Sarah Holtz

When Hi Felicia opened in spring 2022, it appeared to be just the kind of place Downtown Oakland needed in the post-Covid era. A self-described “vulgar fine-dining” restaurant founded by a 25-year-old Black, queer woman chef named Imana, Hi Felicia was <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/article/Hotly-anticipated-Hi-Felicia-Supper-Club-16928164.php">hailed as a breath of fresh air</a>, and its nine-course tasting menu earned positive early reviews. Imana, who goes by her first name only, made it clear from the start that she had <a href="https://abc7news.com/hi-felicia-oakland-fine-dining-in-east-bay-black-owned-restaurant-chef-imana/11900974/">set her sights on a Michelin star</a>.&nbsp;

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When Hi Felicia opened in spring 2022, it appeared to be just the kind of place Downtown Oakland needed in the post-Covid era. A self-described “vulgar fine-dining” restaurant founded by a 25-year-old Black, queer woman chef named Imana, Hi Felicia was <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/article/Hotly-anticipated-Hi-Felicia-Supper-Club-16928164.php">hailed as a breath of fresh air</a>, and its nine-course tasting menu earned positive early reviews. Imana, who goes by her first name only, made it clear from the start that she had <a href="https://abc7news.com/hi-felicia-oakland-fine-dining-in-east-bay-black-owned-restaurant-chef-imana/11900974/">set her sights on a Michelin star</a>.&nbsp;

The Los Angeles-born restaurateur had been running an extralegal and ultra-exclusive supper club out of her apartment; she transformed it into a brick-and-mortar dining room at 23rd and Webster streets.&nbsp;

The Los Angeles-born restaurateur had been running an extralegal and ultra-exclusive supper club out of her apartment; she transformed it into a brick-and-mortar dining room at 23rd and Webster streets.&nbsp;

<a href="https://sf.eater.com/2023/5/2/23708157/hi-felicia-new-a-la-carte-menu">Eater</a> called Imana a “pandemic pop-up darling,” and <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/food/article/Oakland-Hi-Felicia-to-open-17061592.php">SFGate</a> made good on her request to list all her employees by name in a show of collectivism.&nbsp;

<a href="https://sf.eater.com/2023/5/2/23708157/hi-felicia-new-a-la-carte-menu">Eater</a> called Imana a “pandemic pop-up darling,” and <a href="https://www.sfgate.com/food/article/Oakland-Hi-Felicia-to-open-17061592.php">SFGate</a> made good on her request to list all her employees by name in a show of collectivism.&nbsp;

“My employees are the closest people to me on the planet,” Imana told SFGate.

“My employees are the closest people to me on the planet,” Imana told SFGate.

Hi Felicia staff, including chef owner Imana, center top left, outside the Oakland restaurant on April 3, 2022.  

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED01_HiFelicia060123.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-166376"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Hi Felicia staff poses outside the Oakland restaurant on April 3, 2022. | Lance Yamamoto</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED01_HiFelicia060123.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-166376"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Hi Felicia staff poses outside the Oakland restaurant on April 3, 2022. | Lance Yamamoto</figcaption></figure>

Soon enough, it was tough to nab a reservation at Hi Felicia, and by November, the restaurant had <a href="https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/features/hi-felicia-review-oakland-michelin-guide-restaurants">secured a listing</a> in the hallowed Michelin Guide.&nbsp;

Soon enough, it was tough to nab a reservation at Hi Felicia, and by November, the restaurant had <a href="https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/features/hi-felicia-review-oakland-michelin-guide-restaurants">secured a listing</a> in the hallowed Michelin Guide.&nbsp;

So when Hi Felicia abruptly and permanently closed on May 24—just about a year after opening—something felt amiss, patrons said.&nbsp;

So when Hi Felicia abruptly and permanently closed on May 24—just about a year after opening—something felt amiss, patrons said.&nbsp;

The closure, Imana said on Instagram, came <a href="https://instagram.com/hifeliciarestaurant?igshid=MmJiY2I4NDBkZg==">the day after a burglary</a> during which “our upstairs safe was thrown downstairs, glass door completely shattered, our cash register was broken.” The Oakland Police Department confirmed that a burglary took place early in the morning on May 24 at Hi Felicia’s location.&nbsp;

The closure, Imana said on Instagram, came <a href="https://instagram.com/hifeliciarestaurant?igshid=MmJiY2I4NDBkZg==">the day after a burglary</a> during which “our upstairs safe was thrown downstairs, glass door completely shattered, our cash register was broken.” The Oakland Police Department confirmed that a burglary took place early in the morning on May 24 at Hi Felicia’s location.&nbsp;

But looking back on the past year, there were clues that not everything was going as planned.

But looking back on the past year, there were clues that not everything was going as planned.

