Mid-Week News Roundup

The long Labor Day weekend approaches and loads has been happening in the Castro since our last roundup. The exodus has begun for those going to Burning Man and work to complete the Bay Bridge is proceeding at a fevered pitch. The Bay Bridge will be closed starting this evening for the next five days so the final touches can be added to the new span. BART will be running 24/7 during this time to help commuters carry on, but expect big crowds on all public transport.

Sunday the 25th saw a spirited protest at the Castro's own St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral (2005 15th Street). Gays Without Borders and DumpRussianVodka.com organized a speak out and informational picket. They were greeted by an empty church and four squad cars of SFPD cops.  Parishioners and clergy left prior to the groups arrival. The protest was aimed at the church's leader, Patriarch Kirill, ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and his continued anti-gay stand and support of the Russian government’s crackdown on LGBT Russians. Rainbow flags were unfurled and about 50 protestors participated. Over in Russia Patriarch Kirill issued a statement that blogger/activist Michael Petrelis posted saying SF protestors were threatening and the church feared for its safety. Organizers had repeatedly reached out to Priest Leonid Kazakov, Rector of St Nicholas, via email and telephone to talk about the issue, but were rebuffed. Activist plan on returning.

Blackbird Bar (2124 Market St.) has had a facelift according to pictures provided by SFist who refer to the new interior as 'butch'. The popular Castro destination now sports overstuffed, red leather banquettes and a rustic yet chic Balmoral interior. The point is that it's changed; it's impressive and you should pop roun' to see it for yourself. Also noteworthy, whiskey seems to be the popular 'go to' booze in the City these days and Blackbird has fluffed up their selection to about fifty different brands so experts and aficionado's can have at it.

As we posted last week, local Castro school, Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy (4235 19th St), was robbed and vandalized. Just prior to the opening of the school year a myriad of must have equipment and supplies were pilfered. The school is hard pressed to replace these items, in particular, a laptop computer and 12 Flip video cameras. Herth Real Estate put out the call to the community to pitch in to help 'our' school. Response has been tremendous. In order to make life easier for those who wish to donate a PayPal account has been set up that benefactors can use to make a difference. You can also still pop over to the Herth Real Estate office (555 Castro St.) and donate directly. A envelope at reception awaits your generosity.

The Midnight Sun (4067 18th St.) is midway through a remodel. They closed for a day to get a big chunk of the construction completed and are anticipating the bar to be finished within a week. As we posted previously Midnight Sun owners are the new proprietors of Beaux --formerly Trigger-- on Market which is also going through an extensive remodel. Joshua J, rep for both clubs, sent us an exclusive first peek at the interior of the Midnight Sun as it winds it's way through redo. We're looking forward to see how it all comes together in the end. Lastly, CurbedSF is reporting that units at the Castro's new boutique high-end build, ICON (2299 Market), are selling at a brisk pace. They actually described it as 'selling like hot cakes'. Three out of the eighteen have sold so far in little more than a month, and according to the blog, selling above the listing price. For example Unit #304 is a 1-bed, 1-bath home with 1-car parking and monthly HOA dues of $402. It was listed for $799K and sold today for $825K. If this is trend continues the remaining units should sell just as quickly.