tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84444153737120825652024-02-20T08:02:25.644-08:00Home for HalloweenDavid Perryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02285129870645934456noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444415373712082565.post-32896521906051139952007-10-31T23:43:00.000-07:002007-11-01T00:01:42.769-07:00All Saints DayMidnight.<br /><br />The barricades are coming down.<br /><br />The partiers are going home.<br /><br />Halloween 2007 is over.<br /><br />A man with a "Are you on the highway to hell" banner walks by.<br /><br />Whew! Things are back to normal!<br /><br />Our job was to encourage people to stay "home for Halloween" and they did just that. Now -- let's keep the energy pro-active and use the "home for Halloween" message to unite our community around a common goal: a safe "home for Halloween" in an appropriate venue.<br /><br />Today is my birthday...I got exactly what I wanted: a peaceful home for Halloween in my home...the Castro.<br /><br />more anon.David Perryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02285129870645934456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444415373712082565.post-45280010116184417702007-10-31T22:41:00.000-07:002007-11-01T01:27:56.657-07:00So Far, Really Good10:42pm -- 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.<br /><br />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."<br /><br />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.<br /><br />Police Commission President Theresa Sparks stopped by to offer words of praise, thanks and encouragement. Thanks Theresa -- that meant a lot.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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!<br /><br />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!<br /><br />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!<br /><br />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. :-) ).<br /><br />So -- with a couple of hours to go, I'm feeling...cautiously optimistic. Keep everything crossed.<br /><br />The night isn't over yet, but...so far, really good.<br /><br />more anon.David Perryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02285129870645934456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444415373712082565.post-33996100289224767622007-10-31T21:26:00.000-07:002007-11-01T01:27:23.458-07:00Last Call -- REALLY9:30pm -- the Castro's four "big bars" just announced last call: Badlands, The Bar on Castro, Jet and Lime.<br /><br />"Excuse me," the bouncer at Badlands said as a party-goer tried to exit with his drink. "You need to leave that here."<br /><br />Thank you Castro Bar & Business Owners! Our neighborhood heroes and heroines! From the marvelous "Mix" (an early and enthusiastic supporter of this effort) to the "Midnight Sun", "Cafe Flore", "The Lookout", "Edge" and the historic "Twin Peaks" all deserve a round of applause for their selfless efforts tonight.<br /><br />Outside on the streets, a passing fancy of fancy dress, dressed-down decadence, and deliciously-tacky finery.<br /><br />Who would have thunk it: the streets and sidewalks are open, and the crowd (so far) respectful.<br /><br />I live in hope.<br /><br />more anon.David Perryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02285129870645934456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444415373712082565.post-7331486939226806512007-10-31T20:22:00.000-07:002007-11-01T01:29:37.215-07:00Last Call for Alcohol8:15pm...the first of Castro's bars are CLOSED; the rest at 10pm.<br /><br />It's a pretty dry night.<br /><br />A would-be bar-goer shakes the front door of the "Twin Peaks." Locked. He looks confused, and goes in search of other liquid refreshment.<br /><br />The streets are still open, although the cars and buses seem outnumbered by news vans. Our team of "No Halloween in the Castro" flyer-hander-outers (what is the word for that any way?) at Civic Center BART / MUNI report a MUCH smaller crowd than in years past.<br /><br />At 7pm, a small group of protestors had a service over the coffin of "Castro Halloween" at the intersection of Market & Castro. It was very theatrical, and very evocative of the creative protests for which my beloved Castro has become famous. The TV cameras got footage; people clapped and then everyone moved on.<br /><br />It got me thinking....this isn't the "death" of the Castro Halloween -- it's simply the Castro getting real and TAKING BACK its Halloween. The Castro Halloween party was always meant to be just that: a neighborhood and community celebration.<br /><br />Our would be bar-goer shakes the door again, as if somehow, this time it will be open.<br /><br />"Wow," he seems to say with his shaking head. "They really DO want us to stay home for Halloween this year."<br /><br />You bet -- and next year, let's find a place for those who want a big party to celebrate so that those of us who do live in, and vote in, the Castro can keep our "home" safe for Halloween and every 'ween inbetween.<br /><br />more anon.David Perryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02285129870645934456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444415373712082565.post-68753085905284305592007-10-31T17:55:00.000-07:002007-10-31T18:10:55.276-07:00Lights Out!A pirate just walked in and cozied up to a construction worker. Outside, cameras compete with witches and a good old fashioned drag queen or two for space. Just below my perch, the "Chronicle's" Wyatt Buchanan chats with Matthew Bajko of the "Bay Area Reporter" -- good journalists both, and both committed to not only getting the story right, but doing it in a way which honors both sides of the plan to keep Castro safe.<br /><br />One minute to go 'til the rainbow "neon arrows" above the "Twin Peaks Bar" go dark...<br /><br />Oh -- the entire "cast" of "The Wizard of Oz" just walked in -- FAbulous! Tonight, we're all "citizens for Halloween" and hoping for a peaceful end to the night and then....a FULL YEAR of lanning for next October 31st when -- hopefully -- the Castro Halloween of yesterday can return to its community celebration roots and the other 100,000 un-invited guests can find somewhere ELSE to call "home for Halloween."<br /><br />The traffic is moving; one of the "F Market's" classic trolleys just pulled out on its appointed rounds. So far...all is well.<br /><br />....6pm: it's official. Lights out!<br /><br />more anon.David Perryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02285129870645934456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444415373712082565.post-44230131689626889312007-10-31T16:55:00.000-07:002007-10-31T17:02:54.576-07:005 Minutes 'til 5 - Castro timeThe sun is shining. People are walking the streets (costumed and non). The regular crowd at the "Twin Peaks" is enjoying a mid-week drink. In a couple of hours, this bar will join 30 other bars, restaurants and businesses in the Castroclosing their doors in solidarity. They'll be going "home for Halloween" and - hopefully - sending a message to others to "stay home for Halloween" as well. At 8pm, the BART station at 16th & Mission will close to discourage the crowds that usually use that egress point to head to the Castro. At 8:30m, the MUNI subway will close from Van Ness to West Portal. Above ground buses will continue to roll. And -- with all fingers crossed -- the traffic will continue to flow (on the streets and sidewalks both).<br /><br />Walking the Castro this afternoon, everyone seemed resigned to the sad truth: Halloween in the Castro ain't what it used to be. (heavy sigh). Here's hoping the efforts of everyone involved tonight, whatever their political ilk, will work in common to keep our little piece of paradise safe.<br /><br />More anon.David Perryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02285129870645934456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444415373712082565.post-33445632431869042202007-10-31T08:58:00.000-07:002007-10-31T10:59:13.268-07:00Bravo BART!Halloween is here! Today's post starts with some news from our friends at BART. I pass it along as a public service:<br /><br /><br />FREE RIDES DURING 16TH ST./MISSION STATION HALLOWEEN CLOSURE<br />Dear Passenger:<br /><br />BART and MUNI are working together to provide free MUNI bus rides between the 16th St./Mission and 24th St./Mission stations following the 8 p.m. closure of the 16th St./Mission Station on Halloween, October 31, 2007. BART will also provide free paratransit rides for disabled and mobility impaired passengers between the two stations.<br /><br />SHOW BART TICKET FOR FREE MUNI OR PARATRANSIT RIDES:<br />All you need to do is to show your BART ticket to a MUNI bus driver to take advantage of the free rides between 16th St./Mission and 24th St./Mission stations.