Pacific Pride Foundation
Serving Santa Barbara County for over 30 years!
The Bulletin: Monthly Email Newsletter
June, 2008
Dear Friends and Supporters of Pacific Pride,
Pacific Pride Foundation has been leading Santa Barbara County in HIV/AIDS and LGBT programs and services for over 30 years. With offices in Santa Maria and Santa Barbara, we continue to support our community in a variety of ways.
News:
Pacific Pride hosted its Second Annual Get Out & Golf Women's Classic on May 23rd. Thank you to all that came out and made it a success. We raised almost $15,000 for our LGBT programs and services and had a great time doing it! Congratulations to our winning golf foursomes as well as our lucky auction and raffle winners. We are all looking forward to next year already.
Position Available as an HIV Community Health Worker: 30-40 hr/wk plus benefits, flexible schedule, at South S.B. Co., Pacific Pride Foundation serving the HIV/AIDS & LGBT communities. Resp. include: community health outreach/referrals, learn HIV testing counseling, public speaking, health education. Willing to train. Can provide valuable experience serving the HIV/AIDS, recovery, mental health, LGBT communities. Bilingual helpful. Phlebotomy helpful, CDL helpful EOE. Send cover letter and resume to: Pacific Pride Foundation, Attn: Buck Derrington, 126 E. Haley St. #A-11, Santa Barbara, CA. 93101.
Upcoming Events:
June 2 - The Rainbow Room Drag Revue and Dance Party. 
co-sponsored by the Santa Barbara Independent
A night of entertainment featuring...
Amber
Belladona
Devina
Hazelnut Latte
Jamie
The 2008 Queen of Pride Kassandra
Miss Kitty
Bonafacio
and the X-Gel Jazz Quintet
Show begins at 7:30pm at SoHo, 1221 State Street in Santa Barbara. $15 entrance fee. $10 for apres-show dance party only, beginning at 9:30pm.
Make show and dinner reservations early! 962-7776.
June 4 - Sunset Monthly Mixer. Join Pacific Pride Foundation for our monthly mixer at the Canary Hotel. Bring your friends, family and co-workers to mix and mingle with a signature cocktail while the sun descends against a dramatic backdrop of the Santa Barbara foothills, Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands. 6-8pm, 31 West Carrillo Street, Santa Barbara.
Contact Santiago for more details, santiago@pacificpridefoundation.org.
June 8 - LA Pride Parade, West Hollywood. Volunteers needed to march in the parade and hand out information about our festival on Saturday, July 12th. All volunteers will receive a Pride Festival T-shirt. Please contact JB @ 963-3636 ext. #101 for information about the day and ride sharing opportunities.
June 13 - Happy Hour at the Fess Parker Double Tree. Come join Pacific Pride Foundation from 5:30-7:30pm. We will have drink specials, Pride Festival information and a great time with our LGBT community.
June 14 - Pride Cocktail Party.
An evening of djs, appetizers, mixing and mingling. Hosted by Eric Vanderwerff, Nick Faccuito and Robert Mendez.
6-9pm at 930 Miramonte Drive, Santa Barbara. $10 includes beverages, $40 for special VIP wine tasting, limited tickets available.
Contact JB for VIP tasting, 963-3636 ext 101.
June 28 - Pride-B-Que Hosted by Doug Van Pelt at 770 Juanita Ave. Support the Pacific Pride Festival 2008 from 4-8pm. A $10 donation get you entrance and unlimited burgers & beer. DJ Bill Dupp and drawing for great prizes.
July 5 - East/West Gallery hosts an afternoon art show, with tapas and great music. 4-8pm at 714 Band Ave. Come meet friends and make plans for the next week. $10 donation to benefit the Pacific Pride Festival 2008.
LGBT Spotlight:
We want your input!
We are a collaborative project with representation from Pacific Pride Foundation, Gay and Lesbian Alliance of the Central Coast, UCSB, and community members. We are members and allies of the local lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community, and are working to improve community support for LGBT individuals in Santa Barbara County and nearby areas.
