Garden of Peace and Love Cleanup

On Saturday, August 9th Laguna Muse http://www.lagunamuse.com/ organized a very successful cleanup of the Garden of Peace and Love located on the bluff on the way down to the beach at the end of Mountain Avenue just below the Boom.

Michele Martinay started this living memorial to those who have passed away from HIV AIDS, and he has taken care of this special garden for the last 18 years. Now Michele's own battle with the disease has made it no longer possible for him to maintain the garden.

So 20 volunteers organized by Laguna Muse founder, Glen Kasper showed up with tools, gloves and a desire to help restore the garden back to the way Michele has kept it for all these years.

Jon Madison, owner of Laguna's magnificent Madison Square donated tons of flowers, plants, bushes and trees and all pitched for hours to do Michele proud.

Now MUSE is raising money to hire a gardener to take care of this sacred
spot so that it will live on forever. Visit their web site to help out: http://www.lagunamuse.com/

Glen tells us that he will also be organizing other cleanups in the near future.

Special thanks go out to all the volunteers who gave up a Saturday and to Laguna Beach Mayor Jane Egly who came by to support the effort. It was quite an emotional and fulfilling day!

PHOTOS:
Jon Madison (right)of Madison Square flanked by other volunteers
Scott Allen, President of the Laguna Beach HIV AIDS Advisory Committee Steve clearing lots of the weeds and grass that had accumulated Laguna Muse Founder, Glen Kasper at the Cleanup It takes some water to make a Garden of Peace and Love Laguna Beach Mayor Jane Egly came by to thank all the volunteers. Here she is with Laguna resident and Muse writer Andrew Reynolds Looking Good!

Saving the Boom Hollywood Premiere + No on 8 Endorsement

NEWS UPDATE Contact: Fred Karger 949-494-4750 July 25, 2008
BRAD and GEORGE ATTEND SAVING THE BOOM PREMIERE

AND LAGUNA BEACH FIRST CITY TO OPPOSE PROPOSITION 8!

LAGUNA BEACH – It’s been quite a couple of weeks. Last Tuesday, the Laguna Invasion of LA took place with several dozen Lagunans, who stared in the movie, coming up to Hollywood to see the World Premiere of John Keitel’s Saving the Boom documentary at the Outfest Film Festival. And there were two surprise guests at the Premiere, Brad (Pitt) and George (Clooney) who arrived on the red carpet and posed for photos with Premiere guests. Brad had flown in from Nice, where just days earlier Angelina had given birth to their twins. And George flew in from the set of his new fall comedy for HBO “The Fall of Bob.” He had gained 40 lbs for his new role and looked a little different.

The stars loved John’s movie and who knows; maybe they will buy the Coast Inn and SAVE the BOOM!!! once and for all. Brad, John, Fred and George at the Director’s Guild Theater last week for the World Premier of John Keitel’s Saving the Boom Documentary

Here some more pictures from that amazing night. Lagunans Andrew, Michael (Mr. March) and Eric with the stars Calendar Model Russ (Mr. June) and Chris Meeting Brad and George Calendar Model Mr. February Gustavo Made the trip up from the OC pictured with world renowned bagpiper Lorne Cousin from our AIG Demonstration in Century City on April 1st

AND THEN THE AFTER PARY AT FALCON
Where guests were greeted by four searchlights in front and several hundred people celebrated the success of John Keitel’s Documentary Save the Boom Treasurer Shane, with Gustavo, Russ, Carlos and Calendar Contestant Coordinator Brian Filmmaker Extraordinaire John Keitel and his family at Falcon
It was a very fun and exciting night and special thanks go out to our sponsors, Skyy Vodka, Red Bull and Out Magazine. Film stars Ryan and Ty with Save the Boom Founder Fred Karger

LAGUNA BEACH BECOMES FIRST CITY TO OPPOSE PROPOSITION ON NOVEMBER BALLOT
After very emotional testimony and Council comments, the Laguna Beach City Council unamamously voted to oppose the anti gay marriage constitutional amendment -- Proposition 8 on the November ballot. Many residents testified and many more witnessed history being made as Mayor Jane Egly, Mayor Pro Tem Cheryl, Kinsman, and Council Members Elizabeth Pearson, Toni Iseman and Kelly Boyd all listened, discussed and lead the state by being the first city in California to formally oppose Proposition 8.

