Well, we had an incredible turnout of SAVE the BOOM!!! supporters at the Laguna Beach City Council Meeting this past Tuesday night to turn in all 6,000 signatures to the Mayor and the City Council. The testimony from our supporters was all very well received and statements were read from SAVE the BOOM!!! Co-chairs Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl from the floor and Mayor Toni Iseman read a very moving and powerful statement from former Laguna Beach Mayor and City Councilman Bob Gentry from the dais. The Mayor and the City Councilmembers all commented after our testimony and all were very supportive as you will see in the news coverage below.
Thanks to all for your hard work over the summer on this incredibly successful effort. And a special thank you to all those who turned out Tuesday to show your support and testify to help in our campaign to SAVE the BOOM!!! -- FOREVER!
Here is the link to Laylan Connelly's story that appeared Wednesday in the Orange County Register:
http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/homepage/abox/article_1579053.php
Here is the link to Susie Harrison's story that is in today's Laguna Beach Independent (scroll down to page 20 for the continuation of the story):
http://www.lagunabeachindependent.com/LBINDY_ASEC_021607_WB.pdf
And here is the link to Barbara Diamond's story from today in the Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot:
http://www.coastlinepilot.com/articles/2007/02/16/politics/cpt-boomboom16.txt
We also received coverage from City News Service in Los Angeles, KFWB all news radio in LA and KPCC Southern California Public Radio.
Thank you very much for your continued interest.
Friday, February 16, 2007
Monday, February 12, 2007
Two Days Until City Council Meeting!
dear friends -- just 2 days until SAVE the BOOM!!! turns in all our petitions from the summer signature drive. It is important that everyone who wants to help SAVE the BOOM!!! attend this City Council meeting.
We are the first item under public comments on the agenda we mocked up below, so please be at City Hall by no later than 6:00 PM this Tuesday, February 13, 2007. Thank you!
fred karger
founder
www.savetheboom.com
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
February 13, 2007
6:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Egly
ROLL CALL
Councilmember Kelly H. Boyd
Councilmember Elizabeth Schneider
Councilmember Cheryl Kinsman
Mayor Pro Tem Jane Egly
Mayor Toni Iseman
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
6:00 PM SAVE the BOOM!!! presents its petitions to the Mayor and City Council. The public is invited to comment
We are the first item under public comments on the agenda we mocked up below, so please be at City Hall by no later than 6:00 PM this Tuesday, February 13, 2007. Thank you!
fred karger
founder
www.savetheboom.com
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
February 13, 2007
6:00 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Egly
ROLL CALL
Councilmember Kelly H. Boyd
Councilmember Elizabeth Schneider
Councilmember Cheryl Kinsman
Mayor Pro Tem Jane Egly
Mayor Toni Iseman
PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS
6:00 PM SAVE the BOOM!!! presents its petitions to the Mayor and City Council. The public is invited to comment
Woody's A Look Back At the Closing
Dear Friends -- one week ago tonight the legendary Woody's at the Beach restaurant and bar closed its doors after a nearly 10 year highly successful run. The 3 partners took advantage of the hot Laguna real estate market and sold the building to the Avila family for a new, fun Mexican restaurant and bar.
There was a packed house at Woody's all night long. It was so crowded that the Laguna Beach Fire Marshall and the Police had to shut Woody's down due to just too many people around 9:00 pm. After some folks left, it was reopened about an hour later and stayed packed until the final drink was served just before 2:00 am.
Above is managing partner Joel Herzer with friends at the party:
Now it appears after a swift remodel with some beautiful murals and some bright colors the brand new Laguna El Ranchito (1305 S. Coast Highway) is set to open this Monday, February 12th from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. Come on by and support this exciting new restaurant and bar. I hear they have excellent margaritas and delicious and reasonably priced food.
Lots of fun and lots of history at 1305 S. Coast Highway:
The bartenders baring all just before the final bell:
We at SAVE the BOOM!!! will keep you posted on what's happening in Laguna. Thank you very much.