<br /><br />PLEASE NOTE: The rides will be free just on MUNI’s #14 Mission bus and #49 Mission/Van Ness bus after 8 p.m. until approximately midnight and only between the two BART stations. Learn more by visiting <a href="http://www.sfmta.com/halloween">www.sfmta.com/halloween</a>.<br /><br />Additionally, if you are disabled or mobility impaired, you can take a free paratransit shuttle that will be operating between the two stations after 8 p.m. until the last normally scheduled train would leave 16th St./Mission Station. You simply need to wait by the surface level elevators at each of the two stations where either signs or shuttle staff will direct you to the free paratransit shuttle.<br /><br />WHY BART IS CLOSING 16TH ST./MISSION STATION:<br />BART is closing the 16th St./Mission Station at the request of San Francisco city and law enforcement officials involved with the "Home for Halloween" organization. Those officials are trying to limit Halloween activities in the Castro neighborhood this year after last year’s celebration spiraled out of control. There were nine shootings during the 2006 Castro Halloween celebration. This year, Home for Halloween city and law enforcement officials are hoping to protect the public by canceling activities that draw huge crowds and asking area merchants to close their businesses early. That’s why they’ve asked BART to shut down the 16th St./Mission Station - the closest BART station to the Castro neighborhood.<br /><br />There are 150 other non-Castro related Halloween events in and around San Francisco. Visit www.HomeForHalloween.com for more information on those activities.<br /><br />We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this closure may cause you. We kindly ask for your patience and understanding as we try to help to keep Halloween night in your neighborhood fun and most importantly, safe!<br /><br />more anon!David Perryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02285129870645934456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444415373712082565.post-71718058771014195552007-10-30T21:59:00.000-07:002007-10-30T22:14:09.966-07:00All Hallow's Eve Eve2 hours to go and it's officially Halloween.<br /><br />Now, we wait.<br /><br />This morning, the City department heads, SFPD leadership, Mayor's office staff, public safety officials and others all gathered for their last weekly meeting to go over details. Never has a "non event" had more planning, input or media coverage! I don't know if everyone will heed the policy of staying "home for Halloween" but I am comfortable in our efforts to make sure everyone KNOWS that the party has been cancelled.<br /><br />Let's hope they listen.<br /><br />A few points.<br />1) The people who "killed Halloween in the Castro" (to quote one screeching headline) aren't those of us working on the Home For Halloween public safety campaign. Neither are they those who oppose our tactics. They are the non-Castro residents, gang-members and various-and-sundry others who -- once a year -- treat OUR home like a shooting gallery or a public urinal.<br /><br />It's not appreciated, and most people I know who live in the Castro agree. We want those people to stay HOME for Halloween.<br /><br />2) It's sad that the Castro Halloween isn't what it used to be.<br /><br />Well BIG DUH! No one debates that. I look forward to the day AFTER Halloween 2007 when, hopefully, we can all put aside political posturing and work to make the Castro -- and EVERY neighborhood -- safe on Halloween and on the other 364 days-and-nights of the year.<br /><br />3) The decision to cancel the official party is/was controversial.<br /><br />Another BIG DUH! Personally, I've always thought that "controversy" was just another word for dialogue. So...if the "controversy" about cancelling a party that most people I know don't want to continue as it has in the Castro generates dialogue, then "here here" for controversy. It's led people to talk about the Castro they remember, the Castro they want and the Castro they love FAR more in the last month than in the 20 years previously I've witnessed.<br /><br />So, here's the final point:<br /><br />4) Get over yourselves: In a world where thousands die of starvation every day; millions live without drinking water or access to health care; and some of our LGBTQQ brothers-and-sisters around the world live under a death sentence for merely "being" who they are, don't we think that "cancelling" a party FOR ONE NIGHT in a place that is a "party" the other nights of the year is a small price to pay for sending a message that we're tired of hosting 100,000 ungrateful louts in our home?<br /><br />I do, but then again..I'm only one person...<br /><br />more anon.David Perryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02285129870645934456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444415373712082565.post-22657720004408587042007-10-29T13:25:00.000-07:002007-10-29T14:02:57.476-07:00Taxi & BART TimeThe countdown begins, and we all hope it's a "count down" to a quiet Halloween night. This past Saturday -- the traditional pre-Halloween "gay night" to dress up and walk the 94114 -- was remarkably civil and free of incident. Traffic flowed and everything seemed, well... NORMAL<br /><br />As a 20+ year Castro resident, lemme' tell you that "normal" for the Castro is fun-filled, frivolous and free of violence.<br /><br />That's what I want in my "Trick-or-Treat" bag this Wednesday night - NO violence!<br /><br />Thanks to our pals at the "Exotic Erotic Ball" for distributing 20,000 of our "No Halloween in the Castro /Home for Halloween" flyers. Also -- a special "hats off" for their displaying of the Home For Halloween banner at the weekend-long kinky funfest.<br /><br />"Most of our crowd are from outside the City," a long-time EEB attendee told me. "That's your core audience for this campaign, yes?"<br /><br />Yes, indeed it is! And so, today and tomorrow, we're riding the BART rails: distributing flyers at the following stations:<br /><br />Richmond<br />El Cerrito Del Norte<br />Berkeley<br />Ashby<br />MacArthur<br />Oakland 12th St.<br />Frutivale<br />Bayfair (Tuesday)<br />Hayward (Monday)<br />Rockridge<br />Walnut Creek<br />Embarcadero<br />Montgomery<br />Balboa Park<br />Millbrae<br /><br />Our special thanks to our colleagues at BART (<a href="http://www.bart.gov)/">http://www.bart.gov)/</a> for their support and above-and-beyond assistance in making this public safety campaign possible. "Chronicle" reporter Wyatt Buchanan will be joining us for part of the ride. Thanks to him and to ALL our friends in the Fourth Estate helping us spread the word.<br /><br />More campaign updates: spent the weekend, and a good deal of this morning, going door-to-door (or I should say door-to-dispatcher), personally delivering 28,000 flyers to the City's taxi companies. These flyers, for distribution on Halloween night are specifically designed to catch last-minute would-be Castro goers and let them know that the Castro party has been cancelled. The flyer lists alternate events for their All Hallow's Eve amusement. Why waste a taxi ride! Our copious thanks to the hundreds of men and women who drive our taxis, and the saintly-patience of their dispatchers and to the members of the Taxi Commission who labor on their behalf. Your generous support is very, very appreciated. Also, thanks to my new best friend Theo at "DeSoto" cab for helping me find their "hidden jewel" of a taxi yard tucked away on Selby Street.<br /><br />"Yep," she smiled, flower behind her ear. "Finding our yard is a test for all would-be drivers. If you've made it this far, you go to the next level."<br /><br />Thanks for the good humor AND the directions Theo!<br /><br />Now - off to BART!<br /><br />more anonDavid Perryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02285129870645934456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444415373712082565.post-91306387575624768062007-10-27T00:07:00.001-07:002007-10-30T22:15:50.935-07:00Bars None!And so it's happend -- the Castro united! "Bars None" the headline should read as now, the owners of Lime, The Bar on Castro, Jet Bar and Badlands will be closing early (10pm) as part of part of the No Halloween in the Castro / Home For Halloween campaign. That's all of them!<br /><br />I propose a toast (for November 1st): to all those public service and public-safety minded bar owners who are putting aside political differences and profits for the greater good of the community -- I salute them all -- those newest additions who came onboard tonight, and all our other bar-buds who are helping keep a united front in the Castro -- letting everyone know that on Wednesday, October 31 it's time to stay home for Halloween.<br /><br />Our thanks to the following Castro businesses, restaurants, bars and clubs who are closing on Halloween night – Wednesday, October 31 – in support of our “Home For Halloween” campaign to keep the Castro quiet and safe. The list of honor bears repeating here.