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Face to Face Outlines It’s 2018 Achievements and Current Programs
At the first Face to Face staff meeting of the new year, we took time to reflect on all we accomplished in 2018 in support of our mission to end HIV in Sonoma County. Here is a short list:
  • We moved dozens of clients into housing, continuing to assist dozens more with their housing searches.
  • We supported clients through the complicated state and federal income benefits claims process.
  • We tested hundreds of people for HIV and Hepatitis C, finding a few new cases of HIV and guiding those individuals through our Sonoma County HIV system of care.
  • We distributed clean syringes to hundreds more through our evidence-based, HIV harm reduction Syringe Exchange Program.
  • Plus, we worked tirelessly to destigmatize HIV and the members of our community who are HIV-positive. U=U or those individuals with an undetectable HIV viral load cannot pass HIV onto their sex partners.
The F2F staff could not have been successful without our supportive community of HIV service providers, volunteers, community members and donors.
Now that the winter holiday season is behind us and your inbox is less full, I hope you will take a few minutes to read through the following highlights of our work ending HIV in Sonoma County and feel a sense of pride for your part in all that what we have accomplished together.
Warmly,
Executive Director
Undetectable = Untransmittable
That’s right! People living with HIV who are adherent to their meds and get to and keep an undetectable viral load have no risk of transmitting HIV to their HIV-negative sex partners.
We began shouting this universal stigma-reducing message to our local community in all our marketing efforts–from the window signs at our office to our website and on Facebook and in print in The Bohemian.
Let’s destigmatize HIV in 2019.
Relax – you can enjoy sex without the fear of HIV
PrEP Navigation
Yes, indeed, there is a pill HIV-negative people can take once a day to reduce their risk of HIV transmission by up to 99 percent.
We tested hundreds of individuals at our office in Santa Rosa for HIV, plus many more at the North County Detention Facility and at annual events like Cinco de Mayo and Pride. During our test counseling session we introduce clients to and make referrals for PrEP.
PrEP stands for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and is the strongest shield against HIV transmission.
Relax – you can enjoy sex without the fear of HIV
Dozens Moved Into Housing
Others provided w/emergency financial assistance
Securing stable housing in Sonoma County is difficult on a good day. For some F2F clients, good days can be few and far between.
We serve the most vulnerable members of our community, many of whom are suffering housing insecurity or who are homeless, are persons with mental health challenges, and/or have no rental history. To lessen their stress and provide helpful resources, we have a veteran housing specialist on staff who works with our clients to ready them for the daunting task of searching for a home.
We are proud to have successfully transitioned two dozen of our clients from our emergency housing program onto Sonoma County Housing Authority’s “Move On” program. This program maintains the cost of rent as a percent of monthly income, allowing clients to retain more of their income for other necessities such as food, clothing, and transportation to and from work and medical appointments.
Benefits Counseling
Face to Face has a benefits counseling specialist who assists clients through the application process for help in resolving problems they may encounter while applying for various benefits programs. We can also help determine eligibility for benefit programs such as Social Security, MediCal, MediCare, disability, health, and life insurance, and more. We can support clients with the application process and filing claims.
Coupled with the many challenges our most vulnerable clients face, securing benefits can take months to years. This year, we helped 10 clients successful secure monthly benefits while helping dozens more file new claims, support existing claims, or accompanying them on redetermination hearings.
Our Wall is Welcoming
Building walls can be controversial, but not when the wall is welcoming and a part of an evidence-based HIV harm reduction strategy
The F2F Syringe Exchange Program (SEP) is that program–having grown exponentially in the three years since its inception. We now serve hundreds of clients per quarter.
Owing to this growth, we have expanded our facility to include additional storage for supplies, and to provide our counselors a bigger space in which to meet with clients.
As the main SEP in Sonoma County, we maintain services during regularly scheduled hours of operation from Tuesday – Friday from 9am-4:30 pm.
Our SEP clients–any person who uses drugs intravenously–can visit our new distribution facility for clean supplies and the exchange of used, with many sitting for regular HIV and Hepatitis C counseling and testing session. Importantly, we distribute Naloxone–overdose prevention medication that our clients have used to save the lives of dozens of people in Sonoma County.

