San Francisco’s Castro District is a genuine neighborhood in ways other urban enclaves frequently are not. It has its own theater, many locally-owned shops, restaurants and bars and an actual variety store. Cliffs Variety has served the Castro for generations, and has always reflected the neighborhood’s changing character. That’s why at Cliff’s these days, in the largely gay and frequently flamboyant Castro, you can buy everything from tools to tiaras. Now that’s variety, which is truly the spice of life in the Castro. The Castro is always a lot of fun to visit, especially in the company of someone who cares about its long struggles, celebrates its successes and can give voice to stories that should not be forgotten and lessons that still need to be learned. When that voice has the great legs and the good humor of Donna Sachet, you’re in for a terrific time.