Here are links to the news coverage by Susannah Rosenblatt for the LA Times and Kelli Hart for the Orange County Register. And an excellent editorial also from the LA Times:

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-marriage24-2008jul24,0,4080471.story
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/council-members-proposition-2102086-opposition-audience

http://opinion.latimes.com/opinionla/2008/07/first-for-gay-m.html

For everyone attending Tuesday’s City Council Meeting, it was a night that we will never forget.

A heartfelt thanks goes out to our outstanding City Council. They are leading the way for equality and making lives better through their action and their words.

We will keep you posted on our ongoing efforts to SAVE the BOOM – Forever!!!!

Thanks to one and all!

NEWS UPDATE July 9, 2008 Contact: Fred Karger 949-494-4750

Record Numbers Flock to Laguna Beach

Over the Fourth Weekend (Photos up Soon)

LAGUNA BEACH – There were record numbers of gays and lesbians at West Street Beach and throughout Laguna over the three day holiday weekend. It was the first July 4th without the Boom Boom Room in 61 years, but Laguna was busy with parties, parties and more parties to fill the void. Promoter Extraordinaire Will Gorges put on his annual IndepenDance at two incredible venues. Friday night was Club W, at the Woman’s Club and Saturday night at the amazing event space seven degrees in Laguna Canyon.

Thanks go out to some of the many party hosts: Jack Corwin, Brad Harvey, Peter Montgomery and Michael Scales & Tom Panno and Tony Maquet. And Glen Kasper staged the first fun(d) raiser for his non profit Laguna Muse http://www.lagunamuse.com/ on Thursday night to kickoff the weekend at his beautiful home – see pics. Muse staged a fashion show and musical review all MC’d By Miss Dede Devine on a specially built stage over Glen’s swimming pool. There was a Scotch Tasting sponsored by Glenfiddich, a vodka bar sponsored by xzo Vodka, great decorations, food and a very fun crowd.

Czech in Here – holding up a copy of the new Laguna Muse

Models at Glen’s Party --- the “Revue”

Art Gallery owner Diana, Mr. March, Michael, his

boyfriend Andrew and Save the Boom treasurer Shane

Here are some other pictures from the weekend of fun in Laguna Beach

Colton (right) and Warren (left) at Brad Harvey's Party

Twin Bartenders Craig (left) and Greg (right) at Peter & Michael’s on the Fourth

Here I am at Marisa and Steve Robbins New House. Wow!

Loving the Ocean View at 5 Camel Point

Super Model and 30 year Laguna resident Scott at Tom and Tony’s

One Sad Note

After 61 years of gay history, the owner and operators of the Boom Boom Room and the Coast Inn removed the rainbow flag from the spot where it has flown for decades. The stars and stripes are flying but the gay rainbow flag is gone.

Several phone calls to management to find out what happened went unreturned. We hope that it will be back soon, but I have heard that because they are renting out the rooms they did not want the flag to remain.

We are hopeful that a buyer will come in and buy the Boom and Coast Inn and make it the most beautiful gay destination hotel and club in the U.S. Then the rainbow flag can fly proudly over our landmark Boom Boom Room again


end6

For Immediate Release June 16, 2008 Contact: Fred Karger 949-494-4750
“Saving the Boom” Tickets Go On Sale Today
World Premier Set for Tuesday, July 15th

HOLLYWOOD, CA – John Keitel’s amazing documentary, “Saving the Boom” will be having its World Premier at Outfest, the prestigious Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Film Festival on Tuesday, July 15, 2008. The Premier will take place at the Directors Guild Theater (DGA) Two, 7920 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood 90046 The DGA Theatre Complex is recognized throughout the entertainment industry as one of the preeminent screening and film premiere facilities in the United States. There will be plenty of parking directly below the theater.

“Saving the Boom” will begin at 7:15 pm (see flyer below) and runs 32 minutes, and is in the short documentary category. Following “Saving the Boom,” Academy Award winning director, Debra Chasnoff’s North American Premier of “It’s STILL Elementary” (48 minutes) will screen. So it will be quite a night.

