Just had to post a copy of today’s incredible editorial in the Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot. It is the second time that they have editorialized in support of saving the Boom Boom Room and the over 100 years of gay history that it represents. Below is the story and the link to their online edition so you can send a comment in to the paper if you would like.
http://www.coastlinepilot.com/articles/2007/08/24/opinion/cpt-editorial24.0820:15.txt
EDITORIAL: Boom’s loss will be felt
August 24, 2007
Reader Feedback - Currently No comments posted. Comments
The end is very near for the fabled Boom Boom Room and Coast Inn, Laguna Beach’s — and some say the western U.S.’s — oldest establishment catering to gays.Steven Udvar-Hazy, the billionaire who bought the ocean view blocks containing the bar/motel as well as Coast Liquor and the Gay Mart is reportedly moving ahead with downscaled plans for the location.Unless someone pulls a miracle out of a hat it looks like the last call at the Boom will be Labor Day, Sept. 3.A four-day “Closing Party” is being advertised on the Boom’s website, and it seems that Laguna Beach will soon be the site of one of the unhappiest social gatherings of the season.Save the Boom activist Fred Karger is still hopeful that someone will step forward to reopen the Boom on a short-term basis, or until a buyer can be found for the properties — reportedly still on the market with an asking price of $20 million. But hopes have been raised and dashed before.The boom was lowered on the Boom Boom Room more than a year ago.Udvar-Hazy was set to close the landmark last Labor Day, but gave the operators another year to keep the business going. In the meantime, he apparently was discouraged by meetings with city officials about his plans, and put the property on the market.Hopes were raised that a new buyer would come forward with the desire to keep the Boom intact. Karger delivered some 5,000 signatures on petitions to the Laguna Beach City Council asking for city intervention in the future use of the properties, and even took out an ad in Daily Variety begging Brad Pitt and George Clooney to invest in the Boom’s future, which drew national attention to the campaign.For certain, over the past year, the issue of the Boom has gone beyond that of the demise of a popular local watering-hole and gathering place.Karger and gay activists argue that, without the Boom, Laguna will lose its niche as a safe haven for gay visitors and residents — and the gay community will lose an “anchor.”On the other hand, some note that gays no longer need “safe houses” because same-sex couples are no longer unwelcome in mainstream society. (Indeed, where Boom patrons used to require police escorts to their cars to avoid gay-bashers, this is no longer the case.)It is sad the Boom will apparently follow in the footsteps of Woody’s, the little bar/restaurant one block north that stood for many years as a beacon to the gay community.Perhaps the demise of the Boom — if it does close for good — can be seen as a sign of progress, rather than failure. But the loss will hurt.
And if you’re still sitting down from the other day, we just heard that our Calendar Contest gallery on aol has received over 450,000 views since it launched 9 days ago. Go to: www.QueerSighted.com/laguna and see for yourself and vote for your favorites. It takes less than a minute and is very fun.
That’s 450,000 who have looked at our Men of Laguna Calendar Contest – 450,000!!! And there are now over 112,000 votes cast in only 9 days. The contest will be over in a week, but aol is now planning on keeping the posting up indefinitely. So as we continue our fight to SAVE the BOOM!!! and our search for a buyer who will keep the Boom open and then remodel it, our story will be continually viewed by huge numbers of people from all over the world.
And the Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot has its own great poll to help select the 12 finalists for the calendar contest as well. Easy to go to: http://www.coastlinepilot.com/laguna_beach_calendar/
Here are some other links that have picked up the calendar contest story and have run with it since my last update:
http://kennethinthe212.blogspot.com/2007/08/page-1-consider-0822.html
http://www.qtmagazine.com/article.cfm?section=21&id=16036
http://www.gaylinkcontent.com/storydetail2.cfm?storyid=16036
http://www.gaybusinessworld.com/page.cfm?Sectionid=3&typeofsite=storydetail&ID=764&storyset=yes®ion=5
http://www.connexion.org/newsstory.cfm?id=10855&returnurl=news.cfm
And be sure and come by the Boom by September 3rd and partake in the fun. If you have never been it is a must do, and if you have been before, well, it’s still a must do!
See you at the Boom and thanks for all your help and support to SAVE the BOOM – Forever!!!
Best regards,
Fred Karger
Founder
www.savetheboom.com
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Update on the Boom
Below is the story that ran in today’s Orange County Register by Christa Woodall and Heather Ignatin re the closing of the landmark Boom Boom Room in Laguna Beach.
