Napa<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Don't bowl? Don't worry! Just come watch and hang out with us. Don't worry about arriving right at 7 p.m. We'll get you assigned to a lane when you arrive. Trophies will be awarded for highest score and best bowling attire (with maybe a couple</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> more special awards). EVERYONE is welcome!</span><br /><br /></li><li><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TBufO2aTJYI/AAAAAAAABqg/EOLHLYBTfJI/s1600/mammamia.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TBufO2aTJYI/AAAAAAAABqg/EOLHLYBTfJI/s200/mammamia.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484152048726517122" border="0" /></a>11p-1a: <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=122472477782574&index=1">Mamma Mia sing-a-long</a> at Cameo Cinemas, St. Helena<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Tonight, all seats are just $5.00 at the beautiful Cameo Cinemas! Get ready to sing-a-long with the cast from the 2008 hit movie. You'll be able to "follow the bouncing ball" as the lyrics appear on the screen. It's going to be f-ABBA-lous!</span><br /></li></ul>Sunday is the last day of planned Pride events in the Napa Valley, make sure you know what's up! For a list of the rest of the <a href="http://lgbtnapa.blogspot.com/2010/05/napa-valley-lgbtq-pride-coming-june-12.html">week's events for Napa Valley LGBTQ Pride 2010. click here</a>.Valley's Other Fruithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10678486362518374058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352779018210032802.post-89341267155564045862010-06-18T00:21:00.000-07:002010-06-18T00:39:56.304-07:00Napa Pride day 7: big Pride dance for 21+, youth movie night, Fri, June 18, 2010Friday, June 18, 2010's Pride night festivities include the "You Can Leave Your Hat On" Pride Dance as well as a youth movie night:<br /><ul><li><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TBshXXIJREI/AAAAAAAABqQ/_PKpVa-QYho/s1600/YouCanLeaveYourHatOn.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 159px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TBshXXIJREI/AAAAAAAABqQ/_PKpVa-QYho/s200/YouCanLeaveYourHatOn.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484013656482595906" border="0" /></a>6p (VIP), 7p (dance) -midnight: <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.napavalleypride.com/page/You+Can+Leave+Your+Hat+On">"You Can Leave Your Hat On!"</a> Pride celebration, dance, food at Made In Napa Culinary Centre<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">As we mentioned weeks ago, Friday's big Pride dance is for the 21+. If last year's dances and this week's events are any indication of the energy, crowd, fun, love and craziness, this dance is going to be incredible. Basically, for $35 at the door, you get unlimited drinks and dancing from 7p - 11p. For slightly higher ticket prices, you can get VIP which includes an amazing meal at 6p and coffee and desserts after the last song plays at 11p. The proceeds of the evening go towards Relay for Life.</span><br /><br /></li><li><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TBshpZp7OxI/AAAAAAAABqY/c4AbremX6nM/s1600/RockyHorror.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 125px; height: 115px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TBshpZp7OxI/AAAAAAAABqY/c4AbremX6nM/s200/RockyHorror.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484013966398798610" border="0" /></a>7p-9:30p: <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.napavalleypride.com/page/Youth+Night+at+the+Movies">"Rocky Horror Picture Show"</a> youth movie night at location to be announced<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The location has changed recently so please follow the link to get the latest information. While the "adults" are enjoying their dance, we'll be doing the Time Warp! Join us for a very special screening of the film--and guess what!? It's Free!</span></li></ul>There's only a few days left for the festivities, better soak it all in! For a list of the rest of the <a href="http://lgbtnapa.blogspot.com/2010/05/napa-valley-lgbtq-pride-coming-june-12.html">week's events for Napa Valley LGBTQ Pride 2010. click here</a>.Valley's Other Fruithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10678486362518374058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352779018210032802.post-78969189842011470042010-06-17T08:59:00.000-07:002010-06-17T09:36:07.968-07:00Napa Pride day 6: fundraising toys, Chef's Market Pride & Downtown Joe's w/ Guerilla Gays, Thurs, June 17, 2010They're stacking up the fun again! Here's today's Pride triplet of activities:<br /><ul><li><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TBpIzXZ-6GI/AAAAAAAABqI/cFS39guRsTo/s1600/NapaValleyToyCompany.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 117px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TBpIzXZ-6GI/AAAAAAAABqI/cFS39guRsTo/s200/NapaValleyToyCompany.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483775543570524258" border="0" /></a><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.napavalleypride.com/page/10+and+10+at+Napa+Valley+Toy+Company">Napa Valley Toy Company 10 & 10 Day</a>, St. Helena<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Let's continue raising much needed money for our local PFLAG and this time with some awesome discounts at the Napa Valley Toy Company. They will give Pride shoppers a 10% discount and additionally donate 10% of the day's gross sales to PFLAG! Make sure to wish the owner/clerk a "Happy Pride".</span><br /><br /></li><li><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TBpIsQ0yzOI/AAAAAAAABqA/UI06Zeg3j2o/s1600/ChefsMarket.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 215px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_EMjO3ESskf0/TBpIsQ0yzOI/AAAAAAAABqA/UI06Zeg3j2o/s200/ChefsMarket.