THEN at 9:30 pm there will be a “Saving the Boom” Premier After Party at Beige at the trendy Falcon Restaurant and Bar, 7213 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood 90046 (1/2 mile east of the Directors Guild Theater) between Fairfax and LaBrea.

Lots more information on the After Party will be coming out soon.

Tickets for the Premier go on sale today, Monday, June 16th at 11:00 am. Tickets are $12 each. To order: call 213-480-7065 or email boxoffice@outfest.org or go to: http://www.outfest.org/tixSYS/2008/filmguide/title-detail.php?AlphaRange=SS&ShowShorts=&ShowPast

The ticket order will say it's for "It's STILL Elementary," but your ticket purchase will include "Saving the Boom" as well!

The theater is going to sell out, so order yours today!

Come show your support for the historic Boom Boom Room and Coast Inn, and have a fun, emotional and entertaining evening.

Any questions, call me at 949-494-4750

See you at the movies!

Best regards,

Fred Karger, Founder
www.savetheboom.com
World Premiere

Tuesday, July 15, 2008 7:15 pm

Directors Guild, Theater 2

7920 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90046

IN COLLABORATION WITH: FAMILY SERVICES PROGRAM, LAGLC

Directed By: John Keitel

The true story of the fight to save the oldest gay bar in the Western United States, the landmark Boom Boom Room in Laguna Beach, CA

For ticketing information, please phone 213-480-7065 or email boxoffice@outfest.org

Memorial Weekend a Sell Out in Laguna Beach

News Update June 2, 2008 Contact: Fred Karger 949-494-4750
The Beach, Club Bounce and Parties Galore

Laguna Beach, CA – Despite weather forecasts of doom and gloom, the sun shined bright last weekend in Laguna. The town was packed with visitors from all over California and the world. There were lots of house parties and Club Bounce (1460 S. Coast Hwy. across from the old Boom 949-494-0056) was at capacity every night. Mike Boone, Shaun Rosendahl, Chad Hudson, Jack Corwin and Jordan Kyle and several others had big parties over the 3 day weekend.

Laguna Muse

Plans are underway for lots of activities during the summer of ’08. For up to the minute news and information (and more great photos) go to Laguna Beach resident, Glen Kasper’s newsletter on line: http://web.mac.com/gkasper/Site/Muse_Welcome/Muse_Welcome.html
Check it out early and often. Thank you Glen and team for putting this incredible newsletter together and for all the activities and events that you are planning this summer.

Going, Going Gone!

The for sale signs (2) are still up and there are reports that interested buyers are looking at the Coast Inn and the Boom Boom Room. The real estate market has slowed down and commercial lenders tell us that financing is more difficult than it was a year a go when Mr. Udvar-Hazy first put the property up for sale. So make him an offer, buy the building, remodel it and get ready for a grand reopening. The New Boom could be the finest gay resort destination in the world. Ocean front in magnificent Laguna Beach.

Operation Post Card a Success

Our main volunteer activity over the last 4 months was to flood Coast Inn and Boom Boom Room owner, Steven Udvar-Hazy’s Century City office with hundreds of yellow SAVE the BOOM!!! post cards. The cards asked him to drastically lower his asking price or consider donating the building to the gay community. We sent him at least 1500 post cards! Thanks to all who participated in this grass roots effort. Mr. Udvar-Hazy did his first sit down interview with a reporter on this subject, and there has been discussions with his representatives re bringing back the historic Boom Boom Room as a gay bar and hotel like it had been for 61 years until it closed last September.

Apollo Theater

I recently had the privilege of visiting and touring the historic Apollo Theater in Harlem while in New York. It had fallen on hard times and was about to close. It was saved, restored and this beautiful theater reopened for all to enjoy. They are currently undertaking a $95 million capital campaign to expand and further renovate this property. We will have more to report on this in the near future. By the way there are three bars (one on each floor) in the Apollo.

That’s our News Update. Thank you for your continued support and help as we work to SAVE the BOOM – Forever!!!