Here is another photo from Woody's closing party for your viewing pleasure:
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
City Council Meeting to Turn in Signatures
City Council Meeting to Turn In Signatures on Petitions Set for Tuesday, February 13, 2007
SAVE the BOOM!!! is going to turn in approximately 6,000 signatures on petitions gathered throughout last summer to the Laguna Beach City Council on Tuesday,
February 13, 2007 at 6:00 PM.
All SAVE the BOOM!!! supporters are encouraged to attend this important meeting and be there as a show of support and / or say a few words on why it is important to you to SAVE the BOOM!!!
Tuesday, February 13th
6:00 PM (sharp)
Laguna Beach City Hall
505 Forest Avenue
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(at end of Forest Avenue downtown Laguna)
We are the first item on the agenda under extraordinary business so please be there by 6:00 PM!
Questions -- call 949/494-4750 or email: regrak@aol.com
Thank you very much for your help to SAVE the BOOM!!!
SAVE the BOOM!!! is going to turn in approximately 6,000 signatures on petitions gathered throughout last summer to the Laguna Beach City Council on Tuesday,
February 13, 2007 at 6:00 PM.
All SAVE the BOOM!!! supporters are encouraged to attend this important meeting and be there as a show of support and / or say a few words on why it is important to you to SAVE the BOOM!!!
Tuesday, February 13th
6:00 PM (sharp)
Laguna Beach City Hall
505 Forest Avenue
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(at end of Forest Avenue downtown Laguna)
We are the first item on the agenda under extraordinary business so please be there by 6:00 PM!
Questions -- call 949/494-4750 or email: regrak@aol.com
Thank you very much for your help to SAVE the BOOM!!!
Monday, January 22, 2007
Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot Editorial on Woody's Closing
dear friends -- I thought that you would be interested in this thoughtful editorial from Friday's Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot regarding the closing of Woody's at the Beach and gay life in Laguna Beach.
http://www.coastlinepilot.com/articles/2007/01/19/opinion/cpt-editorial19.txt
full text below:
we will keep you posted on any further developments.
EDITORIAL:Woody's loss hits home
A lot of anger is being directed at the owner of Woody's restaurant after the revelation that the longtime gay establishment would be turned over to a Mexican restaurant chain on Feb. 3. That's less than two weeks away. The prospective new operator has reportedly indicated to one person that he will "cater to the community" — and, while it may be wishful thinking that the "community" he refers to will be Laguna's gay community, it's a nice thought. Some who are angry want to punish Woody's owner by refusing to patronize other establishments he operates. They are furious that he apparently took no steps to try to find a gay owner to keep the place operating as a gay haven. The soon-to-be-former owner, Joel Herzer, has responded that he didn't want to launch a public search for a new gay owner because he didn't want to alarm his employees and also because he felt it would be a futile effort. Herzer points to the year-long effort by the owner of the Boom Boom Room and Coast Inn to find someone in the gay community to take over that location, to no avail. It would be unrealistic to expect Herzer or any property owner in Laguna Beach not to engage in sound business practices when looking to sell. Property values in Laguna Beach have gone through the roof, and it's very difficult to find someone with deep pockets who wants to serve a relatively small segment of Laguna Beach. The new owner of the Boom Boom Room and Coast Inn reportedly has big plans for the spectacular ocean-view property, and the Boom Boom Room will have to go. Somehow, the sudden demise of cozy little Woody's — remembered by many as "Little Shrimp" — has hit people harder than the long-drawn-out death of the legendary nightspot where Rock Hudson held court. It's as if a safety net for gays in Laguna and beyond has been pulled away. It's a stab in the tender heart of a community that has survived many hard times — including having the highest per capita incidence of AIDS and HIV in the nation. Optimists point out that the climate for gays and lesbians has changed, and, in the New Millennium, gays and straights mix together as never before. The social segregation that many of the older generation grew up with and take for granted has been all but erased by a new generation that doesn't see what the big deal is in being straight or gay. Still, it's very hard to give up a longtime security blanket, and intimate, friendly Woody's was one. When Woody's is no more, and an Avila's El Ranchito restaurant is in its place, we'll see if gays feel comfortable there or not. We doubt you'll see same-sex couples holding hands and openly flirting. The fact is that Laguna Beach is fast losing its status as a sanctuary for the gay community — and that is sad.
