Ain't Life Tweet?

What do you love most about the Nob Hill Gazette? Don’t go away, we admit this is a puff piece. The publisher and her winning team do this every year—toot their own horn, that is. And we all enjoy the toots of their labor. (Sometimes they tweet, but that’s another story.)

Sometimes they even Tote. In my days as editor (before they were lucky enough to find Chérie) we had great fun with our tongue-in-cheek annual January Tote Board, which tallies up how many times a person’s face and name appeared in the paper the previous year. One time, a familiar boldface name called to say someone on the staff had it in for her because she’d counted twelve mentions of herself and we listed her as having only eleven. Another gent complained that he’d been cropped from a party photo, thus knocking down his year-end tally. These people were serious!

Toots, tote, and tallies aside, to celebrate the 31^st anniversary of this remarkable survivor of the local publication battleground (it’s been tough on our industry, too, folks), we’ve asked some of the friends and writers who’ve graced—and continue to grace—its pages, to look back and share a few thoughts:

Once Upon a Time—Asher Rubin, “Seriously, Though” columnist

It all started about a dozen years ago. My wife and I were at a charity gala, and I found myself sitting next to a woman I didn’t know. I politely asked what she did, and she said she published the NHG. It was Lois Lehrman. I told her I was a lawyer, but that I also did some writing. She smiled faintly and asked me to pass the salt.

Just for kicks, the next morning I wrote a piece about the gala and emailed it to Lois. I’ve been writing for her ever since…and send kudos and congratulations for thirty-one years heading this popular publication.

A Find, A Friend, A Fortune—Ed Schwartz, “Wine Wisdom” columnist

Some years ago, I wrote an NHG feature on Ming Dynasty Chinese porcelain. We ran a picture of an imperial Ming bowl worth, at the time, about $7 million.  Soon after publication, a charming Chinese gent called and invited me to his home.

I went, and discovered he owned a “twin” to the illustrated bowl! He hadn’t known its value, and was thrilled.

Thanks to the NHG, I found a new friend and made him happy.

Speaking of same, happy 31^st to the NHG!

For Narcissists Only—Cheryl Locke, regular beauty and fashion contributor

Congratulations! I love working with [editor] Chérie. During my short time contributing to the beauty beat, I’ve experimented with at-home self-tanner, gotten body-wrapped at the St. Regis, and learned the benefits of dirty hair from Tony Tantillo at 77 Maiden Lane Salon. Beauty is an adventure for narcissists...like me! I hope I have many more opportunities to share my hair-raising stories with your readers.

Still Eligible—Herb Gold, nationally best-selling author and NHG contributor

My experiences writing occasionally in the NHG, sometimes being mentioned in its pages, and especially being listed as “eligible” have brought joy into my melancholic life.

Life is supposed to be a festival, and the Gazette does its best to prove that point. I haven’t married any of my fellow “eligibles,” at least not yet, but my cheeks are still rosy and my hair only seems white. (Actually, it’s bleached blond, due to the chlorine in the pool during my daily swim.)

May the paper thrive for another two thousand years. I need more “eligibles” in my life.

Anniversaries Stir Memories—Gladys Perint Palmer, regular NHG fashion illustration and story contributor

I always look for a local connection. Sometimes it’s Dodie at Dior in July wearing mukluks. Sometimes it’s Denise ablaze with diamonds and gold. (Yes, I know, she swears she never goes to fashion shows, but what was she doing—some years ago—with Anna Piaggi at Ferré?)

Sometimes there’s a whole Pacific Heights tour group at Chanel, making odd connections (Gary Shansby bonded with André Leon Talley; they went shopping for ties). One time it was Danielle Steel absolutely livid at John Galliano’s Dior, swearing she’ll never go again. It is interesting to see who is seated in the front row. The 3 Ds—Dodie, Denise, Danielle—always. The others, well... 