<br /><br />Bars and Clubs:<br />440 Bar<br />Badlands<br />Bar on Castro<br />The Café<br />The Edge<br />Eros<br />Jet Bar<br />Lime<br />The Lookout (former Metro Bar at 16th & Noe St.)<br />The Mix<br />Midnight Sun<br />Moby Dick<br />The Twin Peaks<br /><br />Restaurants:<br />2223<br />Bagdad Cafe<br />Café Flore<br />Catch<br />Cote Sud<br />Cove Café<br />Eureka Restaurant & Lounge<br />Friseé<br />La Mediterraneé<br />Maxfield's House of Caffeine<br />Orphan Andy's<br />Squat and Gobble<br />Tangerine Restaurant<br /><br />Markets and Liquor Stores:<br />Castro Village Wine Company<br />Chevron @ 17th Street<br />Delano's IGA<br />Rock Hard<br />Swirl on Castro<br /><br />Business staying open but not selling alcohol:<br />KD's Liquors<br /><br />Thanks to all - now THAT is the spirit of the Castro we have all come to love, respect and expect.<br /><br />more anonDavid Perryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02285129870645934456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444415373712082565.post-35977377596558575232007-10-24T21:30:00.000-07:002007-10-24T21:48:03.606-07:00Celling the MessageWell, it's not just Debbie Harry (my age is showing! How '80s is THAT reference!) saying "call me" anymore. As of today, the "No Halloween in the Castro/Home for Halloween Campaign" has its own number: (415) 226-2585.<br /><br />Thanks to the generosity of David Asheim and local company Guide by Cell (<a href="http://www.guidebycell.com/">http://www.guidebycell.com/</a>), updated info is just a FREE phone call away. Guide by Cell turns cell phones into audio guides for over 150 organizations throughout the country. Call or text from your mobile at a museum, a garden, or even a store, to learn more about whatever is on display or to hear late-breaking news.<br /><br />I met David at a benefit for the "Insights" exhibit: work by blind and seeing-impaired artists sponsored by LightHouse for the Blind.<br /><br />"Hmm...," I thoughth "If Guide by Cell can provide audio tours of museum exhibits like this, maybe it can provide up-to-date public safety information for Halloween as we head into the final weekend."<br /><br />So, I called.<br /><br />"We are 100% behind the decision to steer clear of the Castro this Halloween," said Asheim. " Anyone with questions should call the special Hotline number that we established (415 226-2585) to learn more about the rationale and to discover other fun ways to celebrate Halloween."<br /><br />Thank you David and thank you Guide by Cell. At the moment, people calling in will hear our "Home for Halloween PSA." As we get into next week, right before Halloween night, the recorded message will change. So - for those people who ask you "where do I call for info" here's the answer: (415) 226-2585.<br /><br />Today, more meetings at City Hall to make sure that everyone has the information and resources needed to keep Castro safe on Halloween. Shared two stories that hit today RE: our efforts, including this one from <em>The Stanford Daily:</em><br /><em></em><br /><a href="http://daily.stanford.edu/article/2007/10/23/sfHalloweenPartyOffOptionsLimited">http://daily.stanford.edu/article/2007/10/23/sfHalloweenPartyOffOptionsLimited</a><br /><br />and this one from Chloe Veltman at <em>SF Weekly </em>encouraging people to use the "non party" in the Castro as a reason to go the theatre! Well done, and thanks Chloe!<br /><br /><a href="http://blogs.sfweekly.com/shookdown/2007/10/castro_halloween_parades_off_n.php">http://blogs.sfweekly.com/shookdown/2007/10/castro_halloween_parades_off_n.php</a><br /><br />A week from tonight, I hope to be standing somewhere in the Castro, enjoying a peaceful night in the place that I've called home for 20 years.<br /><br />The place where Harvey Milk created the Castro Street Fair.<br /><br />The place where Sylvester and Divine ruled the balconies.<br /><br />The place where courageous shop-owners and residents posted pictures of men suffering from "Gay Cancer" before the rest of the world learned to care about the nightmare of AIDS/HIV.<br /><br />The place where a Quilt was made with many hearts, hands and hopes for a cure.<br /><br />This Halloween - I hope another sort of quilt is wrapped around the Castro: one of patience, peace, calm and just a wee bit more respect for the efforts of everyone who is working to keep it that way.<br /><br />more anon.David Perryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02285129870645934456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444415373712082565.post-91685066396678550642007-10-23T21:11:00.000-07:002007-10-23T21:22:34.586-07:00Radio Days...one from week from tomorrow Halloween will be HERE (I have everything, of which I have two, crossed. :-) ).<br /><br />More radio/TV today, including 15 minutes on Arthur Bruzzone's "San Francisco/unscripted." Arthur wanted to know when Halloween got so political. I wanted to know too. As usual, a thoughtful, provocative discussion ensued, the sort that Arthur is famed for. We need more shows like this.<br /><br />Also, a big "thanks" to all the Clear Channel radio stations offering support, and running our PSAs. Here they are, so check 'em out and listen in:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.981kissfm.com/">http://www.981kissfm.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.106kmel.com/">http://www.106kmel.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.wild949.com/">http://www.wild949.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.kksf.com/">http://www.kksf.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.star1013fm.com/">http://www.star1013fm.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.quakeradio.com/">http://www.quakeradio.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.910knew.com/">http://www.910knew.com/</a><br /><br />As the day wore down, picked up the first of 28,000 special flyers to be distributed in taxi cabs the night of Halloween. These are specifically aimed at those people who hail a cab and say "take me to the Castro". This is our last line of communication to dissuade people from visiting a neigbhorhood that has made it clear: The Halloween in the Party is Cancelled. The flyer directs would-be Castro-visitors to OTHER venues celebrating Halloween that night.<br /><br />This weekend, 20,000 flyers will be distributed at the Exotic Erotic Ball: the hippest of Halloween parties for SURE. This audience is key -- people who love San Francisco and LOVE dressing up (and down) in costume. If we can make them see the seriousness of this public safety campaign, we'll be doing our job.<br /><br />Tomorrow: more flyers, more emails and more meetings at City Hall where there is a full-court press in effect to make Castro -- and every neighborhood -- safe this Halloween night.<br /><br />more anon.David Perryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02285129870645934456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444415373712082565.post-91980333078459711892007-10-21T22:07:00.000-07:002007-10-21T22:29:42.169-07:00Weekend WalkingI love the Castro.<br /><br />I remember my first day here -- ever: Castro Street Fair 1986.<br /><br />"Wow," said the wide-eyed Virginia transplant, hoping things would graft, "I love this place," and spent the next year moving.<br /><br />That was my plan: love the place; plan to move; find a job.<br /><br />It all worked out.<br /><br />This weekend, walking through the Castro, talking to my neighbors (some I knew; some I just met) about the No Halloween in the Castro public safety campaign I fell in love all over again with my neighborhood...my HOME.<br /><br />The Castro.<br /><br />Everywhere I went, I spoke with people PASSIONATE about the "94114"; passionate about this year's Halloween plans; passionate about keeping safe 'the 'stro.'<br /><br />"You know," an elderly lesbian told me in the Castro nail boutique, waiting while her lover of 20+ years had a manicure, "I used to enjoy Halloween, but not anymore." She nodded gravely, and somewhat sadly, as if talking about how recent Halloweens gone-so-wrong reminded her of ones past that seemed to go so right.<br /><br />"Not anymore."<br /><br />Let me just state for the record (cue Sister Sledge soundtrack), that as a member of the "Castro family" I'm saying "not anymore" too.<br /><br />Not anymore to people treating our home as a place to point and poke.<br /><br />Not anymore for us to "invite" the world to our home and then not feel at home anymore.<br /><br />Not anymore to people getting shot because a party that once was ours has come to be an excuse for violence and bigotry.