http://www.coastlinepilot.com/articles/2007/01/19/opinion/cpt-editorial19.txt
full text below:
we will keep you posted on any further developments.
EDITORIAL:Woody's loss hits home
A lot of anger is being directed at the owner of Woody's restaurant after the revelation that the longtime gay establishment would be turned over to a Mexican restaurant chain on Feb. 3. That's less than two weeks away. The prospective new operator has reportedly indicated to one person that he will "cater to the community" — and, while it may be wishful thinking that the "community" he refers to will be Laguna's gay community, it's a nice thought. Some who are angry want to punish Woody's owner by refusing to patronize other establishments he operates. They are furious that he apparently took no steps to try to find a gay owner to keep the place operating as a gay haven. The soon-to-be-former owner, Joel Herzer, has responded that he didn't want to launch a public search for a new gay owner because he didn't want to alarm his employees and also because he felt it would be a futile effort. Herzer points to the year-long effort by the owner of the Boom Boom Room and Coast Inn to find someone in the gay community to take over that location, to no avail. It would be unrealistic to expect Herzer or any property owner in Laguna Beach not to engage in sound business practices when looking to sell. Property values in Laguna Beach have gone through the roof, and it's very difficult to find someone with deep pockets who wants to serve a relatively small segment of Laguna Beach. The new owner of the Boom Boom Room and Coast Inn reportedly has big plans for the spectacular ocean-view property, and the Boom Boom Room will have to go. Somehow, the sudden demise of cozy little Woody's — remembered by many as "Little Shrimp" — has hit people harder than the long-drawn-out death of the legendary nightspot where Rock Hudson held court. It's as if a safety net for gays in Laguna and beyond has been pulled away. It's a stab in the tender heart of a community that has survived many hard times — including having the highest per capita incidence of AIDS and HIV in the nation. Optimists point out that the climate for gays and lesbians has changed, and, in the New Millennium, gays and straights mix together as never before. The social segregation that many of the older generation grew up with and take for granted has been all but erased by a new generation that doesn't see what the big deal is in being straight or gay. Still, it's very hard to give up a longtime security blanket, and intimate, friendly Woody's was one. When Woody's is no more, and an Avila's El Ranchito restaurant is in its place, we'll see if gays feel comfortable there or not. We doubt you'll see same-sex couples holding hands and openly flirting. The fact is that Laguna Beach is fast losing its status as a sanctuary for the gay community — and that is sad.
New Article on Woody's Closure
dear friends -- thought you would be interested in seeing the story from yesterday's Laguna Beach Coastline Pilot by Cindy Frazier.
http://www.coastlinepilot.com/full -- full story below as well --
there is a link at the bottom of the story to send in a letter or comment to the editor of the paper. take a minute and write a few sentences on how you feel about the closure of Woodys and the changes going on in Laguna.
thanks very much.
Modified Jan 11, 2007 - 22:12:08 PST
Woody's sold to Mexican dining chain
Gay establishment turns over to a new owner Feb. 3. Boom Boom Room activist 'optimistic' that gays will be welcome.
By Cindy FrazierReader Feedback - Currently 0 Comments
Woody’s, the restaurant/bar that is popular in the gay community, has been sold and will reopen as Avila’s El Ranchito Mexican restaurant.