While a change will occur after September 3rd, there is excellent news to be garnered from this story. For the first time in a year, the property owner Steven Udvar-Hazy has talked to a reporter and confirmed that the Boom and his other two properties across the street are officially for sale and / or lease. This is what we have been hoping to hear in our 1 ½ year campaign to SAVE the BOOM -- Forever!!!
So do not despair, we are working with some very interested investors who are extremely anxious to pick up the lease and reopen the Boom immediately. There is also tremendous interest in the purchase of the property.
And the story indicates that Mr. Udvar-Hazy is moving his boutique hotel, restaurant and shopping center concept to another city in the OC. So this is huge news, and know that we are working day and night to make a deal happen. A very special thank you to Mr. Udvar-Hazy for his openness and willingness to help us preserve our 60 year old landmark bar and hotel. He has been nothing but a gentleman and we are so fortunate to have a property owner who is willing to work with us to help SAVE the BOOM!!!
Men of Laguna Beach Calendar Contest
If you haven't voted on the final 12 for the Men of Laguna Beach Calendar Contest, there are two ways to do it. Go to aol’s www.queersighted.com/laguna
or to the Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot’s site: http://www.coastlinepilot.com/.
We are astounded with the number of people visiting these sites and hearing about our campaign to SAVE the BOOM!!! You sitting down? AOL’s site alone has had 72,000 votes for the 20 Finalists in just 7 days!!! We should break the 100,000 vote count by the end of aol’s posting next week.
So this fight to save our landmark Boom Boom Room is far from over. To coin an old but very applicable phrase “when one closes, another opens.” Look for those corner doors at the Boom to be reopening soon!
Keep the faith and thanks to one and all for all of your help and support. We will not rest until the Boom Boom Room and Coast Inn are Saved Forever!!!
Best regards,
Fred Karger
Founder
www.savetheboom.com
949/494-4750
Landmark gay bar to close
Laguna Beach's Boom Boom Room will shut its doors Sept. 3 after owners fail to reach agreement with landlord.
BY CHRISTA WOODALL AND HEATHER IGNATIN
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
LAGUNA BEACH – After Labor Day, the Boom Boom Room will be no more.
The iconic Laguna Beach gay bar will close its doors permanently Sept. 3 after co-owners Patrick O'Loughlin and James Marchese were unable to reach an agreement with landlord Steven Udvar Hazy.
Although Hazy said he offered a month-to-month lease through spring 2008 for the properties housing the bar and Coast Inn, O'Loughlin opted to close the historic establishment.
“At this location, there is no future to it,” O'Loughlin said. The property owner wanted the flexibility to immediately move ahead if he found a buyer or was able to get the necessary approvals to renovate, he added.
On Tuesday, long-time patrons and supporters were sad to hear the bad news.
“It's not as much the actual place, but a symbol of the gay community's role in the city of Laguna Beach – its development, shape and sense of character,” said Robert Gentry, 68, a former Laguna councilman and mayor who recently co-chaired grassroots committee Save the Boom.
“There is a certain sense of history there that is really important. I don't want the gay community to return to second-class citizens in that wonderful seaside community that it helped develop.”
Added Gentry's partner, Dennis Amick Gentry, 56: “It's a shame we couldn't find another owner to continue it the way it had been.”
No plans have been made to move the bar to another location. The bar was originally set to close last Labor Day, but received a reprieve in the form of a one-year extension on the lease last August.
Hazy purchased the property in April 2005, planning to make it a boutique hotel. He has moved his intended hotel elsewhere in the county but continues to consider renovating the Coast Inn, Boom Boom Room and a convenience store across Mountain Road.
Although the property is not actively on market, Hazy is entertaining offers from potential buyers, said realtor Joseph Smith. The asking price for the three properties is $20 million.
Save the Boom leader Fred Karger is hopeful that a gay-friendly buyer or a lessee could keep the bar open.
“I'm ecstatic that Mr. Hazy is willing to (extend the lease),” he said.
“I think it's sad it is closing,” said Councilman Kelly Boyd, who has lived in Laguna his entire life and owns the Marine Room Tavern, “But I'd try to keep it open as long as I could.”
Even if the property owner sold it, the deal would most likely go through a 60 to 90-day escrow, Boyd said. “Why not keep it open until it's time to leave?”
Timeline
1980s: The landmark gay bar reaches its heyday and national prominence as one of the few places where homosexual men can let loose.