The Standard spoke to two former employees who had quit weeks before the closure because they say Imana consistently mistreated them and failed to pay them on time.&nbsp;

The Standard spoke to two former employees who had quit weeks before the closure because they say Imana consistently mistreated them and failed to pay them on time.&nbsp;

“Checks were bouncing, and people were bouncing,” said Erica Castillo, a former cook at the restaurant.

“Checks were bouncing, and people were bouncing,” said Erica Castillo, a former cook at the restaurant.

These workers believe it was the steady outflow of employees—which began last fall—that led to Hi Felicia’s farewell.&nbsp;

These workers believe it was the steady outflow of employees—which began last fall—that led to Hi Felicia’s farewell.&nbsp;

Selasie Dotse served as Hi Felicia’s chef de cuisine from last July until resigning this April. The Ghanaian-born chef came to Imana’s kitchen after stints at other local fine-dining outfits, including Lazy Bear, Mourad and SPQR.

Selasie Dotse served as Hi Felicia’s chef de cuisine from last July until resigning this April. The Ghanaian-born chef came to Imana’s kitchen after stints at other local fine-dining outfits, including Lazy Bear, Mourad and SPQR.

Dishwasher Niclas Haritos, left, and chef de cuisine Selasie Dotse, right, speak in the kitchen at Hi Felicia. Hi Felicia's owner Imana announced its closure on Wednesday, April 24, 2023 after reporting that the establishment was the victim of a break-in.


 | Courtesy Jeremy Chiu

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED02_HiFelicia060123.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-166394"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Dishwasher Niclas Haritos, left, and chef de cuisine Selasie Dotse, right, speak in the kitchen at Hi Felicia. | Courtesy Jeremy Chiu</figcaption></figure>

“When I left my last restaurant, I was trying to find a space that was safe for queer and Black and Brown people because we are underrepresented in fine dining,” they said.

“When I left my last restaurant, I was trying to find a space that was safe for queer and Black and Brown people because we are underrepresented in fine dining,” they said.

Dotse realized, they said, that they wouldn’t find that safe space at Hi Felicia, mainly because of Imana’s mismanagement.

Dotse realized, they said, that they wouldn’t find that safe space at Hi Felicia, mainly because of Imana’s mismanagement.

The winter after Dotse started at Hi Felicia, the two managers—Quin Kirwan and Emma Rasmussen—both left the restaurant.

The winter after Dotse started at Hi Felicia, the two managers—Quin Kirwan and Emma Rasmussen—both left the restaurant.

Asked for comment, Imana told The Standard that Rasmussen had started as a manager, but by the time she left, it had become unfeasible to employ two managers.&nbsp;

Asked for comment, Imana told The Standard that Rasmussen had started as a manager, but by the time she left, it had become unfeasible to employ two managers.&nbsp;

Dotse said several other workers resigned after Imana agreed to have Hi Felicia as a featured restaurant in the VIP Tent at the Outside Lands festival in August 2022.

Dotse said several other workers resigned after Imana agreed to have Hi Felicia as a featured restaurant in the VIP Tent at the Outside Lands festival in August 2022.

Castillo, an alum of posh Palo Alto bistro Bird Dog, was hired last December and also quit in early April—after barely four months on the job.&nbsp;

Castillo, an alum of posh Palo Alto bistro Bird Dog, was hired last December and also quit in early April—after barely four months on the job.&nbsp;

“It was falling apart,” she said. “All of this shit was happening, and the image that’s out there on [Hi Felicia’s] social media shows a very different experience.”

“It was falling apart,” she said. “All of this shit was happening, and the image that’s out there on [Hi Felicia’s] social media shows a very different experience.”

Hi Felicia's owner Imana announced its closure o April 24, after reporting that the establishment was the victim of a break-in. | Courtesy Jeremy Chiu

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED03_HiFelicia060123.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-166397"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hi Felicia staff member Erica Castillo, left, and Leonard, right, work in the kitchen in 2023. | Courtesy Jeremy Chiu</figcaption></figure>

According to Dotse and Castillo, the kitchen staff often had to manage the front of the house&nbsp; because the dining room was understaffed or staff were undertrained for Hi Felicia’s multicourse format.&nbsp;

According to Dotse and Castillo, the kitchen staff often had to manage the front of the house&nbsp; because the dining room was understaffed or staff were undertrained for Hi Felicia’s multicourse format.&nbsp;

Imana did not directly address the reasons for the departures in her statement to The Standard.

Imana did not directly address the reasons for the departures in her statement to The Standard.

