"Echoes of Divas SF: Spinning and Burning on the Edge of Possibility"

 

In the vibrant heart of the Tenderloin in San Francisco, amidst the glowing neon lights and the raw pulse of the Golden City, there was a place called Divas SF that I made my haven, my stage, and my battleground. It was a time when I was young, full of life, hope, and energy - a time when the world seemed boundless, and the night held so many possibilities.

I was a patron, a night club DJ, a bartender, and spent much of my luster at a dive bar and discothèque called Divas (DivasSF.com), a legendary establishment formally known at "The Motherload" that played host to a kaleidoscope of characters, each with their own colorful story to tell. The atmosphere within those walls was a peculiar mix of beauty and sleaze, a refuge from discrimination and a synthetic toxic chemical pit all at once. It was a place where love, life, drama, possibilities, sketch, and loss intertwined seamlessly, creating a mosaic of experiences that I still and will continue to cherish and choke on for all my days to come.

As a resident DJ, I was the maestro spinning the vinyl rhythm of the night, blending beats that resonated with the eclectic crowd. The dance floor became a vibrating sketch, painted with the vibrant hues of diverse souls seeking escape from the harsh realities of the Tenderloin and discrimination. The music united us, if only for a fleeting moment, in a shared moment free from the challenges of life.

 

Behind the bar, I poured drinks for patrons who came seeking solace, a hookup, or simply a temporary reprieve from their struggles. In the dimly lit space, I met beautiful souls and lovely humans who shined twice as bright but were destined to live half as long. Their stories unfolded in snippets, outbursts, and exhibition; each interaction left an indelible impact on my soul.

 

Divas SF was a sanctuary for those who didn't fit societies off the shelf norms. It was a place where acceptance began at the entrance, and the diverse array of patrons created a tapestry of beautiful souls free from society's excepted conventions, if only for a moment. Yet, beneath the surface of this haven, the Tenderloin's harsh realities persisted once one made exit.

  

Survival in the Tenderloin meant navigating through rough living, where selling oneself was often the only means of getting by. It was a world where the fortunate few managed to escape, while others were caught in a cycle of struggle, living on the fringes of society. The dichotomy between the freedom of the club and the harshness of the streets became increasingly apparent.

 

Over time, the dichotomy wore on me. The beauty of the souls I encountered clashed with the putrid cesspit of sleaze that lingered in the shadows. The juxtaposition became too much to bear, and the toll on my spirit grew heavy. In the end, I had to step away from the vibrant chaos of Divas SF Club, leaving behind a chapter of my life that was equal parts enchanting and exhausting.

Looking back, I remember the good times, the laughter, the music, and the connections forged in the crucible of Divas. It was a time of highs and lows, of love and loss, and of navigating a world that was as rough as it was enchanting. The memories, like the echoes of the beats that once filled the dance floor, linger in the recesses of my mind, a testament to a time when I was young, full of life, and spinning on the edge of possibility.

Adrea Santos 11/19/79 - 1104/2023

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Stephen C. Berkey

February 1, 1948 - January 5, 2020

Owner at Divas Nightclub

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Monica

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Kenny

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Desesperación a Alegría

Desesperación a Alegría

In a town called Salina Del Sol, Paloma and Lucky did appear,

With dreams of a new home in their hearts, but also a hint of fear.

They searched high and low, both near and far,

For a place they could call their own, their shining star.

Anxious and excited, they signed the dotted line,

Hoping their new abode would be nothing but fine.

But as they moved in, their joy began to fade,

For everything was falling apart, a plumbing escapade.

Water leaks galore, a very wet floor,

It seemed like a nightmare, and they could take no more.

Paloma was crying, Lucky was in despair,

Their dream of a cozy home seemed beyond repair.

But then, in the midst of their plumbing plight,

While in San Diego, shining so bright,

Celebrating their 51st wedding anniversary,

Aunt Kathy and Uncle Chuck came to the rescue, what a discovery!

With a gift of a new toilet, oh so grand,

And Uncle Chuck, with loving hand,

Installed it with care, and oh, what a thrill,

To make working a toilet was quite the skill.

But that wasn't all, oh no, not at all,

Uncle Chuck had more tricks, big and small.

A fancy kitchen sink faucet, a true delight,

And an RO water filter system, to make their essentials come to light.

They also helped with the move, out of the old dumpy flat,

Paloma and Lucky were grateful for that.

Away from the leaks and the falling apart,

They knew they were off to a brand-new start.

Oh, and let's not forget, the black-out curtains so dear,

In Lucky's room, they brought nighttime cheer.

She went to sleep so fast, as if it were the darkest night,

With those curtains, everything felt just right.

So this tale ends on a joyous note,

With Paloma and Lucky, not missing a single boat.

Their new adventure has just begun,

With Aunt Kathy and Uncle Chuck, they've already won.

Thank you, AK and UC, for being there through it all,

For turning their house into a cozy, loving hall.

With laughter and love, you've made their hearts swell,

Paloma and Lucky, in their new home, are doing quite well!