April 2005: The bar’s future is in limbo after the beachfront property – along with the Coast Inn’s 24-room hotel are sold. The owner, Steven Udvar-Hazy, agrees to keep it open one more year.
February 2007: Supporters gather 1,200 pages during the “Save the Boom” campaign that they present before the City Council.
June 2007: “Save the Boom” activist Fred Karger appeals to Brad Pitt and George Clooney to buy the bar.
September: The bar’s lease ends.
While a change will occur after September 3rd, there is excellent news to be garnered from this story. For the first time in a year, the property owner Steven Udvar-Hazy has talked to a reporter and confirmed that the Boom and his other two properties across the street are officially for sale and / or lease. This is what we have been hoping to hear in our 1 ½ year campaign to SAVE the BOOM -- Forever!!!
So do not despair, we are working with some very interested investors who are extremely anxious to pick up the lease and reopen the Boom immediately. There is also tremendous interest in the purchase of the property.
And the story indicates that Mr. Udvar-Hazy is moving his boutique hotel, restaurant and shopping center concept to another city in the OC. So this is huge news, and know that we are working day and night to make a deal happen. A very special thank you to Mr. Udvar-Hazy for his openness and willingness to help us preserve our 60 year old landmark bar and hotel. He has been nothing but a gentleman and we are so fortunate to have a property owner who is willing to work with us to help SAVE the BOOM!!!
Men of Laguna Beach Calendar Contest
If you haven't voted on the final 12 for the Men of Laguna Beach Calendar Contest, there are two ways to do it. Go to aol’s www.queersighted.com/laguna
or to the Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot’s site: http://www.coastlinepilot.com/.
We are astounded with the number of people visiting these sites and hearing about our campaign to SAVE the BOOM!!! You sitting down? AOL’s site alone has had 72,000 votes for the 20 Finalists in just 7 days!!! We should break the 100,000 vote count by the end of aol’s posting next week.
So this fight to save our landmark Boom Boom Room is far from over. To coin an old but very applicable phrase “when one closes, another opens.” Look for those corner doors at the Boom to be reopening soon!
Keep the faith and thanks to one and all for all of your help and support. We will not rest until the Boom Boom Room and Coast Inn are Saved Forever!!!
Best regards,
Fred Karger
Founder
www.savetheboom.com
949/494-4750
Landmark gay bar to close
Laguna Beach's Boom Boom Room will shut its doors Sept. 3 after owners fail to reach agreement with landlord.
BY CHRISTA WOODALL AND HEATHER IGNATIN
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
LAGUNA BEACH – After Labor Day, the Boom Boom Room will be no more.
The iconic Laguna Beach gay bar will close its doors permanently Sept. 3 after co-owners Patrick O'Loughlin and James Marchese were unable to reach an agreement with landlord Steven Udvar Hazy.
Although Hazy said he offered a month-to-month lease through spring 2008 for the properties housing the bar and Coast Inn, O'Loughlin opted to close the historic establishment.
“At this location, there is no future to it,” O'Loughlin said. The property owner wanted the flexibility to immediately move ahead if he found a buyer or was able to get the necessary approvals to renovate, he added.
On Tuesday, long-time patrons and supporters were sad to hear the bad news.
“It's not as much the actual place, but a symbol of the gay community's role in the city of Laguna Beach – its development, shape and sense of character,” said Robert Gentry, 68, a former Laguna councilman and mayor who recently co-chaired grassroots committee Save the Boom.
“There is a certain sense of history there that is really important. I don't want the gay community to return to second-class citizens in that wonderful seaside community that it helped develop.”
Added Gentry's partner, Dennis Amick Gentry, 56: “It's a shame we couldn't find another owner to continue it the way it had been.”
No plans have been made to move the bar to another location. The bar was originally set to close last Labor Day, but received a reprieve in the form of a one-year extension on the lease last August.
Hazy purchased the property in April 2005, planning to make it a boutique hotel. He has moved his intended hotel elsewhere in the county but continues to consider renovating the Coast Inn, Boom Boom Room and a convenience store across Mountain Road.
Although the property is not actively on market, Hazy is entertaining offers from potential buyers, said realtor Joseph Smith. The asking price for the three properties is $20 million.
Save the Boom leader Fred Karger is hopeful that a gay-friendly buyer or a lessee could keep the bar open.
“I'm ecstatic that Mr. Hazy is willing to (extend the lease),” he said.