<br /><br />Not anymore to feeling unsafe in the safe space that generations of lesbians, the transgendered, gay men, bi-sexuals and our friends in the het world have created in this little valley punctuated by the sign at 18th & Castro.<br /><br />Not anymore.<br /><br />So -- this year, the party HAS been cancelled, and it makes me sad, you bet. But, my job is clear: make sure that as many people as possible know that the Castro is NOT inviting the world in on this Halloween night. We are staying home for Halloween, and we want others too as well.<br /><br />Later this evening, the tired feet of "HomeForHalloween" postering behind, I got an email from a fellow Castro-ite. It was passionate, opinionated and above all CONCERNED. It's full of ideas of how to move ahead with Halloween 2008. With the writer's permission, I share some of his ideas here in the hopes that such thoughts will lead us to a place we ALL want to call "Home for Halloween" next year.<br /><br /><em>Everyone knows Halloween has to change for the better, and fast. I've witnessed 12 of them from my home here in the Castro. It is from living here and working here, day in and day out, that I've observed the collective gay "we" are responsible for how it got started, letting it get out of control, and now "we" have to fix it. I offer a solution: If you're a business owner: Sponsor the UnHoly Castro Costume Contest with prizes of big cash, an iphone, cruise tix, (or at least donate a "fabulous" prize for the costume contest.) If you're a community member: Lead the "grass roots" revolution of getting gays to take responsibility for the Castro, by actually getting involved and doing something. If you're LGBTQI: Welcome to the neighborhood, it's good to see you. GRASS ROOTS: If the word gets out, it will spread like wildfire and we'll have all kinds of new energy for Halloween in the Castro. Inclusion. Participation. Cause. Belonging. Acceptance. Celebration. Community. Integrity. THAT'S WHY WE CAME HERE.</em><br /><br />Thanks my friend - I know we disagree on some of this year's plans, but I'm so proud to be a part of a community that calls you a part of it. We both want the same thing. I didn't meet anyone as I walked through my -- OUR -- neighborhood that felt otherwise.<br /><br />PS -- your "link du jour". For lots of other reasons to stay Home for Halloween this year, check out the website <a href="http://www.hauntedbay.com/">www.hauntedbay.com</a>. It's great!<br /><br />more anon.David Perryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02285129870645934456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444415373712082565.post-54393193145781470702007-10-19T23:20:00.000-07:002007-10-19T23:51:47.075-07:00Freaky Friday FlyersAnd so -- we move to the East Bay with our message: Today, the first of 15,000 "No Halloween in the Castro" flyers & posters aimed at encouraging people in the East & South Bay to stay "home for halloween" began hitting the streets. KRON Channel 4 and KTVU Channel 2 were quick to pick up on the scene outside Berkeley High School, one of several locations the campaign reached today. By mid-afternoon, the "Daily Californian" (on-campus paper for UC Berkeley and the surrounding area) had called to do an interview RE: the campaign. In the next week, at least an additional 45,000 will help us spread the word.<br /><br />And still -- there are those who are encouraging people to come to the Castro.<br /><br />This baffles me.<br /><br />I can understand people not wanting the party to be cancelled (I'm not happy that the increased violence in years past, including 9 shootings last year have led it to be cancelled). I can understand people not liking the campaign. I can even understand people debating how we should deal with NEXT year's Halloween. However, what I do not understand are people and groups who fly in the face of official city policy and the advice of every public safety official in San Francisco and still "encourage" people to "come on down" to an event that has been deemed unsafe and which the vast majority of Castro residents do not want.<br /><br />I can't imagine anything more reckless than such advice.<br /><br />However, we'll keep on keeping on and letting people know that the Halloween party in the Castro has been cancelled. Most residents who live-and-work in the Castro do NOT want it to continue.<br /><br />An update on this week's efforts:<br /><br />The “HomeForHalloween” flyer / poster distribution campaign kicked off: 2000 posters, and 15,000 double-sided color posters (in English and Spanish) are being distributed in the East & South Bays, with an emphasis on colleges and other school areas.<br /><br />The "Home for Halloween / No Halloween in the Castro" banner under the Castro Theatre marquee has become "the" back-drop for the evening newscasts (Thank you friends at Castro Theatre!).<br /><br />As of now, 25 Castro businesses & bars have agreed to close early, including the Twin Peaks Bar and Castro Theatre, both of whom are “blacking out” their lights at 6pm on Halloween evening for a special TV live-shot to be broadcast around the Bay Area just in case some haven't gotten the message: "This Halloween, stay home for Halloween, the Castro is NOT where it's happening!"<br /><br />The “HomeForHalloween” Online Video Contest started this week, and has already been mentioned in at least four media outlets: Bay Times (10/18/07); San Francisco Daily (10/18/07), San Francisco Examiner (10/17/07) and KRON-TV (10/17/07). Aimed at youth throughout the Bay Area around the theme of a Halloween event in their home community ( ie, NOT the Castro), the winning videos will be awarded $ 1000 for first prize; $ 500 for second prize; and two $ 250 third prize winners. These videos – up to one minute in length – will be distributed and hosted on the “HomeforHalloween” website in the days immediately prior to October 31.<br /><br />“HomeForHalloween” PSAs (Public Service Announcements) continue to run on several Bay Area TV stations, while the radio PSAs are currently running on all Clear Channel Radio stations, the largest radio group in the Bay Area .<br /><br />Web banner distribution of the HomeForHalloween.com web banner/welink continues on several dozen websites including links from community groups such as the Gay Mens Chorus and Bettyslist; major media sites such as KCBS Radio, KRON TV and KGO TV. Oh - and today -- a "link" from the VERY fun Halloween Night Group, "Chinatown Ghost Tours."<br /><br />Special “in cab” flyers are in production and will be distributed to EVERY TAXI in San Francisco on Halloween night. These double sided flyers – handed to everyone who gets in a cab saying “take me to Castro” – announce not only that the Castro party has been cancelled, but list alternative events in other parts of the City to re-direct their taxi ride.<br /><br />Whew - no wonder we're two days behind on our blogging! :-)<br /><br />All of us are proud to be of assistance to the Mayor’s Office, the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau, the SFPD, all City / Public Safety Departments, and most especially, to our fellow residents and business owners in the Castro. We feel that this campaign is getting the word out broadly and will continue to grow. Our goal is very simple: a safe Halloween in the Castro and every neighborhood.<br /><br />If you oppose us, at LEAST admit that we're all on the same side: wanting a safe Halloween for everyone.<br /><br />more anon.David Perryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02285129870645934456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444415373712082565.post-86954726492844389232007-10-16T23:07:00.000-07:002007-10-17T10:39:47.616-07:00Tuesday TalkingWhew - what a long day, but one which ended on a high note, followed by post "Talk Show" sushi (and a well-shaken "Martuni's" martini). Thankgs to Craig Udit, host/producer of "SF TalkBack" on SFAccess, Cable Channel 29. Craig dropped me an e-line on Sunday saying he was a "skeptic" about the HomeForHalloween campaign, but willing to talk. Would I like to come onto his life call-in show, "SF TalkBack."<br /><br />I think this is what they call "retail politics". :-)<br /><br />Besides being thoughtful, well-produced and well-informed, Craig's show is really what public-access TV is all about: creating dialogue in the community around important issues. I was supposed to chat for 15 minutes, which quickly stretched to a 30 minute discussion about the evolution of Halloween in the Castro, how our "No Halloween in the Castro" efforts came about, and what they hope to accomplish. Thanks Craig -- tonight was my first time enjoying your show, but not my last as a viewer. Here's to keeping the spirit of public debate alive. (Note to blog readers: a digital link to the interview will be posted here tomorrow)<br /><br />To go backwards in time, the day started early: popping awake at 4:31am with visions of Halloween, press calls and flyer-distribution deadlines dancing in my head. This campaign, like any with high stakes, can consume one. By 10am, I was wide awake and at the weekly meeting with the SFPD and other City Department heads. There will be two more such meetings, right up 'til the day before Halloween. This is the meeting where all the details get hashed out; where are the "unaskable questions" get asked and then answered through true "team work" and cooperation. I've said it before, but I'll say it again: if those skeptics of the Home For Halloween effort could experience just a few minutes of this meeting, they wouldn't doubt how seriously the City takes its responsibility for the public welfare.