Another gay-oriented establishment in Laguna Beach is on the way out. Woody's at the Beach restaurant will close Feb. 3, and reopen as Avila's El Ranchito Mexican restaurant. Avila's is a 40-year-old family-run business that owns 10 restaurants in Orange and Los Angeles counties and features traditional Mexican dining, according to its Web site. Woody's owner Joel Herzer announced the sale last week on his restaurant's Web site. In a letter dated Jan. 3, Herzer wrote:"To Our Guests:"After nearly a decade serving the community we have sold Woody's at the Beach effective in February. "We would like to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to everyone who has made these past years what they were. It is never an easy decision to leave a part of your life behind, especially one that has been so integral and affirming as Woody's has been to us. The community has been a family to us and we will miss the day to day experiences that together we shared. "Thank you again for the privilege of becoming part of your lives."The location has long been integral to the gay community in Laguna Beach, which is centered on the two blocks that include Woody's and the legendary Boom Boom Room — which is now in its final year of operation at the site.Woody's has been at the Coast Highway site for about 10 years; previously the location housed Little Shrimp, a bar/restaurant with a noted piano bar, and others preceded it. The vine-covered cottage-style structure has housed gay-oriented establishments for about 50 years." There is so much history in that two-block area," said Fred Karger, a gay activist who launched a high-profile campaign to save the Boom Boom Room.Herzer said the decision to sell Woody's was personal. "It was a lifestyle issue," Herzer said. "I wanted to spend more time with my family and we have two other restaurants in the Palm Springs area." The sudden sale of the restaurant took some by surprise, but Herzer said he had not contemplated attempting to find a gay buyer or operator for the restaurant. "We watched what happened at the Coast Inn and Boom Boom Room, looking for a gay owner, and didn't want to be on the market that long," Herzer said. The Coast Inn and the adjacent Boom Boom Room were up for sale for a year before being purchased by an investor who reportedly plans a major redevelopment. The Boom Boom Room — famed as the hangout of Rock Hudson and other stars — was granted a one-year reprieve by the new owner, who agreed to a lease extension that will end in September. Karger said he is not disheartened by the turnover of Woody's to a family-oriented restaurant chain. "I will miss Woody's, but the new owner has told me 'we cater to the community'," Karger said. "They will be gay-friendly." Karger said he is trying to convince the Avilas to reopen the restaurant with a hip, Tex-Mex theme — like Marix in West Hollywood — that will attract a young crowd and enliven the nightlife scene in the area. "Woody's was very high-priced and that attracts a different type of customer," Karger said.
"The Woody's crowd is in bed by 9:30. A trendy restaurant will be a huge draw, and I've offered to do anything I can do to help. I think it could be a huge success." The Avila family could not be reached for comment. Karger is optimistic that the "gay area" in Laguna Beach will continue to attract gays and lesbians despite the changes. "There is a misconception that there are no gay people left here," Karger said. "We have a tremendous gay population in Orange County. The population has shifted, and many are moving to Aliso Viejo and Laguna Hills, because they are no longer unwelcome. "Karger says that integration of gays and lesbians into the general population has altered the dynamic of the gay scene in Laguna Beach, but has not eliminated it. Herzer said a closing party will take place on the last day the restaurant will be open, Feb. 3.
For more information, call the restaurant at (949) 376-8809.
QUESTION OF THE WEEK - Is Laguna's gay-friendly orientation threatened by the loss of gay-owned businesses? Write us at P.O. Box 248, Laguna Beach, CA, 92652, e-mail us at coastlinepilot@latimes.com or fax us at 494-8979. Please give your name and tell us your home address and phone number for verification purposes only.
http://www.coastlinepilot.com/full -- full story below as well --
there is a link at the bottom of the story to send in a letter or comment to the editor of the paper. take a minute and write a few sentences on how you feel about the closure of Woodys and the changes going on in Laguna.
thanks very much.
Modified Jan 11, 2007 - 22:12:08 PST
Woody's sold to Mexican dining chain
Gay establishment turns over to a new owner Feb. 3. Boom Boom Room activist 'optimistic' that gays will be welcome.