“I think it's sad it is closing,” said Councilman Kelly Boyd, who has lived in Laguna his entire life and owns the Marine Room Tavern, “But I'd try to keep it open as long as I could.”
Even if the property owner sold it, the deal would most likely go through a 60 to 90-day escrow, Boyd said. “Why not keep it open until it's time to leave?”
Timeline
1980s: The landmark gay bar reaches its heyday and national prominence as one of the few places where homosexual men can let loose.
April 2005: The bar’s future is in limbo after the beachfront property – along with the Coast Inn’s 24-room hotel are sold. The owner, Steven Udvar-Hazy, agrees to keep it open one more year.
February 2007: Supporters gather 1,200 pages during the “Save the Boom” campaign that they present before the City Council.
June 2007: “Save the Boom” activist Fred Karger appeals to Brad Pitt and George Clooney to buy the bar.
September: The bar’s lease ends.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Weekend Update
Well, there has been a lot of activity on the calendar contest over the past couple of days. And today the Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot has started its own poll that features all 20 Men of Laguna Beach Calendar Finalists in a full page color spread. So check out today’s paper by going to: http://www.coastlinepilot.com/articles/2007/08/17/entertainment/cpt-calendarpoll17.txt
And to vote for your 12 favorites: go to: http://www.coastlinepilot.com/
send an email to coastlinepilot@latimes.com, or fax your favorites to (949) 494-8979 or mail to the Coastline Pilot, Attn: Calendar Contest, P.O. Box 248 , Laguna Beach , CA 92652 . Entries must be received by August 31.
Also, AOL’s QueerSighted.com has received over 13,500 votes so far (in just 2 days!) in its online poll that began yesterday – incredible! To vote for your favorites on that site go to: www.queersighted.com/laguna
And Queersighted’s coverage was picked up by gay blogs and newspapers all over the world! Here are just some of the links to that coverage:
http://washblade.com/blog/index.cfm?blog_id=13843
http://www.queerty.com/news/boys-get-undressed-to-save-boom-boom-20070816/
UK GAY NEWS:
http://ukgaynews.org.uk/latest.htm
http://wolfi1976.blogspot.com/2007/08/oc-gay-club-needs-your-help.html
There are also two front page stories on the change /closure that most likely will occur at the Boom Boom Room after Labor Day Weekend. One is in the Laguna Beach Independent and one in the Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot. But there are some new opportunities brewing that might keep those corner doors at PCH and Mountain open. We will keep you posted on any new developments.
Independent story by Andrea Adelson:
http://www.lagunabeachindependent.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=150&twindow=Default&mad=No&sdetail=1267&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=2192&hn=lagunabeachindependent&he=.com
Coastline Pilot story by Josh Aden:
http://www.coastlinepilot.com/articles/2007/08/17/business/cpt-boom17.txt
Thank you one and all for all of your encouragement and support as we work to SAVE the BOOM – Forever!!!
And to vote for your 12 favorites: go to: http://www.coastlinepilot.com/
send an email to coastlinepilot@latimes.com, or fax your favorites to (949) 494-8979 or mail to the Coastline Pilot, Attn: Calendar Contest, P.O. Box 248 , Laguna Beach , CA 92652 . Entries must be received by August 31.
Also, AOL’s QueerSighted.com has received over 13,500 votes so far (in just 2 days!) in its online poll that began yesterday – incredible! To vote for your favorites on that site go to: www.queersighted.com/laguna
And Queersighted’s coverage was picked up by gay blogs and newspapers all over the world! Here are just some of the links to that coverage:
http://washblade.com/blog/index.cfm?blog_id=13843
http://www.queerty.com/news/boys-get-undressed-to-save-boom-boom-20070816/
UK GAY NEWS:
http://ukgaynews.org.uk/latest.htm
http://wolfi1976.blogspot.com/2007/08/oc-gay-club-needs-your-help.html
There are also two front page stories on the change /closure that most likely will occur at the Boom Boom Room after Labor Day Weekend. One is in the Laguna Beach Independent and one in the Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot. But there are some new opportunities brewing that might keep those corner doors at PCH and Mountain open. We will keep you posted on any new developments.
Independent story by Andrea Adelson:
http://www.lagunabeachindependent.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=150&twindow=Default&mad=No&sdetail=1267&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=2192&hn=lagunabeachindependent&he=.com
Coastline Pilot story by Josh Aden:
http://www.coastlinepilot.com/articles/2007/08/17/business/cpt-boom17.txt
Thank you one and all for all of your encouragement and support as we work to SAVE the BOOM – Forever!!!