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5483775421544844514" border="0" /></a>5p-9p: <a href="http://www.napavalleypride.com/page/PRIDE+NIGHT+at+Chef%27s+Market"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Chef's Market Pride Night</span>,</a> downtown Napa<a href="http://www.napavalleypride.com/page/PRIDE+NIGHT+at+Chef%27s+Market"><br /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Chef's Market is downtown Napa's weekly summer street-fair, with music, food, wine and lots of people watching. Tonight we'll gay it up a bit with local LGBT groups (and yours truly, </span><span>The Fruit's</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> blog author) staffing a rainbow festooned table to get the word out about what they offer and to answer questions, and Guerilla Gay Mission Commander Rick Turko will be "Guest Chef"ing at the demo table, with support from T.J. of Stonehedge (featured) wines and Annie the Baker. (Wear your Pride dogtags and rainbow bracelets or colors so we can find you all walking the market!)</span><a href="http://www.napavalleypride.com/page/PRIDE+NIGHT+at+Chef%27s+Market"><br /><br /></a></li><li>7:30p-9:30p: <span style="font-weight: bold;">Downtown Joe's</span> invaded by Napa Guerilla Gay Bar<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">After the Chef's Market, join Napa's Guerilla Gays and friends at Downtown Joe's for some pub time and celebrate Pride. Will the rainbow flag be waving above the park again?</span><br /></li></ul>For a list of the rest of the <a href="http://lgbtnapa.blogspot.com/2010/05/napa-valley-lgbtq-pride-coming-june-12.html">week's events for Napa Valley LGBTQ Pride 2010 click here</a>.Valley's Other Fruithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10678486362518374058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352779018210032802.post-45542422159222952562010-06-16T08:54:00.000-07:002010-06-16T09:11:14.313-07:00Napa Pride day 5: fundraiser at Gott's Roadside for Relay for Life, Weds, June 16, 2010Feeling rested? Because today, Napa's Pride events pick up <a href="http://lgbtnapa.blogspot.com/2010/05/napa-valley-lgbtq-pride-coming-june-12.html">right where they left off</a>. And I saw plenty of you folks out at the Oxbow last night to know you weren't resting on your laurels. And, if you were at Gott's on Tuesday, today's your chance to order what you didn't get to last night (secret menu favorites, anyone?).<br /><br />So, what Pride-ful event is in store for today?<br /><ul><li><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://attachments.wetpaintserv.us/P5tSRP2iodpQCByNUczQWA%3D%3D852653"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 148px; height: 223px;" src="http://image.wetpaint.com/image/1/rlQF8bCjGDkmwnubfcKf-A116069/GW406H612" alt="" border="0" /></a>2p-9p: <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.napavalleypride.com/page/Order+Up+at+Gott%27s+Roadside+Tray+Gourmet">Gott's Roadside Tray Gourmet Relay for Life Fundraiser</a>, Napa<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Show up at Gott's Roadside's Napa/Oxbow location today between 2p and 9p <a href="http://attachments.wetpaintserv.us/P5tSRP2iodpQCByNUczQWA%3D%3D852653">with this flyer</a> (or go green and don't print anything! just say, "Relay for Life" or "Napa Valley Pride" when you order) and 10% of your bill will go to Napa's Relay for Life on behalf of Napa's LGBT Community</span><br /></li></ul>I haven't heard official word, yet, but I imagine folks from the Guerilla Gay Bar and others will gather together for dinner at 6ish, just like at the <a href="http://lgbtnapa.blogspot.com/2010/06/napa-pride-day-3-pflag-pfundraiser-at.html">Mary's Pizza fundraiser</a>. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Can anyone confirm when they're going?</span> It's so much more fun in a group!<br /><br />While you're at it, clear your calendar for the rest of the week and fill it up with the other <a href="http://lgbtnapa.blogspot.com/2010/05/napa-valley-lgbtq-pride-coming-june-12.html">events we have planned for Napa Valley LGBTQ Pride 2010--including the big 21+ Pride dance Friday night--click here</a>.Valley's Other Fruithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10678486362518374058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6352779018210032802.post-8098167037404399432010-06-15T22:09:00.000-07:002010-06-16T08:54:29.004-07:00Prop 8 overturn trial closing arguments begin Weds, June 16, 2010<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_t6rV3U9ZEHM/TBfB32VSeYI/AAAAAAAA0aA/QPlbgH1yCrw/s320/VaughnWalker.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_t6rV3U9ZEHM/TBfB32VSeYI/AAAAAAAA0aA/QPlbgH1yCrw/s320/VaughnWalker.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>It's been a while (late January?) since we've had <a href="http://prop8trialtracker.com/">much of any official mumblings about it</a>, but Wednesday, June 16, the overturn-Prop 8 trial, <span style="font-style: italic;">Perry v Schwarzenegger,</span> will resume in court, and I would've completely forgot if <a href="http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2010/06/tomorrow-prop-8-closing-arguments.html"> Joe.My.God. hadn't reminded</a>:<br /><blockquote>Last week [Judge] Walker may have tipped his hand when he issued a list of 39 questions he wanted answered by both sides. “If the questions are any indication, the Walker opinion will be a blockbuster, at least in terms of its scope, depth and detail..."<br /><br />...Visit Karen Ocamb's excellent <a href="http://www.lgbtpov.com/2010/06/brief-guide-to-the-federal-prop-8-trial-closing-arguments/">LGBT POV</a> for a dissection of what we can expect tomorrow. Closing arguments will not be televised, but reporters and advocates from both sides will be live-blogging and tweeting throughout the proceedings.<br /></blockquote>Some analysts have predicted that his final decision probably won't be made in time to celebrate at this June's Pride festivities. <a href="http://joemygod.blogspot.com/">Joe Jervis will be featuring any breaking news</a> about Prop 8 and the trial during the proceedings tomorrow.Valley's Other Fruithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10678486362518374058noreply@blogger.com