“Of course, people quit for other reasons, outside opportunities, workplace indifferences, as happens at many restaurants,” she wrote.&nbsp;

“Of course, people quit for other reasons, outside opportunities, workplace indifferences, as happens at many restaurants,” she wrote.&nbsp;

Then there were the physical working conditions. Dotse told The Standard there was a roof leak in the kitchen that wasn’t fixed for months.

Then there were the physical working conditions. Dotse told The Standard there was a roof leak in the kitchen that wasn’t fixed for months.

Imana said the kitchen leak was addressed, but that during the heavy rainy season, the staff was unable to use the flat-top range in the kitchen.

Imana said the kitchen leak was addressed, but that during the heavy rainy season, the staff was unable to use the flat-top range in the kitchen.

Imana, owner of Hi Felicia, outside of the Oakland restaurant on April 3, 2022. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED04_HiFelicia060123.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-166380"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Imana, owner of Hi Felicia, poses outside of the Oakland restaurant on April 3, 2022. | Lance Yamamoto</figcaption></figure>

Dotse and Castillo said they also remember working in a freezing kitchen in beanies and hoodies because the restaurant didn’t have central heating. They said they repeatedly asked Imana to address the heating issue, but she never did.&nbsp;

Dotse and Castillo said they also remember working in a freezing kitchen in beanies and hoodies because the restaurant didn’t have central heating. They said they repeatedly asked Imana to address the heating issue, but she never did.&nbsp;

“To say you want these Michelin standards but we don’t even have heat in the kitchen—it doesn’t work,” Dotse said.&nbsp;

“To say you want these Michelin standards but we don’t even have heat in the kitchen—it doesn’t work,” Dotse said.&nbsp;

Imana acknowledged that the kitchen was very cold over the winter. The landlord, she said, refused to take responsibility for heating.&nbsp;

Imana acknowledged that the kitchen was very cold over the winter. The landlord, she said, refused to take responsibility for heating.&nbsp;

The landlord did not respond to requests for comment in time for publication.&nbsp;

The landlord did not respond to requests for comment in time for publication.&nbsp;

These issues seeped into Hi Felicia’s <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/hi-felicia-oakland?osq=hi+felicia">Yelp reviews</a>, which are a mixed bag. In February, a user named Ilona M. complained that the restaurant was “absolutely freezing.” While there are plenty of enthusiastic recommendations on Hi Felicia’s Yelp page, over the past few months, it received a slew of one-star reviews.

These issues seeped into Hi Felicia’s <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/hi-felicia-oakland?osq=hi+felicia">Yelp reviews</a>, which are a mixed bag. In February, a user named Ilona M. complained that the restaurant was “absolutely freezing.” While there are plenty of enthusiastic recommendations on Hi Felicia’s Yelp page, over the past few months, it received a slew of one-star reviews.

“Not worth the price of admission,” user Philamon H. wrote. “For a restaurant to ‘definitely aspire to Michelin-stardom,’ this is an embarrassing showing. The draconian reservation policy and abysmal turnout are the final nail in the coffin for me. Still gets a point for the ambiance and wine service. Don't come here.”&nbsp;

“Not worth the price of admission,” user Philamon H. wrote. “For a restaurant to ‘definitely aspire to Michelin-stardom,’ this is an embarrassing showing. The draconian reservation policy and abysmal turnout are the final nail in the coffin for me. Still gets a point for the ambiance and wine service. Don't come here.”&nbsp;

Dotse also complained that Imana wasn’t in the kitchen often enough.

Dotse also complained that Imana wasn’t in the kitchen often enough.

The interior of Hi Felicia in Oakland on April 3, 2022. Imana, owner of Hi Felicia,  closed the business in 2023 following a break in and robbery.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED05_HiFelicia060123.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-166383"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The interior of Hi Felicia in Oakland as seen on April 3, 2022. | Lance Yamamoto</figcaption></figure>

“I found it quite strange that she would never pick up a knife or really cook anything,” they said. “Usually, the executive chef is not necessarily in the kitchen all the time, but Imana was hardly ever there. She would show up for service some nights if we were really understaffed.”

“I found it quite strange that she would never pick up a knife or really cook anything,” they said. “Usually, the executive chef is not necessarily in the kitchen all the time, but Imana was hardly ever there. She would show up for service some nights if we were really understaffed.”