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Pick Your Favorite Save the Boom Model
Men of Laguna Beach Calendar Preview AOL's QueerSighted.com Showcases 20 Finalists!!!
LAGUNA BEACH, CA - SAVE the BOOM!!! www.savetheboom.com today announced the 20 finalists for its 2008 Men of Laguna Beach Calendar have profiles and photos which can be viewed on QueerSighted.com, the GLBT blog/portal on AOL. The public is invited to see all 20 men in a photo gallery: www.QueerSighted.com/laguna
The Men of Laguna Beach Calendar is a contest which began with an open casting on Saturday, July 7, 2007 at the landmark Boom Boom Room when over 30 men gay and straight tried out to be a finalist for the Calendar. All contestants must live, work or play in Laguna Beach . A panel of 5 prominent Hollywood judges narrowed the field of shirtless men who auditioned on stage down to just 20. All finalists had photo sessions over the past 3 weeks with celebrity photographer Cristopher Lapp www.cristopherlapp.com
Judges will narrow the group of 20 to determine which 12 men will appear in the calendar. Judges will also choose their top three calendar models, each of whom will be awarded monetary prizes, with $1000.00 going to the first place winner. The public is also invited to vote for their favorite guy in an online poll: www.QueerSighted.com/laguna.
(Scroll down and on the lower left of the page you will see the online poll.) QueerSighted Managing Editor, Kenneth Hill notes, "QueerSighted is thrilled to share in the excitement of these 20 handsome men who've literally given the shirts off their backs to raise awareness about saving the Boom Boom Room, a beloved gay landmark." The calendars will go on sale online, in Laguna Beach and around the world after Labor Day. All proceeds will benefit the SAVE the BOOM!!! campaign and several local charities. The Men of Laguna Beach 2008 calendar promises to be one of the hottest male calendars ever produced and showcases one of Laguna's great natural resources -- its great looking men. SAVE the BOOM!!! is a grassroots volunteer effort to save the landmark Boom Boom Room and Coast Inn in which it is located. The Boom is the oldest gay bar in the Western United States . The building is currently for sale by owner and SAVE the BOOM!!! is searching for a buyer who will remodel and keep the 60 year old bar operating for the gay community and our friends for another 60 years.
TO VIEW THE PHOTOS, GO TO: www.QueerSighted.com/Laguna
LAGUNA BEACH, CA - SAVE the BOOM!!! www.savetheboom.com today announced the 20 finalists for its 2008 Men of Laguna Beach Calendar have profiles and photos which can be viewed on QueerSighted.com, the GLBT blog/portal on AOL. The public is invited to see all 20 men in a photo gallery: www.QueerSighted.com/laguna
The Men of Laguna Beach Calendar is a contest which began with an open casting on Saturday, July 7, 2007 at the landmark Boom Boom Room when over 30 men gay and straight tried out to be a finalist for the Calendar. All contestants must live, work or play in Laguna Beach . A panel of 5 prominent Hollywood judges narrowed the field of shirtless men who auditioned on stage down to just 20. All finalists had photo sessions over the past 3 weeks with celebrity photographer Cristopher Lapp www.cristopherlapp.com
Judges will narrow the group of 20 to determine which 12 men will appear in the calendar. Judges will also choose their top three calendar models, each of whom will be awarded monetary prizes, with $1000.00 going to the first place winner. The public is also invited to vote for their favorite guy in an online poll: www.QueerSighted.com/laguna.
(Scroll down and on the lower left of the page you will see the online poll.) QueerSighted Managing Editor, Kenneth Hill notes, "QueerSighted is thrilled to share in the excitement of these 20 handsome men who've literally given the shirts off their backs to raise awareness about saving the Boom Boom Room, a beloved gay landmark." The calendars will go on sale online, in Laguna Beach and around the world after Labor Day. All proceeds will benefit the SAVE the BOOM!!! campaign and several local charities. The Men of Laguna Beach 2008 calendar promises to be one of the hottest male calendars ever produced and showcases one of Laguna's great natural resources -- its great looking men. SAVE the BOOM!!! is a grassroots volunteer effort to save the landmark Boom Boom Room and Coast Inn in which it is located. The Boom is the oldest gay bar in the Western United States . The building is currently for sale by owner and SAVE the BOOM!!! is searching for a buyer who will remodel and keep the 60 year old bar operating for the gay community and our friends for another 60 years.