We are looking for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and same-sex attracted individuals who live, work, or socialize in Santa Barbara County or nearby areas to complete an anonymous and brief (10-15 minute) survey. You received this email because you are on an email list of an LGBT-related agency or organization in Santa Barbara County or nearby areas.
If you choose to participate, you will be asked to answer questions about issues, concerns, and strengths of the Central Coast LGBT community. The first 300 people who take the survey will receive a $5 coupon for [online merchant] or have the option to make a donation to the charity of their choice.
If you are interested in participating, please follow this link [https://survey.ucsb.edu/communitysurvey]. From this secure website you can read about the survey, complete the survey, and get your coupon.
Let your voice be heard! Please feel free to forward this message to other members of the local LGBT community.
LGBT Community Collaborative of the Central Coast
GLAAD is looking for couples who are getting married on June 17 to serve as media spokespeople. GLAAD will media train you and pitch your story to Santa Barbara/Ventura County press. If you’re interested, please email Vaishalee Raja at raja@glaad.org or call 323-605-3728.
Lesbian and Gay folks beginning June 17th will be able to get married in California. Help at a local level to open the hearts and minds of people about keeping the right and freedom to marry for gays and lesbians. We are looking for volunteers for weekend events, signature gathering at grocery stores, farmers markets, artwalk, and malls throughout Santa Barbara County. Help by contacting Nancy at narroyo07@aol.com or call Pacific Pride Foundation at 963-3636. We need your help now.
Marriage for Same-Sex Couples in California
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do I Need To Know About Getting Married In California?
1. Can same-sex couples marry in California?
Yes. On May 15, 2008, the California Supreme Court ruled that barring same-sex couples from marriage is unconstitutional. Beginning as soon as June 16, same-sex couples will be able to marry in California.
2. Can the court’s decision be appealed?
No. The California Supreme Court has the final say in cases brought under the California Constitution, like this case, and there can be no more appeals.
3. Does the court’s decision affect the rights of heterosexual couples?
No. The rights of heterosexual couples to marry and the rights and responsibilities of those who are married remain exactly the same. The decision simply ensures equality and fairness for same-sex couples.
4. Does this ruling require religious groups or clergy members to marry same-sex couples?
No. The court’s decision said the government may not discriminate against same-sex couples by barring them from civil marriage – a legal institution established and regulated by the government. Religious groups and clergy members remain free to recognize or refuse to recognize marriages within their religion as each sees fit. While some faiths do not permit same-sex couples to marry within that faith, a growing number do. As a result of the court’s decisions, same-sex couples may choose to be married by a clergy person in a welcoming community of faith or by a civil servant such as a judge or authorized deputy.
5. Should we get married now?
Marriage is a serious legal and personal commitment that should not be entered into lightly. Before getting married, couples should educate themselves about the legal consequences of marriage, in addition to other considerations.
Same-sex couples also face some additional considerations that heterosexual couples do not face, due to discrimination by the federal government as well as by a number of states. Deciding whether to marry is an important decision for everyone, gay or straight, but lesbian and gay couples have to be prepared for and be willing to take on those additional challenges.
A period of legal uncertainty is likely. For example, if you marry in California, you cannot be certain whether your marriage will be respected if you live in, travel to, or move to a state that has laws or constitutional amendments limiting marriage to heterosexual couples.
In addition, current federal law prohibits the federal government from recognizing marriages of same-sex couples for purposes of the many federal rights and benefits given to married heterosexual couples, such as the right to file joint federal income taxes and the right to social security benefits as a surviving spouse. Being excluded from these federal protections, and often state protections as well, is a serious hardship and can cause significant legal problems.
Important Note: Binational couples in which one member does not have permanent legal resident status in this country and anyone serving in the U.S. military should consult with an attorney with expertise in these areas of law before getting married.
6. If we’re already in a registered domestic partnership in California, do we have to dissolve our domestic partnership before we can marry?
No. The California domestic partnership statutes permit an individual to be both married and in a registered domestic partnership, so long as it is to the same person. In addition, there may be legal protections that are available through domestic partnership but not through marriage. For example, some states that will not honor marriages of same-sex couples may honor domestic partnerships.