Imana told The Standard that the restaurant typically had “almost eight people” in the kitchen and three people working front of house—all of whom were paid between $20 and $39 per hour.&nbsp;

Imana told The Standard that the restaurant typically had “almost eight people” in the kitchen and three people working front of house—all of whom were paid between $20 and $39 per hour.&nbsp;

“I should have been in [the] space more, but I was completely burnt out,” she wrote.&nbsp;

“I should have been in [the] space more, but I was completely burnt out,” she wrote.&nbsp;

The understaffing issue was made more difficult, Dotse said, when Imana fell behind on invoices and bills, which ultimately trickled down to payroll. Dotse, Castillo and former dishwasher Niclas Haritos all said they had paychecks bounce more than once in February and March.&nbsp;

The understaffing issue was made more difficult, Dotse said, when Imana fell behind on invoices and bills, which ultimately trickled down to payroll. Dotse, Castillo and former dishwasher Niclas Haritos all said they had paychecks bounce more than once in February and March.&nbsp;

Imana told The Standard that she addressed the bounced paychecks—even sending advances on a couple of occasions—but that in some cases, the delay was due to her employees’ banks. She also shared email exchanges and screenshots among her then-employees and her bookkeeper about the paycheck issue.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Imana told The Standard that she addressed the bounced paychecks—even sending advances on a couple of occasions—but that in some cases, the delay was due to her employees’ banks. She also shared email exchanges and screenshots among her then-employees and her bookkeeper about the paycheck issue.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After the third bounced check, Dotse said they sent their letter of resignation.&nbsp;

After the third bounced check, Dotse said they sent their letter of resignation.&nbsp;

“I’m pretty loyal to a fault,” they said. “I can let a lot of things go, but when it comes to my money, that’s where I draw the line. Messing with my livelihood and how I pay my bills—it’s not a good look.”

“I’m pretty loyal to a fault,” they said. “I can let a lot of things go, but when it comes to my money, that’s where I draw the line. Messing with my livelihood and how I pay my bills—it’s not a good look.”

Imana said that she had given Dotse a written warning about improving their performance and attitude last November, following up with a “final notice” email on Feb. 26. She shared their correspondence with The Standard.

Imana said that she had given Dotse a written warning about improving their performance and attitude last November, following up with a “final notice” email on Feb. 26. She shared their correspondence with The Standard.

A group portrait of former Hi Felicia staff. The restaurant announced its closure on Wednesday, April 24, 2023. Hi Felicia's owner Imana announced its closure on Wednesday, April 24, 2023 after reporting that the establishment was the victim of a break-in.


| Courtesy Jeremy Chiu

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED06_HiFelicia060123.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-166386"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A group portrait of former Hi Felicia staff. The restaurant announced its closure on Wednesday, April 24, 2023. | Courtesy Jeremy Chiu</figcaption></figure>

Dotse, Castillo, Haritos and two other employees left Hi Felicia in March and April. Haritos told The Standard he quit on good terms to pursue another job opportunity.

Dotse, Castillo, Haritos and two other employees left Hi Felicia in March and April. Haritos told The Standard he quit on good terms to pursue another job opportunity.

“I am pretty good at adapting, and I usually focus on things I can control,” he said.

“I am pretty good at adapting, and I usually focus on things I can control,” he said.

By May 1, Imana had announced that she was adding à la carte options, which made the restaurant more affordable.&nbsp;

By May 1, Imana had announced that she was adding à la carte options, which made the restaurant more affordable.&nbsp;

In an interview with <a href="https://blog.resy.com/2023/05/hi-felicia/">Resy</a>, Imana explained that the decision to switch to a hybrid menu was her way of staving off creative stagnation.&nbsp;

In an interview with <a href="https://blog.resy.com/2023/05/hi-felicia/">Resy</a>, Imana explained that the decision to switch to a hybrid menu was her way of staving off creative stagnation.&nbsp;

“Spring cleaning emotionally,” she told Resy. “I want to reach more people. I want more people to be able to experience the magic we are creating.”

“Spring cleaning emotionally,” she told Resy. “I want to reach more people. I want more people to be able to experience the magic we are creating.”

In her email statement, Imana addressed the decision to go à la carte and its connection to the restaurant’s ultimate closure. &nbsp;

In her email statement, Imana addressed the decision to go à la carte and its connection to the restaurant’s ultimate closure. &nbsp;

“That was the worst pivot that I made,” she wrote. “I have been thinking for almost the entirety of the year about if I even wanted to stay open. I did à la carte for three weeks before I started having personal conversations with loved ones about not wanting to do Hi Felicia anymore, and struggling with what that looked like, and where to even start.”

“That was the worst pivot that I made,” she wrote. “I have been thinking for almost the entirety of the year about if I even wanted to stay open. I did à la carte for three weeks before I started having personal conversations with loved ones about not wanting to do Hi Felicia anymore, and struggling with what that looked like, and where to even start.”

Castillo told The Standard she believes that choice was the direct result of losing so many kitchen staffers in a short time. In this way, the decision to close was a natural extension of the restaurant’s ongoing issues.&nbsp;

Castillo told The Standard she believes that choice was the direct result of losing so many kitchen staffers in a short time. In this way, the decision to close was a natural extension of the restaurant’s ongoing issues.&nbsp;

“She was already planning to change the business, and the burglary just catapulted it,” Castillo said.