TO VIEW THE PHOTOS, GO TO: www.QueerSighted.com/Laguna
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Boom Boom Room's Closure
AN OPEN LETTER TO GAY COMMUNITY LEADERS AND OUR FRIENDS
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
We are truly at the eleventh hour of our 1½ year crusade to SAVE the historic Boom Boom Room and Coast Inn in Laguna Beach.
The property’s owner, Steven Udvar-Hazy and the operators of the Boom Boom Room and the Coast Inn were apparently unable to reach an agreement to keep the bar, restaurant and hotel open past this coming Labor Day Weekend. So it appears that a change will occur in less than 3 weeks time.
We have heard that there are several interested parties in negotiations with the property owner to either buy or lease the 3 parcels that he owns on Coast Highway and Mountain in Laguna Beach but the clock is ticking.
Because of the uncertainty of the immediate future of the Boom, SAVE the BOOM!!! today is writing this open letter to all gay and lesbian leaders in our community who have the ability to help save this gay landmark. We hope that one or more of these leaders will come forward to help preserve over 100 years of gay history in Laguna Beach.
Regardless of the outcome, SAVE the BOOM!!! will continue in its campaign to find a gay buyer or someone who will pledge to keep the Boom as it has been for the last 60 years. We will not rest until our goal is realized.
SAVE the BOOM!!! began its campaign last year and gathered 6,000 signatures last summer in only 3 months. All the signatures were collected from residents and visitors alike in Laguna Beach to preserve this gay icon. We have sought buyers throughout the United Sates and the world and are hopeful that soon our dream will be realized. The property was recently put up for sale or lease, and we are hopeful that someone will come in and turn this property into the finest gay destination resort in the world.
We will continue our quest and are extremely optimistic that we will be successful.
We are currently sponsoring the Men of Laguna Beach Calendar Contest which will be completed within a few weeks, and our 2008 calendar will printed soon. Sales of this first of its kind calendar will go to help our fight, as well as support local Laguna Beach charities. We just reordered our bright yellow SAVE the BOOM!!! T-shirts for our volunteers, and are gearing up with a plan and budget to continue our efforts for as long as it takes to save our landmark bar.
The Gay Community will not be evicted form Laguna Beach. We will use our collective strength and seek out our friends to help SAVE the BOOM – Forever!!!
Thank you very much.
Fred Karger
Founder
SAVE the BOOM!!!
Robert F. Gentry
Co-Chair
SAVE the BOOM!!!
The Honorable Bill Rosendahl
Co-Chair
SAVE the BOOM!!!
Monday, July 16, 2007
Coastline Pilot Story on the Contest
I wanted to share this incredible and very moving story (below) written by Josh Aden that is in this week’s Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot. Josh was an imbedded reporter in our calendar contest on July 7th.
Thanks to the amazing photography and commitment of Cristopher Lapp, we have had photo sessions with 15 of the 20 finalists for our Men of Laguna Beach Calendar, and I have to tell you these are about the best photos you will ever see. We have 5 more photos sessions to go and then when all are done we will narrow it down the final 12 and then announce the 3 winners of the prize money.I know that you will want to order several 2008 calendars for your holiday gift giving. So get ready for the hottest calendar coming to a store or web site near you. And all proceeds go to help SAVE the BOOM!!! (http://www.savetheboom.com/) and local Laguna Beach charities.
Thanks for all your support and interest as we work to SAVE the BOOM – Forever!!!
Aden competes for a spot in `Best Looking Men' fundraising calendar to help the Boom Boom Room.
Thanks to the amazing photography and commitment of Cristopher Lapp, we have had photo sessions with 15 of the 20 finalists for our Men of Laguna Beach Calendar, and I have to tell you these are about the best photos you will ever see. We have 5 more photos sessions to go and then when all are done we will narrow it down the final 12 and then announce the 3 winners of the prize money.I know that you will want to order several 2008 calendars for your holiday gift giving. So get ready for the hottest calendar coming to a store or web site near you. And all proceeds go to help SAVE the BOOM!!! (http://www.savetheboom.com/) and local Laguna Beach charities.
Thanks for all your support and interest as we work to SAVE the BOOM – Forever!!!
Competition to be in the Boom Boom Room calendar was stiff for Coastline Pilot reporter Josh Aden.
REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK
REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK
Reporter gets to final round
Aden competes for a spot in 'Best Looking Men' fundraising calendar to help the Boom Boom Room.
Aden competes for a spot in 'Best Looking Men' fundraising calendar to help the Boom Boom Room.
By Josh AdenReader Feedback -
Aden competes for a spot in `Best Looking Men' fundraising calendar to help the Boom Boom Room.
A couple weeks ago, Fred Karger — the leader in the effort to keep the Boom Boom Room, Laguna's landmark gay establishment, intact — announced his organization, Save the Boom, would be holding an open casting call for models to be in the Men of Laguna Beach 2008 Calendar. The calendar will publicize the cause and raise money for it. When I was assigned to cover the story, I never thought I would be competing for a spot in the calendar. That all changed in a hurry. It started as a joke about auditioning. The casting call was in search of Laguna Beach's "Best Looking Men," which I can guarantee you, I'm not.
I was musing about the possibility of a goofy-looking, overweight fellow with glasses and no fashion sense whatsoever going out for a stud contest, and then it hit me: How could I convey what the contestants were going through on stage without actually going through it myself? The contest was open to men 18 and older, gay or straight, who lived or worked in Laguna Beach, so I qualified. But before entering, I ran the idea past Karger, and my editors.
Karger was gracious enough to let me compete as a reporter. I'm thankful he did because I got to experience the Boom Boom Room in a completely different way than I had before — not as an outside observer but as a participant in a preservation movement. For those who have never been to the Boom Boom Room, it's a gay bar at 1401 S. Coast Highway that has a great liquor selection and is one of the longest continuously operated gay establishments in the United States. Karger said the Boom has been an open and welcoming environment for people of all orientations for more than 60 years.
The bar was sold more than a year ago, and the new owner planned to shut its doors but gave the place a year's reprieve in which time Karger launched his effort to preserve it as a piece of Laguna — and gay cultural — history. The calendar sales are planned to go to the Boom's preservation effort as well as local charities. Saturday's competition was an experience of a lifetime. Karger set it up like a talent contest. There was a panel of Hollywood judges including actresses Heather and Nicholle Tom, TV casting producers Paul Weber and Ethan Peterson, and producer Stan Zimmerman.
Contestants walked the stage and answered the judges' questions. The top 20 out of the more than 30 hats in the ring were chosen after the contest. The 20 will all have photo shoots with celebrity photographer Cris Lapp. From those photos, the top 12 will be chosen. The top three contestants will also be awarded cash prizes. Originally, the prizes were $500 for first place, $250 for second and $100 for third but Lagunan Peter Montgomery donated an extra $500 to the first place winner, making the top prize an impressive $1,000. Karger said he was seeking high-caliber talent and so he brought in high-caliber people to judge and photograph.
"We want to really make the best calendar we can," Karger said. Looking around at the contestants, I realized I didn't have a prayer. All were attractive, sporty men. It was like being an island of flab in a sea of pecs and abs. The only thing to do was to go up and have a good time, so that's what I did. Some of the performances put on by the contestants were impressive. Ray Cook did a backward hand spring which earned hoots and cheers from the packed bar. One group of five men from San Diego competed as a unit, all wearing different colored matching briefs. Tying the whole show together was Miss Dede Rutherford, the master of ceremonies and a Laguna drag legend. Rutherford was energetic and funny and kept the show clipping along with a spirited attitude. Some contestants were more nervous than others. Cook said he had butterflies at first but he decided to do his thing and forget about it.
"It was fun," Cook said. "I knew the gymnastics were coming and I was confident with that." Jonathan Montgomery said he's been active at the bar for years and he was competing to support the preservation effort.
"I'm here to support Fred however it goes," Montgomery said.
Karger said he was very excited about the results of the contest. "It exceeded my wildest expectations," Karger said. As for my part, I just tried to have fun and smile at the judges. After all, beauty pageants aren't won by frowners. After I paraded onstage, I was asked by the judges what month I would want to be in the calendar. "August, 'cause it's the hottest," I said. After the small spattering of chuckles died down, the next judge said if I was to be August I'd have to go shirtless. Though my days of going shirtless in public are far behind me, I obliged and got a cheer from the crowd, which was flattering. My cheeks were bright red. After a few handshakes I began to think about what I'd just taken part in. As a journalist, part of my job is to write the first draft of history. The Boom Boom Room is a living artifact that has for decades provided a place for people to simply be who they are. It's played a role in the gay rights movement. It deserves to be remembered and experienced by generations to come. I walked away glad I had been a part, knowing the experience was over and I would have a good story to tell.
