10:42pm -- The live shot at the top of the hour on KTVU Channel 2 said it all: empty streets, moving traffic, peaceful, respectful, fun-loving crowd NOT blocking the thoroughfares.
So far, so good - so far, really good, actually: better than we had hoped for. In the words of our supervisor, Bevan Dufty: "I'm feeling pretty humble right now."
Right on Bevan -- and humble is how all of us who have been working on the "No Halloween in the Castro / Home for Halloween" campaign feel right now -- humbled by the work of our public safety professionals, our incredibly competent (and patient) police officers; humbled by the dozens of Castro business owners, bar-keeps and neighbors who have helped in this effort.
Police Commission President Theresa Sparks stopped by to offer words of praise, thanks and encouragement. Thanks Theresa -- that meant a lot.
Mayoral "uber aide" Martha Cohen deserves special thanks and "kudos." Her relentless efficiency and organizational acumen (and historic knowledge of this event) have been vital. Quite simply, without Martha, we'd all be looking at quite a different outcome. My professional hat is off to Martha.
Also, thanks to the entire "Tuesday 10am Group" (you know who you area) which met for the last month at the 17th & Valencia SFPD station. Without a doubt, Capt. Goldberg and his team. Asst. Chief Shinn and his colleagues all are un-sung heroes. Well -- I'll sing their praises!
Also, my personal thanks to my incredible "team" at DP&A: Eric Politzer (patient, smart and connected), Michael Micael (energetic, tireless and patient), Alfredo Casuso (talented, creative and wise), Roger Rose (saavy, persistent and knowing) and Joe Brown (brilliant, witty and encouraging). And - a special thanks to our new intern, Diane: what on-the-job training! Thanks for everything! Also -- my great appreciation to the incredible team at "Your Daily Staple" -- their professionalism and network in getting our flyers / posters into the hands of people around the Bay was truly art in motion. Well done Elb, Lisa and everyone!
And, last, but certainly not least: words can't be found to express my gratitude to our media sponsors, KRON 4 (Thank you Pat Patton, Javier Valencia and Kevin Adler) and Clear Channel (Thank you Bob Agnew and Mark van Gelder). Also, a salute to Dave and the team at "Guide-By-Cell" for putting our PSAs on their great cellphone network. Thanks to Carrie at Big Star Printing for the great Castro Theatre banner; thanks to Copy Central for the BART / MUNI banners; and thanks to Repro Graphics for the gazillion posters, flyers and heralds that helped us spread the word!
Also -- a special "hats off" to Jeff Hamilton at MUNI (and everyone there) and Linda Vasquez at BART (ditto for her entire team) -- the definition of quick problem solving (Note to Linda: I think a gold star is in order for dealing with an earthquake, a station incident AND Halloween all within 24 hours. :-) ).
So -- with a couple of hours to go, I'm feeling...cautiously optimistic. Keep everything crossed.
The night isn't over yet, but...so far, really good.
more anon.