“She was already planning to change the business, and the burglary just catapulted it,” Castillo said.

Pedestrians pass the boarded-up exterior of Oakland restaurant Hi Felicia at 326 23rd Street in Oakland on Thursday, May 25, 2023. | RJ Mickelson/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED07_HiFelicia060123-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-166400"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Pedestrians pass the boarded-up exterior of Oakland restaurant Hi Felicia at 326 23rd Street in Oakland on Thursday, May 25, 2023. | RJ Mickelson/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Imana said that while five people left Hi Felicia in March and April, she employed nine people at the restaurant during her last month in business.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Imana said that while five people left Hi Felicia in March and April, she employed nine people at the restaurant during her last month in business.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I want to make it very clear, closing was my own personal decision,” she said—emphasizing that Hi Felicia’s shuttering was not connected to employee turnover.

“I want to make it very clear, closing was my own personal decision,” she said—emphasizing that Hi Felicia’s shuttering was not connected to employee turnover.

Indeed, two days before the closure, a picture of the 14-foot communal table from Hi Felicia’s dining room surfaced in a <a href="https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/fuo/d/oakland-14-foot-table-for-sale/7624216214.html">Craigslist posting</a> that offered it up for $5,000.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Indeed, two days before the closure, a picture of the 14-foot communal table from Hi Felicia’s dining room surfaced in a <a href="https://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/fuo/d/oakland-14-foot-table-for-sale/7624216214.html">Craigslist posting</a> that offered it up for $5,000.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In her closing announcement on Instagram, Imana wrote that she would be opening a “sleek &amp; sexy wine bar” in Hi Felicia’s place. Those who have frequented Imana’s second business, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/sluts-wine-bar-a-hi-felicia-spinoff-secures-lease-in-soma/">Sluts the Wine Bar</a> in SoMa in San Francisco, are left wondering whether Hi Felicia’s reincarnation will serve the same puzzling selection of bar bites. A recent food menu from Sluts outlined such offerings as turkey and cheese Lunchables and Eggo waffles—items that certainly wouldn’t require a team of Michelin-rated chefs.&nbsp;

In her closing announcement on Instagram, Imana wrote that she would be opening a “sleek &amp; sexy wine bar” in Hi Felicia’s place. Those who have frequented Imana’s second business, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/sluts-wine-bar-a-hi-felicia-spinoff-secures-lease-in-soma/">Sluts the Wine Bar</a> in SoMa in San Francisco, are left wondering whether Hi Felicia’s reincarnation will serve the same puzzling selection of bar bites. A recent food menu from Sluts outlined such offerings as turkey and cheese Lunchables and Eggo waffles—items that certainly wouldn’t require a team of Michelin-rated chefs.&nbsp;

The interior of Oakland restaurant Hi Felicia at 326 23rd Street in Oakland on Thursday, May 25, 2023. 

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/INLINED08_HiFelicia060123-2500x1667.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-166403"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The interior of Oakland restaurant Hi Felicia at 326 23rd Street in Oakland on Thursday, May 25, 2023. | RJ Mickelson/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

At publication time, all of the posts on Hi Felicia’s Instagram posts have been deleted save for Imana’s May 24 announcement about the closure. The name on the account was changed to “Circus.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

At publication time, all of the posts on Hi Felicia’s Instagram posts have been deleted save for Imana’s May 24 announcement about the closure. The name on the account was changed to “Circus.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

Castillo and Dotse both expressed their regrets for how they left the restaurant but said they felt it necessary to cut ties with Imana.&nbsp;

Castillo and Dotse both expressed their regrets for how they left the restaurant but said they felt it necessary to cut ties with Imana.&nbsp;

“At the end of the day, she’s out for herself,” Castillo said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“At the end of the day, she’s out for herself,” Castillo said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“I wanted it to be for us, by us,” Dotse added. “As much as I wanted to cultivate that, if the boss doesn’t necessarily share those viewpoints, that’s hard to do.”

“I wanted it to be for us, by us,” Dotse added. “As much as I wanted to cultivate that, if the boss doesn’t necessarily share those viewpoints, that’s hard to do.”

“It didn't work out on all ends for a lot of reasons,” she wrote. “It is a hard chapter for me to end, but it has been very freeing, and allowed me to spend time on other projects. I learned what I do and do not want in a business, and I am grateful for these lessons learned. I will take this moment, publicly, to apologize for actions that made my team feel upset and uncomfortable.”

“It didn't work out on all ends for a lot of reasons,” she wrote. “It is a hard chapter for me to end, but it has been very freeing, and allowed me to spend time on other projects. I learned what I do and do not want in a business, and I am grateful for these lessons learned. I will take this moment, publicly, to apologize for actions that made my team feel upset and uncomfortable.”