But I was wrong about it being over. I got a message later that day from Karger letting me know the judges had selected me as a finalist and I'd better get ready for a photo shoot. Apparently, I was wrong about not having a shot. The photos are scheduled to be taken around Laguna Beach throughout the next couple weeks and the top 12 who will make the calendar, as well as the prize money winners, will be announced in mid-August. As for whether my mug will end up in the calendar, only time will tell.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Men of Laguna Beach Calendar Contest Fills 20 Slots
News Release Contact: Fred Karger
July 9, 2007 949/494-4750 regrak@aol.com
Men of Laguna Beach Calendar Contest Fills 20 Slots
Next Up the 12 Finalists -- Top Prize Now $1000.00
LAGUNA BEACH, CA -- Over 30 men tried out in person on Saturday in SAVE the BOOM'S!!! (http://www.savethboom.com/) open casting in its search for the 12 best looking gay and straight men who live, work or play in beautiful Laguna Beach. There was a big crowd to root them on as the shirtless men came on stage one at a time and were greeted by Master of Ceremonies Miss Dede Rutherford and then questioned by the 5 judges. The contest was held at the landmark Boom Boom Room from 2:00 to 4:00 pm on an unusually dreary July day. Turned out the Boom -- not the beach -- was the place to be on lucky 07 - 07 -07.
The five Hollywood judges who came in town for the contest narrowed the field down to the top 20 finalists. All 20 men will have photo secessions with celebrity photographer Cris Lapp who began his photo secessions the very next day at locations around Laguna Beach. Once the pictures are all taken, the final 12 men will be chosen to grace the Men of Laguna Beach 2008 Calendar. When the final 12 are selected, the prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers.
July 9, 2007 949/494-4750 regrak@aol.com
Men of Laguna Beach Calendar Contest Fills 20 Slots
Next Up the 12 Finalists -- Top Prize Now $1000.00
LAGUNA BEACH, CA -- Over 30 men tried out in person on Saturday in SAVE the BOOM'S!!! (http://www.savethboom.com/) open casting in its search for the 12 best looking gay and straight men who live, work or play in beautiful Laguna Beach. There was a big crowd to root them on as the shirtless men came on stage one at a time and were greeted by Master of Ceremonies Miss Dede Rutherford and then questioned by the 5 judges. The contest was held at the landmark Boom Boom Room from 2:00 to 4:00 pm on an unusually dreary July day. Turned out the Boom -- not the beach -- was the place to be on lucky 07 - 07 -07.
The five Hollywood judges who came in town for the contest narrowed the field down to the top 20 finalists. All 20 men will have photo secessions with celebrity photographer Cris Lapp who began his photo secessions the very next day at locations around Laguna Beach. Once the pictures are all taken, the final 12 men will be chosen to grace the Men of Laguna Beach 2008 Calendar. When the final 12 are selected, the prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers.
The HunksThe first place prize money was doubled Saturday when long time Laguna resident Peter Montgomery pledged an additional $500.00 to the winner. That make 1st prize now $1000.00! 2nd place will be $250.00 and 3rd place $100.00. All contestants at Saturday’s Open Casting received a SAVE the BOOM!!! T-shirt.
The calendars will go on sale in Laguna and around the world after Labor Day. All proceeds will be split between the SAVE the BOOM!!! campaign and local charities. The Men of Laguna Beach 2008 calendar promises to be one of the hottest male calendars ever produced since Chippendales launched the first ever venture in 1981. They have since sold 10,000,000 calendars worldwide.
Special thanks to our panel of judges, actresses and sisters Heather and Nicholle Tom, Paul Weber, head of casting for MGM Television Worldwide, Ethan Petersen Senior Producer / Supervising Casting Producer, Fremantle Media / Krasnow Productions, The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency, and Stan Zimmerman, noted TV and film writer and producer. And a big thank you to contest promoter extraordinaire and SAVE the BOOM!!! treasurer Shane Miller, Contestant Coordinator Brian Wilson, and all the volunteers and contestants who helped make this first ever Calendar Open Casting such a huge success!
Judges: Ethan Petersen, Heather Tom, Nicholle Tom, Stan Zimmerman and Paul Weber
-- end --
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)