<br /><br />Tomorrow, the Castro Theatre will have its banner: a clear message 16' wide and 3' tall proclaiming "Home for Halloween YES; Castro NO." This weekend, flyers/posters start showing up around the Bay Area, and radio PSAs hit the airwaves. People ARE getting the message.<br /><br />Will they heed it? We'll see: I know many will -- and hopefully they will tell others.<br /><br />Here's the fact folks: The Castro is tired of playing host to other people's partying. The party has been CANCELLED. We respectfully invite others to stay home for Halloween and invite their friends to do the same with celebrations in THEIR home neighborhoods. The Castro isn't a petting zoo: it's a neighborhood with people who want to wake up on November 1 with clean steps, un-dented cars and sidewalks not covered in...oh, so many things. Let's hope that this year's efforts and putting the damper on things will reverse the tide of nastiness which has come to roost for one-day a year under the giant Rainbow Flag. Let's hope this year sends a message that we all want to be "home" for Halloween.<br /><br />more anon,David Perryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02285129870645934456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444415373712082565.post-8341137278774553662007-10-15T22:51:00.000-07:002007-10-15T23:24:01.118-07:00Rainy Days & MondaysThe week started soggy, but by mid-day had dried off and brightened up. Spent the waning days of the weekend yesterday researching University contacts: Deans of Students; counselors; social clubs and others. Typed up a bunch of one-to-one emails asking for help in spreading the word about the No Halloween in the Castro campaign. Weekends are for "writing" emails; Monday mornings around 11am are for pushing "send." By mid-afternoon, had several responses from university contacts. NO ONE wants their friends, students or colleagues wandering into the miasma that has become the Castro on Halloween.<br /><br />Also, fielded several interview requests, including a thoughtful query from "SF Access", the public access cable outlet on channel 29. Tomorrow at 8:30pm, I'll be on camera, talking about our "Home For Halloween" efforts. Ditto a request from "Playboy Radio" to hear about our efforts. Go figure!<br /><br />Today, had a lengthy discussion with our friends at MUNI RE: their assistance in providing electronic signage and info at MTA stops. Also, finalized plans for the posters/flyers which will soon be in print, and in cafe windows and and on college campuses near you. But - the big news of the day: the video contest. Below - the news release announcing our "Why I'm staying home for Halloween" online video initiative.<br /><br />Dedicated Website Highlights Abundant Alternatives to Halloween Gathering in the Castro<br /><a href="http://www.homeforhalloween.com/">http://www.homeforhalloween.com/</a><br /><br />Website will feature online video contest with $ 1000 cash prize to encourage local celebrations of Halloween throughout the Bay Area<br /><br />15 October 2007 – San Francisco, CA: What are you doing for Halloween? The Home for Halloween website (<a href="http://www.homeforhalloween.com/">http://www.homeforhalloween.com/</a>) wants to know and wants you to tell us about it via online video!<br /><br />“The main purpose of the Home for Halloween campaign and its website is to remind people throughout the Bay Area that the true spirit of this holiday is to be found celebrating in one’s own community,” said David Perry, coordinator for the HomeForHalloween effort, noting that this year there will be no official Halloween party in San Francisco’s Castro district. “Since the Castro will not be having a party, we want to see-and-hear about other people’s parties around the Bay.”<br /><br />Videos that are submitted for the contest should be no more than one minute long, address the question of “Why I will be celebrating Halloween at home or in my home community this year,” and also include the URL <a href="http://www.homeforhalloween.com/">http://www.homeforhalloween.com/</a> at some point in the video. A panel of youth judges will award three prizes: $1000 first prize, $500 second prize, and $250 third prize. To enter the contest, individuals submitting videos are asked to post their videos online to the hosting site of their choice (e.g. YouTube, Google Video, Blink, etc.) and email their video link to <a href="mailto:news@davidperry.com">news@davidperry.com</a> by Thursday, October 25, 2007.<br /><br />The website and video contest are part of a multi-layered media campaign to discourage individuals who live outside of the San Francisco from coming into the Castro neighborhood the night of Halloween, while also encouraging San Francisco residents to either stay home on Halloween or go to a venue with Halloween activities outside of the Castro. The central feature of the website is a broad list of public activities taking place all around the Bay Area on Halloween evening, Wednesday, October 31. Additionally, the site’s “BooBlog” gives regular updates on the ongoing public safety/public awareness campaign.<br /><br />“There are so many wonderful and safe events happening in all parts of San Francisco and surrounding cities that we thought there should be one central site where people can come to find out what is happening in their neighborhoods, share their perspectives about home-grown Halloween activities and tell us why Halloween in their home area will be special through the online video contest,” said Perry.<br /><br />For more information on Home for Halloween go to <a href="http://www.homeforhalloween.com/">http://www.homeforhalloween.com/</a><br /><br /># # #<br /><br />Tomorrow morning -- another meeting with Department heads of the City's efforts to keep the Castro (and every neighborhood) safe on Halloween. How I wish that EVERYONE could sit in these meetings and see the humble, "no frills" nonsense of the people whose thankless task, day-in-and-day-out, is to provide for the public welfare.<br /><br />more anonDavid Perryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02285129870645934456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444415373712082565.post-62245699252774847852007-10-13T17:30:00.000-07:002007-10-13T23:45:39.772-07:00TVs to Teeth: Saturday OutreachJust heard about a fun "non-Castro" Halloween night event (email me more gentle readers! If you're doing something "at home" that night away from the Castro, we wanna' know about it!). Today's event -- The Halloween Skate! This group clearly knows how to celebrate Halloween! They'll be skating in costume all WEEK, then culminating on October 31 with a costumed skate starting at the Ferry Building at 8pm. If I were more coordinated and less busy that night, that's where I would be! Skate on! Check it out at <a href="http://www.cora.org/2007HalloweenSkating.htm">http://www.cora.org/2007HalloweenSkating.htm</a>.<br /><br />Today was a typically gorgeous fall day in SF. Started out the day at the monthly meeting for NATAS (The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences) on whose Northern California Board of Directors I sit. I came armed with "No Halloween in the Castro" PSAs which promptly got scooped up by my colleagues at Sacramento's Channel 10, and local stations KTVU-Fox 2, CBS-5, and NBC 11. It's all about relationships and making people understand -- one-on-one -- the importance of this public safety campaign.<br /><br />One of my fellow board members, also a Castro resident, spoke to me after the meeting: "I'm so glad you're doing this. Put me down as a volunteer to help." Like so many of us who live in the Castro, he and his partner are also fed up with this "Party Gone Wild" on Halloween night.