Save The Boom!!!: April 2008

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

News Update April 27, 2008 Contact: Fred Karger 949-494-4750

NPR’s “Marketplace” Covers SAVE the BOOM!!!
Also on NPR’s “California Report”

Below is the link to and the coverage that we received Friday on “Marketplace” hosted by Kai Ryssdal on NPR: http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2008/04/25/gay_bars/ Check out the streaming audio on their web site.

This is our first national radio coverage, and we have received calls and emails from all over the county from people who heard the report. Thank you Stacey Vanek--Smith who came to Laguna to do this story.

The previous Friday, April 18th the segment also ran throughout California on the “California Report.”

“Men of Laguna Calendar” on Gayborhoodtv.com

If you haven’t checked out and then posted a comment on our new mini documentary short film by John Keitel, please do. It is incredible and a mere 6 minutes long. It was produced out of hours and hours of coverage of the Men of Laguna Beach Calendar Contest, and it serves as our pilot for the reality show that we will pitch. Thanks to the amazing brand new portal on gayborhoodtv.com you can watch it from your very own computer, iPhone, iPod or iTooth: http://www.gayborhood.tv/lgbtube.cfm?view=video&id=376
It is currently the Most Watched video with over 1750 views! So check it out and forward the link around to your friends. Thank you!

Marketplace
TEXT OF STORY Friday, April 25, 2008
KAI RYSSDAL: At this point in the recession, or slowdown, or whatever you want to call it, you're probably familiar with the term "business cycle." Business and businesses have life cycles just like everything else. Demand creates new opportunities, and then when that demand dries up businesses die.
Every year, Fortune Magazine releases a list of 10 businesses it thinks are facing extinction. Some of this year's casualties? Record stores, crop dusting and telemarketing. Oh, and gay bars, too. That one caught our eye because gay business in general is booming.
Stacey Vanek Smith has more.
________________________________________
STACEY VANEK-SMITH: It's a busy weekend night at a gay bar in Los Angeles. . .
Actor Jason Dottley says gay bars don't just cater to a gay clientele anymore. The scene has become a lot more mixed.
Jason Dottley: It's an indication of open-mindedness. I think it's a sign of progress.
But that progress has a left some older gay bars sounding like this . . . [sound of ocean waves crashing].
The Boom Boom Room opened in Laguna Beach in 1947. It used to be a favorite hangout of Rock Hudson's. But today the windows of the white, art-deco facade are papered over.
Fred Karger started coming here in 1973.
Fred Karger: It's a magical place. It had a little, kind of loungey bar, and it had pool tables. They'd have this wonderful cabaret show on Wednesday nights.
The new owner plans to tear down the Boom Boom Room and build a luxury hotel.
Gay bars all over the country have met similar fates: New York's Roxy, The Avalon in Boston, The Pendulum in San Francisco. But here's the weird thing: Gay business is booming. Gay spending power in the U.S. is worth an estimated $750 billion.
So why are gay bars having so much trouble? Marketing expert Jerry McHugh says part of it is generational.
Jerry McHugh: Generation X people and Generation Y people are less concerned about gay-exclusive socialization, and they're more interested in a more-diverse environment.
McHugh says for gay boomers, bars used to function like community centers.
McHugh: When I came out it was the early 90s, and it was really helpful to go to these places.
Boston Globe writer Robert David Sullivan says a few years ago he noticed the number of gay bars in Boston had been cut in half. He says it was strange because they had been such a cornerstone of the gay social scene.
Robert David Sullivan: It was sort of structured that you could meet people that way, and you could say things and not censor yourself.
Sullivan says today young, gay men and women use the Internet, not bars, to meet people. And the older generation has graduated from late-night bar hopping to a mellow meal out.
Of course, a lot of gay bars aren't disappearing, they're just becoming more mixed. Take The Abbey in West Hollywood. It's an institution on L.A.'s gay scene. But on a weekday afternoon, there are as many straight neighborhood families as there are single gay men. Owner David Cooley says the gay-bar business model worked 10 years ago, but not anymore.
David Cooley: If you would say to me, "David, let's open up a gay bar." I wouldn't be investing.
Cooley is investing in gay-friendly bars. He's opening an Abbey in Chicago and plans to expand to other cities. He says all of the spots will be mixed -- that's where the future is.
Cooley: Once in a while, I'll get a customer say: "The Abbey's becoming so straight." And my response is: "Isn't that wonderful? Isn't that what we've been working for all these years?"
Bar owners George Butler and Randall Lambright disagree. They own the Savoy Orlando and Paradise Orlando in Florida. Butler says a mixed scene might work in places like New York and San Francisco, but in most of the country, the need for gay bars still exists.
GEORGE BUTLER: I don't think we're quite at the point where the gay clientele is comfortable sitting in a chain restaurant or bar where they can still hold hands or kiss.
Co-owner Randall Lambright says many of the older gay bars have closed because they just don't meet the high standards of gay customers anymore.
Randall Lambright: I can remember when gay bars were basically back-alley -- dark and not very inviting. And I think the clubs that are around are definitely more upscale.
Lambright says if the quality's there, the market for gay bars is still strong. He says the demand for exclusively gay spots hasn't gone away, it's just evolved.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