Oakland restaurant Hi Felicia struggled for months before abrupt closure, former workers say

The Standard Staff

After a month of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/pink-triangle-lights-up-skyline-for-pride-month-once-again/">Pink Triangle lightings</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/whats-behind-the-decline-in-lesbian-bars-documentary-mannys-unpack-the-downward-trend/">public forums</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/kill-your-darlings-last-dance-tracks-the-willful-destruction-of-a-drag-queens-persona/">film screenings</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/rage-for-pride-queer-supergroup-commando-turn-nu-metal-on-its-ear/">queer nü metal supergroup performances</a>, San Francisco’s 30-day celebration of LGBTQ+ culture in the city and beyond is culminating in the 52nd annual SF Pride Parade down Market Street.

After a month of <a href="https://sfstandard.com/community/pink-triangle-lights-up-skyline-for-pride-month-once-again/">Pink Triangle lightings</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/whats-behind-the-decline-in-lesbian-bars-documentary-mannys-unpack-the-downward-trend/">public forums</a>, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/kill-your-darlings-last-dance-tracks-the-willful-destruction-of-a-drag-queens-persona/">film screenings</a> and <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/rage-for-pride-queer-supergroup-commando-turn-nu-metal-on-its-ear/">queer nü metal supergroup performances</a>, San Francisco’s 30-day celebration of LGBTQ+ culture in the city and beyond is culminating in the 52nd annual SF Pride Parade down Market Street.

But Pride-adjacent dance parties and drag shows aren’t the only diversions on offer this weekend. You can also contemplate the fragility of existence at Manny’s “extinction” event, get down to the OG sounds of Rakim and DJ Jazzy Jeff at The Independent, listen to see if you can hear a pin drop during the more subdued moments of Aldous Harding’s set at The Fillmore.

But Pride-adjacent dance parties and drag shows aren’t the only diversions on offer this weekend. You can also contemplate the fragility of existence at Manny’s “extinction” event, get down to the OG sounds of Rakim and DJ Jazzy Jeff at The Independent, listen to see if you can hear a pin drop during the more subdued moments of Aldous Harding’s set at The Fillmore.

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Thursday, June 23

<h2 class="has-large-font-size wp-block-heading" id="Thursday">Thursday, June 23</h2>

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<h2 class="has-large-font-size" id="Thursday">Thursday, June 23</h2>

<a href="https://sfpl.org/exhibits/2022/03/12/cockettes-acid-drag-sexual-anarchy">The Cockettes: Acid Drag &amp; Sexual Anarchy</a>

<h3 class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cockettes-acid-drag-sexual-anarchy"><a href="https://sfpl.org/exhibits/2022/03/12/cockettes-acid-drag-sexual-anarchy">The Cockettes: Acid Drag &amp; Sexual Anarchy</a></h3>

<h3 class="has-medium-font-size" id="h-the-cockettes-acid-drag-sexual-anarchy"><a href="https://sfpl.org/exhibits/2022/03/12/cockettes-acid-drag-sexual-anarchy">The Cockettes: Acid Drag &amp; Sexual Anarchy</a></h3>

SF Public Library, 100 Larkin St. Through Aug. 11 | Free

SF Public Library, 100 Larkin St. Through Aug. 11 | Free

With the big Pride Parade just around the corner, it’s a great time to revisit the history of LGBTQ+ culture in the city. The San Francisco Public Library hosts an eclectic array of rare photographs, posters, fliers, costumes, newspaper clippings, audio-visual materials and memorabilia from the gender-bending Haight-Ashbury-born hippie-era performance troupe known as <a href="https://www.cockettes.com/history/">The Cockettes</a>. This installation, co-curated by original Cockette Fayette Hauser and local author and scholar Jim Van Buskirk, traces the group’s history and cultural impact—including their barrier-breaking contributions to concepts of gender and sexual fludity, the counterculture and the Free Love movement of the 1960s and ’70s.&nbsp;&nbsp;

With the big Pride Parade just around the corner, it’s a great time to revisit the history of LGBTQ+ culture in the city. The San Francisco Public Library hosts an eclectic array of rare photographs, posters, fliers, costumes, newspaper clippings, audio-visual materials and memorabilia from the gender-bending Haight-Ashbury-born hippie-era performance troupe known as <a href="https://www.cockettes.com/history/">The Cockettes</a>. This installation, co-curated by original Cockette Fayette Hauser and local author and scholar Jim Van Buskirk, traces the group’s history and cultural impact—including their barrier-breaking contributions to concepts of gender and sexual fludity, the counterculture and the Free Love movement of the 1960s and ’70s.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Thursday, June 23, <a href="https://sfpl.org/events/2022/06/23/performance-cockette-cabaret-scrumbly-co">the freewheeling spirit of the Cockettes comes back to life</a> with a special performance featuring original Cockettes songs and the musical talents of Cockettes founding member and musical director Scrumbly Koldewyn on piano. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at the Koret Auditorium, located at SFPL’s main library. The exhibit is located in the James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center on the 3rd floor.

