News Briefs: Bearrison Street Fair returns to SF

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence and the Bears of San Francisco are thrilled to announce that the Bearrison Street Fair returns for its fifth year Saturday, October 18, in the city’s South of Market neighborhood. The event is open to the public.

Known as “A Fair for Every Bear,” the event takes place from noon to 6 p.m. at 11th and Harrison streets, within the Leather & LGBTQ Cultural District.

Organizers stated in a news release, “Our mission is to create an inclusive celebration for adult members of the LGBTQ+ community – uplifting body positivity, embracing cultural diversity, and strengthening a vibrant welcoming bear scene.”

Entertainment includes the main stage headliner, Chris Conde, a queer rapper from Brooklyn, New York who’s redefining hip-hop with an unapologetically authentic voice, the release noted. The DJ headliner will be DJ FunkyBearMartin, who is a regular in San Francisco’s bear nightlife scene with a blend of styles – infusing Latin, Afro, break, and acid flourishes over a base of vocal, commercial, and tribal-tech house.

Sister Roma of the drag nun philanthropic Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence will emcee the main stage starting around 3 p.m. There, attendees can compete in several interactive competitions, including Furry Face-Off: Beard, Mustache, and Whiskerina contest; Flex bicep contest; Furrocious Majesty Drag contest, and a twerking contest.

There will be midway games, including a dildo toss, and much more.

Attendees are encouraged to make donations of any amount at the entrance gate, organizers said.

For more information, go to bearrison.org .

SF lesbian named to lead South Bay immigrant office
Kimberly Alvarenga, a lesbian who was raised in San Francisco’s Mission district, was appointed to lead Santa Clara County’s Office of Immigrant Relations. She brings with her more than two decades of leadership in immigrant rights, and will work under David Campos, a gay former San Francisco supervisor who currently is a deputy county executive for Santa Clara County and oversees the office, a news release noted.

Alvarenga herself ran for San Francisco supervisor in 2016, coming up short against Ahsha Safaí, who served for eight years. He left office in January after unsuccessfully running for mayor last year.

Most recently, Alvarenga, who will begin her new job October 27, served as director of the California Domestic Workers Coalition, where she helped secure passage of Senate Bill 1350, extending occupational health and safety rights to more than 200,000 domestic workers and day laborers across the state. She also advanced protections for workers during wildfire cleanup, the release stated.

“I am honored to join the County of Santa Clara and lead the Office of Immigrant Relations at such a critical time,” Alvarenga stated. “My own family’s immigrant story has shaped my commitment to justice and dignity for all people.”

Campos stated that Alvarenga is the kind of person who brings people together.

“Santa Clara County is home to the largest share of immigrants of any county in the state of California,” Campos stated. “Under Kim’s leadership, the Office of Immigrant Relations will expand its role as an active and responsive partner, working collaboratively with community to address needs and provide critical support.”

County Executive James R. Williams noted Alvarenga’s experience. She served as district director for gay former Assemblymember Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco) from 2008-2014, and then worked as political director for the Service Employees International Union Local 1021, representing over 54,000 workers.

“Kim’s vision and advocacy will strengthen Santa Clara County’s role as a national leader in inclusion and equity, ensuring that our important work to support immigrant communities continues at this time of incredible need,” Williams stated.

In June, the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors earmarked more than $8 million in immigration-related services as part of the county’s adopted FY 2025-26 budget, the release stated. That represents the largest investment for such services in county history, the release stated. It builds on previous investments, such as a $5 million allocation made by the supervisors in 2024 to enhance immigration-related legal services, outreach, and rapid response in anticipation of the new federal administration’s policies.

As head of the office, Alvarenga will oversee initiatives that protect and advance the rights of immigrants in the county, build partnerships with community organizations, and ensure that all residents have equitable access to services and opportunities, according to the release.

South Bay LGBTQ summit
In other South Bay news, the Santa Clara County Office of LGBTQ Affairs will hold its seventh annual LGBTQ+ Summit Friday, October 24, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center, 17000 Monterey Road. All are welcome and free tickets are available.

An email announcement noted that this year’s theme is “Together, We Rise,” and the keynote speaker will be Bamby Salcedo, a transgender woman who is CEO of the TransLatin@ Coalition based in Los Angeles. Salcedo is a nationally recognized leader, and her decades of activism span critical issues including immigration, HIV prevention, incarceration, LGBTQIA+ rights, youth empowerment, and social justice.

The summit will explore how building inclusive coalitions can break down barriers, amplify marginalized voices, and promote our collective resilience, the announcement stated.

To reserve a spot, click here.