NEWS UPDATE April 14, 2008 Contact: Fred Karger 949-494-4750

Wait Until You See This Video!!!
Another Incredible Short, From Filmmaker John Keitel
http://www.gayborhood.tv/lgbtube.cfm

Well, Great News! Many of you followed the Men of Laguna Beach Calendar Contest from the open casting last summer, to the launch parties and calendar signings throughout the fall. Well, our incredible Documentarian, John Keitel and his team at Shelter Productions have done a 6 minute film called “Men of Laguna Calendar.”

It was made as the pilot for a reality show that we have been pitching for the 2009 Calendar Contest. We have been very fortunate to have another angel out there in cyberspace. Thank you, Jeff Keirns! Jeff is an independent producer for the brand new web network Gayborhood TV. They have posted the “Men of Laguna Calendar” on their web network. Simply click on this link to view John’s short video: http://www.gayborhood.tv/lgbtube.cfm?view=video&id=376
or go to Gayborhood’s site: http://www.gayborhood.tv/lgbtube.cfm You will see the Men of Laguna Calendar on their home page. Just click Men of Laguna there under featured videos, latest videos or most watched – it’s everywhere. You will get to see this incredible 6 minute film.

It has already gotten over 1000 views and lots of positive reviews (feel free to leave a review after you see it). If you missed the open casting last summer, you will get to see it, as well as some of the photo shoots and all 12 of the great looking Calendar Guys doing their thing.

Gayborhood TV was just launched April 1st by Stiletto Entertainment http://www.stilettoentertainment.com/ Stiletto produced MTV Networks / Logo Series "Jacob & Joshua: Nemesis Rising and are leaders in entertainment, financial management, theatrical production, television production, music publishing, e-commerce and internet services and international tour management and bookings.

If you still haven’t taken the 10 minutes to see John’s other short called, “Saving the Boom,” it is a must see. Go to Current TV and you will laugh, cry and love this film! Click on this link: http://current.com/items/88880536_saving_the_boom

For Sale Signs Still Up

Just checked again this morning and there are still two for sale signs up in the window of the Boom Boom Room. Interested parties are asked to call Joe Smith at Monarch Bay Realty 949-489-1100. Make them and offer and remodel this incredible property and watch the business soar. The New Boom, right on the Pacific Ocean, could be the finest gay destination property in the world. And you will help preserve the over 100 years of gay and lesbian history in Laguna Beach.

Taken Monday, April 14, 2008

Check out our Blog, lots of new photos up: http://savetheboom.blogspot.com/

Thank you very much for your interest and support as we work to SAVE the BOOM – Forever!!!

Operation Post Card

We are pleased to report that as of today we have sent in 1,200 of our yellow post cards to Coast Inn and Boom Boom Room owner, Steven Udvar-Hazy. Thanks to all those who have helped make this campaign such a success. We are asking Mr. Udvar-Hazy to help us SAVE the BOOM!!! by reducing his asking price or donating the property to the gay community. If you would like to help on Operation Post Card, please call 949-494-4750 or email savetheboom@aol.com. Thank you for your help!

In the News

Here are some more links to some of national and financial news coverage that SAVE the BOOM!!! received from our demonstration to appeal to Martin J. Sullivan, President and CEO of American International Group (NYSE: AIG)

MSN.com http://news.moneycentral.msn.com/ticker/article.aspx?Feed=PR&Date=20080204&ID=8136876&Symbol=AIG

AOL Money News http://money.aol.com/news/articles/qp/pr/_a/los-angeles-demonstration-set-at-aig/rfid86611602

-- end --

Thursday, April 10, 2008

The Making of the Documentary

The Making of "Saving the Boom" PHOTOS

John at the Boom on Closing Night

Filming the Open Casting for the Men of Laguna Beach Calendar Contest

Calendar Cover Model Caleb's Photo Shoot

Adam and Sarah in Laguna on Location

Sarah and Adam at the Boom filming dancer, Giovanni

Out on the Bluff Talking to Laguna Resident, Andrew

Talking to Volunteer Coordinator, Jeff On His Way to Get Those Petitions Signed!

