LETTER TO OUR READERS

   I have been thinking a lot lately about what the Gazette stands for as a company. We’ve been printing since 1978, and we have adapted to every “change,” both high and low. We started as a small newspaper and, over the years, evolved into a slick magazine full of fabulous fluff combined with good literary content. We’ve never had to remind ourselves of who we are or what you want.

   Hopefully, we’ve informed and entertained you, and we’re fully committed to continue to doing so.

   To that end, let me introduce you to our next “big change”: meet the NEW nobhillgazette.com! (As I write this, I’m told we’ll be up mid-April—if not, I’ll just die!) The entire contents of the Gazette as well as additional exclusive features and pictures will be there. Don’t hate me for caving in to modernity; I know you’re really going to like this. (And, if I can use a computer, so can you!)

   Never fear, as long as our advertisers permit, we’ll keep our print issues coming, as well. (You need something uplifting to read with your coffee.)

   Do check us out in both mediums where you’ll find such features this months as Gladys Perint Palmer’s delightful and insightful words and (original) drawings from the most recent Paris runways; our annual Real Estate Roundtable, giving an insider’s look at the state of area property buying and selling; a look at the best in Bay Area small (or, intimate) theaters; and, we’re excited to announce, our new social column, “Gala’Bout Town,” as told by the wisely witty Jennifer Raiser.

   Did I ever tell you how much I appreciate your loyalty? Consider it done. 

Lois

LETTERS TO THE GAZETTE

   Editor’s note: We have received many letters from readers voicing their opinions about entertainment production company Live Nation taking over Nob Hill’s Masonic Auditorium, spurred by an ad that ran in the Gazette’s March 2009 issue (page 19). While most all residents who wrote in, oppose the change, one resident (letter included), supports it. We welcome your thoughts about this or anything else you see in the magazine.

Dear Editor:

   I’m concerned about the safety of our community.

   After reading last month’s issue, I was struck by Live Nation’s advertisement concerning the Masonic Auditorium [on Nob Hill]. Live Nation, the world’s largest live entertainment production company, wants to take over the Masonic Auditorium and turn our neighborhood into a backdrop for boisterous concerts and uncontrollable events.

   Don’t let that advertisement fool you. The slightest amount of research reveals Live Nation’s true nature. Live Nation promotes rock, country, and hip-hop artists; Live Nation specializes in loud, concerts attended by fans who prefer to crowd the stage, drink heavily, and mimic the performers. Some Live Nation–sponsored events have been a disaster with huge numbers of people arrested for under-aged drinking and drug use. Two young people died due to overdoses at one event. Live Nation has every motivation to hold as many concerts as possible and to sell as many tickets as possible for each concert. If Live Nation is allowed to take over the Masonic Auditorium, it will undoubtedly result in more traffic, more noise, more illegal activity, and possible violence to our neighborhood. 

   We need everyone in the neighborhood to come together to protect Nob Hill. I invite every concerned resident to visit protectnobhill.com, sign the petition, and submit a letter to the Planning Commission.        Your neighbor,

Jeanine Catalano 

San Francisco

Dear Editor:

   We have been residents of Nob Hill for over ten years. It is our view that the arrangements between the Masonic Center and Live Nation would be a disaster for the neighborhood and drastically change its fabric.

   We’ve had some taste of that when the Masonic Center has hosted large and popular events. Not only has there been traffic congestion, but the streets are often littered with empty beer cans, food, and papers. Prior to, during, and after these concerts, there appears to be loitering by unruly individuals.

   We understand that Live Nation is considering having an ambulance in front of the Center for possible medical emergencies, including drug overdoses. That they would do this speaks for itself.

   The utilization of the Masonic Center in no way benefits the city, and at the same time would be a waste of services of police personnel. Overall, this is a lose-lose situation.

   We urge the planning commission to reject the plan of Live Nation coming in to the Masonic Center.

Jay & Linda Begler

San Francisco

Dear Editor:

   I think the Nob Hill Gazette is an elitist and sickening piece of s***, but I do support SF, and I think the Masons have good intentions. Why is NHG delivered on Pine near Cala Foods, but not on Pine between Taylor and Mason?

   For the last several months, the Masonic Center has gone to great lengths to reach out to our neighborhood.

   The changes being proposed are a win-win for the Masonic Center and the neighbors. Partnering with Live Nation will allow an experienced event manager to operate the venue, directly benefiting the neighbors by streamlining operations and implementing improvements to enhance parking, traffic, loading, and noise.

Heber Saurey

                           San Francisco

   Editor’s note: Dear Heber Saurey, the Gazette is flattered by the attention paid to its distribution; the magazine is distributed throughout the Bay Area. We’re so sorry you’re disappointed we don’t reach your house.