We love you, Mamie Van Doren!
Plus: A delightfully tasty Indian-Mediterranean crossover collab, Aurora Theater dawns again, more
The Daily is supported by Queer Women of Color Festival, Fresh Meat Fest, San Francisco Squares, Total Accord Fest, Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, and Rogues Gallery. Find out more about advertising here. Become a sustaining member!
2026 INTERNATIONAL QUEER WOMEN OF COLOR FILM FESTIVAL STARTS THURSDAY
The 22nd annual QWOCFF arrives June 12–14 at San Francisco’s Presidio Theatre, with satellite screenings throughout the year, and a virtual Encore in the fall. 49 films across three Festival experiences. Free and open to the public.
YERBA BUENA GARDENS FESTIVAL SEASON IS HERE
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival is back with 100+ free outdoor shows in downtown SF. With free music concerts, dance events, circus, kids’ shows, and more, YBG Festival is the place for picnics and summertime vibes.
Today's headlines:
We love you, Mamie Van Doren

By Joshua Rotter
95-year-old Hollywood legend's new memoir 'You Thought I Was Dead' gushes with celebrities, sex, champagne—and survival.
BIG WEEK: Juneteenth, $5 Book Fair, Dolly Parton Pride, Golden Gate Park Band Fest…

By 48 Hills Arts Team
BIOMETRICKS, The Dish, Messthetics, Sunset Night Market, Township Rebellion, Lil Sweet Treat, more to do!
Good Taste: The spice must flow

By Tamara Palmer
Emeryville’s regional Indian restaurant fires up a great collab with Mediterranean San Francisco sister.
Drama Masks: Aurora Theatre tiptoes back onstage after closure

By Charles Lewis III
... but another East Bay institution bids adieu. Plus: SF Opera's 'The Barber of Seville' lands the slapstick, needs more 'Figaro.'
In case you missed it:
An Oakland union researcher wrote a book. Her characters brought class into it

The wild inside story of San Francisco’s first gay film festival

48 HILLS SATIRIST JOEL SCHECHTER'S NEW BOOK IS BURSTING WITH SMART LAUGHS
The rants, jests, and immodest proposals in Rogues Gallery target a collection of felons, ne'er-do-wells, White House demolitionists, and undertaxed billionaires. Collected here for the first time are classic reports on the demolition of the West Wing (not just the East Wing!) of the White House; a special cell to be built on Alcatraz for the President of the United States; and SF as the new billionaire sanctuary. Illustrated by noted graphic artist Sue Coe. To order a copy for $12, contact jschech@sfsu.edu.
25TH ANNIVERSARY FRESH MEAT FEST IS FRESHER THAN EVER
The 25th Anniversary FRESH MEAT FESTIVAL returns June 19–21 at Z Space, SF for an unforgettable weekend of trans, queer, and community performance featuring dance, drag, live music, theater, and more!
CELEBRATE LOCAL MUSIC AND CULTURE AT TOTAL ACCORD FEST, JUNE 3-20
Local creative agency Total Accord is dedicated to putting Bay Area artists on the map and helping guide those looking to get to know the local independent music scene better. To celebrate its second year, TAA is throwing Total Accord Fest at a variety of music venues, theaters, and dive bars, all around San Francisco. Featuring live music, drag performances, food + art pop ups, and DJ sets, plus music video and documentary screenings. Join us!
JOIN US AT THE UPROARIOUS SAN FRANCISCO SQUARES: PRIDE EDITION, JUNE 18
Kick off Pride with live game show fundraiser at Great Stra Theaterm bursting with camp, comedy, and queer star power. Hosted by Sister Roma of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, this Pride-powered spin on The Hollywood Squares features legendary Bruce Vilanch in the coveted Center Square—and special guest Marke B.!
OUR SPRING BLOOM FUNDRAISER NEEDS YOU!
We want to double our reporting power in this crucial election year and stabilize 48 Hills for the future. Your donation goes twice as far during our Spring Bloom matching $50K fundraiser! But we can't do this without you and the clock is ticking—donate now and tell your friends.
UPGRADE TO A PAID SUBSCRIPTION FOR INSIDER POLITICS NEWS FROM TIM REDMOND EVERY WEEK
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