By Cindy FrazierReader Feedback - Currently 0 Comments
Woody’s, the restaurant/bar that is popular in the gay community, has been sold and will reopen as Avila’s El Ranchito Mexican restaurant.
Another gay-oriented establishment in Laguna Beach is on the way out. Woody's at the Beach restaurant will close Feb. 3, and reopen as Avila's El Ranchito Mexican restaurant. Avila's is a 40-year-old family-run business that owns 10 restaurants in Orange and Los Angeles counties and features traditional Mexican dining, according to its Web site. Woody's owner Joel Herzer announced the sale last week on his restaurant's Web site. In a letter dated Jan. 3, Herzer wrote:"To Our Guests:"After nearly a decade serving the community we have sold Woody's at the Beach effective in February. "We would like to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to everyone who has made these past years what they were. It is never an easy decision to leave a part of your life behind, especially one that has been so integral and affirming as Woody's has been to us. The community has been a family to us and we will miss the day to day experiences that together we shared. "Thank you again for the privilege of becoming part of your lives."The location has long been integral to the gay community in Laguna Beach, which is centered on the two blocks that include Woody's and the legendary Boom Boom Room — which is now in its final year of operation at the site.Woody's has been at the Coast Highway site for about 10 years; previously the location housed Little Shrimp, a bar/restaurant with a noted piano bar, and others preceded it. The vine-covered cottage-style structure has housed gay-oriented establishments for about 50 years." There is so much history in that two-block area," said Fred Karger, a gay activist who launched a high-profile campaign to save the Boom Boom Room.Herzer said the decision to sell Woody's was personal. "It was a lifestyle issue," Herzer said. "I wanted to spend more time with my family and we have two other restaurants in the Palm Springs area." The sudden sale of the restaurant took some by surprise, but Herzer said he had not contemplated attempting to find a gay buyer or operator for the restaurant. "We watched what happened at the Coast Inn and Boom Boom Room, looking for a gay owner, and didn't want to be on the market that long," Herzer said. The Coast Inn and the adjacent Boom Boom Room were up for sale for a year before being purchased by an investor who reportedly plans a major redevelopment. The Boom Boom Room — famed as the hangout of Rock Hudson and other stars — was granted a one-year reprieve by the new owner, who agreed to a lease extension that will end in September. Karger said he is not disheartened by the turnover of Woody's to a family-oriented restaurant chain. "I will miss Woody's, but the new owner has told me 'we cater to the community'," Karger said. "They will be gay-friendly." Karger said he is trying to convince the Avilas to reopen the restaurant with a hip, Tex-Mex theme — like Marix in West Hollywood — that will attract a young crowd and enliven the nightlife scene in the area. "Woody's was very high-priced and that attracts a different type of customer," Karger said.
"The Woody's crowd is in bed by 9:30. A trendy restaurant will be a huge draw, and I've offered to do anything I can do to help. I think it could be a huge success." The Avila family could not be reached for comment. Karger is optimistic that the "gay area" in Laguna Beach will continue to attract gays and lesbians despite the changes. "There is a misconception that there are no gay people left here," Karger said. "We have a tremendous gay population in Orange County. The population has shifted, and many are moving to Aliso Viejo and Laguna Hills, because they are no longer unwelcome. "Karger says that integration of gays and lesbians into the general population has altered the dynamic of the gay scene in Laguna Beach, but has not eliminated it. Herzer said a closing party will take place on the last day the restaurant will be open, Feb. 3.
For more information, call the restaurant at (949) 376-8809.
QUESTION OF THE WEEK - Is Laguna's gay-friendly orientation threatened by the loss of gay-owned businesses? Write us at P.O. Box 248, Laguna Beach, CA, 92652, e-mail us at coastlinepilot@latimes.com or fax us at 494-8979. Please give your name and tell us your home address and phone number for verification purposes only.
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