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LGBTQ Connection Offers 4 New Resources

4 powerful LGBTQ Resources in Sonoma County

#1 Youth Groups in Santa Rosa & Sonoma Valley

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This is for youth ages 14-24 to create a safe and fun space to get to know LGBTQ youth in their area and support each other. This is great for young people looking to get involved & find a loving community. Santa Rosa hosts their youth group on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month, while Sonoma Valley hosts their youth group on the 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month. Drop-Ins welcome.

#2 Youth Leadership Team Launch

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This is for youth ages 14-24 to be on a 6 month intensive team to create an advocacy project they decide that creates a more welcoming community. This is great for young people who want to be on a team, learn leadership skills, & want to take leadership roles. Without giving too much away, YLT is a beautiful and transformative experience where youth do a lot of self-digging and self-discoveries in community. Community is the essence of all of this. Youth interested can fill out the interest form and attend the info session, also listed here: inyurl.com/YLTinterest. Groups meet weekly & attendance is required.

 #3 LGBTQ Best Practice Training on Jan 22nd

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After much interest, we are hosting another free LGBTQ Best Practice Training in English! In order to better serve more of Sonoma County, attendees will not only learn about what affects the LGBTQ community, but also what affects the marginalized communities within the LGBTQ community: trans people, Latinx people, low income people, etc. Jan 22 in Santa Rosa. Details here. RSVP required: tinyurl.com/ycvanqbg.

#4 Promotores de Amor Training in Jan 31st

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The Promotores de Amor is geared for Spanish-speaking individuals that want to support families with youth who are LGBTQ. The goal is to promote love and acceptance in an accessible & impactful way to create healthier families. Jan 31st in Santa Rosa. RSVP encouraged but not required: tinyurl.com/y8lbdlpu.

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Santa Rosa GayDar’s 6th Anniversary Celebration! January 19th 2019

Join us at Casa del Mar Santa Rosa for our 6th anniversary celebration at 6 p.m.

6 years ago Santa Rosa Gaydar – Sonoma County started out with a handful of people wanting to meet others in Gay Sonoma County. For last past 6 years we have worked hard to increase the LGBTQI social awareness with our takeover events and meet ups.

In 2018 we teamed up with Sonoma County Pride to help plan the big move to downtown Santa Rosa and we are continuing to work with them on the 2019 celebration! This past year we also began to host events in an effort to raise money to give back to our community.

Looking forward to 2019 we are going to continue our work with new locations and even more fabulous events!

Casa del Mar Santa Rosa is very excited to host our event please show our appreciation and come join your friends at Santa Rosa GayDar and welcome the beginning of our 7th year of gatherings. As we grow and get better with each year, and to show our appreciation and say thank you for your support!

Food and beverages will be available for purchase for anyone who wishes.

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Occupy Sonoma County Hosts Forum on Trans Rights & Radical Feminism

Occupy Sonoma County Presents
A community conversation with facilitators Bill Say and Debbie Notkin:
Trans Rights & Radical Feminism: An Opening Dialog
Monday, January 14, 5:00-9:00PM
Peace & Justice Center, 467 Sebastopol Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95401
C0-Sponsored by National Organization for Women Sonoma County and Positive Images
Free (donations welcome!) with healthy snacks provided
This large circle, facilitated exploration event is for activists, LGBTQ+, feminists, radical feminists, trans activists, queers and allies. In an honest and open environment with respectful and supportive facilitation, we will address concerns that have emerged between trans rights activists and radical feminists. We especially invite and encourage members from these communities to attend.
This will be publicized only within the activist and LGBTQ+ community and not to the general public. Please share this invitation within your own circles, groups and newsletters
to invite people impacted by this issue.
Carpools from outside Sonoma County may be available to
encourage participation from the greater SF Bay area.
Bill Say and Debbie Notkin use Process Work, a multi-disciplinary approach to individual, group, and collective change. One of Process Work’s main philosophies is Deep Democracy, the idea
that all people, perspectives, and parts contribute to sustainable solutions.
Bill Say focuses on the intersection of diversity awareness, conflict resolution, leadership, team and
community development. For more information about Bill Say, visit his website at billsay.com
Debbie Notkin uses process work and other facilitation skills in her life and political work in her home city of Oakland, and the surrounding area. She has conducted several successful facilitations for Occupy Sonoma County.
Process Work focuses on the process-oriented facilitation and study of conflicts on all levels of human experience: from the inner dynamics of personality, personal history and psychological conflicts, to the interpersonal conflicts that arise in relationships, families, teams, organizations and the broader human society. Individual and group paradigms on their own can only explain part of human behavior. Process work develops the ability to follow a process between individual, relationship, and group levels of
experience.
For more information about Process Work go to processwork.org or processwork.edu/what-isprocesswork
Contact: OccupySonomaCounty.org or call 707-877-6650 (contact through our website is preferred.)
Occupy Sonoma County embraces the egalitarian, deep democracy principles of the Occupy Movement with a regional strategy for effectively organizing countywide social justice campaigns that are globally relevant.