7. Do you have to be a California resident to marry in California?
No. There is no residency requirement to marry in California.
8. If my partner and I are from another state and marry in California, will our marriage be valid in our home state?
If you live in another state and get married in California, you will be legally married. However, depending on where you live, your home state may not respect your marriage. Many states have passed discriminatory marriage laws, and in those states, state and local governments likely will not respect your California marriage. But even in those states, it is highly likely that at least some private businesses and other private third parties will respect your marriage – particularly those that already recognize same-sex couples through domestic partnership or a similar system.
Marriage is a serious legal decision, and same-sex couples face additional challenges and questions because of continuing discrimination against married same-sex couples by the federal government and many states. We urge couples who are considering getting married in California to proceed with caution. Before getting married in California, you should educate yourselves about the law in your state and, if possible, consult an attorney about the best way to protect your relationship based on your circumstances.
9. Can we file lawsuits if our marriages are not respected in other states or by the federal government?
If you feel you have been discriminated against, please contact one of the LGBT legal organizations listed on this document. We can help you figure out what options you have to protect your rights. Some types of unfair treatment can be the basis of a lawsuit, and other times the unfairness may not be suitable for a court to address. Even when litigation is an option, it is not the only option. It is always necessary to weigh the chances of success or failure because bad results in lawsuits can cause set backs and hurt our entire community. We want to increase the chances of winning overall, so it is critical that we work together to have a carefully planned strategy. Together, we can win!
10. What do we have to do to marry in California?
First you need to get a marriage license from the office of the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk of any California county. You can get a license application from most counties’ websites and complete it in advance, or complete it in the county clerk’s office. Both of you must go together to the county office and present a government-issued picture ID and proof that you are over 18 years old. (If either or both is younger than 18, different procedures apply.) You’ll need to pay the license fee, which varies by county but generally is less than $100. The license will be valid for 90 days and your marriage can be performed anywhere in California. Neither a blood test nor a health certificate is required. Call ahead or visit the county’s website to learn the hours and locations of the county offices that issue licenses.
11. Who can marry us?
In California, clergy members, active and retired judges and court commissioners, and the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners of Civil Marriages are authorized to perform legal marriages. The Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners of Civil Marriages perform marriage ceremonies by appointment at designated county offices. There is a fee, which generally is less than $50. Call ahead or visit the county website for more information.
Any couple wishing to marry can also have a friend deputized to perform their marriage ceremony through a county “Deputy Commissioner for a Day” program. If you choose this option, you will need at least two months advance notice and the person to be deputized to perform your ceremony will have to pay a fee and visit the county office in person to be sworn in. Visit the county website to see if your county has this program. If it does not, check whether a nearby county will deputize an out-of-county resident.
The person who performs your ceremony must complete and sign your marriage license after the ceremony. In addition, at least one witness 18 years old or older must sign the marriage license.
The license then becomes your marriage certificate, which has to be returned promptly to the county for filing.
12. What happens if we marry in California and then wish to divorce?
The only legal way to end a marriage is to get a divorce. If you marry in California and live in California, you can divorce by filing a petition with a California court. However, if you move to another state, or if you already live in another state, getting a divorce could be difficult. Currently, the only state other than California in which same-sex married couples have an established right to divorce is Massachusetts; however, Massachusetts has a one-year residency requirement before a person can petition a Massachusetts court for a divorce. States with civil unions or comprehensive domestic partnerships, like Connecticut, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, and Vermont, may also allow married same-sex couples to divorce, but those states also have one-year residency requirements. That means that at least one spouse must be a resident of the state for a year prior to the divorce.
Couples who are unable to obtain a divorce remain legally married. Therefore, being unable to divorce may cause serious legal problems and complications for same-sex couples who find themselves in this situation.
13. Could right-wing forces take away the freedom to marry at the ballot box in California?
Yes. Because the court based its decision on rights guaranteed by the California Constitution, right-wing groups are trying to amend our state Constitution to eliminate these fundamental constitutional protections and take away the basis for the decision.