The Fun and Crazy Lane Twins(Gary and Larry)in Front of Albertsons

John Inteviewing Los Angeles City Councilman and SAVE the BOOM!!! Co-Chair, Bill Rosendahl in the Garden of Peace and Love Just Below the Coast Inn

Talking to former Laguna Beach Mayor and SAVE the BOOM!!! Co-Chair Bob Gentry about the Importance of Laguna's Gay History

Super Volunteer and Long Time Lagunan Max Talking About the Petition Drive

Laguna Beach City Councilman and the Owner of the Marine Room Kelly Boyd "Putting on His Mike"

Thanks to one and all who helped on the incredible documentary "Saving the Boom. To view the mini-doc, go to this link at current: http://current.com/items/88880536_saving_the_boom

Check Out "Saving the Boom"

Mini DOCUMENTARY DONE!!! – “Saving the Boom” is on Current Television / Current.com

Here is the Link: http://current.com/items/88880536_saving_the_boom

Thank you Film Maker Extraordinaire, John Keitel, amazing Editor Tyler Gillett and their team at Shelter Productions. You have made an absolutely incredible film. It’s fun, very moving and sexy. I wish the world could see your documentary, wait a second, now it can! Special thanks go out to Sarah Evershed, Outreach Associate at Current -- our mini--doc (documentary) is now posted for all to see. Thank you Sarah, who came to Laguna to shoot some of the film, and is a true angel.

Film Maker, John Keitel (lower right) shooting Photographer, Cris Lapp (upper right) shooting Michael – Mr. March -- for the 2008 Men of Beach Laguna Calendar

Please take just a few minutes to view this short documentary and pass the link along to your email lists. Help us spread our story as we work to SAVE the BOOM – Forever!!! http://current.com/items/88880536_saving_the_boom

John filming SAVE the BOOM!!! Treasurer, Shane Miller in downtown Laguna

Click on the link: http://current.com/items/88880536_saving_the_boom

John and Sarah filming outside the Boom

And feel free to add a comment just below where you watch the film. Thanks very much.

Happy Viewing!

Fred Karger
Founder
www.savetheboom.com

Visit our Blog for lot more photos of: “The Making of ‘Saving the Boom’” (lots of apostrophes’)

http://savetheboom.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

We Will Not Give Up

News Update April 6, 2008 Contact: Fred Karger 949-494-4750

AIG Demonstration a Huge Success
Lots of People, Press, Music and Fun
Plea to AIG CEO To Help SAVE the BOOM – Forever!!!

Laguna Beach, CA – 35 supporters of SAVE the BOOM!!! from Orange County and Los Angeles descended on the AIG (NYSE: AIG) Tower in Century City on Tuesday, April 1st at our lunch-time demonstration. World famous Bagpiper, Lorne Cousin played to cheers of SAVE the BOOM!!! SAVE the BOOM!!! AIG – SAVE the BOOM!!!

Calendar Models Ryan Liddell (July) and Gustavo Marzolla (February) handed out Men of Laguna Beach Calendars to some of the lucky passerby’s on their way to lunch. Other yellow T-shirted men and women gave away Boom Bananas and Tangerines along with flyers and other information on our nearly two year effort to save our landmark bar and hotel. Lots of car horns were honked and thumbs up given to all of us during the hour long demonstration. Over 200 post cards were signed addressed to Boom Boom Room and Coast Inn owner, Steven Udvar-Hazy asking him to drastically reduce the asking prince for the property or consider donating it the gay community.

There was great television, radio, newspaper and web coverage of the event. Save the BOOM!!! Founder, Fred Karger even appeared live on the Michael Jackson Radio Show on KGIL – AM 1260 during the 9:00 am hour. Check out the links below for just some of the stories on the demonstration. And be sure and go to our blog for lots of great photos from Tuesday. http://savetheboom.blogspot.com/

Thank you so much to all who turned out for this uplifting and fun demonstration.

We have lots more planned, and will keep you posted on our activities to SAVE the BOOM – Forever!!!

SAVE the BOOM BLOG: http://savetheboom.blogspot.com/

Los Angeles Time Web Site by Robert Green:

KTLA – TV Los Angeles by Bill Smith: http://ktla.trb.com/

Orange County Register by Christa Woodall: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/boom-bar-hazy-2009940-karger-aig

Laguna Beach Independent: http://www.lagunabeachindependent.com/news/2008/0404/news/071.html

KVOA – TV Tucson: http://www.kvoa.com/default.asp

Reuters: http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS191530+28-Mar-2008+PRN20080328

-- end --

Tuesday, April 01, 2008

L A Demonstration Big Success

Thanks to one and all who made it up to Los Angeles and our LA friends who came to demonstration at the AIG Tower in Century City today. We had fun and got a lot of attention from the thousands of passerbys who honked their approval, got Men of Laguna Beach Calendars, enjoyed some Boom Bananas, and signed hundreds of post cards to Coast Inn owner Steven Udvar-Hazy. We got some great coverage which will be posted on our blog soon. Here are some of the photos from the lunch-time demonstration.