<br /><br />After NATAS, I headed over to Yerba Buena Gardens for Mayor Newsom's Annual Family Day: hundreds of kids, teens and families all enjoying this oasis in the middle of the City. I handed out several hundred fliers (in English and Spanish) to various community groups and tables represented there. My favorite moment came at the table for the Yerba Buena Ice Skating & Bowling Center (<a href="http://www.skatebowl.com/">http://www.skatebowl.com/</a>) where my friend Bonnie gave a thumbs up to the campaign and promised her suppport. While we were chatting, one of the Center's new, young staff people came up, saw the flyer and said "Oh great! We'll help spread the word. But, everyone at my school is already talking about the Castro being closed and making other plans." Her school? "The Dental College." Wow, I knew this was a campaign about building bridges. I just didn't know some would be toothsome. :-)<br /><br />Came back feeling encouraged, and then did a podcast interview with "Alex & Dean", a gay couple (congrats on 13 years) interested in helping us promote the No Halloween in the Castro public safety message.<br /><br />Thanks guys -- every little bit helps.<br /><br />more anon,David Perryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02285129870645934456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444415373712082565.post-42541697438390335692007-10-12T21:58:00.000-07:002007-10-12T22:13:24.146-07:00T.G.I.F and "Cold Turkey"Well, that was a full week! I have to say, having dealt with media for my entire life (as an 8th grade writer of "letters to the editor", then a journalist and now a 'flack') I have rarely seen so much attention focused, in so short a time, on such an event. People ARE responding, and -- intuitively -- understanding the public safety nature of this.<br /><br />As of today, 20 Castro businesses and bars have announced they're closing on Halloween night. MUNI (thankfully) won't make it easy to get there. Also, the SFPD will be doing above-and-beyond the call in their efforts to make sure the neighborhood and all law-abiding Halloween-ites have a safe and fun All Hallows Eve.<br /><br />Why is that so controversial? The more time I spend working on this campaign, and talking to everyday folks (especially my neighbors in the Castro) the more commited I become to the over-all concept: The Castro District is NOT an appropriate place for a party of this size. So, this year -- go cold turkey. DON'T COME.<br /><br />Our thanks to Comcast's "Local, Edition" for squeezing us in on short notice, and giving us air time to talk about the HomeForHalloween / No Halloween in the Castro public safety campaign. These 5-minute interview slots are highly coveted, and an important part of Comcast's public affairs programming. I'm very grateful, personally -- as is everyone working 25/8 on this effort-- for their offering of today's interview. Check it out below.<br /><br /><a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6670681184080324499">http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6670681184080324499</a><br /><br />And so, another round of conversations, chats with the press and flyers FAXed to community groups. Download that flyer now. Post it in your window. More importantly, email it / send it to a friend who hasn't heard the word yet. Everyone who calls San Francisco - and the Castro - home, will thank you.<br /><br />more anon,David Perryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02285129870645934456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444415373712082565.post-57046611058536642612007-10-11T22:23:00.000-07:002007-10-11T23:09:36.119-07:00"96 Hours" and 20 daysThe "Chronicle's" Thursday section is called "96 Hours": the new way to define the Thursday-Sunday weekend. This month, I'm not counting in hours (yet), but days: 20 days 'til Halloween, and each day an adventure in community, communications and complaints.<br /><br />Updates today: Thanks to KGO TV (ABC-7) for joining with KRON TV in airing our three TV PSAs featuring Donny Lumpkins, Michael Capozzola and Harry Denton. Also, thanks to the Castro Theatre who today agreed to post a "GO HOME" message on their marquee on Halloween to anyone who doesn't QUITE get the message.<br /><br />If your host suddenly made it clear you weren't welcome at their party, would you REALLY want to stay? And, if you SHOWED UP ANYWAY wouldn't the host be justified in compelling you to LEAVE?<br /><br />"I want the Halloween to be like it used to be," someone said to me today. It reminded me of my grandmother's wise words when I was a child and would answer each bit of her sage advice with "if" or "but". Her response:<br /><br />"If ifs and buts were candies and nuts, we'd all have a Merry Christmas" (or in this case, Happy Halloween). Her point: deal with reality.<br /><br />Reality is this folks: 9 people got shot last year during an event which has grown too large for the Castro and so -- the official Halloween Party in the Castro this year has been CANCELLED.<br /><br />CANCELLED.<br /><br />HALLOWEEN itself has not been cancelled, but the days of the City (and Castro residents) saying "come on down, the Castro is fine" on October 31st are over -- OVER. The days of "let's build a stage and ENCOURAGE 100,000 people to overwhelm our little mainly residential and small business district with drunken and disorderly conduct during the night time hours" are OVER. The days of Castro residents and business owners (gay and non-gay) dealing with insulting behavior are OVER.<br /><br />Here's a thoughtful "non-yelling" email I received today. With the permission of the writer, I share it here, and my response.<br /><br /><em>Mr. Perry<br /><br />I also live in the Castro and can't believe that "Home for Halloween" had any test marketing to ensure the message would be identified with by the target audience. Given the fact you only had a week to develop the campaign I understand the limitations you must have been working under.<br /><br />Do you really think the list of events on homeforhalloween.com will discourage people from coming to the Castro? Ballroom dancing, I hate Hamlet etc. Not the same as Halloween in the Castro.<br /><br />With that said I do have a couple of specific questions.<br /><br />Home for Halloween campaign is expected to influence how many people from not coming to the Castro?<br /><br />Who approved the final campaign?<br /><br />When and how often will the PSA run?<br /><br />You stated CBO's would be targeted and given flyer's to distribute and or post...can you provide a list of these CBO's?<br /><br />Thank you for your help and efforts to make Castro safe this Halloween.<br /><br />Darrin (A Castro resident)</em><br /><br /><p>My response, to good questions:</p>Darrin --- first off, please call me David. I so enjoy meeting other neighbors! Second, thanks for taking the time to write, and for your kind email. We're all doing the very best we can -- with admittedly a shorter time frame than one would like -- to keep Castro (and every neighborhood) safe on Halloween. Lemme' see if I can answer your questions.<br /><br />1) The Home for Halloween campaign is expected to influence how many people from not coming to the Castro? The answer: as many as possible. There is simply no way to guage that. However, based on past experience (and our work in 1995 with the Halloween in Civic Center initiative on which I worked with CUAV and the City), any message of "don't come" sent out widely and frequently will have an impact. The less people the better is the hope. But, also, we're hoping through what is also an admittedly "tough love/don't come" campaign to make sure that those people who might come to the Castro intent on doing harm, or not respecting our community, understand that Probation Officials, Police, CHiP (doing DUI screenings), and other safety personnel will be out in FORCE (with a much stronger presence than last year) so hopefully they will think twice about coming this year. Then, on November 1st we can start planning for next year.<br /><br />2) Who approved the final campaign?<br />Answer: The SF Convention & Visitors Bureau working in concert with the Mayor's Office and public safety officials.<br /><br />3) When and how often will the PSA run?<br />Answer:The PSA has started airing already on KRON 4 and via online sites such as "YouTube". We're expecting other TV / Radio venues to pick it up beginning today. PSA running schedules are based on the station's availability and desire. Having said that, we believe they'll air an aggressive flight for these ads.<br /><br />4) You stated CBO's would be targeted and given flyer's to distribute and or post...can you provide a list of these CBO's?<br />Answer: There is a list of those businessness who have agreed to close on the site. We'll be distributing to them and any-and-all other businesses in the Castro. We're approaching businesses one-by-one on a daily basis.<br /><br />5) Do you really think the list of events on homeforhalloween.com will discourage people from coming to the Castro? Ballroom dancing, I hate Hamlet etc. Not the same as Halloween in the Castro.