These groups, which have received significant funding from out-of-state right-wing organization, are placing an initiative on the November 2008 ballot that will ask voters to amend the California constitution to reverse the court’s decision and deny gay and lesbian couples the freedom to marry.
Already, many state leaders are expressing their opposition to this proposed constitutional amendment. For example, in a public statement on April 11, 2008, Governor Schwarzenegger stated that an initiative to amend the California Constitution to ban gay and lesbian couples from marriage was “a waste of time,” adding “I will always be there to fight against that. It will never happen.”
We agree with Governor Schwarzenegger that these outsiders are wasting their time and money trying to turn California into a state that would use its Constitution to take away civil rights and hurt families. But it will take every one of us to stop this antifamily initiative. For more information about how to get involved, contact Equality For All at www.EqualityForAll.com.
14. What can we do to help preserve the freedom to marry we have just won?
We urge you to get involved today! For more information about how you can help, please contact Equality For All at www.EqualityForAll.com. Now that we have won this victory, all residents of California are better off, because strengthening any group of families makes stronger communities for everyone. All people who value families and fairness have a stake in preserving the freedom to marry for lesbian and gay couples. We cannot afford to wait, please act now.
For more information about the court’s ruling, legal information for couples, and action steps to help protect the freedom to marry, please contact:
National Center for Lesbian Rights: www.nclrights.org
Equality California: www.eqca.org
Lambda Legal: www.lambdalegal.org
The American Civil Liberties Union: www.aclu.org
For more information on the Frontiers in Family Psychology Conference
contact Alexis Burdick at 962-8179.
Equality California: Stay current on state issues that concern you! Visit www.eqca.org to get informed.
OUTrageous Film Festival: Santa Barbara's LGBT Film Festival is seeking new committee members for the November festival. Meetings are held monthly until the summer and then twice monthly. We are actively seeking women, transgendered and people of color. We especially need people interested in fund raising. For more information contact Colette at colette@pacificpridefoundation.org.
PFLAG (Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays):
Groups forming in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria
Open to all that are concerned with the welfare of LGBT persons.
Contact Mariela for more information at 963-3636 ext 130.
Families of Pride: Pacific Pride Foundation's Family Services Program is designed to support the needs of LGBT families coordinating a broad range of recreational activities, public forums, educational venues and events.
Families of Pride provides a safe environment for family interaction. Through activities such as ice cream socials, family picnics and workshops, LGBT families build a unified community with common bonds. To get involved contact Lauren at laurenwyeth@yahoo.com.
Pacific Pride Foundation's Individual and Couples Counseling: Pacific Pride Foundation provides affordable psychotherapy for the LGBT and HIV/AIDS communities of Santa Barbara County. We offer counseling in a safe and welcoming environment for people of all cultures, ethnicities and sexual orientations. Individual, couples and family counseling is offered on an affordable, sliding fee scale based on income. For more information, please contact Cindy Davis at 963-3636 ext 130.
Thoughts from the Executive Director's Desk
Hello Friends and Colleagues,
As the weeks pass since the California Supreme Court did the right thing striking down the ban on same-sex marriage, many of us are taking a deep breath and just feeling the awesomeness of what occurred. This sort of thing – living through historical events of such huge proportion happens rarely in our lives.
Many of us might question the institution of marriage and find it comfortable to have domestic partnership granted. With the hardship of my parents’ divorce in my youth, I can understand such feelings.
And the separate but equal philosophy of granting domestic partnership rights is not equal by any stretch of the imagination. Married people benefit from a community and culture of support – which includes their faith communities, and communities of family and friends, and hundreds of civil rights that are not afforded to those who cannot get married.
When the right thing happens, it is our nature to ‘relax into it’. Well, relax quickly because we need to act. Anti-LGBT hate organizations are already hard at work trying to pass a constitutional amendment this November in an attempt to take away our freedom to marry. These right wing extremists have already poured $2 million into placing the constitutional amendment on the ballot. They are talking about spending $10 million more to make sure it passes in November.
You will see them out petitioning in front of grocery stores, at malls, passing them down church aisles and on and on.