Best regards,

Fred Karger
Founder
www.savetheboom.com

Memorial Weekend 2008

Parties, The Beach, Parites, Parties, Parties The sky's cleared and the Laguna was packed with men and women from all over the world this past weekend. Check out all the photos. Special thanks to party hosts Jordan Kyle, Mike Boone, Shaun Rosendahl, Chad Hudson, Glen Kasper, Will Gorges, Jack Corwin and all the others who hosted during this fun weekend in beautiful Laguna Beach. It was very strange with no Boom Boom Room. This was the first summer kickoff weekend in 61 years without it. But Marks Restaurant is reopening in the Canyon in 2 to 3 weeks and lots going on on the SAVE the BOOM!!! front. Calendar Model Cover Guy, Caleb SAVE the BOOM!!! Treasurer, Shane (right) and Friends Andrew, Shane and Birthday Boy Jordan Ryan and Rich Celebrating Paul, Mr. March Michael and Stephanie Colin and Leif Scarf Down the Subs at Jordan's Party Glen and Andrew Striking a Pose Sascha (Visiting from Germany), Brian, Jordan and Jeff on the Stairs Brian, Blanding, Fred, Jordan, Leor and Shane Get Ready for the Cake Jordan's Sister. Stephanie Brings on the Masterpiece Good Job Jordan. Now Let Them Eat Cake! Bartending at Jack's Monday Beach Party Leor and John on the Most Beautiful Day of the Year Justin, Preston, Rich and Ryan Soaking Up the Sun and Margaritas Peter and Dede Making Their Entrance Host Jack and Guests

NEWS UPDATE May 9, 2008 Contact: Fred Karger 949-494-4750

“Saving the Boom” Documentary Accepted at Outfest
26 Minute Film Will Screen In LA in July

LOS ANGELES – John Keitel’s amazing documentary, “Saving the Boom” was invited to join many other exceptional films at the 2008 Outfest http://www.outfest.org/

Outfest is in its 26th year, and is the largest and most prestigious of any Gay and Lesbian Film Festival in the world. John Keitel received a letter yesterday form the programming Committee. Below is a portion of the letter:

Dear John:

It is our pleasure to invite SAVING THE BOOM to Outfest 2008: The
26th Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. The festival will be
held July 9-21, 2008 at the Directors' Guild of America in West
Hollywood and selected theaters throughout Los Angeles.

Our 26th anniversary, Outfest 2008 promises to be the biggest and
most exciting festival in our history. Outfest is unique among LGBT
film festivals for the high quality programming we offer, the
outstanding press coverage we attract, and our sensational parties
and receptions, which connect filmmakers with motion picture industry
professionals. We have been proud to premiere an extraordinary
selection of films over the years, including C.R.A.Z.Y., SHOW ME
LOVE, LAW OF DESIRE, FIRE, THE OPPOSITE OF SEX, AIMEE & JAGUAR, and
HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH. OUTFEST additionally features a juried
competition with awards for excellence in narrative and documentary
filmmaking.

After we receive your Confirmation Form, you will receive additional
information regarding your participation in Outfest 2008. At the end
of May, you will be contacted by Filmmaker Hospitality. Included in
this correspondence will be procedures for attending the festival
(obtaining tickets, accreditations, etc.).

We are thrilled to present your work at Outfest 2008.

Best Regards,

Kimberly Yutani
Director of Programming

Matt Anderson
Shorts Programmer

Lisa Kettle
Programming Department Manager

To see the short version of John’s film - it’s easy. Just go to Current TV’s web site. They have been nice enough to post the mini doc for all to see. It has already received thousands of views. Feel free to leave a comment after you view this fun, emotional and sexy short film: http://current.com/items/88880536_saving_the_boom

NPR’s -- The California Report

Last month we were unable to access the wonderful story on SAVE the BOOM!!! produced by Stacey Vanek – Smith for National Public Radio. A longer version ran throughout California one week before it ran nationally. We now have the link to take you there. It is an excellent piece that aired on April 18, 2008 on all PBS / NPR radio stations California. It ran on “Marketplace” nationwide one week later on April 25, 2008. Here is the link to California Report:

http://www.californiareport.org/archive/R804181630/e

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