<br />Answer: I do - I think it will discourage SOME. No one expects Castro to be empty on Halloween night. This is a vibrant, lively neighborhood. This is a double-edged sword campaign for sure, and a tricky one. However, I'm encouraged by the response and an optimist by nature. My guiding principal hinges on the words of Benjamin Franklin: "I prepare for the worst. That way, if the best happens, I am delightfully surprised."<br /><br />I've been delightfully surprised this week by how many people have reached out to this campaign with the same thought in mind: How can I keep the Castro safe. How can I keep my HOME safe for Halloween?<br /><br />I'm happy to talk. But yelling isn't terribly productive at this point. To quote a sage philosopher: "Anger is fear announced." So -- I vote for a bit less yelling, a little less fear and a LOT more productive support of this effort.<br /><br />more anon,<br /><br /><br /><br /><em></em>David Perryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02285129870645934456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444415373712082565.post-13865946594478353532007-10-10T23:17:00.000-07:002007-10-10T23:20:27.529-07:00A Night at City Hall<p>Three weeks from tonight, we'll see how people respond to our public safety message urging people to stay "Home for Halloween" and NOT come to the Castro.</p><p>Tonight, picked up the three TV PSAs just in time to "debut" them at the weekly San Francisco Police Commission Meeting. Commission President Theresa Sparks led a thoughtful -- and often passionate -- meeting about how people feel about the Castro Halloween being cancelled. </p><p>After about two hours of back-and-forth, Commission Vice President Joe Marshall said: "Can't we all agree -- whatever side of the issue you're on -- that this is about public safety? Can't we all come together around that?" I hope he'll understand when I say I could have kissed him. </p><p>Some of the "No Halloween in the Castro" opposition seemed to slink down a bit in their chairs - they should have. Three weeks from Halloween is not the time to talk about "might have beens" and "what would have beens." Now is the time to support the City's efforts at keeping the Castro safe. </p><p>Hats off to SFPD Chief Heather Fong and her cadre of captains, sergeants and officers: a finer, harder working group of civic professionals don't exist ANYWHERE. I wish everyone could hear and listen to the behind-the-scenes professionalism exhibited by these people everyday. It's a thankless job, so I'll thank them here. If the Castro is safe, quiet and reasonable on October 31, it will be mainly thanks to their efforts. They've been planning for every exigency for months. Hopefully, tonight's Commission meeting answered many valid questions and concerns. Also, hopefully, those who came in "nay saying" left with a bit of Vice President Marshall's words ringing in their ears.</p><p>New tally: 20 Castro businesses have agreed to close. There will be more by Halloween and they should each be thanked individually for their civic spirit.</p><p>"I know I'm not popular with some people here," said one Castro resident at tonight's Commission meeting. "But, I applaud the City's efforts to shut down this party and support what they're trying to do." </p><p>Then, he recounted an especially troubling account of non-Castro-residents verbally abusing him with a homophobic tirade -- literally -- on his front steps. </p><p>After hearing that, how ANYONE could oppose the efforts to stop this madness is quite beyond me.This is NOT what Halloween in the Castro was supposed to be. But, it IS what Halloween in the Castro has become. Sorry folks - but the time has passed for complaints about "should we cancel the party" in the Castro. The decision has been made. So -- get on board and help us unite around the ONE issue we all agree on: a safe Halloween this year in the Castro.</p><p>Below: a "YouTube" link to one of our PSA "stars" -- Harry "Starlight Room" Denton. Now, there's a guy who knows a fun, safe party when he sees one and THROWS one. Thanks Harry - you're a star AND a hero. Hats off.</p><p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9XtYPbVbss">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w9XtYPbVbss</a></p><p>more anon, </p>David Perryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02285129870645934456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444415373712082565.post-54212621913184162002007-10-09T21:41:00.000-07:002007-10-09T22:32:38.131-07:00It's Tuesday - we must be taping PSAs...Three day weekends are the greatest invention since the "Chop Wizard." The phone calls and emails dwindle down to a manageable roar, and real work can get done. Yesterday -- "officially" a holiday -- was spent reaching out to others I knew using the day for "catch up." Got my coffee (as per usual) at the Queen Malika Cafe in the Castro (18th Street near Douglass) and chatted up the owner, Hamid.<br /><br />"Of course we'll put out your 'No Halloween in the Castro' flyers," he said. "Whatever will help to keep the neighborhood safe." I got much the same reaction from Nic, the owner of our corner store on 17th. Everywhere I turn, people have HEARD about the Castro Halloween party being cancelled and are supportive. It's efforts like this that define a community and show real civic involvement. I'm really humbled by how many people have called, written and otherwise voiced their support. This Halloween -- keep it safe! Stay HOME (especially if the Castro is NOT your home and you're thinking about doing mischief) for Halloween!<br /><br />Speaking of voices (and faces): today, spent the morning taping PSAs (Public Service Announcements) at KRON-4 TV. Hats off to KRON 4 TV for producing our PSAs and for the EXTRA-ORDINARILY generous offer of sharing the product with sister stations around the Bay. This is the definition of public spiritedness and civic involvement: makes me miss being a journalist. Also, thanks to ClearChannel Radio for being a media sponsor as well and helping us spread the word: No party in the Castro this year -- tune into <a href="http://www.homeforhalloween.com/">http://www.homeforhalloween.com/</a> for OTHER "closer to home" options.<br /><br />I digress: today, the indomitable spirit and persona that is Harry ("Starlight Room") Denton joined with "Chronicle" cartoonist and stand-up comic Michael Capozolla and artist Donny Lumpkins of New America Media to get our PSAs in the can. Here's the script -- which each of them taped today at the KRON-4 studios on Van Ness Avenue:<br /><br />"FOR THE LAST FEW YEARS, HALLOWEEN HAS GOTTEN A BIT<br /><br />SCARY. I’M TALKING ABOUT THE FREAKY CHARACTERS THAT<br /><br />SWOOP INTO SAN FRANCISCO’S CASTRO WITH BAD INTENTIONS.<br /><br />SO THIS YEAR, THERE IS NO PARTY IN THE CASTRO. STAY HOME<br /><br />THIS HALLOWEEN. BUT, THERE ARE MANY SAFE AND FUN EVENTS<br /><br />ALL OVER THE BAY AREA. CHECK THEM OUT AT<br /><br />HOMEFORHALLOWEEN- DOT-COM. HAVE A FUN HOLIDAY<br /><br />AND DON’T FORGET TO KNOCK AT HOMEFORHALLOWEEN- DOT-COM<br /><br />BECAUSE THIS YEAR, CASTRO IS NOT WHERE IT’S HAPPENING."<br /><br />Look for these video PSAs online and on your favorite TV station later this week AND on your radio dial.<br /><br />Later, got a call from our colleagues at Encore Communications. They had heard of our efforts to promote "Non-Castro Halloween events" and offered up their special Halloween night performance at Teatro ZinZanni. "We wanna' help," said Brenda in her cool British elan. "Let us know what we can do."<br /><br />When the going gets tough, the flacks get going. Thanks to my brothers-and-sisters in PR arms. Together -- we WILL keep the Castro -- and the rest of San Francisco -- safe on Halloween.<br /><br />Later in the day, fielded interview requests from the "Examiner" and "Chronicle" (check your front stoops and computer screens tomorrow). That delights me -- means our efforts are WORKING. The more our colleagues in the Fourth Estate track and write about the "No Party in the Castro / Home for Halloween" Campaign", the better.<br /><br />Here's the link to tomorrow's article in the "Chronicle". Our thanks to Wyatt Buchanan for his attention:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/10/09/MNSUSN8C0.DTL&tsp=1">http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/10/09/MNSUSN8C0.DTL&tsp=1</a><br /><br />Isn't that the job of a free press? Conveying information of use to the commonweal? Or, in layman's terms: telling it like it is.<br /><br />And -- this is like it is: No party in the Castro. No tolerance for bad behavior. No reason to come. Stay HOME for Halloween.<br /><br />Enough for tonight's drum beat.