Equality California launched their prominent television ad campaign right here in Santa Barbara County and assigned their staff to work with Pacific Pride Foundation to gather over 7,000 signatures for their statewide education campaign - ‘Let California Ring’. From Pacific Pride offices we made a measurable shift throughout the tri-counties toward support for the fundamental rights of LGBT individuals.
Many of you have called PPF offices and asked how to help between now and November. It starts with opening the hearts and minds of people about keeping the right and freedom to marry for gays and lesbians. We are looking for volunteers for weekend events, signature gathering at grocery stores, and farmers markets throughout Santa Barbara County. E-mail ‘Let CA Ring’ Santa Barbara County leader Nancy at narroyo07@aol.com or call Pacific Pride Foundation at 963-3636.
Lesbians and Gays don’t want special rights. Lesbians and Gays don’t want ‘separate but equal’ rights. Lesbian and Gay families, who have been in committed relationships for years, have had and raised children in these relationships for years just want to keep the right to marry.
Warmly,
David Selberg
Looking for an easy way to give back to Pacific Pride Foundation?
Both Vons & Ralphs grocery stores have donation programs that benefit PPF every time you shop.
Here’s how it works: Register your Ralphs or Vons Club cards online. Every time you use your card, the store will donate a portion of your total to Pacific Pride. It’s easy to do and it’s free for you!
To sign up, please visit our website at www.pacificpridefoundation.org and follow the link on our homepage.
Volunteer Opportunities |
Pacific Pride Foundation is in need of volunteer support for the many services and programs that we offer to the community. You can give an hour or two of your time each week to help make a difference. We are currently in need of assistance in the following programs:
|
Youth Groups |
Our youth program provides a nurturing environment where LGBT youth can feel safe and comfortable expressing themselves, exploring their identities, and connecting with others. The group is free, for ages 14-23, and provides weekly meetings and special events throughout the year.
LGBT Youth Group - Santa Barbara: Thursdays 4:15 pm, PPF South County office, 126 East Haley Street LGBT Youth Group - Santa Maria: Mondays 1:00 pm, PPF North County office, 819 West Church Street LGBT Youth Group - Lompoc: Wednesday, 5:00 pm, South Side Cafe, 105 S. "H" Street For more information please contact: Mariela Marin (805) 963-3636 ext 130 |
Support Groups |
PFLAG: Discussion/Support group for parents and friends of lesbians and gays Currently forming in North and South County, please call for more information
HIV Positive Support Group: Discussion/Support group for HIV positive individuals Tuesdays: 11:30am-12:10pm, 126 East Haley Street, A-12 Contact Cindy Davis, 963-3636 ext 145 Wednesdays: 5:30-6:30pm, 126 East Haley Street, A-12 Contact Mariela, 963-3636 ext 130
Spanish Speaking HIV Positive Group: Discussion/Support group for Spanish Speaking HIV positive individuals Contact Ramiro at 349-9947 ext 106
Transgender Support Group: Discussion/Support group for transgender individuals First Thursday of every month: 6:30pm, 126 East Haley Street, A-12 Contact Mariela, 963-3636 ext 130
Men's Support Group: Peer-led support group for men Mondays: 7-8pm, 126 East Haley Street, A-12 |
Anonymous Meetings |
Marijuana Anonymous: For individuals dealing with addiction to marijuana Fridays: 6-7pm, 126 East Haley Street, A-12 Contact Alahhan Godwin, 681-0444
Gay and Lesbian Alcoholics Anonymous: For LGBT dealing with addiction to alcohol Wednesdays: 6:30pm, Unitarian Church, 1535 Santa Barbara Street For details and information visit www.santabarbaraaa.com
Gay and Lesbian Alcoholics Anonymous: For LGBT dealing with addiction to alcohol Sundays: 11am, Cottage Hospital, Pueblo at Bath Street For details and contact information, visit www.santabarbaraaa.com
Sex Addicts Anonymous: For individuals dealing with addiction to sex Sundays: 7:30-9, 126 East Haley Street, A-12 Contact Gabe, 961-2591 |
HIV Testing
|
Pacific Pride Foundation operates several HIV test sites throughout Santa Barbara County. The tests (oral or blood specimen) are free of charge and anonymous. Our HIV Testing Counselors are state certified, and provide risk assessments, harm reduction and a safe, non-judgmental environment for all community members. For more information please contact: Buck Derrington; South County - 963-3636 ext 111; North County - 349-9947 ext 104 buck@pacificpridefoundation.org
Hours: South County: Mondays: 5:30-7pm HEP C Testing during this time only Tuesdays: 11am-2pm Wednesdays: 11am-1pm Thursdays: 5:30-7pm Fridays: 12-3pm North County: Wednesdays: 4-7pm |
Syringe Exchange |
Our syringe exchange program offers harm reduction, risk assessment, clean syringes and various other supplies and materials to help reduce the spread of blood pathogens and support those who may be struggling with substance dependency.