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Randy Rainbow Live at Luther Burbank April 18

$39.50, $45, $55, and $85 VIP

Tickets on sale Friday, December 14th at noon!
Become a member to buy early and guarantee your tickets.

Click here to learn more about membership levels and benefits.
Don’t wait until December 14th—call 707.546.3600 or join online!

$85 VIP Meet & Greet:

  • Ticket in premium location
  • Includes post show meet & greet

He is the creator and star of the long-running BroadwayWorld.com web series Chewing the Scenery with Randy Rainbow and Last Minute with Randy Rainbow.

Randy Rainbow (yes, real name) is a comedian, actor, writer, host and Internet sensation best known for his viral comedy videos. His popular series of political spoofs and song parodies have garnered international acclaim and over a hundred million views. He’s been called “the best thing about the 2016 GOP race” by Dan Savage and his musical tribute to the first presidential debate of 2016 “BRAGGADOCIOUS!” received 28 million views in its first two days. He was subsequently asked by the cast of TV’s Will & Grace to parodize a song, which they performed during a political fundraiser for the 2016 election. Randy has also written for comedian Kathy Griffin and hosted and performed in numerous theatrical events for the Broadway, cabaret and gay communities, as well as for the Tony Awards and some of New York City’s most popular night spots including 54 Below, Birdland Jazz Club, XL Nightclub and Therapy NYC where his own weekly show ran for two years. He’s been seen as a talking head on VH1 and has been heard regularly as both a guest and co-host on Sirius XM Radio. He is the creator and star of the long-running BroadwayWorld.com web series Chewing the Scenery with Randy Rainbow and Last Minute with Randy Rainbow.

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Mike Guido Appears at The Laugh Cellar This Weekend

Mike Guido is a busy guy and he’s alright with that.
His one-person stage show, “A Real Man – Dad. Daughter. Autism.” has been called many as, “Moving, incredibly uplifting, and truly and inspiration.” A nationally recognized stand up comedian, Mike has made a bunch of national television appearances, has worked along side stars, like Robin Williams, Jay Leno, and Ellen Degeneres, and he can be heard regularly on Sirius XM Satellite Radio, Pandora, and iTunes.
December 15
The Flamingo Resort Hotel
2777 4th Street Santa Rosa, CA 95405

$20 General Admission Advance Online
Limited Door Tickets at $28
HOLIDAY TICKET SALE! 
Tickets for this show are now on sale for just $14
CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW!

DOORS 6PM
SHOW 7PM

The Flamingo offers a full bar plus a wide-selection of delicious bar bites.
If you’re celebrating a special occasion or if you have a party of six or more, we’re happy to reserve a table in advance.
EMAIL US

Before the curtain goes up, enjoy dinner at The Terrace Grill at the Flamingo Resort.
Show proof that you’re attending that evening’s show, and receive a complimentary dessert to share!
Dinner Reservation Recommended:  (707) 523-4745

Parking
The hotel offers complimentary parking in their lot.  There is also open street parking available directly in front of hotel.
You may park in the lot across the street. However, please do not park in the front spaces of CVS or iHop.