On Thursday, June 23, <a href="https://sfpl.org/events/2022/06/23/performance-cockette-cabaret-scrumbly-co">the freewheeling spirit of the Cockettes comes back to life</a> with a special performance featuring original Cockettes songs and the musical talents of Cockettes founding member and musical director Scrumbly Koldewyn on piano. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at the Koret Auditorium, located at SFPL’s main library. The exhibit is located in the James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center on the 3rd floor.

For a rundown on all Pride-adjacent events, be sure to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/brimming-with-pride-sf-closes-out-june-with-many-more-events-celebrating-the-lgbtq-community/">check out our guide</a>. (CJC)&nbsp;

For a rundown on all Pride-adjacent events, be sure to <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/brimming-with-pride-sf-closes-out-june-with-many-more-events-celebrating-the-lgbtq-community/">check out our guide</a>. (CJC)&nbsp;

<a href="https://schlomerhaus.com/chloe-sherman">Renegade San Francisco: the 1990s</a>

<h3 class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading" id="h-renegade-san-francisco-the-1990s"><a href="https://schlomerhaus.com/chloe-sherman">Renegade San Francisco: the 1990s</a></h3>

<h3 class="has-medium-font-size" id="h-renegade-san-francisco-the-1990s"><a href="https://schlomerhaus.com/chloe-sherman">Renegade San Francisco: the 1990s</a></h3>

Schlomer Haus Gallery, 2128 Market St.  Through Aug. 17 | Free

Schlomer Haus Gallery, 2128 Market St.  Through Aug. 17 | Free

When fine art photographer Chloe Sherman moved to the city in 1991 to study at the San Francisco Art Institute, she picked up her camera and started documenting a rising generation of self-identified queer youth in the Mission District. Now on view at Schlomer Haus gallery, which specializes in showcasing the work of LGBTQ+ artists, the photographs take an intimate and tender look back on the era, focusing on the femme and butch styles of the scene at that time, and reveal the community’s continued vibrancy and resilience against mainstream norms.

When fine art photographer Chloe Sherman moved to the city in 1991 to study at the San Francisco Art Institute, she picked up her camera and started documenting a rising generation of self-identified queer youth in the Mission District. Now on view at Schlomer Haus gallery, which specializes in showcasing the work of LGBTQ+ artists, the photographs take an intimate and tender look back on the era, focusing on the femme and butch styles of the scene at that time, and reveal the community’s continued vibrancy and resilience against mainstream norms.

“I witnessed individual conviction with a collective awareness of strength in numbers,” Sherman wrote in an artist’s statement. “I found beauty, grace, and bravery in this subculture that was derided by mainstream society.” (CJC)

“I witnessed individual conviction with a collective awareness of strength in numbers,” Sherman wrote in an artist’s statement. “I found beauty, grace, and bravery in this subculture that was derided by mainstream society.” (CJC)

Friday, June 24

<h2 class="has-large-font-size wp-block-heading" id="Friday">Friday, June 24</h2>

<h2 class="has-large-font-size" id="Friday">Friday, June 24</h2>

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/BothEyesOpen.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-56388"/><figcaption>'Both Eyes Open' | Courtesy Photo</figcaption></figure>

Presidio Theatre, 99 Moraga Ave. 2 p.m. | $20+

Presidio Theatre, 99 Moraga Ave. 2 p.m. | $20+

UC Berkeley Professor of Theater, Dance and Performance Studies Philip Kan Gotanda has been exploring the Japanese American experience on stage for more than four decades, with a particular focus on the World War II incarceration. But he’s never created a work quite like Both Eyes Open, a new chamber opera with music by Max Duykers. Directed by Melissa Weaver, the work is scored for a four-piece chamber ensemble with clarinet, bass clarinet, violin, piano and the Marimba Lumina—a programmable MIDI controller that allows Joel Davel to trigger an extensive library of choral samples to supplement baritone Suchan Kim, soprano Kalean Ung and tenor John Duykers (father of the opera’s composer). A roiling meta-fictional account of a Japanese American man coming to terms with humiliation, faith and national identity in order to save his soul, Both Eyes Open weaves spoken dialogue, singing, acoustic instruments and electronic samples together with dramatic video and lighting cues. Saturday and Sunday performances begin at 7 p.m. (AG)