Shoe Serendipity—Jennifer Raiser, “Gala Bout Town” columnist and NHG fashion writer

One of my favorite assignments was to interview Manolo Blahnik, the shoe designer. As someone who has Mr Blahnik’s name embossed in the instep of an overabundance of stilettos, I labored over what to wear below the ankle. I actually owned the same crocodile style in orange and purple, so I briefly toyed with wearing one of each to demonstrate my devotion, but, afraid of the absurdity, chose to wear the “safe” black ankle boots instead. Upon arriving at the appointed minute, I was introduced to a dapper gentleman attired in natty grey wool suit, elegant blue tie, pocket square, and, yes, orange suede loafers. Utterly delightful, Mr. Blahnik made the minutes fly by. I asked him about his orange shoes, and he said that he had made the loafers in purple as well and had toyed with wearing one of each but didn’t want to “look like a clown.” It seemed too absurd to confess that I had had the same notion in the same colors, but I’ve always wondered: what if we both had followed our instincts that day? Would it have been kismet or comic?

Herb and Harry—Scotty Morris, longtime NHG contributing society photographer

At some big event, Herb Caen was talking to Harry de Wildt. When I walked by, Harry said, “You had 102 pictures in the Gazette last month!” I laughed and said, “Is that how the rich and famous spend their time?” Herb wrote it up—only one of my many happy experiences with the paper.

The Dream Assignment—Ernest Beyl, frequent NHG contributor

The NHG turned me into an expert on San Francisco low life—or high life if you prefer. Several years ago, then editor Merla Zellerbach called one day with what I later referred to as the dream assignment. “How about writing about the history of bordellos in San Francisco?” she asked.

Well, I didn’t get an expense account, but the assignment started me on a minor career path writing about old San Francisco parlor houses and their entrepreneurial madams. Thanks, NHG!

What Do They Know in NY?—Victor Turks, “Quick Quiz” columnist

Wanting to attend a Rolling Stones press conference in NY in 2005, I took a letter introducing me as a writer for the NHG, and flew east. When I finally got my press pass, they’d identified me with The Knob Hill Gazette. “What a cute name!” the young lady admitting people said. “Where on earth is that?” She let me in, anyway.

My anniversary wish for Lois is to keep putting a human face on all the goings-on and adventures of the hearts that give the Gazette its zany, high-minded flavor. I raise a glass of French bubbly.

A Thousand Star-Struck Girls—George Rathmell, regular “Local Lore” contributor

Back in 2001, I was assigned to do something for the “bridal” issue. I was stumped. What could a SF history writer do with that? Online, I found the story of The Bachelor, which called for filming one thousand female extras in bridal gowns chasing the main character up and down the city’s hills. The description of closed streets and caring for one thousand star-struck girls gave me the meat of the article. Congrats to the Gazette!

Serendipity—Sandra J. Swanson, frequent NHG contributor

In 1997, a friend invited me to NY Fashion Week, to watch the de la Renta show. I asked Lois if she wanted the story. “Yes! And Brooke Astor goes to that—get her photo!” While waiting to go inside, I saw Barbara Walters helping a short, older woman up the stairs. I said, “Barbara!” The two women stopped, smiled, and I took the picture. Later, I realized that Barbara’s friend was ninety-five-year-old Brooke Astor. Lois printed it. 

Happy Anniversary to all!

Car Connections—Martin Swig, "Wheels" columnist

I've been doing the "Wheels" column for six or seven years now. A few years ago, we decided to offer a special service to our readers—advice on how to dispose of a cherished old family car. Many readers have called for advice. But beyond that, I've had many interesting conversations with those who have called. Most are long-time San Franciscans who love the Gazette, and, I'm sure, wish us many more anniversaries. I've also been pleasantly surprised at how many positive comments I hear from auto manufacturers when talking of the Gazette.

Dino-Ray Ramos, frequent fashion contributor

I recently started writing for the Nob Hill Gazette; I enjoy sharing my discerning perspective on men's fashion with the fine gentlemen of the city. The publication allows me to indulge in the world of men's lifestyle and write about a segment of fashion that is too often overlooked.

Merla Zellerbach was a Chronicle columnist for 23 years, and is the author of 13 books, including her new romance/whodunit, Mystery of the Mermaid. A longtime panelist for ABC/TV’s game show Oh My Word, she was also the editor of the Nob Hill Gazette for 12 years. Her new book can be ordered (in time for Xmas) from Barnesandnoble.com, merlazellerbach.com or at her Books Inc. Laurel Village reading on October 21 at 7 p.m.