All shows are 21+
Valid Photo ID Required.
All Ticket Sales are Final
Ticket refunds are only offered upon cancellation or reschedule by The Laugh Cellar.
No video during the show

After the Show!
Enjoy live music and dancing in the Lounge.
Cover charge varies but it’s usually around $10
Present your comedy show ticket and receive 2 for 1 entry!

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San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus Concert Sun. Dec. 16 in Rohnert Park
Sunday, December 16
Home for the Holidays
Sunday, December 16 at 5pm
Green Music Center in Rohnert Park
No one does the holidays better than the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus!
Not only will the Chorus bring 150 dazzling men to this annual holiday tradition, it will be accompanied by a brass quintet and coloratura soprano, Marnie Breckenridge. That written, there is sure to be a lot of brass and sass…
This is the 28th year the Chorus will bring its merriment to Sonoma County in benefit of Face to Face. You don’t want to miss this show.
SFGMC Celebrates its 40th
Tim Seelig, Artist Director
The SFGMC recently celebrated its 40th birthday with a sold-out tribute concert in San Francisco, plus the dedication of an Artist Circle in Golden Gate Park, in part to honor the 300 members the Chorus has lost to HIV/AIDS epidemic.
“Throughout history, a bell or chime or gong has been used in meditation and ceremonies. Our dream included an aural component, since the site is honoring many people who made music a huge part of their lives. The contrabass Emperor Chime is 8½ feet tall. It is cast from anodized aluminum and is characterized by a deep resonant tone that is heard and felt in its reverberation. It is rung with a mallet. It is our hope that when a person visits, they will ring the chime and speak a name of someone they lost. The sound will resonate into the park and beyond.” – Tim Seelig in Poz Magazine

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Marin’s Spahr Center Is Moving
The Spahr Center is moving to 150 Nellen Avenue in Corte Madera.
We’ll still be in our current office until the end of November. But we’re moving to our new home on November 30th.
We’ll be open for business at noon on December 3rd in Corte Madera at 150 Nellen Avenue.
Transportation information: First; we’re excited that there’s plenty of parking available! The best place to park is next to Big 5. And there are bus stops at the 101-S Lucky Drive exit and across the highway on 101-N next to the pedestrian bridge. Just walk across the across the bridge and jog to your left to get to us.
Our office will be closed for the move On Thursday November 29th and Friday November 30th. We will re-open at our new location, 150 Nellen Ave in Corte Madera at noon on Monday, December 3rd. We would like the transition to be as smooth as possible for everyone, so please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Gender Awareness and Education
In collaboration, The Marin County Office of Education, The Spahr Center and Domincan University invite you to two special events on November 14th.
Free Documentary Screening – Becoming More Visible
Are you Male or Female? For the four fearless young transgender adults featured in the film this is not a simple question.
These four defy societal norms to be their true selves and become more visible.
No transition is easy, but for some it is easier than for others.
Becoming More Visible shines a humanizing light on their different stories, both their struggles and their triumphs, and showcases the importance of having a steady support system.
The screening will be immediately followed by a panel of special guests, including one of the youth featured in the film, to answer audience questions and open a dialogue to help ignite the awareness and understanding needed to put an end to the discrimination of transgender young adults worldwide – to encourage society to see these young people for who they are today.
State of the LGBTQ Movement
Horizons’ Q Series are free public events featuring leaders of the LGBTQ movement in dialogue about our movement, our culture, and what it means to be LGBTQ.
The Q Series offers excellent opportunities to learn about the work being done by Horizons’ grantee partners and to meet and connect with others.
These popular programs include high-level, strategic discussions about movement strategy, emerging issues affecting the LGBTQ community, how to give more effectively and strategically, and feature outstanding professionals and community leaders.
We wrap up the year with our comprehensive analysis of the state of the LGBTQ movement as seen by some of its most outstanding leaders. Join high profile national and international leaders as they highlight the advancements and challenges of 2018 and look ahead.
Not In Our Town – Novato
Presents a screening of the film Light in the Darkness
Not In Our Town: Light in the Darkness tells the story of residents of a Long Island village taking action after a series of anti-immigrant attacks by local teenagers ended with the hate crime against a local immigrant Marcelo Lucero. While starkly revealing the trauma of hate, the film provides a blueprint for people who want to do something before intolerance turns to violence.
This event is free and open to the public
Date: November 8, 2018
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Unity in Marin 600 Palm Drive, Novato, CA 94949
Hosted by: NIOT Novato, Novato Charter School Many Hearts Committee
In cooperation with: The Novato Unified School District, Novato Police Department, City of Novato and Unity in Marin.
HIV Client Advisory Committee Email Update
All clients, please note: if you want to communicate with the committee, please use the following email address. It is managed exclusively by a committee member.hivadvisors@gmail.com
Resources for Family Caregivers
Are you caring for a loved one? You give lots of support, but you deserve support too. Click here to find a variety of helpful information, in-person and online groups for people providing caregiving to a family member. Family Caregiver Alliance has partnered with Smart Patients to create a new Caregivers Community. You can join for free to learn, share and interact with other caregivers in a safe, supportive environment. Be well!
World AIDS Day
We invite everyone to join us on Thursday, November 29th in recognition of World AIDS Day. The Spahr Center and the Marin HIV Care Council are jointly hosting a gathering from 7:00 – 8:00 pm at The Falkirk Cultural Center, 140 Mission Ave, San Rafael. There will be a client open forum preceding the World AIDS Day gathering from 5:00 – 7:00 pm. All clients are invited to attend and share their views. The forum is hosted by the Care Council.
TRANS-Action Marin
On October 26th, an intergenerational group of forty LGBTQ, gender expansive and transgender youth, adults, seniors and allies gathered at The Spahr Center to defend and declare their basic rights. They were responding to the Trump administration’s announcement that they will roll back the definition of gender to just ‘male’ or ‘female’. At the gathering we announced the launch of our new advocacy initiative, TRANS-Action Marin. Please join us to help plan our action next steps; we want to speak up and speak out. TRANS-Action Marin will gain momentum by partnering with supporters and organizations across the county. Click the link below to visit our new Trans-Action Marin website and sign up to get involved!
Through the Eyes and Ears of an Artist
Until Next Time..

