of marlena's bar in hayes valley. unfortunately, gary was unable to make it today due to an illness. his dear friend is here to accept the commendation on his behalf. marlena is one of san francisco 's and district five's greatest icons. he has done a lot for this community. over the years, he has uplifted voices and showcased queer art in district five. he has selflessly taken many people into his home, making them feel safe and welcome in the city by the bay. when i imagine what san francisco values would be like in a person, i think of marlena. he is someone who truly embodies the open to all philosophy. always opening his home and his heart with a kind word and a positive outlook on a changing city. for close to two and a half decades, marlena's helped space lgbtq people in hayes valley. it was a place to celebrate queer art and culture. before the freeway was torn down , it was also a place for black and brown lgbtq folks from the surrounding neighborhood to have a place to feel accepted and welcome. the bar itse