For more information please contact: Buck Derrington; South County - 963-3636 ext 111; North County - 349-9947 ext 104 buck@pacificpridefoundation.org
Hours: South County: Mondays: 3-7pm Tuesdays: 11am-2pm Thursdays: 5:30-7pm Fridays: 12-3pm North County: Wednesdays: 4-7pm |
Community Groups and Agencies:
Camping Women: Central Coast Chapter
Tina at 440-2723 or teamtlc@charter.net
Coastal Hearts Lesbian Social Group
Equality California:
Current updates on Marriage Equality legislation in California.
Families of Pride
Gay and Lesbian Alliance of San Luis Obispo
Gay and Lesbian Business Association
Great Outdoors of Santa Barbara and Ventura
Lavender Living Room Lesbian Social Group
Prime Timers
Social Activities for Mature Gay Men
Resource Center for Sexual & Gender Diversity, UCSB
Santa Maria Men's Bowling
All levels welcome, beginners-professionals.
Rancho Bowl every Thursday at 6:30pm and Saturday at 10am
Bob at 925-1407
Ventura County Rainbow Alliance
Community Services:
Attorneys at Law:
John D Clarkson
(760) 408-5322
A founding board member of PPF, Clarkson has been offering legal services
to the Santa Barbara County LGBT communities for over 30 years:
Will, Living Trust, Advance Directives, Powers of Attorney,
Domestic Partnership Issues, Living Together Agreements, Property Agreements.
Jennifer Drury
Drury Pullen, A Professional Law Corporation
(805) 879-7523
15 West Carrillo Street, Suite 105
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Jana Johnston
Mullen & Henzell L.L.P.
(805) 966-1501
jjohnston@mullenlaw.com
Monica Robles-Muzinich
Mullen & Henzell LLP
(805) 966-1501
112 East Victoria Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Business Law, Real Property, Tax and Estate Planning
Accountant:
Jane E. Russell, CPA, Partner
MacFarlane, Faletti, & Co. LLP
(805) 966-4157
115 E. Micheltorena St, Ste 200
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Financial Advisor:
Judy Pirkowitsch, CRPC
Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.
(805) 682-8187
1625 State Street, Suite 4
Domestic Partnership Planning, Retirement, Small Business,
Income Tax Planning, Charitable Giving, Investment Advice
Queer Night Life in Santa Barbara
Jill's Place
Open for Lunch and Dinner Mon-Sat
Drink Specials every night!
632 Santa Barbara Street, 963-0378
Wednesday night happy hour at Bricks Cafe
Happy Hour from 7-9pm
509 State Street
Sunday nights @ the Wildcat Lounge "Redroom"
15 West Ortega Street, 962-7970
Pacific Pride wants to know what you are thinking. Email Colette with your feedback, thoughts and comments.
Colette@pacificpridefoundation.org
Visit us on the web at
www.pacificpridefoundation.org
North County Office Pacific Pride Foundation 819 West Church Street Santa Maria, CA 93454 (805) 349-9947 Fax: (805) 349-8638 |
South County Office Pacific Pride Foundation 126 East Haley Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805) 963-3636 Fax: (805) 963-9086 |