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This Month at Occidental Center for the Arts

Community Musical Fundraiser/ Saturday November 10 @ 7 pm. Occidental Center for the Arts presents ‘West County’s Got Talent’!  Sonoma County’s acoustic sweet spot is having a FUNraiser to benefit OCA’s new Lobby addition. Please join us for a fun-filled evening featuring talented local performers for their 8-10 minutes of fame on our fine stage with sound and lights: ta-dah! Tickets will be $18 Advance/$22 at the door. Fine refreshments. Wheelchair Accessible. Art Gallery open for viewing. www.occidentalcenterforthearts.org.707-874-9392. 3850 Doris Murphy Ct. Occidental, CA. 95465
Saturday November 17 @ 7:30 pm. Occidental Center for the Arts proudly presents: Patrick Ball: Celtic Harp & Story. World renowned modern day bard and premier Celtic harpist Patrick Ball weaves the marvelous old Irish tales of wit and enchantment together with ethereally gorgeous Celtic harp melodies into a warm and magical performance that will leave the audience spell-bound. Patrick has recently relocated to Ireland! so do not miss this American master of the Gaelic narrative and instrument on our stage for the fifth time. $20 Adv/$24 at the door. Fine refreshments. Art Gallery open. Wheelchair Accessible.
Friday November 2 @ 7:30 pm. The Farallons play First Fridays Live at Occidental Center for the Arts. Linda Weber, Terry Mills, and Tom Richardson blend their tight three-part vocal harmonies with masterful instrumentation to the great folk/rock songs from the 60’s, 70’s and beyond (Buffalo Springfield, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Joni Mitchell,Tom Waits) ; plus finely crafted originals. Join their devoted Sonoma County fans  at our acoustic sweet spot! $15 at the door. Fine refreshments and dance space. Art Gallery open. Wheelchair accessible. www.occidentalcenterforthearts.org.
3850 Doris Murphy Ct. Occidental 95465.
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