UC Berkeley Professor of Theater, Dance and Performance Studies Philip Kan Gotanda has been exploring the Japanese American experience on stage for more than four decades, with a particular focus on the World War II incarceration. But he’s never created a work quite like Both Eyes Open, a new chamber opera with music by Max Duykers. Directed by Melissa Weaver, the work is scored for a four-piece chamber ensemble with clarinet, bass clarinet, violin, piano and the Marimba Lumina—a programmable MIDI controller that allows Joel Davel to trigger an extensive library of choral samples to supplement baritone Suchan Kim, soprano Kalean Ung and tenor John Duykers (father of the opera’s composer). A roiling meta-fictional account of a Japanese American man coming to terms with humiliation, faith and national identity in order to save his soul, Both Eyes Open weaves spoken dialogue, singing, acoustic instruments and electronic samples together with dramatic video and lighting cues. Saturday and Sunday performances begin at 7 p.m. (AG)

<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/poetry-night-mannys-living-room-reading-series-salon-tickets-358912646387"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/poetry-night-mannys-living-room-reading-series-salon-tickets-358912646387">Manny’s</a></a> <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/poetry-night-mannys-living-room-reading-series-salon-tickets-358912646387">‘Extinction’ Event</a>

<h3 class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading" id="h-manny-s-extinction-event"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/poetry-night-mannys-living-room-reading-series-salon-tickets-358912646387"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/poetry-night-mannys-living-room-reading-series-salon-tickets-358912646387">Manny’s</a></a> <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/poetry-night-mannys-living-room-reading-series-salon-tickets-358912646387">‘Extinction’ Event</a></h3>

<h3 class="has-medium-font-size" id="h-manny-s-extinction-event"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/poetry-night-mannys-living-room-reading-series-salon-tickets-358912646387"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/poetry-night-mannys-living-room-reading-series-salon-tickets-358912646387">Manny’s</a></a> <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/poetry-night-mannys-living-room-reading-series-salon-tickets-358912646387">‘Extinction’ Event</a></h3>

Manny’s, 3092 16th St. 7 p.m. | Free

Manny’s, 3092 16th St. 7 p.m. | Free

This Friday, Manny’s offers you the chance to process some of your existential dread through poetry and spoken word. The theme of the night is “extinction” and will feature poems written for these uniquely apocalyptic times. The event is part of the Living Room Reading Series &amp; Salon, a forum for exploring some of the most pressing topics of the day. Hosted by Kevin Dublin, author of the chapbook How to Fall in Love in San Diego, this Friday’s Salon will bring you one step closer to the end of the world as we know it. (BF)

This Friday, Manny’s offers you the chance to process some of your existential dread through poetry and spoken word. The theme of the night is “extinction” and will feature poems written for these uniquely apocalyptic times. The event is part of the Living Room Reading Series &amp; Salon, a forum for exploring some of the most pressing topics of the day. Hosted by Kevin Dublin, author of the chapbook How to Fall in Love in San Diego, this Friday’s Salon will bring you one step closer to the end of the world as we know it. (BF)

Saturday, June 25

<h2 class="has-large-font-size wp-block-heading" id="Saturday">Saturday, June 25</h2>

<h2 class="has-large-font-size" id="Saturday">Saturday, June 25</h2>

<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/afterglow-2022-blacklight-discotheque-tickets-338233725177?aff=ebdssbdestsearch">Afterglow 2022: Blacklight Discotheque</a>

<h3 class="has-medium-font-size wp-block-heading" id="h-afterglow-2022-blacklight-discotheque"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/afterglow-2022-blacklight-discotheque-tickets-338233725177?aff=ebdssbdestsearch">Afterglow 2022: Blacklight Discotheque</a></h3>

<h3 class="has-medium-font-size" id="h-afterglow-2022-blacklight-discotheque"><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/afterglow-2022-blacklight-discotheque-tickets-338233725177?aff=ebdssbdestsearch">Afterglow 2022: Blacklight Discotheque</a></h3>

Space 550, 550 Barneveld Ave. 10 p.m. - 6 a.m. | $25-$150&nbsp;

Space 550, 550 Barneveld Ave. 10 p.m. - 6 a.m. | $25-$150&nbsp;

Oakland restaurant Hi Felicia struggled for months before abrupt closure, former workers say

This weekend: Pride parade, Japanese internment opera and an ‘extinction’ event

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Search Results for: san francisco police

Oakland restaurant Hi Felicia struggled for months before abrupt closure, former workers say

This weekend: Pride parade, Japanese internment opera and an ‘extinction’ event

Crypto, tech stocks and expensive homes: What SF’s elected officials own

Opening doors: Repurposed SF garages give creatives space to pursue passions and chase dreams

Outside Lands organizer Mary Conde aims for unique Halloween revival