<br /><br />more anon,<br />d<br /><br />PS -- before I forget, a BIG thank you to Bill Longen and the Castro Theatre who have volunteered to hang our "No Halloween Party in the Castro" banner from the front of the Castro Theatre. What BETTER marquee could we want than that!David Perryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02285129870645934456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444415373712082565.post-81317878978518521302007-10-07T16:36:00.000-07:002007-10-07T16:56:32.258-07:00Castro Street Fair -- Word is SpreadingSpent the day at my favorite street fair: Castro Street Fair. Also, always memorable to me as 21 years ago on this day, this most-diverse of events was my introduction to San Francisco and the Castro. Much of my love for this, my home, was cemented on that day and by this experience. And so - this campaign -- to keep safe everything I love about San Francisco -- and the Castro -- on Halloween is very much a personal mission.<br /><br />Today, most everyone I spoke with agreed. We distributed 4,000 flyers for the "Home For Halloween" effort, touting our tagline of "This year, the Castro will NOT be open for business: no party. No fun. No tolerance for bad behavior. No reason to come. " With the exception of one person who called one of our helpers "a facist" the response was OVERWHELMINGLY supportive. I have yet to meet and dialogue with one Castro resident or business person who wants the Castro invaded on Halloween by those who don't respect our values, our safety and our neighborhood. So - to those who don't understand the loving and diverse compassion of the Castro, our message for you this year is: Stay "home for Halloween."<br /><br />Our thanks to those booths at today's Castro Street Fair who support our efforts, and who generously helped us distribute information/flyers: MUMC (Merchants of Upper Market), The Castro CBD (Community Benefit District), District Attorney Kamela Harris, the SFPD and Bettyslist. All understand what this effort is about: Public Safety. On November 1st, we all want to stand in a calm, quiet and peaceful Castro.<br /><br />For those of you who want to be part of the effort - help spread the word! Here on this website are print-ready PDFs of flyers (in English & Spanish) in color and black & white. Print them out and FAX/mail/email to your friends. Also, we have a web banner for anyone would like to post it on your site. Just email us a request. And - if you are a local business, nonprofit or organization who supports this effort, send us your weblink and logo and we'll add it to the site. There are 24 days 'til Halloween - we need your helps! Join us in urging - this year - everyone to stay "Home for Halloween." The decision has been made: the party has been cancelled, and there will be NO patience for those who come into our neighborhood with bad intentions. For those critics who have charged that there "is no plan for public safety" let me assure you: there is. Those who think they can come into our neighborhood and not respect it with no consequences are mistaken. Our advice -- and the official word -- is this: the party ain't happening. Stay home!<br /><br />more anon,David Perryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02285129870645934456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444415373712082565.post-45704496815534131692007-10-06T13:06:00.000-07:002007-10-06T17:03:16.467-07:00Saturday in the CastroFirst off - a moment of silence for the late-great Trevor Hailey. For years, she was the "voice" of the Castro": leading tourists and locals alike on an historic walking tour that made her -- and the neighborhood -- an icon. The huge Rainbow Flag (Gilbert Baker's gorgeous legacy of creativity) is at half-mast today. What better tribute to this unique and powerful individual. Trevor -- we miss and love you.<br /><br />On the"Halloween" front: today, another Castro bar has agreed to close early on Halloween night: our thanks to Jeff and George of the "Twin Peaks" for supporting our efforts. On Halloween night, they'll be closing the bar at 8pm; no entries after 7pm. We'll be with them all night as their famous "arrow signs" pointing the way into the Castro are an internationally-recognized icon. At 6pm - the electronic arrows will go"dark" -- symbolizing the efforts to keep Castro safe and QUIET this Halloween, Wednesday, October 31. Cue for TV cameras! This is your "photo op!" :-)<br /><br />Our thanks to Jeff, George, the Twin Peaks and EVERYONE working hard 24/7 to keep it "Home for Halloween" this year!<br /><br />more anon,David Perryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02285129870645934456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444415373712082565.post-27075172490832978682007-10-05T23:34:00.000-07:002007-10-05T23:49:40.532-07:00Three Day Weekend CallingSo -- week one is done: several official and other community meetings listening and talking; talking and listening -- mainly listening: everyone wants to help keep the Castro what it's famous for: friendly and safe. Most of the people I speak with are incredibly supportive of our efforts. Yes -- we want people to find alternatives to Halloween outside the Castro. Yes - there is a very detailed plan in place to deal with those who still might show up. And yes - the City really means it: the Halloween party in the Castro has been CANCELLED. Over 18 businesses and bars have already agreed to close that night (yeah!) with more coming on every day. KRON TV and Clear Channel have signed on as media sponsors - helping us get out the public safety message - our thanks to them.<br /><br />Went to the MUMC (Merchants of Upper Market & Castro) meeting this week: a group of concerned and interested business owners who are all on the front lines of the crowds that have over-taken Castro in years past. After the meeting, many approached us to say "how can we help?" We're asking all of them to tell people to download the "Home For Halloween" poster/flyer from the website we'll be posting shortly and spread the word: "This year -- Castro is CLOSED on Halloween - stay home!" We mean it folks: this isn't a debate. The decision has been made -- so let's all work together to make this work.<br /><br />This Sunday is Castro Street Fair - my favorite of SF's open-hearted festivals. We'll be out in force, spreading the word and spreading flyers among the crowd to let people know that on Halloween night, these streets will NOT be the place to be.<br /><br />On Tuesday, we'll be taping our TV / Radio public service announcements (tune back to this space to hear them online, even before you see/hear them on-air!) encouraging those "non Castro residents" who treat our neighborhood as their party space that this year -- that ain't the case. Stay in YOUR home for Halloween...do not come to ours! If you come to Castro with mischief on your mind, this year on Halloween night, you will go "home for Halloween"...in the back of paddy wagon. So -- save yourself the trouble. Celebrate in YOUR home neighborhood for Halloween.<br /><br /><br />more anon,David Perryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02285129870645934456noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8444415373712082565.post-10207485764383746122007-10-03T21:54:00.000-07:002007-10-03T22:03:48.204-07:00Wednesday - Spreading the WordSpent the day talking up the "HomeForHalloween.com" campaign with journalists, neighbors and business owners in the Castro: all supportive. Bottom line from everyone I spoke with - what can we do this year to keep the Castro friendly and safe? Taped a video in the afternoon with a Castro business owner THRILLED that the party has been cancelled.<br /><br />"Halloween isn't what it used to be," he said. "I'm tired of feeling unwelcomed in my own neighborhood."<br /><br />Also -- lots of debate over what to do NEXT year: good questions! Let's start the discussion now while working to get EVERYONE onboard to support this year's effort of keeping our "home" safe on Halloween and encouraging those who would do mischief to stay at their "homes" for Halloween.<br /><br />To paraphrase the 1950's singer (betraying my age): "It's my party, and I'll cancel if I want to...."<br /><br />In a few days -- new PSA campaign (TV & Radio) will be unveiled. Ran into a reporter from KTVU-Fox 2 in the Castro today: already on the streets getting feedback about this morning's "Matier & Ross" column in the "San Francisco Chronicle." That's great -- the more media that report on the effort - the more successful it will be. Spread the word! This year, if you're thinking about coming to the Castro -- DON'T. No party. No tolerance for bad behavior. No reason to come. This is the year to stay home for Halloween.<br /><br />More anon, and thanks to everyone working to keep the Castro (and every part of the City) SAFE on Halloween. Hats off to our friends at City Hall and the SFPD!David Perryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02285129870645934456noreply@blogger.com